Battlestar Valkyrie: Operation Bifrost - Operation Bifrost - Shadows within shadows

[CIC BS: Valkyrie]

THE CYLONS WERE

CREATED BY MAN

THEY REBELLED

THEY EVOLVED

AND THEY HAVE A PLAN…

Armistice Line 0800 hours – Admiral’s Quarters

Admiral Kerrington poured some Aerelon whiskey into a glass and shoved it over to Col. Erasmus. He took one large draught from his own glass and put it down on his table. Admiral Kerrington kept his quarters very organised and tidy. There were only a few rare items of personal interest that could give away anything about the man. The bookshelf was lined up with Colonial Fleet Documents and Handbooks detailing all kinds of strategic, diplomatic and military essays.

Col. Erasmus lifted his glass to take a small nip of his drink and waited eagerly for the Admiral to speak. Since he got transferred to the Valkyrie there have been less than a handful of such meetings. Col. Erasmus could have cited every word of those meetings by heart so brief and direct where the nature of those meetings. This time something was different, he could feel it. The Admiral actually appeared human to him, a side he hasn’t had the chance to see yet.

“We’re going to be in trouble, Colonel. A lot of trouble. I assume you’re aware of the rumors that have spread through the fleet for the last couple of days and even though this is a top secret classified operation there is always something that seems to slip through security protocols. Too many people chatter about things that are not their business. In the end it messes with our brains until we start to believe the most frakkiest things possible. What I’m going to share with you is knowledge I’m not supposed to tell anybody but I cannot see a way to command this operation without having my first man involved with every aspect of our mission. Everything else will be treated on a need-to-know basis. That includes the other commanders and the CAG.”, Admiral Kerrington poured himself another glass of whiskey and downed it with one big gulp.

“Fleet Command has issued this operation in collaboration of not less than 4 Members of the Quorum of Twelve. That means we’re going to have an agent of the CFOSI on board who will ‘supervise’ our operation. Lieutenant Everette is going to replace Petty Officer First Class Dexter on CIC at the Communications and Astrogations console. The nature of our mission has a political background. The Quorum has started to initiate several investigations in regards to the Colonial Military Fleet. They are pulling funds to ‘modernize’ the fleet and reduce it’s size. That means less production and thus less profit for the higher ups on Caprica, Picon and Scorpia. Our mission is to prove that there is still a Cylon threat out there, just waiting for the right moment to attack us. The first warning network we’re establishing is nothing less than the attempt to see how far we can cross the line until we meet resistance. Once we’ve made contact we’re to retreat as fast as possible with some proof on our hard-drives and the CMF is back in business. Frakking hate this political manoeuvring. It is mandatory that no one knows about the true intent of this operation except the two of us and the CFOSI Agent.”

Admiral Kerrington poured himself another drink and sighed, then he looked at his XO to hear what he had to say.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Armistice Line 0800 Hours – unchartered space sector Alpha

Lt. “Bedrock” Cade was checking his instruments again. Better be safe than sorry on this first trip beyond the Armistice Line. His ECM-Officer Ensign Wade gave him “thumbs up” as his system went through a routine check. Everything seemed to be just fine. In the distance Lt. Bedrock could make out a small cluster of debris which was just beyond DRADIS range to get a detailed scan. He felt a stone hard knot in his stomach but he knew he had to investigate any anomaly they encountered. There were virtually no cartographed records of the space beyond the Line. He aligned his Raptor with the cluster and engaged the thrusters praying to the Lords of Kobol that it was just a small asteroid field.

Capt. “Callisto” Richter had argued her point with the Admiral but her orders were clear and the Admiral didn’t seem to care about what she had to say. Flying escort for a Raptor was no big deal but if the Raptor’s mission was to jump a few clicks ahead into unknown space while she had to tiptoe along the Armistice Line with her Wingman was not a good idea in her book. She calculated the distance again and cursed under her breath. In case of a bogey it would take her at least 2 Minutes on full thrusters to get even within weapons range. And then approximately another 15 Seconds to get a vector to engage. 255 frakking seconds – about 245 too much for her taste. She checked back with her wingman Lt. “Deadbolt” Harrison who nodded to her. Communication was restricted – her day couldn’t get any better.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Armistice Line 0800 Hours – Bridge of the Herakeles Destroyer

Petty Officer 2nd Class handed Major “The Bull” McLeod a communiqué from the encrypted wireless from the Valkyrie. Admiral Kerrington issued the order to organise a cycling Patrol with the Destroyers along the Armistice Line to support the Vipers and Raptors in case of any unusual event. The Cruisers will remain with the Valkyrie and the other vessels.

The whole operation was starting with people guessing at what they had to do. Major McLeod shook his head and jotted down some orders for the other Destroyers. A Basic 6 hour rotation along the line. That should leave enough time for recovery and provide a good defensive circle around the fleet. He would ask for a meeting once the Raptor mission was over and communication was free again.

---------------------------------------------------

Starboard Flight Deck Battlestar Valkyrie – 0800 Hours

Agrippina Solas was going through the inventory once again. She couldn’t believe her eyes. The CAG of the Valkyrie requested to have the Valkyrie retrofitted with MkIIs leaving only 2 Squadrons of MkVIIs on board. And the Admiral agreed! Of course he did. It was not like any of the Officers would ever think about the problems having MkIIs on board and scarce spare parts around while the MkVIIs had spare parts in abundance. She would have to find that Capt. “Callisto” and have a word or two with her. Even it would change nothing about the situation it would make her feel better and feeling better was very important these days.

“Get your frakking ass over her Lorenzo, I want this inventory organised. We only have a few important replacement circuits for the MkIIs. I want you to make sure we’re missing none and once you’re done with it I need some blueprints of the MkIIs. There should be some downstairs in the office. I’m going to request some additional material from the CAG. Lets see how she responds to that. Frakking MkIIs, at least I don’t have to fly that shit.”

Agrippina shook her head and took another clipboard. Nothing on board the Valkyrie was standard. It was like being on board of an old Columbia Class Battlestar which had went through a face lift. Someone had some nice ideas about the design of the ship but must’ve run out of funds or creativity somewhere midway. She was getting a temper again. Getting spare parts for the Valkyrie would be even worse than for the old MkIIs. The Valkyrie was the only ship of its kind in the whole Fleet.

[Callsign Bedrock]

"Lords of Kobol, hear my prayer. Grant us safe passage and clear space on this expedition..." Simon ran his fingers over the charm he had dangling off the yoke.

He spoke over his shoulder. "Jump calculations complete. Spool up, Wade."

[SalmonMax]

Callisto drifted in space. Outside the cockpit window were two other ships. Her wing, and the Raptor. Visual range in space was -nothing-. In a battle, the first wave of missiles were fired before the enemy fighters were more than just dots on the DRADIS. Once you closed to dogfighting range, it went so fast that it was all action-reaction. You never really had a chance to just sit still and watch other ships up close.

She nodded at the other Viper's signal, then shrugged. Wasn't much to say or do yet. If all went well, there wouldn't be until the Raptor came back, and they all went back to the task force.

Callisto didn't think it was going to be that smooth. Just a hunch. That 255 seconds was looking mighty long right now. Raptors were big and slow and unarmed. Sitting duck.

255 seconds. Just over four minutes. Eternity.

What was the frakking point of an escort that couldn't actually escort?

Unable to complain or speak to the others, she just watched her DRADIS pointlessly, since the Raptor's equipment far outmatched a Viper's...and kept looking out and waiting for her charge to vanish. Then the vigil would start...

[Mr Fox]

Aboard the bridge of the Herakeles the Bull stood stoically watching as ship positions were updated. He had no doubt that aboard the other destroyers of the fleet all the information he was seeing would be updated automatically via networked computer connections. Aboard his ship the crew worked like a well oiled machine transferring the calculations from one system to another so that the computers themselves would never communicate with each other.

Being this close to the Armistace line and the cylons only served to remind him of why he still refused to allow the computer systems to communicate. His own ship was nearly brand new and included some of the later technology, but he'd used all his political pull to ensure that he'd have a free reign to customize his ship once he was given command of it. He'd studied ship design in his younger days and once he'd taken command the first thing he'd done was yank the connections between all the systems and train his new crew in how to manage without. As he watched the new positions of the vipers and the Raptor update again he prayed that today wouldn't be the day that proved him right in his judgment.

[CIC BS: Valkyrie]

Originally Posted By: Callsign Bedrock

"Lords of Kobol, hear my prayer. Grant us safe passage and clear space on this expedition..." Simon ran his fingers over the charm he had dangling off the yoke.

He spoke over his shoulder. "Jump calculations complete. Spool up, Wade."

Wade hit the FTL and within a few seconds the Raptor jumped within vicinity of the supposed asteroid field. From his current vector there didn't seem much to the asteroids - just a cluster of debris but it must've belonged to a stellar body. Yet there were missing any indicators of a gravitational field or something akin to a center around which the stellar body had to circle.

Wade ran an analysis scan and filtered the results on the fly.

Quote:

1d8 1d12=15

A sharp whistle rang in Bedrock's ears as Wade commented in his own manner the results of the scan. "Looks like we've hit paydirt, Ell-tee. Those rocks are artificial in nature. Very neatly done. The composition appears almost natural but it had repeating patterns spread all across the rocks. Those rocks were made, Sir. And for sure not by human hand."

[SalmonMax]

Callisto's hands tightened on the control yoke when the Raptor jumped out. She and Deadbolt were officially now either dead weight, if there was no opposition...or seriously, unforgivably out of position if there was. Either way, they weren't doing anyone any good.

She reached over and tapped on her DRADIS screen as if waking it up. Callisto wasn't a terribly religious woman, but everyone had their little superstitions. When you were all alone with the demons in the dead dark of space trusting life or death to a roll of the dice, sometimes those superstitions were the only bulwark you had between yourself and despair.

It'd be pure luck if she caught a sign of trouble in time to help. The odds were that the Raptor would see anything long before her and call it in. But she couldn't do NOTHING, and there was nothing else to do, so she watched the empty DRADIS screen and waited for a signal, hoping it wouldn't be a scream.

[Jhonen Erasmus]

Col. Erasmus slowly took another sip of his drink, gathering his thoughts.

"If I may speak freely sir?" He waits for an approving nod before continuing. "I dont like this. Political maneuvering and military operation never mix well." He waves a hand at his superior "I know that they do mix, are forced to, but when has such endevours ever ended well?" He stares at his drink before continuing: "Add Cylons into the mix..."

There is silence in the room for a moment before he speaks up again.

"Regardless... you will have my full support. Do we have a timetable for the mission? How deep over the line do we need to go?"

He drains his drink and doesnt finish the thought.

[CIC BS: Valkyrie]

"We've restocked our supplies for the whole taskforce to last 18 months. There is no other timeframe than 'until we've made contact'. Since the nature of the mission is Top Secret we can’t just report back to HQ and ask for an update on our mission status. I suppose we’re dependent on the CFOSI-Agent. If he says it’s over, it’s over – or until the Quorum has changed their minds – which I doubt since I believe they are not all aware of this Operation.”, Admiral Kerrington sighed again.

“This also means one other thing which really gets on my nerves. Every KIA or MIA won’t be honourably discharged. We are not on a mission officially. It is classified as standard patrol. I’m with you on this, I don’t like the smell of this and it will mean only trouble, but we’ve got a mission to accomplish and I expect no less dedication. If they want to start a war, they shall have their war.”

[Callsign Bedrock]

"A constructed asteroid. Hmmm."

Bedrock checks the DRADIS for incoming bogeys. "Very well. Wade, I'm going to do some light scanning. Have us spooled up and ready to jump back to the rendezvous point."

[CIC BS: Valkyrie]

Wade acknowledged the command and started the calculations for the jump back.

In the meantime Lt. Bedrock adjusted the DRADIS for a light surface scan of the asteroids next to the Raptor. The field was about as large as a tiny moon. It was about 200 Kilometers in diameter and seemed to drift along space without any real gravitational center. Some of the asteroids where as large as a Battlestar and Lt. Bedrock quickly concluded that it would take several days to get a complete scan of the field.

The first results of his light scan confirmed what Wade said. The rocks where of artificial origin and they contained residual traces of tylium?. Whatever this field was or is it suddenly gained a military quality. Maybe it had something to do with the Cylons. Lt. Bedrock knew that only deeper scans could reveal the truth.

[CIC BS: Valkyrie]

Lorenzo was shuffling through several old files and bruised his knee while opening an old rusty locker before he found the blueprints the chief wanted. The MK VIIs had their blueprints archived in the network but the MK IIs were put out of service. Actually the only reason there were still MK IIs around was the few old Battlestars that were left in the fleet.

Lorenzo was about to shut the locker when a book fell out of it. It must've been jammed between the other prints and stuff that someone just had thrown inside and forgotten for good. He picked up the book and smirked - it was a copy of one of Tom Zareks'. "Blacklisted frak, I wonder who hid this here?", Lorenzo tried to find anything that would hint who the owner of the copy was. Still shaking his head he didn't notice that someone was sneaking up on him. Before he could even say something he got hit by something heavy and metallic. His body hit the rusty locker and blood was slowly staining the floor.

------

In the meantime Chief Solas was slowly losing her patience. Lorenzo should've returned by now. Frak, if she had gone by herself she would've not only returned but also have built a MK II from scratch using spare parts of an old refrigerator. What was taking him so long?

"You've got the Deck, Simpkins - I'm gonna check out where the frak Lorenzo is. He can't have possibly got lost, there is only one way back upstairs from the office."

Shaking her head angrily Chief Solas made her way to the office. Her day couldn't possibly get any better.

[Callsign Bedrock]

Bedrock checks the ticking clock set into the wall. A charm dangles from the winding key. If there's enough time remaining before the rendezvous, he will conduct deeper DRADIS scans; otherwise he will begin preparations to jump back.

[CIC BS: Valkyrie]

Armistice Line - Colonial Territory 0815 hours

The Raptor made its jump before Bedrock could conduct a deeper scan. He managed to mark the coordinates for future scans just in case the anamoly was just a local phenomenon.

Just as the Raptor exited the jump the DRADIS popped up with several unknown contacts. At least 3 Ships had just jumped within the outer most scan range of the Raptors DRADIS. Wade looked a bit confused at Bedrock pointing at his screen. "Is that part of the mission Ell-Tee?"

-----------------

On board the Herakeles the computerspecialist Lt. Jackson immedietaly reported the unknown vessels and marked them Bogey 1 to 3. "Get the Major on CIC ASAP, we've got a situation here! I'll relay the DRADIS contact to our Viper's with intercept coordinates!", Lt. Jackson barked. He was the effective XO at the moment but he knew the Major would take over once he got to CIC.

-----------------

Just when Capt. Callisto had counted down how long 245 seconds actually were the Raptor made it's jump back. At least the would be within range now if something was about to happen. As if the Lords of Kobol read her mind the Herakeles broke communication silence. "Viper CAP, this is Lt. Jackson of the Herakeles. We've got 3, I repeat 3 unkown Bogeys on DRADIS. Intercept and await further instructions. Data is being relayed as we speak."

-----------------

Before Col. Erasmus could continue his thoughts with the Admiral a message from CIC came through. Admiral Kerrington took the call and nodded to his XO. "We're on our way. Launch the Alert Fighters and set the fleet on condition three. All Squadrons shall man their 5 minute Alert.", he hung up and straigthened his Jacket. "Looks like we've got a situation. Sitrep on CIC in five. We talk later."

[z-Agrippina Solas]

She actually thought about grabbing the hammer. It was just that kind of day, one that required her to do something to blow off steam. Maybe she'd find some Jack and con him out of some of his 'engine cleaner.' Tossing back a few glasses of the stiff drink should improve her mood.

Agrippina trotted down the stairs between levels, moving toward the office. They'd stuck it where they could find space, as it was a non-essential need, but it was a pain in the frakking ass to travel back and forth. That's usually why she was on the flight deck instead of in her office.

She opened the door, scowling, already talking, "Lorenzo, you should have frakkin' been done eight hours ag-" The sight of him sprawled on the floor stopped her short. Her first instinct was to rush for him, but the memory of Ren stopped her. Instead, she stepped over to the comm and toggled the switch. She quickly called them down, assessing Lorenzo with her eyes, trying to see how badly he was hurt.

[CIC BS: Valkyrie]

Lorenzo was bleeding badly. It looked like someone must’ve hit him with a club… or a hammer. Agrippina was glad she didn’t take the hammer else everyone would’ve suspected her right away. Having no idea what to do she ripped open half of his shirt and bandaged it roughly around his head. He was still breathing but was getting weak quickly. Minutes stretched to an eternity as she spoke reassuringly to Lorenzo. “It’s going to be alright, they’re on their way. Hold on, Lorenzo.”

Heavy boots clanking through the corridors heralded the approach of the medics and security. Suddenly everything went into fast forward. Lorenzo was carried out of the office while the security guys checked out the immediate area. One of the Marines approached her and asked her something but she didn’t hear him, her eyes transfixed on the bloodstain on the floor.

“Chief Solas, do you understand? I have to take you into custody for routine interrogation. Would you please come with me or do I have to use force?”, the Marine Sgt. looked like he meant business.

[Jhonen Erasmus]

Colonel Erasmus stood and crisply saluted the Admiral while he was putting on his jacket. As soon as Kerrington was out of the room, Erasmus pulled on his own jacket and left the room, heading at a brisk pace towards the CIC.

He was looking forward to evaluating this 'Lieutenant Everette' under alert conditions; it would make it easier to determine hos much of a dead-weight she would be. He frakking hated the CFOSI hovering over his shoulder, evaluating his command.

[SalmonMax]

"Confirmed, Herakeles," Callisto replied crisply. "Three bogeys inbound. Intercept and..." await orders? "Do we have permission to engage?"

She didn't wait for the answer. Fighters could close DRADIS range pretty fast, and she had a notion that these were after the Raptor, not the two escorts. Callisto switched to the wing frequency.

"Deadbolt, we're intercepting. I want you to stay with the Raptor though. This could be a ruse."

[CIC BS: Valkyrie]

"Affirmative Captain, but we shouldn't split up. Never leave your wingman - combat flying 101.", said Deadbolt rather quietly over the frequency. Then he pulled back and joined the Raptor.

In the meantime Lt. Jackson responded, "Do not engage - identify the bogeys and don't shoot. I repeat, Do not engage - identify the bogeys and don't shoot! We don't have any IFF-Transponder codes... and be careful, Captain."

[SalmonMax]

"Be careful, as long as we don't shoot," Callisto said to herself, grimacing. "Why are we even here then?"

She called Deadbolt. "Just got instructions. We're not to engage. Identify only, so there's a change in plans. Bedrock's got better eyes, so we're escorting him closer so he can get positive. If things get hot, we'll cover Bedrock until he can jump out, then beat cheeks back home."

The CAG then signals the Raptor. "Lt, we've got orders to intercept and identify those bogeys. Follow Deadbolt and me closer and let us know the second you have positive ID. We'll disengage then. Start spooling now, just in case things go bad."

[Callsign Bedrock]

"Affirmative, Callisto. Wade, be ready to deploy countermeasures as needed. I'm checking DRADIS scans." Bedrock takes the yoke of the Raptor firmly in hand. Lords of Kobol, hear my prayer. See me through this. Guide my eyes and hold my hands.

[CIC BS: Valkyrie]

The Vipers kept close formation with the Raptor and got quickly closer to the relayed coordinates. The three ships could be cleary seen from quite a distance which meant they had to be capital class ships or larger. Without starting a scan the three vessels turned out to be of colonial design - two Colonial Heavys (ooc: design like Colonial One) and one luxury liner (ooc: design like Astral Queen before it got converted to a prison barge).

All three vessels seemed to be drifting in space without active engines. All lights were off, they appeared to have suffered some kind of power shortage.

"Initiating scan, Ell-Tee. Just maintain a stable course and tell the Vipers that we're sitting ducks for the next 90 seconds.", said Wade and worked his console.

[z-Agrippina Solas]

It was Ren all over again. Feeling sick, the Chief stood up and let the Marines take her away. She didn't bother trying to reason with them. They were just following orders. The same as Lorenzo had been doing.

Swallowing, she wondered if she was going to lose her position. But somehow, the thought of losing her crew's respect hurt worse.

[CIC BS: Valkyrie]

The Marine Sgt. took Agrippinas arm and pulled carefully to get her moving. Sensing the she yielded a wave of relief swept over his face. Even though he was prepared to use force it wasn't his most favorable option. He nodded towards the other grunts and left the crime scene with a Corporal on his heels.

On the way to the brig Agrippina felt as if a thousand eyes were watching her. The Deckcrew stared incredulous as they realised that their Chief was taken to the brig. Instantly several heads closed in to eachother and people started talking but Agrippina barely noticed that.

The heavy clacking noise of metal against metal brought her back out of her day dreaming state. The Marine smiled briefly at her and said, "The Lieutenant is going to be with you any minute. Just relax its only a routine interrogation. You'll be out of here in no time."

The Marine Sgt. left the brig leaving the Corporal on watch with her alone in the brig. This whole thing seemed too familiar to her. Then the Corporal suddenly spoke, "Did it again, didn't ya?"

[z-Agrippina Solas]

Agrippina allowed herself to be led docilely to the cell, her eyes more on the floor than on what was happening around her. In truth, the only thing she was seeing was Ren broken on the floor of his room, his blood staining the deck just as Lorenzo's had stained the office floor. Bleakly, she wondered if they'd remember to clean it up or if she'd have to do it when she got back. If she got back.

"Did it again, didn't ya?"

It took her a moment to realize that he was talking to her and another long moment to understand what he meant. She could have said many things to help her case out, to make this better. "Why ya wanna know?" she asked, hearing anger in her voice. "You volunteering to be next?" That was not helpful.

[CIC BS: Valkyrie]

The Corporal stood up and released the security hatch of his pistol holster. Then he moved closer to the bars of Agrippina’s cell. “You wanna volunteer? Did I hear ya right?”, she could almost smell his bad breath and there was sweat on his forehead. The man was about to reach out to her when the heavy door opened. Instantly he jumped back and went to his desk trying to appear inconspicuous.

The Lieutenant eyed the Corporal suspiciously but didn’t say a thing. After they saluted eachother the Lieutenant dismissed the Corporal, then he addressed the Chief, “I hope everything is alright Chief Solas? I am Lieutenant Steven Everette and investigate the murder. You must understand that I’m going to ask you some standard procedure questions about what has happened. Can you describe what happened from your POV and when was the last time you saw Deckhand Lorenzo?”

[z-Agrippina Solas]

"Murder? I thought... he died?" Agrippina said, sitting on the bunk. Her knees weren't going to hold her. Had he been alive when she'd bangaged him? She couldn't remember. Things weren't very clear right now. Just like when Ren died.

Hephaestus, worker of metals, into your hands, I put the soul of my fallen comrade... She wanted to go on, to add a prayer to Lorenzo's favored deity, but she realized she couldn't remember it. Heck, she couldn't even remember where he was from. Pikon? Caprica? She should know this, as Chief. She was an awful Chief.

Did his wife know? Agrippina remembered that they were on a communications blackout and realized she couldn't know, not yet. She started to write a letter for his wife in her head but quickly figured that they wouldn't let the woman they thought had killed him write condolences to his widow. And why wouldn't they think she'd killed him? Finding one murder body is a fluke; two is a pattern.

"Chief?" Aggripina looked up, startled. She'd forgotten she was supposed to be talking to him. It was just so hard to think. "When was the last time you saw Deckhand Lorenzo?"

"Sorry, ah... that'd be when I sent 'im back to the office to get the Mark-II files," she said. "See, we didn't have them in the hanger's files because we didn't have Mark-IIs, and when we got these dumped on us, someone had to go get them. I noticed he'd been gone for a while and went to find him. That's why I was there."

[CIC BS: Valkyrie]

Lt. Everette nodded before he continued his interrogation, "Good. Can anyone verify your statement? Did someone hear you talk with Deckhand Lorenzo before he got killed? And one more question for which I apologize in advance, did you and Deckhand Lorenzo have a romantic relationship?", Lt. Everette raised an eyebrow accentuating his last question.

[CIC BS: Valkyrie]

Originally Posted By: SalmonMax

"Be careful, as long as we don't shoot," Callisto said to herself, grimacing. "Why are we even here then?"

She called Deadbolt. "Just got instructions. We're not to engage. Identify only, so there's a change in plans. Bedrock's got better eyes, so we're escorting him closer so he can get positive. If things get hot, we'll cover Bedrock until he can jump out, then beat cheeks back home."

The CAG then signals the Raptor. "Lt, we've got orders to intercept and identify those bogeys. Follow Deadbolt and me closer and let us know the second you have positive ID. We'll disengage then. Start spooling now, just in case things go bad."

--

Originally Posted By: Callsign Bedrock

"Affirmative, Callisto. Wade, be ready to deploy countermeasures as needed. I'm checking DRADIS scans." Bedrock takes the yoke of the Raptor firmly in hand. Lords of Kobol, hear my prayer. See me through this. Guide my eyes and hold my hands.

Armistice Line 0822 Hours

„I’ve got positive IDs now, Ell-Tee. Colonial Heavy 3255 and 3671 in escort of diplomatic mission of the Gemenon Prophet, their Gennys are down but I can’t determine the cause. I think we have to sent a boarding crew with some Deckhands to repair the damage.”, said Wade as the scan completed.

Leaning in to his Lt. Wade added without broadcasting, “They are awfully off course, Ell-Tee. They were scheduled for a meeting on Caprica. There are Quorum members of Gemenon and Sagitarron on board, I don’t like the smell of this.”


CIC Battlestar Valkyrie 0822 Hours

Admiral Kerrington entered the CIC visibly ill humoured. “Sitrep and where the Frak is Lt. Everette?” The officer at the DRADIS looked nervously around before he answered, “Sir, Lt. Everette is investigating an accident that happened in the Chief’s office. We’ve got the message a few minutes ago.”, then the officer looked back at his screen and updated the situation. “Vipers Red 1 and 2 in escort of our Raptor mission are investigating 3 stranded Colonial Fleet Vessels.”

The Admiral commented the situation by squinting his eyes, “What the frak are they doing out here? This space is supposed to be off limits for civilian vessels.”

“We’ve been trying to contact them but it seems they have a power shortage and are unable to broadcast.”, added the Officer at the DRADIS.

[SalmonMax]

Callisto listens to the data, frowning. None of it added up.

"So their power is offline, but they can still jump? And all three ships just happen to have the exact same problem? And it all goes down just as we're sniffing around the Armistice Line. Yeah."

So check that, it did add up. To a trap. A giant screaming, 'look at me' trap. Which begged a question, didn't it? If you were going to use purloined Colonial vessels to entice more ships in close, then destroy them...would you make it so -obvious-? How hard would it be to rig the ships so that they seemed damaged, or had some kind of distress signal, or...any of a number of other things?

She signals the fleet, "This is Red One. Sir, request permission to close to visual range and confirm sensor readings." She hesitates, then adds, "If this is a trap, better it snap on us than the rest of the fleet."

[CIC BS: Valkyrie]

Originally Posted By: SalmonMax

She signals the fleet, "This is Red One. Sir, request permission to close to visual range and confirm sensor readings." She hesitates, then adds, "If this is a trap, better it snap on us than the rest of the fleet."

CIC Battlestar Valkyrie

"I know what she is thinking.", said the Admiral and nodded to the Officer at the DRADIS. "Acknowledged, permission granted. What's our ETA on the Alert 5?"

The crew immediately went into processing the Admirals orders and relayed the orders. "2 Minutes Sir, 8 Squadrons dispatched awaiting orders."

The Admiral smiled in approval of the effective work. "4 Squadrons on defensive perimeter 2 clicks distance, the other 4 follow Captain Callisto. Tell her that she has 2 minutes for her stunt before we prepare to engage."

The DRADIS Officer reported back to Callisto, "Permission granted, you've got 2 minutes before our Viper's close in. Awaiting your ID."

[SalmonMax]

"Affirmative, we're on our way."

Switching to the squadron frequency, Callisto says, "Bedrock, Deadbolt, we're going in closer. Bedrock, I want constant updates from you. If something happens, it'll probably happen fast and you're our eyes and ears."

[Mr Fox]

Aboard the Herakeles the Bull strode onto the bridge, "Sitrep!" Less than a minute later he had been brought up to date. Looking to the Lt who had been on the bridge he snapped, "Zeus' overused balls man, get this tub spooled up and and get us ready to engage. This whole situation stinks and I'll give you five to one odds those ships didn't just wander over the armistice line accidentally. Look alive people, I want to be ready to jump in there and support those people if it becomes necessary."

[z-Agrippina Solas]

"I'm sure someone can," Agrippina said quickly, knowing that an alibi might be her only salvation. "I did it in the middle of the hanger deck - I'm sure someone overheard. I didn't have anyone else right there, but there were lots of people around."

The next question brought her to her feet, her hands clenched. "No," she said through ground teeth. "He loved his wife dearly, and I wouldn't sleep with a subordinate officer. I'm of-" She stopped and got control of herself. "I want to state clearly that I'm offended by that question. I also want to state that I wasn't romantically involved with Deckhand Lorenzo and that I didn't kill him."

[Callsign Bedrock]

"Absolutely, Callisto. Good hunting."

[CIC BS: Valkyrie]

Originally Posted By: Agrippina Solas

"I'm sure someone can," Agrippina said quickly, knowing that an alibi might be her only salvation. "I did it in the middle of the hanger deck - I'm sure someone overheard. I didn't have anyone else right there, but there were lots of people around."

The next question brought her to her feet, her hands clenched. "No," she said through ground teeth. "He loved his wife dearly, and I wouldn't sleep with a subordinate officer. I'm of-" She stopped and got control of herself. "I want to state clearly that I'm offended by that question. I also want to state that I wasn't romantically involved with Deckhand Lorenzo and that I didn't kill him."

Battlestar Valkyrie Brig

Lt. Everette took a deep breath sensing the Chief's emotional turmoil. Lifting his hands in a gesture of defense he said quietly. "Chief, please understand - I must ask these questions in order to determine if we have a case here or not. Personally I believe you. There is no reason - no motive for killing Deckhand Lorenzo but the Admiral will want to know if you had something to do with it or not. He is a very pragmatic man. And right now I'm the only one on your side.", having made his point clear he relaxed again and took a double take before he asked his next question.

"Can you tell me anything about this book?", Lt. Everette held up a copy of Tom Zareks essay which was blacklisted by the government. It was titled S.F.M.

[CIC BS: Valkyrie]

Originally Posted By: SalmonMax

"Affirmative, we're on our way."

Switching to the squadron frequency, Callisto says, "Bedrock, Deadbolt, we're going in closer. Bedrock, I want constant updates from you. If something happens, it'll probably happen fast and you're our eyes and ears."

Originally Posted By: Callsign Bedrock

"Absolutely, Callisto. Good hunting."

Armistice Line 0823 hours

The Viper's and Raptor approached the 3 drifting Colonial Vessels in close formation. Ensign Wade immediately started with scanning procedures once they vessels were within range for detailed scans.

Callisto took a dive manouvre rolling above the two other planes in order to get a better view at the Colonial heavy that was the furthest away from them. After a short moment she could make out people in the windows trying to wave at her. Then she realised what was going on - at the same time Wade broadcasted his results.

"Sir, all three vessels are running low on oxygen. Looks like they've lost power and life support. There are no back-up systems running. People are dying over there. I also found major damages in the engine sections of all three vessels. We should ask for an emergency evacuation!"

[z-Agrippina Solas]

Battlestar Valkyrie Brig

Agrippina clenched her hands and forced herself to calm. It wasn't easy; her heart was pounding and she couldn't stop the thought that she was getting framed again. "Sorry, Leiutenant," she sighed, pressing her hands to her eyes. "I... This isn't easy." He had to know her record, her damaged history. "I'm going to do the best I can to answer your questions."

She looked at the book, recognizing it immediately. "Yes, sir, it's a blacklisted book; all copies are to be passed immediately to your superior officer." She frowned. "Wait, what are you doing with a copy, in my interrogation?"

[SalmonMax]

"Holy Hades," Callisto swears. She signals the fleet, so hastily that her fingers almost miss the button.

"Red One to task force, we've made visual contact. The ships have all lost life support! They need immediate evacuation. I can -see- them in the portholes! Get some ships out here!"

Switching to her squadron channel she barks, "Bedrock, dock with the nearest ship and fill that Raptor up. As many as you can squeeze in, then jump back. When they're offloaded, get back here and we'll do it again. Deadbolt, we're securing these heavies."

[CIC BS: Valkyrie]

Battlestar Valkyrie Brig

Originally Posted By: Agrippina Solas

She looked at the book, recognizing it immediately. "Yes, sir, it's a blacklisted book; all copies are to be passed immediately to your superior officer." She frowned. "Wait, what are you doing with a copy, in my interrogation?"

--

Lt. Everette nodded half to himself looking at the book and answered, “I can only assume that Deckhand Lorenzo found this book in the file locker. Someone obviously didn’t want him to find it and killed him.”, he looked up to her again and sighed again. “Taking these facts into consideration someone could formulate a motive for killing him. Is there anything you want to tell me Chief? Something that I can tell the Admiral and get you out of here free of charges? Did Deckhand Lorenzo have any enemies? Or did you found the book and covered up for him?”

Armistice Line

Originally Posted By: SalmonMax

"Holy Hades," Callisto swears. She signals the fleet, so hastily that her fingers almost miss the button.

"Red One to task force, we've made visual contact. The ships have all lost life support! They need immediate evacuation. I can -see- them in the portholes! Get some ships out here!"

Switching to her squadron channel she barks, "Bedrock, dock with the nearest ship and fill that Raptor up. As many as you can squeeze in, then jump back. When they're offloaded, get back here and we'll do it again. Deadbolt, we're securing these heavies."

--

CIC Battlestar Valkyrie

“Frak!”, cursed Admiral Kerrington and studied the map where all the Ships had been updated with their current DRADIS-Data. “Get our Raptors out there ASAP! Contact the Herakeles, I want Major McLeod to mount a full rescue mission, we need to get those Diplomats out there alive. Call back half of our Viper Squads and set the others on a standard CAP along the line. This may still be some kind of trap. Capt. Callisto is to supervise the CAP.”

Admiral Kerrington looked at his XO for a short moment, then asked for his opinion, “What do you think, Colonel? This can’t be a coincidence”

Red One Task Force on rescue mission

CIC Battlestar Valkyrie relayed the orders sharp and clearly. Deadbolt was already within sight of the Colonial Heavy which was further away to Capt. Callisto’s relative position. Lt. Bedrock set course to dock with the Gemenon Prophet – only problem was, if their systems had a complete fallout docking would be extremely difficult. The Prophet had no landing bays and wasn’t designed to have military ships dock with them.

CIC Destroyer Herakeles

Admiral Kerrington’s order came through loud and clear. Theoretically the Herakeles could dock with the Gemenon Prophet the manoeuvre could destroy both ships though if something went wrong.

,,

“Sir, what are your orders?”, asked Lt. Abrams on the DRADIS-Station.

[z-Agrippina Solas]

"You could tell him I didn't do it," Agrippina said, gripping her hands together so tightly that the skin turned white. "I didn't know him to have any enemies, or any blacklisted books. If he'd had one, I would have made him turn it in to me, or go to the brig." She looked hopeful. "Does that help?"