What happened to Galactica?

[MikDaTv]

"Hammerhead's bow shields are weakening sir!" The sensor officer declared.

The bridge rocked as the Galactica was truck by another heavy volley of fire. "Keep pouring it on!" Captain Walton yelled. "Helm, set collision coarse and slow us to one third sublight."

A comm officer pulled his headset off his head and turned to address the bridge. "Sir! Engineering reports starboard rail cannon online. they have a shell loaded but they say it's good for one shot. Capacitors are charged but the generators are damaged."

"One shot is more then enough. Helm, get us a firing solution and get us in close. I don't want to miss." Walton said.

The Galactica's bow turned towards the hammerhead, going head to head with the enemy vessel. The Hammerheads powerful forward turbolasers were slamming against the Galactica's weakened bow shields doing minimal to moderate damage to Galactica's already damaged bow. The two ships closed distance quickly. The Hammerhead knew it was outmatched in the size game and looked liked it's intention was to ram.

The helmsman worked frantically at his console. "fireing solution acquired. distance 90,000 meters... 80,000... 70.... sir."

"Wait for it." The captain said. "We don't want to miss. Tell the fighters to break our screen and scatter. there's going to be a lot of flack flying after this."

"50,000... 40,000" The helmsman called out, his voice higher in pitch the lower the number got. "30,000... 20,000, 15,000, 10,000"

"Now! Fire." Walton yelled. he grabbed the Mic from his command chair and keyed it for the whole ship. "All hands... hang onto something."

The Rail cannon fired it's massive slug across space and slammed into the bow of the hammerhead almost instantly. The Hammerheads considerable speed was cut in half almost instantly from the forward impact and her forward shields sparked and fizzled before finally failing, allowing the slug to penetrate 6 frames in before detonating it's internal charge. The explosion shredded the forward section and separated the ships head from it's main body. Her guns went quiet and the Galactica's continuing barrage of turbolaser fire peppered the unpowered hunk, smashing it to bits. Her fuel cells ignited and a large portion of the ship exploded in a brilliant yellow/orange blast which Galactica flew strait through.

[Zero]

_{Oh, Commander, Its time to wake up.}

[/color]

Shepard stirred and opened his eyes, but the kolto tank blurred his eyes. Damn it. That stupid ensign miss throwing that grenade. How was that even possible. He felt a tug on his mask, and looked up, seeing a medical officer above him. He kicked his feet and swam to the surface. Once he was out and had the mask off, he coughed until he had the kolto out of his lungs. Before he had a chance to speak, he felt the entire ship rock as it was hit.

What the fuck was that? You, get me my uniform.
We are under attack right now. All hands are at battle stations. Its a good thing you are awake, Sir, because we will need you if we end up boarding the other ship, or if something else happens.
Alright. Send a message telling the Captain that I am awake, and will be on the bridge shortly. If he doesn't read it by the time I get there, oh well.

Ash was already drying himself as he spoke, and was mostly free of the kolto when his clothes were brought to him. He only had his pants on when the Captain told them to hold onto something. He grabbed onto a handhold on the kolto tank as the ship rocked as she.... fired a rail cannon slug.

Once the ship was stable enough, he walked to where his clothes were thrown to the ground, grabbed his wrist communicator, and linked it up to the bridge.

Damn you, Captain. I'm awake for three minutes and you almost get me killed! Your lucky I ran out of near death experiences, or else I would do to you what I did to the ensign that almost killed me the last time.

Captain Walton should know Shepard was joking around. He has a cruel sense of humor, but he was also one of the best damn Marines in the republic. He kept with the Navy as a special ground force, leading a small, three man cell rather than Brigade, which was what he was more than qualified to do. If he ever got tired of fighting, and taking a dip in kolto, the Navy would probably take his services for their own uses and make him a tactical officer in charge of one thing or another, probably leading a fleet from afar.

He had to have a tactical mind, and yet fight on the front lines. If he didn't have such a blood lust, he would call himself crazy. Hell, everyone else did. Shepard narrowed his gray eyes, finished dressing himself, and left for the bridge.[/center][/sub]

[Odan Thos]

Samantha received the Admiral's orders and yelled across the open channel. "ALL FIGHTER RADIAL BREAK FROM GALACTICA'S X AXIS." As the order came across the rail gun of the Galactica fired. The thirty Y-35 all headed out away from the Galactica as if sparks from a firework. They flew what looked almost a disorganized mess, but the keen eye would note that each flight stuck together.

Samantha herself pulled hard on the stick and her fighter nosed up. She slammed the throttle forward and the small fighter launched away from the Galactica and the massive amount of debris that it was flying through. As soon as the flames cleared she noticed the Galactica on the other side. She did not have orders to reform the screen, but she figured it was for the best. "All fighters, reform the screen. Go around the remains of the Hammerhead; we need to minimize the damage to the fighters." Samantha and the three other fighters in her flight quickly returned to the fighter screen.

Samantha did a quick flyby of the Galactica and then switched to the frequency for Galactica’s bridge. "Admiral, we should withdraw. The old girl was already in bad shape and that last little stunt did not help matters." Samantha was not just talking about the damage from the Hammerhead's turbolasers but also the damage done by the debris it flew threw. "Sir, by now the Ebon Hawk should be calling on the Jedi for assistance; the timeline was perceived. We have no reason to stay around and mess with any other events." Samantha realized she was a little out of line, but she did not just worry about history. As acting CAG she was responsible for all the Y-35 pilots lives; engaging the main force of Sith Fighters would be suicide for many of them even though they posses superior fighters. Samantha held her breath waiting for the Admiral’s orders.

[MikDaTv]

Captain Walton stood up from the command chair after the ship was done rocking. as the hologram display cleared of the static of orange and yellow the image refocused into a representation of their position. Sam's voice over the radio was a good confirmation that the fighters had made it.

Walton picked up his command mic and keyed it for the radio. "Roger that Sam. Form em up and bring em home. combat landings authorized."

the comm officer perked up from his seat. "Sir, Commander Sheppard is reporting from medical. He's out of the tank and colorful as always."

Walton hung up his mic again and walked over to the com station. "Good, he should be on his way then. contact all deck watchstanders and have them do a headcount for the marines. i know a lot of them were in the fordecks when the nuke hit back at Ilium."

The com officer nodded and started to relay the order to all the Deck chiefs. meanwhile Walton walked back towards the center of the Bridge. "Helm, turn us about and away from the engagement, half sublight speed please. When we're clear start a search on any republic or sith supply bases in the area. remember we're back in time so do a historical search. it will probably be the most accurate intelligence you'll ever research. I want a report with the best candidates in my E-mail in 20 minutes."

"Sir!" the comm officer said. "Deck watch is reporting back. So far they count 320 Marines sir."

Walton's shoulders slumped. "320? out of the 2000 we had stationed on board there's only 320?"

The Chief of the deck piped up at this. "A lot of them were on shore leave while we were in dry dock at Ilium. I'd say most of them were left behind at the shipyards when we blasted outa there. And of coarse, the marine birthing area is in the fordecks. they would have been first to feel the effects of that nuke strike."

Walton shook his head and sighed. "Have the 320 go to standby status. Comm, when Lieutenant Commander Cross lands have her report to my office at once. Same with Sheppard when he gets here."

Acknoledgements rang out across the bridge as the crew carried out their orders. Walton left the bridge and headed just down the hall to his office. He had the sad duty of writing home to families about the deaths of their loved ones. to make that even more complicated he had to write to families who were probably not even born yet. the whole situation just felt helpless, but Walton dare not let the crew think that.

He carried himself strait and kept his composure. His job now was to be a rock for the crew to cling too in this maelstrom and he wasn't going to let them down, not now, not after all this.

[Zero]

<sub>Shepard arrived at the bridge soon after Walton left. His uniform was normal, with the exception of the combat knife on his chest, and the black cloak around his shoulders. He looked for the captain, but couldn't find him on the bridge. The comm officer spoke before Shepard did.

Sir, he left for his office. He left orders for you to go there. I think you will get you orders, if any.
Alright. Now... screw it.

Shepard was going to say something else to the comm officer, but changed his mind at the last instant. He turned, cloak swirling, and left the bridge. He scratched at the shadow on his face, and without asking, walked into the office.

Captain. What did I miss in mu kolto dip? It feels like I've been in there for weeks.</sub>

[/sub]

[Odan Thos]

Samantha transferred the order to land to the rest of the fighter. She did not do combat landings as permitted, but instead sent them in by flights base on need of repair and fuel supply. She did this because there was no need to turn the hanger into a cluster fuck just, they may need to launch to fight off enemies at any time. The fighters landed on the ship quickly as possible, but it still took ten minutes to collect them all.

Samantha landed last and pulled into her fighter’s slot. She opened her cockpit and Chief was standing next to her fighter. "Sam, the Captain wants to see you in his office." Sam took off her helmet and set it in front of her.

As the ladder was rolled up to the fighter she climbed out and down. "Okay Chief, could you relay these orders for me then. I want Suicide King's fighters refueled and rearmed first. Tell them that they are on call for the next three hours. All other pilots are ordered to find a bunk and sleep. Once the Suicide Kings fighters are ready in front of the tubes, work on getting the rest of the fighters repaired. Priority is your call." Samantha placed her hand on his shoulder. "Sorry about this Chief. Your group got the short end of the stick on this one." Samantha then turned and walked off before the chief could protest. She heard him curse under his breath; but she would not say anything.

Samantha made her way to the Walton's office. She passed a lot of crewmembers which were working on the ship repairs. It took her a little time to get to the captain's office because of the damage control crews and the damage itself. She then walked up to the office and knocked. When she was called in she walked in and saluted. "Lieutenant Commander Samantha Cross reporting as ordered." She stood up straight until she seen Shepard also. "Damn, was it too much to hope that you were left back on Ilium Shepard." Samantha did not care for Shepard. Pilots and marines did not mesh well in the first place; however Shepard held a special place of dislike in her heart.

[MikDaTv]

"Frankly John, you were in and out of the kolto tank for about 3 and a half weeks after that dreadful training accident with the Zamboni." Walton said. "Have a seat, i'll explain as best i can."

When Sam entered, Gabriel waited for her to finish her sentance before gesturing to the other seat. He ignored her comment on Sheppard's presence and said "Have a seat Cross. We have to talk."

The captain pulled both their personnel files up on his computer before putting his hands together and leaning forward on his desk. "We're down a lot of people here. I'm running at almost skeleton crew levels, nearly 700 marines died when that nuke hit our bow and another 1000 are back at Ilium where we left them. We're down to 30 fighters in varying states of repair, low on ammunition, fuel, and supplies of every kind."

"John," The captain continued. "I can't imagine what it's like to wake up in the middle of all this but now your it. There are 320 Marines left on this ship. only 8 of which are from your command. The rest were under General Kar'ta'kite who was killed by the Nuke. I hate to say it but your now the Marine Commander on board Galactica for the time being and i need to press your boys into service soon."

Gabriel hit a button on his desk which activated the holoprojector in the ceiling. A galaxy map materialized over the desk and marked their current location. "We know how the battle out there is going to turn out so we won't have to worry about it now, but we're still in a war torn galaxy. the Sith remnant didn't exactly go down without a fight after the Star Forge was destroyed so the Republic is still at war."

"We may not be able to get back to our own time, or our own home so i've made the decision that this ship will do what she was built to do and protect the republic to the best of it's ability. but we're going to do it by preserving the Timeline as much as we can. To do anything though, we need to resupply."

Several systems on the galaxy map turned red. "The navigator is going through historical records to find us a suitable place to resupply but it looks like we're going to have to hit a sith facility. John, that means your guys are going to have to go in and find me my bullets. The bridge navigator has the list of targets, you can get pick the ones you like and submit your recommendations to me."

Gabriel turned from Commander Sheppard to Same. "Lieutenant Commander, your going to act as Galactica's CAG until Commander Weatherbee is back on his feet. I need ongoing status updates on your birds and pilots. Whatever you need, i'll get for you. We need fighter support if we're going to raid anything so getting our screen back together is a top priority."

"Lastly, i need input. I already know what the bridge crew thinks, but if you two have anything to say, fire away."

[Zero]

<sub>Take it easy, Sam, we are on the same team. And, sorry to say it, I'm here, and im still gonna raise some hell.

Shepard sat in a nearby chair, and resisted putting his feet on the desk, so he just leaned back and folded his hands across his stomach. He listened as to what the Captain had to say, it wasn't the part for how long he was out, but rather at how many marines were left.

Second, was than now he was on control of them all, rather than a small group of them. Surprisingly, he didn't cut off Gabriel, but instead just sat there. He was sure that everyone else was surprised as well. When he was done talking, Shepard was the first to speak.

So, are marine power has been cut drastically, and its up to yours truly to lead them all. Fuck, im up for it. Why don't you just have me be your XO if you need my skills that much. Send me the data once your bridge navigator has it.

Well, Sam, looks like we are in the same boat again, only this time, its something besides a bad relationship. Don't worry, ill get you and your fly guys and gals some guns, besides mine.</sub>

[/sub]

[Odan Thos]

Samantha sat down next to Shepard. She listened carefully to the Captain but thought he got his priorities wrong. When he finished and asked for input she spoke up about it. "Sir, we need to hit a refinery for our first mission. We only got enough fuel for one mission for each fighter maybe two if we stretch it, but we will lose a lot of fighters to empty tanks. This is a carrier and as such the fighter wing on board should do the majority of the fighting. We cannot do that without fuel, but we can fight without warheads." Samantha understood it was her responsibility to say these things; but something told her that the Captain had already thought of this.

Samantha then turned to Shepard. "Still the same old dumbass I dumped a year ago. Commander, I hate to say this in front of the captain, but if you screw with these pilots Shepard, it will be the last thing you do. I don’t have anywhere to transfer them to.” Samantha did not mean to bring up the past, but it was Shepard’s doing.

She then turned her attention back to the captain. “I will have a report sent to your terminal in an hour. However I have Suicide King first and second flights on standby while the other pilots resting. I also want to talk about reforming squadrons. I am thinking about taking the remaining pilots from the colored squadron and placing them into Suicide Kings, Yellow Aces and a new squadron which will be called Blackjack Squadron. I will draft up a final rooster for your approval by the tomorrow. Would you like it also submitted to Commander Weatherbee also?” Samantha realized she was the CAG currently, but when Weatherbee leg got better he would no doubt be back in the Suicide King Squadron Leader and CAG.

[MikDaTv]

"It's Sheppards job to pick us a target that can get us everything we need. Gas and guns. Final decision is up to me but i'm not just going to pick targets all willy nilly without including my Marine commander in the decision." Walton said. "We'll get you your gas Cross."

Walton took a second to examine the file he had on both of them as Sam ranted to John about their ancient history. "Listen, i realize neither of you were expecting to be thrown back in time on a ship at the end of her lifespan, but is is the situation people. You need to drop this grudge ASAP or its going to get some of your people killed."

Walton shut off his computer and stood up. "I'm needed on the bridge. Sam, your the CAG now, but you should keep weatherbee at least informed of what your doing. Remember, he's been CAG on several different ships, before this one, and he's been CAG for a year on this one. He'll be your best source of advice."

Walton slowly put himself at the position of attention and turned his head to Sheppard. "John, you'll get the info you need in 15 minutes. i'll see to it. Now, both of you are dismissed."

[Zero]

<sub>Oh my pride. Everything's getting.... Dark....

Shepard grabbed his chest in a mock heart attack of sorts, squirmed around a little before slumping backwards, tongue slightly out of his mouth. His eyes were closed, but after a moment, he opened one to look at the Captain, then at Sam.

Don't worry, I'll keep away from your pilots this time, but when we get back, I shall play my moves on them!

Shepard stood up and took up a rather heroic pose with one arm reaching up and out with his index finger pointing to nothing. He looked back to Walton, and smiled slyly, displaying his white teeth. Too bad about half of them were fake, but he didn't care.

Alright, I shall look over the material, and decide which place would be best to attack, and then a quick plan for said attack. If I get the information in 15 minutes, as you say, then I will get everything to you within the hour.

Shepard's attitude when he was just speaking changed drastically from perverted jerk to a professional officer. Whoever said that he got nothing but women done were wrong. He was much more than a womanizer and fighter, and his his IQ spoke of that too. Bow saluted the Captain before making his leave. He didn't look at Sam, but kept his Gray eyes forward.

Those words she spoke to him did hurt somewhat, but only because he still harbored some feelings for her. If he wasn't scared of a committed relationship, which was about the only thing he was afraid of, he would at least try to make up for his past deeds, but for now, he was a womanizer. Shepard left for his personal quarters to make the decision on where to attack.</sub>

[/sub]

[Odan Thos]

Samantha buried her face into her hands. “Worst mistake ever.” She took a breath and regained her composer when Shepard walk out.

Samantha then stood up and looked at the captain. “Thank you sir. I well get working at once.” Samantha saluted the captain and turned and walked out. She walked down the corridor and turned the corner. She was heading towards the galley, she need a cup of black coffee, a strong cup of black coffee.

Once she had a cup of coffee she sat down at a table and started to restructure the pilots into knew squadrons. She would be getting Weatherbee’s oppion on it as soon as she had an initial roster.

She started out be selecting squadron leaders for each group. She kept Suicide King one as the leader of his squadron; placed herself as Yellow Ace one and put Suicide King Five as squadron leader of Blackjack squadron. She needed a true ace in charge of the new squadron and Suicide King five had shown a lot of promise as a flight leader. She then moved Suicide King Six over to serve as his number two and keep the new squadron in line. After that it was pretty easy to fill the rosters of the squadrons.

To her shock what this did was balance out the squadrons again. Where Suicide Kings held the upper hand as the ace squadron, now they were fairly even standing again with every having at least fifty percent new blood. She could not wait for them to acquire more fuel so they could do training of the new members. Samantha saved the data on the datapad as she finished her coffee. She then headed to the sickbay in order to talk to Weatherbee about the roster.

[MikDaTv]

Captain Walton headed back to the bridge. A crewman announced that the Captain was on deck and everyone greeted him. Walton headed over to the navigator and looked over his shoulder. "Hows it coming?"

"i have a couple good targets sir. One of them is actually very good. a Supply Space Station not far from here. It was built by the Sith as a fleet staging area but was turned into a prison." The nagivator said. "All records of the place stop suddenly a few days after the battle of Rataka Prime. People who claimed to be prisoners there have popped up in places though and tell stories of experiments and cruelty."

"Does it have what we need?" The captain asked.

"The mass driver rounds, probably not, but gas definitely, missiles as well. We can probably also find a lot of other materials from which the engineering bay can make new mass driver rounds and maybe even fighters." The navigator explained. He clicked on the information and a picture of the station popped up. It consisted of a central spire like structure with arms branching out from both it's upper and lower sections. It definitely had a sith like architecture to it.

"Ok, send the information to Commander Sheppard and Lieutenant Commander Cross so they can all plan accordingly."

[Zero]

<sub>Shepard was in his room, resting on his bed and reading papered book, an older one he had sence he was a child, when his computer beeped with a message. He marked his place in the book, then went to look at the message. He was surprised that only one site popped up, with a picture of what it was they would be attacking.

By looking at the picture, Shepard started to think of several possible ways to attack and get what they needed, but it would probably be well defended beforehe and his men could shuttle in. what he was thinking was separate his men into two, three, or maybe even four groups to attack the upper and lower sections, but he needed Sam for a distraction and support. He brought out his comlink and contacted the Lt Commander.

Sam, can you meet me in my room for this plan of attack? I have a good way to attack, but I need form air support from your fly guys.</sub>

[/sub]

[Odan Thos]

Samantha Cross walked into the sickbay and over to Commander Weathbee’s bed. His leg was in an old style cast. “Hello Commander. I was wondering if I could talk with you.” Sam smiled slightly, as she glanced at his chart which noted that he would not be given bacta or Kotto. This meant he would be out for a month if not more.

Commander Weatherbee looked up at Samantha. “What do you want Lieutenant?” Commander Weatherbee had heard Samantha voice call for pilots in to form up in the hangerbay several hours ago, but was not told that she was his replacement.

Samantha looked at Weatherbee. “Owe, I yet to get no insigne Sir. I am now Lieutenant Commander and your replacement.” Sam was about to move on, but the commander broke in.

“MY REPLACEMENT!” The almost launched out of the bed when she said she was his replacement. “The captain replaced me with a Yellow Ace. One that was not even a Captain.” He relaxed after blowing up.

Sam looked slightly shocked and then wrote it off to the anger of being out of action. “Anyways Sir. You know we lost so many people during the battle with the Killik. As such I am reorganizing the squadrons. I want you to look over them.” Sam held out a datapad and Weatherbee scooped it up.

As Weatherbee looked at the datapad Sam pulled out another one. She looked over the target information and quickly came to her simple conclusion. A modified A-wing Slash with her cobra’s playing the part of the X-wings and the dragoons playing the part of the A-wings. It had the novelty of being new again along with the fact that the enemy had no knowledge of either the Cobra’s performance or the Dragoons. It was at this time she got a call from Shepard. She pulled out her communicator. “Shepard I am with Commander Weatherbee at this time. Meet me in the pilots briefing room in fifteen minutes instead of your room.” Sam put the communicator away and turned back to Weatherbee who had put the datapad down on the sidetable. “So what do you think Commander?”

Weatherbee looked at her and shook his head. “I think it looks fine. I don’t like that you broke up Suicide Kings second flight but that is unavoidable. Anyway, why did you get promoted to CAG?” His approval was good, but she did not even know the answer to his question.

Samantha smiled. “No clue. I was just on the bridge when he needed a CAG. Call it the luck of the draw.” She cocked her head sideways.

Weatherbee shook his head. “Don’t say that in front of the other pilots. You’re the CAG because I recommended you. Understand. That type of talk kills moral faster than anything else. Now Shepard is waiting for you.” Weatherbee closed his eyes, hinting to Sam that he wanted to be left alone.

Samantha got Weatherbee’s hints; both about command and wanting to be left alone. She turned and walked out; heading to the pilots briefing room to talk about the plan of attack with Shepard. Meanwhile Weatherbee pulled out a terminal and both sent a message to Captain Walton asking why he selected Samantha to be CAG and look up Samantha’s service record.