"Beginning of the End" A Mud Daggits story By James Lee Helton INTRODUCTION: For millennia, the Cylon Empire had grown exponentially in size and influence throughout the galaxy, thanks to the highly efficient and deadly war machine created by Imperious Leader for galactic conquest. When the Imperious Leader turned his attention to the Twelve Colonies of Mankind, that expansion was stopped. Humans had observed what the Cylons did to their victims: subjugation, slavery, and in some cases, outright extermination of entire sentient species. Humanity said "No." The war had raged for nearly a thousand yahren. Hundreds of thousands, even millions of lives had been lost on both sides of the conflict. Countless amounts of money and resources had gone into maintaining the military forces, research on new weapons and tactics, and political turmoil reigned supreme. Now, the Colonies had decided to move, once and for all to end the war. Huge fleets of massive warships representing incredible destructive power were assembled, and intelligence was gathered to determine the most effective places to employ that force. One powerful tool the Colonial Military had at their disposal: Colonial Assault Teams. The Teams were trained in all aspects of small-unit warfare ranging from ground assaults to guerilla tactics and were experts at intelligence gathering, with a success rating that rivaled even the most secret covert operatives of the Intelligence Community. One "Okay, your shot!" Raliegh said. Cutler put down his baharii, and gathered his scepters. "Sure you're ready?" he asked. "Oh yes," Raliegh replied. "I figure I've got at least another turn before you can make the conversion." "Famous last words," Cutler muttered, setting his fumarillo down in the ash holder and toeing the line. Cutler concentrated for a micron on the target board, mentally ticking off the shots he needed to make for the conversion. Making one last correction in his stance, he lined up and let his first scepter fly. The electronic board chirped, signaling a good shot. Cutler grinned, and also made the next two shots. The board flashed several lights, and played music that signified the match was complete with Cutler as the winner. "Aw, man!" Raliegh said. "How do you do it?" "Wasted youth," Cutler replied. "Another game, Cut?" Degeria cut in. "I'm afraid there won't be another game," said a man walking through the door. "Oh, come on, Colonel," Raliegh said. "We just got here a millocenton ago!" "Sorry," Colonel Howell replied. "You are all on rest period as of now. Mission briefing at zero-seven centares." "Oh, great," Cutler said softly. Louder, he added, "OK, Colonel, one more drink? Then we are all back to quarters?" Howell thought for a micron, then replied, "Sure. And I'll join you. Round's on me." The next morning, the Team gathered in the Columbia'sbriefing lounge. They had been temporarily attached to the battlestar as the duty ground-strike force, and were nearing the end of the three-quatron deployment. So far, none of the missions that had come up had been particularly dangerous. Colonel Howell entered the chamber as Cutler was refilling his mug from the caffe dispenser. Howell nodded a greeting to the Team, and then proceeded. After arranging several papers for ease of access, Howell touched the controls on the holo-unit built into the speaker's podium. A display of a planet sprang up. "The planet you see is our objective," he began. "Typical Class-3 characteristics, most similar to Scorpio in size and climate. It does not, at this time, have a proper name, but is being referred to as Beta 4. "All astrography information shows the world to be devoid of native life, save various plant and wildlife species. Mineral deposits are relatively sparse, and agro potential appears poor based on current information. "Beta 4 is on the strike list that the Military Council wishes to add to our collection, for one reason: Location. While it does sit away from most traveled star routes, the navigation potential could be opened up with a bit of work. This world can be a relatively handy staging ground for moving back into Hasarri space, which as you know is in the final planning stages after the information from the Pegasus' recon drones was retrieved. Also, it provides a good fuel-stop layover for the support that will have to be provided once the 5th Fleet arrives at and takes Molokay." "Where do we fit in?" Raliegh asked. "Apparently, the Cylons also feel that Beta 4 would be a good place to start operations in this sector of the quadrant. Recon overflights show a small listening station at Grid Posit 129 by 16, with some nasty potential. All information available at this time shows that the Cylons have really done little more than run up their flag and put their name on the hatch." "And we take it down?" Degeria said. "Not entirely. We want you, Dee, to get in and use that Cylon computer language you know to get as much information as possible, while the rest of you get a good look at the post and provide the Columbia's squadrons with enough tactical data to provide a good plan to take the whole place. If you can disable the anti-assault batteries and take down the scanner arrays, the flyboys can move in immediately." "Insertion?" Cutler asked. "By ground landing. Current data shows a minimal force, shuttle with a couple of escorts, can set down close enough, before any resistance can be brought to bear. No use risking the drop gear if it is not needed." "Colonel," Degeria spoke up, "they DO know that nearly any information I can pull from the computers will probably be outdated and useless?" "I have informed the intelligence department not to expect significant internal data. I hope they are aware of the nearly fool- proof lockouts the Cylons put on those systems. One sign of unauthorized access, the systems shut down." "Just so they know," she replied. "One more thing," Howell switched off the holo, "there were reports that this post was a layover stop for transporting of POWs. It is not known if or where those prisoners might be. The Commander wants a thorough check to see if any are there, and wants them freed at all costs." "Anything else?" Cutler spoke up. "All other available data is linked to your access scanners. Study it well. You have all day, so relax, learn what you can from it, and be ready. Launch is currently scheduled for zero-two centares, which puts you dirtside at just before local sunup. Gear check and countdown begins at zero-one. "Any questions?" Howell scanned the faces of the Team, sensing they were eager for action. "Dismissed!" Two Cutler arrived in the assigned launch bay at zero plus fifty- five. Countdown began in forty-five centons, and the Team was anxious to get moving. He saw the Team making final checks, probably for the tenth time, on their various assigned reconnaissance gear and weapons. For this mission, the 'Daggits would carry their standard-issue sidearms, and laser rifles. Zeta would also carry his coveted XL23 Squad Support laser, which was a scaled-down version of the heavy cannon used atop landrams. When he was satisfied everyone was loaded up and ready, Cutler fell back to relax momentarily, smiling at the military's "hurry up and wait" mode which was more often the rule than the exception. When the flight deck crew had cleared the Team Shuttle for loading, they all moved aboard with their packs, again spreading out to wait out the countdown. As the chronometer marked the microns, Cutler became alert when the numbers grew short. He had dialed his personal comm gear into the flight-control channels, listening to the flight crews making preparations for launch. The shuttle was one of the experimental "Team Shuttles" that was pending full approval from Military Council funding. Large, oversized engines with a new, high-output pulse generator gave this craft more than half-again the speed of the standard Colonial shuttlecraft. Another welcomed addition, in Cutler's mind, was the twin dual-barrel laser turrets mounted port and starboard accessed from the main compartment. Also, following Assault Team Command recommendations, modular missile batteries had been installed fore and aft. The missile modules could be mixed according to specific mission needs, ranging from anti-aircraft, ground attack, and non-lethal payloads. Cutler made the standard systems checks on the weapons systems and then logged his findings with the pilot. "OK, guys, make sure you are strapped in," the pilot called from the control deck. "One centon to launch." Cutler made a final check of his harness, and confirmed his gear was still with him, noting the rest of the team was doing the same. He felt the familiar shudder as the shuttle arrived at the launch lane, then accelerated into open space. As the shuttle made its way deeper into the system, Cutler could hear the communications between the fighter escorts and the shuttle, as well as navigation and status information from the Columbia. He and the Team remained mostly passive during the long flight, knowing their own expertise would be utilized once the shuttle had landed. "Cutler," Degeria called out. She had been monitoring the sensor panels, duplicating the ones in the cockpit. "Yes?" he made his way over. "There's something up here. We've got readings all over the scale," she indicated the console. "There simply way too much electromagnetic activity for a listening post of this size." Cutler scanned the readings. "At first, I thought the Cylons might have a comms relay unit here, but readings don't match that either. I can't explain it." "I can," Cutler said quietly. "What's that?" "We're in trouble!" Cutler punched the intraship com. "This is Ward, what's up?" "Change of plan! This could get sticky. We have a lot more than a small post here!" "Are we aborting?" the voice came back. "Negative," Cutler replied. "On touchdown, give us forty- five microns, then get back in the air. The fighters can cover, keep them tucked in close for running interference in case the Cylons launch interceptors." "Affirmative!" "Ok boys and girls, you heard. Have your gear ready, and we all make a dash as soon as we get the green!" As the shuttle lowered toward the planet's surface, Cutler kept his eyes on the time to touchdown display. As the microns ticked off, he began to cycle the hatch sequence as the shuttle descended. "Ready..." Cutler called out, seeing his Team bracing for the slight impact they knew was coming. "GO!" he shouted after the craft gave the familiar lurch that came with grounding. The hatch had just completed opening. One by one the 'Daggits leaped through the open hatch, their eyes scanning for immediately available cover. They had made their way away from the clearing well in enough time to avoid the backwash from the shuttle's engines as it lifted from the surface again. As the craft ascended, they could hear the high-output engines of the Vipers as they streaked overhead ready to provide cover fire. "Status?" Cutler turned to Degeria. "Near as I can tell, we caught them by surprise. I think I heard the launch command sequence, but it was late getting answered." "OK then," Cutler addressed the Team, "looks like we made it down. Let's get into that base, whatever it is!" Three "I don't like it," Raliegh passed the range-glasses back to Zeta. "Oh, Lords!" Zeta exclaimed. "How many ships are down there?" "More than I have time to count," Cutler said. "I make at least six squadrons, and that's only on this field." "What do you make it?" Siree asked. "My best guess now is the Cylons have the same idea we do, only they got to it faster. I think they want to use this place as a staging base for moving into our territory." "What do we do now?" Raliegh asked. "We follow through with our mission: find out what's up here. Our forces can't do anything about it until we have some information." "What's the plan?" Zeta raised the XL23 to ensure the weapon was ready. "Let's stash all but what we need to use for now, and try to get in a little closer. Maybe we can get close enough to pick up some conversation between the ILs or something, find out a little more about how to get in there." "Got it!" As they moved through some of the rocky outcroppings, Cutler and Siree used hand signals to call each other's attention to points of interest around the enemy compound. After nearly three centars of watching had yielded what Cutler felt was good information allowing more detailed plans to be formed. After meeting back at their makeshift campsite, the 'Daggits compared what they had learned. "I figure this," Cutler said, indicating a structure on the hand- held display, "is the command center. Those ILs came and went more there than anywhere else." "Yes, note the standard guards," Raliegh confirmed, "and the scanner array on the roof." "What's this one here?" Zeta wondered, also indicating a building. "I don't know," Cutler said. "I wondered that, double sentries at each entrance, and I saw almost no traffic in or out." "Could that be those POWs we heard about?" "Could be. Whatever it is, it's something they really don't want anyone to see." "Sounds to me like it's something we ought to take a look at then!" Zeta grinned. "Dee," Cutler asked, "do you think you'll be able to get anything from those computers if we can get you in there?" "Hard to say. If they have the links open, I can probably get a lot. From the looks of things, though, I doubt those tin-cans are going to give us enough time for me to hack the passcodes." "Just remember to pack your memory module. If everything there is standard, and it's open, I want you to just dump the memory core. Even if this works, we'll only have centons to get in and out, so we get all we can and let the Ops guys sort it out up on the Columbia." "Got it," Degeria said, retrieving the portable power unit and attaching it to the memory module. "What's the plan?" Siree asked. "Looks to me like we won't have the firepower to blast our way in and back out, so we'll just sneak in. Hopefully, we can get in, load the memory core up, and sneak back out without much hassle. "Zeta, I want you to set up that monster here," Cutler continued, indicating another point on the chart, "that way you have a clear fire zone here, here, and here, in case things fall apart once we're inside." Cutler stood up, checked his laser pistol, and tightened the straps on his gear pack. "We ready?" he asked. "Let's move out!" Four Cutler peered into the darkness, straining his senses to detect immediate danger. When he felt certain the way was clear, he stepped out and motioned the Team to follow. Gaining access to the actual grounds had been easy, since the Cylons hadn't set up a fence line or other barricade. Moving from one point of cover to another, they had thus far infiltrated undetected. He knew Zeta would already have his heavy laser set up and powered, and would be following their progress through the optical enhancers. If he noted any serious deviations that would be trouble, he would contact them to let them know. Cutler stopped short in his progress, signaling the others to do the same. He now realized why the Cylons hadn't set up a fence line, as he approached a unit set into the ground that he recognized as a laser tripwire and motion sensor. Careful not to cross the device's beam, Cutler moved very cautiously to the unit. Quickly, he located the power conduit, and found the plug which competed the circuit. Hoping the unit was the same model he'd become familiar with, he gave the signal to the Team to quickly advance, and pulled the power connection, noting the "energized" indicator light extinguish. Inside the Cylon Command Center, an IL was listening to a centurion report. "Systems-indicate-loss-of-power-at-detection-unit-Alpha- Seven." "Dispatch the roving patrol to investigate." Probably one of those inept centurions tripped over the power cable again, the Cylon thought. As soon as the Team was past the electronic barrier, Cutler moved through himself, then reached back to reconnect the power. He ensured the light was on, then moved silently after his team mates. "By-your-command." "Report," the IL ordered. "Power-now-indicated-at-detection-unit-Alpha-Seven." "Very well. Was probably just a momentary power surge. But," he continued, "order the patrol to still check the area." "By-your-command." The centurion moved to follow his orders. After reaching the concealment between two of the structures, they caught the signal from Zeta over his comm unit. Three clicks, the indication of impending danger. The Team froze, and slowly sank into the shadows with weapons ready. Shortly, they heard the familiar whining of the servomotors as a pair of centurions approached. Cutler watched them as they moved to the detection unit the Team had just passed. Silently, he respectfully commended whoever was in charge here, as this was about the quickest he'd ever seen Cylons react to something that wasn't blatantly an attack. Better-than-competent opposition was something he would make sure to factor into any further plans they made here. Using the cover-and-maneuver techniques the Team was excellent at executing, they soon found themselves in striking distance of the structure they believed to be the command center. Watching the sentries, Cutler noted the patterns of their patrol. With luck, he figured they could get inside and tap the memory core before the Cylons even knew they were there. While the centurions were around the side of the building, the 'Daggits dashed from their cover and into the door. Weapons drawn, they searched for any opposition as they penetrated deeper into the building, searching for the main control center. Maintaining silence, Cutler realized he was looking at the internal door to the control center. He signaled the Team, and they prepared themselves as Cutler hit the switch to open the door. When the door slid open, the 'Daggits rushed through with the practiced motion, covering all angles of the room. Laser blasts quickly dropped all Cylons in the center, including the IL who appeared to be giving orders. "Dee, go!" Cutler yelled, taking a position by the door. "Going," she said, as she found the coupler to plug the memory module into and went to work trying to download the core's information. Her fingers flew over the panels, hoping to get into the system command sequence before the lockouts shut them down. "Come on, come on, just another centon...don't shut down on me!" She punched a few more buttons, and ensured the memory unit was plugged in, then hit one last one control. "Loading . . .loading . . .Got it!" She yanked the cord free, drew her weapon, and joined the rest of the Team. "OK, let's get back out of here without getting killed!" Cutler said. As the 'Daggits gathered, preparing to move out, Cutler's earpiece buzzed, and Zeta's voice came through. "Trouble! You have a whole squad coming in. Wait, there's another! What should I do?" "Frak! Give us two centons. If we can't blast our way out, then get out of here. Let the Columbia know about that staging ground." "I can't leave without--" The explosion blowing open the control center doors cut Zeta's voice off, and a swarm of Cylons stormed the room. The shockwave left the Team stunned, and the centurions quickly disarmed the humans. As soon as the room was secured, an IL followed a centurion in through the still-burning door. "I told him that contact on the scanner was trouble. Now, he's gone and I have you." Cutler and the Team remained silent. "What is your purpose here? Where have you come from?" After a moment of silence, the IL spun toward a console. After a moment, a high-ranking Cylon appeared on the comm screen. "Report." "By your command . . . The base has been infiltrated by humans. They managed to get into the control center, but I have neutralized the threat. I am assuming command, and awaiting instructions." "Your security protocols are being uploaded now. Your orders remain the same. The task force must be launched within the centar for the rendevous in order to reach Molokay in time. I want those humans sent to me on Cylon immediately for interrogation. "By your command," the IL replied. Cutler's mind was racing. He kept the comm signal open, so that Zeta could relay this information back to the Columbia. "Molokay?" "That is right, human. We will stop your arrogant assault on our native territory." "Assault? What assault?" Raliegh acted surprised, hoping to hide the knowledge they had of the 5th Fleet. "Don't insult me," the IL snapped. "We know your forces have dispatched a fleet to attempt to take the system of Molokay away from us. Of course, you will lose." He turned toward the centurions. "Put these humans with the others, and prepare the transport immediately. Signal the flight commanders to prepare to launch the task force." "By-your-command." The Team was escorted, a bit roughly, to the building they had noticed before and wondered if there were prisoners there. "Well, let's look at the bright side," Cutler said. "What's that?" Siree asked. "We get to find out what's in there!" Cutler grinned. "You-will-maintain-silence," the lead centurion spoke. Once inside, the 'Daggits were forced into a corridor that ended with a force field blocking a large chamber. The Cylons shut down the field, pushed the humans inside, then reactivated the electronic barrier. Cutler picked himself up and looked around. He saw several other warriors, and realized that he was looking at the rumored prisoners. Several had various tatters in their uniforms, and more than a couple had makeshift bandages. Cutler searched his uniform, and found one of his fumarillos, then surveyed the group. "Colonial Warriors, we're the Mud Daggits. We came to rescue you!" Five Zeta heard the exchange between the IL Cylon and his team mates. Plans raced through his head, wondering what he should do. After the connection was dead, he continued to watch the compound through the optics. Zeta saw his friends being escorted from the Command Center by a squad of Cylons, and watched while they were led into the suspected holding structure. After going through his options, his extensive training took over. He grabbed the heavy laser, then tuned his comm unit to the shuttle. "Daggit Bird, Daggit Three, need extraction at landing zone one. One to pick up." "Only one? What is happening down there?" "I'll explain when I'm aboard. Get here quick, we've got problems!" Once the shuttle got airborne, Zeta made his way to the cockpit. "What up, Zeta?" "The Team got nailed down there. I know where they are, so we've got to get them out!" "US? Get them out of that base? Did you see all those fighters lined up down there? They get a few of those up and after us, we'll never get out of here!" "Get hold of the Columbia, and get a couple of squadrons of Vipers down here. I don't think the Cylons are going to send too many of those Raiders after us." "Why not?" "They've got plans for them." Zeta pulled up the navigational computer, and started punching in coordinates. Then, activating the comm system, he called for the Columbia. "Go ahead, Daggit Three," came the response. "You've got to get everything you've got launched against this place, right now!" "Negative, Daggits, scanners show a base ship just entering the quadrant." "Columbia! You've got to launch, we have to take out these fighters while they're still on the ground. It's a trap, they know about Molokay!" The comm link fell silent for several microns, then the voice came back. "Affirmative, Daggit Three. Get everyone out of there, we're thirty centons out." Zeta closed the link, shaking his head. "That won't be soon enough," he muttered. The shuttle flew over the landscape, the pilot lining up for the attack run Zeta had programmed into the navigation system. The craft accelerated, and dropped altitude. Zeta engaged the missile system, and activated the attack computer. He had put the targets into the system, and fired off volley after volley when the target was locked. Skillfully, the pilot set the shuttle down near the entrance of the holding cells, while Zeta leaped from the ship, opening up on the sentries with his pistol. Cylons fell in showers of sparks Zeta made his way into the building, finding only two more Cylons before he found the prison cell. He found Cutler and Raliegh standing near the force field. "Hey, guys," Cutler called over his shoulder. "Our ride's here!" Zeta pulled a solenite package from his pack, and attached it to the control housing for the force field. "Get back, guys!" He found cover himself in the corridor, and the explosion caused the field to drop. "Shuttle's at the door, there's a Viper squadron coming in. Let's GO!" Zeta yelled as the smoke cleared. The 'Daggits got the other prisoners to the shuttle, with one warrior who had been too badly injured to walk. After finding a place to secure him on board, Cutler gave the signal to lift. The shuttle cleared the ground, and began to accelerate away from the compound. "Lt. Cutler!" called the pilot over the intercom. "Yes?" "You should see this, come up here!" Cutler entered the cockpit to see the scanner display going crazy, with hundreds if not thousands of contacts. He knew it was the force launching that would end up at Molokay to ambush Commander Cain and the Fifth Fleet. "How long until the Columbia's squadrons get here?" Cutler asked softly. "They are still 10 centons out, and that's at top speed," came the reply. "Felgercarb," Cutler cursed to himself. "All that, and we can't stop them." "Lieutenant! Look!" Cutler saw several targets break from the main formation as they began to close on the shuttle. "Crank those turbos up, this could get sticky!" Cutler punched the intercom. "Raliegh, Zeta, get yourself in those turrets! We've got company coming!" Within a centon, he could see the power indicator on the console as the guns powered up. Cutler strapped himself into the navigator's seat. "You're going to have to slow up a little and give some power to those guys in the guns," Cutler commented after seeing the tactical display. "Slow down? There are Cylons chasing us!" "Flight Sergeant, this is one beaut of a shuttle, but it's still a flying brick. Even in open space we couldn't run from them very long. The only thing is to cut back a little power, give them full access on the guns, and dodge like hades!" The pilot nodded as he fought his instinct and eased back a bit on the throttles. "Gunners, fire at will, you have full power access." "Affirmative!" Cylon fighters banked in from both sides, overtaking the shuttle. Energy fire lashed out from each side as Raliegh and Zeta triggered the guns. Laser blasts flew wide and long, as they spun the mounts trying to connect. Ward watched the cockpit as Raiders rushed by on both sides. Checking the scanner, he pulled the ship into a fast climb, rolling to give a clear shot at the Cylons. Zeta triggered a long burst, walking the lasers upward and connecting with the trailing edge of the engine mounting on the rear fighter. Fire overtook the craft reaching the fuel reserves, and it exploded. Several new contacts on the scanner caught their attention. Cutler noticed a fast approach, and saw a second flash of lasers ahead of the shuttle as another Viper streaked by. Cutler heard a new voice on the comm. "Daggit flight, this is Green Leader. Looks like you all can use a hand!" "Thank you!" Ward exclaimed. "I don't think we could have taken them all." "Send as many as you can after those on heading six-one- niner. Every one you can take down will help!" Cutler spoke sharply. "Negative, Daggit One, those bandits are too far out, and their base ship is coming up to engage. We have forty-five centons to get you on the Columbia before she jumps out of here." "Green leader, do you KNOW where those ships are headed?" "Affirmative, Daggit One, there's nothing we can do." "Frak," Cutler said to himself. Epilog Cutler accepted the baharii, then signaled the bartended. "Avian's," he said. The bartender nodded, and poured a shot of the whiskey. Cutler carried it and the mug over to the table to join his friends. The Team was on stand down, with the Columbia due to enter Colonial space in three cycles. All hands were anxious to hear news. "Colonel said we couldn't get word back to the Fifth Fleet, they were already too far out," Cutler commented. "Do you think that Cain can handle it?" Degeria wondered. "I don't know," Raliegh said. "But I would bet my next yahren's pay that if anyone could, he could!" "Unless I miss my guess," Cutler said, "that force we saw lifting was only one small part of what will be waiting for them. And if that's the case, the entire Fifth is gone!" Cutler looked at the somber faces of his friends and team mates. "If we lose Cain and that whole fleet," he continued, "then that is going to stop the offensive cold. I fear, lady and gentlemen, that this war just took a turn for the worse!" END