The legend continues
                     Copyright 1993, Rick Perriguey

     The Battlestar Galactica was under heavy attack by Cylon forces
under the command of Baltar.  Unknown to Baltar was the fact that the
Battlestar Pegasus was coming from the far side of the fleet to assist
the Galactica.  Baltar, while watching the attack on the Galactica from a
Cylon raider, narrowly avoided a collision with the Battlestar Pegasus. 
Baltar made a hasty retreat back to his Cylon basestar.  Instead of
coming to the direct aid of the Galactica, Command Cain laid in a direct
course for Baltar's basestar.  Sensing the wrath of Cain, Baltar had his
basestar drop behind the other two basestars for safety.

     Tolen checked his scanner screens and checked them again.
     "Commander."
     "Are we in missile range?" asked Cain tautly.
     "Coming up on it," replied Tolen, "but there are two vipers
approaching from the rear."
     "Who is it?  Identify!"
     "Not enough time to check, Sir.  Two basestars dead ahead."
     The two basestars opened fire with their forward laser turrets.
     "Positive shield," said Cain.  Tolen pressed the button activating
the shield.  The massive shield slid down over the bridge viewing port. 
"Return fire."

     "Looks like Cain intends to go between the two basestars," said
Apollo as he watched the Pegasus heading directly toward the two
basestars.
     "Let's see if we can take out the inside rocket launchers," said
Starbuck.
     "We must be nuts but I'll take the ship on the right," replied
Apollo.
     "The other ship is mine..."
     The two fighters streaked around the Pegasus and headed for the area
between the two basestars.  Dodging the laser fire from the basestars,
the two vipers opened fire on the inside rocket launchers.

     "Sir.  Those two vipers are attempting to clear a path between the
basestars by taking out the inside rocket launchers," said Tolen as he
monitored the scanner.
     "Lord, help them.  That must be Starbuck and Apollo," replied Cain
as he looked over Tolen's shoulder.

     The massive basestars towered over the two vipers as Apollo and
Starbuck blasted the rocket launchers.  One by one they cleared the
inside rocket launchers on the two basestars.
     "You know, it is kind of nice in here," said Apollo as he blasted
another rocket launcher.  "They can't fire at us without hitting each
other."
     "The only thing is that we can't stay in here," replied Starbuck,
"so we better make it count."
     With the inside rocket launchers destroyed on the two basestars,
Apollo and Starbuck swung their vipers around to watch Commander Cain and
the Pegasus.

     Seizing the opportunity, Cain exclaimed, "Take the Pegasus between
the two basestars.  From point-blank range we will launch our missiles."
     The Pegasus picked up speed as it prepared to attack the two
basestars.  The outside laser turrets were activated and began firing at
the basestars.

     "Starbuck!" exclaimed Apollo, "Check your scanner."
     "I see them, Apollo.  There must be hundreds of Cylon raider coming
toward us."
     "Let's get back to the Galactica.  We have done all for Cain that we
can," said Apollo as he pressed the thrust button on the control stick.
     "But, Apollo!"
     "That's an order, Starbuck!"
     Reluctantly Starbuck engaged the turbo engines and followed Apollo.

     "Launch the missiles!" yelled Cain.  "At point-blank range even
their shields won't help them."
     One by one the missiles struck the basestars.  With a blinding
flash, the basestars began to explode.  Cain had the Pegasus positioned
to roll free from the exploding basestars at the last possible micron. 
The darkness of space lit up as the basestars exploded.

     "Did you see that?" asked Starbuck looking over his shoulder.
     "I can't see anything but spots."
     "Do you see the Pegasus?"
     "No.  I don't know if it made it or not."
     "What do we do?"
     "We get out of here, fast!" said Apollo as he noticed the wave of
Cylon fighters almost upon them.

     The Battlestar Pegasus emerged from the twin explosions of the two
basestars that it had just engaged.  Smoke filled the bridge as small
explosions rocked the battlestar.  Occasional fires flared on the bridge
as anxious crew members rushed about putting the fires out.
     "Shall we pursue the third basestar, Commander?"
     Commander Cain studied the monitor listing the damage sustained by
the Pegasus in the battle.
     "No.  Call off the attack.  We will never catch up with Baltar with
the condition that the Pegasus is in.  Baltar is running for his life and
he isn't slowing down."  Commander Cain turned to the star chart.  "We
need a place where we can undergo repairs on the Pegasus," said Cain as
he studied the star chart.  "Baltar has probably radioed for more Cylon
basestars to track us down.  Chances are that the Cylons will send
basestars from both of these outposts," said Cain pointing to two spots
on the star chart.
     "Why don't we radio the Galactica for their assistance?" asked
Flight Sergeant Tolen.
     "For one thing the Galactica don't have all the necessary materials
to get the Pegasus fully battle ready.  Second, with our engines so badly
damaged we couldn't keep up with the slower ships of the fleet let alone
with the Galactica.  No, we would be too much of a hinderance for Adama. 
Protecting the fleet is worry enough for the Galactica.  And breaking
radio silence would give both our positions away," said Commander Cain as
he turned back to the star chart.  "Baltar will think that we turned out
to deep space away from the Cylons.  But we can plot a course out of
scanner range between the basestars and the outposts.  Once past the
outposts we will head for here," said Cain pointing again at the star
chart.  "On the planet Zyphon is a little used Cylon outpost.  I believe
that here we will find the materials necessary to get the Pegasus battle
ready again."
     Commander Cain looked around the bride of the Pegasus.  The fires
had all been extinguished and the smoke was beginning to clear as the
exhaust fans pulled the smoke through the air cleaners.
     "We can thank those two young warriors, Apollo and Starbuck, for
taking out those inside laser turrets on the two basestars.  If they
hadn't the Pegasus would have suffered more damage if not total
destruction," said Commander Cain.

     The Battlestar Pegasus travelled at sub-light speed through space
toward its destination due to the damage sustained to its engines. 
     "Commander."
     "Yes, Tolen?"
     "A basestar has just appeared on the edge of our scanner."
     "View starboard.  Cut all exterior lighting and internal lighting. 
Go to emergency lighting only.  Cut power to the engines and
non-essential departments.  Maintain power only to the computer system,
life support system and life station."
     "Yes, Commander."
     The Pegasus went dark and veered to the starboard side.  The soft
emergency lighting casted eerie shadows throughout the battlestar.  A
hushed quiet fell throughout the huge war ship.
     "Are there any indications that the basestar is aware of our
presence?" asked Cain.
     "No," replied Tolen as he checked the scanner read-out, "There is no
change in its speed or course.  Apparently it is unaware of our
presence."
     "Good.  Maintain surveillance until it's out of our scanner range. 
The Pegasus isn't in any condition right now to take on a basestar."
     The basestar passed out of the scanner range of the Pegasus.  As
soon as it did the Pegasus corrected its course and travelled on toward
Zyphon.

     Without any other incidents, the Pegasus entered orbit around
Zyphon.
     "Keep the Pegasus on the back side of the planet away from the Cylon
base," said Cain to the helmsman.  Then turning to Tolen he added, "Have
all members of Silver Spar Squadron meet me in Alpha Bay briefing room."
     "Yes, Commander," said Tolen as he reached down to turn the switch
on the commline.
     Commander Cain lifted his swagger stick and smacked it into the palm
of his other hand as he turned to leave the bridge.

     The warriors stood at attention as Commander Cain entered the Alpha
Bay briefing room.
     "At ease, warriors.  We are at our destination.  We need to knock
out the communication system before we can attack the Cylon base.  We
don't want any near-by basestars to answer their call for help.  I am
going to send down one team in a shuttlecraft to knock out the
transmitter on the ground.  A second team in vipers, led by me, will take
out the orbiting satellite.  Auroa, Lyle, and Stacey. It will be your job
to knock out the ground installation." Cain pointed to a photograph of
the Cylon base.  "You will land your shuttlecraft in this vicinity away
from the base and take it on foot from there.  The element of surprise is
essential for this mission to come off without incident.  Precisely at
0300 centars," said Cain as he checked his chronometer, "we will take out
the Cylon communication system.  Hawk, you will be my wingman." 
Commander Cain looked around the room at Silver Spar Squadron.  "Are
there any questions?"  With no response from the warriors, Cain raised
his swagger stick in the air while saying, "Let's get some rest so we can
all be sharp for the mission."
     Cain turned to exit the room.  Small talk broke out about the
mission that they were soon to undertake.  Soon the group broke up and
warriors made their way to their quarters.

     "Section five, launch bay Alpha.  Stand by to launch shuttlecraft. 
Vector coordinates coded and transferred.  Core Systems transferring
control to shuttlecraft.  Launch when ready."
     The shuttlecraft piloted by Stacey lifted from Alpha launch bay and
proceeded toward the planet's surface.  After a few centons the
shuttlecraft entered the atmosphere of the planet Zyphon.  Stacey guide
the shuttlecraft to a predetermined point and gently set it down on the
planet surface out of scanner range of the Cylon base.  Under the
darkness of night, the three Colonial Warriors gathered their gear and
set out toward the Cylon base.  With the help of their infra-red vision
glasses, the three warriors quickly made their way through the darkness. 
They located the ground based communications transmitter and placed the
explosive charges around it.  After setting the electronic timers on the
detonators for 0300 centars, the three warriors left the Cylon base and
made their way back to the shuttlecraft.  Lyle looked at his chronometer. 
"It won't be long until Commander Cain will be in position.  I guess all
we can do now is wait."

     "Section four, launch bay Alpha.  Stand by to launch fighter crafts. 
Vector coordinates coded and transferred.  Core Systems transferring
control to fighter crafts.  Launch when ready."
     "That's our signal, Hawk," said Cain over the ship-to-ship comlink,
"Let's go."
     Cain pressed the turbo button on his control stick and the engines
ignited.  The force pushed Cain back into the viper's seat
as it blasted through the launch tube.  Hawk then pressed the turbo
button and followed Cain's viper into space.  Streaking toward their
distention, the two pilots rode in silence.  Within a few centons the
communication satellite was in visual view.  The two vipers braked to a
stop and hung motionless as they waited for the precise micron to destroy
it.
     Commander Cain looked at his chronometer.  "The honor is yours,"
said Cain as he gave the signal for Hawk to destroy the satellite.
     Hawk lined up the satellite in his computer targeting sights and
pressed the fire button on his control stick.  Laser fire spewed from the
twin laser cannons mounted on the two lower wings of the starfighter
striking the communication satellite.  The satellite exploded with a
blinding flash.
     "Good shooting, Hawk.  Now let's get back to the Cylon base and help
the rest of Silver Spar Squadron.  They should be engaging the Cylon
forces right about now."
     "Yes, Commander," replied Hawk as he switched off the targeting
computer.  The exhausts blazed as the turbo engines fired.  Quickly the
two starfighters streaked toward the Cylon base.

     Silver Spar Squadron moved in on the Cylon base after the
communication system had been destroyed.  The squadron met little
resistance from the Cylons as it was maintained by a minimal task force.
     As soon as the last Cylon had been destroyed, the Colonial Warriors
quickly set up shop.  The Cylons had left plenty of supplies that the
warriors could use to repair the Pegasus.  Complete sections were
fabricated to replace sections of the hull of the battlestar that had
been damaged in battle with the Cylons.  The engines were refitted with
parts left over from engines designed for basestars.  All of the vipers
were made functional by retrofiting parts from Cylon raiders.  Tylium was
shuttled to the battlestar to fill its fuel tanks and reserve tanks. 
Sectons turned to sectars as work continued on the Pegasus.  During that
time Commander Cain and Flight Sergeant Tolen monitored the air waves
picking up Cylon transmissions.  They then would plot the positions of
the basestars on the star chart.  By plotting the courses of the
basestars they would be better prepared to attack the Cylons when the
Pegasus was battle ready.  Nearly half a yahren went by as the repairs of
the Pegasus neared completion.

     "Commander," said Tolen as he held the headphone closer to his ear
as he monitored the air waves, "We're picking up a coded Cylon
transmission."
     "Have you been able to break the code?"
     "No.  But the strange thing about it is that it is being transmitted
in a narrow beam back to the planet Cylon."
     "Back to the planet Cylon?" asked Cain with a puzzled look on his
face.  "Where is it originating?"
     Tolen stood and walked over to the star chart.  "It is being sent
from this location.  It is a small Cylon outpost on the far side of the
Cylon Empire on a planet called Stagmire V."
     "How much longer before the Pegasus is combat ready?" asked Cain as
he thought about the transmission.  "It is odd that the Cylons would beam
a transmission straight to Cylon instead of relaying a message through
the network of basestars.  The message must be of utmost importance."
     "I thought about that too," replied Tolen.  After looking over the
progress report on the Pegasus, Tolen continued, "The Pegasus should be
able to get under way inside another day....two at the most."
     "Excellent," said Cain as he smacked his swagger stick into the palm
of his other hand.  "As soon as we can, set a course for the source of
the transmission."

     With the Pegasus in full combat readiness, it broke orbit from the
planet and started toward the source of the transmission.

** ***** **

     The door slid open to a dimly lit room.  An IL series Cylon robot
glided into the room.  A pedestal revolved around revealing a figure
sitting in a chair perched above the pedestal.  The soft light cast an
eerie shadow on the face of the man sitting in the chair.  The soft light
high-lighted the features of the face.  The face belonged to Baltar, the
man most hated by his own people.  He was one who set the entire Colonial
Fleet up for destruction by the Cylon Empire.  In return he was promised
his home planet would be spared and he would be placed as the Supreme
ruler of the planet.  But his planet was destroyed along with the other
colonies.  The Imperious Leader had reneged on the promise and Baltar
only survived now for his promise to help find the Galactica and destroy
it.
     "Yes, Lucifer?"
     "We have intercepted a transmission from a remote Cylon outpost that
was being transmitted to the planet Cylon."  The IL series Cylon stopped
talking.
     "And...?" asked Baltar, who was perturbed by Lucifer's reluctance to
continue with the complete message.
     "It seems that the outpost has developed a hyper-drive system
capable of propelling a basestar faster than ever possible.  It has been
tried on a raider with great success.  Even now it is being assembled on
a basestar.  The first trial run of that basestar is set in the near
future."
     "Who is in command of that Cylon outpost?" asked an inquisitive
Baltar.
     "It is commanded by Hector.  He is another IL series Cylon like
myself but a later production model," said Lucifer as his voice tapered
off.
     "Do I hear a hint of jealousy in your voice?" asked Baltar with a
smirk on his face.
     I am not programmed for feelings Lucifer angrily thought to himself. 
When Lucifer didn't respond, Baltar asked, "How far are we from the
outpost?"
     "We are a great distance from the outpost.  It is far from the last
sighting of the Galactica."
     "Change our course to that outpost."
     "But isn't your mission to find the Galactica and destroy it?" asked
Lucifer.
     "Yes, but with my basestar fitted with the new hyper-drive system I
wouldn't have any trouble in catching up with  Adama and the Galactica. 
So be at it and set a course to that outpost," said Baltar as he stressed
the final sentence.
     "By your command," replied Lucifer as he bowed, spun around and
glided quietly out of the room.  Baltar chuckled to himself.  He swore
that Lucifer almost acted human at times.

** ***** **

     Commander Adama strolled onto the bridge of the Galactica.  He
walked over to the command center where Colonel Tigh was seated.
     "Any luck in breaking the code?"
     "Maybe.  They think they have found the key to the code.  I was
monitoring their progress on the computer.  At their current progress, I
would guess that they should have it decoded within the centaur.  We have
picked up a return transmission that is also coded."
     "Have you noticed any increased Cylon activity in this sector?"
     "No.  Long range scanners haven't picked up any Cylon basestars.  I
suspect that will change if the transmission is as important as we think
it is."
     "Keep me informed on progress in breaking the transmission code.  I
am returning to my quarters to fill out some reports for the Council of
Twelve," said Commander Adama with a heavy sigh in his voice as he turned
to leave the bridge.
     Colonel Tigh turned back to the computer monitor shaking his head. 
The Council of Twelve seemed like they had nothing better to do except
cause trouble for Commander Adama.
     Adama looked up from his desk to answer the telecom.
     "Yes?"
     "Commander.  We have broken the Cylon code."
     "Great, Colonel.  What was the first transmission we picked up from
the Cylon outpost?"
     Colonel Tigh picked up a piece of paper and read it to Adama, "To
our Imperious Leader of the Cylon Empire.  We have developed a
hyper-drive capable of powering a basestar.  The preliminary testing will
begin soon.  More information will be forwarded as it becomes available. 
By your leave."  Colonel Tigh looked up from the paper and into the
camera.  "Recent transmissions indicate that the Cylons intend to take
the basestar on its maiden voyage in approximately fifty-two centars." 
     "That doesn't give us much time," said Adama with a look of concern
on his face.  "Recall all recon patrols.  Set a course for that Cylon
outpost as soon as all vipers are back aboard the Galactica."
     "Yes, Sir."

     "This is Galactica bridge to recon patrol two.  The commander is
recalling the mission.  Return to the Galactica," crackled a soft, female
voice over the unicom.
     "This is Captain Apollo to Galactica bridge.  We copy you.  May I
ask why the change in orders?"
     "Negative.  You will be briefed when you arrive back at the
Galactica.  Transmission out," replied the soft voice as the transmission
ended.
     "Did you catch that, Starbuck?" asked Apollo as he swung his
starfighter around one-hundred-eighty degrees to head back to the
Galactica.
     "Yes," relied Starbuck as he followed Apollo's lead.  Pulling beside
Apollo's starfighter, Starbuck continued, "There must be some emergency
to pull us from our mission.  I just hope something serious hasn't
happened aboard the Galactica." 
     "I guess we will have to wait and see.  They sure didn't want to
fill us in over the unicom."

     The two vipers made their final approach to the Galactica's Alpha
landing bay.  Apollo cut power to his engines to slow his speed. 
Skillfully guiding his viper, Apollo touched down on the landing bay
floor.  Behind him Starbuck slowed his viper and glided to a stop on the
landing bay floor.  Apollo raised his canopy and removed his helmet. 
Dropping to the floor, he yelled to one of the maintenance crew in the
area.
     "What's the reason to cut the recon mission short?"
     "I don't know.  All I do know is that every recon mission that went
out earlier has been recalled," replied the maintenance man as he
prepared to service the two vipers.
     Starbuck and Apollo briskly walked to the turbo lift and stepped
into it.  Riding it up to the main deck, the two warriors made their way
to the bridge.  The door slid open and they entered.  Colonel Tigh and
Commander Adama were standing at the command control center.
     "There you are," said Adama.  Then turning to Flight Officer Omega
he said, "Set course to the source of that transmission that we picked up
earlier."
     "Yes, Sir."
     "Could you fill us in on what is going on?" asked Apollo
impatiently.
     "Yes, why was our mission cut short?" echoed Starbuck.
     "Earlier, we picked up a narrow beamed transmission from a distant
Cylon outpost that was being sent directly toward the planet Cylon,"
explained Colonel Tigh.  "We finally broke the coded Cylon transmission. 
It seems that the Cylons have developed a hyper-drive engine that has
been fitted on a Cylon basestar.  Commander Adama decided that it
warranted our investigation."
     "What about the rest of the fleet?" asked Apollo.
     "The fleet is going to continue on its present heading until we make
it back," replied Apollo.
     "Who is going to protect the fleet while the Galactica takes off
across the galaxy?"
     "Red Squadron has been assigned to various vessels to protect the
fleet in case of attack.  But if the commander is correct, there
shouldn't be any Cylon basestars in this sector while we're gone.  He
believes something very big is going down with all the transmissions that
we've been intercepting."

** ***** **

     "Commander," said Colonel Tigh over the telecom, "we have reached
our destination.  The Galactica is on the back side of the planet out of
scanner range of the Cylons."
     "Good," replied Adama as he looked up from his desk. "I want two
vipers fitted with reconnaissance cameras to get a lay out of that
outpost.  We need to know what we are up against."
     "Yes, Commander.  I will get a reconnaissance patrol ready to launch
as soon as possible," said Colonel Tigh as he turned off the telecom.

     "Section three, launch bay Alpha.  Stand by to launch reconnaissance
patrol.  Vector coordinates coded and transferred.  Core Systems
transferring control to reconnaissance patrol.  Launch when ready."
     Starbuck signaled Apollo to launch first.  Apollo responded by
pressing the thrust button on the control stick of his viper.  The turbo
engines ignited pressing Apollo back into his seat as the viper was
propelled through the launch tube.  Once Apollo's viper cleared the
launch tube into space Starbuck pressed the thrust button on his control
stick and blasted through the launch tube into space behind Apollo. 
Starbuck brought his viper along side of Apollo's viper.  The two vipers
streaked toward the Cylon base located on the planet's surface.  Entering
the atmosphere of the planet, Starbuck and Apollo dived through the cloud
covering to come within a few metrons of the planet surface.  Under the
darkness of night the two vipers approached the base.  Both pilots
activated their reconnaissance cameras.  They prepared the reconnaissance
drones equipped with surveillance cameras that would be able to fly
directly over the base without detection by the Cylons because of their
small size.  Apollo glanced over at Starbuck and signaled for the release
of the drones.  The two pilots split up and then cut their engines to
glide silently around the out-skirts of the base.  After meeting up on
the other side, Apollo and Starbuck went to track down the reconnaissance
drones.  Once the two drones were located, they were snagged by an
extended grappling hook and brought on board the vipers.  As the two
vipers prepared to return to the Galactica, Starbuck cut in front of
Apollo to get his attention.  Starbuck pointed in front of them and then
pointed to his eye indicating that something had caught his eye.  Apollo
then gave the signal to investigate the sighting.  After kicking in the
turbos on the vipers, they streaked through the darkness of space. 
Abruptly Starbuck slowed his viper and Apollo brought his to a halt
beside Starbuck's.  Again Starbuck pointed toward two small moons
orbiting an adjacent planet in the solar system.  Apollo checked his
scanner.  Two blips suddenly appeared on it.  He shot a quick glance over
to Starbuck.  Starbuck signaled okay.  He looked back down at his scanner
and then the computer monitor.  The computer identified the two objects
as Colonial vipers with human occupants.  The two vipers were soon upon
them.  Starbuck and Apollo followed the two vipers around the moons. 
Suddenly the shadow of a gigantic vessel fell across the vipers.  Slowly
passing by the landing bay of a battlestar, the word PEGASUS could be
seen.  The landing bay lights which had been off were activated.  Both
vipers glided to a stop followed by the other two vipers that had met
them.  After raising their canopies, Starbuck and Apollo climbed down to
the floor to met by Commander Cain and the crew of the Pegasus.
     "Cain!  I knew you survived!  I just had that feeling," exclaimed
Starbuck.
     "Yes, we did...with the help of a couple of pilots who disobeyed
orders.  But thanks!" said Cain with a smile.  The smile quickly changed
to a frown as he continued, "How did you find us?  We watched you on the
scanner and you appeared to have located us from quite a distance."
     "Starbuck spotted the Pegasus," said Apollo as he turned to look at
Starbuck.
     "I caught a glimpse of a reflection.  I've been flying in space long
enough to know that what I saw wasn't the reflection off of a planet or
an asteroid.  What I saw was the reflection of starlight off of a metal
hull," explained Starbuck.
     "I told my helmsman to keep us in the shadows of those moons," said
Cain with concern in his voice.  "If the Cylons would have spotted us, we
could've had trouble before we were ready."  Then changing the tone in
his voice he continued, "We could've saved you time and fuel.  We already
have a complete layout of the Cylon base."
     "If we would have known you were in this quadrant we would have
checked with you first," said Starbuck with a smile.
     "How is Adama?" asked Cain.
     "He's fine, Sir," replied Apollo.
     "And Sheba?"
     "She's fine also.  She will be glad to see you again."  Then looking
at his chronometer he added, "We better get back to the Galactica before
Commander Adama sends out a search party to look for us."
     "Let me come with you so we can make plans with Adama on how we can
take that basestar out.  And I want to check on Sheba while I'm there,"
replied Cain.  Then turning to Tolen he added, "You have command of the
Pegasus until I return."
     "Yes, Sir."
     Turning back around Cain said, "Let's go men."
     Starbuck and Apollo climbed back into their vipers which had been
placed into the launch tubes.  They closed their canopies and did a quick
check of the vipers.  They turned on the switches to the engines. 
Commander Cain climbed into his viper and closed the canopy.  Forgoing
the system check Cain switched on the engines.  When permission to launch
was granted, the three vipers roared through the launch tubes into space.


** ***** **

     "Yes?" asked Adama as he looked up from the paper work on his desk
as he answered the telecom.
     "Commander," said Colonel Tigh with concern in his voice as he
spoke, "we have the reconnaissance patrol on visual.  Three vipers are
approaching the Galactica."  After a micron of silence he continued,
"Adama, we only deployed two vipers for the mission."
     Startled, Adama rose from his seat, "I'll meet you in the landing
bay."

     The three vipers glided to a stop on the landing bay floor.  One by
one the canopies opened.  The pilots removed their helmets and set them
on the fuselage of their vipers.  The three pilots climbed down from
their starfighters.     
     "Cain!"
     "Adama."
     The two commanders grasped each other's fore arms in the traditional
colonial handshake.  Adams looked into the eyes of the commander from the
battlestar Pegasus.
     "We didn't know if you survived the encounter with the three
basestars," said Adama as he placed his hand on the shoulder of Cain.
     "I had Baltar in my hands if the Pegasus hadn't taken such a beating
from the first two basestars," said Cain as his eyes lit up at the
mention of Baltar, the human traitor who had set up the trap that had
almost destroyed the entire colonial fleet.  "Our engines were too
damaged to catch Baltar's basestar."
     "We want to get a hold of Baltar also," said Colonel Tigh as he
grasped Commander Cain's hand.
     "The crew of the Galactica is going to be happy to see you," said
Adama as he changed the subject.  "I know one young lieutenant who is
going to be happy to see you."
     "Yes, I understand from Apollo that Sheba is fine," replied Cain.
     "Let's go to my quarters so we can share what information we have on
the Cylon transmissions and the Cylon basestar that the Cylons are
preparing to test," said Adama as he turned to lead the way from Alpha
landing bay.
     The maintenance crews were buzzing with excitement as the two
commanders, colonel and two viper pilots from the Galactica made their
way to the turbo lift.  Reaching the corridor they proceeded to Adama's
quarters.  Sheba and Bojay met them at the door.
     "Father!" exclaimed Sheba as she embraced her father.  "The guys
from maintenance said you were heading this way."
     "Sheba.  I've missed you," said Cain as he held his daughter in his
arms.  Looking up at Bojay, Cain continued, "Lieutenant, you're looking
good."
     "You're looking well yourself," said Bojay as he placed his hand on
Cain's shoulder.
     "Sheba, I will talk to you later after this meeting with Adama."

     "Oh, Father!  I thought I would never see you again!" exclaimed
Sheba as she held on to Commander Cain.
     "You should know it takes more than Cylons to get rid of me," said
Commander Cain with a twinkle in his eye while holding his daughter. 
"You go on now and we will get together later.  I need to talk to Adama
about that basestar."
     Reluctantly Sheba pulled herself away from her father.
     "Okay," said Sheba wiping tears of joy away from her eyes as she and
Bojay turned to leave.
     "I'll go with you," said Starbuck to Sheba and Bojay.  "Apollo has
the compu-tapes from our recon mission."  Then turning to Apollo he
continued, "Apollo, I'll meet you in the Officer's Club later."
     "Okay Starbuck."
     The four warriors entered the room and made their way to a large,
oval conference table set up in one area of the large outer room of
Adama's quarters.  The warriors seated themselves at the table.
     "Cain," said Adama, "Apparently you have been here longer so why
don't you fill us in what you know."
     Cain raised out of his chair and slowly strolled around the table.
     "Yes, we've been here for a while.  We have run a number of
reconnaissance missions over the Cylon base.  We have made sure to keep
from being detected by the Cylons."  Cain paused as he stood behind a
chair with both hands resting on the chair's back.  "I weighed my options
but couldn't figure out how to get the Pegasus close enough to the
basestar to destroy it without being detected by the Cylons.  The Cylons
keep a skeleton crew aboard the basestar so there is no way we could send
our elite force aboard the basestar to place detonators on it to destroy
it without alerting the Cylon forces at the base.  Even now with two
battlestars I can see no way that we can take that basestar and base
except by force."
     The room was silent as the warriors thought over their options. 
Apollo finally broke the silence.
     "We could use the Cylon raider to get aboard the basestar
undetected.  Once there we could set the detonators and then leave before
it blows."
     "You have a raider aboard the Galactica?" asked Cain as he looked at
Apollo.
     "We still have Baltar's raider.  We can probably fit four warriors
along with the necessary explosives and gear by removing some unnecessary
Cylon baggage," replied Apollo.
     "Great!" exclaimed Cain, "we can fly right into the basestar and
destroy it.  Once it is destroyed we can then destroy that Cylon base
along with all its information on the hyper-drive system."
     "I know our scientists would like to get their hands on the plans
for their hyper-drive system.  Think of the distance we could travel if
the hyper-drive could be adapted to a battlestar," said Adama with a
wishful look on his face.
     "Yes, I thought about that also.  But I believe the risks would be
too great to try to steal the information out from under the noses of the
Cylons," said Cain.  He looked at Adama and continued, "Then, Adama, if
that plan is suitable to you, I believe we should go with it."
     Adama silently nodded in agreement.
     "I believe that the Cylons are planning to try the new hyper-drive
on that basestar in about forty-two centars.  What is your calculations,
Adama?"
     "From our intelligence report it does appear that you are correct,"
replied Adama.  He hesitated for a micron, then continued, "We can begin
the task in thirty-six centars.  That will give us time to prepare the
raider for the flight.  In the meantime that will give the chance for the
crews of the Galactica and the Pegasus to get acquainted again."
     "Agreed," said Cain, "I will send Bojay back to the Pegasus and have
him direct it to this position.  There are some warriors that will be
glad to see him again.  And there are a couple of young ladies I want to
get acquainted with again also," said Cain with a twinkle in his eyes
referring to his daughter, Sheba, and to his former love, Cassiopea.
     The group broke up and began to depart.  Colonel Tigh and Commander
Adama remained.
     "I do hope this plan works," said Tigh.
     "Yes, I do too," replied Adama.  "But Cain is right.  One sight of a
battlestar and that basestar would be swarming with Cylon raiders.  In
fact my worst fear is that the basestar may be capable of hyper-drive
flight now and we could scare it in taking off.  Once in flight I fear we
could never catch it."
     "I have thought about that," said Colonel Tigh as he placed his hand
on his chin carefully thinking.
     "I don't like sending our warriors aboard a Cylon basestar but it
does seem to be our only alternative," said Adama.  Then changing the
subject he asked, "Are you going to the bridge from here?"
     "Yes, I am."
     "Get the coordinates of the Pegasus from Apollo or Starbuck and send
Bojay back to the Pegasus to have it brought back    here."
     "Yes, Adama," replied Tigh as he turned to leave.
     "Tigh."
     "Yes?" asked Tigh as he turned back around.
     "Meet me in the Officer's Club when your duty on the bridge is
over."
     "Sure," replied Tigh with smile as he turned to leave. 
     The dark skinned colonel left the room.  Adama stood there for a
micron, reflecting back on the missions that they had served together. 
No one man aboard the Galactica could he trust more than Tigh.  There
were no secrets kept between the two men.

** ***** **

     Cassiopea answered her door.  Commander Cain stood at the door.
     "Cain.  I heard that you were aboard the Galactica."
     "And you didn't come looking for me?" asked Cain with a look of
surprise.
     "No," replied Cassiopea with a smile pulling Cain into her arms, "I
figured you would find me."
     She kissed Cain on the lips.
     "I'm heading for the Officer's Club.  I wanted to see if you would
care to join me?"
     "Well, I can for a while.  I pull early shift at Life Center in the
morning so I can't stay out too late."
     Cain held out his arm and Cassiopea slipped her arm around his.  The
two left Cassiopea's quarters and walked to the Officer's Club.

     The two battlestars, like huge reptiles sunning themselves in the
pale star light, hung motionless in space.  The light of a thousand stars
reflected off their battered hulls.  While on the Battlestar Galactica
the Officer's Club was buzzing with excitement as warriors from both
battlestars mingled together.  The evening moved swiftly as their spirits
ran high.  
     Cassiopea saw Sheba enter the Officer's Club.  She looked down at
her chronometer.
     "It's getting late, Cain," said Cassiopea as she turned to Cain.  "I
need to go."
     "I'll walk you back to your quarters," said Cain as he raised out of
his chair.
     "No.  I think there is someone here to see you," replied Cassiopea
as she nodded toward Sheba.
     Sheba, seeing Cassiopea standing up to leave, walked over to their
table.
     "I'm just leaving," said Cassiopea.  She smiled at Cain, kissed him
on his cheek and turned to leave the Officer's Club.
     Commander Adama and Colonel Tigh, who were also seated at the table,
rose from their chairs.
     "It's getting late for me also," said Adama, "I need to rise early
to fill out some reports I have been putting off."
     "I need to go too," said Tigh as he slid his chair back under the
table, "I need to make sure that the Cylon raider is prepared for the
mission."
     "I will see you guys in the morning then," said Cain.
     Commander Adama and Colonel Tigh turned and walked out of the
Officer's Club together.
     Cain sat back down in his chair.  Sheba pulled a chair out across
from Cain and sat down.  Cain reached across the table and squeezed
Sheba's hand.
     "Father," said Sheba as she looked into his eyes, "Bojay and I want
to transfer back to the Pegasus.  It isn't the same here as it was on the
Pegasus."
     "Your squadron has missed your leadership," replied Cain, "but I
want you to complete this mission first before you transfer back to the
Pegasus."
     "Mission?  What is this mission that I have been hearing rumors
about?"
     "Bojay, Apollo, Starbuck and you have been selected to fly a raider
onto that Cylon basestar.  Apollo and Starbuck have been aboard a Cylon
basestar before.  I thought it would be good experience for you and
Bojay.  You never know when the information may be useful again," said
Cain.  Then he continued, "Once there you will place detonators to
destroy the basestar and then get off of it before it blows.  Once you're
off the Cylon basestar we are going to destroy the Cylon base along with
any information on the hyper-drive."
     "That sounds like an easy task," replied Sheba with skepticism in
her voice.
     Cain smiled.  "I know you can do it."
     The Officer's Club began to thin out as the evening had slipped by.
     "It's getting late," said Sheba after looking at her chronometer. 
"I really should turn in.  Tomorrow sounds like it is going to be a busy
day."
     "Yes, you're right," said Cain as he stood up and stretched.  "Come
on.  I'll walk you to your quarters."
     Father and daughter walked out of the Officer's Club with an arm
around each other.

** ***** **

     The bridge of the Galactica was bustling with activity when Adama
stepped onto it early the next morning.  Colonel Tigh motioned to Adama. 
Adama walked quickly over to the command center.
     "We're monitoring the transmissions from the Cylon base.  It appears
that several Cylon basestars are heading in this direction.  We believe
that one of the voices from one of the Cylon basestars could be that of
Lucifer's.  That means Baltar may be on his way," said Colonel Tigh.
     "When do you expect the arrival of the basestars?" asked Adama.
     "In approximately twelve centars."
     "Any indications when the Cylons are going to test the hyper-drive
on the basestar?"
     "We believe that it may be soon.  It appears that there is an
increase of activity at the Cylon base according to the transmissions."
     "Contact the assault force and get them to launch bay.  Keep them
close to that raider in case the Cylons head for the basestar."
     "Yes, Commander."

     "I sure wish I could go along with you guys," said Boomer as he met
the assault force in the launch bay.
     "I wish you could go with us, too, Boomer, but we can only fit four
of us in that raider," said Apollo as he walked over to the Cylon raider. 
Apollo climbed the ladder leading to the cabin of the Cylon raider.
     "Do you have one of those little electronic gizmos to keep our guys
from blowing us up on the return flight?" asked Starbuck.
     "Well, since you couldn't hang on to the pocket transmitter I gave
you last time I wired one into the electronic system of the raider.  Come
on inside and I'll show you how to activate it," said Boomer as he turned
around and climbed up into the raider.  Starbuck followed Boomer up the
ladder into the raider.
     "More room, eh Captain?" asked Boomer as he noticed Apollo surveying
the cockpit of the raider.
     "Yes, it's amazing how much excess baggage the Cylons carry in their
raiders," replied Apollo.
     "Here is the electronic device I was telling you about, Starbuck,"
said Boomer as he pointed out the device located under the control
console.  "This is the on/off switch which will activate the electronic
device.  We don't know if the Cylon scanners can pick up the signal so
leave it turned off on your way to the basestar.   But don't forget to
activate it when you leave the basestar."  Boomer moved over to one side
of the raider and pointed to several back packs.  "There are enough
explosives in those back packs to blow that basestar to shreds.  Locate
the explosives near the engines of that basestar and the explosion will
light up the heavens.  Just be sure you get off that basestar before it
blows."
     "We intend to, Boomer," said Apollo as he patted Boomer on his back. 
"It looks like you have everything ready for the mission."  Apollo
climbed down the ladder to the outside of the raider and looked around. 
"Are Sheba and Bojay down here yet?"
     "Yes, Captain," said Sheba from the back of the raider.  "Bojay and
I have never flown a raider.  We were getting a good close-up look at the
outside."

     "Commander, we are picking up an increased number of transmissions
from the Cylon base," said Athena as she continuously listened to her
head phone.
     "Are you picking up any launches from the base?"
     "No," replied Athena as she glanced back down at the monitor.  "So
far there have been no launchings in the last seven centars."
     "Keep me posted if there are any launches from the planet surface."
     "Yes, Commander."
     Adama turned to Colonel Tigh, "Is the assault team ready?"
     "Yes, Adama.  The assault team is currently in the launch bay near
the raider."
     "I suggest that you get the assault force into the raider in case
those transmissions are an indication that the Cylons are preparing to
launch."
     "Yes, Adama," said Colonel Tigh as he turned and walked over to the
communication center.  He turned on a switch to activate the telecom to
the launch bay.
     "Captain Apollo."
     Apollo walked over to the telecom located on a nearby wall in the
launch bay.
     "Yes, Colonel," replied Apollo as he looked at Colonel Tigh on the
monitor.
     "We are picking up increased transmissions from the Cylon base.  The
commander suggests that you board the Cylon raider in preparation for a
launch."
     "Yes, Colonel.  We're getting on board now."


     Starbuck, Apollo, Sheba and Bojay made their way on board the Cylon
raider.  Apollo and Starbuck sat in the two pilot chairs.  Sheba and
Bojay sat in the two make-shift chairs that replaced the third Centurion
seat.  Starbuck ran through a complete systems check on the raider. 
After the successful completion of the systems check, Captain Apollo
keyed his mic.
     "This Captain Apollo to Galactica bridge.  We await further orders."
     After a micron of silence Athena responded, "This is Galactica
bridge to Assault Force One.  Standby for further orders."
     "Assault Force One standing by," replied Apollo.

     Athena pressed her headphone closer to her ear.  "I believe there
has been a launch from the Cylon base," said Athena as she looked up. 
She then looked down to the scanner and adjusted one of the dials.  "Yes,
it has been confirmed.  Three crafts have been launched from the base."
     "It's time for a fourth," said Adama.  "Launch Assault Force One."
     "Yes, Commander."
     Athena placed her hand on the mouth piece of her headphone as she
spoke into it, "Section two, launch bay Alpha.  Standby to launch raider. 
Vector coordinates coded and transferred.  Core Systems transferring
control to raider.  Remember, maintain radio silence once launched. 
Launch when ready."
     Starbuck and Apollo pushed the dual control forward as the mantis
shaped craft accelerated on the floor of Alpha landing bay that was
normally used for landing vipers.  Once outside the Galactica the two
guided the raider around the planet into open space.  Using the
coordinates supplied by the Galactica bridge, the raider streaked toward
the basestar.  Within a few centons the Cylon basestar came into visual
view.
     "Let's step on it, Starbuck," said Apollo.  "Those other raiders are
getting near the Cylon basestar now."
     The two engines tremored as they burned at maximum.  Quickly the
raider closed the distance to the basestar.  Suddenly the radio began to
pick up a Cylon transmission.
     "Ignore it," said Apollo, "Maybe they will think our radio is
inoperative."
     Starbuck and Apollo held the raider on course for the basestar.  The
transmissions continued as they got closer to it.  The three raiders
entered the landing bay of the basestar.
     "Hang on," said Starbuck as they guided the raider toward the
landing bay entrance.
     "Hey!" yelled Sheba from behind the control seats, "The landing bay
doors are closing!"
     Wide-eyed the four warriors watched as the upper and lower doors
began to close.  With the steady hands of experienced viper pilots
Starbuck and Apollo guided the raider through the narrowing opening into
the landing bay.  The raider touched down on the floor.  They guided the
raider toward one side of the near-empty landing bay.  The killer
basestar could hold up to three hundred raiders at any one given time but
only five raiders sat on the landing bay floor.  The warriors peered
through the view port of the raider.  The landing bay appeared to be
deserted.  Apollo pressed the button to open the hatch and dropped the
ladder to the landing bay floor.  Apollo drew his laser pistol and
cautiously climbed down the ladder to the floor.
     "The bay is empty," said Apollo as he placed his pistol back into
its holster.  He looked up as Bojay handed down one of the backpacks.  He
slipped his arms through the straps and adjusted the straps to secure the
backpack to his back.  Starbuck, Sheba and Bojay climbed down from the
raider with their backpacks on their backs.
     "All we need to do is to attach the explosives to the outside casing
of the engines.  We have electronic transmitters with which we can set
the detonators later from anywhere aboard this basestar.  Any questions?"
asked Apollo as he looked at each warrior.  "If not, let's go."
     Cautiously they opened the hatch leading down from the landing bay. 
A long ladder stretched down to the floor below them.  No Centurion
guards were posted at the base of the ladder.
     "Starbuck, lead the way.  Sheba and Bojay, you follow Starbuck and I
will bring up the rear," said Apollo.
     "Got'cha, Captain," replied Starbuck as he started down the ladder. 
Bojay started down next followed by Sheba.  Apollo took a last quick look
around the landing bay before starting down the ladder.  Quickly climbing
down the ladder Apollo met up with the other three warriors.
     "No sign of any Centurions, Apollo," said Starbuck as he looked up
and down the corridor with his laser pistol drawn.
     "Good.  They must not be expecting us," replied Apollo, "Let's get
on down to the engine room and deploy the explosives."
     Starbuck led the way to the engine room.  The door slid open and the
four warriors entered.  Quickly the four warriors attached the explosives
magnetically to the metal housing of the engines.  Just as Sheba was
attaching the last explosive pack she looked up in horror as the basestar
began tremble.
     "They must be getting ready to fly this crate," said Apollo as he
was thrown to the floor.  "Everyone out of here!" yelled Apollo but none
of the warriors could stand because of the tremendous vibrations caused
by the hyper-drive engines engaging.  After a few centons the vibrations
lessened so they were able to scramble back to their feet.
     "I wish I knew where we're going," said Bojay.
     "So do I," replied Starbuck.  After a micron of hesitation he
continued, "I believe there is a second control room nearby.  The Cylons
only use it when they are under heavy attack.  Being so deep inside the
basestar it is less vulnerable to the attacks.  We should be able to
monitor the flight of the basestar from there."
     "That sounds reasonable," said Apollo, "We have some time to kill
and that sounds like a good place to spend it.  Why don't you lead the
way, Starbuck."
     Starbuck led the way out of the engine room and down the corridor. 
The warriors looked cautiously around but saw no signs of Cylon
Centurions.
     "I believe this is it," said Starbuck as he pressed the button to
open the door.  The four entered the room and closed the door behind
them.  The room was filled with computers and monitoring equipment.

** ***** **

     "Commander."
     "Yes?" asked Adama as he walked over to Colonel Tigh who was
positioned at the bridge console.
     "Our scanners indicate that the engines of that basestar are being
fired."
     "But the assault team hasn't had enough time to get out," said Adama
with concern in his voice.
     "No.  The computer projects that they should be half-way completed
with their mission by now," replied Colonel Tigh.  "Maybe they are only
testing the engines," continued Tigh as he tried to ease Adama's fears.
     "Negative, Colonel," said Flight Officer Omega. "The basestar is
moving away from the Cylon base."
     Commander Adama and Colonel Tigh looked at the scanner.  The blip on
the scanner quickly disappeared.
     "How fast is that basestar moving?" asked Adama.
     "The computer is working on that now, Sir," replied Omega as he
watched the computer screen.  "The computer estimates that the Cylon
basestar is travelling nearly ten times light speed," said Omega as he
looked up from the computer.
     "Ten times faster than a battlestar," said Adama as he rubbed his
chin while slowing thinking about the danger to the fleet that the
basestar presented.  "That basestar must be destroyed along with all the
information at that Cylon base at all cost."  Adama looked down at Omega. 
"Send a shuttle over to the Pegasus to inform Cain of what is going on."
     "Yes, Sir."

** ***** **

     The door slid open to a dimly lit room.  Lucifer entered gliding
silently.  The pedestal revolved around revealing the seated figure in
the chair perched atop it.
     "Yes, Lucifer?"
     "The commander of  the Cylon base on Stagmire V has just informed us
that the basestar with the hyper-drive engine has begun its initial
testing."
     "I thought you informed him that I wanted to be there on its first
flight!" Baltar said angrily.
     "I did inform Hector but he said that they would not delay the
testing to wait for you."
     "But we'll be there in a matter of centars!"
     "Yes, I know," said Lucifer smugly.
     "Who is this Hector that is in charge of the base on Stagmire V?"
demanded Baltar.
     "An IL series Cylon."
     "An IL series just like you?" quizzed Baltar knowing that Lucifer
was programmed to take orders only.
     "Well, it would be classified as a second generation series."
     "The main difference being...?"
     "The second generation IL series Cylon is equipped with a smaller
but more powerful microprocessor," replied Lucifer coldly.
     "Do I detect another hint of jealousy?" asked Baltar smiling
broadly.  Changing his tone of voice Baltar continued, "Inform the
Centurions that I want this basestar to move at maximum speed to get to
that base as quickly as possible."
     "By your command," said Lucifer as he bowed.  Turning around he
glided out of the room.

** ***** **
     "How fast is this basestar travelling?" asked Apollo with skepticism
in his voice after hearing Sheba give the speed of the basestar.
     "I said according to the instruments this basestar is travelling at
ten times light speed," replied Sheba.
     Starbuck let out a whistle.  "This baby is flat out flying!"
     "Are you sure, Sheba?" asked Apollo as he walked over to the console
where Sheba was seated.
     "Yes, Apollo.  I checked the information twice and I came up with
the same reading each time."
     "That is phenomenal," said Apollo, "it's no wonder Adama and Cain
were so concerned with destroying this basestar.  Imagine if Baltar got
his hands on this basestar.  There would be no stopping him then."
     "That is why we were sent here to take care of this basestar, ol'
buddy," said Starbuck as he munched on a K-biscuit.
     "Let's hope that the Galactica and Pegasus will be able to destroy
that Cylon base along with all the information on the hyper-drive
engine," said Apollo.
     "With Cain in charge I don't have any doubts that the base will be
utterly destroyed," said Bojay defiantly.
     Apollo shot a quick look at Sheba.  Sheba's eyes met Apollo's then
looked away.  Apollo then stared at Bojay.
     "Now...now," said Starbuck as he walked between Apollo and Bojay, "I
think Cain and Adama can handle that Cylon base."

** ***** **

     "Any sign of that basestar yet?" asked Adama.
     "No, Commander.  The basestar is still out of our scanner range,"
replied Omega.  After a micron of hesitation Omega continued.  "According
to the transmissions we are picking up there are at least three more
basestars enroute to this base."
     "What is the expected time of arrival for the additional basestars?"
     "At their present speed they will be arriving in a matter of
centars."
     "I don't like the way things are beginning to develop," said Adama
as he turned toward Tigh.  "You had better make sure that Blue Squadron
is ready for a battle."
     "Yes, Adama."

** ***** **

     "I am picking up the Cylon base on the long range scanners," said
Sheba as she looked up from the monitor.  "We should be there in a matter
of a few centons at our current speed."
     "Let's go," said Apollo as he stood up.  "I want us off this
basestar as soon as it stops."
     The four warriors left the control room and headed for the ladder
that led back to the landing bay.  Apollo looked up the ladder then
started to climb up it.  Quickly the four climbed the ladder and crawled
through the hatch to the landing bay.  They could feel the basestar as it
came to a halt.
     "I'm setting the detonators now," said Apollo as he pressed the keys
on the electronic transmitter.  "That gives us ten centons to get off
this basestar."
     "Then we'd better get to the raider," said Starbuck as he took the
lead.
     Quickly the four made their way across the landing bay toward the
Cylon basestar.  Suddenly Starbuck stopped and threw his hand up.
     "Cylons!" Starbuck whispered loudly.
     The four warriors drew their laser pistols and took cover behind a
supporting pillar.  Two armed Cylon Centurions guarded their raider.
     "Must not have liked the way we parked it," joked Starbuck.
     The two Cylon Centurions turned and began to fire at the warriors. 
The four returned fire and the two Centurions exploded in a shower of
sparks.  Laser fire erupted from behind them.  Bojay yelled in pain as
the laser fire struck him in the leg.  Starbuck whirled and fired at the
Centurion who had just entered the landing bay through a nearby hatch. 
The Centurion exploded in a shower of sparks.
     "Get the engines started on that raider!" yelled Apollo.  "We only
have five centons before this basestar explodes!"
     Starbuck ran to the raider and climbed the ladder into it.  Apollo
and Sheba helped Bojay to his feet.  Putting his weight on Apollo's
shoulder, Bojay and Apollo made their way to the raider.  Sheba climbed
the ladder first and helped to pull Bojay up the ladder as Apollo pushed
from underneath.  Apollo scrambled up the ladder once Bojay was pulled
into the raider.  He pushed the button to retract the ladder and close
the hatch on the raider.
     "Hit it, Starbuck!" yelled Apollo as he sat in the empty control
seat and grabbed one side of the dual control.  Together Apollo and
Starbuck operated the controls to launch the raider.  The raider taxied
across the landing bay floor. 
     "Hit the lasers," yelled Apollo as he noticed the landing bay doors
still closed, "we're going to have to make a door."
     The twin laser cannons spewed laser fire at the closed doors.  With
continual firing an opening large enough for the raider was created for
it to pass through.
     "We've cleared the landing bay," said Apollo looking at his
chronometer.  "We've two centons to get clear of the basestar before it
blows."

** ***** **

     "Commander, we are picking up a fast moving blip on our scanner."
     "The basestar?" asked Adama.
     "It could be," said Flight Officer Omega as he checked the computer. 
"Yes, computer has confirmed it."
     "Let me know when you pick up the signal of that raider."
     "Yes, Commander."
     "Commander."
     "Yes, Athena?" asked Adama as he turned around to the communications
center.
     "It's Commander Cain."
     "He broke radio silence?" asked Adama sternly.
     "Yes, Adama," replied Cain as his image appeared on the monitor. 
"It looks like Blue Squadron is going to have to take out that Cylon
base."
     Adama looked puzzling at Cain.  "Check your long range scanner.  It
should be picking them up by now.  Three Cylon basestars have just
entered this quadrant," said Cain.
     Adama looked at Omega.  Omega checked the long range scanner and
nodded to Adama.
     "I will take the Pegasus and detain the basestars long enough for
you to destroy the base and pick up our assault force."
     "But, Cain, you can't destroy three Cylon basestars!" said Adama.
     "I said detain them, not destroy them, Adama," replied Cain lifting
his swagger stick in the air.
     "I guess there is no alternative.  Go Cain, with my prayers.  May
the Lord be with you and your crew."
     "Good luck, Adama, until we meet again.  Give Sheba my love," said
Cain just before the monitor went blank.
     "Commander, we have the raider on visual," said Omega.  "It has just
exited the basestar."
     "Battlestations!  Launch Blue Squadron to destroy that Cylon base,"
said Adama.
     "Yes, Commander."
     The klaxons began to sound as the yellow alert lights quickly
changed when the red alert sounded.
     "This is Galactica bridge to Blue Squadron.  Launch all vipers."
     Blue Squadron pilots rushed to their waiting vipers.  Within microns
the vipers were launched into space.  They streaked toward the Cylon
base.  Catching the Cylons totally off guard, Blue Squadron quickly
attacked it before the Cylons could reach their fighters.

     "Commander, the Cylon basestar has just exploded," said Omega as he
watched the basestar exploding on the monitor.
     "Did the raider make it clear of the debris?" asked Colonel Tigh.
     "Yes, we still have it on our scanner," replied Omega after checking
the scanner.
     "What is the status of the Pegasus?" asked Adama.
     "It is enroute to the three Cylon basestars right now."
     "Plot an intercept course for that raider," said Adama.
     "Yes, Adama."
     The huge engines of the Galactica ignited.  Slowly the Galactica
maneuvered around the planet.  Within centons the Cylon raider was
preparing to land on the Galactica.
     "This is Assault Force One requesting permission to land.  We have
one medical emergency."
     "Permission to land granted.  We have a medical team on their way to
the launch bay," spoke Athena into her mic.
     Within microns the raider touched down on the landing bay floor. 
The raider taxied to a stop.  Bojay was lowered out of the raider and
placed on a stretcher.  Once his condition was stabilized he was quickly
taken to life center.  Starbuck, Apollo and Sheba made their way out of
the landing bay and to the bridge.

** ***** **

     Baltar entered the control room of the basestar.
     "What is the emergency?" asked Baltar referring to the emergency
sirens.
     "We have deployed the raiders to engage an approaching battlestar."
     "The Galactica?  Adama must be insane to attack three Cylon
basestars."
     Lucifer looked at Baltar.  After a micron of hesitation he spoke.
     "The Centurions are reporting that it is not the Galactica but the
Pegasus that they are engaging."
     "The Pegasus?  Commander Cain?  Impossible!  We destroyed the
Pegasus."
     "Apparently not," replied Lucifer smugly.  It wasn't often that he
saw Baltar squirm.
     "Where is the Galactica?"
     "It is attacking the Cylon base on Stagmire V at this very micron. 
Commander Hector is requesting our help.  He doesn't think the base can
hold out much longer on its own."
     "This was all a trap to get me!" exclaimed Baltar.  "Adama and Cain
want to kill me.  There never was a basestar with a hyper-drive, was
there?"  accused Baltar as he looked at Lucifer with fear in his eyes.
     "There was," informed Lucifer, "but the Galactica and the Pegasus
have already destroyed it."
     "Drop this basestar behind the other two," demanded Baltar.
     "What about Commander Hector and the Cylon base?" asked Lucifer.
     "Let them fend for themselves.  I must survive to serve the Cylon
Empire."

** ***** **

     "Recall Blue Squadron, Colonel.  The Cylon base has been destroyed."
     "Yes, Commander."
     One by one the vipers of Blue Squadron landed aboard the Galactica. 
The Cylon  base on Stagmire V laid burning.  Sporadic explosions rocked
the Cylon outpost.
     "Commander."
     "Yes, Colonel?"
     "We have a large number of fighter crafts approaching.  Forty
microns and closing."
     "Re-launch Blue Squadron."
     Colonial warrior viper pilots scrambled back into their waiting
vipers.  Apollo, Starbuck and Sheba left the bridge to head for the
launching bay.  Vipers rocketed trough the launch tubes into space to
engage the approaching raiders.
     "Positive shield," said Adama.  Omega pressed the button that closed
the shield over the bridge view port.
     "Where did those raiders come from?" asked Adama.
     "We're picking up a Cylon basestar that has just appeared on our
scanner.  The planet shielded the basestar from our scanners.
     "Is it only one basestar?"
     "It's the only one our scanner is picking up right now," replied
Colonel Tigh.
     "Then let's take it," said Adama enthusiastically.
     "Attack a basestar?" asked a surprised Colonel Tigh.
     "Yes," replied Adama thoughtfully. "That basestar is unprotected as
long as our vipers keep its raiders engaged.  We must destroy the
basestar or damage it regardless of the consequences.  We can not allow
it to trail us back to the fleet. It could lead the rest of the Cylon
forces to the fleet.  And that is a chance we can not take."
     "Yes, Commander."
     "Bring the Galactica around one-hundred-thirty degrees on mark
seven-three-nine.  Hold her steady as we go.  Engage the force field and
arm the missiles."
     The Galactica broke its position and proceeded toward the basestar. 
The basestar held its position as the battlestar began bearing down on
it.

     "Is the commander going to do what I think he is?" asked Starbuck as
he watched the Galactica closing in on the Cylon basestar.
     "It looks like it," replied Apollo.  "Boomer, you're Blue leader
until we get back."
     "And where are you going?" asked Boomer.
     "To check out our rear flank," replied Apollo as he pressed the
turbo button on his control stick.  Swinging his viper around Apollo
streaked toward the basestar.  Starbuck kicked his turbos in to catch up
with Apollo.
     "Let's try to knock out some of the rocket launchers," said Apollo. 
"You take the left side and I've got the right side."

     "Commander, two vipers have pulled out of the battle and are heading
in this direction," said Colonel Tigh as he monitored the scanner.
     "Apollo and Starbuck?"
     "Probably," replied Colonel Tigh watching the monitor, "It looks
like they are heading straight for the basestar.  I wonder what they are
up to?"
     "They must be going after the rocket launchers."
     "You're right.  They're taking them out," Colonel Tigh replied as he
watched the monitor as the two vipers began firing at the rocket
launchers.  

     After taking the majority of the rocket launchers out on the
basestar, Starbuck and Apollo swung around in their vipers to watch the
Galactica.  With the laser turrets locked on the basestar, the Galactica
continued to fire.
     "The vipers have cleared out most of the rocket launchers,
Commander."
     "Lets go in," said Adama as he stood watching the basestar on the
monitor.  "Lock on missiles."
     "Missile one locked on," replied Colonel Tigh as he activated the
attack computer.
     "Fire missile one."
     Colonel Tigh raised the red cover concealing the missile fire
switch.  He flipped the switch to fire the missile.  The sound of the
missile igniting and being propelled through the launch tube could be
heard on the bridge above the noise of the klaxons blaring.
     "Missile one away."
     "Fire missile two."
     Colonel Tigh fired the second missile.  
     "Missile two away."
     They watched on the view screen as the first missile struck the
basestar.  A streak of light emerged from the basestar. In microns the
second missile impacted the basestar.  
     "They've launched a missile, Sir," Omega said as he monitored the
screen.  "Brace yourself for the impact."     
     The huge battlestar quaked as the missile exploded.  Crew members
were knocked off their feet as the lights flickered on the bridge.  
     "Damage report!" barked Adama as he gripped the rail of the command
bridge.
     "Reports are coming in now," acknowledged Omega, studying the
monitor.  "There appear to be no major structural damage.  The hull was
breached in several compartments which have been sealed off.  There are
reports of some casualties.  Emergency crews are on their way to the
damaged area."  
     "Fire missile three."
     Colonel Tigh fired the third missile.  The battlestar shuddered as
the third missile fired.  The view screen showed the third missile
impacting against the basestar.  With a blinding flash the basestar
exploded.  A cheer went up from the bridge with the destruction of the
basestar.
     "Current status," Adama said as he looked around the bridge.
     Flight Officer Omega looked over the computerized report as it
emerged from the computer printer.  "We took the one hit.  The force
shield took the brunt of the explosion.  Initial reports indicate that
there are four casualties along with scores of injuries."
     Grimly, Adama looked at Omega, "Can you pick up the Pegasus on the
scanner?"
     "Yes.  I have the Pegasus on the scanner now," replied Omega as he
looked at Adama.
     "Recall Blue Squadron and open fleet commline alpha to the Pegasus."
said Adama to Athena referring to the automatic scrambled communication
between warships.  "We'll give Cain a hand if we're not too late."
     "Yes, Sir."
     Within microns Commander Cain appeared on the monitor.
     "Looks like you haven't lost your touch, Adama," said Cain with a
twinkle in his eye referring to the basestar that the Galactica had just
engaged.
     "We're having trouble scanning through the debris and radiation in
your area.  How are you faring?"
     "Two Cylon basestars destroyed--but Baltar's basestar has escaped
while we were engaging the other two."
     "We'll be with you in a few centons," said Adama.  "We can go after
Baltar together."
     "Negative, Adama.  We are picking up three Cylon basestars just
entering this sector.  You should be picking them up on your scanner
soon."
     Adama looked at Tigh and then at Omega.  Omega looked up from the
scanner and nodded to Adama.  The Galactica's scanner was now picking up
the three basestars.
     "We're picking them up now," replied Adama as he turned back to the
monitor.
     "The Pegasus will lead the Cylon basestars away from the Galactica
so you can return to the fleet without the Cylons following you back."
     "No," replied Adama, "The Galactica is closer to the basestars than
the Pegasus.  We will lead the basestars away while you get back to
protect the fleet. Then we will meet up with the fleet later."
     "But, Adama!" protested Cain.
     "Listen, Cain.  You get the Pegasus out of there while you can. 
We'll send the coordinates of the fleet over fleet commline alpha."
     "I don't like it but, as usual, you're right," replied Cain,
thoroughly displeased with the plan.  After a micron of hesitation Cain
continued, "May the Lord be with you and your crew."
     "Thanks, Cain."
     "Is Sheba on the bridge?"
     "No, she hasn't made it up from the landing bay yet."
     "Give her my love.  Until we meet again," said Cain as the screen
went blank.
     "Set a course to intercept those basestars," said Adama as he turned
to Omega.                                                  
     "Yes, Sir," Omega replied as he made the new course adjustment. 
     "Are the viper pilots all back aboard?" asked Adama as he turned to
Tigh.
     "Yes, Sir.  All the pilots are accounted for," replied Tigh looking
up over a computer print out.  "We did lose three pilots in that last
encounter."
     Solemnly, Adama looked around the bridge.  Those last words weighed
heavily on his mind.  
     "Commander.  We're coming up in range of the three basestars,"
informed Omega.
     Snapping out of his thoughts Adama turned his attention back to the
scanner.  
     "Skirt around the basestars.  We want them to follow us away from
the Pegasus."
     "Yes, Sir."
     Omega maneuvered the Galactica toward the basestars and then veered
away from them.  
     "Sir.  One of the basestars has broken away from the others.  It
appears to be heading for the Pegasus," said Omega, watching the scanner.
     "Bring the Galactica to a halt.  Let's see if we can draw that third
basestar back.  Swing the Galactica around as if we are preparing to
attack."
     "Yes, Sir."
     The huge battlestar slowly turned around.  The two basestars
continued toward the Galactica as the third basestar continued travelling
away.  Adama turned to the communications console where Athena was
seated.
     "Scramble Blue Squadron!" 
     Within microns the pilots were rocketing through the launch tubes
into space.  
     "Heads up," said Apollo as he spoke into his mic as he led Blue
Squadron toward the Cylon basestars, "We're to limit our engagement with
the Cylons.  Lets try to draw the raiders away from the basestars and the
Galactica."
     The vipers streaked toward the wave of Cylon raiders.  Within
centons the darkness of space lit up as laser fire spewed from both the
raiders and the vipers.

     Adama strolled over to the flight control panel.  Omega looked up
from the scanner.
     "Sir, the third basestar is continuing after the Pegasus."
     Adama stroked his chin as he sought solutions.  Turning around, he
walked over to Athena at the communications console.  
     "Launch Red Squadron.  Contact Apollo and have him lead Blue
Squadron against that third basestar."
                    
     "We're going to do what?" Starbuck asked, pulling his viper beside
Apollo's.
     "You heard the Captain," responded Boomer from his viper, "We're
going to attack a Cylon basestar.
     "That's right, Starbuck, we've got to engage that basestar," replied
Apollo, "We've got to detain it so the Pegasus can get back to the fleet
without being followed by any basestar."
     "Commander Cain won't leave this battle field to go baby-sit the
fleet," said Sheba as she joined the conversation.
     "Well, Commander Cain, like a good warrior, is on his way now to the
fleet.  You may find that hard to believe but Cain knows when to obey
orders," replied Apollo as he led Blue Squadron toward the basestar. 
We've got our orders so let's make sure that we do our job."
     Within microns Blue Squadron was in striking range of the basestar. 
The pilots slowed up, following Apollo's lead.
     "Line up and follow me in.  Concentrate your fire on the rocket
launchers.  We've got to get their attention," said Apollo as he punched
the turbo button on his control stick guiding his viper toward the
basestar.       
     The vipers blasted the rocket launchers as they dodged the returning
laser fire.  The basestar continued without deploying its raiders.  
     "It's not working, Apollo," Starbuck said as he completed his
current run on the basestar.
     "Let's concentrate our laser fire on the launch bay doors.  Maybe
that will get their attention if they can't launch their raiders," Apollo
replied as he started another run on the basestar.
     "Yeah, maybe so, but we'd better hurry.  My fuel is getting low and
we're a long way from the Galactica," muttered Starbuck under his breath.
     
     "What's the status of Blue Squadron?" asked Adama as he turned his
attention back to Omega.
     "They are still attacking the basestar but it hasn't stop to engage
them yet."
     "How much longer before they must return for fuel?"
     "Computer estimates that they should have another seventeen centons
before returning," replied Omega as he accessed the information.
     Adama turned and walked over to Athena.  "Prepare to open fleet
commline alpha to the Pegasus if Blue Squadron is unable to stop the
basestar."
     "Sir, we're picking up a scrambled Cylon transmission," replied
Athena pressing the ear phone against her head.  
     "Have you been able to pin-point the source of the transmission?"
     "Yes.  It is coming from sector three of this quadrant."
     Adama glanced to the star map behind the command console then back
to Athena.  "Keep me informed of any more transmissions.
     "Yes, Sir."
     
     "It's working, Apollo," Boomer spoke into his mic as he watched the
Cylon basestar finally stop.  "I believe we may have inflicted some
internal damage."     
     "I thought we could get their attention if we tried hard enough,"
replied Apollo.  "I just hope we've jammed those launch bay doors enough
that they can't get their raiders out."
     "I say let's finish them off while we can," asserted Starbuck.  "A
couple more runs..."
     "We're almost out of fuel, Starbuck," Apollo said as he cut Starbuck
off. "Let's get back to the Galactica while we can."
     One by one the viper pilots ignited their turbo engines as they
streaked toward the Galactica.  

     "Commander, Blue Squadron is returning to base.  The basestar
appears to be dead.  Our scanners indicate that the temperature is
increasing near critical levels on the basestar," informed Omega as he
monitored the scanner.
     "Good!" Adama exclaimed walking over to the control center, "Tigh,
recall Red Squadron."
     "Yes, Sir."
     "Commander, the other two basestars appear to be pulling away," said
Omega looking up at Adama, "The raiders are returning to their
basestars."
     "Pulling away?" Adama asked looking at Tigh. 
     "I wonder what they're up to?" asked Tigh.
     "I don't know but as soon as our viper pilots are aboard I want to
get the Galactica out of here.  Deploy a patrol of vipers to bring up our
rear flank.  I don't want any Cylons to follow us back to the fleet."
     "Yes, Sir."
     "Lay in the coordinates back to the fleet," said Adama as he turned
his attention back to Omega, "Get us underway just as soon as Colonel
Tigh gives you the signal."
     "Yes, Sir."

** ***** **
        
      Adama sat at his desk in his quarters speaking into the mic
connected to his computer, updating his personal journal.  Words appeared
on the monitor as he spoke into the mic.
     "...we arrived back to the fleet today.  The time away from the
fleet went without incident.  Oh, problems persist as fuel supplies are
running low.  We have patrols out now searching for tylium ore in this
quadrant that can be turned into fuel.  
     Cain and the Pegasus never made it back to the fleet.  I now believe
that the Pegasus must have run across Baltar's basestar after it had
departed.  Baltar must have pulled the basestars from battle with us to
save his own neck.  As always, Cain's plan worked as it allowed the
Galactica to get away and get back to the fleet without the Cylons
following.  That's one of the reasons why Cain is such a legend.  It was
hard telling Sheba that her father had to leave her on the Galactica. 
She had so much wanted to be reunited with her Father and the crew of the
Pegasus.  But I feel that the paths of the Galactica and the Pegasus will
cross again...."

The End