SHUTTLECRAFT 3 COPYRIGHT 1994, Rick Perriguey Version 1 Athena walked onto the bridge of the Galactica and saw Colonel Tigh talking on a commline. She strolled over to him. "What's the matter, Colonel?" "I'm trying to line up a shuttle pilot to pick up some electronic equipment from the Celestra, but most of the shuttle pilots are down with the flu. I hate to bother the viper pilots that haven't been affected, since they're all exhausted from the recent attacks from the Cylons." "I'll deliver it." "Would you?" "Sure. Let me get my gear and I'll pilot it to the Celestra." "I'll have the shuttlecraft ready for you. By the way, how is the commander feeling now?" "Much better now. Father said this is the worst case of the flu he's ever had. Doctor Salik said it's a strain of the Borellian flu that's going around," replied Athena as she turned to leave the bridge. Athena entered the shuttlecraft and ran a quick systems check. "This is shuttlecraft three to Galactica bridge," she said as she switched on the commline. "I'm ready to launch at your command." "Launch bay Alpha, stand by to launch shuttlecraft. Vector coordinates coded and transferred. Core Systems transferring control to shuttlecraft. Launch when ready," said Flight Officer Omega. Once in space, Athena headed the shuttlecraft toward the Celestra, which was on the far side of the fleet some distance away. "This is Shuttlecraft Three to Galactica bridge. I am experiencing radio interference," said Athena as static crackled over the intercom speakers. Warning lights flashed, the scanner indicating approaching danger. On the Galactica, both Colonel Tigh and Omega watched the scanner analyze the area in front of Shuttlecraft Three. "What is it?" asked Omega. "It has the makings of an ion storm," replied Colonel Tigh, picking up the microphone. "Pull back, Athena! Pull back! An ion storm is heading directly toward your shuttle!" "She's not responding," Omega said. "The storm's interfering with the radio. Caught in the grip of the storm, the shuttlecraft was quickly swept away from the fleet. The turbulence of the shuttlecraft caused a strapping that secured a small crate to pull loose from its anchor. The crate struck Athena on her helmet, knocking her unconscious. Colonel Tigh and Flight Officer Omega watched in awe as the shuttlecraft disappeared off the scanner. "Do you think the rest of the fleet is in danger?" asked Omega. "No, it appears that the storm is moving away from the fleet," replied Colonel Tigh. "The shuttle just happened to be in the wrong place." "Captain Apollo, please select three members of Blue Squadron and prepare for a search and rescue mission," Colonel Tigh said over a commline channel. Within microns, the team was assembled in the launching bay. The four pilots ran the routine systems checks on their vipers. "This is Captain Apollo to Galactica bridge. We await further orders." "Captain Apollo," said Colonel Tigh over the speaker in Apollo's viper, "Athena's shuttlecraft was caught in an ion storm and swept out of our scanner range. Vector coordinates coded and transferred. Core Systems transferring control to probe crafts. Launch when ready." With thoughts of his sister on his mind, Apollo pressed the turbo button on his control stick and blasted through the launch tube into space. Starbuck, Jolly, and Boomer followed. Using the coordinates supplied by the Galactica, the vipers streaked after Athena's shuttlecraft. The door slid open to a dimly lit room, admitting a dark metallic figure. A chair perched high on a pedestal revolved, exposing a seated figure. Lucifer, now commander of Baltar's former basestar. "Speak, Centurion." "We have located a Colonial shuttlecraft that was blown off course by the ion storm. We have captured the female pilot. According to the shuttlecraft's registry log, she is Commander Adama's daughter. Should we terminate the human?" "Commander Adama's daughter of the Galactica." Lucifer's lights glowed brighter. "I think I may have plans for her. Take her to the laboratory." "By your command," said the centurion. Thoughts danced through Lucifer's mind. With the capture of the Galactican pilot, the possibilities were endless. Now Adama would pay dearly for all the trouble he had caused the Cylon Empire. The vipers had travelled as far as they could on the fuel they had, finding no sign of Athena's shuttlecraft. "Let's get back to the Galactica so we can refuel," said Apollo, swinging his viper around. The four vipers streaked back towards the Galactica. They rode in silence as they thought of Athena. "We'll find her, Apollo. I know we will," said Starbuck, breaking the silence as the Galactica came into view. I hope you're right," said Apollo. "I hope you're right." The four vipers touched down on the landing bay floor. The canopies on the slid open as the pilots removed their helmets. "Get these vipers refueled and ready to launch as soon as possible!" yelled Apollo to the maintenance crew, climbing down from his viper. The pilots left the landing bay and rode the turbo lift to the main floor. They quickly strode to the bridge. "Father, we want to launch again as soon as our vipers are refueled," said Apollo. "No, Apollo," replied Commander Adama, "I have a second search party ready to launch now. All of you need to get some rest right now. I want you to prepare yourself for a recon patrol a little later. We need to keep aware of the positions of the Cylon basestars." "But Father!" "You heard me, Apollo!" Adama said, raising his voice, covering his concern for his daughter. "Commander," broke in Cassandra at the communications station, "I'm receiving a call from Shuttlecraft Three. Athena is okay but she is confused and disoriented." "Contact the second search party and send Sheba and Bojay to escort the shuttlecraft back to the Galactica," Adama said, heaving a heavy sigh of relief. His eyes met Apollo's, whose tired, gloomy face suddenly brightened with the news. "Yes, Commander." Within microns, two vipers blasted through the launch tubes into space. They raced to the coordinates supplied by the Galactica. Meeting Shuttlecraft Three, the vipers escorted it back. Athena sat on the edge of an examination table in the life station with her friends and family. The med tech had finished the examination. Holding one hand on her head, Athena explained, "The instruments went dead when the shuttlecraft encountered the interference caused by the ion storm. Then the shuttlecraft was ripped from its course and the turbulence caused some of the small crates to break loose. One of them hit me on the back of my helmet, knocking me out. I don't remember anything until I came to in the shuttlecraft just prior to contacting the Galactica bridge." "I find nothing wrong with Athena except that she does have a mild concussion." The med tech put the examination instruments away. "A couple days of rest to get rid of that headache should have her back to her old self again." "You don't know how worried we were," Apollo said, hugging his sister. "Even Starbuck was worried," added Apollo, winking at Starbuck. "Well," stammered Starbuck, blushing. "I'd do the same for any missing warrior." Adama walked over to Athena and held her in his arms. "Thank the Lord you're safe." Turning to Apollo, he asked, "Would you walk Athena to her quarters? I need to get back to the bridge." "I'll make sure she gets settled in okay," said Cassiopea. "Thank you, Cassiopea," said Commander Adama. He left the life station. Athena walked silently with Starbuck, Apollo and Cassiopea to her quarters. Before reaching her quarters, Athena shook her head in frustration. "The worst thing is not knowing what had happened when I was out. I have the eeriest feeling that I wasn't alone." "You took quite a hit on your head," consoled Cassiopea. "I'm sure you just had a dream." "I hope you're right," replied Athena as she entered her quarters. Cassiopea stayed as Apollo and Starbuck went on to the launch bay to begin their recon patrol. Once Athena had settled in and drifted off to sleep Cassiopea quietly left. Apollo and Starbuck climbed into their vipers and the ladders were rolled away. The pilots put on their helmets. The canopies closed down on top of the cockpits. When the bridge gave them clearance, the warriors launched. "I told you we'd find Athena, Apollo." "I was worried. I've lost so many members of my family since the attack on the peace convoy. First it was Zac and Mother, then Serina..." "Well, Apollo, we have Athena back. Except for that headache, she's fine." "Colonel Tigh." "Yes?" "We have a breach in security in the main computer center," said Cassandra from her seated position at the control center on the Galactica bridge. A red light flashed, indicating an unauthorized entry in the computer center. "Get security down there on the double!" ordered Colonel Tigh. "Yes, Sir." Cassandra pressed the security button and spoke into the intercom. "Investigate unauthorized entry in the main computer center." "Colonel." "Yes?" "Whoever is in the computer room is transmitting data." "Can you jam the transmission?" "No. Not from here." Sweat beading on his forehead, Colonel Tigh paced the floor. "Colonel. Security has arrived at the computer center and has found no one there," said Cassandra as she monitored the commline. "Have them secure the room and search for finger prints and whatever evidence they can find. I'll inform Commander Adama." "Looking forward to the party tonight?" asked Apollo as he brought his viper up beside Starbuck's. "Yes, I asked Athena to be my date. You taking anyone to?" "I thought I might ask Sheba if Bojay hasn't beat me to her." The two vipers continued in silence for several centons. "Are you picking up what I'm picking up on my scanner?" asked Starbuck as his attention was diverted to his scanner. "What's that? Oh, I see it now. Let's see what it is," said Apollo as he ran a computer check on the blip. "Great, a Cylon basestar. Look at where it's heading." "I see," replied Starbuck. "It's heading straight for the Galactica." "I guess we saw what we are after. Let's get back to the Galactica and make our report," said Apollo as he swung his viper around to head back to the Galactica. The two vipers from recon patrol one came in sight of the Battlestar Galactica. They split their formation to make their landing approach. "This is Captain Apollo to Galactica bridge. We await clearance to land." "This is Galactica bridge to recon patrol one. You are cleared to land in Alpha landing bay." The two vipers glided to a halt on the landing bay floor. The canopies raised on the vipers' cockpits and Apollo and Starbuck climbed down. Immediately they headed to the Galactica bridge. The bridge door slid open and Starbuck and Apollo entered. They walked over to Colonel Tigh and Commander Adama. Apollo punched the keys on the computer keyboard to locate the basestar on the star map. A marker lit up, indicating the position of the basestar in relationship with the Galactica. "We sighted a Cylon basestar heading directly towards the Galactica. We have fed the coordinates of the basestar from the viper's computer into the Galactica computer." Commander Adama looked at Colonel Tigh. "Recon patrol two earlier reported a Cylon basestar in this vicinity," said Adama as he activated the computer to the star chart. A second light lit up, showing the position of the second basestar. "Recon patrol two, viper pilots Boomer and Jolly, believe that the basestar is heading toward the Galactica also. It appears that the Cylons are homing in on the us." "The one explanation may be that they have homed in on the transmissions that were sent earlier today," said Colonel Tigh. "What transmissions are those?" asked Apollo. "Someone broke into the main computer room and started transmitting sensitive data. So far we have been unable to apprehend the one or ones responsible," said Colonel Tigh. "I believe for security reasons we should alter our present course," said Adama as he turned to Flight Coordinator Rigel. "Change our present course and heading to Mark 7948, Vector 90J3." "Yes, Sir." The Galactica tilted onto its side as it made its course adjustment. Once it turned away from the two Cylon basestars, the Galactica leveled out its flight. Starbuck rang the door chime to Athena's room. The door slid open. "Oh, it's you," said Athena. "Is that any way to speak to your date for the party?" asked Starbuck with a puzzled look on his face. "Oh, Starbuck, I forgot all about the party tonight. I really don't feel like partying right now." "If you don't feel like going to the party maybe we could go some place where it's quiet." "I don't feel like having any company tonight, Starbuck! If you want to party, you can take Cassiopea and leave me alone!" "Athena!" yelled Starbuck as the door closed in his face. "Women! I'll never understand them as long as I live," said Starbuck as he walked away. Starbuck arrived at the party, still mumbling to himself. He looked over the large crowd milling around. Not recognizing anyone from Blue Squadron, he made his way to the refreshment table. He filled a glass with punch from the large bowl in the center of the table. Taking a sip from his glass, he walked over to one side of the room to some empty chairs. "Hey, Starbuck! It's about time you made it." Starbuck turned to see Apollo and Sheba approaching. "Where's Athena?" asked Sheba. "She didn't feel like any company tonight so I'm here alone. I turned down an invitation from Cassiopea earlier so I could spend the evening with Athena and when I went back to Cassiopea it turned out that Bojay had asked her to the party." "Aw, cheer up Starbuck, it can't be all that bad," said Apollo with a smile. "I don't think Ariel is with anyone. You might see if she is your type." "Well, I guess the night is still young," said Starbuck as he looked around to see if he could locate Ariel. He spied Boomer threading his way through the crowd. "What's the hurry, Boomer?" asked Starbuck. "Commander Adama wants you and Apollo to report to the bridge. There has been another unauthorized entry in the main computer room and more data has been transmitted. Security couldn't get to the computer room in time." "Okay, Boomer. Sheba, you can stay here. I'll catch you later," said Apollo as he turned to leave with Boomer and Starbuck. "Wait, Apollo. I'll go with you," said Sheba. She quickly caught up with the other warriors. "There you are," said Adama, pacing the floor of the bridge with Colonel Tigh as the four warriors entered. "I hate to pull you from the party, Apollo, but I want you and Starbuck to go on another recon patrol. Long-range scanners have picked up a blip moving into this quadrant. It is too far out of the computer scanner range to verify what type of vessel it is. We have reason to believe that it is a third Cylon basestar." "We have altered the course of the Galactica again," said Colonel Tigh. "It seems that the other two Cylon basestars are matching our every move." "Let us change into our flight suits and we'll be off," said Apollo. Apollo and Starbuck climbed into their vipers and ran a quick pre-flight check on the vipers. With the check completed, the two viper pilots put on their flight helmets and closed their canopies. After getting clearance from the bridge, Apollo pressed the turbo button, igniting the engines. He was thrust back into his seat as his viper shot through the launch tube. Starbuck's viper blasted behind him and they settled in for the long journey ahead. "There she is!" exclaimed Starbuck as he came into visual range of the Cylon basestar. "Let's skirt around her and see if we can pick up other Cylon basestars that may be trailing her," said Apollo, pushing the thrust button. The engines spewed out fire as the turbo-boosters ignited. He steered his viper around the Cylon basestar. "There doesn't seem to be anything else out here." Starbuck monitored his computer scanner. "No, wait! Apollo, do you see what I see?" "I'm afraid so. The computer confirms that it's a Cylon fuel tanker. Apparently the Cylons have sent it out to fuel the basestars that they have in this quadrant. It looks like something big is going down." "Well, why don't we surprise the Cylons and knock out the tanker?" "Great idea, Starbuck. Let's get in close enough to get one good shot and get out of here." Apollo and Starbuck turned on their targeting computers and guided their vipers towards the Cylon fuel tanker. As soon as they were in range, they fired. With a blinding flash the tanker exploded. "Good shooting!" shouted Apollo as he switched off his targeting computer. "Let's get back to the Galactica." "Wait, Apollo. I've spotted a second fuel tanker. It's partially hidden by the mist of that small asteroid to our starboard side." "I see it now. But looks like we're going to have to let it go. Look at your scanner." Starbuck looked. Fifteen, maybe twenty Cylon raiders were heading in their direction from the Cylon baseship that they had circled. "The odds are too great, Starbuck. We can't take them all on. Let's get out of here while we can." Kicking in their turbos, the two vipers streaked back toward the Galactica. Protecting the tanker, the Cylon raiders pulled up and returned to their basestar. "That's funny that the raiders didn't engage us, isn't it, Apollo?" asked Starbuck. "It seems that they have a plan of some sort. I don't like the way that we are being tracked by the basestars. Apparently someone besides Baltar has turned traitor and is leading the Cylons to the Galactica." "Then you think the Cylons are being signaled by the transmissions someone has been sending out from the Galactica?" "It has to be, Starbuck. But who could be doing it?" The Galactica finally appeared before them. After receiving permission to land, the vipers skidded to a halt in landing bay Delta. Quickly, the pilots made their way to the bridge. Starbuck and Apollo swiftly crossed over to the command center to Colonel Tigh and Commander Adama. "A third Cylon basestar did enter the quadrant," said Apollo as he explained their recon mission. "Worst than that, two Cylon fuel tankers followed the basestar. Starbuck and I were able to destroy one tanker but were unable to reach the second because of a Cylon task force." "Three Cylon basestars stalking us and we haven't a clue as to who is transmitting sensitive data to the Cylons," said Adama, thinking out loud. "And a Cylon fuel tanker with them. They have us where they want us, it seems." Turning to Flight Coordinator Rigel, he continued, "Increase our speed. I don't think we can take on three Cylon basestars." "Yes, Sir." "Colonel Tigh," said Adama, "I want you to beef up security around the main control centers. Whoever is helping the Cylons may try to take more drastic measures. It has been a long, exhausting night. You have command of the bridge while I retire to my quarters for a while. If you need me, you know where I am." "Yes, Sir." Adama turned and left the bridge. "If you need us, Colonel, let us know," Apollo said. "I think Starbuck and I are going to turn in ourselves. It's been a long night and we may be needed for another recon mission later." "You do that. We don't know what tomorrow will be like," said Colonel Tigh as thoughts of the events of the past couple days ran through his head. To himself he said, "We may be forced to take on three Cylon basestars, Lord help us." He turned back to assume the duties of command on the bridge of the Galactica. "Colonel Tigh!" said Cassandra from her position at the communication center. "Someone with high-security clearance has made an unauthorized entrance in the computer room. Security is on their way now." "I'm on my way, Cassandra," said Colonel Tigh. He met one of the security officers at the open door of the computer room. "We have in custody the one who made the unauthorized entrance here. She was sending out classified information on a Cylon frequency," said the security officer. "The commander isn't going to like to hear that," replied Colonel Tigh as he walked through the door. "The commander isn't going to like to see who it is," asserted the security officer, following Colonel Tigh. "Athena, why aren't you in your quarters resting?" asked Colonel Tigh seeing Athena sitting in a chair. Turning to the security officers he asked, "Where is the one who was sending out the classified information?" "It was me, Colonel." Athena lowered her head into her hands. "I don't remember coming down here or even why. The pain in my head is so intense." "Escort Athena to the life station and have the med tech do a complete head scan on her," said Colonel Tigh to one of the security officers. "I'm sure there must be an explanation for your actions, Athena. I'll explain to your father what has happened." "Thank you, Colonel," said Athena, rising from her seat. After watching her leave, Colonel Tigh turned back to the remaining security officers. "After you finish your report be sure to secure this room again. I'm going to see the commander in his quarters. "Excuse me, Colonel Tigh," said Adama, rising from his seat to answer the commline. "Yes?" "Commander, I need to see you in the life station about Athena," said the med tech over the commline. "I'm on my way," replied Adama. Seeing the look of concern on Adama's face, Colonel Tigh rose from his seat to follow him to the life station. "This is what has been causing the pain in Athena's head. It had been surgically placed under the skin on Athena's right temple," said the med tech a little while later holding a tiny micro chip in his hand. "Who would have done a thing like that?" asked Adama, his voice troubled. "The Cylons!" said Colonel Tigh. "They must have found Athena's shuttlecraft, implanted the chip under Athena's skin and placed her shuttlecraft back within our scanner range. She was knocked unconscious when her shuttlecraft was caught in the ion storm and didn't come to until just prior to her opening the channel to the Galactica." "You may be onto something, Colonel. Contact security and have them do a thorough inspection of shuttlecraft three. If you are correct, then I suspect they will find a Cylon homing device in the shuttlecraft. If they find a homing device, have them destroy it." "Yes, Commander." Colonel Tigh left the life station. Commander Adama walked over where Athena was laying. He grasped her hand. "How are you feeling?" "The pain in my head has subsided." Athena looked up at her father. "I'm sorry!" she sobbed. "The Cylons used me. I can't believe that I put the fleet in grave danger." "It wasn't your fault," consoled Adama. "There was nothing that any warrior could do to prevent what happened to you. I'm just thankful that you're alright. We are well aware of the position of the Cylon basestars. Everything will be okay." Adama wiped the tears running down Athena's cheeks. "Rest now. I am going back to the bridge." Adama patted Athena's hand and released it. Athena forced a smile. He turned and left the life station. Commander Adama and Colonel Tigh stood near the command center on the bridge overlooking the activities of the bridge crew. "Commander." "Yes, Cassandra?" "I'm picking up the most unusual transmission between two Cylon Basestars." "Put it on the main speakers." Through the static from the speakers came metallic voices. "...speak Centurion. What is it this time?" "The signal from the homing device we placed in the shuttlecraft indicates that the Galactica has made another course adjustment." "Don't lose that signal, Centurion! Once I...I mean when we destroy the Galactica I will gain my rightful place in the Cylon Empire. The Imperious Leader was foolish in thinking it would take that human traitor, Baltar, to destroy the Galactica!" "By your command." Apollo and Starbuck entered the bridge of the Galactica. They strolled over to the command center to Commander Adama and Colonel Tigh. Athena was talking to the commanding officers. "You were right, Commander," said Starbuck. "There was a homing device placed in the shuttlecraft." "Did you destroy it?" asked Adama. "No," replied Apollo. "Starbuck had a great idea." "We placed the homing device inside a scientific probe," explained Starbuck. "Then Apollo and I launched the probe from a viper away from the fleet. We programmed the flight computer to maneuver it in a way that should drive the Cylons crazy while they're tracking it." Athena smiled, feeling the pressure of the last couple days disappear. "I would like to see the Cylons when they catch up with the probe," said Colonel Tigh with a smile. "So would I," said Commander Adama, laughing. "So would I." The End