{"id":628,"date":"2015-08-16T12:30:28","date_gmt":"2015-08-16T12:30:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=628"},"modified":"2015-08-17T14:44:16","modified_gmt":"2015-08-17T14:44:16","slug":"storm-clouds-part-10","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=628","title":{"rendered":"Storm Clouds – Part 10"},"content":{"rendered":"

Storm Clouds<\/span><\/h2>\n

by AJ Marks<\/span><\/p>\n

Part 10: The Trap<\/span><\/p>\n

Adama sat at his desk impatiently waiting for any news from the Agamemnon. The scanners still indicated the ship there and the last report from Tigh indicated a meeting with the unknown group. He still had a lot of questions about what was going on, and what other group was out there. A light knock on the door caused him to look up.<\/p>\n

\u201cEnter.\u201d The door opened revealing Crystal standing there. \u201cCome in.\u201d he said to her, watching as she came in and sat down. The young woman with highly developed powers became a welcome distraction many times. \u201cWhat can I do for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

She remained quiet for several seconds, normal for her before saying anything.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe feelings have changed,\u201d she said quietly. Adama leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk as she took a breath and continued on. \u201cIt\u2019s a choking feeling, someone is searching for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adama quickly thought about the Cylons, but closed his mind as quick so Crystal did not pick up his uneasiness.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is a group looking for us, ones we are trying to avoid,\u201d Adama said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe two are different,\u201d she finally said after another lengthy silence. \u201cThe choking feeling and searching, two different feelings.\u201d<\/p>\n

The statement confused Adama a bit. What did this mean? Could there be a group out there searching for them, wanting to help? Another group like the Beings of Light they encountered. If so the question became how advanced were they. If reports from the Agamemnon were accurate, they are advanced enough to take on two basestars.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think sir,\u201d Crystal asked, after another silence. She looked worried causing Adama to consider his actions.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it is worrisome,\u201d he said, watching her face. \u201cThere are many unknowns out here in space, many other races we\u2019ve never encountered. It is also possible we\u2019re moving into a war zone between two warring factions. The possibilities are enormous and something I have to consider every day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you sleep?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI rely on my experience, and the experience of my crew. They are prepared for all encounters,\u201d Adama said. \u201cWe are better prepared now than before you came on board. If anything happens we\u2019ll know about it. If you have any other forebodings let me know.\u201d<\/p>\n

They were interrupted by the bridge calling for the commander. Crystal excused herself, leaving the office as Adama walked over to the communicator hoping for a report from the Agamemnon.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Apollo and Starbuck followed the flight plan, not wanting to get too close to where the Agamemnon was. It had moved further away from the fleet to meet up with this unknown group. So far the battlestar had stopped and the scanners did indicate a ship landing on board the Agamemnon, but it was close by which confused Apollo.<\/p>\n

No communications were received since then, and everything appeared normal on board the ship. The vipers did pick up some communications, including a burst from the Agamemnon away from the fleet. It seemed a bit odd, but they waited anyways.<\/p>\n

A quick two beeps caught his attention. The return to the Galactica signal. He motioned over to Starbuck, who nodded and both turned around heading back to the fleet. Apollo wondered what happened. He intercepted no signal from the Agamemnon to the fleet. Confusion remained as the viper touched down allowing him to climb out, seeing a mass of activity in the hangar.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d Starbuck asked, as one of the hangar crew raced to the viper, arming and fueling it.<\/p>\n

\u201cCylons spotted,\u201d the crewman replied, not stopping to chat.<\/p>\n

Both Starbuck and Apollo froze at that. The Cylons finally found them.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re wanted in the debriefing room,\u201d another person said to them. Taking off to the room in question they arrived to see a full room, and Apollo took a seat next to Aaron and Jason, and looked to the colonel who waited for a few more to join before speaking.<\/p>\n

\u201cCommander Adama has placed the fleet on red alert, as we spotted a Cylon patrol approaching from behind,\u201d the colonel said to them. \u201cThe next time you launch, it will be a real battle, not a training exercise, there is no reset button for a mistake. Remember your training, and do your duty.\u201d<\/p>\n

Apollo understood the situation, many of the pilots were new recruits, with only a few centars of flighty experience.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs there an indication that an attack is going to happen?\u201d Apollo heard someone ask. He looked over to see Jason waiting for an answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet, but we are sure that at least some of the ships were discovered,\u201d the colonel replied. \u201cAs a result, we need to be combat ready. Commander Adama wants everyone to be careful, also be aware of anything unusual. There is another group out there, one who attacked and destroyed two basestars. But we do not know if they can be trusted.\u201d<\/p>\n

Apollo understood, the group Commander Tigh was talking to. If things got out of hand would they help out? Patrols were not increased, and the alert level would rise. Apollo had no idea what the future might hold.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Phantom felt confident about the upcoming battle as a centurion walked into the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cReport,\u201d Phantom said. \u201cAre the basestars in position?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBy your command,\u201d the centurion said. \u201cPatrols have picked up a new fleet of Colonial ships.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere?\u201d Phantom asked, suddenly interested in the latest news. A spot on the map indicated the position, and he realized the location was different. \u201cHow many Colonial ships?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe patrol picked up a dozen civilian ships, along with a viper patrol,\u201d the centurion said.<\/p>\n

The number was larger than the previous Colonial ships. The battlecruiser only had a total of seven ships. Was this part of the fleet with the Galactica? A thrill ran though his circuits at the idea. He quickly looked at the map judging where the other basestars were. He could trap the Colonials once and for all, overwhelm the battlestar and destroy the entire fleet.<\/p>\n

A hero of the Cylon Empire, able to do something not even Baltar did.<\/p>\n

\u201cInform all basestar commanders of new orders,\u201d Phantom said, quickly calculating where each one needed to go to make sure a complete attack would shut off all escape routes to nearby systems. With his planning complete, he sent the centurion off to carry out the orders. Once the Galactica was destroyed the Colonial battlecruiser would fall next. It would not take long before all ships were in position.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Scott listened to the countdown, indicating when they would jump to the next position. His squadron had been busy lately. With the discovery of the Colonial ships and a few Cylon basestars they were all a bit tense. His squad participated in a food operation for the Colonial ships until supply ships were able to arrive. The people on board the ships had been survivors.<\/p>\n

Now his squad had resumed their normal activities, of jumping and scouting. He read reports of another battlestar, the Agamemnon, and the destruction of a couple of basestars by the Enterprise and Hornet along with the arrival of the 4th battle fleet. There was now five battlestars in the area, the three stealth ships, the Argo and a Warspite class battlestar, and improved design to the Colombia class.<\/p>\n

He felt the ship shudder slightly as it slipped into the hyperjump before another shudder and everything went silent for a few seconds.<\/p>\n

\u201cJump complete, scanners online,\u201d he heard, waiting for a few seconds. \u201cContact, one basestar.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow close?\u201d Scott asked, nervous about the contact.<\/p>\n

\u201cOutside of detection range.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReport back to base of the situation,\u201d Scott said. He knew the admiral would want to know this information. A basestar so close by would disturb him. \u201cLaunch probes to over the other areas.\u201d<\/p>\n

The crew went about their work, and probes were launched, but none in the direction of the basestar. He did not need it to discover the probe. They would run for a couple of hours. The scout ship would remain there for a few more hours gathering information. Scott hoped nothing else was discovered.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Ares walked into the situation room where Otto waited for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s so important?\u201d Ares asked, having been summoned by the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cScout ships have reported in, and the picture isn\u2019t good,\u201d Otto said, as the starmap came to life. Ares noticed several new ships were now shown along with a large cluster in the center. \u201cProbes discovered this group of ships here, along with two battlestars.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ares looked on, seeing the number of ships over a hundred. \u201cThe Galactica?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s our guess,\u201d Otto said, but these ships are Cylon basestars,\u201d Otto said, indicating nine ships moving around the fleet.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re laying a trap,\u201d Ares said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, and it\u2019s almost complete,\u201d Otto said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey are preventing any escape to the nearby systems which can support life,\u201d Ares said, looking on. He realized the Enterprise, Hornet and Agamemnon were in a blind spot between two systems. Nine basestars against his five, plus the Agamemnon, and two other battlestars, a total of eight. He would still be outnumbered in capital ships, but there were other smaller ships, about six cruisers, and additional destroyers and frigates.<\/p>\n

The Cylons had encircled the Galactica, which appeared the best to destroy an enemy, but his ships could be concentrated in one area, overwhelming the few Cylons there. He looked on at the map trying to decide where he might attack first. The most logical solution would be nearest the Enterprise group and the 4th battle squad. Six battlestars would easily overwhelm the two basestars. That left the two battlestars to protect the large fleet alone.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are your orders?\u201d Otto asked<\/p>\n

He had another thought. \u201cGet me the Sunflare, Argo and Enterprise,\u201d Ares said, waiting a few moments before the commanders of the ships came on. He noticed Pratt and Gunther were looking on, they had probably spotted the nearby Cylons. Tagget appeared confused as to why he was there.<\/p>\n

\u201cI take it you all know about the nearby Cylon basestasrs,\u201d Ares asked, seeing them all nod. \u201cAlso nearby is a large fleet of civilian Colonial ships, and two battlestars, we think one is the Galactica.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the second one?\u201d Gunther asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat I don\u2019t know,\u201d Ares answered honestly. The question confused him as well. \u201cPerhaps another battlestar managed to survive that Commander Bakkus was unaware of. It does not change the situation we are not faced with. We have a large fleet of civilian ships which need our help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAny idea how long until the Cylons attack?\u201d Pratt asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t know, but all ships are to start moving now. The Cylons appear to be in position already,\u201d Ares said. \u201cI don\u2019t want our ships too far away to prevent an overwhelming attack.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCommander Tagget, how operational is you r fleet?\u201d Ares asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can fight,\u201d Tagget replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood, if it\u2019s all right with you, I want to place you under the 4th battle group, under Captain Pratt\u2019s command,\u201d Ares said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll be ready,\u201d Tagget said, saying something off screen.<\/p>\n

Ares quickly outlined his plan to the group, hoping it worked.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Troy and Bri walked onto the bridge of the Agamemnon at the call from Commander Tigh. They had a communications. Troy walked over to the console and looked down expecting Gunther, and felt confused at seeing Pratt\u2019s face. Troy wondering what the importance was.<\/p>\n

\u201cTroy, we have a new problem, scout ships have reported in,\u201d Pratt said. \u201cWe have about nine baseestars in the area.\u201d<\/p>\n

The news shocked Troy. He had no idea that many were so close by.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is more, we\u2019ve also discovered a large group of Colonial civilian ships, including another two battlestars. We think it\u2019s the Galactica and some unknown battlestar that survived the attack. The layout of the basestars indicate they know about the fleet, and are moving for a full attack,\u201d Pratt said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen?\u201d the question was asked, but this time, by a very concerned looking Tigh. He seemed eager for answers.<\/p>\n

Our sources don\u2019t say, but we\u2019re moving the 4th battle group into position, the Enterprise and Hornet along with the Agamemnon will head off to attack another group, hopefully it will distract the Cylons and disrupt their attack,\u201d Pratt said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the fleet?\u201d Tigh asked. His tone indicated he knew more than he had said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf everything works out, the Cylon forces will be disrupted, and we\u2019ll be able to help out the Galactica protect the fleet, if not, there are smaller ships we can use to help defend, it all depends on how the battle shapes up, or when it starts,\u201d Pratt said. \u201cThe 4th is already moving to intercept.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe need to get back to the fleet then,\u201d Tigh said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, trust the plan,\u201d Pratt said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou knew the Galactica is there,\u201d Troy said looking over at Tigh.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d he finally said. They stood in silence for several seconds before Pratt interrupted them.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have no time, move now.\u201d<\/p>\n

End part 10<\/p>\n

Continued in part 11: Battle for Survival<\/a><\/p>\n

Comment below or send to AJMarks01@aol.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Storm Clouds by AJ Marks Part 10: The Trap Adama sat at his desk impatiently waiting for any news from the Agamemnon. The scanners still indicated the ship there and the last report from Tigh indicated a meeting with the unknown group. He still had a lot of questions about what was going on, and […]
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