{"id":486,"date":"2015-07-20T14:48:38","date_gmt":"2015-07-20T14:48:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=486"},"modified":"2015-07-20T14:51:55","modified_gmt":"2015-07-20T14:51:55","slug":"the-milsian-princess-part-10","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=486","title":{"rendered":"The Milsian Princess – Part 10"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Milsian Princess<\/span><\/h1>\n

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

Part 10<\/span><\/p>\n

Apollo piloted the shuttle heading down to the surface of the planet. Behind him the shuttle was full of warriors in a battle that would be at best confusing. Starbuck kept calling out numbers to him to make sure they landed in the right spot. The two frigates had already been disabled and the few fighters had been defeated by red squadron.<\/p>\n

\u201cArea looks clear,\u201d Starbuck said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat won\u2019t last long,\u201d Apollo replied. He felt sure that the landing spot would quickly become an area of interest.<\/p>\n

A few microns later the shuttle landed with a soft thud and the doors opened allowing the group to exit quickly. Apollo quickly powered down the shuttle seeing a second and third shuttle land nearby. The occupants quickly filing out as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou ready for this?\u201d Starbuck asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs ready as I ever will be,\u201d Apollo replied, checking his weapon before walking out. Organized chaos greeted him as warrior set up a defensive perimeter around the shuttles.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe city is just over there,\u201d one said, as three vehicles came out of the shuttles.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow is the perimeter?\u201d Apollo asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust about finished captain.\u201d<\/p>\n

Apollo watched as Boomer, Sheba, Jolly and Bojay walked up to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we made it down, now what?\u201d Boomer asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe head into the city and see if we can take out the Milsian military,\u201d Apollo said.<\/p>\n

He glanced over seeing Cassiopeia setting up the medical supplies.<\/p>\n

A lot of rustling caught his attention as a group of warriors approached with some unknown people. Apollo walked over to hear the story.<\/p>\n

\u201cFound this group approaching us from behind, they were unarmed,\u201d Greenbean said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho are you, you\u2019re not Milsian, and you\u2019re not Alliance,\u201d one person, a female said. She had black hair and seemed familiar to him and he quickly realized where.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re Amy Barnes,\u201d Apollo said, watching her face show shock.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, how do you know that,\u201d she replied now very guarded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sent the message, we received it,\u201d Apollo said. \u201cIt\u2019s a bit too much to explain here, but we need to take over the planet now. Where do you suggest we strike?\u201d<\/p>\n

He watched her struggle for several seconds until finally making up her mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe take over the main government buildings first, oust their government along with the communications stations,\u201d Amy said finally.<\/p>\n

Apollo brought up the map motioning her over where she pointed out the spots.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour people know where they are?\u201d Apollo asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I\u2019ll have a few go with you to show you the way,\u201d Amy said. \u201cGeorge, you and Lester take a group to the communications center, you can bring up the internet and TV stations.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure?\u2019 one of the guys said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes Lester, me and Pam are needed in the government building, and will need the communications as soon as possible,\u201d Amy said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have a plan then,\u201d Apollo said. He quickly organized four groups of warriors. One would stay to protect the shuttles, a second would be reinforcements in case one of the others got bogged down.<\/p>\n

The two remaining groups headed out as Apollo contacted the Galactica informing Commander Adama of the situation on the ground.<\/p>\n

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

Mark watched as the approaching Milsian fleet appeared on the scanner. It would be a matter of moments before they dropped out of the jump and the engagement would begin. The Galactica had informed him the moment the fleet had left Serria. He glanced over at Crystal who seemed withdrawn at the moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou all right?\u2019 he finally asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot used to sitting here, I was trained as a pilot,\u201d she finally replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, John is very good,\u201d Mark replied. \u201cWill they try and make contact?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI doubt it, but we will try. Jurez will probably have the fleet ignore any incoming transmissions but it can\u2019t hurt,\u201d Crystal said.<\/p>\n

Mark nodded knowing that Hans would begin transmitting the message along with several other Milsian ships. That thought seemed strange to him, fighting along-side Milsian ships for the future of both sides.<\/p>\n

\u201cEnemy ships have dropped out of jump,\u201d Yvette said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdmiral, you ready,\u201d Mark asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll ready, our fighters are already launching,\u201d Otto replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cLaunch fighters,\u201d Mark said. They had decided the Alliance fighters would attack only in one sector to avoid confusion with the other Milsian fighters.<\/p>\n

The Second fleet opened fire and the Nevada rocked slightly from the hits even as Mark ordered return fire. The battle now engaged he wondered who would win this one and how it would end.<\/p>\n

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

Jurez watched the scanners as the battle progressed. He growled in frustration as his first attack was beaten back by a combination of Milsian ships and one Alliance battle-cruiser. He wondered exactly where that ship came from.<\/p>\n

He needed to know where exactly Crystal was. If they could destroy that ship, the battle would be over. He thought she might be aboard the Alliance ship, but it was one of several ships broadcasting that message including the two Milsian battle-cruisers, Saturn and Jupiter.<\/p>\n

\u201cAttack again, concentrate on the Alliance battle-cruiser,\u201d Jurez finally said, making up his mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d Diern said.<\/p>\n

Jurez watched the orders relayed to the rest of the fleet. He needed to make sure that Crystal did not survive the battle. He wondered if he should allow the message through and if he talked straight with her. He could have the communications pinpoint where she was.<\/p>\n

\u201cCommunications, relay the message played up here,\u201d Jurez said waiting a second until the message came up.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is Crystal Milsian, daughter of Prince Boris and rightful heir ordering you to stand down,\u201d the voice said, which repeated itself.<\/p>\n

\u201cOpen a channel to the rebel fleet,\u201d Jurez said, shutting off the message.<\/p>\n

\u201cChannel open,\u201d the communicator said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is Admiral Jurez to Third Fleet, you are to stand down at once. Second in commands, if you\u2019re superior doesn\u2019t surrender I order you to take command.\u201d Jurez said then turned back to the communications officer. \u201cI want to know the moment you have the traitor tracked down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdmiral Jurez, this is Empress Crystal ordering you to stand down,\u201d a voice said, the one he wanted to hear. He motioned for the communicator to track the signal.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve been listening to lies of the Alliance,\u201d Jurez said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you killed my mother who knew the truth and you, now, know the truth as well, I am the rightful heir and ruler of the Empire,\u201d Crystal replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were born of Epsilon scum, that is all,\u201d Jurez replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdmiral, the message is coming from the Alliance battle-cruiser,\u201d the communications officer said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd now I have you located, you will be destroyed, and your silly rebellion against the Emperor,\u201d Jurez said, end ended the communications before turning to the captain. \u201cI want that ship destroyed!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdmiral, we have an incoming message from the frigate Lewis,\u201d the communications officer replied. \u201cSerria is under attack by the Colonials.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, she has them roped in as well,\u201d Jurez said. That did not matter much to him. Once he dealt with the traitors he would deal with them as well. He knew the plan appeared to be crumbling but he would make sure those who were involved would suffer greatly.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdmiral, we have a problem.\u201d Diern said suddenly. \u201cSome ships are questioning the orders.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat!\u201d Jurez said, turning to look at the scanners.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cSeveral ships have backed off captain,\u201d Kim said.<\/p>\n

Mark rubbed the sweat from his brow before looking at the scanner. True enough several ships had backed away from the fight. He hoped they had listened to the message and perhaps, thought it might be accurate. Admiral Junkers had mentioned several ship captains had worked under him so they might be open to listening to him.<\/p>\n

The Nevada rocked again as the three Milsian battle-cruiser seemed to have closed in on it.<\/p>\n

\u201cDamage?\u201d Mark asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cShields holding, Jupiter and Saturn closing in to help,\u201d Kim replied.<\/p>\n

Mark glanced over at Crystal who had been talking with someone from the opposition. He could tell the conversation had ended rather suddenly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich ship did the communications come from?\u201d Mark asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis one,\u201d Yvette replied.<\/p>\n

Mark glanced noticing it had to be the furthest away. \u201cGet me Admiral Junkers.\u201d He watched Hans work quickly and the admiral appeared on the screen.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou called admiral?\u201d Otto asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, what would happen if they lost their leader?\u201d Mark said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAccording to doctrine, they are to retreat and regroup,\u201d Otto said. \u201cDo you know which ship the admiral is in? Jurez has a habit of changing ships.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, this one,\u201d Mark said, relaying the information.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm, I can have the Saturn and Jupiter attack it, but that would leave you two on one,\u201d Otto said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot if I head out in my fighter,\u201d Crystal suddenly said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely not!\u201d several voices said.<\/p>\n

Mark watched her face for a few seconds before finally speaking up. \u201cNo, she\u2019s right. She is that good admiral. If she broadcasts her position and if Jurez is obsessed with stopping her he will pull everything to go after her. That gives us a tactical advantage,\u201d Mark said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if she\u2019s killed it will all be for nothing,\u201d Otto said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel safer in the fighter than here,\u201d Crystal said, the Nevada rocked again by another hit.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt will give us time we need,\u201d Mark said. \u201cGo.\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned but Crystal had already left the bridge.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is a gamble you realize,\u201d Otto said.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe is the best fighter pilot I\u2019ve ever seen. And if the rest of the Alliance fighters fly around protecting her, well\u2026\u201d Mark trailed off looking at Otto<\/p>\n

\u201cIt will be a slaughter,\u201d Otto said somberly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope not, we still need them, if the Cylons are as much a threat as we think they are,\u201d Mark said honestly watching Otto\u2019s face change slightly as he realized the truth as well.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cThis is Empress Crystal Milsian, I order the Second Fleet to stand down,\u201d Crystal said. She broadcast in the open hoping someone might actually listen. She now flew in her fighter wondering exactly where she should go.<\/p>\n

\u201cPrincess One, head to sector seven, Skull squadron is waiting for you there,\u201d Han\u2019s voice said.<\/p>\n

It took Crystal a moment to realize that he was talking to her. She shook her head at the call sign they had given her but headed in the direction of the other fighters. Surrounded by other Alliance fighters she would not make the mistake of shooting down Milsian fighters.<\/p>\n

She continued her call out to the others even as the fighting raged around her. She could see the Saturn and Jupiter heading to engage the Kitakkim and the other Second Fleet battle-cruisers engaged with the Nevada. Its shields glowing red where lasers and missile struck it.<\/p>\n

\u201cCaptain Olin, your orders are to destroy Crystal, do so and you\u2019ll be promoted to a starship captain, and a hero in the Empire,\u201d Crystal heard Jurez\u2019s voice say out of all the jumbled calls.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd this time I\u2019ll finish her for good,\u201d she heard Olin reply. The thought hit her that he had shot her down. He had tried to kill her already once before.<\/p>\n

She looked down looking for his fighter and spotted several fighters headed in her direction.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m right here Olin,\u201d she said in an open communications. \u201cAnd you were never a match for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn an Alliance fighter, the advantage is mine,\u201d Olin replied.<\/p>\n

Crystal understood the characteristics of both fighters better than he thought she did. The Milsian fighter had speed, but in maneuverability the Alliance fighter held the advantage.<\/p>\n

\u201cBring it on,\u201d Crystal replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019ve been waiting to put you in your place,\u201d Olin said.<\/p>\n

Crystal snorted to herself. He had made sure to make her life a living hell while in his squadron. Any problems of the squadron was her fault, not his lack of leadership.<\/p>\n

She twisted her fighter to meet the oncoming Milsian fighter which dodged her attack. She knew it Olin piloted it. He would finally realize that she was the better pilot all along.<\/p>\n

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

Mark watched on the scanners at the battle. Everything seemed to be hinged around the dogfight between the two fighters. Mark once more felt impressed at the skill of Crystal. She maneuvered the fighter better than anyone he had ever seen, including John.<\/p>\n

The Nevada rocked again. Reports came from a damaged sector and he hoped nothing serious had occurred.<\/p>\n

\u201cIncoming message from the Galactica,\u201d Hans said.<\/p>\n

\u201cPut it though,\u201d Mark ordered. He watched as Adama\u2019s face appeared on the screen, a bit of a shock but he waited to see what the commander had to say.<\/p>\n

\u201cCaptain, hope I\u2019m not interrupting,\u201d Adama said, \u201cTesting out the new communications system.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt works, how goes the battle at Serria?\u201d Mark said. He knew the engagement had begun, but nothing else.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey left two frigates, which have been disabled, and ground troops have already met up with Amy Barnes,\u201d Adama said.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood news then,\u201d Mark said, rocking with another hit.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeems like you\u2019re currently engaged, what\u2019s the situation?\u201d Adama said hastily.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re pounding away at each other and a few seem to believe Crystal,\u201d Mark said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see, keep me updated so I know,\u201d Adama said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d Mark replied watching as it appeared the dogfight approached its climax.<\/p>\n

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

Crystal avoided another shot from Olin. He wasted his ammo carelessly like he always did. She quickly turned using his latest attempt to her advantage.<\/p>\n

\u201cAny last words,\u201d Crystal whispered, pressing the trigger. The stream of fire caught Olin\u2019s fighter and for a second it hung in space impacted by weapon\u2019s fire before exploding.<\/p>\n

Crystal felt a release of tension that had built up over the years of his leadership. She freed herself of him at last.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll fighters, destroy her!\u201d she heard Jurez\u2019s voice say.<\/p>\n

\u201cScared of me admiral? Afraid that you know I\u2019m telling the truth. That I am the true ruler of the Empire?\u201d Crystal said, not expecting an answer. She had no idea what her words did as she avoided another Milsian fighter pursued by an Alliance fighter. All she had to do now, avoid the fighters allowing the others to defend her. A simple task for her to do.<\/p>\n

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

Jurez slammed a fist down on the table, cracking the monitor. He did not care as long as they managed to kill Crystal. He growled slightly at the way things were going. First the Third fleet had rebelled against them, now some of his own ships and his pilots were failing to destroy a simple fighter.<\/p>\n

He glanced up as the Kitakkim rocked slightly from another hit to hear the damage. The Jupiter and Saturn had concentrated their fire on his flagship. He knew the Alliance battle-cruiser would be destroyed way before his ship would be. Even now he noticed the shields failing.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdmiral, is that all true?\u201d he finally heard a voice say.<\/p>\n

He glanced over to see the captain, Diern looking back at him. \u201cWhat did you say?\u201d Jurez asked slowly locking eyes with the captain, a Beta class citizen.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it true, you are obsessing way too much for her to just be an Epsilon, and her files are classified, why?\u201d Diern asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou looked at her files? They are classified for a reason!\u201d Jurez said, slowly walking towards him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYet no other Epsilon pilot\u2019s files are classified, so why hers? Unless what she is saying is true, if that\u2019s the case then we are following the wrong ruler, and she\u2019s right,\u201d Diern said.<\/p>\n

\u201cRight about what?\u201d Jurez said, now only a few feet away seeing the man sweat slightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat you are afraid of her, you\u2019ve lost all control of this battle because of one person,\u201d Diern stated. \u201cMaybe she is Prince Boris\u2019 daughter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe never will be Empress,\u201d Jurez growled striking Diern watching him fall. Jurez towered over the fallen man rage filling him. \u201cShe was born from nothing but scum, we all know that! Her mother deserved to be killed and I\u2019m glad I did it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen we are following the wrong ruler,\u201d another voice said.<\/p>\n

Jurez turned to see the communications officer standing and looking at him in disbelief.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, we are following the right ruler,\u201d Jurez replied, pulling his gun and carefully aiming it at the man who now backed up against the consoles in fear. \u201cYou are weak, just like everyone else, even Prince Boris, he was weak, falling for an Epsilon woman, he deserved to die just like you,\u201d Jurez said smiling, then pulled the trigger.<\/p>\n

The shot rang out echoing in the bridge as the man slumped over falling to the deck dead. Jurez\u2019s smile faltered when pain registered from his own chest. Glancing down he noticed a spreading red stain even as his body slowly lost strength. He glanced over behind him where Diern stood, holding his own gun pointing it at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor attempted murder of the Empress, you are to be executed at once according to the law enacted by the Emperor,\u201d he heard Diern say.<\/p>\n

Jurez slumped forward as darkness overtook him.<\/p>\n

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

Mark gritted his teeth knowing the Nevada could no longer take any more damage. The words to abandon ship almost came out of his mouth when it happened.<\/p>\n

\u201cCaptain, the Milsian battle-cruisers are retreating,\u201d Kim said.<\/p>\n

\u201cEnemy fighters are retreating,\u201d Yvette replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cIncoming transmission from the enemy fleet,\u201d Hans said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is Captain Diern of the Kitakkim taking control of the Second fleet, we ask for a cease-fire,\u201d Mark heard the voice say. \u201cWe seek proof of the validity of the claim of the true ruler.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCease-fire,\u201d Mark said, looking over at Yvette who appeared disappointed but obeyed. \u201cHave all damage control teams working overtime to get the repairs done.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d Kim said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is Crystal, I have no problem with your request,\u201d he heard Crystal replied. \u201cIn fact I would have been disappointed if you had not asked for that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen until that is settled, we\u2019ll wait,\u201d Diern said.<\/p>\n

Mark felt slightly relieved. Otto had done the exact same test and been satisfied with the results. Now all he could do is wait hoping the damage control teams could bring the Nevada up to battle readiness.<\/p>\n

End Part 10<\/p>\n

Continued in Part 11<\/a><\/p>\n

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

The Milsian Princess by AJ Marks Part 10 Apollo piloted the shuttle heading down to the surface of the planet. Behind him the shuttle was full of warriors in a battle that would be at best confusing. Starbuck kept calling out numbers to him to make sure they landed in the right spot. The two […]
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