A New Journey
by
AJ Marks
Disclaimers: I do not own Battlestar Galactica or it universe. This story is based in the Battlestar Galactica universe, the original series. Battlestar Galactica is owned by Universal Studios no infringement is intended.
A small Colonial warship patrolled the edges of Colonial space. With a couple of other ships they made up a patrol that protected them against any invaders. There were five ships in the patrol fleet. The last Tiger class ship in the fleet and three frigate class ships centered around an old battle cruiser, the Sunflare.
The battle cruiser was from the old Starfire class ships. There had only been three ships built before they were deemed to expensive and not really needed in battle. The Battlestars were much better in battle then the battle cruisers ever were. Now on the edge of Colonial space the last of the battle cruisers was regulated to patrol duties.
The Sunflare had a compliment of thirty fighters to go along with the massive firepower that it had. On board were four type X lasers. The most powerful of any lasers ever fitted on board a colonial warship. The fighters were considered to be a small compliment compared to the battlestars.
The powerful lasers made the Sunflare a formidable foe in battle, but its lack of good fighter escort made it a non-flexible combat unit compared to the battlestars. That was why it had been regulated to patrol duties. It would not have to provide several missions at the same time.
"Commander to the bridge," came the voice over the intercom of the ship.
Commander Hermes walked up to the bridge which only had a skeleton crew operating it at the moment. He had ordered all non-essential personal a couple of hours off while the peace signing was underway. It was to be the end of a thousands years of fighting with the Cylons. He was glad as it would mean his son would grow up knowing peace unlike his father.
"What's up Colonel," Tagget asked as he walked up to his second in command. He was a man who had served with him for over ten years. They had both aged well and where his friend had kept his hair, he had lost his.
"I just thought that you would want to watch the proceedings," his friend replied.
"That sounds good Zaga," Tagget replied. He turned to the video monitor where a reporter was standing in a small park. The flowers behind her had been arranged to spell out 'peace'. He recognized the woman as Serena.
He listened to the report as she updated everyone on what was going on. He heard her say that updates from the President's yacht were not available just yet. He thought that it was a bit strange that it was taking so long.
As Tagget listened he thought that he heard something like explosions coming from off camera. The reporter began to panic a bit as more explosions could be heard. Suddenly Tagget saw a flying craft come sweeping into the shot and blue lasers could be seen.
"By the lords of Kobal," Tagget said as he watched the screen.
"This can't be happening," Zaga said stunned as he watched what was going on.
"Switch over to fleet line Alpha," Tagget said as he continued to watch.
The fleet line came on but it did have anything good to report either. The Pacifica was reporting major damage and the Triton was moving. There were no reports of the Atlantia or the Galactica. Things were not looking good.
"Red alert," Tagget ordered to the rest of his crew. The red light came on bathing the interior of the ship in a red light. Men and woman went running to their battle stations as the other ships were also put on alert.
"Engage all scanners to look for Cylon raiders or basestars. He ordered once everyone was at battle stations.
"Scanners indicate everything is clear commander," the scanner operator replied.
"Prepare all ships to move out. We're heading to Cimtar at the best speed possible," Tagget ordered.
A few minutes later the reply came back that all ships were ready to move out. They left the patrol zone for the last known location of the battle fleet. It took a while for them to get there and as everyone knew they would be too late.
"Commander, I'm not picking up anything on our scanners. Just a lot of debris," came the report from the scanner operator.
"Commander, I'm getting no response from our hails," the communication operator said.
"Their gone," Tagget said silently. "I can't believe it."
Everyone sat around a bit stunned as the news sunk in. All five battlestars had been lost. There was nothing to prevent the Cylons from destroying everyone.
"All commanders to the war room now," Tagget said not liking what he was about to do. It was something that he had hoped he never had to do in his lifetime.
Half an hour later all the commanders of the patrol fleet were in his war room. The silence of the room said more than anything he could ever say.
"I believe that you all by now have heard the news. The fleet has been destroyed, or at least to the point that it is ineffective as s defense now. We also know that the colonies has been attacked and decimated beyond comprehension," Tagget said looking around the room. Everyone had the same look, and everyone had lost someone they had loved.
"Now what commander," the captain of the Tiger said.
"Tagget sighed heavily as he realized what he had to do next. "I'm enacting an order that I hoped I never had to, the Doomsday Order," he said watching as everyone looked around confused at what he had just said.
"I know that none of you have every heard this order before, it is given only to commanders," Tagget said.
"What is it," one person asked.
"It states that in the event of total destruction of either the colonies, the battle fleet or both the remaining colonial warships are to gather as many civilian ships as possible and head to a predetermined meeting area," Tagget said.
"Should we split up to do this," the captain of the Tiger asked.
The commander pondered this question before replying. "No, we'll stand a better chance of surviving a Cylon attack if we stick together," Tagget said.
"Understood commander, where do we head first," came to reply.
"Caprica is closest, we'll head there carefully," Tagget said.
"Commander we are approaching Caprica, but there is a Cylon basestar orbiting the planet right now," the scanner operator replied.
"Damn, do they have us yet," Tagget said.
"No sir," came the reply.
Tagget weighted his options carefully as he thought about what to do. Even though his fleet had more firepower than the basestar did the overwhelming numbers of the Cylon fighters was too much for his fleet.
"Commander, the basestar is leaving orbit," the scanner operator replied. "It's headed away from us, towards Gemini."
"Prepare to send down shuttles to the space docks and launch a squad of vipers to cover them. We don't know what's down there," Tagget said.
Everyone waited until the Cylon basestar was out of their scanner range. The ships then began to head to the planet and its surface. A single shuttle was launched along with its viper escort.
Tagget watched as the planet's surface came into view. He could not help but feel sad about what had happened. The entire planet was scorched and burned. Buildings were ruined as they landed in the ruined docking bay.
Getting out he and the warriors almost wished they had not come down. There were hundreds of bodies all over the place. They were shot and hacked and mutilated beyond reason. A few Cylon remains scattered around the scene of death, but it was apparent that they were cut down even as they tried to escape.
"Weapons out, there could still be hostiles in the area," Tagget said as he began to move out of the building. Perhaps someone still alive had seen them land. There had to bee someone still alive.
"Spread out, but keep in pairs of two. Let's see if anyone is still alive," Tagget said as he began to walk outside. He walked down what used to be a street of beauty, now it was only death and destruction.
Walking down the street with one of his fighter pilots they listened for anything. There was not even the chirping of birds of any insects. The only sound was the crackling of fires still burning.
"Commander, over there," the pilot said pointing his weapon in a direction of what used to be an alleyway. "I thought I saw something."
Tagget nodded and carefully they made their way towards the area. They moved around and Tagget had his own weapon drawn just in case. They turned the corner and aimed for any threat that might Cylon. Instead of a Cylon the two found themselves face to face with a young girl.
Tagget immediately holstered his weapon and instructed the other man to do the same. The girl had tried to make herself as small as possible when they appeared and Tagget could see the fear in the girl's eyes.
"Hi there," Tagget said as he slowly crouched down to her level. "My name's Tagget, what's yours?"
The girl did not say anything as she sat there.
"Commander, we have company," came a voice over his radio. "A squad of Cylons is headed to the docking bay, we need to get out of here."
"I'll be right there," Tagget replied then turned his attention back to the girl. "I need you to come with me, we'll protect you from the Cylons, I promise."
The girl glanced up at that but he could see her fear still.
"We don't have much time, but we need to get back to my warship," Tagget told her gently as he reached out for her hand.
With a shaky hand she reached out for his hand. He gently pulled her to him and picked her up then nodded to his guard and they quickly made their way back to the docking bay. The girl began to get agitated the closer they got to the docking bay.
Tagget covered the girl's eyes from the carnage as he quickly boarded the shuttle. As he walked through he thought he heard the girl say something about her mother. He figured that her mother had probably been killed in the docking bay.
A few minutes later they were headed back to the Sunfire. The girl had not moved from her position yet. He had continued to hold her until she finally looked up.
"Are you from the Galactica," she said.
"The Galactica," Tagget said a bit confused by the girls statement.
"My mom said we were going to unite with the Galactica and they would protect us," the girl replied.
"What else did she say," Tagget asked gently as a sudden thought came to his mind.
"We were waiting for a transport to pick us up, and then the Cylons came," the girl said.
Tagget thought about what the girl had just said. She was now quietly crying and he pulled her close. From what it sounded the Galactica had survived the attack and had begun to carry out the order. He would have to call another meeting.
Once they got on board he handed the girl over to one of the med techs. At first the girl did not want to leave. Tagget had to promise to stop by later and see the girl and that he had work to do first.
He gave the order to head to Hermes asteroid. Then he walked to the meeting room for the second time today.
"Gentlemen, there is a problem. We only found one survivor, a young girl. From what she said it seems like the Galactica survived the battle and has already carried out the orders. I doubt we are going to find anyone else. There are too many Cylons in the way," Tagget said.
"We can't leave them behind," one person said. "There might be more we can rescue."
"I know that, but the Galactica might need our help to protect the fleet they have," Tagget said.
"We don't even know where the Galactica is," the captain of the Tiger said.
"We'll scan the surrounding area for any signs of ships then head to Hermes asteroid to refuel, arm and prepare for a long trip ahead folks," Tagget said then dismissed everyone.
The patrol fleet broke up in search of any stragglers that might have been left behind by the Galactica. There were no ships in the area of the colonies that they could find. Commander Tagget then made the decision to head to Hermes asteroid.
"Commander," the communications operator said rather excitedly making Tagget wonder what was going on. "I'm receiving a distress call."
"Put it up here," Tagget said.
"Anyone who can hear me, please help us," came the panicked voice. "Please, there are only a few ships in our fleet left."
"Do you think they caught the Galactica," came the question from Zaga.
"Do we have anything on our scanners," Tagget asked.
"Five ships and a lot of fighters. One basestar," Zaga replied.
"We've found some stragglers," Tagget said realizing that he had a choice to make quickly. The bridge crew was looking at him wondering what their decision would be. Looking into their eyes he could see his answer. He stood a bit straighter and electricity seemed to flow from him and everyone knew what was to come before he said it but his voice still rang thought the bridge with power. "All hands red alert!"
The ship immediately switched into battle mode as the crew raced to their stations. Viper pilots raced to their ships with determination and revenge in their eyes.
"Our pilots will be out numbered almost ten to one," Zaga said looking at Tagget.
"All they have to do is hold the fighters at bay, get me the commander of the Tiger," Tagget ordered then waited until the Alpha line switched to the Tiger.
"Yes sir," the captain said. His ship was also at battle stations and waiting for Tagget's command.
"Concentrate on the basestar, then we can concentrate on the fighters," Tagget said.
"By the lords of Kobal, someone help us, they're coming around for another attack," came the voice over the intercom.
"Sir, we just lost the image of one of the ships," the scanner operator said.
"Attack vector five, full speed," Tagget said feeling ship turn and begin to head into battle. Tagget hoped that the Cylons were concentrating on the other ships and would allow them to surprise them.
"Contact in five minutes," came the scanner operator's voice. Tagget waited nervously hoping that the three remaining ships would hold on for a few more minutes until they could engage the Cylons in battle.
"Captain, I don't think that there is anyone out there who can help us," the communications operator of the Royal Princess said. They were on their way to meet up with the Galactica when this attack happened. They had been late leaving their destinations and they hoped that they could meet up with the Galactica.
Then they had meet up with a Cylon basestar and their hopes seemed to fade. They had hoped that maybe the Galactica might help them out if they called out for help. The captain seemed to know that there would be no help for them.
"Captain, I'm still receiving no response," the communications officer said.
"I know," the captain said sadly. He made a decision that was hard for him to do considering his passengers. "Plot a course straight for the basestar and engage," he told the bridge crew.
"What," came the stunned reply from the others.
"We might be able to create enough breathing room to allow the others to escape," the captain said.
"But captain, there are other ships larger than us," one of the others said. "They would be able to do more damage than we could."
"But their not as fast as we are," the captain replied. "And speed will be needed here."
The ship rocked as they were hit again by the Cylon fighters.
"Okay, plotting a course and engaging," the navigator said.
They all felt the ships begin to turn around and head where they did not really want to go. The captain knew that he had over a hundred passengers, but there were other ships with more than him. They had already lost one ship, with over three hundred refugees on board.
The captain hoped that enough attention would be diverted by him to allow the others to escape.
"Captain, I have an estimate of three minutes before impact," the navigator said.
"All power to the engines, we must get through their defenses," the captain said. If they were destroyed before that then it would be all over.
"Commander, we are within battle range," the scanner operator said.
"Launch all vipers, prepare to engage the basestar," Tagget ordered.
The activity on the bridge increased as everyone went about their jobs and the vipers of the ship were launched. Tagget hoped that everyone of the fighters made it back in one piece. He listened as they closed the distance before he would give the order.
"We are within laser range," the scanner operator said.
"Positive shield now, all weapons systems open fire," Tagget said.
The small fleet opened fire on the basestar. The Sunflare's main armament commenced firing. There were several hits on the basestar before there was any return fire.
The Cylon basestar was taken by surprise by the Colonial battle cruiser. It had just begun to fire on it when the Tiger joined the fight with its heavy armament as well.
The three other frigates headed straight toward the remaining civilian craft to help with the fight against the Cylon raiders. They were built for anti-fighter defense so they would be able to contribute their firepower with the vipers.
"Captain, new contacts, I don't believe it, they're vipers," an excited scanner operator said.
"What, vipers here now," the captain replied not really believing what he was hearing. It sounded too good to be true.
"Yes vipers and the basestar has begun to turn away from us," the scanner operator replied.
"The Galactica," came the question from many.
"How many vipers," the captain asked.
"Not many," the scanner operator said. "Wait, I'm picking up three other ships. Hold on a second while the computer identifies them. The computer identifies them as frigates," he told the captain.
"Frigates, they wouldn't have the capacity for that many fighters, but," the captain said in thought. "Tell everyone to head towards the frigates. They will be able to protect us."
The three ships began to limp towards the three frigates that were coming into the battle fast. Their weapon systems were active and looking for targets. The first Cylon raiders began to attack them and the anti-fighter defenses opened fire.
The Cylon fighters quickly converged on the frigates and vipers trying to eliminate them. The Sunflare and Tiger continued their assault on the basestar. The Sunflare's main armament opened fire with devastating results on the basestar. Add to that the firepower of a Tiger and the basestar did not last much longer.
The explosion of the basestar signaled the end of the fighting as the Cylon raiders found themselves without a base to land and refuel on. The vipers quickly finished off the remaining Cylon ships.
"Damage," Tagget asked looking around the bridge which seemed to be intact at the moment.
"Some damage to decks five and six, sections five through seven, but otherwise we come out unscathed," Zaga replied as he walked around getting reports. "We lost eight pilots," he said knowing that they would be harder to replace than the damage to the ship.
"Damage to the fleet," Tagget asked hoping that the rest of the ships were still in good shape.
"The Tiger and the frigates are reporting only light damage, but the civilian ships are reporting heavier damage. One is reporting major damage to her engines," Zaga replied.
"How many people on the ship," Tagget asked.
"Her captain reports about four hundred people," Zaga replied.
"Four hundred, all right see how many the other two ships can take then begin transferring the rest among the fleet," Tagget replied. "Put me through to the patrol fleet."
The communications officer quickly carried out his orders and switched the commander to the fleet com.
"This is Commander Tagget, as many of you know there was a massive Cylon attack that destroyed our fleet and the colonies. Of the three ships that we just rescued one will not be able to follow us and we will have to make room on our ships for those people," Tagget told them then turned to Zaga. "Have all shuttles transfer the people off that ship on to other ships."
"Yes sir," then he walked over to the two others who were standing on the deck. "Prepare the landing bay for civilians and try to find some rooms to house them. It's going to be a long trip."
Tagget sat down as he listened to Zaga. He had a feeling that his second in command knew how long a trip this was going to be. They needed fuel, supplies and food and water. The only place he knew was Hermes asteroid. He just hoped that the Cylons were not waiting for them.
"Zaga, have the shuttles fly to the frigate Spirit first, and then send her to Hermes asteroid to make sure there are no Cylons there," Tagget said.
"On it sir," Zaga said.
Tagget realized that with a couple of civilian ships he would have to be careful. He then switched over to talk with the captains of the other two ships.
"Did the Galactica send you," one captain asked.
"No, we weren't," Tagget replied. "I'm Commander Tagget of the battle cruiser Sunflare."
"A patrol group," one of the captains said. Tagget looked at him and noticed that he was an older man, and had probably been the military at one time.
"Yes, it is, and we don't have the firepower to stay here," Tagget said. "As soon as everyone is off the stricken ship and on other ships we'll destroy that ship then make our way to a resupply point."
"Is that were the Galactica will be," one captain asked.
"No, I 'm afraid that I don't know where the Galactica is, but I know where she'll head," Tagget said.
"The Doomsday Order," the older man said nodding his head.
"Yes," Tagget replied quietly his observation about the older captain was right. He had obviously been a commander of a fleet to know that order.
"I'd hoped that it would never happen," the man replied.
"What are you two talking about," the other captain asked.
"The doomsday Order was an oral command given to commanders of fleets in case of a massive defeat by the Cylons. It orders any remaining commanders to organize an evacuation of the colonies. Any ship able to fly is packed with people, and the remaining warships, if any are to escort them to a predetermined location," the man said.
"Won't the Cylons know about it," the other captain asked.
"It is a verbal order given in person and the coordinates as also verbal," Tagget said.
"It is something that no one who knows it would tell," the older captain replied.
"You were in the military," Tagget stated already knowing the answer.
"Yes, I was commander of the Pacifica," the man replied. "Allow me to introduce myself, I am Commander Orian," he said.
"Orian, of course, I should have recognized you, you've lost some of your hair," Tagget replied.
"I'm afraid that's true," Orian said.
"I'll talk to each of you later, but for now we need to finish up the operations and leave this area before the Cylons come looking to find out what happened to their basestar," Tagget said signing off.
"Have long range scanners look around for any other ships that might have been left behind and for any signs of a Cylon basestar," Tagget said turning back to the bridge crew.
The crews worked hard to finish evacuating the civilian ship and make room on board the other ships for the people. Tagget ran around and talked with as many people as he could to find our as much as he could. They were going to need some replacement pilots. He set up a few people to look for recruits as they could replenish their loses at the Hermes asteroid.
"Commander," came a voice from the internal communications.
Tagget looked over to see one of the med techs on the screen.
"Yes, what do you need," he asked politely.
"There's someone here who is asking for you commander," came the reply.
Tagget was about to reply when he realized who it was. The little girl who he had rescued off the planet's surface. He had been doing so much that he had forgotten all about her. He glanced around and noticing that there was not any danger from anything he headed towards the med lab.
"Let me know when we are ready to leave," Tagget said then walked off the bridge.
Tagget walked into the medlab to see the small girl huddled on the bed. He glanced over to the technician to see what she would say.
"She's been like that ever since we went to reed alert," the technician replied to the unanswered question. "She only said that you would come and see her."
Tagget nodded his head then walked over to where the girl was hugging her knees. He gently sat down on the bed and waited for her to recognize him. When she did she threw her body into his arms and held onto him. Tagget was not really used to this type of action and was not really sure what to do, so he just held the small body as he offered her a place of comfort.
"I take it that you missed me," Tagget said to the girl. "What's your name," he asked her again hoping that she would reply this time.
"Sara," the young girl replied.
"Sara, that's a pretty name," Tagget replied. "How old are you?"
"Almost four," she said as she held up five fingers.
"Almost four, wow that makes you a big girl," Tagget said with a smile which the girl responded to. He could feel himself being protective of the girl and knowing that she would not be able to stay in the medlab forever made a decision.
"Sara, how would you like to stay in my quarters," he said.
"Can I," Sara said.
"Sure, come on," Tagget said as they got up and holding her hand they began to walk out of the medlab. "Have you received any causalities yet," he asked the technician.
"The first shuttle is due to arrive any minute now. Doctor Yetts is waiting for it," she replied.
"Let me know what the report is. I'll be in my quarters," Tagget said then led the small girl down the hallway.
The technician just smiled knowing that their lives had changed forever. Usually civilians were not aboard the warships, but this defeat had changed that. They would have to get used to having civilians on board now.
Zaga waited on the bridge as the reports of the shuttles going to and from the damaged freighter continued. The scanners still showed everything was clear and he hoped that would stay for another hour or so.
"Captain, incoming report from the Spirit," the communications officer said.
"Put it through," Zaga said and waited for the captain of the Spirit to begin his report.
"Colonel Zaga, some good news," the captain said and Zaga sighed in relief. "There appears to be no Cylon activity at the Hermes asteroid. We are going to refuel and rearm then patrol the surround area to make sensor sweeps. The last thing we need to be caught by the Cylons."
"Good plan, we have about another hour before everyone is off the ship then we will head there," Zaga said. "Keep me informed if anything changes."
"Yes sir," the captain replied.
"That's good news," Zaga said to no one in particular but everyone understood it. The ship was still on alert just in case and a small patrol of vipers were flying combat duty.
"Commander," Zaga said waiting for Tagget to pick up his communications in his quarters.
"Tagget here," Zaga heard the quiet reply.
"Spirit has reached Hermes asteroid and reports no Cylon activity at the moment," Zaga said.
"Good, let me know when we are ready to leave," Tagget said.
"Yes sir," Zaga said as the screen went blank. He knew the reason for Tagget's quiet voice. He saw the young girl who looked like she was asleep on the bed. He had been informed about the small child who the commander had found on the planet's surface.
Zaga had a feeling a few minutes later that their time was running out. He thought about what he could do then turned to the flight officer.
"Are the shuttles flying at full capacity," he asked.
"Yes sir," the flight officer replied.
"Tell the pilots to fill beyond safe limits," Zaga said.
"But colonel, that could be dangerous," the flight controller said.
"Just do it, I don't like just sitting here," Zaga replied.
"All right commander," the flight officer said turning to relay the order.
Zaga waited nervously as the minutes ticked along. The shuttles were now loaded with more than they had ever held before. The first shuttle landed on board the Sunflare and passengers began to unload. Zaga began to breathe a bit easier knowing that in just a bit longer they could leave the area.
"Colonel," Zaga heard the voice said and he cringed at the tone. His worst nightmare was about to come true. "A Cylon basestar has appeared on the long range scanner," he said.
"Where's it headed," Zaga asked hoping that they would be able to leave before the Cylons had spotted them.
"It will be here in less than fifteen minutes," the scanner operator replied.
"Commander to the bridge," Zaga said and waited for Tagget to appear.
Tagget heard his name begin called to the bridge and wondered what that was all about. He glanced to the small sleeping form and somehow knew that he would have to leave a note for the young girl. He quickly called the med lab. The woman who had called him answered and he quickly explained the situation to her. She agreed to come and watch over the little girl while he was on the bridge.
A minute later Tagget walked onto the bridge hoping that it was not bad news that Zaga had for him. "What's up Colonel," he asked as he approached the man.
"Bad news," Zaga replied. "It seems that we have a Cylon basestar headed out way," Zaga said referring to the scanners. Tagget looked at it and knew that the Cylons were sending out another basestar to find out what had happened to the last one.
"What's the ETA of the movement of passengers from the stricken ship," Tagget asked.
"We'll be done in ten minutes," Zaga replied. "I ordered the shuttles to carry an overload of passengers just in case something like this happened."
"Good job," Tagget replied. "Tell the passenger ships to head to the base and send the Superb as escort with them. The warships as faster than the passenger ships are so if they leave now they should be out of scanner range by the time the Cylons get here."
Zaga relayed the order and they watched as the two passenger ships left the area. The shuttles were racing back and forth between the three ships that were left. Tagget knew that his ship would be carrying more passengers than her had originally thought but it could not be avoided. The scanner operator kept a countdown of the incoming Cylons.
"Sir the last shuttle has just docked with the passenger ship," the report came.
"Tell the captain to put his engines on overload," Tagget said. He hoped that he could get the Cylons in a bit of a trap. If the ship exploded and the Cylon basestar was close enough it just might cause some damage to it.
"Understood captain," the reply came back. A few moments later the last shuttle left the stricken ship and headed towards the Sunflare.
Minutes later the three ships left the area for Hermes asteroid and the rest of the fleet. It would be a while until they would be able to catch up with the Galactica, if they ever did.
Tagget sighed knowing that there was still a lot of work to be done in the next couple of days. He would not be getting much sleep that was for sure. He was not sure what would await him in the next couple of years, but he hoped that he could catch up with the Galactica before it reached the rendezvous point.
It would be a long road ahead.
The End.
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