Dead on Arrival

The Hera arrives in unknown territory.

It was complete chaos.

We had completed the jump, that was for sure.  I didn't think we'd be able to make another one.  Deck Chief Dylen helped me out of my Viper and on to the hangar floor.  The air was static, you could almost smell the panic and fear that everyone felt.  Everyone except the Chief.

"Cylons really messed us up, Jaren," he said scornfully, "My guys don't think we're going anywhere anytime soon."

I nodded in understanding, "You just keep these birds in the air, and we'll give you all the time you need." I said encouragingly back.

Dylen huffed an unenthusiastic reply, "Oh, I can keep the Vipers in shape, Cap, but you and your guys better not get shot up."

I nodded to him and made my way off the deck.  I had to find the commander and figure out what had happened.  The extent of my knowledge was that the Cylons, who had been unseen for the past 40 years, suddenly sprung a surprise attack on us.  From what I saw at the shipyard we were docked at, and from Dylen was telling me, they did a pretty good job.

As I made my way to the CIC, I saw multiple gurneys being rolled off urgently towards the medbay.  The wounds were horrendous.  One of the med team guys I passed was muttering to himself about how these new modern Battlestars were supposed to be invincible.

Obviously not.

Finally I got to the CIC.  The commander spotted me almost immediatly.

"Ah," he said, "Here's our CAG."

I gave a salute, "Commander Treppse, sir."

"At ease," he said, "There's really no time for that now, we need to get ready."

I didn't really want to here the answer to this, but, "For what, sir?"

Treppse took me to the side.  I never understood why he trusted me so much.  I was just a pilot.

"Jaren," he said quietly, but urgently, "I have no contact with the fleet.  All the reports I've recieved are bad, and they stopped coming in as soon as we jumped here.  So, either were out of contact range, or--"

I anticipated his next words, "Or the fleet has been wiped out."

He nodded.  "I've talked to my XO and senior officers.  They're all sure that the Cylons are coming for us.  I'm with them."

The reality of our situation hit us.  We were along, in the depths of uncharted space, with the enemy about to be on top of us.

"I want you and your pilots to be ready," he continued, "Get plenty of rest.  All the sorts of things they tell you to do in flight school and all.  Am I clear?"

I nodded, "We won't fail you, Commander."

He gave a warm smile.  He always reminded me of my father, "Go to it." he said, clapping me on the shoulder.  I headed out of the CIC and back to the barracks to meet my squadmates.