Battlestar Avalon

The sound of the surf filled His ears as Achillies slowly woke up. Opening his eyes he found himself still under the outcropping that he had found during the storm. The clear blue sky was bright as the sun cast rays of light across the crystal blue water. Sitting up Achillies watched the seabirds dive down to the water only to pull out at the last moment. In spite of everything he had to smile. His first memory was with his family on the beach. He remembered his amazement when he realized that his father and mother flew faster in their Vipers than the birds could ever dream of . It had been then that Tra had felt his first longing for flight, for the ability to fly higher and faster than the birds in the sky. Glancing at his watch, he noted that nine hours had passed from when he had stepped out of the Raptor and into the sea.

"OK, lets get to it" He said to himself as he reached into the pack the Colonel had given him.

Inside the rear cabin of a Colonial Forces Raptor, Colonel Randell sat back down in the ECO's chair after the flight crew informed him of their location. The daylight from the pilot's canopy had darken as they flew into the night side of Caprica.

He grabbed a black day pack. “Hey, catch this.” He threw it at Tra. “You will find a canteen of water, a half day's ration, pocket knife, a compass and map.” He had been silent for most of the flight and did not answer the pilot's questions he may have asked about returning to Avalon.

“Like I said before, I dislike unnecessary paperwork, but I can't quiet trust you will stay out of trouble for the remainder of our port of call. Do you know how much paperwork is involved to remove someone from the number two spot in a squadron and remove them from permanent flight status?”

WHO: Jilleen Simmons and Blake Hayward
WHERE: Caprica City, Caprica
WHEN: Second day of liberty


In the Athens Park District, not so far from her townhouse, Jilleen walked on the sidewalk and wore a flowery light color skirt with a silky peach blouse, and high heels. She took advantage of her short days off in the city to wear nothing resembling a uniform. She was excited to meet a friend that she had known since James' time in the hospital.

( Breaking News )

From the white leather couch in the living room of her apartment, Jilleen proof read the message she wrote on the e-tablet. A message she neglected to send to an old friend when he first arrived to Caprica over a day ago. She made a load of excuses over the last few months why she should not write to him. Jilleen known him for years, and even considered him a friend long before he married her best great friend.

James had said it to her that morning before he left for Delphi. “Jill, talk to him. Jake loved Bridget as much as you loved her. Don't let her death, split apart the two people she loved back.” As usual, James clarity of vision helped her again.

WHO: Milena Wallace
WHERE: Battlestar Avalon, Hanger Deck
WHEN: Afternoon

Mila waited as the Raptor slowly opened it's door. Once open, the first thing she noticed was the smell of the flight-bay. Fuel, sweat and grease all seemed to mix together giving the Battlestar a feeling of activity, even if it was empty. She walked down the ramp and looked around. The place was almost deserted. The few people present were working on different types of equipment and spacecraft. She guessed this was to be expected. Most of Avalon's crew would still be on leave she thought as she walked onto the deck.

"You gotta be frakkin kiddin me. I thought there was a height requirement to serve on Battlestars" A familiar voice shouted from behind her.

"Fish!" She shouted as she turned with a smile.

WHO: Darcy Selwyn
WHERE: Battlestar Avalon, Hanger Deck
WHEN: Evening after "Leaving Caprica"

The hanger deck was normally the busiest place on a Battlestar but thanks to port leave, it was scarcely populated. All the birds, raptor and viper alike were tied down to the deck in a metaphorical sense. The Avalon wasn’t moving but to cut down expenditure in replacement parts and maintenance crew, it was standard requirement for all birds to be safely secured on deck before deckhands could sleep. A hard job but had to be done.

Darcy stood on the above walkway watching the comings and goings on her deck, well what was temporary her deck. With Burk and Randall due back any day, she had to make sure this ship was ready for strict inspection. The skeleton crew she had knew this and was working around the clock to achieve it. It was something she would note in her report to Burk. DRADIS upgrades were apparently running along smoothly so she could afford a few moments like this to observe the deck. She missed it.

It had been several months since she had piloted any form of craft since being giving the duty of tactical officer of Avalon. Darcy was led to believe that Burk specifically requested her for the position but she didn’t put much stock in that assumption. He was a hard man but fair.

She was brought back to the present with some clanging coming from the deck. The one thing the deck was all the time and that was an echo chamber. Darcy stood back up straight and straightened her tunic, starting to move off to resume her duties as caretaker commander during port leave. It was slowly but surely coming to an end. All she had to do was see out the remaining time and ensure the upgrades and repairs were done right.

WHO: Callie Morgan
WHERE: Caprica Beach
WHEN: Mid-morning after "A need for speed"

Callie flew back down onto the bedding in a heated sweat, her breathing labored as she was joined by someone else, someone she had just met but it didn’t matter. She was itching for some relief and finally she was getting some. Her naked body contorted in pleasurable tone, her lips broke silence in soft moans of joy as she was treated to some finesse from crimson lips.

( Hot & Sweaty )

WHO: Jon Randell and Tra Mitchel
WHERE: Caprica Beach – Police Station
WHEN: Mid-morning after THIS

“Yup, that's it,” Colonel Randell pointed on the computer tablet held by the female pilot wearing a flight suit next to the wing of the Raptor. “File a flight plan, Lieutenant.” he ordered and then started to walk away.

“Yes, sir.” relied the Raptor pilot.

A few steps later, Randell stopped and turned around. “Oh Lieutenant, one more thing.”

( His way or paperwork? )

WHO: Darcy Selwyn
WHERE: Battlestar Avalon, CIC
WHEN: Mid-Day

Lieutenant Darcy Selwyn stood in the hub of the ship, CIC which was normally the command post for either Admiral Burk or his XO Colonel Randall. Neither were in attendance today. Both had taken it upon themselves to enjoy a little leave during this port visit, in fact most of the ship personnel had done the same. Darcy was handed a slim white piece of paper and after thanking the junior officer with a courteous nod, she proceeded to read. It was a memo which she took a moment to read through and through before she forced a little chuckle. The Admiral took the time to write up a memo just to thank her attention to duty.

The DRADIS was scheduled for upgrades during this port visit and so despite the opportunity to take leave, she decided to stay behind and oversea the upgrades. So CIC was littered with devices, men and women working on the DRADIS console and all she could do was watch on. There were no real command decisions to be made – not unless ordering several friends from her watch to take the chance and go on leave counted. She didn’t need the guilt for making them stay just because she was.

Darcy crossed her arms and slowly patrolled around the engineers which were conducting these upgrades. She was curious about these upgrades which promised to enhance the performance of the DRADIS. The DRADIS was a vital piece of machinery, a device which was essential to the successful working of a military ship not that Avalon was expecting action or anything. Darcy supported Burk’s decision to allow the upgrade if just to keep the Avalon a head of the competition. That was why she was here. All she could do now was monitor the upgrades, the repairs and general ship life during this port leave. She had nothing more to do than that which meant she still had some spare time. For what?

MEMORANDUM for Lt. Darcy Selwyn

From: Commanding Officer Battlestar Avalon

Subject: DRADIS Upgrade Delta 7

I commend your personal initiative to supervise the latest software upgrade to our DRADIS systems during our liberty call to Caprica. I will note in the ship's log that you have given up your personal leave to assure this urgent and last-minute upgrade to the ship's DRADIS system. Your devotion of duty is a credit to the officers and crew of Avalon, and is well appreciated.

Well done.

Thomas Burk


Commander, CF
BSG-93 Avalon

WHO: James Chase & Jilleen Simmons
WHERE: Their Townhouse, Caprica City
WHEN: Early Morning, the day after starting liberty.

James Chase watched as the dawn light appeared over Caprica City's skyline from his bedroom balcony of the townhouse that he shared with his wife, Jilleen Simmons. He sat alone at with a tall glass of orange juice on the balcony table as he listened to the chirping birds below in the trees of the city park.

( Morning over C-city )

1400 hrs Raptor. 8247 en rout to Battlestar Avalon

The Raptor shuttered a bit as it left the atmosphere of Caprica. As it moved towards the Battlestar Avalon, Mila sat nervously in the rear seat. She hadn't been in a military ship since the crash that had killed one instructor, three classmates and nearly her as well. Leaning back in her seat she closed her eyes and let her mind drift.

Two years ago. Wallace estate, Caprica.

The fire cast a warm glow in the darkened room as Mila entered her father's study. Crossing the room she approached her father's desk feeling more like a school girl than a woman about to become a colonial officer. Her father sat in the dark watching her as she stopped in front of his desk. The glow of his cigar dimly illuminated his face, giving it an almost sinister look.

"Is there something I can help you with?" he asked, already knowing what she came for.

"You know what I need father. He was trying to protect me. That's why..." She said, but was cut off by her father holding up his hand to silence her.

"Ah, yes. Your young pilot. Tra Mitchel, wasn't it? He is in a bit of trouble, isn't he." He said mockingly "Helena Cain seems to want this young man drummed out of the service. Even if he dose manage to stay in, he'll never fly again. She'll see to that."

"You can help him, Gods dammit. You practically made her an Admiral by yourself." Mila demanded.

"I'll not have you speak to me like some, petulant child. I know very well what I can or can not do, and I know that I have little reason to help this man. Your mother and I never approved of your relationship with him. He isn't one of us." John Wallace said, barely keeping his anger in check.

"You can't let her take his wings Father. Please, it would kill him." Mila pleaded, tears starting to sting her eyes

A star shines brightly inside the golden nebula beyond the Colonies and behind the Armistice line. A group of elliptical discs fly in a tight formation toward a cluster of double-saucer and double-arrow base ships.

Near one of these deadly ships appeared a sudden flash which turned into small commercial ship. It's a container ship with Colonial markings moving forward toward a docking station.

A plan had been set in motion.

Caprica beach, Caprica 2230 hrs

The moon rose high over the ocean as the rhythmic sounds of the waves crashed onto the long empty stretch of beach. The smell of the salt water mixed with the lingering sent of suntan oil and tropical drinks. Seabirds walked along the shore looking for any sea life that ventured out into the night. Then without warning, the silence of the night was shattered by the roaring of a motorcycle's engine. Birds took flight as a mixture of the night wind and music from his ear-buds howled in his ears. Achillies gunned the engine of the motorcycle and smiled. Watching the beach fly by he was gripped by a feeling of fear and excitement. This was as close as he could get to the thrill of flying when he wasn't in the cockpit of his viper.

Ahead the darkness of the night was split by the lights of the city. Slowing down, he exited the small beach road into the parking lot of a local beach bar. He shut off the engine of the bike and got off. Unzipping his leather flight jacket we walked into the bar. Loud music, smoke and the smell of alcohol mixed with perfume washed over him.

"Now that's more like it" He said as he lit a cigarette and walked in.

Achillies sat at one of the empty tables at the dark outer edge of the bar. The waitress walked towards him. She looked to be about twenty wears old, blond with an almost animalistic beauty about her. The kind of girl that was beautiful and knew it.

"What can I get you fly boy?" She asked leaning over his table provocatively.

"Whiskey. Just bring the bottle, a glass and some ice" He said tossing two hundred cubits on the table.

Without a word the waitress took the cubits and left. Reappearing a few moments with a bottle of Caprica's finest whiskey, a glass and a large container of ice.

"Anything else I can get you?" She asked ion a more seductive.

Achillies smiled at her for a moment "Not yet, but believe me I'll let you know" he said as he poured himself a large drink.

He watched her swaying hips as she walked away from his table. Then turning up the drink he emptied the glass. Pouring another he watched the mixture of Caprica's finest and lowest mix in the darkness.

One year ago. Flight deck, Battlestar Galactica.

Achillies watched as the flight crews readied the squadron for launch. It almost looked to him like any other day. Viper jocks were fracking around and telling jokes. Knuckle draggers were running around the Vipers getting them ready for launch. The CAG was going over the flight plan with the deck officer. Nothing was out of the ordinary, except the fact that the Galactica was being decommissioned and the squadron wouldn't be coming back. Achillies shook his head at the thought. "Stupid frackin idea. This should be the flagship, not a frackin tourist attraction." he thought to himself as he walked around his Viper Mark VII.

"You OK lieutenant?" The mechanic on his Viper asked as he opened the cockpit.

Achillies looked up at the young technician. "Ya, I'm OK. I just think that making the Galactica a fracking tourist attraction is a the stupidest idea I ever heard of. Frackin politicians." Achillies said with disgust

"Now you say something that I can agree with. The old girl didn't go out before that happened at least ." A familiar voice said from behind him.

Achillies spun around and faced Commander Adama and saluted. Returning the salute Adama grinned. "You almost ready Achilies?"

"Yes sir, My gear was shipped to the Avalon this morning." Achillies said

"Good, good. This is the first Battlestar that you've been on that you didn't end up in the brig. I don't want it to be the last, understand?" Adama said putting a hand on Achillies shoulder.

"It wont be sir. Thank you for giving me a chance sir." Achillies said

Adama smiled "I owed it to your father to give you another shot, you took the shot and ran with it. Good luck Tra." Adama said.

Achillies watched Commander Adama walk away, stopping to talk to the other men in his command, all of whom wanted to stay under his command.

One year later... Today, Flight deck, Battlestar Galactica.

Achillies watch the tour groups come and go, stopping to look at one of the exhibits that were on display. A Viper Mark I and II, a Cylon, a mock up of a base star. All the things from the first Cylon war. Reaching into his faded brown leather jacket, Achillies pulled out a flask and took a long drink. The Jacket was the last gift his father had given him before he died. It had the patches from the squadrons and battelstars that his father had served on. Achillies had added his patches to it, making it almost totally covered.

"Sir, are you coming? Your Battlestar adventure isn't over with just the flight deck." An overenthusiastic tour-guide dressed in a old style uniform said.

Achillies looked at her for a few moments and shook his head." Frackin civilians" He thought.

"No, I think my Battlestar adventure is over for now. I'm not sure I could take the excitement from the rest of the tour just jet. I'll catch up" He said, sarcasm dripping off every word.

Once the tour was gone Achillies walked thorough the hanger, slowly taking everything in.

Colonel Jon Randell, the executive officer of the Battlestar Avalon for the last three months looked up at the DRADIS screen over the central command table in CIC of the Battlestar Galactica. The display graphics were similar to those on his own ship with the exception of the color and some minor details. The DRADIS sweeps were a mock up with Cylon basestars and of their raiders advancing on the battlestar.

No one from the Colonies had seen the Cylons in over 41 years after the Cimtar Peace Accord, the armistice that ended the last war. They had gone behind their side of the Armistice line to be never seen again. Good riddance as Jon would say. The Cylons had killed his parents in the last year of the war and made him an orphan when he was one year of age. He was six when distance relatives from Gemenon finally found him and took him away from Sagittaron. It was not an improvement, they treated him like property.

Jon blended in with the rest of the visitors to the Galactica Memorial, the battlestar had been decommissioned for over a year. He wore a brown leather jacket, black shirt, and denim pants. He stood at the command table fixed on the DRADIS screen as it cycled through the attack simulation. It was educational to say the least.