Book 4: Chapter 27 “Big Game-Defender”

“Commander, since the opposing fleet is larger and contains at least 4 fast Cerastes class gunships our orders are to hang back and with air wing assistance protect our supply ship.”

“XO jump board is green? The squadron and the repair bays ready?”

“Aye Commander, everything is ready and the depot we took has us up to the rafters with supplies.” 

“‘But the people are a problem. There are too few and they are tired. Mercury needs us. After this hop our relief will hopefully be out. First meeting can be as few as ten days, Lass.”

“That would be the best Commander. Time for the combat jump. Numbers are still synced.”

“Clean jump Commander, the Cylon fleet has 10 ships and 3 first war base ships. The fleet, as expected, is 12 minutes out. Message from Captain Miller. There is a Cylon assembly point 30 minutes out. It was newly charted. Our own data confirms. Flak is up starboard.”

“Aye XO. This we planned for. The fleet is going to haul ass and use the air wing to smack those gunships out of the sky. Those fast gunships their firing rate is insane. If we get isolated it could be bad for us.”

“Radiological alarm. The fat boys have nukes!”

The commander simply nodded head. “Adjust course port.”

…Later

“Commander, battle is proceeding as expected. Their fleet is breaking up. 4 of the gunships are charging, they are coming after us. The air wing has been tasked to intercept. Two of the gunships will get here first.”

“Acknowleged. Selestra class churn and burn. Gun crews stand ready.”

“We have a firing solution commander.”

”Weapons free. Open fire!”

“Commander, inbound missiles. I am breaking. It will miss us.”

“Commander, that firing rate is melting our hull.”

“Roll the ship. So them a different armor face.”

“Taking heavy damage!???”

“Splash one!”

“Splash them both!”