“Commanders log, Battlestar Athena. We are in the final jumps prior to an assault on a trapped Cylon fleet. We have a huge nuclear party planned for them. This is one of the final stages of Admiral Lawson’s “Operation Magic Trick.” This is part of the massive battle that is to occur prior to the magic trick. That is supposed to be the disappearance of the entire force and civilians protected by what has been nicknamed: “Lawson’s fleet.”
“This is Commander Air Group Athena. Callsign Pony. C I C . I am reporting all birds in the tubes ready for the combat jump.”
“This is Athena actual. Commander Steven Evans. Acknowledged.”
Captain Virginia Boyle stood ramrod straight in Athena’s Combat Information Center. An injured pilot, she had a polished wooden cane in her left hand. She knew this was temporary duty. In spite of this she had made the huge effort for this assignment. She had memorized and could recite the technical specifications and operations procedure of almost any piece of gear on the Athena.
“All ships report ready to jump. The threat board shows a couple of Nemesis class and maybe a Talon class.”
“This is the commander. We jump to battle today, perhaps for the last time. Good hunting.”
“Contacts, at least a dozen heavy base stars, several smaller. They are reacting slowly. Our advance team of raptors has a heavy jamming field set up.” Reported the C I C watch officer. “Our combat launch is in progress. Task force is turning port, maintaining formation as per the battle plan. Firing keys are in, ready to confirm release of nuclear weapons.”
“Release is authorized as per next C I C order,” confirmed the XO.
“Release of nuclear weapons is authorized as per our verbal orders or the printed battle plan,” Confirmed Commander Evans.
“This is commander air group Pony, form up on me and prepare to engage a large number of Cylon raiders.”
“DRADIS has raiders launching 500 plus.”
“Now nearly 1000 raiders C B D R. They are out of position for defense against nukes.”
“Missiles in bound.”
“This is the commander. Maintain formation into defensive positions. Stand by Flak.”
“Hit! Bow and starboard flight pod. Armor is holding.”
“Pony to all players stick with your wing mate. Remember the plan and engagement zones. C I C squadrons are outnumbered but engaging now as per battle plan.”
“Flag ship to formation.Defensive flak starboard engagement zone.”
“Radiological alarm. Nukes inbound!”
“This is commander Evans. Launch offensive strikes as firing solutions indicate. Nuclear firing authorization is transferred to individual commanders.”
“This is Athena actual. Damage control teams to the starboard flight pod.”
“Nukes in flight.”
“Base stars are hit.
Repeat,
The base stars are hit.
The base stars are burning.”
“Oh my gods!”
“We have become the Cylons,” Commander Evans whispered under his breath.
“This is the commander, wave 4 nuclear release authorized. It’s a frakking slaughter.”
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“All right. Enough. This is Athena actual. Launch the S A R birds. Stand by medical bay for casualties. Lets recover our pilots and get the frak out of here.”