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Babylon Galactica
We pick up just before the Earth Alliance fleet appears.
This time though it’s The Battlestar Galactica and The Fleet that appear.
Babylon 5 detects their appearance.
Corwin looks to Sheridan
“Multiple ships appearing at range of 2000 klicks,” Corwin Reports.
“How many?” Sheridan asks.
“About 60, several are the size of Omega Class Destroyers,” Corwin responds.
“The attack fleet?” Sheridan turns and asks.
“I don’t think so, signature and configuration are unknown. Possible first contact situation” Corwin answers.
“Of all the timing…" Sheridan sighs, "try and contact them.”
Corwin presses several buttons
"Channel open” Corwin says.
Sheridan looks over to the screen behind Corwin in CnC. It crackles with static.
"Attention unidentified vessels, this is Captain Sheridan of Babylon 5. You are near an active combat zone. Please stay where you are and await further instructions,” Sheridan says in a commanding voice
The radio crackles.
“This is Admiral Adama of the Battlestar Galactica. What is the situation?” Admiral Adama says.
“There isn’t enough time to explain, please stay where you are.” Sheridan answers quickly.
Inside the CnC alarms start going off.
Sheridan spins and looks out the window.
“Jumpgate activated” Corwin says.
“I’m sorry Admiral, I will have to get back to you after this situation is resolved.” Sheridan says, signaling for the channel to be closed.
"Here they come" Corwin says concerned.
“This is Capt. Dexter Smith of the "Earth Alliance Destroyer" Agrippa to Babylon 5 and renegade ships. You are ordered to surrender your commands and prepare to be boarded.” Captain Dexter Smith broadcasts from the Agrippa.
"Launch Fighters" Major Ryan orders.
“This is your only warning. If you do not surrender, we will be forced to initiate deadly force.” Captain Smith says.
“This is Capt. John Sheridan, Babylon 5. You are executing an illegal order in violation of the Earth Alliance Constitution. These orders have forced us to declare independence in order to ensure the safety of this station. We don't want a fight. But if you attempt to carry out these orders, we will defend ourselves.” Sheridan replies.
Inside the Galactica, Adama and Tigh stand at the center console looking at the DRADIS, as Sheridans voice broadcasts over the speakers.
“Come on, captain. You must see these orders are wrong. Leave while you still can.” Sheridans voice crackles
Adama looks over at Tigh.
"Did they say Earth?" Adama asks.
Inside the Babylon 5 CnC the situation is tense.
“They've broken contact with us. They are hailing the other fleet.” Corwin says.
“Attention unidentified vessels. You are in restricted airspace. Surrender now and you will not be harmed.” Smith orders.
Tigh looks at Adama
“What do you think? They don’t seem to friendly” Tigh says.
Adama turns to Gaeta
"Get me Pegasus," Adama says.
Inside the Pegasus Control Room, Lee stands watching the DRADIS. The Condition one alert blares behind him.
"Admiral Adama for you," the coms officer says.
Lee picks up the console phone.
“Galactica, Pegasus, we were monitoring the situation from over here, suggest we prep for an emergency jump.” Lee says.
"We are still calibrating the jump drives to our new co-ordinates. If we don't have coordinates, and we blind jump will scatter the fleet and they will be impossible to recover. Use Pegasus to cover their retreat from the combat zone." Bill orders.
"Be careful. They're not in Basestars, but they are just as large, and we don't know what they're capable of," Lee says cautiously.
“I know, but I won’t surrender our ship, our fleet, to an unknown force. You are ordered to protect the fleet and withdraw, our vipers will hold the line. Do you understand?” Bill says.
"Yes Sir" Lee replies.
Admiral Adama hangs up the phone.
“Unidentified vessels, this is your last chance to surrender or you will be fired upon” Smiths voice comes through the speakers.
"Set condition one, launch all vipers, defend the civilian fleet at all costs" Adama says.
The condition one alarm starts to blare.
Viper pilots run to their planes, and are launched as quickly as possible.
“Launch Vipers, get me some fraking birds in the air” Tigh says to no one in particular.
“Enemy Star Furies moving on attack vector. Orders?" Corwin says.
“Babylon Control to all Star fury Squadrons. Stand by to attack, but do not, repeat, do not initiate combat. Let them fire first. We won't start this fight but, by God, we'll finish it.” Sheridan says.
The Star furies move forwards ready to defend the station.
“Eight hundred kilometers, 700. Forces closing. Entering firing range.” Corwin says.
“Close blast doors and activate defense grid. Stand by. Don't be a fool, Smith. You've got to see these are illegal orders. Don't make us do this." Sheridan orders.
“Enemy fighters have locked on. Firing!” Corwin says.
The Omegas exchange fire, both sides taking damage. The Star furies move in on each other and engage. Ships start to explode all over the place.
One of the EA Omegas, and a Hyperion Class turn towards Galactica.
Over estimating Galacticas movement ability, The Omega overshoots, and only gets a glancing blow to the bow.
Even with one beam missing, it still does considerable damage.
On board Galactica, the crew are thrown around, almost as if they were hit by a nuke.
Unsure as to what happened, Adama contacts Starbuck.
"Starbuck, Galactica Actual, do you have visual on what hit us?" Adama asks.
"Actual, Starbuck. Seemed to be some type of laser weapon, melted right into the hull." Starbuck responds.
"Bring us about, full flak field, we cant take a full hit from those weapons" Adama orders.
Galactica Pivots, and starts to setup its flak field. Thousands of explosions spread tiny shards of metal in between Galactica and the approaching ships.
"Galactica, Pegasus, we are moving to support, our Vipers and Raptors are going to escort the fleet to behind that planet." Lee says through the radio.
"Damn it Lee" Adama says to himself.
Pegasus turns and start to advance on the approaching ships.
"Pegasus, Galactica, focus fire on disabling the craft where possible. We don't know what's going on, we don't want to start a war with them," Bill orders.
"Wars already started Admiral, but we can finish it" Lee responds.
Bill shakes his head, and sighs.
"Starbuck, that stations in trouble, take yellow squadron and give them support where necessary" Adama orders.
"Roger Actual, yellow squad, raptor three, form on me, we are going to help our new friends over there," Starbuck says.
Galactica takes a few hits to the flank from smaller plasma weapons.
Pegasus turns to return fire.
Hit at midships, the Hyperion is instantly destroyed.
Vipers are still launching, and moving to intercept Star furies.
Galactica moves into a defensive formation between the EA destroyer and the civilian fleet, turning she sets up her flak field.
At the very least it might disperse some of the energy in the next shot.
“Alpha Squadron, form up on my wing. Delta Squadron, punch us a hole through there.” Ivanova says into her radio.
"Confirmed" Delta Lead replies.
“Enemy fighters coming from the side, they’re trying to outflank us.” Corwin says.
“Babylon 5, this is Yellow Squadron out of Galactica, we are moving to intercept” Starbuck says into her radio.
“Understood Yellow Squadron. We will leave them to you." Sheridan says
He turns to Corwin.
"Focus fire on the Agrippa and her escorts, once we have this under control we can help our new friends,” Sheridan orders.
“Maintain approach!” Ivanova orders.
Her star furies move in past the Agrippa for a strafing run, and swing around to come in for another pass.
Inside the Alexandria, things are looking bad.
“Direct hit to decks 14 and 15. Hull integrity down 20%,” Lt Trainor reports.
"Bring us in closer to the enemy," Major Ryan orders.
"How close?" Trainer asks.
"Right down their throats," Major Ryan says.
The engines on the Alexandria burst to life and she lurches forwards towards the Agripa.
As the Hyperion explodes under the force of fire from the Pegasus, the vipers move in towards the Hydra.
The Hydra fires her main guns into the flak field at Galactica, but the wall of metal fragments reflects and refracts a large portion of the energy.
The smaller plasma weapons fire does make it through and do impact on Galactica's hull.
"Pegasus, Galactica, focus fire on disabling that ship, keep your profile to a minimum as those main beam weapons can melt through our armor." Bill orders.
"Understood Galactica" Lee replies.
Lee turns to the crew.
"Bring us about, for a full bow barrage, aim for the bow of their ship if possible, disable the weapons" Lee orders.
The Pegasus turns and does a full barrage across the bow of the Hydra. the armor fractures and the weapon on the starboard side explode.
"Racetrack, Galactica, focus on disabling their fighter cover," Bill orders, he turns to weapons "Batteries two, three and five, shift the flack field to cover the civilian ships."
Outside the Vipers and Star Furies dance a dangerous dance.
While the Vipers are faster in a straight line, and more agile up close, they don't have the same level of punch the Star Furies have.
One or two shots is enough to destroy a Viper, but the Vipers are struggling to find a way to damage the Star Furies.
"Galactica, Racetrack, our weapons are doing frak all to these things" Racetrack reports.
"Racetrack, Starbuck, aim for their engines on the ends of the poles, its not easy, but put a few rounds in one of those and it disables their ability to move and aim." Starbuck says over the radio.
"Roger that Starbuck, blue, red and green squadrons, you know what to target, lets show them not to mess with the best pilots in the fleet," Racetrack says.
By targeting the weak point the vipers are finally making headway against the Star Furies.
Back near Babylon 5, there are numerous breaching pods attaching themselves to the outer hull of the station.
"Starbuck, this is Babylon 5 Control. We have several breaching pods incoming," Sheridan radios.
"Roger that Babylon 5, moving into defensive position. All vipers, scatter formation, Raptor three, i want a full DRADIS scan, coordinate priority targets with yellow squadron, and remember, if a fighter doesn’t shoot at you, don’t shoot at them," Starbuck says.
The vipers form a loose formation and open fire on the wall of breaching pods that are approaching, picking off a handful, targeting the engines on the end of the struts, as the rest make their way through.
"Babylon 5, Starbuck, about a dozen or so breaching pods got past us. They seems to be attaching to the hull" Starbuck says.
"Where?" Sheridan says looking to Corwin.
"Hull area, Brown 95" Corwin responds.
"Geribaldi?" Sheridan says into his communicator.
"I heard, we're in the area, on our way" Geribaldi answers.
"Starbuck, we got those that dock, focus fire on keeping them to a minimum for us" Sheridan says.
"Roger Babylon 5, we'll do what we can" Starbuck responds.
Starbuck opens fire destroying another breaching pod.
As it explodes a Star fury cuts through the explosion and opens fire on vipers, Yellow 7 is destroyed instantly.
"Yellow two through four, on me, let’s show these guys how to fly. Raptor Three, Yellow five through nine, hold the line, break," Starbuck orders.
Three mk2 and one Mk7 viper break formation and engage with the Star furies.
While the vipers are faster in a straight line, these pilots are far better than the ones over near Galactica.
Targeting their engine pods is proving difficult even for Starbuck.
“Come on, hold still you fracking bastard” Starbuck says to herself.
Loosing another volley she manages to clip the engines, causing it to spin uncontrollably.
Another Star Fury moves in, and fires on the stricken craft destroying it.
"Starbuck, Ivanova, thanks for the target practise” Ivanova says snarkily.
“Bitch stole my kill” Starbuck says to herself before keying her mic, "Yellow one through four, back to the holding formation.”
They move back into their defensive line.
Inside the Churchill everything is on fire.
“Agrippa and Roanoke targeting us,” XO Anthony Eden says.
"All hands, brace for impact," Hiroshi says into the internal speakers.
The Agrippa and Roanoke both fire their main guns into the Churchill. From outside Ivanova looks on as the Churchill all but ignites.
"Damage report" Hiroshi says over the destruction.
“Hull integrity down to 7%, weapons offline, fires spreading quickly though most decks” Eden says
"All hands, abandon ship," Hiroshi orders.
"There isn't enough time" Eden says defeated.
Hiroshi sighs.
“Bring us about, max burn, aim for the closest enemy destroyer, if we go, they go.” Hiroshi says.
“Hiroshi, get out of there, get to the escape pods” Major Ryans voice comes in over the communication channels.
“Too late to get out, our primary systems are hit, we’ve got fires on all decks, now, there’s nothing we can do except take one of them with us, good luck” Hiroshi says
The screen cuts to hash.
"Comms are down" Eden reports.
"How many of the crew made it out?" Hiroshi asks.
"Hard to tell" Eden replies.
"Time until impact?" Hiroshi asks.
"30 seconds," Eden says, closing his eyes.
Hiroshi smiles, putting her hand on the console and looking around the bridge
"Thank you" she says to the Churchill, as she too closes her eyes.
The Pegasus closes in on the Hydra, too close for the Hydras weapons to get an easy lock.
“All batteries, full broadside” Lee orders.
The big guns on the starboard side of the Pegasus rip into the Hydra, doing considerable damage, and stopping the rotational section.
“This is Commander Lee Adama of the Battlestar Pegasus to enemy vessel, surrender, and we will offer assistance,” Lee says.
The Hydra shakes, and explodes.
Inside the Babylon 5 CnC, things are not looking too good.
Alarms are going off.
Sections of the hull are marked red because of the damage.
"Update" Sheridan says, looking to Corwin.
“Hull integrity down 36%, most of the breaching pods have been destroyed. Starbucks fighters are covering us. Roanoke moving in on the Churchill,” Corwin says.
“Target the Roanoke, full barrage, take out her weapons,” Sheridan orders.
"Roger that" Corwin responds.
Babylon 5's weapons fire a full barrage.
The Roanoke lurches to port.
Her rotational sections slowed considerably, as the main hull also starts to rotate.
“We’re in range” Trainor says.
"Give them everything we got" Major Ryan says.
The forward main weapons of the Alexander cut into the Roanoke, causing it to stutter and flare.
“Babylon Control, to "Roanoke". Your ship is out of control. Surrender and let us take on prisoners. We promise safe passage to-” Sheridan starts.
The Roanoke explodes.
As things start to settle down, Sheridan lets out a sigh of relief.
"Hail our new friends," Sheridan says to Corwin.
“Babylon Control to the Battlestar Galactica. Thanks for the assist,” Sheridan says.
“Babylon 5, Galactica Actual, who were those hostiles?” Adamas voice crackles over the communication system.
“Galactica Actual, we're fighting for our independence against a corrupt and oppressive government...” Sheridan starts.
Inside the Galactica CIC, Adama and Tigh exchange looks.
“What do you think?” Tigh asks
Adama looks at the disposition of his forces on DRADIS.
They're scattered throughout the system.
"...who are threatening the safety of a quarter million civilians we have on board." Sheridan's voice comes over the speakers.
This strikes a cord with Adama.
"Get me Pegasus, secure channel" Bill says.
“Galactica Actual, Pegasus Actual, what’s going on?” Lee asks.
“Pull back to the civilian fleet. I want to keep a safe distance from that station” Bill orders.
“Several of their fighters made emergency landings on our decks. They’re human. One of them wants to talk to you” Lee reports.
Adama pauses and looks over to Tigh.
"Humans?" Tigh says worried.
“Defense of the fleet takes priority, but send them over as soon as you can.” Bill says into the phone.
“Understood” Lee says, turning to helm “Bring us about, take us back to the fleet. Load those pilots into Raptors, the Admiral wants to debrief them.”
Pegasus Raptors launch toward Galactica.
Yellow Squadron flies alongside Pegasus on its way back to the fleet.
Adama walks over to Gaeta.
“When the raptors get here, clear the halls and have marines escort them to the pilots briefing room. Colonel, you have the conn." Adama says as he leaves the room.
Pegasus is now in a defensive posture next to the fleet.
All Vipers except the cap have been recalled and Babylon 5 has rescue and recovery operations underway as station security continues to contain and repel the boarding parties.
“Any word from that station?” Tigh asks Dualla.
"No sir" she responds.
“Wonder how the old mans going to deal with this” Tigh says to himself looking away.
The DRADIS alarm goes off.
“Multiple DRADIS contacts, appearing in the same location as the first group” Gaeta reports.
“Set condition one throughout the fleet, launch Vipers” Tigh orders.
Adama enters the CIC
“Belay that order...” he says to the confusion of Tigh and everyone else there.
Six EA ships exit the jumpgate.
In front of them stands the burnt out hull of the Churchill, The Alexander and Babylon 5.
“This is Capt. Drake to Babylon 5. You are ordered to surrender and prepare to be boarded by order of President Clark.” Captain Drake says.
Two bright bursts of light are seen on either side of the Alexander.
The Galactica and The Pegasus.
“This is Admiral Adama of the Colonial Fleet. We order you to stand down, and return to your point of origin.” Adama says, over the blaring of the condition one alarm.
“We were warned about you" Drake sneers, "We have the superior force, surrender or be destroyed.”
"What's our response" Tigh asks, already knowing the answer.
"Launch Vipers" Adama orders.
"Launch them, Launch them all," Anders says into the phone.
Outside both Pegasus and Galactica launch dozens of Vipers in a matter of moments.
“Pegasus reports all vipers launched, ready for combat operation,” Dualla reports.
“Tell them to coordinate with the other ships, and focus their fire on the larger capital ships. Leave the fighters and defense of the station to us,” Adama orders.
Dualla touches her headset.
"Pegasus confirms" Dualla reports.
"All batteries, prepare full flack screen between the enemy and the station" Adama orders.
Galactica's guns position themselves.
Pegasus’s guns target two of the Omegas, one for each side.
The EA destroyers power their weapons and ready to fire on the Galactica and Pegasus.
Alarms blare inside the Babylon 5 CnC
“Jump points forming right on top of us” Corwin reports.
"How many?" Sheridan asks.
"Eight" Corwin responds.
Sheridan braces for the hellfire about to be brought down on his station until.
Several jump points open above the station.
Seven Minbari War Cruisers and a Whitestar appear.
"Multiple DRADIS contact appearing near the station" Gaeta reports.
"Oh frak" Tigh says.
Adama looks sternly at the DRADIS screen, seeing the new arivals.
He picks up the phone.
"All Vipers-" Adama starts.
"Picking up a signal," Dualla interupts.
“This is Ambassador Delenn of the Minbari..." Delenn's voice comes over the speakers.
Adama pauses.
On the bridge of the Whitestar, Delenn looks furious.
"... Babylon 5 is under our protection. Withdraw or be destroyed.”
The Whitestar passes over Galactica and the vipers, headed for the Earth Alliance fleet.
“Oh frak me, are those ships?” Kat says into her radio by accident.
“Kat, cut the chatter” Starbuck says also shocked at their truly alien design.
“Negative. We have authority here. Do not force us to engage your ships.” Drake voice responds.
“Why not? Only one human captain has ever survived battle with a Minbari fleet. He is behind me. You are in front of me. If you value your lives, be somewhere else.” Delenn says firmly.
The Earth Alliance ships hesitate.
The Minbari ships open their gunports.
The Earth Alliance ships slow and turn. They make their way to the jump gate and flee.
Inside Galactica CIC cheers can be heard.
Adama nods to Tigh who picks up the phone.
"Stand down to condition three, good job people." Tigh says to the crew.
"Incoming message from the station, sir." Dualla says.
Adama takes the phone off Tigh and signal Dualla.
She nods.
"Galactica Actual" Adama says.
“Admiral, thanks for the assist. Would you care to see what you've helped to save?” Sheridan says, his voice far more relaxed than moments before.
“Myself and our civilian leader, President Gaius Baltar, would like to discuss the situation.” Adama says.
In the CnC of Babylon 5, Sheridan looks around.
"We'll roll out the red carpet, Admiral" Sheridan responds.
End?