Operation Exodus

1:3 Shadows of the Past

Day 40 since Atlantis fleet departed for mission

It's been almost two weeks since Atlantis and her fleet found a wreck of an old unknown ship. Commander Stryker knew that people in the fleet were concerned; this part of space they'd entered was unknown to the Colonials, except for a few drone probes sent ahead, nobody had ever explored it before. Scouting raptors hadn't found much to report; mostly barren rocks, hot hell like planets, two gas type nebulas, several asteroid belts, and a tylium deposit they marked for future expeditions. This sector was a lifeless part of space. However, the crew started to feel and act like they were being followed. Like something was stalking them. Several times, blips on the scanners showed and disappeared.

Atlantis C.I.C.
"Commander on deck," Lieutenant Wilson yelled when Commander Stryker entered the CIC.

"At ease people," Commander Stryker said, "Lieutenant, is my analysis of those fragments from the wreck we found ready yet?"

"Not yet sir, the computer said it is an unknown alloy, and it is hard to connect it with anything in our databases," Lieutenant Wilson replied.

Doctor Donald Aren was the chief scientist of the expedition, but also the inventor of the new missile system called IDS (Intelligent Delivery System). All 48 tubes on the Battlestar Atlantis for Nuclear and conventional missiles were upgraded with this system.

"I think I shall go and visit Mr. Aren. Besides, since we left Colonies I haven't had a chance to visit Invictus," Commander Stryker said.

25 minutes later

Mobile Drydock Invictus – forward flight pod

Commander Stryker exited his raptor and was welcomed by Commander Krasner, Commanding Officer of the Drydock Invictus, and Dr. Aren himself.

"Welcome aboard Invictus Commander," Commander Krasner said.

"Thank you, this is my first time here," Commander Stryker replied and continued, "I was told a majority of the colonists were originally on board Argona and remain on the Colony ship Taurus. What do you have here Commander?" Commander Stryker asked while they were passing the nearest corridor.

"Well, this vessel is actually a large shipyard; outfitted with Viper and Raptor production factories, and with enough space for building any kind of ship from a Gunstar to a Mercury class Battlestar. There's also an ammo storage and production facility for fighters, bombers, and Battlestars. As well as spare parts shops, and repair shops. We also have two spare Celestus jump engines, of which I believe one is meant for the Battlestar Sword once we get to our target location. And to add to all of this there is a small factory for ground forces. The Invictus carries 600 vipers, 200 raptors, 24 stealth raptors, 24 scimitar bombers, 12 heavy shuttles, and has space for even more small craft if the need arises. Invictus also carries an impressive array of weaponry; from the main cannons that are normally used on Battlestars all around the ship, plus the most advanced point defense grid ever installed on any colonial ships except maybe for Battlestars Atlantis, Prometheus, and the Warstar Argona," Commander Krasner said.

"Well Commander Krasner I must say I'm impressed. With factories and supplies on the Argona, Invictus is a great addition to our expedition. Due to several unknown contacts in the last few week, I want all vipers and raptors brought to a fully ready condition. I would rather be ready and not need them, than need them and not have them," Commander Stryker said.

"Yes Commander, and I must say I am glad that you are in command. I've heard many good things about you, especially how you kicked Cain's ass with Poseidon," Commander Krasner said with a smile.