Operation Exodus

2:2 The Search

Commander Belzen knocked on Admiral Strykers door and after hearing Admiral Stryker call out to enter, he opened the door and went inside.

Admiral Stryker gestured with his arm for Commander Belzen to sit down, and the Commander obeyed. Belzen knew that the reason must be important for calling him in; that it had to be about the mission the Admiral once told him he would lead.

"Commander Belzen, I chose you for a very delicate mission. You will lead a small fleet of five ships in a search for Galactica and Pegasus," Admiral Stryker said.

"If I may ask, what ships will be participating in the search sir?" Commander Belzen asked.

"Battlestars Vanguard, Chimera, and Valkyrie, as well as one supply ship and one tylium tanker full of tylium will take part in this mission. You will be in charge of the entire group. The tanker will keep your small fleet going for about a two years max before you run out of fuel, so you have a set deadline to find Galactica's fleet or turn around," Admiral Stryker said.

"Sir, I understand, but what if we run into the Cylons during the search?" Commander Belzen asked.

"Under no circumstances are you to engage the Cylon forces, except if you are compromised and must defend yourself. Send scouts all around, but do not engage them. Your goal is to find the Galactica and her fleet and if possible the Pegasus. Nothing else. Is that understood Commander?" Admiral Stryker said firmly.

"One more thing sir, why do I need three battlestars? I mean two Mercury class Battlestars will burn through a lot of fuel. I don't know how far we can go with only one supply ship and tylium tanker," Commander Belzen said.

"All three Battlestars have a full tank of fuel, water, and everything that is needed for at least a one year search and a return trip. Remember you have the supply ship filled with spare parts, food, and everything you need. The Tanker, as I said, can drill extra Tylium out of asteroids if needed. But since she is currently full, it won't be necessary for now. Another reason Commander is for insurance in case you find the Pegasus and Cain does not comply with my orders. I am Fleet Admiral so I doubt she will refuse a direct order, however her judgment is in question and she will not take losing her rank or ship lightly. In case the Pegasus tries something you have permission to disable her, not destroy but disable. If the Pegasus continues to resist after being disabled, with some foolish ramming maneuvers, blast her to the heavens," Admiral Stryker said.

"I understand sir, but I hope that it will not be necessary to do that," Commander Belzen replied.

"I hope so as well Commander. Your fleet is to launch in 48 hours, I suggest you take some free time for yourself, good luck Commander," Admiral Stryker said.

"Thank you sir," Commander Belzen said.

2 days later...

Vanguard C.I.C.

"Commander all systems are green. All ships are responding; they are ready to jump to Promar on your command," Colonel Shelly Magene said.

"Good work, inform the fleet that we are jumping in 30 seconds," Commander Belzen replied.

"Sir, incoming message from command, Admiral Stryker says good luck and good hunting," the communications officer said.

"Well we're going to need it, jump on my mark; 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 jump," Commander Belzen said.

Two Mercury class Battlestars, the Valkyrie, and two support ships; the tylium tanker and the supply ship all jump away from the main fleet on its way to Avalon.

Unity – Admiral Stryker's Assigned Quarters

From his new quarters, Admiral Stryker observed as the five ships disappeared and quietly said, "Good luck."