Because of recent events, Clubber and Dancer found themselves pulling more than their fair share of raptor flights to search for the enemy basestar. Normally a simple task made complicated because extreme caution was being exercised. Each quadrant of space was examined by shutting down the plane while still beyond the ability of long-range scans. The spacecraft would then be allowed to coast into the area and the computer systems would be activated in order to gather the necessary data. It was a slow process but under the current conditions, it was decided to be an absolutely necessary procedure.
Converting methane into aviation fuel was proving to be extremely difficult and save for locating a supply depot, there was no possible solution for the battlestar’s ammo shortage. Until fortune blessed the Argus again, the crew’s only hope would be to not attract cylon attention. To this effect, all communications outside the Argus were done by signal light and even wireless aboard the ship was now brought to an end.
Since there was now a possibility of encountering the enemy, Cupcake, as the C.A.G., was remaining aboard the Argus. Keeping her pilots ready for combat was full time job. It too was made exceptionally difficult because of the fuel shortage, no flight simulators, and until someone could discover how the toasters shut down their computers, if engaged, despite any repairs, all planes would be forced to use their fail safe manual control systems. This meant that the fly-by-wire technology that made the viper mark VII’s such a highly dynamic fighter would be unavailable. An otherwise easy machine to fly, without the aid of the hundreds of seamless computer corrections, no one felt comfortable taking them into combat. Despite daily discussions, theory was no substitute for practice.
Reeves’ broken nose, hadn’t escaped the attention of major Assuras, and despite his insistence that he had tripped, she didn’t believe him. Instead she went to the admiral to discuss the impact of recent events upon the crew. Hallis was cajoling, almost to the point of condescension. And when it became obvious that the major wasn’t going to relent, Admiral Hallis finally told her to make her point and get out of his office. Cupcake responded by taking off her rank. “I believe you’re famous for doing this.” The ship’s old man remained quiet and waited for the next move to be made. “When Reeves struck Ford, it was insubordination. But when you belted the Captain that was a breakdown in the chain of command. We lost a lot of senior officers from the Poseidon, and although the Colonel is the acting X.O, he is a marine. Technically that makes me second in command and captain Reeves third.
The ship’s commanding officer grew impatient, cracked his neck and attempted to stare down his CAG. Assuras didn’t flinch, but rather leaned across the desk drawing herself closer to the Admiral, “The last thing I want to do is take command of a ship that you frak up because of your temper. Yea, there is a war, but there are still some limits on your authority and I know the regulations too. So don’t think for a second I won’t lock you in the brig if it happens again.” Replacing her rank insignia, she felt her point was sufficiently made and they could therefore skip the customary punch in the mouth. With that said, she left the room.
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The starboard landing bay was a mess with equipment and manufacturing processes. Because of this, the port flight deck wasn’t much better. What had become jokingly known as the airplane dance occurred every time someone had to take off or land. According to the official designation, the Argus is a destroyer with attached flight areas. These additions, suggested by engineers during its construction, were intended to accommodate the then newly developed Viper (mark 1). The brass working within budget constraints, agreed to the addition of two pods, one for each side, giving it limited abilities as a carrier. Because the Poseidon was engaged in transport operations, the Argus, constructed to accommodate 2 squadrons of vipers and 1 squadron of shuttle crafts was now overburdened with fighter craft. Therefore, what designed to comfortably carry a total of 75 planes, in two sections, was now housing 125 plus the 3 massive haulers in a single area. Even during its prime, the Argus with only a total of 8 launch tubes was considered inferior. The dance, made a fast engagement of the enemy impossible,because for take-offs and returns deck personnel had to literally push spacecraft from one area to another to make room.
Clubber and Dancer were returning from their search and as per the new landing procedure, the raptor had to first fly in front of the shield window on CIC. From there, the landing bay would be phoned to announce the arrival. Signal lights on the haul of the ship would convey communications from the deck officer to the pilot. It was an inefficient and clumsy form of communications. However, it did ensure that a nearby cylon patrol wouldn’t pick up any wayward radio signals. Skill, intuition and procedure had become valuable assets and everyone was trying to find ways to improve in the performance of their jobs. The words “Safety is everyone’s concern” took on a new meaning for the crew.
Cupcake made it a point of personally being present for the reports as the planes came in. As such she was the first person to receive the news from Clubber and Dancer as they disembarked their craft. “We found it Major. It’s an old one and it looks like it’s been shut down for a long time.” Assuras raised an eyebrow and said that was what everyone thought about the toaster that killed Hell’s Honey. "Fraking bastards" Still feeling the grief over their dead comrade, everyone paused for a few seconds, nodding agreement with the validity of the comment. It was a pointless death, but if there was anything to be learned, it was that even dead, the enemy could be dangerous. Granting the two airmen leave for some rack time, the major personally compiled their flight data and logs. Then she brought the records to Bridgeford and Lapointe for analysis and op planning.