[T minus 12 years to fall, Picon National Guard Academy]

It was the Guard's Medical Corps graduation party. The class of 2375 A.K. (After Kobol) was a small class, just consisting of 35 graduates. While everyone was dancing, there sat one lonely graduate at one of the tables at the back of the hall, preferring to read a medical journal instead of partying like the rest of the class. The partying would go on for a few minutes until the honor roles started.

After all graduates returned to their tables the lead professor of the class spoke.

"Before we begin with the honor roles, there is someone, who would like to have a talk with you." The entrance opened to show the flag officer, Commodore Nash and his two personal guards. At a moments notice everyone stood at attention. The Commodore signaled everyone to be at ease. With a slow, but authoritarian walk he made his way to the podium.

"Ladies and Gentlemen. Dear Cadettes or rather dear graduates." He stopped for a few seconds "It is my greatest honor to stand before you, the graduates of one of the most difficult medical classes in the colonies. And with pride, the most difficult medical class of Picon." He stared at all students "Your medical skills will be immense, even as the basic students, who had not chosen any special classes. From what your professors have been telling me, everyone of you can do basically everything between a simple check up to simple surgeries. Be assured, your class made some noise up there." The class gave out a small chuckle "I'm sure that you'll become some of the finest doctors of the colonies. But don't kid yourselves. We're on our own in this life, everyone of us. Adapt to your surroundings. Be ready for everything, the cylons, the next insurrection, whatever. Know that the people you may call your closest friends and allies could turn on you. Be ready for everything. Open eyes, always alert, so nothing happens that ruins you and your life forever. Because remember: Sometimes life can be it's s own death sentence. Thank you."

In respect to Picon tradition, every graduate would shake hands with the flag officer and be handed a medal and a certificate, both written in Traditional Piconese, which originated from pre-exodus Virgonese. That meant that Traditional Piconese was far away from standard Virgonese, as that language had majorly evolved 2 times in the 2000 years after the Exodus. It would be followed by an oath. The graduates would also receive their National Guard Rank Insignias. They were in the same order as the ones used in the Colonial Fleet, although no rank higher than Commodore had been given out since the decimation of the National Guard's fleet in the beginning of the Cylon War.

Daniel was last in line to receive his certificate, medal and rank. As an introvert he was rather happy to be last, as he would not have anyone behind him. When it was his turn, Commodore Nash talked to him in Traditional Piconese.

"Cadet, I know that you are part of one of the 'Picon Hardliner' families. I also know of the reputation of your family. Cadet Hayes, due to your astonishing results in the Academy, there is something we have to talk about. Meet me in my office tomorrow at 0900." He then started to talk in Caprican Standard "Cadet Hayes, I congratulate you to your amazing results during your time here. Here is your Medal Of Graduation and your Certificate Of Graduation. For your excellent results, the board has decided to commission you with rank of Lieutenant. Congratulations Lieutenant Hayes."

[ 0850, Picon National Guard HQ ]

The newly minted Lt. Hayes had just arrived at the National Guard's HQ, when he was approached by a Captain. "Lt. Hayes, the Commodore is expecting you already. Would you please follow me."

The next 10 minutes would pass without any notable events. At the Commodore's office, the Captain gestured Lt. Hayes to enter the office.

"Lt. Hayes! Welcome to my office. Please take a seat." Daniel did what he was instructed to do. "How was the party Lieutenant?"

"The party was good sir." Daniel responded.

"I'll cut to the chase. The reason I told you to come to my office is because I want you to join the Colonial Fleet. You would be commissioned as a Lieutenant and based on your results you would study at the Fleet's Aquarian Scientific Institute for 2 semesters, before being transferred to Queenstown Colonial Fleet Academy."

"But sir, you know my family and it's tradition. We have always served in the National Guard. And you also know that the older members of my family are Anti-Colonial Government. They would completely get on your nerves."

"No worries Lieutenant. I was able to persuade them to allow you to commission in the Colonial Fleet. You should also know that your younger brother and sister have been accepted in the National Guard. Now my question is: Will you accept my offer?"

Daniel thought about this decision for a quarter of an hour, but in the end he had made his decision. "Yes sir, I accept your offer."

"Good for you son. Your transport to Aquaria leaves in 1 week. You are hereby commissioned into the Colonial Fleet. And here's your pins. Your uniform is ready for you in Queenstown. God speed Lieutenant."

Author's notes: This was the first chapter of Operation: Poseidon's Trident. I wanted to make my character from Picon, because why not. This story will also be a Margaret 'Racetrack' Edmonson Alternate Universe, as I think that she didn't get what she deserved in the series.

Edit: I changed the possible armageddon counter from T-8 to T-12 years.