A quick note on an HR (Holographic Repeater) versus a Holographic Display. This system is modeled on a Tactical Repeater, the difference between a Tactical Repeater and a Tactical Display is the fact that a Repeater is repeating information that has already been enhanced, and interpreted by either Human or digital means. Because a repeater repeats multiple feeds from multiple sources, it does far more than simply displaying information. A display is raw data, a repeater is interpreted data. The reason I bring this up is the fact that outside of certain situations or backgrounds the term may not be recognized. I will ensure I explain the terms better next time. In the case of the HR in the command center, there would be a number of Holographic Displays or Flat Screen Displays, most likely with a tech, all over the command center, say data from the 401s and another with information from defense satellites as an example. The information would be enhanced, notes made by the specialist and then repeated on the main HR. Some of the information would be real-time, the 401 flying past the pod, other information would be repeated, such as tech notes, detected radiation, etc. A repeater is designed to help in making decisions by bringing multiple interpreted data sources to the fingertips. You will read about both systems in this fic.
Anyway, no offense taken, I welcome any and all questions. And will fix any errors discovered.
I own neither Stargate nor Battlestar Galactica. Any original ideas and technology, use of technology, as well as the narrative and the situations that appear within this story are my own. This story cannot be used to garner any type of monetary reward or payment. Enjoy the Fic.
It is my Intent to try for two updates per month.
I'd also like to thank my Beta, NorJC, keeps me in line. On with the story.
Chapter 2
As the shuttle approached the lunar surface, the pilot rolled the craft, giving his passengers an unobstructed view of the moon.
Adama leaned over and peered out at the forbidding grey surface. He noticed numerous facilities dotting the pitted landscape. A large facility caught his eye, there were Tau'ri spacecraft, possibly fighters taking off from it, and there were a number of what appeared to be towers located in a circular pattern around it.
Colonel Gallo noticed Adama's preoccupation with the structures and smiled. "That is Luna Defense Base 15 Admiral; I believe the base's name is Tereshkova. You can see that they are in the process of launching F401 space superiority fighters."
Adama gazed at the Italian colonel. "Most impressive, Colonel. Tell me, what are the large towers located around the base?"
"Base shield generators and planetary siege cannons Admiral. The Luna bases provide near Earth defense. We believe very much in protecting the Home World." Colonel Gallo answered.
"Planetary siege cannons, shields?" Adama asked somewhat incredulously.
Gallo sat back in his seat and shot an apologetic look at Adama. "I am sorry Admiral, but I cannot surrender any more information regarding our defenses at this time. I'm sure you understand. Suffice it to say, that the defenses of the Sol System and those of Earth herself are the most powerful in known space."
"And how much space does Earth know, Colonel?" Asked Biers, in a rather condescending tone, as she sat beside the Tau'ri officer.
Colonel Gallo gave the woman sitting next to him an appraising look and smiled as if he'd liked what he'd seen. Then he answered her. "Quite a bit, madam. Our ships have traveled to and are in the process of exploring three galaxies to date, plus we have made contact with or have knowledge of over fifteen hundred sentient races. However, perhaps our knowledge pales in comparison to your achievements, no?"
Biers along with the Colonials was stunned by Gallo's statement.
Struggling to maintain his stoic mask, Adama didn't know these people or their motivations and it was possible that the Colonel was exaggerating. He'd reserve his judgment till later.
D'Anna Biers, on the other hand, felt as if she had been run over by a battlestar. Her Cylon mind racing, she considered the possibility that Gallo was lying. Yet the human was not showing any of the obvious signs of deceit on his part. However, his people simply couldn't be so advanced, considering they had left Kobol at the same time as the rest of the Humans, could they? But this Thirteener looked so smug, so sure of himself, Biers literally felt a chill go up her cybernetically enhanced spine. What if it was true and what if they took offense at the treatment the other Kobolian Colonies had received from the Cylons? Perhaps she had better reassess her attitude in dealing with these Tau'ri. She was here to plead her people's case rather than alienate herself and the rest of the Cylons by extension.
"I apologize Colonel, I meant no offense," Biers said gently.
"No offense taken, my lady," Colonel Gallo answered gallantly.
Meanwhile, Laura Roslin had a plethora of questions that instantly came to mind. "Colonel, your ships can travel between galaxies?"
"Yes, within a matter of weeks, Madame President."
"How many planets do you have under your control?"
"Numerous."
"How many ships do you have?"
"Enough. I really cannot go into detail, Madame President, about the extent of our forces for security reasons."
"And there are fifteen hundred sentient races. These races, are they…aliens!?"
"Some of them, yes."
"Why haven't you contacted the other Colonies in the past?"
"Which colonies, Madame President?"
"The other Twelve Colonies of Kobol, Caprica, Picon." Roslin stopped as she took note of the look on Colonel Gallo's face. "You have no idea what I am talking about, do you?"
"Madame President, I am sure my superiors would be happy to answer all of your questions once we land at Emerson Central."
A subtle chime sounded through the shuttle's intercom system before the pilot's voice came over the system and announced they would be landing within the next few minutes at Emerson Lunar Command Base. Then the internal shuttle lights switched to a light blue as the shuttle began to decelerate.
Now Roslin sat back and shared a look with Adama.
The SP347 came around in a graceful arc giving everyone on the shuttle a good view of the enormous Emerson Lunar Defense Command. Then the craft flared its drive system to impede her forward momentum and alighted on a blinking landing pad sitting inside a deep crater. Almost immediately thereafter, heavily armored doors snapped shut above the shuttle. The pilot applied some power and the shuttle taxied off of the huge pad, passing a set of heavily armored blast doors and through a one-way permeable force-field before entering the hanger proper. An individual riding a small vehicle with the "Follow Me" sign attached to the rear of the vehicle led the way. The shuttle was directed toward a corner of the cavernous hanger where the craft shut down its engines.
Adama, along with all of the other non Tau'ri, had been staring at the myriad of small craft filling their surroundings as the shuttle taxied.
Colonel Gallo then stood and walked toward the opening hatch in the side of the vehicle and waited for his charges to stand and disembark from the vessel.
Adama was the first one off of the Tau'ri shuttle, President Roslin with D'Anna Biers following closely behind. Adama waited for the president to take his arm and then they both walked toward the midsized party of Thirteeners waiting for them a few dozen meters away. There were two gentlemen standing in front of the rest of the Tau'ri, and Adama made for them. He assumed that the one in uniform was General Rudenko and the civilian with him was the diplomat he had mentioned.
His assumptions were proven correct a moment later as the man in uniform stepped forward and spoke. "Admiral Adama? I am General Artyom Rudenko, allow me to be the first to welcome you to Emerson Lunar Command." Rudenko said as he extended his hand.
Adama grasped Rudenko's hand and shook it solemnly. "General Rudenko, thank you for your welcome. Please allow me to introduce the President of the Twelve Colonies, Laura Roslin," Adama said in return.
"Madame President, welcome to the Sol System." Rudenko replied as he took the President's outstretched hand. "Please allow me to introduce Mr. Stanley Witward of the Tau'ri diplomatic office."
The two politicians shook hands and sized each other up, even as they continued to trade pleasantries.
After a few more introductions the party moved toward one of the numerous access tunnels that dotted the cavernous hanger bay. A few minutes' walk led them to a tram that quickly transported them to the central part of the base. An elevator ride later and they arrived at their destination atop one of the three spires that made up the center of Emerson Lunar Defense base.
The elevator doors opened to reveal a long wide corridor ending in a set of large wooden double doors with four armed guards arrayed to either side. On both sides of the corridor were a number of comfortable looking sofas as well as small tables with seats. Also, there were a few doors that apparently led to adjoining rooms. Mr. Witward led the way with President Roslin alongside him, the two engaged in quiet conversation. A few paces behind them General Rudenko and Admiral Adama were also engaged in small talk, with General Rudenko pointing to a number of paintings located on the wall. One large portrait with a beautiful wood frame on it caught Adama's attention and he politely enquired about it.
"That is Colonel Paul Emerson. This base is named for him, he was the Commander of one of our first warships, and he was killed in action saving his ship and crew. Colonel Emerson along with other lost comrades represents the very best of Earth's militaries," General Rudenko answered solemnly.
Adama briefly lowered his head in acknowledgement of the lost colonel and simply answered, "I see."
General Rudenko appeared to look on with approval at the Admiral's reaction, before stating; "Admiral I am sure that you could also tell me about a great number of lost brave comrades, it could not have been easy for you to come this far."
"No, it was not general. Perhaps one day I'll be able to tell you about them."
"And on that day I will bring a bottle of vodka and we will talk and we will toast."
"Vodka?" Adama asked.
"One of the greatest gifts that Earth has provided to the universe, Admiral," Rudenko replied with a twinkle in his eye.
The group walked on in companionable silence, the guards opening the doors as they approached. The party entered the grand room that Emerson Command reserved for large or important gatherings. The room itself was tastefully decorated with wood paneling, two long antique looking wooden tables with comfortable chairs had been set up in the center of the room. A large table with a buffet, providing a sampling of Earth food was located off to the side of the room. Placards had been placed on one table identifying the occupants from Earth, while the other table simply had placards that read "Colonial Representatives." There were about a half dozen individuals already seated at the Earth table when the group entered. The assorted men and women rose respectfully as further introductions were made. Chief among them was a French Lieutenant General assigned as the base commander.
After the introductions were complete, Roslin led the way toward the Colonial table and took her position behind the center seat. She waited patiently as the rest of her group arranged themselves in the remaining seats. Adama to her right, Baltar to her left, and Biers to his left. The remaining Colonials and Cylons then took their seats behind the large table while the two Colonial Marines took their place beside two of their opposite numbers from the Tau'ri guard force. Once everyone was in place, Roslin took her seat and the rest of the Colonials sat down a second later as did their Tau'ri hosts.
Mr. Witward at this time began the formal part of the meeting, speaking for the record he stated, "I, Stanley Witward, am pleased to greet you and welcome you in the name of President William Harris and the people of the Tau'ri Republic."
"Thank you for your kind words and your welcome to your world and this system. On behalf of all the peoples of all the Twelve Colonies of Kobol, I can say we are so very pleased to finally find our missing cousins from the Thirteenth Tribe. I only wish that we could have come to you under better circumstances," Roslin responded.
Adama and Baltar both took note of the glances that the Tau'ri representatives exchanged among themselves at Roslin's mention of the Thirteenth Tribe.
"Thank you for your kind words, Madam President. So please tell us what brings you here and what can we do for you?" Witward asked.
Laura Roslin took a second to gather her thoughts and then did exactly what Witward asked. She started from the very beginning, explaining about the creation of the Cylon race, and the start as well as the finish of the First Cylon War. She went on detailing the troubled peace that followed and the refusal of the Cylons to meet with any of the Colonial representatives sent to see them yearly. She told them how the Cylons reintroduced themselves to the Colonies in the Cyrannus System by murdering thirty billion humans and annihilating two thousand plus years of history and culture. At this point Adama took over the tale as Roslin was obviously growing fatigued. He talked about the destruction of the Colonial Fleet and the desperate run for survival that ensued. He told of the dogged pursuit of the Colonial Remnant and the death that seemed to follow them no matter what they tried to do. He told them of the hope of New Caprica and the devastating loss of the Pegasus, the uneasy alliance with the Cylon Rebels and the final decisive battle resulting in the destruction of the Cylon Colony.
The enthralled Tau'ri representatives listened on in shocked awe as the Colonials recounted the last few years of their lives. No interruptions were made till the very end of the story. At this point Witward called a temporary halt to the proceedings, as it had gone on for over three hours, and the Colonial President seemed to be in some distress.
A worried Adama leaned over to Roslin and quietly asked her if she was alright.
"I'm just tired, Bill. I just need some water and I'll be fine."
Adama gave her a long hard look, even as Mr. Witward walked over. "Madam President forgive me, but I couldn't help but notice that you look unwell. Perhaps a small recess and we can have the medical staff here on the base give you a quick examination?"
"Thank you, but no Mr. Witward, I just need some water, these proceedings are too important to stop now."
"I agree Madam President, these proceedings are important, and so are you. Madame, I insist that you be checked by the base physician. Admiral Adama can answer the questions that we have, and at the very least we will be able to talk about logistical support for your ships and people."
"Madame President…Laura…you need to let them check you out. Maybe they can do something to help you," a very worried Adama added.
"What seems to be the problem, if I may be so bold Madame President, Admiral Adama?" Witward probed while looking back and forth between the two of them with a slight frown on his face.
"Cancer, Mr. Witward, she has terminal breast cancer," Adama stated in a flat voice.
"Admiral Adama! Roslin growled softly, "that is privileged information!"
"Enough, Laura. Either you allow them to help you or you can accept my resignation. I didn't fight so hard to get here only to lose you now!" Adama vehemently stated, even as he locked eyes with his furious President.
Suddenly, Roslin looked away first and dejectedly answered, "Fine Bill, just don't give away the store, okay?"
"I'll do my best, Laura. If nothing else I'll make sure to keep the cat."
Witward nodded once then turned around and announced that there would be a one hour recess. Afterwards, they would continue on with this first and most important of meetings.
Roslin looked on as the doors opened up and a group of four Tau'ri dressed in white and grey uniforms came inside. She noted with relief that they each bore a very recognizable caduceus symbol over their heart. She felt Adama give her arm a reassuring squeeze as the medical personnel approached.
The small medical group was led by a doctor holding the rank of Major in the Polish Army. He took one look at his patient and took note of the short quick breaths and extremely pale coloring of the Colonial President.
"Get a gurney in here! Madame President, I need you to come with me please." The doctor stated as another medic entered with an anti-grav gurney.
Roslin felt herself lifted up and gently placed on the gurney, even as her vision began to darken around the edges, she was aware of Adama holding her hand, and heard the doctor giving orders but couldn't distinguish the words anymore. She blacked out for a moment and when she regained her consciousness she was aware of lights in the ceiling speeding by, sound was a single indistinguishable rush. Suddenly a single voice cut through the noise; "Laura, Laura, stay with me, please don't go." Roslin turned her head toward the sound, it was the hardest thing she ever had to do, and focused on a face floating near her. "Bill."
Adama was pulled up short as a medic suddenly stopped him. "I'm sorry, sir, but only medical personnel beyond this point." Adama looked over the medic's shoulder and watched as Laura surrounded by her attendant doctors disappeared behind sliding doors adorned with the medical caduceus.
"Are you alright, Admiral?" Rudenko asked from behind Adama.
"It's strange, General, I have buried so many good people, more than I can ever justify, and I have managed to continue forward, to push on. But for the very first time in a very long time I feel hopeless and powerless." Adama said quietly without turning around.
"The problem with our rank, Admiral, is that we always have to appear to be more than human, able to endure everything, and always have the right answers. But you know as well as I do that no matter what we pretend to be, in the end we are simply human. The love of a woman, the laughter of our children, these are the things that we in the end crave above all else." Rudenko paused for a moment before continuing. "We have the very best doctors and some of the greatest medical knowledge and technology in three galaxies Admiral, they will contact us as soon as there is anything to report, take comfort in that my friend. But for now you must pretend to be more than human once again and return to the conference room. There is still much to discuss."
Adama squared his shoulders turned around and took a step beside Rudenko, nodding his head as he did so, for the briefest of moments Rudenko could see all the loss and pain in the Admiral's eyes, then control was reasserted and a tough and focused Colonial Flag Officer suddenly stood next to him. "Thank you General, please lead the way." Adama stated in a calm and even voice.
"1...2...3 lift!" Ordered Maj. Krakowski, with that command the medical team lifted and transferred Laura Roslin from the gurney to the diagnostic table. As soon as the President's body touched the table the system powered-up, instantly a holographic representation of the patient's anatomy came to life hovering just above the real President, numbers appeared to the side of the avatar even as it rotated to present the Doctor with a clear view as seen from above. Numerous areas were highlighted in red and an audible warning sounded, Krakowski took note of the failing organs, the cancer had metastasized, liver and spleen were both shutting down, the lungs were filling with fluid, there was hemorrhaging in the liver and blood pressure was rapidly dropping, another alarm sounded as the pressure dropped to dangerous levels.
"We're going to lose her. There is already too much damage. Prep a sarcophagus, get ready to transfer her, I want her alive when she goes in, we don't know what her cultural taboos are regarding being brought back from the dead, so better not to let her die. Move, we have less than five minutes." Krakowski directed his next words to the SI (Simulated Intelligence) controlling the table. "2 CCs Paracorralen, begin BR infusion." The table obediently administered the potent drug, instantly there was a spike in the blood pressure as the heart accelerated and the table dumped massive amounts of neutral BR (undifferentiated Blood Replacement) into the patient. "Stabilized for transfer!" Announced the Doctor. "Organs are still failing, expectant time has changed to twenty minutes. Prepare to lift, 1...2…3 lift!" A medic moved quickly to the patient's side and attached a boxy device to the President's left shoulder, an indicator coming to life confirming that a connection had been made and that the device was continuing to infuse BR from its concentrated internal supply. With that Laura Roslin, President of the Twelve Colonies of Kobold, was placed unto the gurney and a moment later was whisked away to the sarcophagus chamber.
Adama along with Rudenko reentered the conference room, Rudenko moving off toward the Tau'ri table as Adama moved toward the other table. The other Colonials including Baltar as well as the Cylons looked at the stoic Admiral, they're eyes begging answers to unvoiced questions. Adama stopped before them and quietly informed them of the events that had transpired and that, based on what he had seen of the Tau'ri doctors, he had a great deal of faith that Roslin would be alright.
Witward watched the exchange with a great deal of interest, military people, even from different planets it seemed, had the ability to internalize what had to be a great deal of pain and worry. It was, he mused, what allowed them to continue forward even as the average human would breakdown and simply give up. Or maybe all humans carried the same traits, military personnel possibly trained to have greater reservoirs of that indomitable spirit? He'd have to think on it later with a good bourbon at hand. He patiently waited until Adama finished briefing the other Colonials and re-took his seat before bringing the meeting back to order. "Admiral Adama are you willing to continue this meeting at this time?"
Adama looked Witward in the eye and stated clearly. "I am, Mr. Witward. I believe for the sake of the fifty thousand fellow humans waiting with hope on those cramped civilian ships that it is of paramount importance that we reach resolution in certain areas as quickly as we can."
Witward accepted the mild rebuke for what it was, a reminder that a number of men, women, and children were existing in squalor, and that the people in this room had the power to change that. "General Rudenko, is there anything we could do at this time, without jeopardizing Earth or breaking any regulations?" Witward asked.
Rudenko turned to look at Admiral Adama contemplating his answer. Normally the pragmatic Russian would defer a decision like this till after he had gathered all of the facts. If there was one thing he had learned since the Stargate had been made public knowledge was that not everything was what it appeared to be. But the simple fact was that everything he had seen, the condition of the Galactica, the character of the people that she carried, they were what he imagined the people of Stalingrad would have been like, battered but unbowed, bloodied but unbroken., deserving of respect and immediate help. But. "I have a question for you Admiral, two actually."
Adama lifted his chin, inviting the questions.
"What can you tell me about this?" Rudenko looked down at the pad lying on the table in front of him, he linked it to the conference room systems and ran the feed originally coming from Deep Space Surveillance Drone 634-P, but now coming from a CL432 class Light Cruiser. The cruiser along with the rest of her Task Group, was currently shadowing the Colonial Refugee Fleet. "And why did you not mention this before?"
Adama heard Baltar gasp beside him as a holographic display came to life between and slightly above the two parties. The detail was exquisite, but what had elicited the gasp was the fact that the information to the side of the image indicated that this was no recording, but a real-time feed. One thought after another raced through Adama's mind, first and foremost the Tau'ri had warships shadowing the civilian ships. He could understand that, he would have done the same thing. Second and seemingly impossibly the Tau'ri had systems that could transmit information in real-time from at least a dozen light years away! He took a moment to compose himself from this most recent revelation, and resisted the temptation to ask how they were doing it, instead he lowered his gaze to meet Rudenko's.
"That is a Cylon Baseship, basically they're version of a Battlestar. This particular ship is crewed by Cylon rebels and Colonial personnel that I left behind to guard the fleet in the likely event that the Galactica was destroyed in its attack upon the Cylon Colony. It is armed with conventional missiles as well as a limited number of nuclear warheads, while its original Raider complement was destroyed it is carrying over eighty Vipers, which would be fighters that I left behind. As for your second question General, I didn't know you or your people, I had no idea of your motivations, or even if you were human. What I did know was the fact that I had fifty-thousand innocent men, women, and children, whose only crime had been being born human. They were, and are, my responsibility. The Galactica is crippled, and that Baseship represents the only defense left to the people on those dilapidated civilian ships. If the roles were reversed General would you have willingly surrendered that information to an unknown power?" Adama replied without a trace of remorse.
General Rudenko leaned back in his seat even as he maintained eye contact with Adama. He considered himself a fair judge of character, and he had honed his instincts over a lifetime of military service, first for the Russian people and later for all of the people. As he looked into the Colonial Admiral's eyes his instincts told him here was a man that he could trust. "No Admiral, I would not have surrendered that information either." He turned toward Witward, the British diplomat waiting for his decision. "I currently have three hospital ships in the system, any one of them is capable of dealing with planetary disasters, and so fifty thousand is a very achievable number. I will dispatch one of the hospital ships as well as additional transports loaded with food and humanitarian supplies, in addition I will send fleet tugs and tenders to ensure the Colonial ships are brought as close to space-worthy as we can make them without the benefit of a dry-dock. I will also order the Battle Group that is shadowing the Colonial Fleet to close with and form a protective sphere around them, although for the record they are deep within our space and as such are in no danger. Until we reach an agreement of some type I am unwilling to bring those ships into the Sol System or any other system that has a population." Rudenko turned back toward Adama before continuing. "Is this acceptable Admiral?"
"That's more than acceptable, general. I also have wounded onboard the Galactica, and the ship itself is slowly dying." Adama said the last with sorrow plainly apparent in his voice.
"I understand Admiral, the Galactica is as much a hero herself as are the men and women in uniform that place themselves in harm's way on a daily basis. The wounded you have onboard and the ship herself are far easier to deal with. With your permission we will send medical teams to the Galactica, beautiful name by the way, the teams will deal with your wounded. I will have a tender dock with the Galactica and provide external power. I will contact the docks and have them send over a yardmaster to give her a once over, once we have come to an agreement here that both our governments can accept we will take her into one of the dry docks. I will contact General O'Neill and get approval to begin repairs on your Grand Old Lady. If nothing else I am sure that the General will approve limited repairs, although based on what comes out of this meeting he may agree to much more than that."
"Thank you General. I recommend that my aid, Major Agathon be allowed to return to the Galactica and that he take a Raptor to the Refugee Fleet with word of what will be happening. This way there will be no misunderstanding." Adama added.
"Misunderstandings, Admiral, and what is a Raptor?" Rudenko inquired.
"If unknown ships appear the fleet will follow standard operating procedures and jump away, they will try their best to avoid a fight, but will break contact as quickly as they can. As for a Raptor, it is a multi-role jump capable small craft." Adama replied.
"Very well Admiral, I concur, with one change. Captain Roehn, my aid will accompany your man. If we are really going to do this than Earth needs a liaison with your fleet. Colonel Gallo will continue to act as my liaison to you, and the Captain will act as my eyes and ears to your fleet." Rudenko turned back to look at his young aid. "Stephen, I want you to get a good feel for the Colonial Fleet, what they need, and how dire that need is. You are not to volunteer any information other than basic knowledge of Earth, and you will make no promises." Rudenko waited for his aid to acknowledge his instructions before continuing. "You said you wanted to get into space Stephen, and get away from Earth for a bit, well here is your chance son, make me proud." Rudenko finished with a rare smile for his young aid before turning back to the Colonial contingent.
Adama nodded in the affirmative. "Very well general." A cough besides him caused Adama to turn toward Gaius Baltar. The scientist had been quiet till now, but had decided to speak up.
"This is all well and good, but we seem to be forgetting something, I mean something that could be potentially deadly." Baltar stated.
So typical thought Adama, so dramatic. It seemed that no matter what Baltar had to announce it had to always be preceded by a ground shaking announcement designed to let the world know just how smart he was. He decided to indulge him.
"What are you talking about Doctor?"
"Talking about Admiral? No, warning about. It seems everyone here has forgotten about the danger of infection. Have you forgotten what happened to the Cylons at the Lion's Head Nebula? The same thing could happen to us or the Tau'ri!" Baltar replied.
Adama was suddenly pensive, with the result that General Lavertu, the base commander, spoke up.
"Infection Doctor? All Tau'ri, indeed all humans that are a part of the Republic receive a wide spectrum of self-modifying inoculations. To date we have not run into any disease, natural or otherwise, that we have proven susceptible to." The Frenchmen stated.
"That's all fine for you, General, but what about us? We don't have any of your advanced inoculations and drugs, what will protect us from you? You may well have our best interests in mind, but if we contract a single disease that we have no immunity to you may well finish what the Cylons started!" Baltar stated surprisingly forcefully.
"You have no need to fear Doctor, all our personnel as well as this base are completely decontaminated, in fact so are you. Despite our advanced medicines we are not so cocky that we would take a chance with any alien microbes making it to one of our installations or planets, much less Earth itself. Do you recall when you flew in here Doctor, do you recall at any time being exposed to a series of relatively weak blue lights?" The General paused as Baltar nodded in the affirmative before continuing. "That was a multi-decon field. Base norm for all humans is on file, norm for individuals becomes standard information as well after you visit any of our installations, and the field will ensure that you haven't picked up anything foreign. At the very least Doctor, you have been returned to baseline for a human. No infectious disease or foreign microbes will make it to your ships Doctor. I appreciate the fact that you are thinking ahead, but trust me when I say we would not have managed to create the Republic that now exists if we didn't think ahead as well." Lavertu stated even as he appraised this Doctor Baltar. First impressions were less than favorable. He reminded Lavertu of the so called intellectuals that thought they were above the military men and women that protected them. He recalled a politician from history once saying that "War is too serious a matter to entrust to military men." Typical, politician were quick to start wars and blame others for them, they were also quick to take credit for how smart they supposedly were. This Baltar seemed to be cut from the same cloth, the man practically reeked of a superiority complex primarily directed at the military.
Adama smiled in relief as well as a result of the minor dressing down that Baltar had received. It was always good to see the man cut down a notch or two, and the fact that someone other than the President or himself had done it was quite refreshing.
"Gentlemen." Biers spoke up. "I have been patiently sitting here, listening to the Colonials recount the past, and hoping we could talk about the future. You have listened to everything the Colonials have said, will you grant me the same opportunity to talk to you about the Cylon side?"
Witward gave Biers a sharp look, before answering her. 'We are not the aggrieved party here Ms. Biers, so we will give you your opportunity. Be aware that we take a very dim view of genocide. So I would recommend that you choose your words carefully Ms. Biers, we have no wish to start a war but neither will we allow innocents to perish if we have the power to stop it."
Biers nodded, it was about what she expected, they were human after all, and chances were that they would not be at all understanding of what had happened. But the fact existed that they had not killed her or Leoben out of hand and they were willing to listen to her. So she had to make sure she chose here words carefully, no false pride and no air of superiority, she would leave that to Gaius.
"Before we go any further I need to contact the Galactica and let them know that Major Agathon and Captain Roehn will be heading up. I also want to let them know what my intentions are regarding the medical teams and the repairs on the ship. Plus I am sure you can understand when I say that they are probably extremely worried about what is going on down here." Adama said.
"Of course Admiral, I'd be anxious myself. General Lavertu, could we get the good Admiral in contact with his ship?" Witward asked.
"Easily done, Admiral can I assume that you want some privacy? Lavertu waited for Adama to nod before directing one of his aids to escort the Colonial officer to one of the adjoining rooms to contact his ship.
Witward nodded his agreement as well. "Very well, we are at a recess, I look forward to continuing this."
