It had been both a delight and a shock to find Rae and her squadron still alive. I had thought, like so many others who died because of the cylons, that they too had perished. Still, Commander Cain had such a legendary reputation. One could be sure all warriors under his flag would be the best and survive.
Exiting the showers I heard Stacia's wistful comment regarding Jerik. No doubt he would spend his evening mooning over her and the lovely dress she'd chosen for herself. Quietly, not wishing to disturb the two friends, one has to learn to give privacy even in the most crowded of circumstances, I went to my locker and opened it. Inside hung three dresses, each a painful reminder of what I had, as was the custom of my people, to allow happen, even to those I had come to love and call family.
The first was a pale sparkling gown of silver when struck by light appeared as if a thousand rainbows danced over it. Ila had given it as gift upon my graduation from the academy. A bit too formal for a party of friends, so I gently put it aside. With a smile I recalled the purchase of the second. An impulsive, or so he tried to claim, present from Apollo. As a much younger man he had once thought himself in love with me. Twas a notion I quickly cured him of, since I knew our true ages were a universe away from each other.
Briefly I glanced at the long mirror one of the other women warriors had found and installed in our quarters. I did not look like one of great age. My figure still curved and invited my hair long and auburn, shining from its recent washing. I would have to decide how to wear it tonight I reminded myself with a slight smile. My face was oval and pale, cheekbones high and well-defined, lips full, as was proper for one of my ancestry. The most startling feature was perhaps my eyes. Almund shaped and a pale green, so like the ocean of my homeworld.
"So," Rae popped up behind me. "What're you wearing tonight?"
With a rueful sigh I put aside also the dress from Apollo. Had he joined us this night, I might have worn it as a reminder to him at what good friends we had become since that very awkward moment of rejection. My hand touched the soft silky fabric of the third dress. It did not cause as much pain or memory as the other two. Serina had purchased it for me on Carillon.
"That's lovely!" Rae half reached out to touch it and paused, knowing she did not have permission to do so.
"A gift from one who lost her life on Kobol," I explained. The form fitting dress flowed over me, flattering in just in the right places, the sage green complimenting my eyes.
"I'm surprised you don't have every male warrior in the fleet chasing after you." Rae lounged against the bunk, a smirk on her face.
"I think my rank has something to do with that. Not to mention a very protective wingmen."
"If he's that protective, you ought to date him."
"I think not." I picked a pair of leaf shaped earrings and put them on. Quickly I brushed my hair, choosing a matching piece to put in my hair. The final outcome was stunning.
"I always envied you." Rae made a face and turned to Stacia as the younger woman joined us.
"Are we ready?" I inquired. The other two nodded and I led the way.
The maze of corridors were never confusing me, more like familiar, as if I had lived in them many times. That of course was not true, as our training gave us all the information we would need. We gathered with others in the waiting area. The male members of Rae's squadron joined us, as did Daniel and Nona, and also, much to my surprise, Antares.
"Doc said I could leave since I won't be on duty for a least a secton," he explained.
I found Apollo's cousin most enjoyable. Protective and more dependent upon character than appearance. He had none of the classical Caprican looks, as did Apollo, though he did share the same dark brown hair, which he wore somewhat shorter. His eyes were like the commander's a deep nutmeg. A spice I remember fondly and missed out here in the depths of space.
The look exchanged between Daniel and his twin Nona did not take me by surprise. Constantly did they conspire to cause mischief and yet, I had to admit their love of fun balanced out my squadron well, as did their accuracy and fierceness in battle. But too, that was not a surprise to me. I knew their background and training before they came to Caprica to train as warriors.
"Headed to the Rising Star?" Starbuck asked as he escorted Cassie, a smile upon his face. I honestly do not think he has considered how well suited they are for each other.
"Who's this?" Rae demanded.
As Starbuck made the obligatory introductions, I took the moment to examine my companions for the evening. Gold squadron's reputation was well known. There were excellent warriors even if they had petulance for disobeying orders. Don, who hovered close to Rae's side, was not an attractive man. The slight bulging nose testified to him having once broken it. His younger brother Jason had an impish look, and no doubt, when he had grown up some, he would be attractive and alluring to the ladies. Jerik held a more intense look, though directed only at Stacia, whom we all know he adored. Carl, hmmm, well Carl was the most serious of the group, dark haired and eyed, looking every bit Caprican. A great pity I could not tell the children their true ancestry.
"You're looking thoughtful." Nona's quiet comment interrupted my thoughts.
I shook my head. "Only thinking."
"Uh huh." My long time friend knew me too well. But then, there were many things we knew and had not shared with others. The Colonials would not in truth understand.
The shuttle arrived and we boarded chatting and enjoying the each other's company. When we docked I led the way to a room I'd had reserved. The small chamber reflected dimmed light, the large table laden with fruits and other surprises. Such extravagance had cost me more than a secton's pay. Yet watching my friends enjoy the food and themselves, made the price well worth the cost.
"I tried to convince Apollo to join us," Starbuck told me as he swigged ambrosia.
Cassie leaned forward her blue dress artfully draped to intrigue and not show more than needed to entice. "He wanted to spend the evening with Boxey."
"As well he should." I did not begrudge his son time with his father. The time would come too soon when the child would not have the luxury of Apollo's guidance or love.
"There's rumors that there might be Triad matches again," Daniel supplied, a huge grin on his face. I knew he loved both watching and playing the game.
"You only want to play again," his sister teased. "Getting a bit lonely at night are you?"
"No." Daniel's face reflected his irritation. "But sometimes I want to just have fun. Not always worry about which of my friends will die in the next attack."
Gloomy silence spread a dark cloth over the table. Daniel's words reminded us all how fragile and perilous our world of ships truly was.
Jason glanced around at each of our faces. "Thought this's supposed to be a party?"
"It is, Jas," his older brother replied.
"Then how come everyone's so gloomy?" He perched his elbows on the table and propped his head on his hands.
Don and Rae exchanged a look of mutual agreement and shrugged. Rae picked up her glass. "To our safe return and finding old friends!"
Everyone raised their glasses and drank the contents in agreement. I sipped the sweet liquid, watching all over the brim. The weight of my future knowledge hung over me as surely as my final death shroud. The time to enjoy their company and friendship was now. I could not allow what I knew to influence that. They were all too dear to me.
In the following sectons Gold Squadron went about their normal antics causing Commander Adama to assign Colonel Tigh as their personal senior officer. I chanced to be on the bridge when the frazzled black man approached his old friend.
"What is it, Tigh?" The commander moved slowly. He still had not fully recovered from his injuries caused from the fires that had ravaged the ship after a Cylon attack.
"Adama, I," the Colonel hesitated. "I can't take it. They are disrespectful, do what they want, and I can never find them." He ran a nervous hand over h is curled hair. "There's got to be someone else."
The commander sighed. I think, at that micron, he felt every one of his yahrens reflected in his gray hair. He raised his voice to address Omega. "Has Captain Apollo's patrol reported back in yet?"
The tall young man shook his head. "No, sir."
Adama nodded. His attention reverted to Tigh. "You can't handle one small group of warriors?"
Tigh released a slow breath. "I have my duties here. I can't spend every micron watching them."
I knew the expression on Adama's face. Rae's squadron and their activities had spread to every ship in the fleet. They were becoming something of legends themselves.
"There's a Colonel Iirra who has asked to returned to active duty. I hadn't considered her request seriously."
If the woman was who I thought, I could understand the commander's reluctance. Anyone who had flown with the fabled Death Head's would be suspect. Their squadron had taken all the suicide missions, and lived, well, a few anyway, to tell the proverbial tale.
"Adama, do it. Maybe giving her something her to do,"
"I've thought of that."
There were half-whispered rumors that the survivors of the Death Head's tended to be suicidal. I believe there is a word for it, but not in this culture.
Within a centaur the woman joined Colonel Tigh in the hanger deck. Rae and her squadron were repairing their vipers when they approached. I had just handed the younger captain a tool when Tigh cleared his throat. Rae scooted up and they all stared.
"This is Colonel Iirra. She's your new commanding officer," Tigh told them. "All your orders and assigned patrols will go through her first." His glare was meant to intimidate. I think he knew it had no affect.
"On your feet!" Iirra barked. "Show respect for a senior officer."
Gold squadron slowly rose to their feet. The looks they tossed her way would not bode well for their future.
The Colonel tapped her foot impatiently. "I've heard about all of you. Insolent. Never following orders. Well, I'll have you know it will be different under me."
"I'll leave them to you." I think he would have said more, but something in her manner prevented it. He fled, as a beaten cylon fighter would from a viper.
"Look at these vipers," she continued. "Disgraceful. In my day,"
"We're not in your day are we," Rae carelessly said.
"Colonel," Iirra reminded her.
The captain crossed her arms and leaned against her ship. I know the younger woman was testing her new senior officer. Rae may be a talented warrior, still, she had little regard for protocol.
The colonel shifted her attention to me. "And you are?"
"Captain Jenn," I responded.
"Do you need to be here?"
"She's helping me." Rae straightened her glare a direct challenge.
"Do you, Captain Jenn?" Iirra went on as if Rae had not spoken.
"No."
"Then you are dismissed."
"You can't," Rae began.
"I'll have words with you in my office in fifteen centons. Be there or I'll have you thrown in the brig."
Rae's mouth dropped open. I walked quickly away. When later I saw Rae she was seething, yet she did not speak of what had happened between the two of them. She only kept saying, "I'll show her."
There was no doubt there would be upcoming problems between the two women. Rae had always been head strong and very used to getting her way. I had once asked her who had fostered her after her mother's death. She had paled.
"They just assigned kids to whomever applied. Didn't even check to see if children should be in those homes. They just shuffled us off and then forgot about us."
Perhaps, had I known her friends then, I would have asked the others. Rae had never said anything more about the yahrens after the Umbra attack.
For the next secton any pranks Gold Squadron might have pulled were delayed due to an unusual visitor. A Count Iblis joined the fleet. Some sort of ship wrecked castaway Apollo, Starbuck and Sheba brought back with them from a planet they had investigated.
Iblis brought with him great promises of deliverance. The only catch was that we had to follow him. I did not see our guest until the night of the Triad games. Watching him with wary eyes, my unease about him grew. Something in him struck a familiar chord. A presence I had either met before or knew of. I could not be certain.
At the celebration afterward, I tried to join Apollo and Starbuck, both of whom were not happy at having lost their match. I had worn the dress Apollo bought for me. He smiled in recognition while turning to frown at the Count and finish his statement I must have interrupted.
"Some of these people are in critical jobs."
Iblis's reply was both short and suspicious. "Trust me to worry about the fleet from now on. It is my commandment that everyone here live life to its fullest."
"No matter how long it lasts," Starbuck muttered.
Sheba leaned forward looking beautiful and bemused. "Apollo, Starbuck, you're missing the point. We're all saved. Now relax." She sent a fetching smile at Apollo. "Come on, Apollo. Dance with me."
"What a wonderful idea," Iblis said with a smile that made my blood run cold as an ice covered asteroid. "They make a handsome couple," he remarked stating what I had long knew to be the obvious.
Starbuck cast the count a disbelieving look. "I thought you were interested in Sheba for yourself."
"Why should she be limited to one man? Or you and I to one woman?" He then cast his eyes in my direction. "And just who are you lovely lady?"
How fortunate my true sight kicked in and I saw him for who and what he really was. Stories of his existence dominated cultures across the universe.
"That's Captain Jenn," Starbuck supplied when I failed to introduce myself.
"Jenn, what a beautiful name," he reached out a hand to take mine. I pulled away.
"Do not think you can delude me as you do these simple children."
His eyes narrowed the pleasant face he carried darkening. "Just who are you?"
"One with whom you dare not trifle."
Starbuck frowned trying to follow conversation and not succeeding. He did not need to hear what I would say next. "Why don't you go and get a drink, Starbuck," I suggested. "And get me one, too. I'll join you in a few centons."
He nodded his boyish grin returning to his face. He winked. "Don't keep me waiting."
"Behave," I bantered back. "Or I'll tell Cassie."
I waited until he was well out of earshot. My attention turned back to the count. "My task is to protect these people. They have an important part in the war that is yet to come."
"War?" he questioned. "I bring only peace."
"That is a lie and you know it full well." I took a step forward the warning in my voice unmistakable. "The price they will pay is too dear."
He started to reach for me and froze. "You know who I am." It was not a question.
"I am one with clear sight and not fooled by your illusions."
"There are only limited beings with that capability. Pray tell, which one are you?"
He appeared to be amused, as if my words were nothing to him.
"A very old order. One which those who step in shadow tried to destroy."
My oblique reply startled him. "You can't be."
"Nor am I the only one. If you try to take the colonials, we will stop you."
"You don't have the power."
"I have more than you think." I gave him a deadly smile. "Don't judge me by what you see."
Iblis attention wandered as Apollo stalked off the dance floor. Later I would learn what had happened between he and Sheba, but my attention was fully upon an enemy who would destroy what I had to protect.
"She is mine," he claimed.
"Perhaps. But do not count your victory. Much can happen between now and when you think you can claim your prize."
"Do not interfere." He intended his words to be a threat. They were to me a challenge.
With a shake of my head I said, "I'm not part of your game and therefore not bond by your rules."
Fury radiated on his face and I think a trickle of fear. What I said infuriated him and would greatly upset his plans. He changed expressions quickly when Sheba once again rejoined him. "Ah, my dear, would you like to walk with me?"
She smiled like a love struck young girl and took his arm. Victory danced on his face as he walked away. I would not allow him to win. The price would be too great.
The battle claxon sounded as I roused from sleep. Automatically I dressed a frown upon my face at the number of empty bunks and slowly rising warriors.
Nona jumped down in uniform and ready to go. "Where is everyone?"
I shook my head and we headed for the launch bay. The others stumbled behind us. We rounded a corner and ran into a confrontation of a different kind. Iblis stood in the hall raging at the commander. "If this is the way you run you ship Adama, I may relieve you as command as well."
Sensing what Apollo was about to do, I put myself between the two. "Don't," I warned. "You have no idea who he is."
Angry the captain glared at me. "But he,"
"I know." I faced the count. "You'd like that wouldn't you? Commander Adama safely out of your way. No opposition."
"Captain Jenn," Adama warned.
Iblis smiled his fake, soothing grin. "Captain Jenn has taken a dislike to me, Commander. It's quite all right."
"A dislike?" I laughed at his words.
"Enough." The commander ordered. "All warriors to their ships. We're under attack."
I stayed in the hall as the others hurried to obey. Adama frowned, "Captain,"
"I will attend to her," Iblis reassured the commander. "I'm certain you have more pressing duties."
With a furious glance, Adama left. I know he did not understand.
"Must be frustrating," I commented. "You have no power over anyone who does not willing give you dominion."
"You I'm beginning to find annoying," he shot back. "You have no influence here."
"I have more than you think." I took a step forward. "You're mistake is not fully understanding who and what I am."
"You're a relic. A left over from a time that didn't need you then anymore than it does now."
"How little you know and understand," I retorted. "The future is in shadow unless it is changed now."
"You talk in riddles. How typical."
"And you would see the galaxy plunged into chaos."
"I have my own concerns." His eyes reflected the blackness of his true soul.
I arched an eyebrow. "Keeping an eye on you are they?"
"Bah!" he roared and stormed away.
With a shake of my head I raced to the viper bay. The patrol had already launched and I was told to wait for further instructions. When they returned some of our warriors were gone. Mysteriously. I glanced up wondering, but kept my musing to myself. There were things the younger races did not understand.
Much later I learned the full extent of the events that unfolded later. Apollo in his suspicion went back to the planet were they had found the good count. Starbuck with him and Sheba followed. I saw her flee and on impulse, joined them. On the planet Apollo and Starbuck attempted to show her their horrendous find, yet Iblis prevented this.
"Sheba, come to me."
Dazed and in his blinding spell she started to go to him. Apollo tried to stop her. "Don't"
"She is mine. She has given herself to me freely." His smile so sweet and deceiving.
I spoke then, "Does she in truth, know who you are?"
"Stay out this," he snapped. "You shouldn't even be here. I should do the galaxy a favor and rid it of you."
There was no stopping the giggle that escaped me. "I think not. And the galaxy needs me. Regardless of whether or not you think it does."
He ignored me and prepared to kill her. Apollo got in way and died instantly. The globe lights bounced overhead and the count lost his power over Sheba, and I suspect, a great deal more.
"What's the matter Count? Break some sort of rule?" The loss of best friend caused Starbuck to loose it. He shot at Iblis dissolving his guise and revealing the horrible face of evil he truly was.
"Sheba, come with me."
"No. I could never follow you know. Oh, Apollo, what have I done?" Sheba broke down into tears.
I placed a hand on Apollo. His spirit had not yet fully departed. There was still a chance. I missed much of the interplay after that, clinging to the life wrongly taken. Not an easy thing to do, yet possible. I remember the shrill squeal and darkness, waking to find myself in place I had not every expected to be and yet had heard of.
Halls of glittery white met my eyes. Beings draped in shimmering ivory and me laying on some sort of platform. I rose slowly, stretching my limbs.
"Rather surprised to find you here," one of them spoke. I glanced at the older man in surprise. He smiled back. "Name is John."
"The others?"
"Playing out a drama."
"I see."
"Come."
I trailed behind him taking in the beauty of this place. One would almost expect it be heaven, unless one knew, in truth, what it actually was. We stood on a balcony overlooking the scene below.
"Choices. It's all about choices," John said.
"I understand more than you think."
"Of that I have no doubt." His eyes twinkled. "You see, we know who and what you really are." He inclined his chin. "Do they?"
"There are two in my squadron who do."
"Are they from the colonies?"
I think he knew the answer but I told him anyway. "No."
"Take care. What you do is risky."
"Necessary. For the future of the galaxy."
"We have seen a time of possible darkness."
"My people have seen it and would not have it happen."
"They are important?"
"Yes." My voice had dropped to a whisper. Apollo stood with his friends alive and restored to us. Tears welled up in my eyes. "How much will they remember?"
"Nothing."
When we returned to the Galactica I feigned not remembering our adventure on the Argos ship. For that was what they were called. Our people had known of them long. A race of super beings who, sometimes, deigned to interact with younger ones. At dinner that night it surprised even me that the co-ordinates had been given for Earth. I guess they hadn't chosen to tell me that. Inside, I wondered what possible motive they had for given the colonials, exactly what they had been seeking.