Later that evening, everyone assembled in the Galactica's public meeting hall. The Council of the Twelve sat at their twelve-seated table, while the warriors stood throughout the room. Commander Adama addressed the whole group.
"We are here because of the tragedy which has recently befallen us. I'm sure you are all aware that four of the ships from our fleet have mysteriously disappeared: the Pleiades, the Leo, the Antari, and the Cassini. What you may not know," Adama leaned on the council table, "Is that all four ships were at the tail end of the fleet when they disappeared."
Everyone looked up in surprise.
An older man stood: a member of the Council of the Twelve. He had an irritating calm superiority about him. He spoke slowly and deliberately,
"Perhaps we have our answer right there," the man said, "Perhaps the pace we set is too fast, and those ships simply fell behind."
This man's suggestion brought nods from the council. The warriors, however, exchanged glances. They thought that idea was a load of felgercarb.
The man continued as slowly as before, "If we slow down and wait, those ships will likely rejoin the fleet within a few centares."
"Those ships are off our sensors." Adama paced," If they fell behind as you suggest, Sire Uri, they are many sentons behind us. In that case, they didn't stand a chance against the Cylons."
Adama's realistic remark also brought nods from the council.
"That aside, those four were fast ships. They were stationed in the rear of the fleet to ensure that the slower ships didn't get left behind," said Adama gravely.
The council all nodded and murmured in agreement.
Sire Uri sat down with a deflated thump.
"However it happened, what are we going to do about it?" asked Ajax, the captain of the Red Squadron.
"What I propose we do," Adama answered, "is we take measures to prevent this from happening again. We need to remain in constant contact with the ships at the end of the fleet, and we should have regular patrols keeping watch on them. Also, we should find out what happened to the four missing ships. I've selected Captain Apollo and Lieutenant Boomer to get to the bottom of these disappearances."
The council members began discussing and talking; then they all cast their vote. One council member stood to speak for all of them.
"You have the support of the Council of the Twelve, Adama. Please proceed with your plan."
"Thank you, Sire Memnon. Meeting dismissed!" Adama said.
Everyone began filing out of the meeting hall. Everyone that is, except for Apollo and Starbuck.
"Commander, all due respect, but why aren't I going on the mission? I'm just as qualified as Boomer..." Starbuck asked.
Adama held up his hand, "I am aware of that, Lieutenant, but you are also one of the best Viper pilots we have. We need you for protection of the fleet in case the Cylons mount an attack."
Starbuck sighed, disappointed, "You're the commander."
"Hey," smiled Apollo, "it's just one mission. Boomer and I'll be back and shooting up Cylons with you in no time!"
"Yeah, okay. Guess I'll go make sure my Viper is ready for battle. I'll see you guys later. Good luck." Starbuck excused himself and returned to Blue Squadron's quarters.
He thought to himself, I can't believe they get to go on a special mission for the Commander, while I stay here and fight Cylons!