Luke and Leia stood watching the falcon head out to find Han. The stood there side by side until they lost the falcon among the stars. Leia looked over at Luke. She was confused about him. She felt drawn to him and thought it was romantic attraction, but somehow though the spark never really ignited, it also won't go out entirely. Like that passionate kiss while he was in a med bed and Han was being his arrogant self. She had enjoyed the kiss but it was almost like kissing your brother. No matter how good it is it's still your brother. She wondered what it would be like not to be an only child. Of course she has, or had, Winter and her cousin, Javul but that wasn't the same.
Her thoughts were interrupted when a communication came through from the newly arrived Mon Calamari cruiser. "Princess Leia, I think you should listen to a communication we're receiving from a fleet of ships that just approached. She and Luke did just that.
They listened as a full, rich voice came over the com. "This is Commander Adama of the Battlestar Galactica. We are the last survivors of our race. We do not desire hostilities but peace. May I meet with you, either on your ship or ours?"
Leia turned to Luke. "How much did Obi-Wan teach you?"
"Enough that I might be able to help you." Well, Yoda did, but he couldn't mention that.
"Commander Adama, I am Princess Leia Organa of the alliance council I would be willing to meet…" She looked at Luke who was concentrating on something, the force she guessed.
"His ship." Luke responded.
"…aboard your ship if that is acceptable to you."
"That will be fine; we will prepare to receive you."
Admiral Ackbar came over to the medial frigate and Luke and Leia boarded. As they discussed this very unexpected development an efficient but lovely voice came over the com. "Galactica control to Alliance shuttle. You are clear to land in the port landing bay."
The rebels stepped out of their shuttle and were greeted by a beautiful young woman with long dark hair wearing a dark blue uniform. She certainly had Luke's attention. "Hello, I'm Athena; I'll escort you to the war room where the commander is waiting."
As they walked Leia couldn't resist whispering to Luke. "Focus Jedi"
They arrived at the Galactica's war room and sat down. The man she had seen in the transmission spoke "Greetings, Allow me to introduce the colonial representatives. This is Commander Cain of the Battlestar Pegasus, Major Darr of the Destroyer Vengeance, and Captain Apollo, strike commander of the Galactica. And of course you've met Athena."
"It's good to meet you all." Leia said. "I am Leia Organa of the alliance council, this is Admiral Ackbar, commander of our fleet, and this is my…advisor Luke Skywalker. And these are our droids."
Threepo chimed in. "I am C-3p0, human cyborg relations, and this is my counterpart R2-D2". The little droid chirped happily.
Leia noticed that the colonials seemed to bristle a little when the droids spoke. Maj. Darr spoke next. "Well, since we are the outsiders I suppose we should explain our presence." Commander Adama nodded and began to speak. He told them about the annihilation of the colonies and their search for Earth. Then he related the reunion with the Pegasus.
Advance patrol had reported in that there were several ships on the edge of their scanners. Adama was concerned that an entire fleet of Cylons had caught up with them. Perhaps Baltar, after being dropped off as promised had contacted his Cylon allies and led them to the fleet. Then he heard a sound he thought he'd never hear again…"Hello Adama, you old war Dagget."
The badly damaged Pegasus had been found be another group of survivors. The Vengeance and whatever ships had been able to escape the shipyards had been searching for survivors and picking up other ships along the way; they had repaired the Pegasus and, after hearing about the Galactica had set out in search of them. With the much greater range of their scanners one of the Scout ships had found them.
Adama then relayed the account of how they had ended up where they were now. Luke interjected, "This John and Iblis may be advanced force users. Beyond anything the Jedi or Sith have reached."
"Force users? May I ask what that means?"
Luke gave a basic explanation of the Force. It was kind of odd to be on the other end of this conversation, especially with someone who looked like he was probably about the same age as old Ben.
Adama for his part might have been skeptical but he had no other explanation for what these advanced beings had done, or his own experiment in telekinesis. He returned to the topic at hand. "That's quite interesting and may explain a great deal. For the time being I must make a request." He turned his attention to the Princess. "Princess Leia, on behalf of the colonial survivors I request refuge within alliance space."
Leia had a sorrowful look when she responded to the Commander. She had learned not to long ago what it meant to literally lose your whole world, and most of the people you cared about.
"Unfortunately Commander I am unable to grant your request, there is no alliance space, only the Galactic Empire. We are a rebel force trying to return our government to the just republic it once was."
"I see."
"Commander," Apollo interjected, "John did say that we need each other's help."
"So he did." then, turning his attention back to Leia. Is there any way in which we may be of help to your people?"
She didn't want to ask too much but he had put the question forth. "Well, I can't deny that we could use the service of those three warships out there. If you'd be willing to put them into service for our cause, I'm sure I could convince the counsel to find a place in the new republic for your people."
Adama considered for a centon. Another war, well they certainly were well versed in the subject, and well prepared. Not to mention that he would not be trying to fight with only one ship. And not the least consideration is that, if they wanted a home among these people, it would be helpful to show some commitment to them.
"I'm sure we can help you, between our ships, our pilots and our tactical genius." He gestured toward Cain, who looked less than pleased.
"Very well then," she looked over to Luke whose look seamed to say, didn't you forget something? She continued, "However, we can't proceed with any plans yet. We have a missing man."
"And who might that be? Adama asked Perhaps we can assist with his retrieval.
"Captain Han Solo."
