The Slave Girl

Chapter 3

The Battlestar Galactica

Smoke and dust settled over the bridge of the Galactica. Adama heard coughing from several crewmembers, including the second in command, Colonel Tigh.

"Are you all right, Tigh?" Commander Adama asked in concern.

He nodded, coughed a couple more times. "I'll be fine. There are people who need more help than I do."

Dr. Salik was already picking his way around the bridge debris, checking out the crew, and ordered those most severely injured to Life Center. He wished he could send them all, but only the worst would be sent. Those that remained would be patched up to work at their stations until the next shift, and hopefully there would be someone to relieve them.

"How are we doing?" Adama looked over Salik's shoulder at the crew.

"Most are just minor injuries, but I sent three to Life Center with more severe wounds. We were lucky this time. We sure did take a beating this time."

"She's a good ship, she'll hold up."

Salik exchanged glances with Adama. They were old friends, and they knew what the other was thinking. How many more times could she pull through?

Adama patted the good doctor on the shoulder, and moved back to his chair. He had to clean a bit of debris from it, and sat heavily down onto it.

Tigh stepped up. "We're getting reports from all over the ship now."

Adama swung his chair in Tigh's direction. "How bad is it?"

"It looks like we got the worst of it up here."

"Keep me posted."

When it became possible, Adama left the bridge and toured the other damaged areas of the ship. Repairs were underway already, but it was evident, supplies were growing slim.

Even in Life Center, where the medical technicians treated the wounded, medical supplies were also running low. Salik tried to look hopeful, but Adama knew it was just a matter of time now before they ran out completely. They had to have new supplies, but from where would they get them? And what would they trade for them? They were already running at a bare minimum in trade goods.

"It's that bad?" Adama asked Salik.

"Yes, Adama. We need to look for any human colonies for supplies before it's too late."

"It's a big risk exposing ourselves to human colonies and it might give the Cylons a chance to catch us, or find them."

"If we don't, we don't stand a chance."

Adama sighed. "All right, I'll have our patrols scout any possibilities that come up on our long range scans."

For the next three sectons, (weeks to you and me), viper patrols searched the human colonies and other places that had been detected where they might get supplies. A couple offered nothing, a third had less than they did, but the fourth place at least offered hope.

Captain Apollo and Lieutenant Boomer gave their report to Adama and Tigh on the bridge.

"Apparently, there's a ship that stops there occasionally according to the local townsfolk. They trade with them, but haven't seen them in a while, and they are due to arrive soon. They say that these folks might help us, but they don't have a way to communicate with them."

"How do the townsfolk know they are coming?" Tigh asked.

"There's a trade route that this ship follows, and it just shows up now and again."

"That isn't very much help to us, son." Adama commented.

"I know, but if we could only send out a cry of aid, they might hear us."

"And it would bring the Cylons right to us."

"I know the risk, but this ship is due, and it might just be close by."

"We can't take that chance."

"Blue Squadron will keep on searching, Father. Maybe we'll get lucky. I'll schedule some long-distance patrols, rotate everyone around, hopefully we can make contact."

Blue Squadron made their best efforts; each patrol however, came up empty.

Adama would encourage his son, Apollo, with a "next time", and a pat on his shoulder, but things were looking rather grim.

A few more Cylon hit and runs later, Adama began to feel the pinch himself. He ordered the temperature lowered in all compartments; less engine work conserved fuel. Blankets were scarce on the ship, and everyone had to pitch in to help.

It wasn't easy, but it had to be done.

"Father! I'm getting a strange transmission. Several of the smaller ships towards the rear are getting it too. Everyone is calling it in."

"Athena, send it up to my station." Adama sat down and adjusted his headset to match the frequency his daughter had indicated.

Adama listened intently to the transmission being broadcast for a few microns, (moments), and then joined his daughter at her work station. "What frequency is that?"

"That's just it, Father. It's not a military channel, and it's not in the range of most of our civilian channels."

"Can you clean it up any?"

Athena's hands flew over the console. "I'm afraid this is about as good as I can get it. We haven't used anything in this range for a long time."

Adama listened again.

"Boomer is very good at the older frequencies, Father. Maybe he could play around with it?"

He shook his head. No, there might not be time, he thought. "Tigh! Send Blue Squadron to investigate, discreetly, please, and give Boomer a heads up on this."

As Tigh directed the squadron with their new orders, a sizable ship approached the ragtag convoy warily from the rear of the fleet.

The design was nothing like the Colonists had ever seen before. All the small ships that had side view ports were filled with people fighting for a glimpse, all those who weren't frightened to death at a possible new enemy. Chaos reigned as this new mysterious craft passed by them.

Apollo led the squadron expertly, using his experience as a pilot. Some of the newer members voiced their surprise at this intruder.

"Keep the chatter down! I'm going to try something." He switched channels to contact the bridge. "What frequency did you say it was broadcasting on, Athena?"

Athena supplied the information, and Apollo immediately switched to it. "Here goes nothing."

Tense microns, (seconds), passed and a crackle was heard over Apollo's headset, followed by a voice. Not quite human sounding, but it spoke Basic. "I have received information that you are looking for supplies. I was told a great convoy of ships had passed and needed aid. Tell me what it is you require. I am Gaion of the Nomadic People of the Burrows. I command this ship."

Taking a huge chance Apollo decided to reply. "I am Apollo of the…..Stars. We need medical aid, food, and other supplies. Who sent you?" He actually felt sort of silly, but did not wish to reveal where he was really from.

"We trade with the People of the Four Moons. I was told you stopped there in search of help."

The planet with the four moons was the planet Apollo saw hope on. He sighed audibly. "Yes, yes. We very much could use anything you have to spare."

"To whom shall I speak?"

"I'll contact my father, one micron, please."

Gaion shook his head. Micron? He did not know what this was, but he waited patiently for Apollo to come back on the line.

"If you'll follow me, I'll show you the way, Gaion."

"I will follow."

Blue Squadron escorted the unusual ship next to the Galactica, where it could be fired upon should something go horribly wrong.

"Apollo of the Star People, we are in place. I have a small craft that will be used to come aboard. Please send the specifics of your atmosphere and temperature. I will need to know what gear I need, if any."

Apollo didn't need to relay the information; Athena radioed that she was already compiling it and sending it.

"Ah! I have it on my console already. You are human?"

"Yes, we're human."

"I like humans. Your people are very… interesting."

Apollo shivered. He didn't know why, it just gave him a chill. There was something in the way Gaion said it, that made Apollo feel uneasy.

Half the squadron landed along with the small craft that emerged from the alien vessel. It hardly looked bigger than a viper, and it surely looked harmless enough. It was not any sort of fighter vessel that Apollo had ever seen. It was squat and boxy, clearly not built for speed or maneuvering.

It landed lightly, as an insect would, on the deck of the great ship.

Commander Adama had sent over instructions as to what the visitor could expect, so that he was prepared. Neither Adama, nor any of the others, were prepared for what they were about to see.

Clustered together, the Colonial warriors peered intently as the door slowly opened and out stepped the lone figure. He/it appeared reptilian, and wore a dark robe of some sort. The edges of his face were gently angled, almost pleasant. Large, solid black eyes blinked once.

"I am Gaion of the Nomadic People of the Burrows, and leader of my tribe."

"I am Commander Adama. This is my son, Captain Apollo."

"Son?" The eyes blinked once. "Ah, yes, your offspring. I have several offspring myself; all but one has left the nest."

Adama smiled uncertainly and blinked several times. "If you'll follow me, please. As I instructed, you'll have to go through a decontamination procedure to protect your people and mine."

"Yes, yes. Will you join me so we can talk?"

"I don't usually, but I will stay in view."

"Of course." Gaion stepped in and the door closed behind him.

A few minutes later it was deemed safe enough for him to come out.

"I'll show you around, and we'll discuss things." Adama led the way.

Gaion sipped gingerly at the glass Adama had filled for him. It looked so fragile in his clawed hand. They had ended the brief tour and gone to Adama's quarters to talk.

"It's good. What do you call it again?"

"Ambrosa. My people make it."

An unsettling sharp-toothed grin appeared on Gaion's face.

"So, do you think you can help us?"

"What you propose Adama is a tremendous request."

"We have tremendous need."

"I see that. You have so many to feed."

"And the conditions on the Galactica are better than on most of the civilian ships."

"And these Cylons you speak of, they are following you?"

"Yes, if we could just lose them long enough, we would be in better shape."

"Do they pose a threat to us here?"

"They may eventually, but I can't say for sure."

"I see…" His tone was so thoughtful, Adama was suddenly concerned that Gaion would change his mind and leave. "I'll warn our other ships and at the same time see what supplies might be available."

Adama let out his breath. "I thought you would change your mind."

"I told your offspring that I like humans. Your species is entertaining."

Adama raised one eyebrow. "Entertaining?"

Gaion laughed, but to Adama's ears it sounded like a rough and scratchy bark. "I have been to many places in my lifetime. I have met many species, some more developed than others, some more violent than others, but I have never met another species quite like yours. Your people of the Stars have much intelligence, and yet, use it so unwisely."

"I cannot apologize for the actions of others…"

Gaion stopped him with a clawed hand. "I do not look for excuses or apologies from you. There are more than a few notable exceptions to your species, and that is why I came to help you."

Gaion stood up. "Now, if you will excuse me, I must return to the warmth of my ship. It is cold here for me. The temperature dips at night on my world and my species still follow our planetary cycle. We hibernate in the chill of night, so if you do not get an answer from me, that is why. It soon will be time to rest, and time for my pet to roam."

"Your pet?"

"Yes, my pet. She dislikes the heat and humidity my people enjoy. Her time is the night when the temperature goes down. She will remain with me a while and then she will roam the ship."

"I see. I hope she won't get lost."

"Oh no! I've had her for three years and she knows quite well our routine. She's a very clever girl. Once in a while, I let my youngest offspring play with her. You see, when my mate died unexpectedly four years ago, it left me with a female offspring. Usually, males of my species have nothing to do with raising them, but I had little choice at the time. I could not bring her to a place where the offspring could be looked after properly, so I kept her with me. It filled the time, I must admit and I learned so much that I had never known. And yet, I still felt the void left by my mate's death. Many on my ship suggested I look for a pet. I resisted at first, like most, but it has been very good for us both. My pet is very gentle with my offspring. More often do I have to chastise my offspring, as my pet is very fragile."

"I see. Well, I won't keep you. I'll show you to the landing bay."