Promar Sector – New Friends and Family

T-Plus One Week from Geodesic Jump

The organization of the fleet has gone better than I would have expected, and the volunteer pool for the positions among the re-commissioned Battlestars is higher than predicated. The refit of Colonial ships is also underway with average results; the Valkyrie is currently under going refit in the Anchorage Dock. The refit designs have been modified in order to bring Colonial ships closer to Star Forces standards. The Valkyrie will be equipped with a Naquadria Power Core; Lantean enhanced networked mainframe, Inertial Dampeners and an older generation Gravitic-magneto propulsion system. The modifications being made to the Valkyrie, once complete will make her into a whole new animal; one which the Cylons will be hard pressed to keep up with in a battle.

The Zeus will under go a slightly different refit in comparisons to the other ships, and this is due to the weapon modifications the Zeus will undergo. Normally Star Forces Regulations clearly state the sharing of weapon technologies would result in immediate arrest and removal from duty. Due to our current conditions and the fact that the majority of the weapon technology is already producible by the Colonials, it would not be going against the letter of the regulations. I have no delusion of being able to go without punishment for my actions and choices, once we return home I will face the consequences; but for now my main concern is to protect this fleet and get my crew home.

The Chief has already requested permission to train some of the Colonials in maintaining the technology that we are sharing. To that end I have ordered the installation of a Matter Fabricator onboard of the Anchorage, this is so we can refit the Colonial ships with greater ease. Commander Caine has asked that a second Fabricator be installed on the Anchorage in order to provide materials for clothes and medicines. Several of the Colonial civilians have already attempted to purchase Personal Fabricators for use on their ships; I have promised them that the Public Fabricator on the Anchorage will be open to everyone, regardless of their social status. Several of the Fleet Tenders have brought in asteroids that we are now using as resource material for fabrication of the more complex equipment.

The team of Engineers that I have assigned to the Anchorage has put forward the design of a new Combat Aero-Space frame for the Colonial Vipers. The Colonial stick jockeys have lovingly named it the Mark SF, the design overall is the same as the Mark VII; but with the Inertial Dampeners added to the design and with a crystalline computer unit. They are confident that they can have a working prototype within the month, until then we are continuing combat drills for joint flight operations between the Vipers and the 302s.

The civilians have setup a temporary leadership onboard of the Olympus until we can join up with the Galactica Fleet and the Lawful Government of the Colonies. The recently promoted Commander Winters says 'the civvies are going to try and turn you and the Aurora crew into a group of heroes for helping us back in the colonies.' I can only hope that they would choose something other than that, we don't want or need to be seen as heroes. As members of the Star Forces we took an oath to defend and protect lives; no matter who they are or where they are from; everyone has the right to live and that is the reason why we came to their aid.

That is neither here or there, right now my mind is focused on more immediate concerns about the crew and how helping the Colonials will affect them. It is unknown how long we will be here in this galaxy, and to make matters worse without a star-map of this region of space; finding a way home will be a difficult task to accomplish. If we were heading towards Kobol from home; we would know exactly which way is Earth, but from here; it is far more difficult than one would expect. Our best bet is to find Kobol and hope that there are still some star-maps of this area intact, maybe then we can determine a course for home.

But the greatest issue is if this ship will become a 'Generational' ship, and if it does how will the crew handle the journey back to Earth. For the first time in over three million years has this issue truly been addressed, well I think it was addressed then; I won't know for certain until we find Kobol. I hope that we will not have to consider this as a 'Generational' ship, but there is a part of me; it has been growing stronger with each passing day; for the last two weeks I can now say for certain, that would enjoy the idea of this ship undergoing such a change. There is also the fact that we may decide to remain in this galaxy with the Colonials, we are making friends and some of them have even expressed an interest in the Star Forces. Back home we are a community easily in the millions; but here we are a small community barely in the thousands, right now anyway to ensure that this community continues will be welcomed; but I will not sacrifice our new friends just for this community.

As I continue looking over the reports on my desk, the chimes signal that there is someone just outside of my quarters. I quickly answer the door to find Amanda standing there, moving aside to let her in I notice a faint smile on her face. Is it possible that she knows me like Melissa did; it is more than likely after all Amanda has been patient enough with me as it is. "Amanda, I am glad you can make it; remember what we talked about after the poker game last week?" "I remember and I have been wondering why you seemed to be avoiding the deck that is until I remembered something about deck wax." Curse Cally and that deck wax stunt of hers, but I might be able to use that to my advantage this time. I secured the door, only as I secure it I openly say '92A3655AW1'; this draws Amanda's attention as I join her on the couch.

"What was that about?" Amanda gave me a look demanding answers, I shrug my shoulders and "What, do you not want to be able to come and go as you please?" I can see the cogs in Amanda's head turn in thought in regards to my inquiry to her question, perhaps our relationship will be a little on the odd side at first but then again what relationship isn't. For a single moment she pressed her lips to together trying to understand my actions, then suddenly her eyes widen in realization. "Do you mean that," I don't even let her finish, I believe that this a nice kiss will answer her question.

I had meant it to be a quick kiss, but after tasting her lips; I found that I wanted more but I managed to hold back. "Does that answer you question Amanda?" I notice that she is feeling something akin to my feelings as well, maybe she will ask for confirmation. "I don't know, maybe you should answer me again. I personally liked the first answer; thou answering the same way twice would be fine with me." Yep, this will be an interesting relationship and I would love to begin; but there are times and places for all things. "That is good to hear, and perhaps maybe I will give you more of the same answers but let's take it slow at first. You see there is another reason that I have asked you here and that reason is a special mission that I want you to take."

Amanda frowned at me, I can hear it coming; 'You want me on a mission and this just after saying that we can become couple, you jerk.' And true to form, "What, you want me on a mission and this after just telling me that you want us to have a relationship, you jerk." At least I did not predict it word for word; I better give her the mission brief before she kills me; would not be good if my date to the Colonial Celebration has to go with a corpse. "Amanda, before you do anything I want you to hear what the mission is before you kill me; okay?" She gives me a crud nod signaling that she will listen to me, thank the heavens that she has restrained herself thus far. "Amanda, your mission and that is if you choose to accept it; and I hope that you will, is to be escorted by me to the Colonial Celebration Dinner on the Olympus. You see I have been asked to attend and I would like to have a date for the dinner, besides considering our current circumstances; I really don't have anywhere else to take you for our first date."

"Then why say that it is a mission, this is going to be our first date; so why the whole Commander ordering a mission bit?" I look at my desk for a moment, "Amanda, when we get back to Earth, more than likely the entire Command Staff will be striped of our ranks and arrested for disobeying Star Forces Regulations. We are sharing technology, some old and had been authorized for trading but Naquadria and weapons technologies are among those that officers can be executed for sharing. The Asgard has tried that path once, and in the end the people they tried to help destroyed their world with the technology. Star Forces regs have a clear outline of technologies that can be shared with civilizations that have yet to develop these systems. By logging our date as an official mission under diplomatic contact, I am able to shield you from being held accountable to the Frat Regs." I could tell that this explanation might not sit well with Amanda, but at least I can try to protect her on some level. "Okay, mister just this once will we log our date as a mission; but after we get back we are going to have a long talk about you trying to protect me from something that might not happen. The entire crew knows it is going to be next to impossible to get back to Earth unless we have a map, so people on the deck are already looking for someone special."

I shake my head 'should have known', the crew is already preparing themselves for the possibility that we may never be able to go home. Looks like the chances of this becoming a 'Generational' ship has just shot up, but at least everyone is ready to accept the chance of never getting home. "Amanda, we also have to put up a front for the Colonials; to them we are a military power from this galaxy, I just hope that the crew will remember that as well. Now then how about I leave you and go to the Bridge, you can have my Fabricator rations; use them as you see fit."

Leaving my quarters, I move towards the Bridge; Commander Winters managed to warn me in time about the civilian leadership's plans. Those plans have given me the opportunity to set the ball rolling for my plans to safe guard the ship and crew. If worse comes to worse the fleet will be divided, but if my plans hold true then the bonds within the fleet will strengthen. I wonder what Amanda will wear on our date; actually better question is how Christina will react when she learns that Amanda and I are going to have a personal relationship. Hopefully she will react in her normal 'I'm the XO' way to any relationship on board between crewmates.

The next five hours are amongst the most nerve racking that I have ever experienced, even during the wars I never felt this frayed before. "Commander, are you uncomfortable about the dinner party that you are going to have to attend tonight?" Lt. Anderson is only adding to may frayed nerves, and since he will be left in command of the ship for the next seven hours; let's just say I would love to creel up with Amanda then go over to the Olympus. 'Hmm that might be a good way to unwind after the dinner is to spend some time with Amanda.' "Remember Lt. Anderson, we may have fired upon the Cylons back at Picon orbit; but first and foremost if the Cylons show up, it is talk first and shooting only if they shoot at us first. Am I understood Lt. Anderson?" Lt. Anderson acknowledged his standing orders, the last thing we need is for the Cylons to believe that the Star Forces are their enemies; of course our actions back at the Colonies wont help with that standing.

As I enter my quarters to prepare for the dinner party, I am greeted by the most beautiful sight I have seen in this galaxy. Standing there before me is Amanda, wearing a deep sea blue silk dress; her purse on the coffee table, it is of the same coloring as her dress; there was only one thing off with the image, she is standing there bare foot. "Amanda, you look beautiful; but if I may ask, where are your shoes?" She walked up to me and poked me in the chest, "you try walking around in high heels; I want to save my feet from that torture for as long as I can." That is one thing I can say that I have been lucky enough never to endure is what is called the dreaded stand of high heels. Even Christina had argued that wearing high heels was a pain in the rear, I myself never made any comments; saving me from her wrath more than once while Charlie and Anderson were not as tactical.

"I hope you don't mind if I get dressed Amanda, after all we only have about twenty minutes to get to the deck for our Jumper flight over to the Anchorage." As I moved over to my closet, "Is there a reason we can't use the Rings or Transport Beam, John?" 'She called me John again, now I definitely know I am going to enjoy our time together' I tilt my head back, "We don't want to scare them and besides I would like to limit the amount of contamination we inflict upon their culture for as long as possible." I turn my attention back to finding my dress uniform, god how I hate having to wear the damned thing; of course it is protocol for things like this, I think that Christina would even prefer high heels to dress uniforms. "Amanda, have you been in my closet? I can't seem to find my dress uniform." "Actually I think you have it in the locker by your desk, well that is if I can believe this note you have here, 'Note to self, find a way to burn Class One Uniform hidden in locker.'" I looked down sheepishly, I did write that note; I must have been frayed more than I first thought if I can forget about wanting to burn the thing.

I leave the closet and move to retrieve my dreaded uniform from its hidden place in my locker, taking it I then move into the private bathroom to get dressed. Dear god, who can wear this thing and be able to move around properly; I am certain that no matter how many times I have it altered to fit me there is always some part of it that is just to snug for my tastes. Thor is lucky that he can get away with just wearing a jacket for his dress whites, and that is something else that bugs me to no end; are we a separate section of the Armed Forces or are we just an extension of the Navy, other then the ranks our Class One Uniforms are practically the same. We even have the white hats with the symbol of the Star Forces embroidered on the front; this has been a matter of constant disagreement among the ground pounders and the stick jockeys, whom both have had long standing rivalries with sea dogs.

"Amanda, are you ready to go?" Amanda gives me an affirmative before slipping her shoes on, I am more then certain she would prefer something else for her feet. To save time and Amanda's feet, we use the nearby Transport Chamber to reach the flight deck. There we are greeted by the deck crew moving our Jumper into position on the deck, standing nearby is the Gaetas and their version of a Class One Uniform. Never seen gray considered as a color for uniforms of this type, but then again we are in another galaxy; the old saying 'when in Rome, do as the Romans do' enters my mind for a moment. I quickly find my XO standing at the end of the Jumper waiting for the Gaetas to board.

The short flight over to the Anchorage was for the most part uneventful; the only thing that could be considered anything else was when Captain Gaeta asked about the Jumpers and how the inside has such available space. I only mentioned that it falls back to our level of advancement and that eventually the Colonies would reach a similar stage of development. As we approached the Anchorage the pilot, "Anchorage Control, this is Jumper one-three-one, requesting clearance to land; I have guests going to the Olympus."

Confirmed Jumper one-three-one, approach bay three portside; speed one five zero, the checks are red call the ball.

"Roger that, approaching bay three portside; speed is at one five zero, checks red I have the ball."

We land shortly afterwards, the landing sequence slightly different then our own, but it is close enough to allow for us to ready ourselves for the next leg of the trip. After the Jumper is secured, the first to disembark is our pilot; followed by the Gaetas and then Christina and Keith, we are the last off of the Jumper and move to join the others. With some quick greetings we move into the Colonial shuttle that will take us over to the Olympus, I will admit the shuttle does appear to be fine quality workmanship. This leg of the trip is slightly longer than the first, but then again I am comparing two different levels of technology. Our landing this time was widely viewed, apparently what is left of the Colonial News Reporters have gather to watch our landing.

"Reporters must be the same anywhere you go, am I correct Commander Phoenix?" I turn to look at Commander Walters, he must hate this as much as me, perhaps even the rest also. "I am not really certain, but if they act remotely like it is the last chance that I would be standing nearby then I would agree with you." He gave me a snort in agreement, that is probably what is going to happen the moment that they catch sight of Star Forces uniforms.

During this disembarking, it had been decided that a car will be standing by the shuttle hatch in order for us to move quickly into a limo that had been acquired for the occurrence. Even after all of the precautions to keep us away from the reporters, we still have an encounter with them; but it is under the control of the current civilian leadership, politics; I truly dislike these games. Even so, we are their guests and it would be rude not to say something but I will wait for the right subject to strike with; after all the politics back home is just as bad as it is here.

"Welcome, welcome; I am Chairman Fredrick Roberts of the Caprica City Council. We all would like to thank you and your crew for helping us with the Cylons." Chairman Roberts extended his hand to me, I take it, "There is no need for thanks, and we were just providing aid to refugees in a battle-zone. I am certain that the Colonial Fleet would do the same for others, is that not correct?" "Of course, now then how about we sit down and enjoy this wonderful dinner that has been prepared in honor of your rescuing of the fleet." I look at the Councilman; he is definitely going to try to play his cards with me as his ace up his shelve. As I sit down next to Amanda, "Sir, Commander; can you tell me what your plans are in regards to the Cylons?" 'What is this nothing more then' I give out a sigh, 'yep this is a political grab for power amongst the civilians.' "If I may ask who you are?" "I am Aaron Doral, Olympus Free Press; now if you can, what are your plans in regards to the Cylons?" Mister Doral seemed to be every interested in my possible response, but it is Captain Gaeta whispering 'Sir, the last I knew Mister Aaron Doral is on the Galactica. And what's more he is a Public Relations worker; this man could be his twin, but the resemblance is too uncanny.'

I nod my head in reply, time for a quick political bluff; but also add a twist of truth to the mix, "Mister Doral, at this time we have no plans in regards to the Cylons. But if we do encounter them, our first action will be to attempt diplomatic communications and we will only use force if they fire upon us. It is preferred that any combat be avoided if and when possible, I hope that will answer your question on the subject." The majority of the guests looked up at that statement and stated talking amongst themselves, while Councilman Roberts seemed to be annoyed with my answer. "Excuse me Commander, did you forget we are at war with the Cylons. They are the enemy and they should be destroyed as soon as possible, isn't that why you are modifying the military ships in the fleet?" I look directly at the Councilman, but before I could respond Commander Caine stood, "Councilman Roberts, the Aurora and her crew are not members of the Colonial Fleet. They are not at war with the Cylons and nor are we, yes the Cylons attacked the Colonies; but President Adar surrendered to the Cylons at the onset of hostilities. And while the Aurora did fire on and destroy several Cylon basestars, they only did so after the Cylons fired upon them." This caused the entire hall to be bathed in silence, "Commander Caine, I can understand that the Aurora only returned fire during the battle at Picon. But the ship and crew are still military, and as thus they fight to protect the people or are you saying that they are planning to leave us to the Cylons." Oh dear, political cat fight inbound; "Commander Caine, Councilman Roberts; it is as of this time that the Galactic Star Forces are currently not at war with the Cylon people and as thus this argument has no reason to continue. The people of this fleet need both Civilian and Military leadership, so let us stand united to protect and lead the people."

For just a moment there is a single clapping noise, we turn to see Mister Doral clapping his hands. "Commander Phoenix, would you mind if I added one thing to your passionate speech?" I tip my head in approval; he raises his fist into the air and shouts "So Say We All", quickly others in the room join in with Mister Doral shouting 'so say we all'. This must be a major part of their culture, they seem to be repeating it as if it is a chant and with each one, more people join in; even the councilman and the commanders have joined in, all that is left are the four of us from the Aurora. After practically everyone in the room has shouted the same words, silence once more seems to have taken hold with Mister Doral softly saying 'so say we all.' After that the dinner seems to have gone well, stories are told of different things in the past, but what I am most interested in is the stories from the First Cylon-Colonial War.

"And then, we jump in and what do you know; the Galactica has already destroyed the Cylon base and is just sitting there waiting for the Pegasus to catch up with them. The Commander never lived it down; he was always competing with the Commander from the Galactica at the time. I was sore from losing my bet with Adama; I had bet that the Pegasus would be the first to hit the enemy base." Caine seems to be enjoying reminiscing about days gone by; Amanda seems to be a little more comfortable with the subject than the others present. "Can you tell me about the Cylons, I would love to hear about this species; you make them sound like ingenious engineers." Caine seemed to blanch at Amanda's request, but why I am certain that Caine of all people would let us know about a possible threat.

"That they are little lady, those machines are skilled engineers; I remember being one of the few to survive close quarters combat with a Cylon. They are nasty frakkers; you have to hit them with an explosive round from your side arm to take them down. But one thing that I want to know, Phoenix why call them people; the Cylons are nothing but smart machines that are out to kill us. Used to be we lived and let lived, but I guess that the Cylons really want to kill us if they have gone as far as nuking the Colonies." Machines, now this is interesting; is it possible that someone in the Colonies had attempted to create life, similar to when I created Annalisa from a batch of nano-cells?

Amanda looked at me for a moment before I answered Caine's question, for us the existence of artificial life has been a given; but is it that what put the Cylons and Colonies at odds with each other? "Caine, back home we have an artificial species that we call Replicators and they number in the millions; they have their own home world and we live in peace with them. We managed this by treating them as we would treat each other, in fact I have a daughter back home; her name is Annalisa and she is a third generation Replicator. I created her and her older siblings a few years ago, I did this so I can feel what it is like to create life; they have no programming to control them, they are free to grow and choose who they want to be; just like they are flesh and blood. In fact back home there is even research into the possible birth of hybrid children between Replicator and Tua'ri."

Caine looked at the two of us for a moment before laughing, "Ah, I knew there was another reason why you guys seemed so open with the Cylons before they attacked you. To think that you guys have your own version of the Cylons and that yours are free to do what they want from the get go. So, how many of your crew are these 'Replicators'; it would have been so much easier for everyone forty years ago if you guys had shown up." Caine smiled at the truth that we lived beside living machines and treated them as equals, maybe that hadn't happened here. "Actually, there are no Replicators in the Star Forces right now; other than Annalisa and her brother and sister, there were no Replicators amongst us until four years ago. And it took a lot of apologizing from us to get them to even consider talking with us, they were born thousands of years ago and at first we treated them like machines; we have done a lot of growing up since then." Caine shook his head and took a swig of his drink, from there we talked about the different ways we treated the Replicators and how the Cylons had been treated.

After the dinner ended we returned to our respective ships and commands, I myself carrying some much needed information if I hoped to bring the Cylons and Colonials to the peace tables. Christina and Keith returned to their quarters and the Gaetas had decided to spend sometime with each other in the Observation Garden. That left me and Amanda alone, something I intended to use to my advantage in order to bring us closer together. Amanda had gone to the sleeping area, while I used the bathroom to get changed out of my dress whites. When I returned, I opened my desk and pulled out the Console unit; I quickly entered the new information into the mainframe. As I finished up, Ensign Louis notified me of a ship to ship connection from the Olympus for me.

"Hello, Mister Doral. What can I help you with?"

Commander Phoenix, I hope I am not interrupting anything.

"Not at this time. So is there anything that I can do for you?"

Yes, can you tell me; will you treat any Cylons as if they are equals?

"Of course, from the Star Forces point of view even machines who can think on their own are living beings that are afforded the same rights as anyone else."

I see, so let's say that I am a Cylon, what would you do?

"I would ask you why attack the Colonies after forty years, why not start out with talking first before killing people."

Interesting, what if my response is that they were going to attack first and that the Cylon people were only protecting themselves?

"Again I would look at it as a neutral third party and ask why they would attack you, and what would there be to gain from such an attack."

Okay, how about if I said that they are Cylons amongst this fleet and that they appear human?

"I would say talking about this over an open channel could possibly cause panic amongst the civilian populace. If you like we can continue this conversation here on the Aurora, if you are what you are implying then I can at least ensure your safety."

Even after the Aurora was attacked by Cylons, you are still willing to listen and protect u... them if they ask?

"As long as they are willing to talk and promise not to attempt to harm anyone, then yes I would still listen and even protect them; as long as they ask of course."

Of course, Commander I would like to take up your offer. You see there is a young woman that I know, her name is Catherine Baker; but she is afraid that she is really a Cylon. I have managed to keep her fears from being learned by anyone in the fleet, but I am afraid that if she stays here that she will be killed.

"I see; there is a Jumper run scheduled for seven hundred hours tomorrow morning. If you and Miss Baker can meet the pilot in the landing bay, we can have the both of you onboard the Aurora."

Thank You Commander, but after Catherine is onboard you ship I am going to return to my office.

"I understand Mister Doral, but please be careful; don't want you to get hurt because someone thinks that you are a Cylon Calibrator."

Of course, in fact how about I schedule an interview with you and then if anyone asks I can say that I was just getting a story about the Star Forces.

"That sounds like a plan Mister Doral; I will see you in the morning for our interview. And please remember to bring your assistant Miss Baker."

Of course, Catherine and I will be there and Commander Thank You.

The connection closed and I turned to see Amanda looking at me with a smile on her face, "So we're going to have guests tomorrow?" "Yes, or rather we are going to be protecting someone for a while; we might have also have been given a chance at an open dialog with the Cylon people." I join her on the couch and we start to talk, about nothing really just talking about whatever comes to mind. This is nice and relaxing, I just hope that everything will work out in the end; this might be the beginning of a whole new family for me and the crew, with hopefully both the Colonials and the Cylons.