Reversus Patria

Part: 10
Rating: PG, maybe be PG-13 later on
paring: ensemble cast
Summary: continuation of Faoi Dheireadh

Note: I do want to thank AlbertG, James Axelrad, Moggie, Becky, Sue, and Rap541 for their expertise. Without their input this story would not be what it is today. Be warned, this takes place sometime near the end of season two. Anything after Epiphanies are conjectures from the author's warped mind. . . This is a sequel of Faoi Dheireadh.

Disclaimer: Battlestar Galactica and its characters are creations of Glen Larson and copywrited by Universal Studios. I make no money off this.

Colonial speech: " "
English speech: ' '

Chapter Ten

Jeremiah looked at the screen intently. He could just make out the small shuttle that was on its way to the basestar. The Terran admiral made sure that they were ready for anything that might happen while nearing the large ship. They were being escorted by two of their fighters, that way there wouldn't be any surprises. So far, there hadn't been any, which was good. He hated surprises, especially at this point in time.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the airlock being pulled open. The sight of Sergio carefully stepping into the room surprised most everyone there. For a moment he wanted to order the younger man back to sick bay, but even he understood the fact that everyone was needed, even when they were not at their best.

The El Salvadorian stood there for a moment before deciding to head back out the way he came. It had only been an hour since he had been knocked unconscious. The sight of Sergio heading back out the airlock and into the corridor relieved him more than he expected. Turning his attention back to the officers around him he knew he didn't have to remind them to keep close watch on the computer systems. He was going to wait in the command center until he knew for certain that the men and women in the shuttle were safely back and had reported their findings. Once that was completed, there were a few people he needed to talk to concerning their actions earlier in the day.

It seemed like an eternity passed before word came back about the shuttle landing in what looked like a landing bay. There was another delay before the officers and marines left the safety of the shuttle and assembled in the docking area. Before they opened the hatch, they made sure that the exterior environment was on par with what a human could tolerate safely. Since they were in control of the vessel, the Terrans were able to pressurize and activate the gravity control systems. That made it easier to maneuver around. All they needed were gas masks to make sure they were not breathing anything poisonous.

'The atmosphere beyond the shuttle has been pressurized to something compatible to what human body can tolerate,' the pilot reported back. 'We are egressing the shuttle.'

'Copy,' the comm. officer answered. 'You are good to go. And good luck.'

'Copy.'

The exterior cameras on the shuttle were angled in such a way so you couldn't see the men and women slowly exiting the small vehicle. Soon enough, you could see them slowly making their way to what looked like an airlock. Once out of range of the shuttle's cameras, the view changed to one of the helmet cameras on the lead marine. Even though they were plugged into the ships camera system, it wasn't the same as having someone there.

The Terrans remained silent as they slowly worked their way deeper into the ship. They were headed towards the ship's command center. Yes, they had control of the basestar, but Orbach wanted to make sure that they kept that control.

The Terrans watched in the Invincible's command center just how poorly the basestar had been designed. Apparently they thought size meant easier intimidation. The Cylons were right in that respect, but for the frigate class that had the larger weapon, it only meant that it was an easier target to hit.

It took some time, but they finally reached what seemed like the control room. There were several biological Cylons, 'skin jobs' the Aurorians called them, in various contorted positions. Their last few moments had not been pretty as they died from lack of oxygen. The 'centurions' stood in silent guard on either side of the doors, their facemask dark. If the stench of death was prevailing in the room, the gas masks filtered it out.

'Don't touch anything,' the lead marine said as he gingerly stepped over the bodies.

'Aye, aye,' came the chorus of voices letting him know they understood.

'Invincible, this is cmd1. We have reached what looks like the command center,' the same marine reported into his microphone.

'Copy cmd1. We read you loud and clear. What's your status?'

'Shouldn't take too long. Everything looks to be deactivated,' he swept his flashlight around the room so he could get a better look through the dim lighting. 'Can we get more light?' he requested.

Moments later the lights flashed on, along with the power into the computer system.

'Shit!' one marine in the back hissed as he caught the others attention. Several whirled around, only to be faced with several centurions moving across the chamber and raising their arms up to show their wicked looking guns.

'Duck for cover!' one yelled as they bolted in different directions, their own weapons at the ready.

'Not good, this is not good,' the lead marine muttered as he used the pool in the center of the room as cover and pulled out his own weapon. Cylon style bullets were already flying across the chamber, searching out the Terrans who had the audacity to take over the basestar. Several tense minutes passed before the Terrans finally started getting the upper hand. With the destruction of the last Centurion, the lead marine called back, 'Invincible, this is cmd1. Do you read?'

'Status?'

Jones, who was the lead marine looked at his microphone for a moment. He had not expected to hear Admiral Orbach over the wireless. 'We had a little surprise. It seemed that when the lights were activated they activated the mechanical centurions. All have been neutralized, over.'

It deafening silence seemed to last forever before the crackle of the comm. unit sounded. 'Roger. Casualties?'

The marine scanned the room, hoping against hope that none were lost in the Cylon encounter. It looked like the worst injuries were scrapes from hitting the deck and rolling for cover. 'Everyone okay?' he asked just to make sure.

'Collins got grazed with some shrapnel. Nothing any antiseptic and bandages can't handle,' the medic of the group reported.

'Good.' He paused before speaking into the microphone, 'Invincible, one grazed with shrapnel. We're continuing on with the exploration.'

'You've got time. Don't rush it,' Orbach's voice came across the speakers.

'Yes, sir,' Jones answered then deactivated his comm. unit. 'Let's see what we've got here,' he muttered as he moved over to the freestanding computers.

Orbach left the command center, fully confident that the men and women under him could do the job that was required. If anything happened, they knew to immediately reach him. What he needed to do now was to solve the issues that had boiled over in the command center between two of his officers. It's not that he didn't approve of the whole incident, what it did was undermine his authority. He wanted the men and women under him to understand that they didn't need permission for every little thing. Men and women with brains was what he really wanted.

Which was why he was not in the command center 24/7. He let the officers that knew what they were doing, handle the whole situation with the Cylons basestars. 'Erbe, I need to speak to Logan,' he told his aide while passing through her office.

'Yes, sir,' she nodded quickly.

Jeremiah continued into his office and closed the door as gently as he could. He hated doing this to any of his officers, which is why he always gave a verbal reprimand before he did anything that could possibly ruin a young officer who didn't know any better. The Terran admiral sat there thinking of what he was going to do when the door opened and Logan stepped into his office. 'You wanted to see me, sir?' the younger officer asked.

'Yes.' Orbach stood up and moved around his desk to look the officer in the eye. 'Can you explain to me your actions in the command center today concerning Thrace?'

Logan swallowed hard before finally answering, 'I was just telling her the rules, sir.'

To get his point across, he lowered his voice, 'Your actions were inappropriate while at GQ. In your view point, she may have been out of line, but she is a visiting officer and I expect you to give her the same amount of respect you give any Terran officer. Do I make myself clear?'

Logan had begun to sweat in earnest, 'Yes, sir.'

'Good.' Orbach took a step back before continuing, 'This is a warning. Next time I won't have the choice but to write you up. I would rather have this whole thing stop here before it gets any worse.'

'Yes, sir.'

'Good. You're dismissed.'

Logan saluted smartly then marched out of the office. 'I hate having to do that,' Jeremiah muttered as he rubbed his face. Now he needed to talk to Thrace. That would be a whole different affair. She was at least trying to obey his orders. He leaned over his desk and punched the comm. button. 'Erbe?'

'Yes, sir?' her voice sounded almost contrite.

'I need you to find Thrace.'

'Yes, sir,' she answered smartly, apparently relieved that she wouldn't bear the brunt of his anger. Before he could disconnect the line, she continued, 'Sir, they want you back in the command center.'

'Thank you,' he answered while disconnecting the line. At least there was something else to think about rather than what he just had to do, he mused. As he left his office he couldn't help but notice that Erbe was looking at him somewhat warily. He would deal with that later, he thought as he left the area and headed back to the command center. He found it interesting that Major Adama was still there watching everything that was happening, and giving the marines warnings if they were needed. This was what he had wanted to see.

'I want to talk to Thrace,' Orbach told the younger Adama quietly. 'But not here.'

'Yes, sir,' he answered, then said louder since no one had seem to notice his arrival, 'Admiral on the bridge.'

'As you were,' Orbach answered automatically. On the screen he could see the marines had not left the room. 'Jones, what have you found?' he asked into the comm.

'System is completely shut down, sir. We haven't had any issues dealing with the centurions since that one time when the power was activated.'

'Good,' Jeremiah muttered.

'Sir, do you want to bring them back?'

Orbach shook his head. 'No not yet. I want them to see what we can do with that ship.'

The younger officer nodded then moved over to the comm. center. He spoke softly while holding an ear bud snuggly inside his ear, most likely to make sure he could hear what Jones was reporting about from the basestar. 'Sir, they're waiting on your orders,' he reported back.

Orbach nodded absently. He truly had no idea what to do with the ship he was now saddled with. But, he also had the chance to actually see the Cylon's technology from the inside. With that thought he made his decision. 'As soon as the supply fleet gets here, have one of them tow the basestar back.' With his decision he could clearly see the disappointment on the faces of the engineers. He understood their disappointment, but he also needed all the men and women under him focused. And the sight of the basestar was a tantalizing thought, one that would keep their minds off their duties.

With that taken care of, there was one other thing he needed to do. Orbach needed to talk to Thrace to hear her side of what happened earlier. 'I'll be in my at sea cabin,' he announced while headed towards the airlock. His mood had improved, only marginally, though, and when he reached Erbe's office, he stuck his head into the door. 'I need to talk to Thrace. Have her report here.'

'Yes, sir.' She stopped what she was doing and sent the message out to the officer. Hopefully, Thrace understood the nature of it and would answer it promptly. She did, and reported that she would be there ASAP since she was several levels below the command deck in the gym area.

The short amount of time it took her to get to Jeremiah's office let him think about what he wanted to say to her. He also knew just how long it would take for her to reach his office, then added extra time because of the heightened level of security. On a regular basis he did frequent the workout facilities, but once the activity picked up, he found it almost impossible to keep his routine up.

He was still thinking about it when the door opened up and the Aurorian officer came in. If she had been working out, it didn't show. 'You wanted to see me, sir?'

Jeremiah brought his attention to her and was surprised to see a somewhat contrite look on her face. She was a flyboy through and through, but she also seemed to understand that there were authority figures above her. It was good how she was responding to him, because just like his talk with Logan, he hated giving out reprimands.

'Yes, Captain. I wanted to talk to you about what happened in the command center earlier today.' She seemed to bristle at his words.

'Permission to speak freely, sir?'

The American looked at her for a moment before speaking, 'Permission granted.'

'Granted,' he finally answered.

The Aurorian seemed to relax before gathering her thoughts. 'What you're doing is dangerous. The Cylons want to completely eliminate us.'

'Which the Martoks tried about 20 years ago.' He noted her confusion then continued, 'Think of the Cylons with better computer technology with the guile and manipulation of the worst criminal mind you can think of. Captain, the Cylons have no idea what they've gone up against.'

'They learn fast,' she muttered.

'And hopefully they'll learn that we're not pushovers. They also don't realize that up until just recently we've been honing our electronic warfare skills against ourselves. I'm not happy about our history with that, but for once it is to our advantage. We also learned to keep all the networks separate from one another. Even if their attack manages to get into this ship, it will only effect that system. Essential systems are isolated.'

The words seemed to stop Thrace for a moment and make her think. 'So, even if they send an electronic attack it won't damage the ship?'

'No.' Jeremiah let a ghost of a smile cross his face before letting it drop. 'That's what the Cylons were not counting on. We know how to work with a compromised system, God forbid that would happen.

Jeremiah could almost see the wheels turning in Thrace's head. Even though she had been briefed early on about the capabilities the Terran ships had, it was hard to remember after five months and only two large engagements with the Cylons. 'Enough of that,' he turned businesslike. 'Your actions were not acceptable in the command center,' Orbach said as he stood up. 'I want you to limit your contact with Commander Logan to within the line of duty.'

Orbach knew Thrace was used to Admiral Adama's height, so he knew it was more intimidating to her to be faced with his 6 foot plus frame. 'Do I make myself clear? I do not want to have to make an issue out of this.'

'Yes, sir,' she seemed to shrink back.

'Captain, you're not in trouble. It's just that you and Major Adama are here only to aide in our efforts.' He hesitated before continuing, 'Good. You're dismissed,' he effectively ended the conversation but watched her out of the corner of his eyes while she quickly left the office.

Because of the eye patches, Mair had seemingly lost track of time. She had no idea what day it was, or how long she had been in the hospital. 'Jackie?' she asked softly as she turned her head slowly to the side.

'Oh, good. You're awake,' she heard her sister answer.

'What time is it?'' she asked. 'I'm not quite sure at the moment.'

'Early afternoon,' Jackie answered. 'And since you're awake, I'll let doctor know.'

Mair didn't bother to answer as the older sibling left the room. Because of the blocking of her eyesight, her hearing had become more sensitive and she could hear the somewhat muffled conversation between Jackie and what seemed to be the doctor that was currently on duty.

'Captain,' he began as he neared the side of her bed. 'I'm going to take the patches off your eyes. For the first hour or so, I do not want you moving your head at all.'

'Okay.'

For Mair it seemed like it took forever before he allowed her to open her eyes. When he did, he also ordered the lights in her room to be dimmed to something she could tolerate more easily. As her eyes cleared, she blinked the tears that were forming. 'You know, if you turned up the lights a bit I could see you better,' she said offhandedly.

'Which is a good sign. Now hold still,' the doctor, who's name she never bothered to find out, said. He leaned over and took a penlight and shined it into one, and then the other eye, making sure that everything was normal. As he stepped back he said, 'So far they look okay. How do you feel?'

'Everything looks stable,' she started then inadvertently moved her head. She closed her eyes tight and tensed up.

'He warned you not to move your head for at least an hour,' Jackie admonished her younger sister.

'Don't remind me,' Mair answered between clenched teeth. It took a few minutes, but the spinning finally subsided and she opened her eyes slowly.

The doctor had taken a few steps away and was talking quietly to Jackie. Their voices were low enough for her to not be able to understand what they were saying. 'She's actually doing quite well,' the doctor told Jackie. 'Though she'll never fully recover from the injury.'

'Will I have to keep a cane with me for balance?' Mair asked, trying to get his attention once again.

'It depends. If you're alone, then yes. Bringing a cane would be a wise decision.'

'Damn,' Mair muttered. She was so wrapped up in the new information that she didn't even notice the doctor exiting her room. Or even the fact that Jackie had followed him out into the corridor. There was a quick discussion and then he turned and left. Moments later several people arrived. One was pushing a wheelchair.

There was a flurry of activity, more than Mair could absorb. She quickly found herself blindfolded, which ironically enough felt more comforting than being without the mask, then slowly shifted into the wheelchair.

'Where are we going?' she managed to ask, surprised that she already felt fatigued.

'You'll see,' one tech said brightly. 'And you'll be glad once it's over.'

The Terran captain wasn't too sure about what was going to happen. She hated not being in control, and that's what really bothered her about the whole experience. Not for the first time did she bemoan the fact that she should have just gone home for the weekend, and not back to the liaison's residence within Aurora City. She also wished that Jerry was here. She felt so alone, more than during those five years they had been separated.

The wheelchair was silent but Mair could tell they had entered an elevator, then changed floors. It stopped and she was wheeled out into another corridor. When they finally stopped, she could hear the sounds of computer monitors. She still had no idea where she was at. For a moment she thought she was in an area for patients to relax in when they eased her into a comfortable recliner.

'Now remember, the doctor doesn't want you to make any sudden head movements,' a voice admonished her as the eye mask was removed. The sight in front of her made tears come to her eyes as one of the nurses on duty handed her a small bundle. 'Your daughter,' he said with a smile as he handed her a small bottle.

Mair somehow choked back the tears that threatened to fall and managed to ask, 'Formula?'

'No, we don't use that at all,' the nurse answered then showed how to correctly hold and feed the small infant. 'It's mother's milk.'

Mair slowly nodded as she watched her daughter feed from the small bottle. 'She's so small.'

'But healthy. Because of her weight, she won't be released from the hospital until she's reached at least 5 lbs.'

The Terran captain paid no attention to the nurse's comments, her sole attention was still on her daughter. She had never expected to have this happen, and was the best thing she could think of. When she slowly looked up, she noticed how Jackie was talking to the nurse in hushed tones. She was able to catch a word here and there, but not enough to understand the conversation. Ignoring it for the time being, she once again turned her attention back to her daughter. 'I think she's finished,' she said a little bit louder when the bottle became empty.

Reluctantly O'Neill handed Deidra back to the nurse and was somewhat complacent as they prepared her to go back to her room. The short trip had completely worn her out, though it had been worth every minute. With the mask back in place, she found herself quickly drifting off to sleep and never remembered the last part of her trip back to her room.

Once the younger woman was settled back into her bed Jackie went to talk to one of the nurses. There were a few things she wanted to make sure would happen when her sister gets released from the hospital. Her biggest concern was the need of a home healthcare nurse. She was relieved to find out that the hospital had a listing of the organizations they worked with. That made the decision easier to make. The nurse that brought her back, though wanted Mair to acquire the services of a nanny because of her current condition.

'That's the least of my concerns right now. What she needs is a home healthcare nurse. We can worry about the nanny later.'

TBC……