Chapter 10
Two Fleets
Six hours later Cameron made his way down to the cargo bay to collect Captain Thrace. As the two made their way back up to the bridge, Cameron noticed her pensive look.
"You okay?" he asked. Kara shot him a sideways glance.
"Besides everything I expected when we finally found the Thirteenth Tribe being destroyed in a single afternoon? Yeah, I'm fraking great."
"I guess it's got to be a bit overwhelming…"
"Yeah, it is." She replied softly. "I mean, all in all? I'm handling it alright. Anders and Helo are handling it alright. And Sharon- if it wasn't for Helo, she'd probably ask you for asylum."
"She can't have an easy life among the people her people tried to wipe out." Mitchell noted. Kara nodded.
"She lives in a specially designed cell. She's shackled, collard, and led around by four heavily armed marines every time she leaves the cell- and that's only when the Old Man wants to talk, or when we were planning this op."
"They locked Teal'c up at first, too." Mitchell noted. "And for a while, even after he was cleared to move about the base, he still couldn't leave it to go outside. It takes time to build trust."
"Yeah, well… anyway, she handling it fine. The thing I'm actually worried about is the fleet's reaction." She stopped and turend to face him. "Some people aren't that religious so everything we talked about won't affect them too much But there are some die hards- the Gemeniese and the Sagitarians come to mind- that won't take well to the fact that you don't worship the gods."
Cameron nodded and considered his next words carefully. "In America, we have the freedom of religion. We choose who we worship, how we worship, when we worship, and we aren't dictated to by the government on what we can or can't do- short of human sacrifices. Those are looked down on."
"Well, the President decided to ban any more sacrifices, at least until the population started rising again." Kara remarked dryly. Then noticing his expression, she sighed disgustedly. "I was joking!"
Cameron chuckled. "I figured." He said. "Look, right now all we need to do is get to your fleet and help them out. Everything else can wait nill we make sure your people are safe." He glaned down at his watch. "Speaking of which, we better get to the bridge. We should be exiting hyperspace soon, and Sam really doesn't want to get into a shooting war with your battleships."
"Battlestars." She corrected. "Just looked for the run-down one and get me a signal. I'll handle it from there." She turned and walked down towards the bridge, leaving a bemused Cameron to catch up.
Kara entered the bridge, and two sights stopped her immediately. The first was the large bank of windows that looked out over the bow of the ship. The second was the figure standing off to the side in it's own little alcove.
"Welcome to the bridge, Captain Thrace." Carter said, rising from her command chair and turning to face the Colonial officer. "And yes, that is an alien and yes, he is real."
"He?"
"I am Kvasir, Chief Science Officer of the Titan." The Asgard replied. Carter just rolled her eyes.
"Jack really wanted to give him that title. I wonder why?"
"What is he?"
"I am an Asgard." Kvasir replied, somewhat testily. "And I do speak for myself."
"Sorry," Kara replied, chastened somewhat. "It's just- you're my first little grey man."
"And you never forget your first." Pierce quipped. "We're coming up on your fleet in just a few minutes, Captain. Our lovely Cadet Frasier is setting up the communications suite now, so just head towards her dulcet tones. Oh, and watch for needles."
"I heard that, sir!" Frasier called back.
"Okay kids, knock it off." Carter said, then turned back to Kara. "Captain, if you would?"
"Lead the way." She replied as Carter led her over to the Communicatiosn console.
Colonial Fleet CAP
Katrina 'Kat' Williams commanding.
It had been a boring CAP so far, and Kat was looking forward to wrapping it up soon so she could grab a hot shower and some rack time. With a lot of pilots gone on the SAR mission back to Caprica, the squadron had been stretched a little thin, forcing Kat to fly a double shift while the fleet milled around, getting ready for the elections in only two days time. The only notable thing to happen, in fact, was the return of the SAR mission- short by at least five Raprtors, much to their dismay. Dismay had turned to curiosity, and perhaps a bit of fear, when what had happened on their former homeworld had circulated around the fleet.
Strange ships, laser guns, aliens…please. Kat thought to herself. And Starbuck saying she would find another ride home. Of course, knowing her, she'd probably try to steal a Basestar. Fraking Starbuck, always having to show off…
Her thought s were cut off by a sudden appearance of a massive purple and white energy cloud- from which emerged the strangest fraking ship she'd ever seen. A long bow attached to a fatter, stubbier stern, small engine pods attached to either side of the rear, and some kind of docking bays on top.
What the Frak? She through frantically as she pulled her Viper up and away from the new ship as the cloud disappeared behind it. "Galactica, Kat." She screamed frantically into her mike. "We got an unknown bogey that just jumped into the system…at least, I think it jumped… never seen anything like it! Please advise, repeat please advise! "
Battlestar Pegasus
"Report, Lieutenant Hoshi." Commander Lee Adama said as he stepped into the Command Center of the Pegasus. His new XO, the former communications officer, stood on the other side of the DRADIS table looking up at the screen.
"DRADIS picked it up a moment after the CAP called it in. One unknown vessel, bearing 221 carom 197. Definitely NOT Cylon in design."
"Well, let's not take any chances." Lee decided. "Launch the alert Vipers and coordinate our defense efforts with Galactica. Helm, bring us about- I want the forward cannons trained on that vessel yesterday!"
Battlestar Galactica
"Where the frak did that come from!"
Colonel Saul Tigh was standing rigidly at the DRADIS table, staring at the screen at the sensor blip that represented the new arrival. "And what the frak is it? Cylon?"
"It doesn't match any known Cylon design, either current or past." Lieutenant Felix Gaeta replied
"Sound general quarters." Admiral William Adam said calmly from his position at the head of the table. He stared up at the screen intently, as if trying to divine the new ships purpose and intentions. "Launch the alert Vipers. Mr. Gaeta, transmit emergency jump coordinates to the rest of the fleet, and have them stand by for emergency jump."
"Aye sir." Felix replied.
"Vipers away and on target" Tigh reported.
"Prepare to engage on my mark.."
"Admiral!" Lieutenant Dualla shouted. "I'm picking up a signal from the vessel. It's pretty garbled, but they are trying to communicate."
"Can you clean it up?"
"I just need a few minutes, sir."
"You've got five, then the fighters are going to engage." Adama replied.
The mood was tense on the brigdge of the Titan as the bridge crew watched as nearly two dozen of the Colonial's fighters streak towards their ship.
"Boy, they're coming in awfully fast…" Ramsey noted.
"Anytime, Captain." Pierce said as she subtly adjusted her course to move away from the Pegasus, who was bringing their main guns to bear on the Titan.
"I'm trying, but you guys use different com frequencies than we do!" Kara shot bak. "I'm having a hard time finding our own bands…"
"Kvasir, can you help her out a little?" Carter asked.
"I am attempting to do so." The Asgard replied. "However, I am havng some difficulty. Their systems appear to be vastly inferior to our own."
"Hey, watch who your calling inferior, short stuff!" Kara snarled
"I got it!" Frasier called. "Score one for the med student! Try it now, Captain."
"Galactica, this is Starbuck. Hold fire, repeat- HOLD FIRE!"
The pandemonium that had reigned before in the Galactica's CIC had quieted tremendously when the transmission finally came over the speakers.
Galactica, this is Starbuck. Hold fire, repeat- HOLD FIRE!
Tigh looked to Adama in shock. "Starbuck? How the frak…"
"She did say she was getting another ride home." He remarked dryly, picking up the thick handset. "Dee, put me through to her." When the Communications officer nodded, Adama spoke. "This is Admiral Adama to the person claiming to be Starbuck. Authenticate your identity now, or we will open fire on you."
There was a brief pause before Starbuck's familiar voice spoke again. Remember what I told you about Zack, and what I did for him? Remember when I told you, and you told me to get out before you did something I would regret?
Adama let out a sigh and sagged slightly, partly in relief and partly at the pain that memory caused him. He quickly hid his pain, however- there would be time to grieve again in private. "Welcome home, Starbuck. What do you hear?"
Nothing but the rain, sir.
"Dee, tell the fighters to break off and fall back to defensive positions. Starbuck, what's your situation?"
Nearly thirty refuges, along with the remaining SAR team. We were picked up by some soldiers from a ship called the Titan…from Earth.
Once more silence reigned in the CIC before Adama finally found his voice. "What?"
They say their from Earth, sir. I'm tending to believe them. The commander of the ship would like ot speak with you, sir. Can I put her on?"
"Go ahead."
There was a brief pause in the transmission, and then another female voice sounded over the CIC's speakers.
Admiral Adama, this is Colonel Samantha Carter of the United States Air Force Recon Vessel Titan. On behalf of Stargate Command and the Stargate Alliance, we bid you greetings from Earth.
On the Titan, Carter had to pause for a few seconds as shouts of joy were heard over the com station. "I'll take that as a good sign."
Pierce stopped staring in wonder at the Colonial's small fighters long enough to turn and face the Colonel. "Excuse me, sir, but 'We bid you greetings from Earth'? Who were you trying to pull off, Dracula? Might just as well said 'I bid you welcome' in some ghoulish accent."
"Fly the ship, Major." Cart said bluntly.
"Why yessa Miss Daisy, I be flying." Pierce replied as she turned back to her console, causing Ramsey to nearly choke on his restrained laughter. "And by the way, Captain. I got to get one of your fighters."
"Prety cool, huh?" Starbuck replied.
My apologies for that, Colonel, Adama's voice rang out over the intercom, I don't know if Starbuck explained it to you, but Earth is a pretty big deal for us over here.
"She did explain it, Admiral. And it's quite alright." Carter responded. "Admiral, I've been authorized by my command authority to offer yoru people protection, as well as the food and medical supplies we have in our emergency stores. More will be forthcoming, though."
We appreciate any and all help you can give us, Colonel.
"Furthermore, I've been authorized to begin talks to bring you and your fleet directly under our protection. We had a small outpost in a nearby system that we can use. With your permission, Myself and our top diplomat will travel over with your people to begin talks at once."
Pierce stiffened in her chair slightly at that even as Adama's voice rang out once more.
That would be more than acceptable, Colonel. We have the President of the Twelve Colonies on board, she will be the one to negotiate with. We can be prepared to receive you in thrity minutes.
"Very good, Admiral. It will take a couple of trips to get all of your people over; one of our Jumpers was damaged beyond repair during the rescue."
I look forward to meeting you, Colonel. Starbuck will familiarize you with our landing procedures. If you need anything else, please call.
"Copy that, Admiral. Titan out." Carter switched off the channel and turned to Starbuck. "Captain Thrace, will you please accompany Colonel Sheppard to the Jumper bay and brief him on your landing procedures?"
"Yes, sir." Starbuck replied, giving a stiff salute out of habit that was quickly returned, then headed off the bridge. Carter looked to Mitchell.
"You pack your dress blues, Cam?"
Cameron sighed. "Yes, unfortunately. Dress and Cover?"
"Might as well make a good first impression. Go and change, your coming with me. Major Pierce," Pierce turned to face her CO, "You have command of the ship until I return."
"Very good, Sir."Pierce replied. "Before you go, there's some paperwork I need to go over with you in your ready room."
Carter raised an eyebrow, then gestured for Pierce to follow her. They entered the small office and Pierce sealed the door behind her.
"Paperwork my ass, Elizbeth." Carter said with a slight grin. "What's on your mind?"
"Permission to speak freely?"
"Since when do you ask permission?" at the Major's look, Carter relented. "Alright, fine. Go ahead."
"With all due respect, you shouldn't be going over there."
"Why not?"
"This is a highly charged atmosphere we're flying into, and your life could be in jeopardy if you leave the ship." Pierce replied. "You're the senior officer and commander of this ship, sir. As your XO, it's my duty to point out when it could be to dangerous for you to go on this kind of mission." She paused. "Besides, if Sheppard's flying the Jumper, you might crash and burn before you get there. Then what happens?"
"Funny." Carter replied with a smile. "Look Elizabeth- it's because I'm the senior officer that I need to go. And Sheppard, Mitchell, and even Daniel are good in a fight, if it comes to that. What's more, I'm leaving knowing that my ship is in good hands- you know the ship and its crew, and you'll know what to do if everything goes to hell. Now in," she checked her watch, "twenty five minutes, I'm heading over there to begin talks. And I believe everything will be fine. But if aren't back or you don't hear from us within two hours, then I want you to take this ship, and you come rescue me."
Pierce grinned. "What, and risk my ship?"
"I mean it." Carter replied with a smile as she walked past Pierce and opened the hatch. "I don't want to get left behind."
Thirty minutes later the Colonial refugees were situated once again in the small hanger deck on the Titan. Most stared in awe at the atmospheric force fields that kept the bay pressurized, and at the small forms of the Vipers situated a few klicks off the bow. The rest stared at Kara as she gave out the orders.
"Anders, you'll ride with me on the first leg," Starbuck said to her boyfriend. "Grab about ten people and start loading them into the Jumper. I'll be riding up front and helping Sheppard to navigate. People, LISTEN UP!" she yelled, drawing the attention of the ones who weren't paying attention, "When we get on board Galactica, stay together! The Marines on board will escort you to your racks- and as soon as we can, we'll start looking for any surviving family or loved ones."
"Commander on deck!"
All military personnel, both Earth and Colonial, stopped and stood at attention as Colonel Carter strode into the bay in her dress blues with Colonel Mitchell right behind her. Carter wore her dress cloth hat, while Cameron had his tucked under his arm. Major Pierce limped in behind them, leaning heavily on her cane.
"Is everyone here and ready?" Carter asked Starbuck, who nodded in affirmative. "Alright then. Major Pierce," she said, turning to face Elizabeth, "You have the con. Take care of my ship."
"Yes ma'am." she replied, throwing a smart salute that was returned a moment later.
"Let's go, Captain Thrace." Carter said, smiling lightly. "Take us to your leader."
The small group climbed into the Jumper and settled themselves in, with Starbuck sitting in the second seat next to Sheppard. Carter and Mitchell sat in the second row, while Daniel and Anders sat in the rear. The refugees settled themselves in the rear hold as the rear hatch rose and closed with a slight hiss.
"Galactica, Starbuck." Kara said into her mic as she adjusted her headset. It was strange to her- the single ear piece fit fine, but the long, thin mic boom felt to fragile to her. She was afraid she'd break the fraking thing. "Do you read, over? "
Starbuck ,Galactica. We read you five-by-five.
"We're about to leave the Titan. What are you orders?"
Starbuck, the Old Man says to follow your escort vipers to the Port launch bay. You know what to do from there.
"Copy that. See you in a few. Starbuck out." She looked to Sheppard and gave him the thumbs up.
"Sheppard to Titan flight control Permission to depart?" There was nothing but silence on the other end for a full minute. Sheppard sighed and rolled his eyes. "Look, Lieutenant Hailey, it wasn't entirely my fault!"
"Hailey, give the go." Carter ordered, not entirely hiding the smile in her voice.
"Yes, sir." Hailey reluctantly replied. "Jumper 2, you have a go to launch. Have a safe flight, and try to bring this one back in one piece, okay? It's the only one we got left."
"Copy that, control. Jumper 2 out."
Starbuck tuned around to look at Carter. "You know, you have very sarcastic officers." She grinned. "I may have to put in for a transfer to your ship."
Carter shook her head. "I already have one Major Pierce. I don't need another."
"It would piss off Macmillan." Daniel noted.
"On second thought, come on over." Carter decided. "Couldn't hurt."
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is your Captain speaking," Sheppard announced over the ships intercom. "Today's flight will be from the Titan to the Galactica. We estimate a cruising time of about five minutes with clear skies and smooth flying. For your listening enjoyment I'll be turning on some classic Earth music for you. Don't forget to tip your stewardess, and thank you for flying Air Jumper." Sheppard hit the play button on the CD player he'd had installed on the ship, and Jimi Hendrix's 'All Along The Watchtower' sounded throughout the ship.
"Good song," Daniel noted as Sheppard engaged the ships drive, smoothly lifting off from the flight deck and surging forward through the atmospheric shield
"Always like Hendrix." Sheppard replied, banking the craft towards the ragtag fleet before them. "Next stop, the Battlestar Galactica"
On the Galactica, Adama stood by the wall phone in the hanger deck with Tigh by his side. Off to the side, the crew was assembling into formation under the guidance of Chief Tyrol, while President Rosalin and, much to both of their dismay, Vice-President Gaius Baltar and Sagitarion representative Tom Zarek stood off to the side. Rosalyn had said their presence wasn't necessary and had nearly gone as far as to ask Adama to order them off the deck, but Baltar was the Vice President, so it made sense to have him here as much as they didn't like it. As for Zarek, he made the point that the civilian government should have a presence at this historic first meeting, and seeing as he was the only Quorum member on the ship and the others would take nearly an hour to get there, he had been elected.
"Dee, patch me through to Kat." Adama order over the phone. There was some clicking, then the familiar washed-out sound of the Vipers helmet mic came over the phone. "Kat, this is Galactica Actuall. Give me a play-by-play."
Yes, sir. She replied. It's fracking weird, sir. I can see into their hanger deck, and there are a bunch of people just milling around.
"Why's that unusual?"
Because it's open to space, and they aren't wearing EVA suits.
"Could be more advanced than us." Tigh noted.
There was a pause. I see their shuttle, it's coming- FRAK ME!
"What is it?" Adama demanded.
They've got some kind of…energy shield on their bay, keeping it pressurized. I saw it flicker as the shuttle just passed through it- and it went through it like it was nothing!
Adama looked over to Tigh. "Way more advanced."
Proceeding with escort. Starbuck, Kat. I'll be your escort to Galactica.
Kat, Starbuck. Never thought I'd be glad to hear your voice.
Yeah, well don't be too happy. I lost a lot of cubits on you, you know.
Betting that I wouldn't come back?
No, betting on how you'd come back. Figured that you'd want to top yourself- I mean you already bagged a Raider and a heavy Raider. Figured you'd try to take an entire Basestar this time.
I tried, but it blew up. Oh, well. Maybe next time.
"She's joking, right?" Tigh asked Adama, who answered his question with a dry 'it's Starbuck' look. "Yeah, she probably tried…"
As they passed several of the civilian ships, Carter noted the state of disrepair many of them were in. Absently she noted that they were probably just designed to be short-flight transport ships that docked every couple of months; none of the ships out there were meant to fly for extended periods of time. She turned her attention back to Galactica, studying the beat up, dented and scorched hull of the massive warship.
"ETA to Galactica is two minutes." Sheppard announced.
"I'll handle communications with Galactica and walk you through the landing procedures. Just follow my lead." Starbuck said.
"What's that ship, over there?" Mitchell asked, pointing towards the massive form of the Pegasus.
"That's the Pegasus." Starbuck replied. "She's a newer model Battlestar that survived the initial attack. We hooked up with her a few months ago." Kara smirked. "Our old CAG is the commander over there now."
Starbuck, Galactica. Adjust your course to one-niner, speed one-five-two for hands on approach. Checker's green, call the ball.
"Galactica, Starbuck. Adjusting course to one-niner, speed one-five-two for hands on approach. I have the ball." She turned to Sheppard . "Take her in, nice and easy. About halfway down the bay you'll see the elevator pad marked out. Land your bird there and pull in your engines, and they'll do the rest."
"Roger that." Sheppard replied, lining the Jumper up with the Galactica's bay. Their escort Vipers slowed and flipped around so that thir bows faced the front of the Jumpers, flying in reverse to better guide them to the elevator.
"Now that is cool." Sheppard remarked. Mitchell and Carter nodded. The Jumper entered the bay and slowed as it neared the elevator, it's engine pods slididng back into the hull as it landed softly on the pad. "We have contact. Activating mag-lock."
"Starbuck, Galactica. Mag-lock secure. Welcome home."
"Roger that, Captain Kelly. It's good to be home." Starbuck replied, then turned to Sheppard. "Welcom aboard the Galactica."
The deck crew stood at attention while a squad of marines the Colonel had brought in stood ready on the top catwalk overlooking the Puddle Jumper. The strange craft was towed off the elevator and into the hangar proper. Tigh eyed the craft with a critical eye.
"Damn funny looking ship, if you ask me." He said quietly to his friend. Adama nodded.
"Apparently it's tougher than it looks, if it survived rescuing our people from Caprica."
"Where's the fraking door?" Tigh growled in agrivation, looking over the sides for the tell-tale signs of a hatch. He was caught off guard, then, when the rear of the ship began to lower. "Whoa."
One by one, the first group of Caprica survivors, led by Kara and Anders, made their way off the ship and into the waiting arms of the medical staff. Kara moved towards the Admiral and gave him a brisk salute, which was quickly returned.
"Found yourself another ride, eh?"
"Green's not my color, but we make do with what we get, sir." She replied glibly, shaking Adama's hand.
"She's gonna be impossible to live with now," Tigh said with a genuine smile as he shook her hand as well. "Damn fine job, Captain."
"Thank you sir."
"Anything we should know about our guests before they come out?" Laura asked. Kara nodded.
"Way more advanced than us technologically. Theogically, we may have some problems."
"Why is that?"
"This is either going to be really good, or really, really bad." Carter said, placing her hat back on her head as Mitchell did the same. "I want everyone to keep their eye's open. Sheppard, you're on ferry duty. But if you get a hint of trouble, you activate the shield and get back to the Titan. Daniel, I know you can handle yourself, but be extra careful here. A lot of the things we're going to say they won't like."
"Don't worry about me; I'll be fine." The archeologist replied.
Carter nodded. "Alright, let's go."
Carter led the way to the rear of the Jumper, followed by Mitchell and Jackson. She stopped at the top of the ramp and stood at attention, facing the group before her. "Permission to come aboard, Admiral."
Adama stared for a few moments before answering. "Permission granted."
Carter stepped down the ramp and over to the assembled officers, where Starbuck started with the introductions.
"Admiral, may I present Colonels Samantha Carter and Cameron Mitchell of the United States Air Force, and Dr. Daniel Jackson of the SGC." She turend to Carter. "Colonel, this is Admiral Willaim Adama, commander of the Battlestar Galactica and the Colonial fleet; Colonel Saul Tigh, Galactica's Executive Officer; and Laura Rosilyn, president of the Twelve Colonies. Next to her are the Vice-President Gaius Baltar and Tom Zarek, Sagitaron representative of the Quorum of Twelve."
The small group exchanged brief hello's and handshakes before stepping back from one another.
"Colonel, on behalf of the people of the Twelve Coloinies," Laura began, extending her hand, "I would like to say that it is an honor to meet you, and to thank you for assisting our people in rescuing the survivors off of Caprica."
Carter smiled and took the proffered hand, shaking it warmly. "Madame president, the honor is mine."
TBC…
Wow, this ran a little longer than I thought. Coming next chapter- the Colonials get a history lesson, the Earthers get an earful, and the Cylons attack with a vengeance.