Galen Tyrol felt a profound sense of relief as he returned to the deck of the Galactica. As soon as his people saw him, they raised a great shout and rushed over. Cally was the one to speak. "Chief! You're back! We were told that you were a Cylon and that you were being detained because of that."

Galen nodded. "Get everyone together, even the off-duty people. I'll explain the best I can."

The loyalty of the deck gang was sufficient that no one questioned it. Very soon, every deck hand that could be gathered was present, as were several Colonial marines that routinely acted as security.

"Okay. Can everyone hear me?" There were sounds of agreement all around.

"Okay then. As you were probably told, I was detained on suspicion of being a Cylon. As a result, I was moved to that big Earth ship and was questioned along with everyone else who was suspected because of the scans that the White Stars could do." Nods.

"Well, first thing you should know: Every person that was detained was, in fact, found to be a Cylon. All eleven of us."

There were sounds of shocks and protest. There were also many who were immediately fearful or angry. One of the marines who had come back called for everyone to be silent. "Look. I know a lot of you are angry. And scared. And just the fact that I apparently am a Cylon means that you immediately hate me. They had a woman who could read minds. She helped question all the Cylons that were found. And as the marines who were there could verify, I was scanned as well."

Cally was torn. She hated the Cylons, but she loved the Chief. She even had romantic feelings for him. And so she asked, "What did she find?"

Galen nodded in acknowledgement of her question. "Seven of those found were copies of some of the Cylons that we have run into or hidden moles in the Colonial fleet. They were working as agents of the Cylon collective. Sharon Valerii, when questioned, was fully aware of her Cylon nature. However, her loyalty has been verified as being with the Colonial Fleet, to Admiral Adama specifically. She's pregnant and the father is Lt. Agathon. She is fearful that if she stayed with the Cylons, they would use her and that her daughter would not be safe. And she, like any good mother, is fully committed to the safety of her daughter. Right now her and Lt. Agathon are on a White Star. She might be assisting in an operation being planned to jump the Pegasus back and rescue more people from the colonies. If you see her, you do not need to be frightened."

Most of the people present could immediately agree that any mother would do whatever needed to keep their child safe. And they were all for rescuing more humans from those Cylon bastards.

"The last four people, including myself, were found to be Cylon but different. According to what was found, apparently, we aren't even from the Colonies OR from the Cylons we know. I don't know all the details, but there were Cylons who left Kobol thousands of years ago and apparently we four are from them. We weren't programmed by the Cylons who originally rebelled 50 years ago or the Cylons who destroyed the colonies. And their telepath, now commissioned a Colonial Officer, found that the last four were loyal to the Colonies. She didn't find any hidden programming. And she pushed hard."

Cally, as many others were, was very confused. "I don't understand. How did you come here if you weren't programmed by the Cylons we know?"

Galen shrugged helplessly. "We have no idea. We have no idea how in the hell we are involved. Maybe there is information that was taken from us." He took on a more serious look then. "As far as we're concerned, we're Colonial. And it was certain enough that Admiral Adama put us back to work. But Colonel Tigh, another one of us, said this: We gave our oath to the Colonial Fleet. And if we become a threat or in danger of being captured and what we know being taken from us, he asked that we be killed immediately. So as the deck chief I'm going to give this order: If I suddenly act different than normal for no apparent reason, I expect you to get the marines watching me to detain me using whatever means necessary. And if we ever are attacked by Cylons and an attempt is made to capture me, you are to ensure I am dead. You all gave your oath, the same as me. The safety of Galactica and the Colonial fleet is paramount. And if Admiral Adama gives the order for me to be killed as a threat I expect you to accept it, without question. Nothing, no order, no mutiny will be allowed which puts the Galactica or the people it's protecting at risk. Nothing. Do you all understand?"

There were many sounds of agreement. Cally was still confused. "You want us to watch you for disloyalty?" She was shocked and it was obvious.

Galen gave her his most serious look. "Absolutely. Yes, I do."

Finally, everyone there signaled their agreement. Galen looked at them and then nodded. "Okay, then. We've got a lot of work to do very fast. Here are our priorities, straight from the Admiral: Colonial One is being cleared out and she is being prepped to be our diplomatic carrier. Once the Presidential Office and the civilians on board are removed to the planet, she will land on Galactica. We will do everything we can to prep her to leave in 24 hours carrying a Diplomatic Envoy to Babylon 5, the place where those White Stars come from.

"Once that is done, while keeping the vipers ready to go, we are going to concentrate on getting every raptor we can in the best shape we can to move to Pegasus. They are going to be a vital element in rescuing survivors from the Colonies. Those off duty, get as much rest as possible. We're going to need to move pretty quick when Colonial One arrives.

"And once the Pegasus leaves on that operation, we are to work to scavenge anything we have to to get the Galactica's armor fully repaired and the ship ready for whatever future needs might come up. We're not running anymore. We are apparently safe and very far away from the Cylon fleet and they have no idea where we are. We have several ships with lasers and powerful weapons that can protect us and the fleet while we make these repairs. We have time to do all of these things that have been pushed aside for immediate concerns. So we're going to do it right. And we're going to do the Galactica proud."

He looked around at all his people. "Any questions?"

No one spoke. "Okay, people. Let's get to work!" Suddenly, the ship's loudspeakers sounded.

Unknown to Tyrol, word of his impromptu meeting of the deck gang had traveled to the CIC. Colonel Tigh, after considering it for just a moment, had decided to pipe the whole briefing to the entire ship and to transmit it to the Pegasus as well. The White Stars and the EAS Alexander had also been alerted.

As Tyrol patiently explained the situation to his people, those listening also received the briefing. When Tigh's status was mentioned, everyone looked at him and he pointed to the marines detailed to keep watch on him. The marines nodded that it was the truth. Everyone concentrated again on listening.

When it was obvious that Tyrol had finished speaking, Tigh got on the horn and spoke to the two Battlestars. "You've just heard the briefing from Master Chief Tyrol on the Galactica Deck. This is Colonel Tigh, Executive Officer of the Galactica. I can confirm everything he said. I can also confirm that he and I both have Colonial marines who are charged with ensuring that you and all Colonial citizens are protected from anything which might mark us as a threat to our mission. You don't have to like me, but you've given an oath and Admiral Adama has ordered us returned to duty with these escorts. And every one of you will listen to Admiral Adama and follow his orders or by GODS I will ensure that anyone who refuses is brought up on charges and put before courts martial. All of us have given oath to the Colonial Fleet. And until the Civilian Government has declared the current state of emergency over, no resignations are being accepted. You don't have to like it. You just have to do it. Any questions should be directed to the Admiral or, barring that, to the President's Office."

Suddenly his tone was much lighter and he decided to inject some humor into this. "And if any of you see a pretty Earth woman with red hair which you don't recognize, that's Lyta Alexander, now a Lt. Colonel of the Colonial Fleet. She's Military Intelligence and answers directly to the old man. You do whatever is needed to help her out and she carries the authority to see her orders are followed. She's a telepath and can read minds if needed. So if you're too disrespectful, she's likely to do unpleasant things to you. You've been warned. Galactica, out."

Everyone looked at him in shock. He laughed and said, "Come on, people. Get back to work." He always liked frakking with people when he could and so was in a cheerful mood.

Unfortunately for Baltar, he had immediately run into Lyta Alexander. And Gaius Balter was, at heart, a Lothario. And so when he found the pretty woman being helped by two marines and an Earthforce officer who spoke Greek to translate for her, he had immediately used his authority as Vice President to meet her.

"So, you're from Earth?"

"Yes. Although, I have been given a commission with the Colonial fleet."

"Really?" He asked. "Under what authority? I've the Vice President of the Colonies and neither I nor the Quorum of Twelve have heard anything about this."

Lyta stopped and looked at him. "Admiral Adama made the decision as Supreme Commander of the Colonial Fleet. And President Roslin was there and supported that decision."

The version of Six in his head spoke. "We need to find out more. She might be a threat to your part of God's plan."

Lyta was confused as the man before here looked as though he was listening to someone else. Right then, the ship's intercom began sounding and she heard the voice of one of the Cylons being spoken.

And while the officer from the Alexander translated as best be could, Lyta decided to very so gently begin to scan the man who was standing there. Something was off and she didn't know what. Surprisingly, because she was in the mind of a native speaker, a better translation came through.

Baltar was shocked and confused by what was being spoken. When Tyrol's status as a different type of Cylon was mentioned, Six volunteered, "He must be one of the Final Five." This alerted Lyta to a second presence and her concentration became more intense. Her eyes began turning colors, though no one was paying attention.

And when it was announced that she was a telepath, she immediately noted the frantic and panicked response. Baltar immediately looked at her with fearful eyes. She acted immediately. "Marines. You are to immediately take Gaius Baltar into custody under my authority as Head of Colonial Military Intelligence. He is to be kept incommunicado until I have briefed Admiral Adama and President Roslin. Countermand may only be at Admiral Adama's order."

The Marines snapped out, "Yes, Sir!" and moved. Baltar protested but no one was listening. Another Colonial fleet member nearby was watching and Lyta spoke to her. "I need to be brought to the command center. I need to immediately reach Admiral Adama. Lead me there."

Shocked at how quickly things happened, the woman nodded and immediately followed orders. They passed several crew members who were watching warily.

When she walked in, Colonel Tigh saw her. "What can we do for you, Lt. Colonel?"

Lyta looked around and asked, "Is Admiral Adama back yet? I ran into a problem. I had to place a man named Gaius Baltar under arrest and I need to brief the Admiral and the President immediately as to the specifics."

At that, the entire room was stunned silent. Finally Tigh said, "Gods but you work fast. The old man will be back in a few minutes – he had to wrap up a few things with Cole."

"Where can I wait?" she asked.

"Crewman Daniels. Take her to the Admiral's Office. He will meet her there."

The woman snapped to attention. "Aye, Sir." Tigh nodded and immediately returned to operations.

Within twenty minutes, Admiral Adama had returned and he met Lyta outside of his office. "Colonel Tigh said you needed to see me."

"Yes. Did he tell you why?" she asked.

Adama shook his head. "He only said it was shocking and that the President would also have to get involved."

"Well, we should really go into your office so that I can explain. You can bring the marines as they will need to act as you direct. I'll bring my translator here."

Adama nodded and soon his office was full of people. "Have a seat, Lt. Colonel." She did so even as he sat down. "Now. What is all this about?"

Lyta steeled herself. "Acting as Head of Military Intelligence, I have placed Gaius Baltar under arrest."

Adama looked at her with shocked eyes, though his expression remained calm. Finally he asked, "Okay. Now why have you arrested the Vice President of the Colonies?"

Lyta sighed. "Did you hear the broadcast that was sent out explaining the status of Master Chief Tyrol and Colonel Tigh?"

He nodded. "I was about to leave the White Star when Marcus alerted me. Why they did that I don't know as I hadn't ordered it. But I thought about it on the way back and decided that it was better this way – no rumors to undermine the fleet. Everyone knows and are reassured by the knowledge that both are being watched. I also noticed that the other two names weren't given, which I also thought was good. The President can decide as regards the last two."

Lyta nodded. "Before I continue, I should tell you that even if I haven't been actively scanning, only one person I've seen seems to have excessive emotion broadcasting because of it. The officer who runs the command center under Tigh …"

"Probably Lt. Gaeta," the Admiral volunteered.

"Anyway, he was broadcasting anger and some resentment, though he kept to his duties." She paused. "What is his rank?"

"Lieutenant Junior Grade."

Curious, Lyta asked, "He seemed to be in charge of the bridge under Colonel Tigh and likely runs it when both of you are not present. Is there a reason he hasn't been promoted?"

Adama paused and considered that. "Actually? Not that I can think of. He's been absolutely vital to the operational status of the ship and he's coordinated the jumps for the whole fleet. In normal circumstances, we would have promoted him already. We just haven't had the time for promotions while actively running."

Lyta said, "Considering his position and his importance, I recommend that you consult Colonel Tigh right in front of the entire bridge crew about his service since the fall of the Colonies. Acknowledge his position and give him a field promotion. You aren't running anymore and you have time to take care of things that should have been taken care of."

Adama nodded. "I'll take that under advisement. Now, about Baltar …."

Lyta nodded. "When he saw me, he stopped me and introduced himself. He seemed to have an ulterior motive. However, when the intercom sounded, I immediately sensed something wrong with him. As he listened, I carefully entered his mind, allowing me to get the meaning of what was happening directly. During the broadcast, I sensed another presence in his mind. And I recognized it."

Adama asked intently, "What presence?"

Lyta replied, "Somehow, some way, he has the psychic presence of a Number Six Cylon Model which speaks to him and gives him directions."

Adama was suddenly very focused. "You are absolutely certain, Lt. Colonel?"

"Yes, Admiral. I am absolutely certain. I scanned him and he doesn't come across as a Cylon himself, but that presence is a potential security breach. And so, I immediately arrested him under my authority as Head of Military Intelligence and ordered him held incommunicado, the order only able to be countermanded by yourself."

Adama stood up, Lyta mirrored him. "Well, it looks like my decision to give you a commission has already paid dividends and I am happy to see that you've gotten right to it. Your return to Babylon 5 will be delayed until we can get him examined. Once it is verified, the President and I will have several decisions to make. We will require your testimony. We'll get you a room on Colonial One once the civilians have been cleared out and that's where you'll stay until you leave on that ship."

"Yes, Sir. I stand ready to do my duty."

Adama nodded. "Very well, then. Follow me."

Adama led Lyta and those with him the short distance to the Galactica's CIC. Everyone immediately focused on him. "Lt. Gaeta. I need you to print a message immediately."

"Yes, Sir."

"Addressed to the President of the Twelve Colonies.

"Madam President;

"This couriered message is to inform you that our newly installed Head of Military Intelligence has uncovered a matter than threatens the security of the Colonial fleet and which has severe repercussions for the civilian government.

"Such is the importance of this matter than I have sent a raptor to deliver this message and urgently request your presence on the Battlestar Galactica to be briefed and to make decisions which will be needed to resolve this matter.

"For security reasons I have not detailed the matter at hand and for those same reasons the matter needs to be dealt with immediately.

"If you are at all able to return to the Galactica immediately, the raptor pilot will bring you back. If you cannot come at the moment this is received, inform the pilot when he should return to convey you here. He is directed to follow your orders entirely.

"Signed, Rear Admiral William Adama, Commander Colonial Fleet."

Gaeta finished entering it and nodded. "Print it off and hand it to me."

Gaeta did as ordered. Adama immediately handed it to Tigh. "Colonel Tigh, immediately arrange for a raptor and crew to take this to the President either on Colonial One or, if she's already landed, on the planet's surface."

"Aye, sir." Tigh immediately called the CAG and ordered a raptor prepared and its pilot to come to CIC to pick up a message that needed to be couriered to the President.

In a very few minutes, the President's location had been determined and by the time the pilot arrived, the order was prepared. Colonel Tigh, with Adama standing by, gave the orders that he was told to give. The pilot saluted and immediately moved to complete the mission.

Adama nodded decisively. "Okay. Now to another matter. Give me all military personnel in the fleet. Both Battlestars and any ships flying CAP."

"Aye, Sir." Lt. Gaeta quickly did so and then nodded.

"Your attention please. This is Admiral Adama, Commanding the Colonial Fleet. A matter has been brought to my attention and I want all members of the Colonial military to listen in."

He turned and barked, "Lt. Junior Grade Felix Gaeta. Front and Center."

Gaeta, shocked, immediately moved and stood at attention.

Adama looked at him and then said, "Colonel Tigh. What is Lt. Gaeta's duty station?"

"Lt. Gaeta's duty station is Tactical Officer of the Battlestar Galactica."

Adama started pacing back and forth. He then asked, "Is that the role that he has filled since the beginning of our race across the stars to keep the fleet ahead of the Cylons?"

"No, Sir."

"What other duties has he performed?"

"He has been the Senior Officer of the Watch and Fleet Coordinator."

"He has been responsible for ensuring that all ships have the proper jump coordinates for each jump. Is that correct?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Has he been negligent in these duties so as to endanger the Galactica or the fleet?"

"No, Sir."

"Very well. Now. Mr. Gaeta, I have a few questions."

"Yes, Sir."

"Do you feel that you have performed your duties to the best of your abilities?"

"Yes, Sir," Gaeta answered without hesitation.

"Now. I want you to answer this next question completely honestly." Adama stopped his pacing and asked, "Do you like Colonel Tigh?"

Lt. Gaeta paused for a moment and then did as asked. "No, Sir."

Adama nodded. "I've noticed this. Have I ever talked to you about it?"

"No, Sir."

"Have you ever failed to do your duty because of this?"

"No, Sir."

"Now. Interesting thing. Our new head of Military Intelligence, Lt. Commander Lyta Alexander, arrived in CIC on another matter very soon after the conversation Master Chief Tyrol had with his people and Colonel Tigh's further comments. It should be noted that Lt. Colonel Alexander is a telepath and that she picks up strong emotion when she is around it.

"Mr. Alexander informed me that the majority of the military personnel that she encountered were not broadcasting heavy negative emotions that she could sense, although she wasn't trying to scan anyone. When she arrived in CIC on the matter she had to speak to me about, she did find that one member of the crew was broadcasting a heavy amount of anger and some resentment. Does this surprise you, Mr. Gaeta?"

Gaeta gulped and then answered, "No, Sir."

"Any why is that?"

He hesitated but answered, "Because it was I that was feeling those things, Sir."

Adama nodded. "That's right. Mr. Alexander informed me of that fact. Are you curious as to what else we talked about?"

Gaeta considered it and then said, "Yes, Sir."

"Lt. Colonel Alexander informed me of what she found because she was concerned for the safety of the Colonial fleet. It is her job, as the newly named Head of Military Intelligence, to inform her superior officer, myself, of any possible threats that she might detect. After she informed me of this reaction, she immediately made another observation, one which shed a light toward the proper course of action here. Are you interested in what the observation was?"

"Yes, Sir."

"She observed that you, Mr. Gaeta, were in charge of the Galactica CIC under the direction of Colonel Tigh and myself. You are, in fact, one of my senior officers. And she also pointed me toward the observation that regardless of your emotions you held to your duty."

Adama looked around. "Let me be perfectly clear here. The presence of any telepaths and their ability to find out things that would otherwise be hidden does not change Military jurisprudence and protections. It does not change your rights as a citizen under the Articles of Colonization.

"Nowhere in any regulation does it demand that you like your superior officers. Nowhere does it demand that you be happy about the decisions made by your superior officers. I was the one who ordered Colonel Tigh and Master Chief Tyrol back to duty, despite revelations as to their true nature.

"You don't have to like it. You just have to do your duties as ordered. And in this matter, it is readily obvious that you have held to your duty."

He looked at the rest of the bridge crew. "Now as a personal matter, I would ask that all personnel avoid heavy negative emotions in the presence of Lt. Colonel Alexander. I am certain that it isn't a pleasant experience for her to feel them broadcast just as I am certain it is not pleasant for you to feel those emotions.

"But until rules and laws are established regarding such matters, all personnel should consult existing regulations and existing laws as to your rights and to your place in the Colonial fleet. And existing law recognizes your right to your own opinion and the sanctity of your privacy, only subject to proper military and civilian law. Lt. Colonel Alexander will only be scanning prisoners or military members when I and/or the President have determined it necessary and she will be expected to respect the rights of the individual regardless. These things can only be suspended in the face of a recognized threat to the fleet or to the citizens of the Twelve Colonies. I hope that I am being perfectly clear about this matter."

Everyone present called out, "Aye, Sir."

Adama nodded. "Which brings me back to you, Mr. Gaeta. Since the exodus from the Colonies, we have not had time to stop and take care of the normal, expected processes, procedures, and traditions of military service. In normal service, you should have been officially posted as Senior Officer of the Watch if those were the duties expected of you. And if you were given such responsibilities, your rank should have been increased to reflect those new duties and that level of trust. And so: ATTENTION TO ORDERS."

Adama's voice had shocked everyone listening. Everyone who could stood to attention.

"The Admiral of the Colonial Fleet has reposed special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence of Felix Gaeta.

"In view of these qualities and his dedicated service to the Colonial Fleet, he is hereby advanced in rank from Lieutenant Junior Grade to Captain. Advancement effective immediately at this date and time.

"Hereby ordered by Read Admiral William Adama. Colonial Fleet, Commanding."

Adama then said, "Colonel Tigh, your immediate superior, will administer the Oath of Office." Adama turned and said, "Colonel?"

Tigh immediately stepped forward and administered the oath all officers gave upon enlistment or promotion.

When it was done, Adama said, "Considering that you are still on duty, you are given a 24-hour grace period to retrieve from stores the proper insignia for your new rank. Your official promotion to the position of Senior Officer of the Watch, Battlestar Galactica, is effective immediately."

Adama turned. "To all Colonial military personnel. In the next weeks and months review will be made of the service given by every member of the Colonial Fleet. As has been said, we are no longer running. And this means that the awards, medals, ribbons, and ranks you deserve due to your service should be determined and awarded. We will be making every effort to do so."

Adama sighed. "No Commander could have demanded such faithful service under such trying circumstances. All of you are a credit to the uniform and the fleet and I thank you for your loyal service. So say we all."

The command crew echoed his words, as did most of those listening. Lyta privately was surprised at the sudden emotion of affection and confidence toward Admiral Adama which was broadcast so heavily from all directions.

"You are all dismissed to your duties. Galactica Actual Out."