Disclaimers: See Chapter 1

Lost Tribes

Part 11

They stripped down and Thor walked out in to the ring His upper torso showed off scars from previous battles. His Well conditioned beady made the odd makers slightly worried. He may not have been as bulky as Reese but it was clear he was no weakling either.

Because the match was non lethal there would be rest periods allowed. Breaks to check for injury. Both Reese and Thor were more than ready to go. The crowds were pensive. Many were not fond of council security but they also were wary of cheering for an outsider. It was well known that in triad at least Reese was very good. Many considered his strength to be a bonus.

The mask was tied to Thor's head. The council considered Thor and his people arrogant to think they needed such a handy cap.

Zeus smiled. His Best friends son was an able fighter. He had helped train him himself. He knew his daughter's honor would be more then defended. He did in fact think Thor should have been cuffed as well. He smiled. If he had suggested that! His daughter would have screamed.

The match began quickly. Reese jumped off as soon as allowed. Thor however had expected that move and jumped to the side rolling away. His wrists up to defect the downward blow.

Illya watched Adama. He was concerned but kept looking over at Eve. Yes this was the one. Soon her husband would once more find love and have his spirit recharged. While she was saddened she was also grateful. She let go and gently kissed his brow. She been honored to love him but released him to Eve's care.' Be happy my love and find a new love and peace with al my blessings!'

The sword hit and knocked Thor to his knees. One thing he would give Reese he was strong. He kicked up and sent the man rolling. He rose and dove taking Reese to the mat his fist landing solid blows to the face. He felt Reese's nose break.

"Well not too shabby, freak. I am going to cut your heart out for that."

Thor merely grinned. So far this was a lot of fun. He enjoyed combat. It always made him feel alive. He wondered if maybe he was a throwback to a darker time. He swung and hit Reese in the leg. His own arm barely deflecting a killing blow. Too bad Reese was such an idiot. He was really good and he makes a fine warrior if he ever learned to be on the right side.

Commander Adama watched heart sick by the display. How could they have conflict so early on. Eve touched his arm. She sent peace and calm to his troubled heart.

"Commander your Reese is really good considering he not used to the sport. Sire Uri must be proud of his boy."

Uri and Adama looked up surprised. Uri did look pleased. Until now he'd always seen his son as a liability or someone to use. But it was clear that even though Adama disliked him he wished Reese no ill will. And the boy was doing really well. He felt proud and ashamed for having set this thing in motion.

"Adama please, Stop this I think. I do not want Reese injured."

Adama was shocked and amazed at his foe words but he was powerless to stop the battle.

Reese slashed at Thor cutting his midsection. It was a shallow wound but enough that the drug had now entered his system. Thor rolled to the left and clocked Reese in the face. He stumbled backward falling. Thor kicked out knocking the sword away. He preferred hand to hand combat. The 2 men wrestled neither gaining an easy advantage. The thinner air and slept drought had begun to wear down Thor. He did not understand why he was suddenly so weak and tired. He pushed out of a pin. Gasping he dove away trying to regain his breath. As that happened Reese grabbed his sword and using it as a club hit Thor hard driving him to his knees. Thor responded by once more hitting upward. He too brought down Reese. The sword was tossed away as it became a simple slug fest. Thor knew he had to end the fight. He was about ready to drop. He dove catching Resse off guard and hitting him in the throat. Not an elegant move but one that quickly rendered the opponent unconscious's Reese fell. Thor pinned him. Once the fight was over he made sure Reese could breath he fell forward into his Fathers waiting arms.

Sire Uri ran down. He did not care anymore about the secret. He merely was concerned for his son. Reese had fought bravely and almost won. It was enough. Uri knew that from this day on he be glad to call this man his son. He only hoped he was not too late to make amends.

Dana wondered why men could fight and hurt each other and then suddenly become friends. She sighed. Watching as Thor helped Reese to his feet and offered his hand in friendship. Reese took it. Truly amazed that he had been defeated. Maybe the Lords really did defend the right. He saw his father approach and was sad that he had once again failed him.

"Reese my boy," He was hugged by Sire Uri" You did well. I am proud of you."

Reese was dumb founded. He looked into his father's eyes and saw genuine concern and pride. He stood up a bit straighter.
"Thank you Sire."

Noah walked to his Son and untied the mask. He too was proud of his son. Now that the anger and distrust had been beaten they could find peace. He looked at Adama and the council and realized they to understood the symbolism.

"You see Commander nothing a bit of blood could not work out." Eve said" I know you disliked this way of dealing with the problem. However something's are best dealt with on a very basic level."

"Yes Eve some things are. "Adama agreed. He hated violence but he had begun to understand his new allies. They were Warriors in the true since of the word.Honorable and they followed the old ways. What this meant to his people he was unsure. But maybe just maybe it would work to their advantage. In the days of the Lords alliance were made through family. He now saw that first hand. Odd how he never considered that before. He looked at Apollo and Sheba. There was a strong match and it would unite his and Cain families if and when those two ever realized their feelings. He saw Athena responding to Aries and smiled. Alliances did not mean there were no feelings involved. He looked at Eve. Yes, he could feel emotion there as well. Maybe just maybe he looks up the old laws and customs...

Siress Tinia walked with Dara and Maya curious to their roles in the fleet. She was pleased to show them a small group of paintings that hung on the council walls. They were artworks that had been rescued or painted in space. Each made the Galactica's council room seem less cold.

"The Art work is lovely." Maya said sensing the sadness in Tinia eyes as she looked at sense from her home world.

"Yes we never realized how blessed we were until we were forced to flee. Odd how one misses the small things like a sunset over a lake."

"Yes, I can understand that. "Sympathized Dara "Much of our lives have been spent with the fleet. It is over population that threatens our worlds."

On board Baltar's ship...

"Baltar are we going to die?"

"Everyone dies Simpson. But I do not intend on doing so for many yearns. And I will keep you safe as well. I do not know why I care. But I do. For some reason you make me care again. I do not want to but I do. So I will keep you safe. I think we need to get away. I find myself wanting to make amends for my deeds ."He looked away. "I may never be a saint but I will not die without trying. I want to save your people and warn them. OH it sounds improbable even to me. But I want redemption. I want to feel human once more. Maybe If I help save your people I can feel that again."

Simpson watched unsure if she believed him or trusted him. But in the end she needed him to get away so what did it matter. She too had demons to vanquish he let the Gods judge Baltar she had enough sins to make up for without presuming to judge his.

"Take me to see Commandant Able."

"Sir the commandant is with the Orion 6 delegation. Commander Paulus could fit you in 20 microns?"

"Lt. I have orders to take my information only to the Commandant. So tell me where I can find him. Or I will have you arrested for insubordination. "Said The Sub Commander.

Commandant Able was very disturbed by the news he received. It was clear that his people now faced another threat. One even more deadly than their dying worlds. He had to agree with Noah .The 12 colonies could be a safe place for them if they could destroy the Cylon threat. He hated the idea of taking over worlds populated by fellow humans. He did however realize that the colonies and their star system was their best hope .Maybe they could help the survivors and then take over the Cylon empire .He knew he could live with that thought easily .He bent over as pain raced through his body.
Stepping to the communications center he called for his son. He would send the 3rd fleet immediately to the colonies. First to Aid the survivors and second to secure an alliance that would allow them to begin transferring their people to the 12 worlds. The information they had listed four unpopulated moons .Space enough for colonies to build on it was a start. At least they have solid ground beneath their feet. Azguard and Amazonian were both suffering from quakes.

RoAnn went to the Triad court floor quickly. She saw a med tech already attending Reese along with a very concerned Sire Uri watching like a Hawk.

She and Rorke arrived just in time to catch Thor as he fell forward. His Arm was bleeding badly and he fainted from blood loss and the drugs.

"Thor! "Dana cried as she leaped to the floor. Uncaring that it was a 6 metro drop.

"Rorke get my bag. RoAnn commanded.

RoAnn quickly began to clean out Thors wounds. Most were relatively minor. The worst was a large gash in his left arm. It was just below the protection of his arm band.

"Damn this is a deep wound. "She said." This may sting some. She poured disinfectant over the wound.

Thor bites back a curse as she sealed the wound.

"Well Commander it seems our problem are solved. Honor's been satisfied and I believe your Sire Uri learned a valuable lesson. "Eve said "Perhaps now we can work out a pact between our peoples."

"Yes Commander Eve I believe we can. So tell me how many ships do your Fire Star fleets have? Could you build Battle stars? I would Ask Commander Noah but like Sire Uri he checking on his son."

Commander Eve Smiled. "We have 13 fleets. Not all have 7 Fire stars. One is mostly the supply ships and recon vessels. The others have more cruisers and battle ships. Each does however have at least 2 Fire stars. Our fleet and the 2nd and 3 rd fleets have the most combat vessels. Of course each colony has various trading vessels and some smaller home word defense ships. Like a guard unit really. They act as stellar police and enforce the trade laws as well. Most personnel on those vessels are former military. All in all we have over 500 warships. Last count there were 75 Fire Stars with two in construction stages. Three were due for a total refit. So active ships in that class maybe 70. That could be called on immediately. That is if they to have not been sent out on scouting missions."

Adama frowned. "Were they scheduled to leave and could they be recalled?"

"Only the Commandant son was due to leave on the next mission. Ours was moved forward so unless Commander Noah has other information there is no telling .His fleet leavening would be bad. Like us it has a large compliment of Fire Stars .If the Commandant sends aid to their colonies I would say he would send his sons fleet. Next to Noah he is the best we have."

"I see. "Adama hoped in his heart that aid would go to his home worlds. He hoped that there were survivors. It had always bothered him that they had been forced to leave so many good people behind.

Eve touched his arm in comfort. Her gift was calming others. She saw no reason not to ease Adama great Burdon. This Man had done an amazing thing. Saved people from all his colonies and protected them against great odds.

"Simpson .Wake up. It is time for us to go. "Baltar said. He nudged her. She awoke slowly and looked at his concerned face.

"Come, we need to be away. I hope you are right and your outer colonies will not ask too many questions .I fears if we stay here we will die."
That got her moving .Baltar wanted to live and that meant she had o trust him. She dressed and nodded. "I think we can make it."

Baltar smiled. Whether they did or not maybe he would be granted a small measure of mercy for trying to save this woman.

"Baltar has come back." Said Gai to John "I knew he could be redeemed."

"It is early yet. Do not have false hope. He has had many chances .I to hope he returns to the light. We will see."

Commander Eve Smiled." We have 13 fleets. Not all have 7 Fire stars. One is mostly the supply ships and recon vessels. The others have more cruisers and battle ships. Each does however have at least 2 Fire stars. Our fleet and the 2nd and 3 rd fleets have the most combat vessels. Of course, each colony has various trading vessels and some smaller home word defenses ships. Like a guard unit really. They act as stellar police and enforce the trade laws as well. Most personnel on those vessels are former military. All in all we have over 500 warships. Last count there were 75 Fire Stars with 2 in construction stages. 3 were due for a total refit. So active ships in that class maybe 70.That could be called on immediately. That is if they to have not been sent out on scouting missions. IN addition Noah said many more ships are being built to carry our populations to safety."

Adama frowned. "Were they scheduled to leave and could they be recalled?"

"Only the Commandant son was due to leave on the next mission. Ours was moved forward so unless Commander Noah has other information there is no telling. His fleet leaving would be bad. Like us it has a large compliment of Fire Stars .If the Commandant sends aid to their colonies I would say he would send his sons fleet. Next to Noah he is the best we have."

"I see. "Adama hoped in his heart that aid would go to his home worlds. He hoped that there were survivors. It had always bothered him that they had been forced to leave so many good people behind.

Eve touched his arm in comfort. Her gift was calming others. She saw no reason not to ease Adama great Burdon. This Man had done an amazing thing. Saved people from all his colonies and protected them against great odds.

"Simpson. Wake up. It is time for us to go. "Baltar said .He nudged her. She awoke slowly and looked at his concerned face.

"Come, we need to be away .I hope you are right and your outer colonies will not ask too many questions. I fear if we stay here we will die."
That got her moving .Baltar wanted to live and that meant she had o trust him. She dressed and nodded. "I think we can make it."

Baltar smiled. Weather they did or not maybe he would be granted a small measure of mercy for trying to save this woman.

"Baltar has come back." Said Gai to John "I knew he could be redeemed."

"It is early yet. Do not have false hope. He has had many chances .I to hope he returns to the light. We will see."

After the combat and the various injuries Sire Uri realized he had been blinded by ambitions .He could have lost his son. A son he did not deserve. Yes Reese had many character flaws but then, he never had a father to help him grow up properly. Oh Uri knew he had paid for the boy's education but he never been there. He had seen Reese as an embracement a mistake that could have ended his career. He was a fool. He resolved to acknowledge Reese and to make up for all his foolish deeds. Maybe if he was lucky he finally has a family again.

Thor's wounds were sealed and the healing had begun. He hated the fuss and was embarrassed to have passed out. His first site was to see Dana and RoAnn leaning over him worried .He hoped he was still able to fly.

The Klaxons went off.
Over the announcement system." Incoming Cylons. Battle Stations"
The Warriors all scrambled heading for the landing bays they had to get back to the Galactica.

Commander Noah Contacted the fleet "All Fighters launch Cover those civilian ships. Protect the Galactica shuttles. Keep the bays clear. Or we will be in real trouble." He looked at the information. There were 7 Base Stars approaching and waves of small fighter incoming.

Adama, Tigh and Athena were all entering the shuttle.

"Move it LT. We need to get back. His is Commander Adam Launch All vipers as soon as you can. Alert the reserve squadrons in the fleet. We are facing at least 7 Base stars."

Athena grimaced she knew it had taken only 5 to destroy the colonial fleet. "Commander I am for my viper."

"Permission granted LT. But be careful. "Adama hated sending his children out. But at least this time they had help. Cain and the Pegasus were already moving into protect the rear. He watched as 4 Fire Stars launched fighters and took up position around the fleet. Commander Eve's ship moved alongside the Galactica her Jaguars providing cover for the launching vipers.

Adama smiled. Well at least we will give them one Hades of a fight.

Commander Cain moved the Pegasus between the fleet and the incoming fighters. He smiled grimly." Colonel Tolan fire at will. Let's see if we can reduce the number of fighters out there"
Commander Eve was happy to pull up beside the Galactica. It meant her ship see some real action. "Get those fighters launched. Team up remember everyone watch out for those pinwheels."

Commander Aries moved up alongside the Pegasus. He knew Cain would try to take out those base ships. He was not going to allow the man to commit suicide. He knew that his ship could provide cover for the Pegasus. He wondered if the cylons had any idea what they would be facing .Poseidon pulled up on the other side of the Pegasus. Yes they were going to have fun blasting those tin cans.

Apollo, Starbuck, Boomer and Sheba all headed for their vipers .Each was worried but also slightly happy. They had the Pegasus, Commander Cain and a whole fleet to watch their backs .For once they felt like they had a chance.

"By your Command"

"Speak centurion."

"Our fleet is approaching the human fleet. It has grown. There are now over 300 vessels."

"Destroy them all." Demanded the Imperious leader.

"Sir, there are 2 Battle Stars and several cruiser class vessels. The Pegasus and two smaller ships are on intercept course. They are engaging our raiders."

"Then they will be destroyed. Bring Baltar to me and his new companion. I want him to see the end of Humanity before I destroy him."

"By your Command!"

--
Commander Adama and Colonel Tigh entered the bridge .Omega turned and said. "All vipers are launching Commander. Commander Cain, Commander Aries and Poseidon are on an intercept course. The Jaguars, Stingrays and Scorpions from those 2 ships are engaging the raiders. The remaining Fire Stars are protecting the fleet and the Galactica. The 1st Fleets civilian ships have moved up with ours. The Battleships cruisers and frigates are providing support. Sir I think we have a chance. "He was so obviously happy. Happy to be able to report a real fleet to protect them all.

"Good Work Omega. Rigel gets me Commander Noah."

"Yes sir" Rigel said

"Yes, Commander Adama hope you do not mind. I sent my ships out to cover the fleet. The Kobol's Shield is moving up beside you. I like to see if we can split the cylons. Do you agree?"

"I believe Commander's Cain, Aries and Poseidon are doing that as we speak .It's a good plan .I'd rather take on two or three base ships rather than all seven at once. "Adama replied ."Besides we are kind of winging it here. Once we win this we really do need to figure out a battle plan. "he was smiling. For once Adama was more than ready to engage his old foes.

Commander Eve ordered her fighters away. "Keep the Galactica and us covered. We will be moving up to engage that base star. Colonel when we are in range launches the missiles."

"Yes ma'am."

"My Lord Apollo looks at all those raiders!" Sheba cried.

"I see them Sheba, but the Scorpions and stingrays are making them run a bit. All Galactica viper's pair up with the friends. It seems they are confusing the cylons. Let's use that."

"This is fun. "Seth called to his brother" opps I got one on my tail. Hermes knocks that tin can down "He called to his gunner.

"Will do Sir." Ensign Hermes replied. He loved being the rear. Unlike many he enjoyed being the gunner. He loved blasting the enemy. And shooting cylons was even better because they were not living beings.

"Bring the Pegasus to firing range for the Missiles. Warn our Fighters. Launch tubes 1 and 2"Cain ordered.

"Lock on the torpedo's Fire 1 through 4 "Ordered Poseidon. He hoped the combined punch would kill the base star.

"Let the torpedoes 1 and 3 on that 2nd base ship. We can not let Cain and Poseidon get all the glory. "Aries ordered.

"Commander Eve the Cylon raiders are making suicide runs on the bays. They hit alpha bay .Fires are under control. But the bay is out for the moment."

"Order Golden Knight to protect Beta bay. We need to be able to refuel and rearm. Get me the Galactica."

"Yes Commander Eve" Adama said.

"We may need to use your bays. A Cylon raider put Alpha bay down."

"No problem Commander. They always do that if we let them to close. I will let my crews know to expect your ships as well as our own. Do you need to pull back?"

"No, we just need a friendly landing place. Fire all lasers. Sorry. Those raiders are thick as fog."

"Yes, But our combined fighter force is clearing it some. Good luck. "He turned to answer Colonel Tigh.

The first Base ship was rocked by the missile and torpedo attacks. It shuttered and shook .The damage was extensive as a torpedo ripped into it tedium tanks. Within micron it exploded in a blinding light. Taking out about a dozen raiders that were returning for fuel.

"Oh, My Lord. What a wonderful sight "called out Boomer.

"One down six to go "quipped Starbuck "I think the odds are shifting in our favor."

"It be nice. To win decisively for a change. "Apollo agreed."Starbuck a bit of help."

"What again?" Starbuck quipped.

TBC...

Edit Tuesday, October 21, 2008