Ouroboros
Part 2: End of journey for the Battlestar Galactica
Galactica passed Trinity and Hoplite, and together with the rest of her fleet proceeded to Avalon. Battlestars Titan and Victorious and their escorting gunstars turned around and headed back to the outer part of the system to continue their patrol, while Argona remained in front of the fleet leading the newcomers to Avalon. With time more and more dradis contacts appeared, some of which were stationary which Commander Thompson explained were warning buoys and large defense platforms under construction.
Battlestar Atlantis C.I.C.
By the time of Galactica's arrival Atlantis was still not fully ready for duty. A lot of her firing controls and new weapons were still not installed, but she was capable of moving on her own. Admiral Stryker wanted to make a good impression and ordered for her to get out of the dock and moved her in Avalon's stationary orbit . Several ships, mostly gunstars, were placed around her as escorts.
No matter what, he would probably go to Galactica, Stryker wanted his ship to be present when Galactica arrived.
Admiral Stryker walked through the CIC. This was actually his first time here since he left her after the fight at Picon. He was amazed to see how much of the new tech had been added. The entire CIC was reconfigured. Commander Haller was present during her retrofiting and repairs so he was not suprised, but he enjoyed watching his superior officer while Admiral Stryker inspected every inch of the C.I.C.
"Well, at least she is moving under her own power now," Admiral Stryker said.
"Yes sir, she is capable of moving on her own, but it will take a while before we install and pass all checks and trials for the antimatter engine. Then we can do trial jumps," Commander Haller replied.
"I almost forgot that new revolutionary engine will be installed on her, with that engine, presuming it works and doesn't blow us to pieces or cause a jump like the Sanctuary, will indeed increase the power of our ships tenfold," Admiral Stryker said.
Commander nodded and asked, "Sir I still don't understand why you insist that we move Atlantis out of the docks, you know quite well that she is not ready," Commander Haller said with confusion in his voice.
"Because Commander, this ship was responsible for the colonization of this planet, and for bringing all these survivors here. Atlantis always led the charge first, always led in every battle, and she won and survived all of them, with little or sometimes more damage but she survived. She is an icon, and one day if she meets her time for retirement, she will be probably be turned into a museum. I could take the Theseus or the Rycon, but I want Atlantis to be the ship that welcomes Galactica," Admiral Stryker said.
"What will happen with Galactica once she arrives, I mean, do you plan to have her upgraded or retired?" Commander Haller asked.
"There's no doubt that William Adama would like her to remain in service; upgraded with modern weaponary and defenses, she would probably be capable of serving for some time to come. But I plan to rename one of those two new Battlestars and give her to Bill as the new Galactica. He would probably not be happy giving up the old lady, but considering her replacement is the newest ship in the fleet he'll have little room to complain," Admiral Stryker said.
"I understand sir. And what about you sir?" Commander Haller asked watching the Admiral.
"Don't get ahead of yourself Commander, being a Fleet Admiral doesn't mean I plan to move to some office and do paperwork, no way in hell," Admiral Stryker said and started laughing so hard that the entire CIC looked in his direction.
"Sir, Galactica and her fleet are approaching. Argona is turning back, she's heading back to her position in the outer part of the system," the dradis officer said.
"Good, its time for me to change. Commander wait for me in the hangar bay, you are going with me," Admiral Stryker said.
"Yes sir," Commander Haller said.
Thirty five minutes later...
Warstar Argona changed course and was headed back to her original post on the edge of the Avalon system. Commander Thompson left Galactica a half hour before they started approaching the planet Avalon. His escort duty was over and it was time to go back to his original duty of patrolling.
Before leaving, he left a note to Admiral Adama that fleet Admiral Stryker would come aboard Galactica once Galactica reached Avalon's planetary orbit.
Admiral Adama watched from Galactica's CIC as the planet got closer and closer, and saw the massive defense platforms which were taken from some of the colonial worlds - platforms that were disabled when the Cylons used their CNP virus. Although only a portion of them that were taken from the twelve worlds, those that were here were looking as impressive as they looked in their original orbits in the Cyrannus system. Each of the larger stations were capable of taking on two to three baseships without a problem.
Not only Adama, but everyone else in CIC could notice an increase in ship activities, civilian and military. More gunstars, and even battlestars were shown. Then Belzen broke the slience.
"There Admiral, there is Admiral Stryker's flagship," Commander Belzen said pointing to one of the monitors that showed a larger battlestar that looked like an extensively upgraded Mercury, and was surrounded by a half dozen smaller gunstars as its escorts.
"So that is the legendary Atlantis," Lee Adama said, "it looks unfinished."
"You must take into consideration that the ship was badly damaged during its last battle with the Cylons. Also, her repairs were secondary while they went over a complete upgrade for new weapons and engines on her, and they focused on salvage and repair work on various other ships. Even after all these months she is not repaired totally, but knowing Fleet Admiral Stryker I would say Atlantis will be repaired quite quickly now that their fleet and ours have arrived at Avalon," Commander Belzen said.
President Roslin stood and watched the moving pictures of live videos showing Avalon itself and ships in orbit. She and Admiral Adama managed to save only a little over fifty thousand, but this unknown officer to her had saved nearly three million people and dozens of military ships. From the way Commander Belzen talked, she could imagine that he could be similar to Cain, but not like the part of her where she was willing to sacrifice even her own crew to get the job done. Stryker really cared for all those survivors.
The communications officer broke the slience.
"Admiral, Fleet Admiral Stryker will come aboard in ten minutes," the comms officer said.
"Ten minutes, blast. Commander Tigh I want all crew on the starboard hangar bay, in ten minutes," Admiral Adama said.
"Aye Admiral, the same welcoming as for Cain?" Commander Tigh asked amused.
"Indeed, the same," Admiral Adama replied.
It was very lively aboard the Galactica, the highest colonial officer was coming aboard, and some like petty officer Tyrol were not happy: there were a lot of vipers to move, as well as equipment and parts. All to make room for the crew lineup.
"Come on people faster, move everything from the main hangar; fighters stay but on their berths, move everything else," Chief Tyrol yelled across the bay as numerous technicians and engineers rushed around the bay carrying and moving stuff around.
Admiral Stryker and Commander Haller, as well as four marines and two pilots were the entire crew of the command raptor that moved toward the Galactica, with two Mk VII Vipers as escorts. Because of some small damage on its internal dampeners every turn could be felt. Unlike Admiral Stryker who had also been a pilot and gotten used to sudden manuvers, Commander Haller had trouble with the maneuvers and worked hard to try and keep his composure. Haller was not a fighter nor a support craft pilot. He had never piloted any of those ships; he was an officer, who studied all his time to one day become Colonel, then Commander and finally Admiral. With the destruction of the twelve colonies his dream died, but knowing how easly Admiral Stryker promoted he may become Admiral one day.
"This is not a racing car Lieutenant, so decrease the speed," Commander Haller said after the pilot, Lieutenant Hernadez, suddenly turned the raptor towards Galactica's starboard hangar.
"Sorry sir," Lieutenant Hernandez replied shortly.
"Are you a little nervous Commander?" Admiral Stryker asked smiling, "Aren't you enjoying the ride?"
"My apologies Admiral, I never like flying in shuttles or Raptors. I always have trouble, my stomach never really likes it, but I keep it to myself. Who would want an officer who can't withstand combat maneuvers in a shuttle or raptor," Commander Haller said.
"Well not all are for combat flying and I must admit Lieutenant Hernadez seems a little hasty to showoff, but I don't critize it. As matter of fact I like it," Admiral Stryker said laughing.
The Command Raptor; a specially design Raptor that carried high colonial officers and was standard in the twelve colonies, but the one that Admiral Stryker used was one of several modified versions. Well armored and armed, it possessed more firepower than any other raptor type.
The raptor entered the Galactica's hangar and then landed on one of the docking platforms; immediatly the platform started to descend to the inner hangar. After a few moments the platform on which the raptor sat finally stopped, revealing a large hangar bay for raptors and vipers. Instead of fighters, which were moved to the sides, the bay was full of people who lined up in many waves across the hangar deck. A small dock car was used to tow the raptor closer and after one of the crew hooked the car with the raptor, moments later it started moving foward. From inside Commander Haller was surprised to see such a welcoming commitie, but it should not be suprising since Admiral Stryker was after all the fleet admiral - the highest military officer in the colonial fleet now. And this was the proper welcoming after all.
Admiral Adama stood observing the incoming Raptor. On his left was President Roslin, Commanders Tigh, Adama, andBelzen, as well as the rest of the crew, including Athena, Starbuck, Chief Tyrol and others.
"De ja vu," President Roslin said.
"I dont think it's the same; Stryker is not Cain. Cain would never bother to save so many people as he did and to lead them back here," Admiral Adama said quietly, to which President Rosin only nodded but said nothing.
The Raptor finally stopped and the doors opened; a pair of marines exited and was followed by another pair. Moments later Commander Haller exited and stood aside, followed moments later by Fleet Admiral Stryker who was still using his cane to slowly exit from the Raptor. Stryker stopped and looked around at the gathered crew of Galactica. After he saw Admiral Adama he started to slowly limp towards him, followed by Commander Haller. And no matter that he was still in his thirties, he looked like he was much older, especially with that awful cane. Though it was a necessary evil since without it he would not be able to walk long.
As he got closer, Admiral Adama and the rest of the military officers on board Galactica saluted which Admiral Stryker returned with one quick salute. Admiral Stryker offered Admrial Adama his hand, which he took and shook hard.
"Sir!" Admiral Adama said shortly.
"At ease Admiral, at ease all," Admiral Stryker said, then continued, "in the name of the remaining fleet of the twelve colonies, welcome to Avalon, welcome back to the colonial fleet."
An eruption of joy exploded between crewmembers, this time they know for sure they had come home, to a new home.
"I am glad to see you Admiral," Admiral Stryker said.
Admiral Adama nodded pointing to President Roslin.
" Sir, this is the president, Laura Roslin," Admiral Adama said, and after which she got closer and shook hands with Admiral Stryker.
"Madam president, my name is Marcus (Mark) Stryker. As the highest ranking colonial officer, I welcome you to Avalon," Admiral Stryker said, and after a short pause he added, "Vice President Miral Shkan was unable to join us now, but he will meet us later."
After a short introduction, they all headed to the Galactica's wardroom.
A few minutes later in the wardroom, in addition to Admiral Adama, Admiral Stryker, and President Roslin, there was Commanders Adama, Tigh, Belzen, and Starbuck.
President Roslin was the first to start asking questions.
"Admiral if I may ask, how did you manage to do all this, saving so many people and ships and how did you find this system," President Roslin asked, "I didn't expect for someone so young to achieve all this."
"Hah, young yes, but I had great help from the crews of other ships, and Admirals Thorn and Sounders, who will of course join us later too," Admiral Stryker said.
Then the Admiral started telling the story, skipping the first part about coming to Avalon, and returning, no doubt they already knew about it from Commander Belzen.
"After we received word of the attack, and it took some time for it to reach us, I left all forces here except for my ship the Atlantis, Battlestar Pleiades and Warstar Argona, and headed back. We returned and our first jump was ironically in orbit of Caprica, where we engaged and destroyed several Cylon baseships. It took us time, a lot of it, but we found alot of ships and equipment saved by Admirals Torres and Nagala; ships that were expected to be retired and scrapped, but stayed in one piece at fleet depots. Of course, during that time we gathered as many survivors and surviving ships as possible..." Admiral Stryker said, but was interrupted.
"I apologize for the interruption," Admiral Adama started, " but we found that cylons look like us now, at least they..."
This time Admiral Stryker interrupted.
"Yes we know that there are several models of Cylons that look like humans. We have several of them here. They are our guests, under guard of course. They changed sides, and they helped us a lot, but they still need to earn our trust," Admiral Stryker said.
"That remains fine with me sir, we have two cylons in our fleet too; one is part of my crew, and one is on Pegasus," Admiral Adama said.
"We will deal with that matter later," Admiral Stryker said.
"Of course," Admiral Adama said.
"We were hidden in a nebula outside of Cyrannus, which ironically wasn't dangerous for humans but was for Cylons, and after we found out that many of the sick were the same it didn't take us long to realize they were Cylons. After one or two cooperated with us, we found out much more than we thought we would about the Cylons. The nebula protected us for a while, and we stayed there for a few months. In that time we gathered as many ships and survivors as we could. The Cylons were put in quarantine. Then after liberation of some Cylon prison camps and acquiring several additional ships that were in cylon hands, I formulated a plan to strike Cylon forces on Picon, so they wouldn't follow the main fleet as it left for Avalon. We escaped the nebula and jumped away but not all; a majority of our Battlestars and the Warstars Daedalus and Argona jumped back to Picon where we engaged head to head with the Cylons," Admiral Stryker said.
"Pardon me sir, from what Commander Belzen said, you attacked the Cylons with only battlestars and warstars, there were no gunstars?" Lee Adama asked.
"I see what you're getting at Commander Adama; we didn't bring gunstars with us, and without them we lost fifty percent of our anti-fighter and missile defenses, but we needed them with the rest of the fleet. Our strike was dangerous and without mercy, we lost two battlestars during the combat, but the Cylons lost almost their entire force at Picon as well as a resurrection hub. Survivors from Picon also attacked them on the ground reinforced with our troops under General O'Riley. My ship Atlantis was badly damaged by a 250 Megaton nuke, and was out of commision for a long time - even now it's not one hundred percent ready. We secured the defense platforms of the entire defense grid and repaired them. They are now under Picon defense control and will destroy any Cylon ship snooping around Picon. We also took some platforms with us from other colonies, those are here in orbit around Avalon," Admiral Stryker said.
"Did you create a plan for evacuation of those people on Picon?" President Roslin asked.
"Yes, the plan is set, and it will soon be put into motion," Admiral Stryker said.
"And it was a great risk, sending three Battlestars to find us," Admiral Adama said.
"Not really; those ships were full of supplies, which allowed them a year trip in one direction and then back - in short about two years. We risked losing them, but it was necessary to find you, and from what we know the majority Cylon forces were searching you, so we didn't really have the bulk of their forces to deal with," Admiral Stryker said.
"And I must bring you another piece of good news on that subject Admiral," Admiral Adama said, "the Cylon Colony ship as well as two dozen baseships were destroyed."
Admiral Adama told Admiral Stryker eveything that happened, which included the destruction of the Colony, and a fleet of baseships that were destroyed by the black hole.
"Well that is good news indeed; without it they should be crippled, but they are far from being defeated. You may have defeated the Colony, but you only enraged them into furthering seeking us out. Still, I think that they aren't our biggest concern now. You were informed by Commander Belzen about the Harvesters. They are our real priority now. I didn't really tell you about how we found this planet and system in the first place. Years before our fleet was sent to colonize Avalon high ranking Admirals spent military resources behind the government's back. Those resources were used to create six unmanned ships each the size of a small gunstar. Their mission was simply to find a world to sustain human life. Those ships were indeed slow, very slow. They were launched in one direction and scanned everything on that course. This system was on the edge of one of the courses of those ships. It was the only ship that automatically reported its findings back. Four other ships didn't find anything and simply returned after reaching the end of their course. The last ship disappeared, with its signal lost six months after it was launched. Could be it was destroyed by some natural phenomena , ending up in a black hole, hitting a planet or star or even asteroids. Or it was taken by an intelligent spieces. We couldn't know and frankly the Admiral brass didn't care. It was replacable," Admiral Stryker said.
"I could hardly say that a ship the size of a gunstar with advanced computer system could be easily replacable," Admiral Adama said, "but one thing I don't understand one thing, you said ships were piloted by a computer, A.I.?"
"Not an A.I., nobody trusted Artificial Intelligence after our fiasco with the Cylons. These computers that ran the search ships were really big, one third of the size of the entire ship. They run the ship through programs that were installed and encrypted into it. The ships didn't support human life, there wasn't life support, and basically those ships were drones.
And by the time the ship that found this system returned the Admiralty agreed that this would be the perfect system for our needs. It has a planet capable of sustaining life and was far away. With the normal speed of jumping it took about a year and a few months to reach it. Forming a small colonization fleet was only a matter of time.
I admit I didn't like that mission at first. Too much could go wrong and I was inexperienced. But thanks to my crew who believed in me, I did it. We did it. We even found the Sanctuary and those who survived," Admiral Stryker said.
"How did the civilians take to military control?" President Roslin asked.
"Ma'am it wasn't really a control. It was the military who saved them, who did everything necessary for them to survive. We weren't selfish like Cain who stole everything useful and those who can serve and left anyone else to rot. We've always thought first of the civilians and then of ourselves. We constantly put the civilians well being in front of our own; for resources, and for ship repairs. We did everything we could to keep the civilian fleet in the best shape we could. Every ship captain can confirm that.
Of course we did need to repair and upgrade military ships, after all our warships were what keep Cylons out. After we left Cyrannus, and with the knowledge of those Harvesters we knew that our entire fleet would be in danger, but we really didn't have any option left," Admiral Stryker said.
"You have one planet in Cyrannus that was still under colonial control. Why didnt you stay there?" President Roslin asked.
"Ma'am if we had stayed there, the Cylons would have used every means they could to destroy us. Maybe not immediatley, but in a few dozen or even a hundred years they would eventually return. The only reason the Cylons haven't attacked Picon since we've been gone is so they could use it to find us here through the rescue mission of returning to Picon they must know is coming, and they want to save their resources for the large battle taking down Avalon would require. Also, the twelve colonies of Kobol are now only ruins. More than half of the people voted that they do not wish to go back. There is too much misery, and bad memories. Avalon is our new home. The twelve colonies of Kobol now exist on one planet. United into one force," Admiral Stryker said.
"You also said that you've had problems with the civilians?" President Roslin asked.
"As I said before some didn't appreciate what we were doing. They believed that it wasn't the military who should makes rules and give orders. It was the civilian government, and I couldn't agree more, but after we heard that you became president we couldn't elect our own. If you were the president then there must be a vice president also in your fleet. The basic elected body we put in place until your return worked for some time until some became too restless and started a rebellion. We exstinguished it with force and I admit there were some losses. After that we appointed the Governor of Avalon to be acting president until Commander Belzen returned. If he reported that he didn't find the Galactica then we would havehad real elections," Admiral Stryker said.
"Well no matter the problems you had to get here and save all those people you did it Admiral, I see now that Admiral Torres made a good choice," Admiral Adama said, "but since you are Fleet Admiral, what are your plans now?"
"Our first job is to build a massive defense around the planet with manned and unmanned defensive platforms. Minefields if necessary, new ships to booster our fleet..." Admiral Stryker said trailing off as he was interrupted.
"Is that really necessary Admiral?" President Roslin interrupted.
"Indeed it is Madam President. We need new ships. The first day after we reached this planet with the civilians I swore no Cylon or Harvester would ever set foot on Avalon. People would live in peace and prosperity. But setting asie outside troubles, there are also troubles inside our colony and society to deal with. Once we settle our people with the new cities being built and planned for with the civilians help, and we are assured that everyone has their own homes; we plan to make rules to especially decimate and prevent crime. We cannot make the same mistakes as we did before.
This new society needs to be clear of any kind of crime, of course since in human nature is to do bad stuff here and crime will never really be destroyed, but we need to at least set it to an acceptable level. We plan to return to Cyrannus and pick up all those who are still there, as well as sending searching parties for Admiral Turner and his fleet. There has been so much to do and for the first time I would say we have time to do it all," Admiral Stryker said.
"What do you plan to do about Galactica?" Admiral Adama asked.
"Galactica? Well Bill that is your call, it is your ship. I can order full repairs and retrofit for the old lady if you want, if not we can turn her into a museum. She deserves retirement," Admiral Stryker said.
Adama nodded but remained silent, thinking it over. Galactica had got them here, she could be used of course, but it was really time to retire her. At least everyone would visit her as a ship that protected a small fleet of survivors on its own.
"Museum, she's earned a little peace," Admiral Adama said.
Admiral Stryker noticed a sad look from President Roslin as she thought of how many times that ship had saved their skin.
"Then she will be a museum," Admiral Stryker said.
Stryker didn't have anything else to say after that. He of course planned to give Adama one of those two new battlestars he was building. The Nike class. Nike and now Galactica as they were going to be known as. The old man would be more than happy to command the new ship called Galactica, of course if he chose to.
Admiral Stryker also found out that Cain was in the Vanguard's brig. The only place she belonged. It was painful for Stryker, but he did suceed in hiding the joy in getting back at Cain. She would finally pay, slowly of course.
...
Vanguard's brig
"What took so long?" Cain said after Colonel Fisk entered.
"It wasn't easy to reach you. Admiral Stryker put a tight guard, allowing almost noone from Pegasus to visit you," Colonel Fisk said.
"Nevermind that, is everything ready?" Cain asked.
"It sure is. Once Pegasus starts with the retrofit and resupply we will wait until she is done and then take the ship. More than half of the crew is with us and they will stay on the Pegasus doing their normal jobs. They stand by your side and they will do whatever is needed to release you . There is only one problem," Colonel Fisk said.
"And that is?" Cain asked apprehensively, glaring at Fisk for even thinking of a possible problem with the plan.
"Pegasus is to dock with one of those massive mobile docks. I think on one of the internal docking bays. It won't be easy break through if that is true," Colonel Fisk said.
"We will deal with that problem when the time comes for it," Cain said.
"Admiral, when do you want us to start with our operation?" Colonal Fisk asked.
"Not yet," Cain said.
"But what if Admiral Stryker executes you?" Colonel Fisk asked.
"He won't, he is too bogged down with rules and justice to do it quickly. He will form a court first. See that everything is ready," Cain said.
"Yes Admiral," Colonel Fisk said and turned and exited the brig.
She was sure that everything she had done was for the best of her crew. How dare Stryker insult her like this. Strip her of her rank and throw her into the brig like she was a common criminal. She would have her revenge, sooner or later.
"If that fool Fisk does everything right you will pay Stryker, you will pay," Cain said watching the doors of the brig.