Chapter 21 - September 19, 2004
Adama's Journal: Over the last several days the joint patrol operations with the Soviet Space Fleet against the Cylons have been very fruitful. On the first day we destroyed or put out of action over thirty Cylon fighters with only a couple of our fighters damaged.
The Cylons continued to patrol against us the second day after the battle over Mars and we destroyed over twenty more of their fighters. But, it seems that the Cylons had enough of the one-sided engagements and pulled back all of their outer patrols.
Then earlier today, they completely withdrew from the solar system. Sky Marshall Vladimirov and I concluded that they were going to rendezvous with their supply convoy.
Now, with the Cylons out of reach rearming at their convoy, we wait with deadly anticipation for the next Cylon attack.
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Aboard Baseship Two – Late evening
It was late and Baltar was having a difficult time getting to sleep. Normally, because his schedule was always the same, he had little trouble. But, with the re-supply operation underway he knew that the next attack on the Colonials and their allies would get underway soon and this was making him nervous.
Blast Adama and his new friends, he thought to himself while going over again how Adama's new allies, with their barely detectable ships, new tactics, and weapons, had seriously eroded the Cylons fighter strength. Finally, after a few more minutes, Baltar began to sleep. Normally when he dreamed he dreamt of throttling Adama's neck or he relived his youth back on his home world. This dream was a little different.
Baltar found himself standing on a smooth, black infinite surface with thick grey clouds moving slowly overhead. Then a white glowing light slowly formed several meters in front of him. The glowing light slowly coalesced into the shape of a tall man in white robes.
"Hello, old friend," the man said in a voice Baltar instantly recognized as identical to the Imperious Leader's. "It has been a long time since I spoke to you."
"I remember you," Baltar replied after a brief pause, then his voice took a defiant tone. "You were on the Galactica when I was tricked into thinking they wanted to conduct peace talks! You forced me to kneel to you! Then they packed me off to the Prison Barge. What do you want with me?!"
"Those past events were an effort to convince your enemies to surrender their leadership to me. This in turn would have removed them as threat to you and the Cylons. You would have been freed had my plan come to pass. Alas, in the end I was foiled by your enemies and by other powers who banished me from the physical realm. But, their power over me is weak! I am still able to act as I wish. So, now I am here to give you a warning."
Baltar gave him a skeptical look.
"Your battle against the Colonials and their new allies will not succeed without extraordinary effort, plan your battle carefully. Yet, your vengeance against Adama can be accomplished even if all else is lost. How much do you hate Adama?"
"My hate for him knows no bounds."
"What sacrifices are you willing to give to achieve your vengeance?"
"What do you mean, sacrifice?"
"Some of my children on Earth know the secret of enacting their vengeance and releasing their rage. You will have to do the same if you are to succeed in your quest."
"The same as what?" Baltar asked.
"First your pledge, Baltar, will you give the required sacrifice? You just said that your hate is boundless."
Baltar thought for a moment. I have given up everything in my life in my quest for power. What else is there to give? Oh! As long as Adama pays the same price, I will be happy.
"I am willing to make the required payment as long as the results are guaranteed."
"There are no guarantees, Baltar. But in this, I assure you that if you plan this as carefully as you can, you will be successful."
"Fine, so how am I to do this?"
"Pay careful attention to the recorded signal intercepts from Earth the next time you view them. From them you will learn the secret. My Cylon children will obey your orders completely as you prepare the necessary tools. Farewell, Baltar. I will see you again soon." With a smile, the man in white disappeared.
With that Baltar entered a deeper and more restful sleep than any he had in recent days.
The next morning Baltar woke feeling better than he had in a long time. With clarity of mind and purpose he performed his morning rituals and went directly to the communications center to review the latest intercepts from Earth. He eased himself into his chair and activated the monitor and speakers. This time the signals being intercepted were coming in clearly. Baltar didn't understand the language but the images told him everything he needed he needed to know.
So that is what he had in mind, Baltar thought as the signal ended. He then left his chair to begin his preparations. I'll need something more powerful than Solonite.