Change of Heart

Admiral's Log

Day 668 Since the Fall

Things are progressing rapidly, over two months have passed with various changes in the fleet; construction plans, meeting with the Arcadians, and dealing with public opinion over controversial issues such as the fleet's massive buildup, drafting younger men and women to the armed forces, and the measures toward an alliance with a faction of the Cylons.

Most especially controversial has been the alliance with Cylons; opinion has apparently split between those encouraging peace and even the most idealistic wanting to extend peace to all Cylons, and those who are silently unhappy and angry about it and the most loudly opposed who are virtually shouting to anyone who will hear their point of view: such as that all Cylons are abominations that must die. I can't even blame some of the opposition to the alliance based on the facts of all the Cylons have done, particularly the holocaust of the colonies. I share such anger and other bad feelings toward the Cylons because of this.

What worries me however is that a good number of the military seems to fall on this side of the spectrum, with more than I would like joining the most vocal voices in demanding all out destruction for the Cylons. With so much going on I can't fully focus on dissent among the ranks, but I can't help but feel worried about members of the military turning away from their leadership and listening to views besides the more tolerant and inclusive views the Admiralty simply has to take in order to make things work.

Other updates include that the Phoebe, the Valkyrie, and the Poseidon have been moved to inactive fleet status, and these ships will serve as fleet training ships for the numerous thousands upon thousands of new recruits into the military. We need all the space we can get to adequately train our forces, with so many newest recruits and draftees joining the fleet to not only replace our losses but to prepare for the fleet's massive buildup. The Valkyrie and Poseidon will also keep all of their weapons and munitions fully active aboard to serve as a reserve force if ever needed. These ships wouldn't stand much of a chance against the Harvesters as our past experience with their ships has shown, and even against the Cylons they are somewhat outclassed even if they could put up a good fight. Turning them into fleet training ships takes the issue with the numerous draftees and recruits off our hands, and gives the ships a necessary purpose for the fleet while keeping the memories of these older colonial warships alive such as a testament to our history like the Galactica.

With the massive fleet build up, the Admiralty has also had to look into recruiting more members for leaders of fleet units separated into Battlestar groups. Admiral Jones recently recovered from his coma, a miracle according to one of his enthusiastic doctors, and has joined with the Admiralty using his revamped flagship the Pacifica. Commander Jacob, former leader of the remnant of BSG 36 and once subordinate to Admiral Jones with BSG98 upon Admiral Thorn's orders, has been promoted to Rear Admiral. It is long overdue, but for their actions with leading separate fleet units following the Cylon attack, and with the lost Battlestars Polyeidos and Trident where they played a part in saving the civilians they looked after and BSG98, Commanders Marshall and Bernard have been promoted to Rear Admiral. Along with the plans for Commodore Lee Adama, the Admiralty will have to continue looking at other experienced members of the fleet in order to create an effective and unified fighting force; which starts with good leadership. I've thrown my sister's name into the ring to be considered for the Admiralty, with evidence of her experience in combat along with a crucial role in partaking in Galactica's mission to Picon.

End Log.

Admiral Stryker leaned back after finishing his log, sitting and thinking about the fleet and recent developments for several minutes.

Having been up for hours and dealing with several stressful meetings throughout the day, and being the first time he had lain prone in over twenty-four hours, Admiral Stryker nodded off mid-thought and fell into a deep sleep.

Admiral Stryker looked around at unfamiliar surroundings before he noticed he was surrounded by light, a familiar experience he recognized.

"Hello Admiral Stryker," a female voice said.

Admiral Stryker looked around and saw a young woman that looked to be in her twenties, in a white dress with long flowing golden hair.

"Athena," Admiral Stryker summarized, remembering their previous encounter, and though he had trouble believing it for a time facts that had come to light since their meeting gave credence to this woman and her claims being reality.

"You have come far Admiral Stryker. You've led your people well and are approaching a precipice. Truly things could not have gone much better all things considered," Athena said, smiling at the Admiral as she looked on at him with pride.

"I've led my people to the last hideaway among a barren wasteland with enemies on our doorstep. I've led my people to death and destruction, sending good men and women to die in order to get here," Admiral Stryker replied sharply, holding a deep well of guilt within that had finally found an outlet of escape from his perfect control he maintained for the benefit of others.

"I know you have doubts and the way ahead seems like reaching for the surface while in a pit of quick sand trying to drag you under. You will succeed Admiral; know only that there is no other option besides death and the path will become clear," Athena said brusquely, grasping ahold of Stryker's shoulder and staring into his eyes, refusing to allow him to wallow in self-pity. It did not befit what was perhaps the greatest leader of humankind.

"Why are you here Athena?" Admiral Stryker asked irritably as he moved away from Athena's grip, internally putting back his wall over his emotions, and impatient to get to the point of this meeting.

"You have made great strides forward toward a bright future for your people, such as the joint military command of the Pallas of Athena. Which, I appreciate the tribute to me even if indirectly and unintentional," Athena said grinning, and then continued before Stryker responded.

"I told you before about the cycle of war, death and rebirth that has followed your people. It happened on Kobol: creating the Cylons that became the thirteenth tribe and the war between the tribes that shifted toward fighting the Cylons. Then the thirteenth tribe which created mechanical Cylons like they had originally started out as, and before long a machine uprising and rebellion that led to their mutual destruction. The First Cylon war of the Twelve United Colonies of Kobol, which the colonies were lucky to have survived, and a war which only ended when survivors of the thirteenth tribe had arrived to make an offer to the centurions to end the war. Even then, there was merely a respite in the fighting because no permanent peace was dictated. On and on, the cycle has continued, and if your people are not careful it will happen again. Remember the words of warning my kind gave to yours; all this has happened before and it will happen again," Athena said grievously.

"Surely the cycle will end when the war is over? When all the Cylons are eliminated?" Admiral Stryker asked, sure that this was the one solution that could work.

"No Admiral Stryker, it isn't so simple as that. If the Cylons all die, your kind will eventually make them again generations from now, after your people have forgotten the horrors associated with the Cylons. All the lessons you've had to adapt to, all the sacrifices made; it will have all been made worthless," Athena said sharply.

Admiral Stryker stared in shock at Athena, unable to come to grips with this information.

"Your only hope is to do things differently. Your act in allowing and encouraging the alliance and empowering a joint military force on the Pallas of Athens was a step in the right direction. Very soon the next most crucial decision will be upon you, and if you handle it incorrectly; your world will burn. Everything up to this point will have been rendered null and the cycle will simply renew itself again," Athena said.

"I won't let that happen!" Admiral Stryker said determinedly.

"Time will tell Admiral. Make the right choice and your people will rise further than ever before. Fail…" Athena said, drifting off to leave the conclusion apparent.

A wall of light blinded Admiral Stryker momentarily and then Athena was gone, leaving Admiral Stryker alone in darkness.

He would have much to ponder and act upon when he awoke.

Day 669 Since the Fall

0800 hours

Avalon Capital City, News Headquarters

"Welcome back to Channel One News," reporter Henry Wallace said as the news cameras focused on him and his guest.

"Back with us is Quorum member Tom Zarek. Tom, we've discussed several things this past hour, and you've been outspoken on recent occasions. Care to shed light on all this for viewers just tuning in?" Henry Wallace asked.

"Of course Henry, and may I say it is good to be here with you," Tom Zarek said with a charming smile, "For those just tuning in, we've been discussing recent affairs with the military, the courts, and the Cylons. Now, I've come out to the media before, but I'm putting my foot down now. It is time to start taking action while we still can."

"In recent times, public opinion has been unsteady and unsure over the military's change in policy for the draft and recruiting personnel into the armed forces. The Admiralty made it clear that the minimum age has been set to 15 years of age rather than the standard age 18, lower than even it was in the first Cylon war! Moreover, younger citizens, children really, have been allowed to start training under the military, even joining on the newest ships for these 'Super Carriers' we've heard about. What are your thoughts Mr. Zarek?" Henry Wallace asked.

"I believe it is atrocious that the military is going as far as bringing in children to where they could end up at the front line of combat. This is also a strange time for a draft following the Admiralty's mission to Picon which resulted in a massive loss of military force for the Cylons. Moreover, the Cylons will find it difficult to even find us here at Avalon. So why the draft? What aren't we being told by the military? That's my line of thought on the matter," Tom Zarek said, smirking slightly.

"We do know that it appears the military has created a large build-up of the armed forces. Granted the fleet has seen massive losses of their own against the Cylons and is a mere fraction of its former glory," Henry Wallace said, eyes scrunching together in confusion, unsure how to feel about this.

"To be sure, we need the military to be at top strength in case the Cylons find us here. We should be building up the armed forces. Still, I've taken a look at the plans for military build-up, and it's clear that the military's construction efforts take vast precedence over the civilians. We still haven't even built proper cities and other standards for colonial society! We've barely created enough housing for everyone, with a large number of apartment complexes to squeeze as many people in as few buildings as possible," Tom Zarek said with a note of protest in his voice, looking appealingly into the camera.

"Surely the military isn't putting their needs above those of the people? We haven't even seen the Cylons in so many months after all!" Henry Wallace said in alarm.

"I'm afraid it would seem to be the case. A pity that there is such leadership over the military and even among the civilian government that seems to be allowing this happen. Perhaps the military is not subservient to the civilian government anymore, not as it should be, as it has long been in colonial history," Tom Zarek said, a note of sadness and regret in his voice.

"Moving onto that chain of thought, there's been recent public unrest over the issue of changes in the court system. There seems to be a thought that Admiral Stryker was personally responsible for these controversial changes?" Henry Wallace said uncertainly.

"I can say with certainty that the Fleet Admiral was behind these changes which were focused on removing corruption and crime in society. While idealistic and good, it also set in place a harsh system of judgement that seemed far less tolerant than normal colonial democracy," Tom Zarek said.

"It certainly took the sails out of the politicians getting by doing nothing while in power," Henry Wallace said jokingly, trying to lighten the mood.

"However, just look at what happened to Admiral Cain! Set in the desert with a pittance of supplies and practically left to die, and never receiving a fair trial that is due to her as any other colonial citizen! Not to mention that numerous former colonial prisoners and criminals of society were simply pushed into slave labor, forced to work without pay and never receiving a fair judgement as per colonial law. Where was their trial, their sentencing and fair treatment? I have to wonder, should all colonial citizens fear the government and Admiralty? Simply do something they do not like, one toe out of line, and anyone could be press ganged into service, committing hard labor without seeing benefit to themselves or receive a legal and fair trial for their supposed crimes? Where are the ideals that made our colonial society great? Has it all gone to the wayside?" Tom Zarek said in outrage.

Henry Wallace stayed silent at that, mouth slightly ajar, unsure how to respond.

"Then finally the Coup de grâce - the alliance with the Cylons! Giving them their own warship to command and be a part of the military; they who we've been fighting against for years, who murdered our men, our women, and our children in the Cylon holocaust against the colonies! Have we forgotten our true enemy? What kind of leadership entreats with humanity's sworn enemies, taking in mass murderers and abominations against nature and not only treating them like colonials but giving them weapons of mass destruction that they could easily use against us! I call upon my fellow fair-minded colonial citizens to truly think about all these things, and wonder if our society's current leaders are up to the task of not only defending us, but reinstituting the colonial society we all know and love," Tom Zarek said.

Battlestar Atlantis, Admiral's Quarters

Admiral Stryker turned off the news broadcast on his television, throwing the remote against the wall in anger.

"This will spiral out of control quickly Mark," Admiral Thorn said warningly.

"I should've removed Zarek from the equation when he first arrived! Now it's too late," Admiral Stryker said, snarling in anger.

"If you try to silence him you'll only legitimize what he's saying. At this point focusing on Zarek will only hurt us. Better to focus on those he is trying to reach: the people," Admiral Thorn said sagely.

"Bah!" Admiral Stryker said, leaning back in his chair and trying to relax.

"It goes without saying that we need to keep this recent incident out of the news," Admiral Stryker said more calmly after a moment, picking up a file from his desk.

"I agree. Knowledge that Gunstar Nymeria was lost due to the antimatter reactor overloading would not be good for the military, it would simply be more munition against us. The fact is simply that the Gunstar was partially complete and had made a routine test of the engines when a viper squadron was on a test flight with rookies and a chain reaction of explosions occurred after one of the fighters veered into Nymeria's path and hit the ship in exactly the wrong spot. It was unforeseeable at the time and not something that will happen again, but the media will turn this on its head until it's treated as fact that the massive military build-up is dangerous based on what happened," Admiral Thorn said.

"Not to say I told you so, but I did warn you about using experimental technology," Admiral Stryker said.

"Shipyard personnel and R&D have confirmed that there was nothing wrong with the new reactor. The accident was solely caused by the fact that the ship hadn't installed its armor package yet, so the viper rammed right through the ship on impact, and the chain of explosions that resulted affected the highly volatile system for the antimatter reactor. As is, we were lucky no one else was in the area where the incident occurred just outside of this system; the explosion was so massive that the viper squadron nearby was practically miraculous in its survival," Admiral Thorn said.

"Perhaps it wasn't the equipment's fault, but you can't deny that this shows that I was right to mistrust this technology; if mishandled or prodded in just the wrong way we could lose not only the ship using the reactor but perhaps an entire Battlegroup!" Admiral Stryker said.

"Safety measures will be put in place in the future Mark. This won't happen again," Admiral Thorn said firmly, unwilling to compromise with the knowledge that the technology was desperately necessary.

Admiral Stryker glared at Admiral Thorn for several long seconds before looking away.

"Back to Zarek. I think we need to take measures to prepare for mutiny," Admiral Thorn said.

"What?!" Admiral Stryker exclaimed, sitting up straighter.

"I think it's clear that Zarek is planning an uprising against the leadership in power, using his charisma to inspire rebellion like back in the colonies. He knows he can't enforce real change or claim power that he seems to want as simply the Sagittarian Quorum delegate, unless he takes down the government and military leadership," Admiral Thorn said.

"Putting himself in power no doubt," Admiral Stryker summarized.

"Exactly," Admiral Thorn said.

"The problem is who do we trust? It seems like a fair number of the military is leaning towards Zarek's point of view these days, based on the vast distaste towards the alliance with the Cylons," Admiral Stryker said worriedly.

"We'll have to do the same as Zarek most likely is; quietly poll members of the military for which side they'll be on. As much as so many of our people hate the Cylons, there's just as many who would never betray the uniform," Admiral Thorn said.

"Assuming we can manage our own house, what about the government? They'll be targeted and probably taken off guard if it comes to that," Admiral Stryker said.

"Hopefully Roslin has come to the same conclusion. She does not seem like a foolish or blind politician, like others I can think of. Chances are she sees the way things are turning, with her own experience with Zarek with the Galactica fleet making it clear, I would hope, that he is not to be trusted," Admiral Thorn said.

"We'll speak with her soon, and coordinate our efforts to ensure Zarek fails then," Admiral Stryker said firmly, making his decision.

"Yes sir," Admiral Thorn said, nodding.

Day 674 Since the Fall

Cylon Staging Area

A baseship slowly maneuvered past the six baseships positioned around the Cylon resurrection hub. The baseship had jumped in assumed formation so as not to look out of place, strategically turning to hide its damage from the visual range and sensors of the other Cylon forces. After almost two months of repair work, the baseship was in working order and had been patched up as best as could be done to blend in more easily, but it was far from pristine.

Slowly, dozens of raiders launched from the baseship and spread out in a standard picket formation like the rest of the Cylon fleet, though in higher volume. Moments later as the baseship continued closing on its target, over thirty heavy raiders launched and were joined in formation by the raiders, quickly maneuvering toward the Cylon fleet as they dropped all signs of pretense.

"NOW!" Natalie Six ordered savagely, all but screaming in battle rage.

As one, the Cylon forces under her command complied, unleashing streams of missiles at the Resurrection hub and its guarding baseships.

Caught off guard, the Cylon fleet was slow to respond. Explosions littered space as numerous missiles detonated. Two furthermost baseships from the hub were engulfed in nuclear flames, burning bright as a star as they blew up into spreading debris launching each and every which way.

The dozens of raiders from the rebel baseship fired on the other baseships with their cannons and launched missiles, inciting large explosions across the ships as they impacted. The baseships began firing back, destroying few of the raiders as they outmaneuvered the missiles being launched which represented the majority of the baseships offensive/defensive firepower.

The heavy raiders targeted the other enemy raiders, firing on them with their superior fire power, ripping them apart one by one. Moreover, they took advantage of the sluggishness of the raiders, the raiders having lost touch with their instincts and their full capabilities following their lobotomy.

The rebel baseship continued launching missiles and momentarily nukes, all targeting the resurrection hub.

Missiles destroy a node at the top of the Hub, taking out its FTL drive.

"They're trying to destroy the hub," a Cavil aboard the Cylon fleet said in shock, "it'll be mass murder! All death would become permanent for Cylons!"

Defenseless, the resurrection hub could do nothing as several warheads impacted across her large hull; detonating in a fiery plume that started a chain reaction. In moments the large ship exploded, a large ball of fire expanding outward from the ship that instantly incinerated everything in its path – consuming the three nearest baseships and nearby fighter forces.

Missile salvos impacted on the rebel baseship, dealing light damage but shaking the ship and the occupants – several of whom were thrown sharply against the wall with enough force to end their lives.

The remaining fighters of the rebel Cylons grouped together, firing on the enemy raiders and destroying them in teams. With few losses, the rebel raiders and heavy raiders ripped the few enemy raiders apart.

The rebel baseship closed distance to the remaining enemy baseship, ripple firing missiles at the baseship that had sustained damage in the hub's explosion and from previous weapons impacts. With its landing bays all but destroyed, no more raiders could be launched from the baseship, within moments the rebel raider force swarmed around the baseship.

"You've condemned us all to extinction Six," Cavil said over the wireless communications to the rebel baseship, after having found out the FTL was not functional.

"You decided your fate the moment you betrayed us. None of us had ever intended to destroy the Cylon unity forces, but you lured us in and then massacred our baseships carrying all the twos, threes, sixes, and eights; you intended for all of us to die after ensuring no resurrection ships were nearby. You started this Cavil. It is only fair that the tables are turned, to tip the scales given the number of my sisters you gave the final death to. Now no Cylon can resurrect," Natalie Six said.

"So you'll let the entire Cylon race die out for petty revenge?" Cavil asked.

"We can live without resurrection Cavil. Unlike you, we can and will go to the humans and solve our problems with procreation. Your brothers with the rest of the Cylon 'unity' fleet will either die in battle now that resurrection is gone, or they'll die old men incapable of finding a solution to continue their line of the species. You however can go straight to hell now," Natalie Six said cruelly.

The raiders began firing on the enemy baseship in strafing runs, unleashing streams of cannon fire and their missiles against the weakened ship. The rebel baseship fired salvoes of missiles and nukes as well.

A pittance of missiles by comparison came out of the enemy baseship, destroying a handful of raiders and damaging the rebel baseship.

Missile after missile detonated against the enemy baseship, ripping it apart and tearing huge chunks of the ship's armor and hull away from the ship. The six outreaching spires composing the ship's composition pattern of akin to a star were sheared away from the baseship in mighty explosions. Fiery explosions reigned supreme within the baseship, burning alive the occupying human Cylons who died slow, painful deaths, screaming until the end.

Cavil's curses were cut off only after several nukes impacting on the weak baseship consumed the ship in a massive explosion, a huge BOOM collecting force due to the low pressure inside and imploding. The blast wave increased, unleashing fiery pieces of debris transformed into shrapnel that destroyed raiders not quick enough to dodge and retreat to safety.

The rebel baseship quickly maneuvered to safety, it's small craft returning aboard posthaste.

Once all of her fighters were aboard and all systems were green, the rebel baseship jumped away from the system, leaving before Cylon forces came to the Resurrection hub's location.

Day 675 Since the Fall

Cylon Fleet

Word quickly reached the Cylon fleet of the Cylon rebels destruction of the Resurrection hub. With no vipers apparent at the battle site, they were the logical culprits, despite the Cylons previously strong belief in their destruction.

The ones went into a rage and refused to be soothed even as their dutiful subordinates the fives tried their damnedest, continuing to look to the ones for a plan of action.

That left the fours. The crafty, highly logic based Cylons who composed the Cylon race's doctors and scientists.

Cylon Baseship, located in hall corridor not kept under surveillance

"We must go at once!" a number four known as Rodney said forcefully.

"The facts are not all in," a number four replied fearfully, adamant that they wait and see for more continued developments before making a decision.

"The facts are clear. The ones destroyed the majority of the twos, threes, sixes, and eights in a surprise attack that we didn't even know about until it was already over. All of the females in our race are dead or fleeing with the rebels, and with the resurrection hub gone our species faces the final death and extinction if we stay to our current course," a number four known as Galileo said.

"But we cannot get the ones and fives to see reason! They will never turn away from war with the humans," a number four replied dishearteningly.

"Perhaps we shouldn't, there's no sign that the humans won't kill us all. It's the reason we've continued this war and had been chasing all the colonial survivors," another number four interjected.

"That fear will only get us killed. The facts are before us: continue war against the humans with the ones and fives and face mutual destruction at best, or find the rebel Cylons and perhaps make peace and maybe find a way to survive," Galileo Four said determinedly.

"How can that lead to our line and our overall race surviving?" Rodney Four asked.

"The Final Five are with the humans. As is the only living hybrid of Human-Cylon interaction, who may very well be the key to our species' procreation capabilities. Reuniting with the Twos, Threes, Sixes, and Eights gives us strength in numbers and common cause in seeking survival," Alfred Four said, the realization dawning on him as he said it.

"Logic dictates our course of action as it ever does. All in favor?" Galileo Four asked.

The collective Fours slowly started agreeing, nodding and saying yea, until the Four line had complete agreement.

"Then we must also damage the ones and fives war machines so we can make our escape safely," Charles Four deduced.

"It is the only way we can ensure our plan for survival," a number Four said in agreement.

"We cannot take any of the baseships either. Cavil's had the centurions under his personal command and placed a heavy guard on the baseships ever since the Cylon rebellion," another number Four said.

"The paranoid old fool hasn't trusted anyone since then, if he ever truly did to begin with," Alfred Four said bitterly.

"Perhaps rightly so considering what we're about to do," Rodney Four said.

The Fours made noises of agreement and nodded in reply.

"Then we take the Heavy Raiders and use their munitions for our plan," Galileo Four reasoned.

"Risky," a number Four said.

"But necessary," Alfred Four concluded.

"We should also attempt to take some Centurions with us. A show of goodwill to ensure our sisters and the Twos agree to take us in, if we arrive with Centurions without their inhibitors, to show we're following the same path as the others," Charles Four advised.

"Your logic is sound. However, Cavil's got most of the Centurions on alert and slowly been transferring complete command to the ones, which the fives don't care much about, but it's simply another sign of his growing paranoia. The centurions are lost to us," Rodney Four said.

"Most of the centurions perhaps. Most does not mean all of them however," Galileo Four said, grinning.

"Perhaps," a number Four interjected, conceding to his brother's point.

"Then we are agreed on what to do?" Charles Four asked.

The Fours made noises of agreement and nodded in reply, some more enthusiastically than they had been before now that their line finally had a sensible plan of action, something they hadn't truly had in too long.

"No point in delaying then, every second counts if we want to catch up with the others," Galileo Four said.

"Agreed," Charles Four said.

The other Fours agreed verbally or nodded in assent.

With that, the Fours turned and left to begin carrying out their plan.

Several hours later

Confusion and mayhem reigned supreme in the Cylon fleet.

Missiles and cannon fire from dozens upon dozens of Heavy Raiders weaving throughout the fleet impacted and began damaging various baseships and support ships in the Cylon fleet. A few lightly armored support ships were destroyed with large explosions, spreading debris that damaged other ships in the fleet.

Several baseships were heavily damaged as munitions wired to blow aboard detonated remotely.

Raiders controlled by the Cylon unity forces lead by Cavil started firing back at the Heavy raiders, destroying a number of them as the Heavy raiders maintained their focus on damaging the Cylon capital ships before turning to them. Explosions consuming numerous fighters lit up space as the two sides fought fiercely. Then the Heavy Raiders turned away, outdistancing the raiders momentarily.

The main engine aboard the dreadstar imploded as charges attached detonated, destroying the means of power for the massive ship that would take a long time to replace. Several of the newest ships in the fleet were targeted with pre-planned explosions inside going off and a few missiles launched from the Heavy Raiders causing damage aboard the ships.

The Heavy Raiders then began jumping out before the enemy raiders could reacquire them, leaving chaos in their wake and regrouping on the other side. These Heavy Raiders would continue onward until they found the Cylon rebels. After heated debates the rebels would take them in, accepting their help that was necessary to get their heavily damaged ship up and running again.

Cylon Command Baseship

Several human Cylons of the one and five models, and some Fours that had remained behind, were strewn about the command center of the baseship, blood pooling around their charred or speared through bodies that resulted from the damage to the ship's interior. Many centurions lay in pieces or had heavy damage to their mechanical body's structure, missing an arm or such.

"This betrayal will never be forgotten!" one of the Cavils raged, joined in similar sentiment by his brothers aboard.

The Fives aboard, several nursing wounds of their own, quickly replied or nodded in assent, some fearfully so as they looked on at the manic look in the eyes of the Cavils.

"We will find them, and the humans, and finish this," Jack Cavil said hatefully, gripping the command table tightly.