Title: Faoi Dheireadh
Part: 36
Rating: PG, maybe PG-13 later
Pairing: A/R
Summary: The survivors of the Holocaust have finally reached Earth, but they find out that's not the end of their problems
Beta: Mariel
Note: I do want to thank Vi, Marta, Axelrajr, Moggie, Rap541, and AlbertG for their expertise. Without their input this story would not be what it is today. Be warned, this takes place sometime near the end of season two. Anything after Epiphanies are conjectures from the author's warped mind. . .

Disclaimer: Battlestar Galactica and its characters are creations of Glen Larson and copywrited by Universal Studios. I make no money off of this.

Colonial speech: " "
English speech: ' '

Chapter Thirty-six

Angela stepped inside the recently vacated Flag quarters. She stopped short when she saw the camera being set up. A video interview was not what she had been expecting.

"Oh, good, you're here," Playa said brightly as she gathered her papers. Coming over to the Terran, she offered her hand. "Hello. I'm Playa Palacios from the Colonial Gang."

"Lieutenant Glennan," Angela answered as she accepted the greeting. Pulling out her pda she asked, "Is this going to be live?"

"If you want it, we can do that."

"No. . .thanks," Angela shook her head as she slipped the pda back into her pocket.

Playa nodded, then moved over to her cameraman. She said something, then turned her attention back to the Terran. "I can put you here. I do wish you had a Terran flag behind you," the reporter went on as she directed Angela to the table. "But the uniform is different enough for the viewers to know that you're not under Admiral Adama." When she turned her attention back to Angela, the Terran had a slightly confused look on her face.

"Speak too fast. I understand if speak slowly."

"Oh, I'm sorry!" Playa apologized. "You can understand me?"

"Much - - most. . ." Angela rolled her eyes.

"Don't worry, I think I know what you meant," Playa gave her a smile. "For me it's amazing that you don't speak our language."

"Much talk on Terra."

The reporter looked at her in confusion. "I'm not sure what you meant by that. Could you use that?" She pointed to the now hidden pda.

The Terran nodded then repeated herself, "There are thousands of languages on Terra."

"Thousands?" Playa looked at her in amazement. "How is that possible?"

Angela shrugged. "It just is."

Choking down her amazement, Playa smiled and indicated the chairs. "You can keep your translator in your lap if you want. Since this will not be live, we'll be able to cut out the time it takes for you to answer the questions, all right?"

'Okay,' Angela nodded.

Ignoring the comment, Playa looked directly into the camera and began, "Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Since last week, and the recent revelations announced by Admiral Adama concerning Earth, I have been wanting to do a one-on-one interview with the Terran Liaison. Just recently I was given permission from Captain O'Neill, her commanding officer, and the Admiral. Tonight, I have the privilege to interview Lieutenant Angela Glennan." Because of a monitor that was set up behind the cameraman, Angela could see the camera panning over to her position. Ironically enough, she could just make out the transceiver in the background.

"I want to thank you for setting aside this time for an interview," she smiled warmly, trying to put Angela more at ease. "Now I think everyone will want to know this: are you really from Earth?"

For a moment Angela hesitated, not quite sure if she should answer the question. She did know that Adama had announced to the entire fleet about who they really were. Even though we had a discussion about this, I want the skipper to see this before it's broadcast, she thought before answering. "Yes. I was born in a country called Scotland. My family, though, immigrated to one of Terra's colonies a short time later."

"That's interesting, because you have a distinct Leonis accent. The average Colonial would assume you were from there."

"But I am not," Angela answered with a slight smile. "When I learn a new language, I tend to absorb the accent of the one instructing me."

"Back to Earth. I assumed you had one government for the entire planet. What do you mean by country?"

Angela gave her a thin smile, she wasn't about to let them know the tenuous peace Terra had with herself, "It's complicated, but our strength is in our diversity. The beauty of it is that each group of nations gives to the planetary defense forces what they can afford. If all they can do is one squadron of soldiers, then that is more than enough. The richer the country, the more they are obligated to help protect the planet."

Interesting, Playa thought. Seems like there's lots of infighting. "So there are problems within the Terran government?"

Angela hesitated for a moment, but eventually answered in a pleasant tone, "When the Terran Ambassador arrives he or she will be able to give you more information. If you want more detail on the myriad of cultures on Terra I can contact my commanding officer and she can have a packet prepared for you."

Thinking she might be able to get at least some type of answer, Playa went in another direction, "Sources state that you have been working with the marines from the Galactica."

Angela nodded while widening her smile. "I am very satisfied with their progress."

"Really? What are your goals concerning the marines?"

"Right now they are soldiers and think like soldiers, which is good. You need soldiers, but you also need police officers. I have started focusing their training more on general police work than what they've been doing on the Galactica. They need to know how to interact with the civilian population and not be intimidating at the same time."

"Like when Mark Harrison was arrested on Cloud Nine several days ago? The marines used police techniques. Can you comment on that?"

"For the actual incident I cannot comment on, but for the techniques I can. The marine you are talking about used basic police techniques to subdue a suspect so that danger to both the arresting officer and suspect is kept at a minimum."

"Most of Vice President Gaius Baltar's supporters are furious that he was arrested. He was taken into custody at the same time. Can you talk to me about that?"

"Ma'am, I was not there, so I cannot give you any information. If you want to know the reasons you should talk to either Admiral Adama or President Roslin," she answered with a smile.

Playa leaned back in her chair. "I see. You're not going to say anything unless you've been given permission?"

"That's about right. . .ma'am," Angela answered with a straight face, but her eyes showed some amusement. "I can still contact Captain O'Neill about the packet."

Playa's eyes widened slightly while she nodded. "Thank you, that would be greatly appreciated."

When it was finally finished, Angela got up and looked around a moment. "Thank you," she said as she reached out a hand.

"No, thank you. To be the first one to score an interview with someone from Earth. . ." Playa couldn't help but smile.

"I do understand, our reporters are the same. I think they're the same anywhere you go. . ." She shrugged.

"I do want to thank you for this time," Playa nodded and also accepted the hand that was offered.

Once Angela was out of the flag quarters she knew she needed to get a report sent to O'Neill about the interview and the information that Playa requested. Turning the corner, she stopped at Adama's quarters. "Speak to Admiral?"

"Yes, ma'am," one answered smartly, then opened the door. He returned moments later and nodded while pulling the door further open.

"Thank you," she said slowly. She found Adama sitting at his table going over several files. "Sir?"

"Yes, Lieutenant?" he asked as he set the folder down.

"The, uh, transceiver? Can I have it moved, sir?"

"To security?"

Angela's eyes widened slightly. "How. . .?"

"Major Gaeta has already told me what the marines did." He indicated the chair to the side of him. When she sat down, he continued, "And until I see fit to have you moved, the security office and quarters are yours to use."

Glennan's eyes widened as her mouth opened in shock. "Uh. . ."

"Lieutenant, you have proven trustworthy so far. And because of that, I encourage you to continue your work with the marines. What little you have done has raised their morale substantially."

"I demand no less than the best they have to offer while treating them with respect, sir."

"They also see you as one of them. They know you are not a pilot." Picking up the file, he continued, "You're dismissed. The next marines you see, other than the ones on guard duty, can move the transceiver. I know you need to make your reports."

"Yes, sir." Angela stood at attention then turned on her heels towards the door. "And thank you." When she was gone, Adama smiled while settling deeper into the chair.

Glennan kept her features schooled until she reached one of the somewhat empty corridors. Looking around, she made sure no one was around. When she felt satisfied, she broke out into a huge grin. First Felix and now the Admiral. This was too good to be true. The position she had been given on the Goch has now turned into her idea of a plum assignment. If only she could get her rank back, she sighed. Straightening her shirt, she continued down the corridor. She enlisted the help of the first two marines she came across to help her move the transceiver.

The shelf beside her desk was the right size for the transceiver. Once it was secured, she plugged it into the Galactica's systems. She then set up her computer and printer. Hitting a few keys, she started her music program on the computer. While listening, she turned and pulled the backpack out of the bottom of the weapons locker. When it was emptied she dropped it in the bottom desk drawer then started organizing the training weapons. There was one empty drawer within the locker, so she appropriated it for her training weapons.

When she was finally finished she went back into her quarters, while leaving the door open (she did want to listen to the music). Opening up the locker she started organizing her things, hoping she would be able to find everything, and not knowing how the Colonial marines set theirs up.

Some time later she decided to take a break in the move-in and go back to the office. Pausing the music, she turned on the transceiver. 'Goch, this is Glennan. How do you read?'

'Loud and clear, Lieutenant!'

'Harris, I need to speak to the skipper. Is she available?'

'Hold one.'

'Lieutenant, do you have anything to report?' Mair asked once she was on.

'Some, ma'am. The marines have. . .moved me into their security officer's quarters. I didn't ask for it.' Angela looked down while blushing.

'Security? Does Adama know about this development?'

'Yes, ma'am. He seemed quite pleased at it. He also gave his permission to move the transceiver to my new office.' She paused before continuing. 'And I'm sorry about what happened at the reception. You know I don't drink at official functions.'

'Don't worry about that. You were helped out of there before it got too far,' Mair answered with a smile in her voice.

'And said officer was properly thanked for her assistance,' Angela answered with a smirk on her face.

'Is there anything else you need to report?'

'Yes, ma'am. I was interviewed earlier today. The reporter was really trying to find out about our issues. I didn't reveal anything, but I did offer to have a packet prepared on the cultures Terra has.'

'Good work. I'll have someone put something together that's media friendly. It should be ready in time for the next shuttle run.'

Angela looked at the wall, unseeing after the signal was disconnected. Shaking herself out of it, she glanced to the comm. unit mounted to the bulkhead just in reach. 'And I don't even know how to use that yet,' she muttered. Though, she knew she needed to contact the reporter to tell her that the information she requested was being gathered. After a few more minutes she got up and moved to the entrance into the barracks. Right as she was opening the door, someone knocked on the outside entrance. Taking a few brisk steps she reached it just as it was being opened. She jumped back, startled.

Gaeta raised his hands in surprise as he backed up a step. "I'm sorry," he said quickly.

Angela sighed while closed her eyes. 'It's okay,' she said.

'Ready?' he asked as he took a step closer.

'Ready?' Angela narrowed her eyes, not quite sure what he meant by that. It was only then she realized he had asked it in English. Her eyes widened slightly as a smile crossed her face. "Not yet." Moving back to her computer, she turned it off, then pushed it to the side. 'Now I'm ready,' she answered with a smile.

Laura stood over the incubator looking down in awe at the small life before her. "She looks just like a normal infant," she said quietly as her hands rested on the edges of the enclosed bed.

"Except for a few internal growths, she is," Cottle answered with a surprisingly gentle tone.

Laura looked up at the Galactica's senior medical officer. "What are we going to do?"

"Ma'am, I don't know what you're going to do, but I am going to talk to Adama." Cottle pulled off his lab coat and made sure his uniform shirt was straight.

"About what?"

"There are too many things that don't work," he answered as he pulled the door open. He briskly moved down the hall, not caring if she was going to follow him or not. Just the fact that both Sharon and her daughter, whom she had named Hera, were perfectly fine when the other obvious Cylon was now lying in the morgue, bothered him greatly.

"Doctor, slow down, please," Laura called. She was a half a corridor behind him. Cottle didn't stop, but he did slow down so she could catch up with him. "I want to know why, also," she answered slightly out of breath.

When they were outside of Bill's quarters, Cottle glanced to her, then knocked.

"Jack," Bill looked at him with curiosity for a moment. Catching Laura's look, he backed away and let the two enter. Once the door was closed, he folded his arms and asked, "All right, what is it?"

"I have at least one Cylon in the morgue completely brain dead, and another who is perfectly healthy," Cottle started.

"Valerii had her baby," Laura said quietly. "Hera looks just like one of us."

"I'm not here because of that. What I want to know is what the Terrans did during the last encounter with the Cylons."

"Sent a computer virus near the end of the battle," Adama finally answered. "What do you mean at least one?"

"There are two others in the morgue with the same symptoms."

"I'm inclined to think those were also Cylons," Laura answered.

"What about Valerii?" Adama looked from one to the other.

"She mentioned something last week when I was examining her in her cell. Something to the fact that she disconnected herself."

Laura's eyes widened. "I didn't think that was possible."

"Whether or not she did it, she still isn't sick or succumbed to the Terran worm," Bill answered.

"I wish that Cylon Detector worked," Laura sighed as she rubbed her arms. "Is. . .is there any way to see if it can be fixed or not?" she continued.

Bill looked again from one to the other. Eventually he settled his eyes on Cottle. "Keep me informed as to the condition of the Cylon and its child. You're dismissed."

Laura looked back to Bill once the door was closed. "Well?"

"I can have Gaeta take a look at it. I had him helping early on."

Laura nodded, for once she seemed alone.

"You're not alone," Bill said softly as he pulled her into a close embrace.

Laura was quiet for a time before she finally deciding to speak, "We've found Earth, but why do I feel that we're still searching?"

TBC...