Title: Faoi Dheireadh
Part: 37
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-seven

"I want to know what you know about the detector Dr. Baltar created."

Adama looked at Gaeta critically for a moment before turning his attention to Cottle. The three officers were sitting around a lone table in the officer's ward room. "You mentioned early last week that the Terran's PDA can be used as another Cylon detector?"

"Yes," Cottle nodded as he looked at the papers in front of him. "They have a scanning device that's designed to pick up bioengineered tissue that's not indigenous to the patient in question." He leaned back while reaching into his breast pocket for his cigarettes. "I'm not sure why we didn't have this technology before."

"They didn't go the AI route, but went towards smart computers," Gaeta commented. "Although, they do have entertainment videos that paint a bleak picture of a post 'apocalyptic' society with AI's in complete control. Something I'm inclined to think the Cylons created on our homeworlds once they were finished with them."

"Are they this pessimistic about their future?" Adama asked.

"No, sir. They've got other videos with humans working together with other 'alien' races for mutual defense." He shook his head, "Very odd, sir."

"What about the detector?" Adama looked down to the notes before him.

"Sir, he was very secretive about it. I'm not entirely sure how or if it works."

"Did he ever have you involved with its development?" Adama looked back up to Gaeta.

"Not really, sir. Only with the acquisition of parts, and a few times with the actual building of it." Gaeta shook his head. "Sorry, sir."

Adama nodded slowly, it was something he had been expecting. "When we're finished here, I want you to go to Dr. Baltar's lab and see what you can do with the Cylon Detector."

"Yes, sir," Gaeta answered.

"Do you think we can experiment with one of those Terran medical computers?" Adama asked while he turned his attention back to Cottle.

"I suspect it'll be Jankowitz's call on that," Cottle answered while taking a drag on his cigarette. "Though, I don't think he will disagree on our asking for help in that area."

"Amenable?"

"Mostly. He was the one that did the initial scans of Gina. Hell, didn't think anything was wrong with her except maybe having what looked like mostly benign tumors."

"I remember you showing it to me." Adama hesitated before continuing, "I want to talk to Jankowitz personally about this. Can he understand us?"

"Yes, sir," Cottle nodded.

"Good. I want to know if it can be used as either a backup or our main Cylon detector. That is if Baltar did create a working detector. You're dismissed," Adama ended the conference.

Some time later Gaeta looked at the components of Baltar's Cylon Detector. He had no idea how or even where to start. He had been telling the truth about how secretive Baltar had been with its creation. He looked up and saw the comm. unit then turned back to the detector. After a moment's thought, he reached for the unit and keyed in a few numbers. "Angela. . .it looks like I will be late. . .can't say over the comm. . .all right." Plugging it back in, he reached over and turned the detector on. "At least it looks like it's running," he muttered as he looked around.

"Now, what to do. . ." Getting up, he went through the database for the blood samples. He thought if he ran the test on a known Cylon, it could give him ideas on where he could take the possible repairs or reprogramming. "I know Valerii is one. I wonder if her blood sample is still here," he muttered as he began to go through the database. Not finding anything of value, he considered for a moment going down to life station, or at least contacting them so they wouldn't be completely surprised at his request.

The retrieval took only ten minutes. Luckily Cottle still had samples of the Cylon's blood still on hand. Opening up the test dish, he let a few drops of her blood seep into the testing material. When finished, he pushed the sample into the machine and set it to run. "Twelve hours? Twelve frakkin' hours?" Gaeta complained when he saw the time estimate. "It doesn't take twelve hours to run a blood test. There has got to be something I can do to cut down the amount of time to something much more manageable."

He knew he would not be able to get to it for some time, and plus, the first two tests were to make sure that it did indeed work the way Baltar had initially said it would. Gaeta reached for the comm. again. "Sir, first test is running. . .Valerii. . .I'll report on the findings in twelve hours. I think the time it takes to run the test can be cut down. Twelve hours is too long to run a simple blood test."

Seeing there was nothing else he could do, Gaeta stepped out of the lab and closed the door, firmly sealing it. As he moved down the corridor he looked at his watch. He was way late. At least the detector was running; working properly was another story entirely.

He let his mind wander to the events of the past week. Even though Angela was used to seeing space from screens, she had looked in appreciation at the sight of the fleet and the Terran vessels when he had taken her to the observation deck. Too bad they hadn't been alone. He had to admit, it was a popular place for couples. The decent part about it was that almost everyone minded their own business, and personal displays of affection weren't too obvious.

Reaching Security, he passed beside the office door and went further down along the corridor to the one that directly accessed the private quarters. Glennan had gotten into the habit of keeping the door open and the light on when she was in the office. Looking at the time, he realized it was quite late. Stepping up to the cabin, he knocked on the door, "Glennan?"

It was several minutes before Angela opened the door. "How did go?" she asked sleepily. She was wearing a robe, but he couldn't tell what else.

He gave a slight smile at his answer, 'Okay.'

Nodding, she backed away from the door so he could enter. "If you don't want me here, that's fine. I know it's late."

'It's okay,' she answered as she slipped her arms around his neck. 'You don't have to leave.'

Gaeta knew exactly what she meant and smiled as he pushed the door closed then picked her up and moved towards her decent sized rack.

Gaeta sat down in front of Gaius Baltar's Cylon Detector. It was a little over twelve hours since he had started the test with Valerii's blood sample. For a moment he closed his eyes while letting a slight smile cross his face. At least this time Angela hadn't forcibly removed him from the rack, it was much better waking up and finding himself not on the deck.

Without thinking, he removed the sample and recorded the findings on a piece of paper. The blinking screen eventually caught his attention and he focused on it. It took a moment or two before he realized what it was telling him. "Very interesting," he muttered. "And Baltar clearly stated that the detector reported that she wasn't a Cylon." After scribbling some more, he turned the detector off and went to report the initial findings to Adama.

He was barely paying any attention to the crew around him when he turned the corner and ran into someone. Looking up, his eyes widened slightly while he backed up, "I'm sorry, ma'am. I wasn't looking where I was going." The woman was a civilian, most likely a reporter.

"That's all right," she answered with a somewhat winning smile. "Isn't it a little early to be hurrying?"

Gaeta's eyes narrowed slightly. "Not really. Now, if you'll excuse me," he ended the conversation as he moved around her and back on his way to Adama's quarters.

"Interesting," she muttered as she watched him move with purpose down the corridor. "Leonis. . ." Smiling to herself, she slowly followed him, not sure where he was going or how long he would be there.

Gaeta let out the breath he had inadvertently been holding. He looked down to the sheet he was holding. He carefully put it in his pocket after folding it. I hope she didn't see it, he thought to himself. Taking a deep breath he turned the corner and arrived at Adama's quarters. "Is he up?" he asked one of the marines on duty. It was early, but not too early.

The two guards looked at each other for a moment. "One moment, sir," the second one commented, then opened the door and slipped inside. He came back out a moment later and nodded while opening the door further.

"Sir?" Gaeta asked as he stepped into the room. Thinking it would be best, he turned and closed the door.

"What is it?" Adama asked as he stepped out of the head. He was partly dressed for the day and had his trousers and tanks on.

"Sir, I've finished with the first test." Gaeta pulled out the paper from his pocket and handed it over.

"Have you tested anyone else?" Adama asked after he read the findings.

Gaeta shook his head. "No, sir. I do think the next one should be one we know for sure is not a Cylon; perhaps Lieutenant Agathorn?"

"Good choice." Adama nodded as he backed away.

"Sir?" Gaeta asked. Is that it? "Um, is that it?"

"No. There is something I want you to work on during your spare time today."

The Admiral pulled one of the more battered books from the shelf beside his desk and began flipping through it. When he found what he was looking for, he set it down on his desk and pulled out a sheet of paper and pen and started writing. Once finished, he handed the sheet to Gaeta and said, "I want your answer below. I'll give you the rest of the day to think about it."

"Yes, sir," Gaeta nodded. Once he was back out in the corridor, he immediately went back to the lab. The earlier he got the test started the earlier it would be finished. There still had to be something he could do to cut the running time down. He immediately went to the database listings for the crew and searched for Agathorn's. Not finding it, he decided to head down to Life Station. Of all places, he figured that would be the best to get his blood sample. Rumor also stated that the Cylon had her baby early.

Entering Life Station, he looked around for Dr. Cottle. Of all the medical personnel on duty, he was the only one he felt truly comfortable talking to about the issues of the detector. "Dr. Cottle?" he asked after finding him in one of the examination room. "I need to talk to you."

Jack grunted in acknowledgment while continuing with his current exam. When he came out, they both went to Cottle's private office. "I need a sample of Agathorn's blood," he said once the door was closed.

"For Baltar's detector?" Jack took a long pull on his lit cigarette.

"Yes. I just finished with Valerii's. She tested positive. I need Helo's to make sure that it does work correctly."

"Isn't that just great. Who else knows about this?"

Gaeta let a small smile cross his face before continuing, "Admiral Adama. I've already reported my initial findings. And once Helo's test is complete, I'm going to try and see if I can cut the processing time down. Twelve hours is too long for any type of test."

"You've got your samples. He was here earlier."

"So, rumor is right? Valerii had her baby?"

"She had a girl. I've done some scans already. She doesn't have as many growths as Valerii."

Gaeta nodded thoughtfully. "Interesting."

Seeing the conference was finished, Cottle opened the door. "I'll get you those samples."

"Thank you," Gaeta answered while watching Cottle go back into the larger room. Minutes later the older officer came back and handed him a small package. Nodding, Gaeta waited a moment, not sure exactly what the senior medical officer was going to do. Once Jack turned his attention back to the others within Life Station, Gaeta turned and headed back to Baltar's lab.

Setting the detector back up was simple enough. When it was ready, he put Helo's blood into the detector and started the test. Now, he had twelve hours to do what other duties that were assigned to him. Just the thought that Sharon's test had come out positive made him really want to question Baltar on why he had lied in the first place.

Making his decision, he left the lab and headed back down towards security to where the brig was located. At a minor intersection, he took a nondescript passageway. From there, the corridors narrowed considerably. He eventually made one last turn which ended in a dead-end that held a single door. Pulling the door open, he glanced to the marines on duty. They wore the full tactical gear instead of a simple firearm most of the others were now wearing.

"I need to talk to Baltar," he told the officer on duty.

"Yes, sir," the officer answered while standing. "If you'll follow me, sir."

Gaeta nodded and followed him into the front area of the cells. In this section all but one was empty. Baltar was pacing back and forth in the only occupied cell. Realizing he had a visitor, he lunged towards the bars. "It wasn't my fault!" he hissed.

"I'm not here to debate you. . ." Gaeta lowered his voice. "I want to know why you lied about Valerii's test results with the Cylon Detector you designed."

Baltar's face darkened in anger, "I, I didn't lie. The results came across as negative!"

And to think I idolized him, Gaeta thought sadly. "I ran her blood through the test again and it came out as a positive match. I'm now running the test on another officer to make sure it gave the right answer initially."

Baltar's face drained of color. "It was her," he muttered. "S-she made me do it."

"Who?" This grabbed his attention. "Who made you do it?" Gaeta asked as he took a step closer.

Without warning, the vice president shot his hand out and grabbed Gaeta's uniform while forcefully pulling the smaller man against the bars. "Get me out of here," he hissed.

"Sir!" Both marines jumped towards the cell and managed to quickly pry the XO free from Baltar's desperate strength. "Are you all right, sir?" they asked as they pulled him away from what was considered the danger zone.

"Give me a moment," Gaeta mumbled as he leaned against the back wall. Looking up, he noticed Baltar was back to pacing in his cell while mumbling. Shaking his head, he moved towards the door. "I've heard enough."

"Yes, sir," the marine on duty nodded while picking up the comm. unit and spoke quietly into it. He then turned his attention back to the prisoner once the XO had left.

Gaeta stood out in the deserted corridor while rubbing his face. He stopped over a somewhat tender area. "He needs to be removed from office," he muttered. Those were not the actions of a sane man. Moving again, he realized Baltar never had answered his question about the detector. Before leaving the first corridor, Gaeta looked down to see if his uniform was out of place. Feeling he was all right for now after a quick adjustment, he turned out of the corridor and went back towards the forward section of the ship. He eventually found himself in CIC. He did have his normal duties to take care of.

"Are you all right, sir?" Heather asked quietly once he wandered over to tactical.

"What do you mean?" Gaeta narrowed his eyes slightly.

"Your, um, cheek, sir. It looks like either a bruise or. . .something. . ." she trailed off, clearly uncomfortable about with the subject matter.

Gaeta's hand went up to the apparently developing bruise, the muscle tissue underneath the skin was somewhat tender. "It's not something for you to worry over, Lieutenant," he finally answered.

"Yes, sir," she swallowed while nodding.

Looking back over the rest of the CIC crew, he noticed with some amusement, how they suddenly all seemed extremely interested in their jobs.

When Hadrian showed up, it had been somewhat busy for some time. The marine sergeant looked around for a moment then headed straight for Gaeta. "Sir?" she asked quietly.

Gaeta turned around and looked at her for a moment before answering, "What is it, sergeant?"

"About what happened in the brig?" she responded quietly.

"I'll tell the Admiral about it," he answered with a serious look on his face.

"Yes, sir," she answered while straightening to attention. Once she was dismissed, she turned and headed out of the CIC.

Gaeta stood there for a moment or two, before he handed the watch over to Heather then went to find Adama. Remembering the paper the Admiral had given him earlier in the day, he pulled it out and read the note. It was a scenario, and the Admiral was expecting for him to write out his ideas on how he would handle the situation. He folded it and placed it back in his pocket as he went in search for the Admiral. Once again, he found himself wishing they had the same type of technology the Terrans had for quick communications and finding people on board. With a ship the size of the Galactica, it was almost impossible at times.

Turning into another corridor, he found Adama talking to Starbuck. He hesitated for a moment, not sure if the conversation was something that should be overheard or not. Realizing the absurdity of his thoughts, he began moving towards them while asking, "Sir?"

Kara let out a snicker before managing to swallow it. Gaeta glared at her, "That was not the cause, Lieutenant Thrace."

"Yes, sir, Major, sir," she answered with huge grin and a sloppy salute.

Gaeta chose to ignore her response and turned his attention back to Adama. "There's something very important I need to talk to you about."

"Thrace, you're dismissed," Adama told the younger pilot. Once she was gone, he continued, "Is it about that bruise?"

Gaeta rubbed it, "Yes, sir. Though it's not what you think." He paused before continuing, "I don't want to say anything about it while out here."

Understanding flared in Bill's eyes. Without another word, they both moved towards Adama's quarters. When the door closed, Gaeta sighed before starting, "It happened in the brig. I wanted to ask Baltar why he stated Valerii's test came out negative. I feel he has become unfit for office. He was mentally unstable and babbling the entire time." He looked to the books before continuing, "I inadvertently took a step within the danger zone. There were two marines as witnesses."

"What happened?" Adama asked as he took a step towards Gaeta.

"He, he yanked me against the bars. The marines managed to get Baltar to let me go."

"I see."

"He was also babbling over how 'she made me do it'. Sir, I'm not sure who or what he was referring to."

"Thank you, Major," Adama said as he moved towards the door. "I also want you to get that checked out when you have free time today."

"Yes, sir," Gaeta nodded while straightening to attention. He then left and moved back down the corridor.

Walking over to his desk, Bill picked up the comm. and punched a few buttons. Laura had officially moved her office back onto the stricken Colonial One that morning. He found himself, though, missing her presence. "Madam President. You now have evidence for removing Baltar from office."

"What happened?" she asked with concern.

"Gaeta went to ask him about the Cylon Detector, it seems that its initial report marked Valerii as a Cylon. He also showed classic signs of being mentally unstable."

"What else?"

"Assault."

"Is Gaeta all right?" Laura asked in concern.

"Just some bruising from the bars, that's about it."

"Thank the gods," she mumbled. "Now with the detector, how do we know for sure it does work?"

"He's testing Helo's blood sample right now. Gaeta also want to see if he can reduce the time it takes for the test to run."

"Thank you, Bill," she said softly.

"Tonight?"

"Of course, need you ask?" she answered with a smile in her voice.

Adama stared at the comm. unit for some time before leaving to finish his rounds for the day. Passing the mess, he glanced inside the open door. What surprised him was the sight of Gaeta still eating there. He didn't have to since he was now the executive officer. Bill figured he must not have realized that he could have relative privacy during his meals. Several officers, including Starbuck and Glennan were there with him and all were in a rather animated conversation.

Adama let a smile cross his face for a moment before letting it disappear as he rounded the corner.

"Admiral Adama!"

Bill stopped and looked around for the person. He vaguely recognized her voice, but he wasn't sure from where. Once he saw her, he immediately realized who she was. "What can I do for you, Ms. Palacios?"

"Is. . ." she looked down to her hastily scribbled notes while catching her breath, "Major Gaeta the one teaching the liaison our language?"

"What makes you think that?" Bill's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Well. . .I've heard things. . ." she smiled suggestively.

"And you, of all people, should know how to take rumors." He cut short the conversation, "Now if you will excuse me. I have a ship to run." Adama left her in the corridor. Once he had moved into another area, Playa let a large smile cross her face, "The rumors are true," she muttered happily.

TBC...