Chapter 51.

"Massive incoming Cylon attack force arriving from sector three alpha, the lone baseship is holding back." advised Gaeta.

"Letting the raiders do the dirty work." observed Tigh.

"Colonel Tigh, launch whatever we've got left in reserve and advise the fleet to jump to emergency coordinates." ordered Adama. "He turned to Dualla. "Get Admiral Cain back on the line!"

Combat Information Center – Pegasus

"Admiral, current raider count is six hundred forty-two. They are on an intercept course for the fleet." informed the tactical officer.

"Launch Gold squadron and both reserve squadrons, Colonel. Bring main batteries online and swing us about, we're stuck dead center in the middle of these gods-damned civilian ships." ordered Cain.

"Admiral, Galactica has issued emergency jump orders to the fleet, and Commander Adama is hailing us."

"Put him through, lieutenant!" said Cain furious. The communication link was soon opened, and Cain jumped right into the fray. "Commander Adama, just what the hell do you think you're doing instructing the fleet to jump away?" demanded Cain. "There is one commander of this fleet, and that person is myself!"

"Admiral, put aside your wounded ego for a moment and get your head in the fight." chided Adama. "They've got us outnumbered by at least six squadrons, and that's in addition to whatever they'll send out from that outpost. For now, I'm diverting my squadrons away from Pegasus and into the battle to cover the withdrawal of our civilian ships."

"This isn't over, Commander! When we're done with the Cylons I want to see your ass standing tall in my office to discuss your insubordination."

"I have no intention of cooling my heels in your brig, admiral. I will not allow you to execute two of my men and I meant it. You do whatever it is you have to, and so will I. But in the meantime, we've lost the element of surprise for the op, and enemy fighters are closing in on the fleet...Focus your anger on the real enemy, Adama out!" Cain was incensed at being hung up on, Adama had gone too far, she would have to deal with him.

The fleet started to jump away, and the combined air wings of both Battlestars engaged the lethal Cylon raiders. The vipers plowed through the initial wave with abandon, blasting the bio-mechanical terrors out of the stars. Aboard Raptor 4, Nina had ordered Racetrack to deploy the articulating arms that housed the Spectra Six missiles.

"Racetrack, lets clear the front lines of those slit-eyed bastards!" yelled Nina from the pilot's seat. Margaret Edmondson fired off the entire salvo of port side missiles in a staggered firing solution. Each missile programmed to detonate ten seconds after the other. The devastation was catastrophic deep into the wall of Raiders.

"Betty, Hephaestus... great work lass, you've got em reeling. Silver Spars move into the path she cleared for us." ordered Lensherr. The pilots of Silver Spar squadron plunged into the vast opening created by Colonial Spectra Six missiles. Pegasus' new CAG, Starbuck followed suit, ordering Green and Omega squadrons into the corridor. It was a free for all, with Colonial vipers laying waste to any Cylon raider unfortunate enough to be in their path.

"Hephaestus, Peacemaker... you've got two coming at you from four o'clock high, bank hard right and climb!" The maneuver worked as the two raiders over shot Matt's viper. They were promptly destroyed by Peacemaker coming in on their six.

"Thanks Peace, never saw em coming." replied Matt over the comline. He pulled up next to a battle scarred Mk. II viper, the tail number identified it as Nightstalker's. He was chasing down a Heavy Raider that was doing a remarkable job of evading fire. "Nightstalker, Hephaestus, on your starboard wing, don't let that sucker escape."

The fleet had all but disappeared, only one civilian ship remained; the Virgon Express, a type of salvage and repair ship in the fleet, its purpose was that of a mobile spacedock. Galactica had pulled alongside it, placing itself in-between the Cylons and the small ship experiencing FTL failure. Point defense turrets lit up the skies as raiders attempted to get to the defenseless ship. A Heavy raider made its was through the lethal fire, taking heavy fire, only forward momentum kept itself going as it passed through Galactica's defense zone and rammed headlong into the side of the port flight pod, leaving four launch tubes badly damaged.

"Damage report!" snapped Colonel Tigh as the ship trembled slightly at the impact.

"Impact damage to the port side flight pod, frames sixteen through twenty." reported Gaeta. "The LSO is reporting damage to launch tubes seven through eleven." Baseships had now jumped into the battle and were launching their raider compliments.

"That's two more Baseships, Bill. Lawson needs to get that pile of scrap metal's FTL drive up and running or we won't get out of here." Before Adama could reply, Dualla was announcing a priority message from Admiral Cain.

"Sir, message from Admiral Cain, she's announcing a recall of all vipers, and ordering immediate jump as soon as fighters are secured."

"We still have a civilian ship with FTL trouble out there, her gods-damned dradis plainly shows it." snapped Tigh.

"Dee, inform the flagship that we will recall our fighters once the Virgon Express is away." countered Adama. The message was sent, and the reply was immediate. Adama instructed Dee to put the message over the loud speaker.

"Galactica Actual, you are ordered to land your vipers and jump to the emergency standby coordinates immediately...Confirm!"

"Pegasus Actual, we still have a disabled civilian ship unable to jump away, Galactica will remain to provide cover until their FTL is restored...Galactica Actual out!" Adama gestured to sever the transmission, and Tigh was quickly at his side.

"Crazy bitch was prepared to abandon a civilian ship to the raiders, this has got to end Bill. You need to relieve her." said Tigh.

"Now isn't the time to discuss it Colonel, lets get the air wing ready to make combat landings once the Virgon Express is away. Mr. Gaeta, I want Batteries two and four set to salvo fire, those baseships are closing."

Combat Information Center – Pegasus

Rear Admiral Helena Cain was nearly boiling over with rage. She was not going to have her orders ignored, especially not by someone like William Adama. "Helm, prepare to jump to the standby coordinates." Colonel Fisk stood opposite her on the other side of the plotting table. His voice was loud enough for her to hear him over the klaxon, but not loud enough for others to hear.

"Admiral, we're not going to leave those ships out here are we?"

"Colonel Fisk, this ship, as formidable as it is, is not going to be jeopardized in a prolonged fight with three Baseships. We'll regroup on the other side. If Adama wants to sacrifice his ship's safety for some civilian ship then that's his problem. If he survives to join us he won't be in command for much longer anyway." Jack Fisk served with Helena Cain since the day she took command of the Pegasus. He knew her to be a stern commander, he knew of her powerful connections in the admiralty that helped propel her to the highest ranks in Colonial Fleet, but he also knew of her thirst for power, and when she had her mind set on something, nothing could alter it. He also saw what she did to his predecessor, Colonel Jurgen Belzen. Cain treated his persistence in questioning her command to attack a massively superior Cylon attack force, and then official refusal to carry out her order as insubordination and shot him with his own sidearm right there where he was now standing. He had no intention of following Belzen's example.

The vipers from Pegasus had received their coded commands to return to the ship immediately, it wasn't until Hephaestus radioed her that she knew something was grossly amiss. "Starbuck, Hephaestus... where are you going?"

"Hephaestus, didn't you receive the recall orders, we're bugging out of here. Get your ships back to the Bucket." ordered Starbuck.

"Starbuck, the Virgon Express' FTL drive is still down, we're not going anywhere. What the hell is goin on?"

Something was very wrong, Kara knew that Adama would never abandon a civilian ship to save his own ass, and for the Galactica to be providing cover to a disabled ship meant that the vipers had to be keeping the enemy off of Galactica. She was the CAG, and no way in hell was she leaving her old shipmates and a disabled civilian ship at the mercy of the Cylon attack armada.

"Starbuck to all vipers, stand your ground... repeat stand your ground and keep the bandits off of Galactica and the Virgon Express." Aboard Pegasus, Cain was ready to explode.

"Mr. Hoshi, instruct all squadrons to return to their respective baseships immediately. No orders are to conflict with those coming from the flagship!" Within moments of the order, every one of Pegasus' vipers and raptors reversed course and headed for Pegasus. Starbuck was aghast at what she saw, the reversal of vipers allowed the raiders to quickly regroup.

"Pegasus, Starbuck with an emergency transmission."

"Starbuck, from Pegasus Actual you are to land your squadrons immediately and maintain radio silence...over."

"Frak that, I am not abandoning a civilian ship!" replied Starbuck over the wireless. "Hephaestus, Starbuck... fall back and let the raptors launch a Spectra Six salvo. Every fraking missile you Raptor Ranglers have left... let em fly."

Combat Information Center – Galactica

"Commander, Captain Lawson reports his FTL back online and is spooling back up to jump." reported Dualla from her com station.

"Dee, once Virgon Express is away give the recall order, immediate combat landings for all ships. Mr. Gaeta, prep the ship for jump, as soon as the flight deck is secure jump us the hell out of here.! Ordered Adama.

The Pegasus filled the skies with deadly fire, leaving a small path to each flight pod open for approaching raptors and vipers to land. Most of her vipers were now safely aboard. Only its CAG was still out, fighting a defensive withdrawal with Galactica's squadrons.

"Admiral, almost all ships are aboard, we have fourteen confirmed KIA's and Captain Thrace's viper is still out there with Galactica's forces." informed the tactical officer. "Two Baseships well within effective firing range, they've launched a full salvo of missiles, sixty five and counting."

"I'm very disappointed in Captain Thrace, well she can fend for herself out there with Adama's idealistic fools. Colonel Fisk, jump this ship immediately!" ordered Cain. In a flash, the massive Mercury-class Battlestar vanished, leaving the Galactica and Virgon Express behind.

The Raptor's Spectra Six attack allowed the badly outnumbered vipers to regroup closer to Galactica, they had lost at least six more vipers since the withdrawal of Pegasus' air wing, something that no one viper pilot present would soon forget, especially Starbuck. The Basestars had now redirected their attention to the sole remaining Battlestar, the three Cylon capital ships rained unholy punishment down onto the Galactica. Her heavy shielding absorbing much of the damage, but even shielding had its limits.

"Virgon Express is away, commander!" reported Gaeta.

"Dee, land our birds immediately!" ordered Adama. The dorsal side of Galactica took a direct hit from a pair of missiles that made it through the flak shield thrown up to protect her. Adama was thrown to the deck, but not before catching the corner of the plotting table just above his left eyebrow. The gash bled profusely as he pulled himself to his feet. Like darting sparrows, the vipers streaked into the immense landing bay, landing as quickly as they could.

"Landing bay secured!" announced Dualla. With the ship rigged to jump, Lt. Felix Gaeta slipped the jump drive key into place and turned it clock-wise. Galactica vanished.

The Fleet – Emergency Jump Location

"Sitrep Colonel!"

"Structural damage dorsal side, frames twelve through twenty seven. Number two battery sustained a direct hit from a missile, and no report from the LSO yet on fighters." reported Tigh. He stepped in close and held out his handkerchief to Adama. "You better get Cottle to stitch that up, Bill... it's bad."

Ignoring his second in command's advice he turned to the tactical station. Mr. Gaeta, fleet status?"

"All ships present and accounted for, commander."

"Commander I have Admiral Cain on the line." informed Dualla. Adama nearly ripped the receiver from its cradle in anger. He paused and took a deep breath, gathering his composure before opening his mouth.

He spoke sharply. "Adama!"

"Commander Adama, get your ship back in order, and after you've done a proper assessment of casualties and damage, you are to report to my quarters immediately." ordered Cain icily.

"Admiral Cain, as I stated before, I have no intention of cooling my heels in your brig. We will have a very long discussion on the matter of my men, and the Cylon attack, but it will not be on the Pegasus!" challenged Adama. Their was a moment of silence, and for a moment he thought she severed the connection with him.

"Very well commander, make it Colonial One then, perhaps you'll draw comfort from clutching your president's skirt." taunted Cain.

"The last time I checked she was everyone's president, admiral. Nonetheless, Colonial One it'll be, just you and I, in two hours! Adama out!" He slammed the phone back into its cradle and headed for his quarters. "Colonel Tigh...you have the conn, get whatever repairs are needed underway and have Doctor Cottle report to my quarters immediately!" he said as he exited the CIC.

From The Adama Journals:

Our planned op to attack the Cylon outpost has been scrubbed, we had lost the element of surprise at some point along the way, and the Cylons attacked us with three Baseships, and support from the outpost. I will say that the timing of the attack was fortuitous. Contrary to Admiral Cain's promise of a fair hearing in regard to the murder charges against Lt. Agathon and Senior Chief Petty Officer

Tyrol, she initiated hearings on her own, without my involvement, and found them guilty. Acting as judge and jury, she sentenced them to death.

I ordered a Marine fire team to board the Pegasus, and retrieve the men to be brought back to Galactica, where they would be given a proper Courts martial. Two viper squadrons flew escort which in turn were met by vipers from the Pegasus. If not for the surprise Cylon attack, there may have full well been a shooting war between Galactica and Pegasus. During the attack, a civilian ship, the Virgon Express experienced temporary FTL failure and could not jump away to safety. I ordered the Galactica brought into a covering position while repairs to their FTL commenced. At this time, I am extremely disturbed to report that Admiral Cain ordered the Virgon Express to be left behind. The flagship then jumped away, leaving this ship to hold off three Basestars until repairs could be made. At this time I cannot tell if her decision was made out of self-preservation and fear, or complete lack of regard for the civilians of the fleet. In thirty minutes, these matters will be addressed with Admiral Cain and the President.

Hanger Bay "B" - Galactica Port Flight Pod

"Frakin aye Starbuck, what in the name of the Gods was that all about?" asked a very angry Matthew Lensherr. "Pegasus fighters bugged out, leavin us to hold off the Cylons, then that bitch jumps away like a gutless daggit!"

"Calm down Lensherr, you see me standing here too don't you? I'm her CAG for frak's sake, she left me too. There has to be a reason for it!"

"Yes, there is indeed." came a different voice. Jon "Peacemaker" Horlach stepped out from behind a bulkhead.

"Private conversation Peacemaker, take off!" sneered Starbuck. Horlach didn't move.

"You have a hearing problem, lieutenant?" said Starbuck.

"No captain, I hear just fine." replied the viper pilot. "The reason for Cain leaving us all behind is because Adama chose to protect a civilian ship over obeying her order. As far as she's concerned, Commander Adama placed an irreplaceable military asset at risk over a civilian ship, and worse...dared to defy her orders."

"Jon, the Pegasus ran from the fight, and six good pilots were lost as a direct result. How do ya square wit that?"

"Matt...I hear what you're saying, and all of us left out there has every right to be mad. I didn't choose to become part of Cain's crew, and I sure as hell don't agree with her current tactical decision, or past ones. You know why she transferred me to Galactica's air wing." said Horlach.

"It looks like I'm the only one here that doesn't know why peacemaker, so why don't you fill me in." replied Starbuck. Matt needed to move this conversation to a more private setting before someone overheard them. He gestured Kara and John into a nearby storage locker and secured the hatch.

"Kara, Jon was transferred here to be Cain's spy in the air wing. He wasn't an original crewman of the Pegasus, he was picked up in a Raptor he was flying back to Libran when the attack started."

"Libran?"

"Yes Captain, I was a Law Enforcement officer returning to my department with an obsolete surplus Raptor donated from Galactica itself. My Colony was wiped out by nuclear bombardment, there wasn't a trace of my family or home... it was completely vaporized." No sign of emotion was displayed as Horlach told his story.

"I'm sorry for your loss Peacemaker." offered Kara. Horlach ignored the comment and continued.

"I was picked up by the Pegasus, and for whatever reason, Cain took an interest in me, trusted me completely. Admiral Cain is unbalanced! Her ultimate goal is to return to the Colonies to 'kick the Cylons off our home worlds.' It's delusional, the Colonies are no more, and not even two Battlestars will be enough to retake them."

"You're wrong about that!' interrupted Starbuck. "There are people still alive on Caprica, resistance fighters that have stayed alive in the high grounds, well above the low lying radioactive areas just waiting to be rescued. I was there, fought along side of them myself! Adama and Roslin refused to go back to help them, Cain is the only one who wholeheartedly backed my request."

"Cain is playing games with your mind and emotions Starbuck. She'll tell you whatever it is you want to hear as long as it furthers her own goals. Trust me, she's dangerous. She will cannibalize every civilian ship in this fleet, conscript men and women into her ranks to strengthen her Battlestar. Adama's days are numbered in singular digits, and he know that." Starbuck looked at Peacemaker as if he was mad. Matt spoke up.

"Lass, it's true. Cain once had a civilian fleet. She stripped every one o' those ships from air-scrubbers to FTL drives. Took men and women she felt would be a useful addition to her crew, and left the rest stranded to face the Cylons, or a slow death by starvation, drifting in ships far from home wit only sublight drives."

"How do you know this?" demanded Starbuck. "Commander Adama and the President would have done something if this was true."

"Shut up and listen Starbuck!" said Horlach raising his voice. "Adama is a dead man walking. He is an obstacle to Cain and her plans. All she wants is the Galactica. And as far as the president goes... Cain doesn't even take her calls. She doesn't recognize civilian control of the fleet, doesn't respect it, and doesn't respect Adama for allowing it to happen in the first place. She pulled out during a battle to save her ship, and she left you here, what does that tell you?" Starbuck couldn't reply, she knew the last part was exactly right, even if unsure about his allegations about Cain's civilian fleet.

"Starbuck, where is Apollo?" asked Matt.

"The admiral pulled him off flight status just prior to the attack. He's still aboard the Pegasus."

"Alright, this whole thing is a cluster frak right now, Adama backed her into a corner publicly by sending over vipers and a Marine fire team to take Tyrol and Agathon. The Cylon surprise attack was a momentary respite that bought us a little time." said Horlach.

"Time for what?" asked Starbuck.

"To take out Cain!" replied Matt softly.

"Are you both mad?" said Kara, more statement than question.

"No Captain, we're both extremely sane. Helena Cain is a mad daggit that needs to be put down before she destroys this fleet. She will make a move against Adama's command, by terminating Adama himself and installing her own trusted choice to command Galactica. Colonel Tigh will be relieved of command, and anyone loyal to Adama will be replaced immediately."

"We have to tell Adama." said Kara anxiously.

"He already knows lass, he's got somthin up his sleeve, somethin that involves Nightstalker."

"What the hell is that weasel going to do? The only thing Sarnex is good at is roping stupid young females into having sex with him, or talking loads of felgercarb." said Kara with a tone of disgust in her voice.

"Kara...that's exactly what Mark wants you, and everyone else to think bout him. You be forgettin that he was with Libran Intelligence before the attack on the Colonies. He's completely loyal to Roslin and Adama, and more importantly...loyal to the people of the fleet that depend on us to protect em. Now lass, any questions?" asked Matt.

"Yeah...when are you going to lose that frakin annoying Aerilonian accent? You've been around normal-speaking people for months now...try working a little harder on that, will ya farmboy." said Starbuck cracking a weak smile. She turned to Horlach and spoke. "Alright, if you're right, and she is a threat to Adama, then I consider her a threat and will do what you need of me. That Pegasus crew is one step above fraking convicts, who do we have over there that we can trust?"

"Not many I'm afraid. A handful of pilots, and a very small number of the command staff, three at most. Cain has the crew brainwashed into thinking she's all powerful, but trust me... she has weaknesses. Not many, but they're there. As a matter of fact, you may prove invaluable if we're to terminate her command."

"What does that mean?" asked Kara sceptically.

"You'll know at the right time, Captain." replied Horlach cutting her off. "She's going to be expecting you to return to Pegasus, and I'm sure you'll be called onto the carpet for disobeying her command to withdraw from the battle. After this cluster frak with Adama, she's going to be making her move against him soon, we don't have a lot of time to waste. This is a portion of what I have in mind." Former Police Officer, and now viper pilot Jon Horlach went over in detail what needed to be done. Much of it still needed to be ironed out, and time was now critical.

Colonial One – Office of the President

The tension in the small office was extremely palpable. Laura Roslin sat behind her desk reading over the individual logs of both her military officers on the recent attack. Cain and Adama sat apart from each other, the aisle separating them. Neither looked at the other, both were struggling to control their anger. Tasking off her glasses, she finally looked up.

"After reviewing both of your logs covering the last 24 hours, I'm not sure whether to be deeply saddened or furious over the breakdown in command." said Laura flatly. Cain rolled her eyes and sighed, not bothering to conceal her disdain. "Admiral Cain, is there something you wish to say?" asked the president.

"Madam president, let's cut through the felgercarb shall we?" began Cain. "Commander Adama, a subordinate officer, launched a Marine fire team under the escort of two viper squadrons to board my ship and illegally take custody of two prisoners in my brig found guilty of murdering one of my officers." Cain spat the statement out like venom. Her voice loud and harsh.

"Be careful admiral, I'm not accustomed to being yelled at in my own office aboard my own ship! The fleet is protected by the military, but the military still answers to the civilian government. I suggest you keep that fact in mind." Warned Laura, her eyes blazing as she continued on. "The subject of Lieutenant Thorne's death is a serious one, and I was under the impression that the two men accused of killing him would be given a full hearing."

"Under unambiguous military protocol in a time of war, as the senior military officer present, I have the complete authority to convene a Courts martial, and upon hearing all evidence and testimony of the crime, have the authority to render a verdict. They were found guilty, and sentenced appropriately!" countered Cain.

"The war is over admiral... we lost!" interjected Adama dryly.

"No wonder you were given the command of an archaic Battlestar destined to become a floating educational ship. With that attitude, and the Valkyrie incident, it's a wonder your weren't drummed out of the service." snapped Cain.

"Admiral Cain, despite Commander Adama's tone, he's absolutely correct. We are not in a state of war, we haven't been since the day of the attacks against the colonies when the Cylons wiped out every warship in the Colonial Fleet. We lost the war with the Cylons, and now we're running for our very lives to find safety. Absolute military tribunals are not only out of place in our current circumstance, but with the pitiful number of the human race that's left, every life lost is tragic!"

Cain shook her head in disbelief. "It's a wonder you two have survived this long. In all of my years in the service I have never witnessed a complete breakdown of military bearing that I've witnessed on Galactica.. And you, Madam President...I find it appalling that you would countenance such mediocrity in the command structure of the defense force tasked with your survival for so long."

"The two of you almost went to a shooting war over these men, two heavily-armed warships that are counted on for the protection of the fleet. What were you thinking?" she asked, now looking directly at Adama.

"I am not going to let two of my men be killed for an accidental death." charged Adama.

"Your men charged into Galactica's brig, assaulted the guards, and then your deck chief deliberately threw Lt. Thorne against a bulkhead, which resulted in his immediate death. I see no accident! Lt. Thorne was there under my orders, interrogating a Cylon prisoner for vital information." yelled Cain.

"Lieutenant Thorne was sodomizing and beating a prisoner under the color of authority, that doesn't happen on any warship in Colonial Fleet...at least none with a commander with a sense of honor, and decency." added Adama acidly.

"Watch your tone commander, you're lucky you're not facing your own fraking warrant, not yet that is!" threatened Cain.

"Which brings me to my second point admiral, the withdrawal of the Pegasus during the attack." said Laura, letting the last part hang out there.

"Madam President, with all due respect...military operations do not fall under the purview of you or the Quorum. You made that particular deal with Commander Adama yourself at Ragnar Anchorage if I'm not mistaken." pointed out Cain.

"Be that as it may Admiral Cain, past practice will show a genuine consociation between Commander Adama and his staff, and this office in military matters. While the last word, of course belonging to Commander Adama...he was always courteous enough to involve the office of the President, for alternate options."

"How populist!" countered Cain disdainfully. "I'm afraid Commander Adama and I have two entirely opposite views on command." Cain knew this was going nowhere, but in order for her to further her plan to remove Adama from her path she knew she would have to bend for the time being. She leaned back in her chair and sighed, fingers massaging her temples as if she was severely fatigued. "Alright, I'm willing to explore other options involving the punishment of Tyrol and Agathon, what would you suggest Madam President?" Laura was surprised by the reversal of the woman before her, but remained looking ahead impassively.

"Thank you Admiral, I'm pleased we can come meet somewhere in the middle. The incident took place on the Galactica, and it is there that they should be tried by a tribunal of no less than nine ship's captains. You each will be allowed to choose four judges, I will decide upon the ninth one."

Cain bolted up from her seat stone-faced. "Is that all, Madam President?"

"I'm afraid not admiral, there is still the matter of the Pegasus jumping away from the battle on your orders, while repair operations on a civilian ship were yet to be completed." stated Laura.

"That was a tactical decision, madam president...and one that was mine to make. Three baseships were bearing down on our forces, our squadrons were heavily outnumbered and reinforcements were coming in from the Cylon outpost we were supposed to have attacked. I was not about to place the entire fleet in jeopardy by risking the only two battlestars left in existence for one ship with a compliment of barely one hundred!"

"I find that explanation offensive and unacceptable Admiral. The fate of humanity rests on the shoulders of you two officers, every life is precious, and no ship is expendable. I trust this will be the last time something like this ever happens again." said Laura sternly.

"As you wish, Madam president." replied Cain turning on her heel, not waiting to be dismissed. The two remaining occupants of the room stared at each other silently for a moment. Laura broke the silence.

"That wound looks painful Bill, how do you feel?"

"I'll manage." grunted Adama sitting lower in his chair. Laura walked around her desk and sat in the seat Cain had just occupied. She turned to Adama, her face a mask of concern.

"Bill, she's out of control. It's only a matter of time before what little influence I have over her as president will disappear. She cannot be left in command of this fleet, she is a danger!"

"I don't disagree with your assessment, but I don't have many alternatives." replied Adama.

"You've got to kill her!" Laura replied softly, looking him directly in the eyes.

"Pardon me?"

"You heard me Bill, you know it and I know it. She's a danger to this fleet, she doesn't believe in our quest to find Earth, she doesn't believe in civilian control over the military, and she certainly isn't going to allow you, me or anyone else to challenge her authority. I've heard the rumors about her desire to return to the Colonies, it's pure madness!"

"You don't know the half of it Madam President. There is far more to Admiral Cain's months missing in action, than are in her logs." replied Adama bluntly.

"Are you going to fill me in, or what?"

"That depends."

"On what?"

"It depends on whether or not you're going to pour us a drink, because this is a long story." said Adama without smiling.