2669.321 Briefing room TCS Victory: Vagabond informed Captain Eison ,Col Blair and Lt. Col Taylor of what had occurred after Flint had started back to the Victory. He also told him of meeting the colonials, and a brief history of the colonials. He informed the Captain of the idea of Confed and the colonials working together to face this new threat. He then handed the Captain two data cards from his pocket.
"These are all the files that the Galactica had on the cylons, there equipment and tactics. The cards also contain all the data on their Battlestar, and their Vipers.".
"Where did you get this data Vagabond?" Chris asked.
"From my father, Commander Apollo." Hera told him.
They hadn't heard Lt. Peters and Ensign Hera enter.
"He thought it would be helpful to you. And to prove that we want to be a useful ally.".
Captain Eison looked at Hera, "Ah, Ensign, I didn't hear you come in. What can you tell us about these cylons.".
"Well sir, the cylons were originally a race of intelligent and technologically advanced reptilians. When they first encountered humans, they saw that our form was the most adaptable. So they built a series of robots based on our anatomy. After less than 100 yahren, uh years, the machines rose up and killed off the original cylon race. The robots were under the command of a single, highly intelligent robot that we only know is called the Imperious Leader.".
"That was just before the start of the 1000 year war. 25 years ago, they lured our fleet to what was to be a peace conference. But was an ambush instead, they attacked our home worlds at the same time. My grandfather, Commander Adama was able to save the Battlestar Galactica from being destroyed, but he was unable to save the colonies. After the attack, he gathered as many survivors as possible in any ship that could fly, and set off into the stars. We were searching for a planet called Earth. We have met a few beings along the way who have helped us, and gave us the general direction of Earth. We also found the Battlestar Pegasus, which was commanded by my other grandfather Commander Cain. We thought the Pegasus was lost to us again, during a battle with 2 cylon base-stars. But we caught up with them again 12 years ago. My aunt Athena is in Command of the Pegasus now.".
Over the next few hours, Hera answered all of the questions that were asked of her. Most of them were from Lt. Col. Taylor. She also handed Captain Eison a copy of the Book of the Ancients.
"This is what my grandfather used to determine the fleets course to earth. It also has a history of the planet Kobol in it.".
The Captain looked at the book, "This looks like Egyptian hieroglyphics. See if you can translate this Col Taylor.".
"Well Ensign, we'll have to pass this data up the chain of command, and see what they want us to do.".
"Yes Captain, I understand.".
"In the meantime Ensign, consider yourself our guest. Lt. Chang will escort you to quarters. See to it Lt..".
"Yes sir Captain." he answered with a smile.
"Dismissed people." everyone except Col. Taylor left the briefing room.
"Captain, you were right, the computer scan of the book shows that 95 of the language is the same as ancient Egyptian.".
"Well make me a translation of it, and send a copy of all the data to Admiral Terrell. And inform him that I wish to take the Victory to meet with the colonial fleet.".
"Yes sir. I'll have the translation downloaded to your office before I send the data.".
As he was leaving the briefing room, the Captain met Chief Tech Coriolas.
"Rachel, how is Vagabond's Excalibur?",
"Well Captain, it's still missing armor, but all of the systems are working perfectly. The thruster assembly is weird though.".
"What do you mean Rachel?",
"Well sir it's not a Confed design.",
"Yes, Vagabond told us about that, his assembly had been destroyed, so the Techs on the Galactica replaced it with one of theirs.".
"Sir, is it possible to get more of them?",
"Why Rachel?",
"Because their assembly is at least 15 more efficient than ours sir. To tell you the truth Captain, whoever fixed the ship can work on my team anytime.".
"Thank you Rachel, I'll pass that along.".
Vagabond checked in the computer for Hera's room assignment, and then took her there. He showed her how the bathroom and shower worked, and how to access the ships computer. Her access was limited, but she still was amazed by what she could access. As they were sitting at the desk, her stomach growled,
"Oh I'm such an idiot. I completely forgot about dinner." Vagabond said.
"Ensign Hera, would you care to join me for dinner in the officers mess.".
"I would be delighted Lt. Chang.".
"I should warn you Hera, the food won't be like anything your used to, but the cooks do a good job. And we don't have anything like ambrosia on board.".
"Well then Lt. I put myself in your hands, I'm sure that together we can navigate through one meal.".
They both started laughing, and headed to the officers mess. Vagabond didn't want to overwhelm her so he kept it simple. An eight ounce steak, French fries and a small vegetable salad with Italian dressing. For a beverage, he chose iced tea, and for dessert he chose a fruit salad. As they were eating, Chris and Robin came to their table,
"May we join you?" Chris asked.
"Of course Col.." Vagabond offered as he stood up.
After Robin sat down, the men sat down. Hera leaned over and whispered to Robin,
"I see what you mean." and the two of them started to laugh.
Chris and Vagabond just looked at the girls and then each other. "We may be in trouble Winston." the girls just started laughing again.
After dinner, Vagabond and Hera went on a tour of the Victory, and then returned to her quarters. As they were walking, Hera asked,
"Vagabond, why do your people have so many names?".
"Well Hera, there were so many people on earth, that most people had two names. First is their given name, and then their family or clan name. Take my name for example. My given name is Winston, but my families name is Chang.".
"So why do most people call you Vagabond?".
"Well that's my call sign. Pilots have been using call signs instead of names since our people first started flying over 700 years ago, to cut down on confusion in combat.".
"I see, so who were your people fighting?".
"Usually each other, for a long time our people where split into nation states known as countries. It wasn't until the last half of the 21st century that all of earth finally united. From what I read on the Galactica, your peoples history was similar.".
When they arrived at her quarters, Hera asked Vagabond to show her how to access some music on the computer. He accessed the entertainment files and brought up the music selections. "Any request's.",
"Yes, how about a song like you played in your quarters on your pocket comp.".
"Alright then.".
Vagabond picked a selection of Latin music and set them on auto play. When the music started, Hera found herself swaying to the music.
"Come and dance with me Winston.".
Ever the gentleman, Vagabond started to dance with Hera.
After several numbers, they were sweating, and a little out of breath. Then a slow tempo song came on, and Vagabond took Hera's hand, and showed her how to slow dance. She liked how close they danced, and she liked the feel of Vagabond being so close. She could feel her heartbeat quicken as they danced together, and as the song was ending she looked at Winston. Then they kissed, a deep and passionate kiss, then Vagabond stopped.
"I should leave now Hera. If I don't leave now, I may not want to later.".
Hera looked into his eyes, "I don't want you to leave Winston" she whispered .
Then she took his hand and put it on her chest. He could feel her heartbeat as it was pounding in her chest.
"Your making it do that.".
She kissed him again, then walked toward the bunk. She laid down on the bunk and held out her hand. Without a word, he took her hand and joined her as she pulled him to the bunk.
Captain Eison spent several hours reading the Book of the Ancients. When he stopped reading he thought,
"This is certainly going to raise a few eyebrows back on earth.".
He then turned in for the night. The next morning, Captain Eison checked in with Lt. Rollins,
"Any news from Confed Lt.?",
"Not yet sir.",
"Let me know as soon as we get anything.",
"Aye aye sir.".
He then headed to the officers mess. When he arrived he saw Col. Blair and Lt. Peters.
"Good morning Captain." Robin said with a smile.
"Good Morning Lt., you seem to be doing better today.",
"Yes she is Captain, ever since Vagabond came back." Chris chuckled.
"Well whatever the reason Lt., I'm glad to see you smile again.",
"Why thank you Captain.".
"Speaking of Vagabond, has any one seen him or Ensign Hera today?",
"Not yet Captain. But I believe that Vagabond was giving her a tour of the ship after dinner last night." Chris said.
Just then they saw Vagabond coming into the mess. He quickly gathered a selection of fruits and cheeses, and a thermos of hot tea and 2 cups. Without a word, he left the mess. Captain Eison just looked at Chris and Robin,
"Well that was unusual.".
Holding back a laugh, Chris just nodded his head, "Yes sir.".
Robin quickly kicked Chris under the table.
"Oh.".
"Leg cramp Col?",
"Uh yes sir, quite suddenly.",
"Ah yes, I've had a few of those in my day. Especially when my wife is around.".
The three of them laughed a little then finished their breakfast.
Hera woke up just as Vagabond was closing the door. She saw the food tray, and realized that she was starving. Vagabond set the tray on the desk and poured some tea. Hera wrapped the sheet around herself and walked over to Vagabond.
"Morning.",
"Good morning to you." and he kissed her.
She sat at the desk and looked at the tray of food.
"It all smells wonderful.".
"Wait until you taste it.".
Hera tried a little of everything, she liked the Cheddar and the Colby cheeses, but not the Blue cheese. She really loved the fruits that were there, especially the strawberries. The tea was a little bitter, but Vagabond added some honey to it, and it was much better. After they ate, he told her to take a shower, and that he would be right back.
Hera was a little surprised that the shower was actually running water. She was used to a sonic shower, but the hot water felt really good for some reason. When she stepped out of the shower she felt refreshed and alive. Vagabond was just returning as she was getting out of the shower, and he just stood there for a moment watching her dry off. She looked up and saw him standing there smiling. He had a bundle of blue clothes in his hands.
"I thought that I would return the favor." and he handed her a few uniforms.
"If they don't fit well, what can I say, I don't have Lt. Valus's eye for measuring."
Hera laughed at that, "I'm sure that they'll fit just fine. Besides when on Gemon."
Vagabond now laughed.
"What?" Hera asked.
"Well on earth, there's an old saying that's just about the same. When in Rome.".
Now they both laughed, "I guess that were more alike than we realized.",
"I guess your right Lt.".
As she was dressing, there was a chime at the door. When Vagabond answered the door, he saw Robin there.
"Oh good your both here." she said with a little smile.
"The Captain would like to see you both right away in the briefing room.".
Vagabond and Hera entered the briefing room 5 minutes later. The Captain and Col Blair were already there.
"Good you're here. We just heard from Confed, the high command agrees with your idea of an alliance to fight this new threat. I have been authorized to take the Victory and the Armstrong through the jump point and rendezvous with your fleet. The Excelsior will stay here until the Confed fleet arrives. Show them the plan Col.".
"Yes sir. Before the Victory and Armstrong jump, We're going to send 2 Excalibur's cloaked through the jump point first. They will sweep the area, and destroy any cylon patrols. 15 minutes later, the Victory and Armstrong will jump through and proceed to the rendezvous point supplied by your father.".
Vagabond asked, "Who's flying this one Col.?",
"Maniac and Primate will be sweeping the area around the jump point. Then they'll land after we jump through. With any luck, the cylons won't even know that we've been there.".
"When do we jump Captain?".
"Well Vagabond, the Excalibur's are prepping now. And we should be ready to jump in 20 minutes. With fortune on our side, we should rendezvous with the colonial fleet in about 4 hours. Ensign, I would like it if you were on the bridge when we rendezvous with your fleet.".
"Of course Captain.".
Maniac and Primate took off 5 minutes later. Everyone else prepped the Victory for the jump. Hera and Vagabond were on the bridge as the Victory headed to the jump point. Hera was enthralled as she watched the area of space in front of the Victory grow bright white, and all of space became bright white for few minutes. Then they were back in space.
"Recon flight to base. Negative contacts on our sweep. Returning to base."
The Victory and Armstrong set course for the coordinates given to them by Commander Apollo. When they were halfway there, the sensor officer called the Captain.
"Sir, I'm showing about 70 ships of varying sizes.",
"How soon will we have a visual Lt.",
"Not for another hour sir.",
"Let me know when we do.",
"Aye aye sir.".
"Captain, you already have our fleet on your scanners?",
"Yes Ensign.",
"By the Lords, we could use scanners like that on the Galactica.".
"We'll see Ensign, we'll see.".
After just over an hour, the Victory crew got their first glimpse of the colonial fleet.
"Rollins, see if you can contact the Galactica on the frequency they gave us.",
"Yes sir.".
Onboard the Galactica, Col. Omega was informed of an incomming signal.
"Commander Apollo.",
"What is it Omega.",
"We're getting a transmission on Beta channel sir.".
"Patch it up to me.",
"Yes Commander.".
The monitor was fuzzy for a moment, but then cleared. Apollo saw Hera in a strange uniform, standing next to what looked like a man from Leon.
"Commander Apollo, I would like to introduce Captain William Eison of the Confederation Space Force ship Victory.".
"Hello Commander, welcome to the Fariss quadrant of the Gemini sector. We should be rendezvousing with your fleet in just about an hour, or a centar as you call them.".
"I look forward to meeting with you Captain.".
"As do I Commander. You should be proud of Ensign Hera, she's a very well spoken ambassador. It was her speech which convinced the high command to proceed with this meeting.".
"We're all very proud of her Captain.".
"Commander, our chief Tech would like to meet with your senior tech, to see about possible sharing of technologies. If that's alright with you.".
"By all means Captain, we'll take any help we can get, and offer the same in return.".
"Well then, we'll see you in a centar. Victory out.".
Apollo called Sheba in her office. "Sheba.",
"Yes Apollo.",
"Hera's coming home, and she's bringing guests."
Apollo could see the relief in Sheba's smile.
"Tell Starbuck and Bojay to meet me in landing bay Alpha in dress uniform with an honor guard before they arrive.".
"How much time do we have?",
"Just about a centar.",
"We'll be ready.".
Apollo then called President Tigh, to have him inform the quorum. His next call was to Virgil.
"It seems that you've impressed them Virgil. Their chief tech wants to meet with you to possibly exchange technologies. I would like it if you were there when they arrive.".
"You got it Commander.".
"Omega.",
"Yes Commander.",
"Patch us through to the Pegasus.",
"Yes sir.".
A few microns later Apollo saw Athena on the monitor. "Athena, how soon can you get to the Galactica.",
"In about 10 centons, why?".
"Well you may want to change first, your niece is bringing home some guests."