DR: Well, here we are, the end on the road. This story was always intended to set up these characters for their entrance into another story arc of mine. I hope you've all enjoyed the progress our Colonials have made...
Chapter 8: To the Future
For the next secton, Adama, Achilles and Cain spent hours together behind closed doors, thrashing out the new layout of the Colonial military. Their discussions wandered across every branch of the forces under their command. Adama was determined that there would not be any potential break between them, so he shared his plans with both men, as well as Tigh and Illa when he could. Slowly from the ruins let by the Cylons treacherous attack a new force was emerging.
In sympathy with their work, the Pegasus was also under going a transformation. As Achilles had discovered, most the armour was in fact still useable, and quickly the charred layer was scraped off. With parts onboard the Matriarch both energisers and the life support systems were restored to full working order, and her missing weapons replaced. The only thing that was causing trouble was the gaping hole in Beta Bay. That needed some serious parts that took time to fabricate.
The four Eastern Alliance destroyers were removed to the Matriarchs hold, were Dr Wilker worked with the scientist from Terra to understand the technology, with the hope of upgrading them to Colonial level. The five men and two women still needed a thinner atmosphere than Colonial standard, but each cycle the pressure was increased a fraction. It was hoped that given time they would be able to move about the fleet freely.
The Matriarch became the centre of all the fleet's spares. The Celestra and the foundry ships were tasked with working with the massive ship, and soon the work started by the poorly trained but well motivated people on the smaller vessels was supported by the technical skills and expertise of the former shipyard builders.
All the while the fleet continued it's gentle pace across space, slowed by the work that needed to be done on Pegasus, but not stopping. Everyone knew the Cylons would never stop hunting them, so until they reached Earth or an Earth colony they would keep moving. After the Thunderchild had brought her fleet in and the miraculous return of Cain and the Pegasus, the people's morale soared, and they started to believe that yes, they could do it.
Illa's operation went well, and soon she was able to move about the ship without any pain. The crew began to get used to seeing her striding around, taking care of any number of small jobs for the Commander. While her left leg was never going to work right again, at a gentle pace the limp was barely noticeable. Only after heavy use would the old wound throb once more. In fact Illa was over the moons of Caprica right now. She was able to see her husband and her children every day now, and once more she had an active role to play, since she was the official Fleet Commanders Advisor.
The only fly in the picture was Apollo, and his seeming unwillingness to take a chance on love once more. Illa could understand his worries, since she knew that had Adama died she would have struggled just the same as Apollo was struggling now. But damn it she was not going to let her remaining son ruin his life with his fears! And so, with the help of Achilles, Cassie and Starbuck, she began to plan how to trap the two of them…
x x x x x x
Athena strode down the corridor towards the vast central hall on Galatica. Adama had ordered that as many warriors as possible attend an address on the future of the fleet. Skeleton crews were left on each ship to allow the maximum number to attend. Representatives of each ship in the fleet would also be there, along with the Council of Twelve and Inter-Fleet Broadcasting.
But even as she walked, her mind kept turning towards the Colonel, Achilles. Despite her fears and his apparent ignorance of her, her attraction to him had not faded but rather increased. She had wondered if her feelings for him stemmed from a case of hero-worship, which she suspected was what had caused her crush with Starbuck. He had after all brought another thirty ships with him, including other warships which opened up the chance for a promotion, perhaps her own command. Not to mention bringing the best gift ever, her mother back from the dead.
Now though, she realised that her feelings for him were deeper than that. She felt drawn to him, and every time he had been around for a meeting with her father, every time he called the Galactica's bridge and every time he was round for dinner sent a tingle up her spine.
But she was not going to wait for ever, not this time! Achilles had to be blind to not see how she felt about him. She certainly thought that she had dropped enough clues.
"Lieutenant, may I have a word?" His voice set a storm of butterflies in her stomach as he stepped out of a cross corridor ahead. She noted that he had gone for the full dress uniform, though sticking to that half fleet-officer, half fighter-pilot style of his.
"Sure, but it'll have to be quick. Father's address will be starting soon." She answered him as she stopped next to him.
"Oh, I think we can spend a bit of time. He won't start without me." Achilles smirked smugly.
"Really? And what makes you say that?"
"Ah ah, I'm not giving anything away. Except this…"
Athena crossed her arms, waiting.
"Athena…" He began. "…do you remember how we met, the first time I came to Galactica?"
Did she ever! He had given a short address on the role and capacities of his experimental fighters. Afterwards she, Apollo and Starbuck had headed down to the landing bays to have a closer look at the new fighters. Part way through he had turned up and spoken with them directly.
"Well, I have to say that day is branded on my mind forever. For that day I thought I had met a goddess." Athena blushed at his words. "At first it might have been just simple flyboy lust. But over time I saw you more and more in a different light. I cared for you, just as much as Apollo cares for Sheba now."
"So what stopped you from…"
"Making a move?" He smiled wistfully. "Put simply, my honour. You were all but attached to Starbuck back then, and there was no way in Hades I was going to put a move on a practically sealed woman. No matter how much I wanted to. When I saw you and him start to break apart, I began to think I had a chance.
"But then my transfer orders came through, and I had to leave. I cherished what we had together. I put in for transfers back, even out of my unit, but I was turned down each time." Athena's mouth was now hanging open… she never knew.
"And now?" she dared ask.
"Now? Now I think it's time we explored that path, if you're willing…"
"If I'M…!" Athena shook slightly for a micron, infuriated at his words and the smug look on his face, before she practically leapt at him. Their arms went round each other as their heads came together. The kiss when it came sent waves crashing through her body, and she suddenly felt weak at the knees. But she refused to give in to it and clung to him, drawing strength from his powerful frame.
At last the need for air demanded that they part, and she drew back just enough to look into his eyes. Back in the early days, before the Holocaust, she had thought he was handsome, with those rugged features and deep blue eyes. Now, weathered by time and experience, he was even more so. And she could see in his eyes dancing motes of light that sparkled.
"Oh man… I've been longing to do that since I arrived…" His eyes closed in bliss. "That was everything I imagined…"
"You… you mean ever since…?" Athena mock glared at him; she couldn't summon a real glare thanks to the euphoria that raced through her. "So what in Sagans sake were you doing this past secton!"
"I was making sure that you felt about me the same way I do about you. Had you lost interest, I would have known it was never meant to be."
"That's a dangerous game to play Achilles."
He grinned smugly. "I tend to like it on the edge. Besides, there is another reason…"
"Oh?"
"I had to make sure your parents approved."
"You asked them… if you could…" Athena stammered.
"Kiss you? Not really, but then that's not important. But I did askthem if I could court you."
Athena was truly stunned. The code of honour that ran through anyone from Scorpia was almost legendary. It waxed and waned between people, but it was always there. Courting was a custom that was rarely followed even during the last few yahrens of the Colonies. It tended to be confined to the social elite, governors and statesmen. But on Scorpia it had remained strong and used by nearly all people. If either parents said 'no' to the request, then the man in question was bound by his honour to abide by their word. By asking her parents if he could court her, Achilles had laid his love and his honour on the line.
"Wh… what did they say?" She whispered.
Another sly smile. "What do you think?"
Laughing happily, she kissed him again. Once more currents sparked between them both, and she felt a great surge of passion run through her. She tried to prolong the kiss, but Achilles eventually broke it.
"Come on, we'd best not keep Adama waiting."
Smiling broadly, they walked the rest of the way to the chamber arm in arm.
x x x x x x
Adama sat near the rear of the stage, watching the crowd. Warriors filled the bulk of the mass of people, but there were a large number of civilians too. And he could tell they were starting to get antsy.
He could understand why. Glancing to his left, he saw that Achilles still had not arrived. He sighed. 'Where had that man gotten to? The least he could do was be on time.'
He felt a hand on his right shoulder. "He'll be here Adama, don't worry."
He turned to face his wife. "Do you know where he is then?"
Illa smiled sweetly. "I'm sure he's just breaking the news to Athena…"
Adama couldn't help but smile at the memory of that morning. The two of them had been almost ready to head down to the chamber when the door buzzed. At his invitation, Achilles had entered in full dress uniform. When he had asked why he was there, Achilles had told him it was an urgent matter, one that required both their attentions.
Adama had been expecting many things, but Achilles request to court Athena had floored him. In fact he had ended up falling into his chair.
For almost a centon he had been trying to say something, anything, while Illa had looked at Achilles sharply. Achilles himself had kept a ramrod straight pose, hands at his side, chin up and eyes forward. When she had asked him if he loved her, he had told them both that he had from the moment he had a chance to talk to her.
Illa had nodded at that, and then her face had split into a wide grin. After she gave her approval, Adama at last managed to get his voice back.
"Are you sure Achilles? This is my daughter you're talking about."
"Yes sir Commander, I am aware of that fact, and yes, I am."
He had been unable to maintain the presence any longer. Rounding the desk, he had clapped the younger man on the shoulders, and granted his approval.
The look in Achilles eyes was worth it all.
And now he hoped to put another shine into his daughter's eyes, if she and Achilles would turn up!
As if summoned by his thoughts, they entered the hall, arm in arm. All too soon they had to separate, but not before he had kissed the back of her hand, which had sent a blush racing over her face.
With everyone here at last, he could begin.
"People of the fleet. Over the past yahren, we have endured much, but we have all come together to survive. Over the last twelve cycles our numbers have grown, and we welcome back both old friends and new faces. And once more, we have a fleet of ships to defend our people.
"But this can not be an excuse for laxity. The Cylon menace is still out there, and we have no way of knowing what other dangers may lurk in the dark. Our people grow stronger, but until such a time as we find a new home for them, be it on Earth itself or within her empires boarders, we must remain vigilant.
"With the reformation of the fleet, it is long past time that we acknowledge the dedication, courage and bravery of our Warriors, as well as the hard work of those who may not fight, but ensure our warriors can.
"Therefore, it gives me great pleasure to announce the following. With Commander Cain's return to the fleet, I have placed in his care the task of devising the tactics to defend the fleet. He will be my second.
"There will come a time when we run out of space on our ships, if we have not found Earth by then. So we will need to procure new ships to house our people. Colonel Achilles will be in charge of this area, as well as developing new ships for the fleet. He will retain his command of the Thunderchild, and is third in command of the fleet.
"All current commanders will retain their commands, but even so we have command slots that need to be filled, as well as a battlestar that requires a full crew and fighter complement.
"And so, after much discussion with Commander Cain and both Colonels Achilles and Tigh, it has been decided to transfer both Red and Bronze Spar Squadrons to the Pegasus, along with a full crew from the Galactica." There was a round of muttered from the pilots on Galactica. Everyone had expected that the Pegasus's original squadrons would have been returned.
"This move is to promote a feeling of unity between both ships, as well as within the fleet. In addition, both battlestars will host a third squadron, comprised of the Scorpion fighters that have been reassembled within the Matriarch. For now, these two squadrons will be our second line of defence, where our newest warriors will serve until they are ready for actual combat.
"And now, to fill the empty command slots. It is in the regulations that each squadron has an officer of at least captain in rank in command. After careful selection, it gives me great pleasure to announce the following promotions." He looked down at his podium for a micron.
"Lieutenant Bojay is advanced to the rank of Captain, and is assigned Bronze Spar Squadron." A great roar of cheering came from the pilots, while Bojay looked stunned.
"Lieutenant Boomer is also advanced to Captain, and will command Red Squadron." The cheers were a little muted this time, since the crew and pilots of Galatica would miss the stoic and ever calm pilot. But they all knew that he deserved it.
Starbuck slapped the shocked Boomer on the arm. "Better you than me buddy."
Adama smiled as he had seen Starbuck actions. "I wouldn't be so sure, Lieutenant Starbuck. Or should I say Captain Starbuck of Blue Squadron?"
Starbucks jaw fell so fast and far his cigar fell from his lips, while around him pilots cheered and laughed at the look on his face.
"Nearly all the veteran's from Blue, Red, Silver Spar and Bronze Spar squadrons are also advanced one rank." Adama smiled. "As newly minted flight sergeants and lieutenants, you may apply for another squadron if you so wish."
Sheba's head sank. He hadn't picked her to command a squadron. Little did she know that Adama was saving the best, not to mention the ones most personal to him, for last.
"Lieutenant Sheba is also advanced to Captain, and will now take full command of Silver Spar squadron." A massive bout of cheering echoed throughout the hall as Sheba gaped like a fish out of water.
"Strike Captain Apollo, it is with great pleasure that I announce that you are to be advanced to Strike Major, in command of all fighter operations and procurement." Apollo blinked for a micron before he burst into a broad grin at his father. He may have lost direct command of Blue squadron, but he would still be in the loop.
"After the untimely death of Commander Kronus, our ships which ensure that the rest of the fleet remains in working order and provides us with new fighters no longer have a leader. Therefore I now attach the supply ship, the Celestra under Lieutenant Aurora's command, and all our foundry and mineral ships to Major Pitt's of the Matriarch command." Aurora's jaw dropped in shock. After the debacle of the 'Celestra incident', she had thought herself extremely lucky to escape without any serious punishment. But now Adama not only promoted her, but gave her the Celestra!
"And lastly one final item. Achilles has brought to my attention that one of our destroyers suffered a terrible misfortune recently." Everyone knew he was referring to the Rosetta.
"So far Junior Officer Hathoway has performed an excellent job, but her lack of experience means that I can not in full conscious give her command." Hathoway shrugged at this while others around her began to mutter once more. She had expected this.
"However, that does not mean that she is not worthy of recognition. Therefore she is to be advanced to the rank of Lieutenant, and to assume the role of the Rosetta's first officer." Hathoway looked up in amazement now, her breath gone.
"Choosing a new captain for the Rosetta was not easy. There were many people who could fulfil the role. Command of a Guardian has long been considered the first step towards reaching the lofty heights of Commander and the honour of commanding a battlestar. The Guardians have been our world's first line of defence for hundreds of Yahrens, and even though the Colonies are no more, those ships will maintain that role. It is a difficult task, living up to such high expectations. So after much consideration we have decided to advance Lieutenant Athena…" Athena's eyes, as did her mothers, widened in shock at the sound of her name. "…to the rank of Captain, and for her to take command of the Rosetta."
Once more the gathered warriors cheered without restraint, as many of them had seen how the attractive and mentally strong brunette had been almost marginalised and stuck with tasks that she was not suited for. But now at last she was given the chance to show her true mettle. Adama raised his hands to gesture for quiet.
"And now, let us celebrate, to the future!"
x x x x x x
Like he had been for most of his off-duty time since they had arrived in this new spiral arm, Apollo was in the celestial dome, charting the stars and waiting for another gamma transmission. While the Galactica was now able to pick them up with its own comm system, the receiver in the dome was still more sensitive.
However more that just the stars and the hiss of static were on his mind. Sheba constantly slid in, and he would find himself sitting there, sighted on a star, but not actually reading the displays. The image of her face when we heard that she was to be given command of Silver Spar squadron as a full captain back at the celebration the previous cycle was one that was especially hard to ignore.
Shaking his head, he turned to sight another star, only to find a Guardian blocking his line of sight. He smiled when he saw the name on her bow, Rosetta. Athena had been bubbling over with excitement at getting her first command. It almost outshined the stunning news that Achilles was courting her.
Apollo was still struggling to come to terms with that. He truly liked Achilles, but he had never seen anything passing between either of them. Then again he was having troubles of his own…
'No, don't go there.' He told himself. He bent back to his star-sighting, but the clunk of the hatch opening distracted him. Turning to see who it was, he was not surprised to see Starbuck climbing out.
"Ah, haven't we been in this situation before?" He joked after he had removed the ear guards.
"I suppose we have…" Apollo sighed. "So why are you up here this time?" He asked good-naturedly.
"Well, what with Boomer, Bojay and Athena leaving the ship for their own commands, everyone's gathered in the officers club for a farewell party." Starbuck grinned. "And you know what? You are duly summoned Major."
Apollo sighed again before shutting down the consoles. He expected that once more he would come face to face with Sheba, her eyes asking him 'that' question with every glance. But he was not ready to give her an answer. Not yet.
Slowly he followed Starbuck down the access ladder, sealing the dome away once more in silence. As he did so, he wondered if just like last time, a signal would be received while he was away…
Up in the dome, one monitor remained on; Apollo had forgotten to switch it off. The crackle of static was far too faint to disturb the quiet of the dome. But then something began to break through…
"... hono... Thes...re the core qua...es of a true Zo...arrior. Over this last yea...e have seen...qualit...isplayed ...and over again. Ladies and Gent...en, it give...great pleas...to present th...nners of...Royal Cu...he Blit...eam!"
On the small screen, past the static and snow, the image of an older, distinguished man sweeping his arm out to gesture towards something off camera could be made out. As the sound faded into the buzz of static, one last static laced image came through; four young people dressed in loose brightly coloured clothing stood together. And behind them was a giant metallic white on black cat, the head open in a roar of triumph, each gold tooth gleaming…
To be continued in 'Reuniting the Tribes'
DR: And there we are. I had intended to have Apollo and Sheba locked in that dome until they resolved their feelings, but I couldn't think of a way to do it properly. So I decided to fix them up in the next story.
DR: Just to answer an earlier question, I figured that Sheba was already in command of Silver Spar Squadron... unoffically. The actual captain died at Molacay, and as the most senior lieutenant, she took over. But it was not offical. Adama just made it offical.
DR: I hope people liked Adama's speach. Took a lot of work to get the start right.
Bit: Hey, that's me and the team at the end! And Liger!
DR: Hush you! They were supposed to figure that out themselves!
Bit: Oh.
DR: For a continuation of these characters, look out for 'Reuniting the Tribes', Either in the 'Zoids' or 'Crossovers' sections, once I decide which one to put it in. Course, If anyone want's to run with this in another direction, feel free. And don't forget to review! Ta ta for now!
