CHAPTER 20 OF THE PHOENIX AND THE WOLVERINE
Space; the last co-ordinates of the Colonial Fleet...
The two cylon scouts emerged from the jump and immediately began to search the area for their targets. Their sensor picked up specific traces of decaying radiation which indicated that colonials ships had been there recently.
They had missed them by 6 hours; 20 minutes and 14 seconds.
Of the 'alien' ship...they were unsure of what to look for; so they could only rely on the visual sensors and DRADIS.
The scouts flew lazily around the system; searching for any sign of the fleet and the Xavier. Once they were satisfied that there was no sign of them; they began to transmit their data.
Then they waited for the next set of instructions.
The Galactica; the Flight bay...
Commander Lee Adama stared straight ahead as the sleek alien looking shuttle slowly drifted into the bay. As usual he had marines waiting on deck but he had reduced their numbers slightly.
He had sternly warned them to appear professional and non-threatening. Sharon, Kara and Rogers stood behind him and wisely kept silent.
The craft swung round gently as its settled to the flight deck; after a few minutes the side door opened.
Lee found himself trying to see as much as he could into the shuttle but it was too far away to make out the interior.
Captain Logan got out first; he was wearing a grey shirt with rolled up sleeves. He was followed by the hologram who was still in it's red and black uniform. At the moment it seemed to be lifting out a long cylinder like structure which was roughly 4 feet high.
"What the frak are those ?" muttered Kara; she sounded worried.
"Let's find out," said Lee softly. He started walking towards the shuttle. Sharon and Kara looked at each other before following the CAG. A silent pale Rogers was not far behind.
As the four got closer to the shuttle; the hologram removed two more towers like the first one.
Logan looked up as they approached. "Commander Adama."
"Captain Logan; do you require assistance ?" asked Lee. Now that he was closer he could see what appeared to be lots of files with writings on the front and the side. He quickly looked at the hologram and saw the small circular device was still on his left shoulder.
"Not really; I think Q has got the rest out," said Logan then his gaze settled on Starbuck , Sharon and Rogers.
"Lieutenant Thrace; Lieutenant Agathon ...and Ensign Rogers. I see you're our new welcoming committee," said Logan in a dry voice.
"Good to see you again Captain," said Sharon carefully.
Logan looked at her; he glanced at the CAG as he answered. "Glad someone thinks so."
Lee felt his face heat up. "What are these ?"
Q Junior answered him. "Part of what the President asked for Commander."
"Part?" asked Kara.
"Yes Lieutenant Thrace...I don't believe we have met. I'm Ensign Q Junior," he stuck out his right hand.
Kara stared at it for a few seconds then fully conscious of everyone watching her; she shook Q's hand a bit gingerly. To her amazement it felt solid ; like a real hand.
To his credit the hologram did not show any sign that he noticed her hesitation; he pointed to the towers of files.
"This is a brief summary of the history of Earth until present date; I'm afraid a full history will need a lot more paper," he paused " however I do have an epad with the full history of Earth and the Federation." He pointed towards the small bag he was carrying.
"We'll discuss it with the Admiral," said Lee barely hiding the distrust in his voice.
Q Junior shrugged then turned to Lieutenant Sharon who was watching him closely.
"I'm Lieutenant Agathon," she also stuck out her right hand and Q Junior took it with a smile.
The smile dimmed a bit when he saw Ensign Rogers.
"Ensign Rogers," said Q Junior with a nod.
. The pilot looked a bit surprised at the hologram's curt greeting.
"Good to see you Ensign Q," Rogers opened his mouth to say something else then realized the Captain of the Xavier was watching him closely.
"Glad...you brought this stuff," continued the colonial ensign awkwardly. Unbeknownst to them he had been about to ask about Laura, in the nick of time he remembered that her father stood next to him.
And he had very sharp long metal claws.
Rogers saw the Captain of the Xavier raise an eyebrow as if he knew what he was thinking.
"Now that we have all been introduced...I just have a few questions before we go for the meeting."
Everyone looked at the CAG.
"Are there any weapons we should be aware of?"
Logan stared at him.
"I mean apart from your enhancements," said Lee hastily.
"I assure you that the devices on my person are only used for analysis; recording ; diagnostic and therapeutic purposes...they are not weapons," said Q Junior saving Lee from embarrassing himself further.
Lee looked at the hologram; in his mind he saw Q Junior as a potentially dangerous weapon and wished the 'Ensign' was back on board the Xavier.
"Fine...do you need help transporting the documents ?" asked Lee.
The hologram smiled at him. "Nope; they are on 3 mobile grav-lifts which are touch-keyed to follow us to the meeting room."
Lee nodded; then hesitated before asking the question which was plaguing him. "Do you mind telling us what that device on your left shoulder is for?"
He was watching Q Junior carefully and saw the smile leave the hologram's face.
"It's my holoemitter; is there a problem ?"
Lee successfully kept the smile out of his voice; Tyrol had been right.
Now he knew Q Junior's weakness.
"Not at all; please come this way."
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Logan observed his surroundings as he walked to the meeting room; this time they only had an escort of two marines who walked behind him. They gently pushed two of the grav-platforms while Q Junior pushed the 1st one in front of the small group.
The teenager was talking with Sharon. It was obvious that she regarded Q Junior with some awe and disbelief.
She most likely was finding it hard to believe that the boy was a hologram.
While Lee Adama kept glancing at the boy like a cat which was eyeing its prey. It had to be the damn holo-emitter; the CAG was probably thinking that was Q's weak point.
Logan resisted the urge to wipe the smug look off the CAG's face.
"How's Dr Grey?"
He turned to face Lieutenant Starbuck who was regarding him warily as she walked beside him.
"She's fine. Who did you piss off to get stuck with guard duty ?" asked Logan bluntly.
Kara smiled, she could relate to his frank attitude. " I got lucky; besides Sharon and I kinda know you more than the rest of the fleet."
"So you're supposed to be the familiar face huh ? How's Specialist Cally ; Hotdog and Nails?"
Kara was pleased and surprised that he had remembered the others.
"They are alright; Cally is resting as she should and the others have resumed their duties."
Lee turned his head to give her a stern look.
What the frak is his problem ? Thought Kara; she hadn't exactly given any sensitive information !
"Well; glad to hear someone is having a good day."
Kara nodded; then approached the next question carefully.
"Pardon me for asking...is your daughter alright ?"
This time Lee gave her a stunned then furious look.
Logan looked at her for several moments before answering. "She's one tough kid...she's okay; thanks again for asking."
Kara released a slight sound of relief; she had been 90% sure that Logan would shut her out for asking about his daughter who the XO almost killed.
In a few more minutes they reached the same meeting room that Logan and Q Junior had been in.
Before they entered Logan heard Q Junior ask Sharon about an Ensign Sara Calter; she looked confused until Ensign Rogers came to her rescue.
"The last time I saw her; she had splints attached to her legs. She's doing a lot better thanks to you. The others are also well."
He speaks; thought Logan with amusement.
Then he noticed how Q Junior grudgingly thanked the ensign for the update.
What's up with Junior? Logan looked at Ensign Rogers; apart from looking a bit pale with a left forearm cast, he did not have a threatening attitude around him.
Logan made a mental note to ask Q Junior what the problem was when they were back on the shuttle.
And then again the cast was evidence of recent injury. Why was he at this meeting ?
Lee Adama just observed the conversation with a blank expression.
Once they reached the meeting room, Logan noticed that Kara waited outside; while Agathon and Rogers went in with their small group.
"Let me guess; you're to be ...next door," Logan's eyes went to a closed door on the right side of the meeting room.
The marines were now in a different room; but that did not stop Logan from smelling the fear and anxiety coming from the new room.
Kara stared at him in shock. "Eh...yeah."
"Hope you enjoy the show," said Logan with a small smile as he entered the meeting room behind the CAG.
The female colonial pilot stared at the door long after it had closed.
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Sharon tried to keep calm as they entered the meeting room.
Earlier, when the shuttle had landed she had hoped Dr Grey would be attending this meeting. Her disappointment at not seeing the doctor was replaced with curiosity when she saw Ensign Q; the hologram.
He was absolutely fascinating; she was finding it very hard to believe that he was a hologram. He had the mannerisms of an eager to please teenager.
He seemed so real.
Sharon's thought returned to the present as she focused on the people already waiting in the meeting room.
Admiral Adama; President Roslin; the Vice president; Tory Foster and Lieutenant Gaeta.
Astonishingly; there were no armed marines present.
Their eyes widened when they saw the piles of files that Q Junior had arranged.
As for the colonials; they had prepared a single small pile of files and what looked like a colonial data epad.
Everyone stood to welcome them.
"Captain," said Admiral Adama " and Ensign Q, welcome back."
"Admiral; President and Vice president," said Logan calmly as they all resumed their seats.
Roslin looked once more at the huge files before concentrating on the captain.
"Thanks for coming back...for this second meeting we will have Lieutenant Sharon Agathon and Ensign Rogers joining us.
The lieutenant is our chief resident expert on cylons...because she's one of them."
A thoughtful look appeared on the captain's face as he looked at the uncomfortable looking cylon.
"We're already aware of the fact that she is a cylon."
"How do you know this?" asked Zarek in a confrontational manner.
Logan looked at him. "The scanners of the Xavier picked up on the fact when she came on board."
"So; you can tell she's not human," said Zarek with some smug certainty.
Sharon felt her face heat up and was sure it was quite red.
Logan narrowed his eyes. "What the scans stated was that she was humanoid with a slightly different DNA structure which is almost similar to the DNA of a human of Earth ancestry...so in summary she's probably as human as you or I."
Zarek stared at him in shock; he opened his mouth to speak.
Sharon smiled inwardly at the expression on the vice-president's face.
"I'm sure this would be a fascinating debate for us to discuss at length in the near future but right now we need to concentrate of more important matters," interjected Admiral Adama before he gave in to the temptation to shoot the stupid vice-president.
"Agreed," said Roslin who gave the vice president a very stern look; the two glared at each other for a few moments before Zarek backed down.
"Captain Logan; we have complied a summary of our history but in order for you to appreciate the full history of the Colonies of Kobol and our religion; we have also complied a data epad."
Logan could not help but share a look with Q Junior.
President Roslin expected them to trust Colonial electronic devices ?
"Madam President, thanks for the files and the data epad.
However; as well as compiling a large number of documents which briefly explain Earth's history; I have also complied a data epad of Earth's history, religions and government and also the history of the Federation.
The data padd connectivity has been disabled so it is not networked with the Xavier."
Q Junior brought out the data padd and laid it on the table beside the colonial epad. The two devices were in no way alike.
The colonial epad was thicker and bulkier ; while the Federation device was slim and looked extremely light.
Talk about comparing a 2004 Ferrari to a 1950s beetle Volkswagen.
Logan could not help but smile drily when he saw the expressions before him. It was a mixture of fear and eagerness to take the data padd.
"I appreciate the gesture...but we will start with the paper documents first; please keep the data padd," said Roslin as she covered up her uneasiness concerning Q Junior's data padd.
Q Junior tried to hide his disappointment as he retrieved the data padd; Gaeta watched it go with longing in his eyes.
Logan was ready to bet his next cigar that the Junior Lieutenant would have loved to take the data padd apart in order to see how it worked.
Roslin looked at the next topic on her list and then turned to Zarek and nodded.
"I have a few questions about the ...allies of Earth. How involved are they in Earth's government?" asked Zarek with a frown on his face.
Logan looked at Q Junior. "You're up Ensign."
Q Junior answered carefully. "Each member of the Federation has a central government which rules their planet.
Under the rules of the Federation each planet has autonomy. So the other governments do not interfere and neither does Earth interfere in their affairs.
The Federation is more of an alliance of worlds which works together to protect each other and maintain the peace."
Adama narrowed his eyes at the last few words.
"Who is the leader of the Federation?" asked Roslin.
"The leader is elected every 6 years; eligible candidates are citizens of the Federation. However the Capital of the Federation is Earth.
The current leader is a human female; Nanietta Bacco; since 2379."
Admiral Adama raised an eyebrow. "You let aliens...like the Vulcans and Andorians govern Earth ?"
"They are not just responsible for Earth Admiral; but for the entire Federation which has more than 180 home-worlds as members and 1000s of planets as colonies," said Logan calmly " it's a big job so why shouldn't each planet get a chance to share the burden?"
Logan noted the various expressions of discomfort and disbelief. Only Sharon stared at him with what looked like...hope.
Talk about xenophobia, this was just getting better and better; thought Logan sarcastically.
Zarek looked at his document then at Logan squarely.
"Well; we need to get to Earth...are you willing to give us the co-ordinates ?"
Admrial Adama looked at the vice president with barely concealed surprise while Roslin just stared at him.
It looks like Zarek is not following the script thought Logan.
" You want the co-ordinates for Earth?" It was not a question.
Logan looked at each of the colonials.
"Okay...just please tell me if you're prepared to go to war."
Everyone tensed at his last words.
"What do you mean?" asked Admiral Adama warily.
Logan stared at him. "We're about 4 months from Federation Space at maximum warp. Anyone going in the direct route will run into the Romulans; the Klingons and a lot of other races out there.
I have watched your reactions when Q mentioned the other alien races; they range from disbelief to disgust.
Believe me when I state that it's that kind of attitude that these races will interpret as an insult which can lead to a declaration of war."
Stunned silence followed his words.
Adama stared at Logan and could see that he was deadly serious.
"Most humans are considered as citizens of the Federation; there are a few who are not..."
"So any aliens meeting us may automatically assume we are part of the Federation?" interrupted Tory Foster.
Everyone looked at her and she flushed at the scrutiny.
"Yes, Ms Foster," agreed Logan "now do you see why you need us to help you get to Federation space?"
Apart from the obvious fact that the cylons are looking for you thought Logan.
"Captain Logan...asking us to trust you is a huge risk," said Roslin plainly.
Logan tilted his head to one side. "Mrs President; you want me to give you the co-ordinates of our homeworld...Earth. You also have the cylons after you.
Which one of us is taking a bigger risk ?"
Admiral Adama could not help but agree, but he was responsible for 40,000 lives and he was tired of seeing his people die slowly...day by day.
"So...what can we do to reduce the risk?" asked the Admiral.
Logan met his steady gaze with one of his own.
This man is a warrior ; definitely not a diplomat, thought the Admiral.
"We can't reduce the risk," stated Logan bluntly " but we can prepare for it."
Zarek found himself leaning forward. "How?"
Logan was quick in answering. "Intel...lots of it," he turned to Sharon.
Admiral Adama felt the tension reduce in the room somewhat. Captain Logan was not thinking of abandoning them but he seemed determined to find out everything about their now common enemy.
The cylons.
"What do you want to know?" asked Sharon after she got a nod from the Admiral.
Logan seemed to relax in his seat. "First of all...what were you and the cylons doing on the planet ?"
"You mean Hera's planet ?" asked Lee Adama.
The captain looked at him. "Interesting name...what were you doing there?"
"We found co-ordinates which led us to that system and that planet," said Roslin softly. She ignored the angry look from Zarek.
Ensign Q frowned thoughtfully. "Ma'am; if you don't mind me asking...where did you get the co-ordinates?"
Roslin looked at the 'ensign'; she seemed to be uneasy at addressing a hologram.
"It was a prophecy in our most sacred religious writing...the Sacred Scrolls of Kobol."
Ensign Q's eyes widened. Admiral Adama watched him closely.
"Something the matter ensign?"
Q stared at him. "I...you got your co-ordinates from...a Holy book?" he sounded stunned "how old is this book?"
"No one really knows," answered Gaeta to the surprise of everyone, he was staring intently at the hologram.
"Some say it's more than 20 millennia old; others state much younger. However, it's been right so far...what do you believe in Ensign Q?"
Q Junior looked at him with a puzzled look on his face. "Are we talking about religion here or..."
"Yes, it's about religion...which God do you serve?" asked Gaeta in a confrontational voice.
"Lieutenant..." started Commander Adama.
"None," replied Ensign Q Junior who was now in a staring contest with the Junior Lieutenant; the puzzled expression had been replaced with a firm expression.
"However, if your next question is if I believe in the existence of 'omnipotent beings'...then the answer will be yes. Next question?" Q's tone was icy cold.
Everyone stared at him. Gaeta opened his mouth to speak.
"People," growled Logan. Sharon's throat constricted at the almost feral light in the captain's eyes.
"Once again...we get side tracked by religion. Well guess what? Theological discussions are not going to get us to Earth any faster or safer so will someone please answer the question I asked in the first place ?
What the hell were you and the cylons doing on Hera's planet?"
Roslin forced her fingers to relax around the file she had been gripping tightly.
When the hologram stated he served no one but believed in Gods she thought she was going to have a heart attack. The 'ensign' had looked so angry.
"We were looking for you," answered Sharon in a clear voice.
Logan and Ensign Q Junior looked at her in surprise.
"Explain," said Logan.
Sharon continued without looking at the Admiral for permission. " There was a prophecy that a member of the Thirteenth Tribe will be in the Temple of Hera...and that this person will know the way to Earth." She paused.
"You and Dr Grey were there Captain on the exact date that the alignment and eclipse was supposed to occur."
Logan said nothing for a long time; there was a thoughtful frown on his face.
"That's astonishing," said Ensign Q Junior; his tone was less cold " but how did the cylons get there as well? Do they have access to this book as well?"
Roslin and Zarek winced; confirming Q Junior's suspicions.
"It's possible that they have access to the same source," said Tory Foster.
Logan looked up at the people in the room and seemed to come to a decision.
"We were passing through the system when we picked up a radio signal," he noted their looks of disbelief " we decided to investigate...and found the ruins and a message."
Admiral Adama looked closely at Captain Logan. His gut instinct told him the man in-front of him was not lying but that there was something about the message which worried him a lot.
"What was the message?" asked Zarek.
Logan turned to him. " Maybe, it's better if you listened to it...we recorded it on a tricorder in the temple before the earthquake started."
Commander Adama shared a look of disbelief with Gaeta.
An earthquake?
Logan looked at Q Junior and nodded.
The ensign touched the screen of the data epadd as he spoke. "The temple was 3500 years old and according to the writing on the entrance, it was called Hera's Temple.
According to the recording; it's also known as Temple of Hope.
However the recording is 2000 years old," before anyone could say a word he pressed a symbol on the screen.
There was stunned silence as words spoken in ancient Kobolian filled the room.
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Starbuck bit her lower lip nervously as she watched the meeting.
Everyone was quiet and also concentrating on what was on the giant video monitor.
Tyrol turned to nod slightly to her before turning back to observe the meeting.
Lieutenant Ann Lackey; the linguist had a thoughtful frown on her face as she watched the meeting.
Starbuck used this opportunity to study the hologram.
He looked so real; that it was scary. She had expected his hand to feel cold and unnatural.
But it had been solid like that of a human.
Who had made him? Were there many more like him? Was his kind a threat to the fleet?
Her thoughts were interrupted when Gaeta asked Q Junior a direct question.
"Oh frak," muttered Anders softly; his voice was filled with despair.
Starbuck was inclined to agree with her husband, what in the name of Hades was Gaeta thinking?
Then she heard Q Junior's answer and felt faint; as everyone muttered worryingly around her. She dimly heard Helo order everyone to stay calm before silence reigned once more.
That hologram believed in 'Gods' ? This was beyond weird.
Then she watched Logan take control of the situation; this was one soldier she would be happy to fight alongside with but never against.
Everyone listened quietly as Sharon explained why the colonials had been to Hera's planet; then it was Captain Logan's turn to explain how his ship also found the same place.
"Radio signal?," whispered one of the marine " I don't believe it; I bet that planet was one of their secret bases...why are they lying to us?!"
Great so everyone thinks Hera's planet is a secret base of the Thirteenth Tribe, thought Kara drily.
"You would do the same if you were in their shoes," said Kara "so quit complaining and pay attention."
The marine looked at her then turned away. "Yes sir."
Kara turned back to the screen just in time to hear Ensign Q Junior explain how old the temple and message were; then he pressed some symbols on the surface of the device. She felt her lower jaw drop when the words of ancient Kobolian filled the room. Lieutenant Lackey held up a hand for silence as she turned up the volume.
The female pilot felt her heart beat rapidly. Never in her life had she heard it spoken so fluently and smoothly. She could catch a few phrases here and there but even before the Holocaust, it was only the priests and priestesses who could speak a couple of phrases.
For Ancient Kobolian was an almost dead and extinct language; very few scriptures written in the old language existed before the Holocaust.
At the moment only two of ancient tomes existed in the whole refugee fleet.
There was silence for several moments when the recording ended; Kara noticed Lackey looked very pale and her right hand was shaking as she scribbled furiously on a notepad.
That was not a good sign.
In the next room; Admiral Adama looked at Captain Logan.
"You recognise the language?" it was not a question.
Logan nodded. " On Earth; it's known as Ancient Latin...it was written on different places in Hera's temple."
Roslin covered her mouth quickly; her hand was shaking. She was trying to hold back the tears.
Adama saw the hard expression on Logan's face soften a bit.
"Madam President... we did not mean to cause you distress."
Roslin waved away his words as she tried to compose herself. It was a few moments before she could speak.
"Captain Logan...that recording more than confirms that we are the same family. Do you not see it?"
Logan sighed. " Madam President...I believe in what I can see and understand.
I can see and understand the Colonial Fleet needs to stay ahead of the cylons. I also know that we need to work together to get to Earth.
But what I don't know is if the people of Earth are really related to the Thirteenth Tribe. Did you understand any bit of the recording?"
"You know what it means," said Zarek with a suspicious look on his face.
Logan nodded. " We had the ship's computer translate it...a lot of questions have been raised."
Admiral Adama narrowed his eyes. " We need to translate it fully...before we make any assumptions."
Logan looked at him and had no trouble interpreting the expression on the Admiral's face. The colonial was not ready to accept any 'ancient' recording until he had his people break down the recording and check for any irregularities.
Logan wished them the best of luck.
"Of course."
"Maybe we should listen to your own version."
Logan could not help but raise an eyebrow as he looked at Zarek.
The vice president had a speculative glint in his eyes. Admiral Adama pressed his lips together.
Clearly he did not approve.
"We are trying to work out an alliance and there is a lot we do not know of each other. Something tells me this recording needs to be heard now," continued Zarek.
Roslin narrowed her eyes and looked at him.
"I think we need to let our people listen to it first," said Admiral Adama in a firm voice.
Zarek looked at him and smiled coldly as he shook his head.
"I want to hear it now...what do you think Mrs President?"
Roslin stared at him for a long time; as if trying to see through him.
Logan knew what this was.
A power play and the crew of the Xavier were smack down in the middle of it.
This was so bloody hilarious that it was a wonder he wasn't laughing.
The president turned to Logan and Q Junior.
"Do you have your version here?"
The ensign looked at Logan who nodded back slowly.
"Yes Mrs President."
Roslin looked at his epadd. "Play it please."
"Yes Ma'am ," said Q Junior respectively before he reached for his device and pressed a symbol on the screen.
This time the room was deathly silent as the message was replayed in a language that all could understand.
Logan watched each of them intently as they listened.
Tory Foster was transfixed by the message but did not look guilty or act as if she recognised it.
Felix Gaeta went pale when he heard the tired and broken voice of Sauren Anderson.
Laura Roslin covered her mouth with her right hand; she was barely able to hide her surprise and despair.
The CAG was staring at the epadd as if it was a venomous snake.
Sharon's head was tilted to one side and had a puzzled look on her face.
Zarek was also looking at the epadd and trying to absorb everything that was been said.
But Admiral Adama and Ensign Rogers were staring back at Logan and Q Junior.
Logan said nothing but nodded slightly.
After a few moments; Adama nodded back in return.
Both of them knew that this message had the potential to cause a lot of problems if handled badly.
Logan was suddenly glad he had listened to Laura and not shown the full holographic message.
That would have caused a mutiny.
All too soon the message ended.
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"What did we just listen to?" whispered one of the marines in a fearful tone.
No one answered. Kara looked at Ann Lackey; the lieutenant caught her eye and nodded.
Starbuck suppressed a gasp.
That meant that the interpretation was more or less accurate.
Kara felt her heart rate pick up rapidly. What the frak did it all mean?
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Logan and Q Junior kept silent as they watched the colonials absorb what they had just heard.
They did not have to wait long for the questions.
"What does this mean?" asked Roslin.
Logan shrugged. "I don't know...I was hoping you could tell us."
"It sounds like they were running from something," said Q Junior. Logan glared at him and he shut up immediately.
Zarek's eyes narrowed. "Please; I would love to hear Ensign Q's opinion."
Logan sighed. " Well Junior; what have you got to say ?"
Everyone watched the hologram intently. Q Junior swallowed nervously before replying.
"From just listening to that recording...it seems like the 5 people were fleeing a disaster on their home-world...and were trying to get to the 12 Colonies.
Which I believe is where you are from...originally."
This was met by silence.
"Why were they fleeing from a disaster?" asked Lee Adama in a soft puzzled voice.
Q Junior looked at Logan for help. He shook his head grimly.
"You wanted to answer the question...well what do you think?"
Admiral Adama was a bit worried to see the hologram turn a bit pale.
Gods above he behaved like a real male teenager !
"Their creation turned against them," completed Sharon to everyone's surprise; she was staring at Q Junior. "Is that what happened on Earth?"
Roslin covered her eyes briefly; she looked very ill.
"That could not have occurred on our Earth," said Logan firmly.
Adama stared at him. "Explain; if you can."
"Admiral; that recording is 2500yrs old.
When you have time to go through the files we brought you, it will come to your notice that 2500 years ago was the year 118B.C. on Earth.
At that time we definitely did not have space ships or robots or secret bases in deep space.
The most advanced mode of transport at the time was big boats, horses and carriages. The weapons of the day were battering rams, trebuchets, swords, bows, arrows and spears."
They stared at him in astonishment.
"We first landed on Earth's moon 422 years ago; and discovered FTL capability 319 years ago...so how can our Earth be the one these five were fleeing from?"
Sharon licked her lips nervously. The tension in the room was palpable.
"Sirs...if I may speak."
Everyone looked at Rogers who had raised a hand a bit timidly.
Admiral Adama stared at the pale young pilot; he had almost forgotten he was in the room. He hesitated for a moment before he agreed.
"Go ahead son."
Roger nodded , then swallowed nervously before continuing.
"Captain Logan; I'm no expect...but what if the devastation was so bad that only a few survived ?
All knowledge and past history was lost...the few survivors having to start from scratch.
That would explain why your Earth of today does not have any recollection of the Kobol; the Great Exodus and the 12 Colonies."
Ensign Q Junior's eyes widened in surprise.
Logan rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "That...sounds plausible...but will be very difficult to confirm."
Roslin tilted her head. "But not impossible ?"
Logan shook his head. "Not really...a lot has been lost from our past; you have no idea how much. It's taken centuries to recover a huge part of it." Logan was thinking of the Burnt Libraries of Alexandria and other lost histories.
Q Junior struggled not to let his amazement show. Logan a historian?
Wonders would never cease.
"When we get to Earth; we can get the historians to do a more intense search...but we have to get there first."
To Logan's surprise; everyone nodded.
The captain looked at Rogers. "Good analysis ensign."
Roger's face reddened a bit. "Thanks sir."
Logan turned back to Admiral Adama. " I still have questions."
"Like?" asked Adama.
"On the recording; one of them mentioned Resurrection Technology; what does that mean?"
The change in the room's atmosphere was instant; everyone stared at Logan as if he had changed into a demon.
Touchy subject huh? Thought Logan calmly while he waited for someone to answer his question.
Admiral Adama looked at Sharon.
The cylon turned. "It's a means of prolonging the lives of humanoid cylons.
If cylons dies near a Resurrection Hub; their minds are downloaded into new bodies."
Logan stared at her; then looked at Admiral Adama. "You created that technology?!" the disbelief was clear in his voice.
Adama shook his head. " We created the centurions...in turn the centurions created the cylons and I think they may have created the Resurrection Hubs."
"Which has given them an edge in this war," added Roslin wearily " we were not aware of humanoid cylons until after the Holocaust.
They infiltrated the fleet and we gradually began to discover them as we fled...unfortunately lives were lost in the process." Even though she did not look at Sharon directly; the cylon felt her face going red.
There's no love lost between these two, thought Logan.
"Have you detected them all?" he asked aloud.
Sharon answered. "Yes; there are only 7 copies of us.
A number One; Two; Three; Four; Five, Six ;and Eight. I am an Eight."
Logan frowned. " You missed one digit; Seven; what happened to her or him?"
Sharon hesitated then continued. "I don't know...we were told we were the only ones."
Admiral Adama was watching Ensign Q Junior; he was very quiet but was paying a great deal of attention to what Lieutenant Agathon was saying.
Logan continued asking questions.
"Who is the leader of the cylons?"
"The cylons have a democratic way of governing."
At the same time; Q Junior and Captain Logan raised their eyebrows in surprise.
"Each major decision is discussed by the representatives of each model...majority carries the vote."
"Do you have any idea of what their current military capabilities are ?" asked Logan.
Sharon sighed and shook her head. "I'm afraid not.
The last time I encountered the cylons before Hera's planet was more than 4 weeks ago when we...escaped from New Caprica."
She saw the puzzled expressions on Logan and Q Junior's face.
"We tried to settle on a habitable planet more than a year ago...then the cylons landed and signed a truce with the President Baltar," said Zarek.
Logan noted the cold bitterness and hate in the vice-president's voice and the look of dislike on everyone's face; even Sharon's.
Apparently Baltar was not on anyone's Christmas list.
"What happened ?" asked Logan; something told him he did not want to hear it but that he had to.
Roslin looked squarely at him.
"Occupation; arrests and torture...we fought back..people died and we escaped."
Logan looked at the woman before him; he did not personally like her but he had to respect her.
She had nerves of steel; there was a lot she was not saying. A lot had happened during that occupation and he bet none of it had been pleasant.
Logan caught the brief hard expression on Sharon's face when she glanced at the President.
Now that had to mean something.
"A lot of people were instrumental in helping our people get off the planet...we would not have had a hope in Hades if Lieutenant Sharon had not carried out a key part of the operation in freeing our people," said Admiral Adama gravely.
Sharon looked at the Admiral quickly then turned away; clearly unsettled by the high praise.
Logan barely hid his surprise. So the Admiral trusted Sharon.
That said a lot.
"A summary of our escape is in the notes we prepared for you captain," continued the Admiral.
Logan nodded. "We appreciate the share of information," he turned back to Sharon.
"Do you have any idea...why the cylons are so intent on finding Earth ?"
The cylon was quiet for a long time. "For as long as I can remember, Cavil , a Number One has repeated that Earth was the ultimate goal.
That it was our birthright," Logan noted the uneasy expressions on the faces of the colonials.
"But that was pushed to the rear when the Colonies was attacked...but one thing I am sure of is that the cylons do not know how to get there."
"But they are aware of you Captain," added Zarek "and trust me when I say they will stop at nothing to get what they want."
This was met by silence for several moments.
"We've talked a lot about the past...there are still many questions that need to be answered...but we should leave that for future meetings and concentrate on more immediate problems," said Logan carefully.
The CAG looked intently at him. "Like what?"
"Your fuel problem," said Logan simply " by the way; thanks for alerting us on the ships which were surveying the nearby star system."
"How did you know they were searching for Tylium?" asked Zarek sharply. Admiral Adama sighed and gave the vice president a cold look.
Logan smiled dryly at him. " Is that your fuel ? That's interesting."
Once they had entered the system; Xavier scans had revealed the system was rich in 'tylium.' The computer had duly informed the Logan that the colonial fleet ran on the same substance.
So he had not been surprised when the a small group of ships set off for a nearby planet.
"The Xavier's scanners detected the same substance on your ships. We assumed it was your fuel," said Q Junior who had been quiet so far.
"So what does yours run on?" asked Admiral Adama.
Q Junior hesitated a bit before answering. "Antimatter."
In the next room, Starbuck saw Tyrol become very pale.
Gaeta stared at him. "T...that's impossible and highly unstable ! Our scientists were never able to produce enough safely to be used for fuel!"
The Admiral was watching the hologram very closely. "Yet...Earth seems to have developed the capacity to do so," he said in a quiet voice.
Ensign Q Junior looked at him for a long time. "Yes sir."
Admiral Adama stored away this very important piece of news.
"Wait, wait...how do you regulate the antimatter ? Is it in some sort of core or container ?" asked Gaeta excitedly.
Logan saw the uncomfortable look on Q junior's face and decided to intervene.
"I think we've discussed enough about the Xavier for now." Gaeta took one look at the firm expression on the captain's face and fell silent.
"How are your food and medical supplies?" continued Logan.
The Admiral looked at the captain. There was no hint of arrogance in the man's tone. Something told him this man knew what it was like to be on the run; with barely anything to survive on.
"We are in need of both." He did not want to say more.
Logan nodded knowingly; he could read between the lines just fine.
Starvation was barely kept at bay; strict rations, minimal medical supplies and a lot of stubborn will was all that was keeping this fleet together.
Logan looked at his ensign beside him.
"Vitamin supplements and medical aid can be provided...I will have to discuss with your medical officers to determine how much you will need exactly."
President Roslin frowned. "You only have one ship; surely you will not be able to provide for the entire fleet?"
Logan had a slight smile on his face; he had discussed this with Q Junior and he had assured him that with the right amount of material the replicators might be able to help the refugee fleet.
"We have replicators...they can provide certain food; vitamin supplements and equipment."
In the next room, Tyrol stood straighter when he heard the word 'replicators'. He had no idea what they were but he would love to take a look at them and see what they could do.
"Replicators ? What exactly do they do?" asked Zarek; he barely hid the suspicious light in his eyes.
"It's a device that dematerializes matter and rearranges it into another form that could be used as food or building material," explained Q Junior.
Tyrol stared at the monitor in shock. If what the hologram said was true then the implications of having such technology was astonishing.
"Excuse me?" asked the confused looking vice president.
"What he means is that the device can take a rock, break it down and rearrange the atoms into food or building material," explained Logan patiently.
Zarek stared at him. "That is impossible." His tone was almost belligerent.
Logan just smiled at him, not fazed by the vice president's attitude.
"Can it be used to create weapons ?" asked Commander Adama.
The smile on Logan's face was replaced by a serious expression; Q Junior also had a similar look.
"Yes...that is why we cannot give it to you...if that was your next question," Logan took in their expressions which ranged from disappointment to disbelief.
"I would advise you to please read the flies quickly and pay attention to the Prime Directive.
The summary is that Starfleet is not allowed to interfere with the natural development of a race which has not yet achieved FTL capability...well in this case you do not fit that category."
Everyone relaxed a bit but Logan was not yet done.
"However, sharing of technologies with a less developed people is not allowed. This is in view that the technology would be used for warfare and thus could lead to a destruction of those same people."
"You also do not want it turned on you," said Roslin.
Logan grinned broadly. "Ma'am; please tell me if you would not take the same precautions if we changed places."
Roslin had nothing to say to that.
"But; you're not Starfleet," said the observant CAG.
"I am not...but I just love that part of the Directive because it makes so much sense," said the captain amicably but the smile did not reach his eyes.
Admiral Adama had to agree. If he had been Logan's shoes he would do exactly the same thing.
"We will help you get to Earth, we will help you find fuel and do our best to fight alongside you."
Everyone listening in the next room began to talk in excited whispers until Helo and Kara glared at them.
"...but do not attempt to take over my ship or put us under your command. For that would not be wise," said Logan solemnly as he looked at each of the colonials before him.
Amazingly, Zarek kept his mouth shut; he could see that Logan was deadly serious and more importantly he had the claws to back it up.
After several moments had passed, Roslin cleared her throat.
"Captain Logan...thank you for your offer and honesty. I know this is very early days but I would like to propose an arrangement that could benefit this alliance."
Logan gave her a wary look.
"I'm listening."
The president tried to compose herself.
"We got off on a very rough start...but we were able to overcome that eventually.
We know nothing about you and though you have given us detailed files...it's not the same thing as having a civilized discussion."
Logan was patiently waiting for her to get to the point.
"I propose an exchange of personnel...to act as ambassadors."
Logan blinked once. He had clearly not expected that.
Ensign Q Junior's lower jaw had dropped in surprise for a brief moment before he closed his mouth and looked anxiously at his captain.
All waited for the captain of the Xavier to speak.
"And who were you proposing to put on my ship?"
Each word was said calmly but everyone felt the question had to be answered very carefully.
Roslin answered in an even tone. "Ensign Billy Rogers."
Q Junior's eyes widened in disbelief as everyone turned to look at the colonial ensign.
Logan frowned; something was off about the young man. He looked even paler than before and his keen eyes could pick out the beaded sweat on his forehead.
"You want Ensign Rogers to be..." began Logan then he stopped when the young man stood up shakily.
Admiral Adama frowned at the young man. "Ensign Rogers ?"
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Kara narrowed her eyes as she saw the pilot stand up; she heard Anders mutter. "He doesn't look good."
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Rogers tried to turn to face the Admiral; but he seemed to have problem focusing. The pain in his left arm was so much.
"S...sir, I regret...I must..." then his legs gave way and he collapsed towards the floor.
His last thoughts as the darkness claimed him was that he had really frakked up big time.
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Hi everyone! Hope the week is going well. Sorry about the wait and the cliffhanger ending! I will try and write the next part faster! Please read and enjoy and thanks so much for everyone's advice and reviews! Have a great week!
