CHAPTER 24 of The Phoenix and The Wolverine.

Cylon controlled space...

D'anna's footsteps echoed in the hallway as she walked briskly towards the medical bay.

Even though she understood Caprica's reason for staying beside Hera; it was still very inconvenient to have to meet with the Number six to discuss important issues.

Now that D'anna had limited access to certain parts of the basestar she and Caprica had decided that conversations over the inter-link were risky.

One could never tell who was listening.

The number Three passed 3 grey centurions, she took note of their eye visors and relaxed a little when she saw the red lights were moving as they should.

In a few minutes she reached the medical bay; straight away she realized something was wrong.

The two golden centurions were gone.

D'anna's hand went to her side and she swore silently when she realized she was not carrying a sidearm.

Why should she? She was on a basestar, she should be safe.

She hesitated slightly before cautiously approaching the automatic doors. As she neared the doors, it slid open.

"Hello," called D'anna tentatively.

There was no answer.

With her heart beating faster, she stepped into the room and came face to face with the business end of a sidearm.

It took seconds before it registered who was holding the weapon.

"Good God D'anna! I almost shot you!" said Caprica in annoyance.

D'anna felt dizzy as she placed her hand on the left side of her chest. She could definitely feel her heart pounding away.

"I called ! No one answered!"

She looked around to see Boomer hiding behind a cabinet with a restless Hera in her arms. It looked like she had just woken up.

"Well next time state who you are!" Caprica placed her weapon on a nearby seat "in fact we need to work on a codeword of some sort...mimicking voices can be easily done."

D'anna raised an eyebrow at that statement before asking the question on her mind. "Where are the centurions?"

The six sighed wearily. " I have no idea...one moment they were there. Then I stepped out for a moment to find them gone. I was hoping you may know something."

D'anna shook her head. "If it's about the centurions...I have heard nothing.

However I know that Aaron is seriously working on increasing the nuclear yield...and Cavil may be helping him."

Caprica frowned. "How sure are you of this?"

"I met a very irate Leoben half an hour ago.

He said all Aaron was interested in was in making our nukes more destructive and Cavil seemed eager to help him."

"Did he actually hear what they were planning...or was he just airing his thoughts ?" said Boomer in a sarcastic tone.

Caprica smiled dryly. "Yeah; that sounds like Leoben."

D'anna sighed. " I don't know...but what I'm more worried about is what's happening on this basestar. I cannot seem to get hold of Cavil to ask him why our codes have been limited."

"You have tried to see him in person?" asked Caprica in a surprised tone.

"Of course not; I'm not that eager to be resurrected Six," said D'anna sharply.

"I have tried linking up to him via the inter-link but he is refusing to answer. I think he wants me to find him."

"On his own terms...that will not be wise," said Caprica.

D'anna bit back the retort that she was tempted to utter.

"I know that," she said carefully " but how else are we going to find out what is going on ? Pardon me if I don't see how hiding in an easily accessible medical bay is going to improve our current position."

"And what position is that?" asked Boomer as she tried to calm an irritable wriggling Hera. "If we keep our heads down Cavil may just ignore us."

The other two female cylons stared at her in disbelief.

"Boomer, are you stupid or just pretending to be?" asked Caprica in a cutting tone "Cavil never forgets anything or anyone! Right now he has us isolated with hardly any access to other parts of the basestar.

The only reason he has not moved against us is because he has bigger problems to worry about."

D'anna could not help but nod in agreement. Cavil was hades-bent on capturing or destroying the Xavier. She felt that subduing the ship of the Thirteenth Tribe was important; but she feared that the way in which Cavil would do so may also result in the destruction of the cylons.

Her thoughts returned to the present when Hera began to wail.

"What's wrong?" asked Caprica with a concerned look on her face.

Boomer tried to place the crying baby on the bed to examined her. "I'm not sure...but now she's running a temperature."

D'anna approached the bed quickly. "Can you not tell what is wrong with her?"

The Number Eight looked more distressed. " As I have said in the past; I have no experience in treating children. I have listened to her chest and looked at the back of her throat.

There is no obvious sign of infection."

"But she has a temperature, the last time I checked that meant an infection," pointed out Caprica.

Boomer glared at her. "Do you think I have not considered that? We have never had a half cylon child before! I have nothing to compare with.

What the frak do you want me to do?!"

D'anna could not help frowning. "Just keep her alive Boomer, also try not to swear in front of her."

Boomer stared at her in disbelief. Her expression stated swearing in front of a child was the least of their problems.

The Number three ignored her. Her main concern was that everyone, including Hera was running out of time.

But she had no idea what to do to protect them.

May God help them all.

The Galactica, en route to the mess hall...

Soon after leaving the admiral's office; Rogers placed a few calls and found out where the two senior officers were.

The ensign tried to compose his thoughts as he set out to find them.

Admiral Adama and Captain Logan were very angry; they clearly suspected Lieutenant Sharon Agathon and Lieutenant Kara Thrace of...something.

And try as he could, Rogers could not fathom what that could be.

What he did know was that; everyone was uneasy about Ensign Q Junior.

For very obvious reasons, he was a walking talking and sentient computer program. The only difference between him and the cylons was that he was not made out of flesh and blood.

He was a hologram from Earth.

The few that knew what he was were still finding it very hard to accept that his existence was possible and almost all of them viewed him as a huge risk.

Which was why most felt that the hologram had led to the discovery of the fleet.

But how did Rogers feel?

Q Junior had healed the wounded colonials on the raptor, he had defended Laura when her life had been threatened, he had actually been more diplomatic than his captain on the first official meeting and he had healed Rogers while making sure to treat him with every courtesy.

In summary, Q Junior had behaved honourably.

Deep in his heart, Rogers did not think he was a danger.

But something told him that certain members of senior command and the presidential cabinet had already made up their minds.

And he did not think it was in the hologram's favour.

Captain Logan clearly knew this; which was why he was asking...no scratch that...demanding for a recon in cylon controlled space!

On a normal day, anyone would consider that a suicide mission.

But normal days were long behind them, the fleet had found the Thirteenth Tribe and Rogers firmly believed that the Xavier could go into cylon controlled space and come back intact.

He just prayed he got to be part of that mission.

Rogers had a very strong feeling that he had to be on that ship.

The ensign's mind returned to the present when he reached the mess hall; it did not take long before he saw the two officers.

They were standing in a corner and drinking what passed for kaffa; it was not pleasant but definitely kept one awake and alert for short periods.

As he neared them; the two men stopped talking and looked straight at him; the expressions on their faces seemed to indicate that he had some news for them.

News that meant trouble.

Roger swallowed nervously. "Junior Lieutenant Anders, Captain Agathon...the Admiral requests your presence." His voice was low enough that only the two officers heard him.

The two men stared at him for a while before sharing a resigned look.

Anders turned back to him.

"Lead the way Rogers."

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Admiral Adama was angry...in fact he was more than that.

What the frak had these two been planning?

Did they think that he would not know about it?

Did he look stupid to them?

Adama took several breathes to calm himself down; first he was going to find out what was really going on.

Then he was going to toss them all into the brig for a long time!

"Lieutenant Kara Thrace," he started in a neutral voice.

He watched her turn pale before she straightened her spine.

"Yes sir!"

"Once again; I demand to know what exactly is going on ?!"

Kara swallowed before answering. "We wish to help with the recon sir!"

Adama raised an eye brow. "Is that all? There isn't a rescue of a child planned?!"

He was watching Sharon's face and saw a flicker of emotion; then it was gone.

"Sir...we wish to help with the recon sir!" repeated Kara.

Adama walked straight up to her and leaned in until he was close to her face. "You didn't answer my question Lieutenant!"

To her credit; Kara did not flinch.

"I answered it to the best of my ability sir!" she all but yelled the answer back at him.

Adama leaned back and stared at the two women; this was going to be harder than he realized.

At that moment, there was a tentative knock at the door.

A silent Junior Lieutenant Gaeta looked at the Admiral who nodded.

Gaeta opened the door; then stepped back when he saw who it was.

Ensign Rogers was back with the two officers Adama had sent for.

Junior Lieutenant Anders and Captain Agathon took one look at the Admiral and went very pale.

"Sir," they both chorused.

"So good of you to join us," said Adama in acid tones.

Without a further word; the two officers moved to stand beside their wives.

"Now that we have you four here...will one of you explain what the frak is going on?"

He noted the look of shock on Rogers face; suddenly realizing the ensign was still in the room.

"Ensign Rogers; you do not have to be here."

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Roger stared at the Admiral; he had never in the 2 years he had been on the Galactica heard the legend swear.

For the XO; that was an everyday occurrence; the day he didn't swear told you something was really wrong.

He suddenly registered what the Admiral was saying and realized the senior officer wanted him to leave the room.

Without thinking; Roger found himself trying to project the feeling that he needed to be present at this dressing down.

Roger's instinct was telling him this was the wrong time to leave.

"Admiral...requesting permission to stay."

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Adama stared at the young ensign for an eternity; he opened his mouth with the intent to tell him to leave...then he hesitated.

The admiral did not like dressing down officers in-front of other officers...especially junior ones.

Other senior officers thought otherwise, feeling that making an example of an insubordinate officer aided in instilling discipline in the ranks.

However, part of Adama was wondering if it was better for the junior officer to be present.

"Fine." He ignored the look on relief on Roger's face and turned back to the 4 officers before him.

"I'm still waiting for an answer...Junior Lieutenant Anders and Captain Agathon."

The two men looked straight ahead.

Anders spoke first. " I have no idea what is happening sir!"

Adama sighed. " Of course...how silly of me to not explain what you four morons are accused of."

Helo winced at the acidity in the Admiral's voice.

"It looks like four of you intend to volunteer for a rescue mission...which would most likely involve the Xavier!

May I remind you that a mission could endanger the safety of the fleet and lead to the capture of the Xavier!?"

There was silence for several moments; then Helo cleared his throat.

Adama glared at him. "Captain Agathon...do you have something to say?!"

"Yes sir...permission to speak freely sir?"

The admiral stared at him. "Speak captain."

"Is there any evidence that we have plans to do so ? If not ; then in a military court of law...this is all conjecture."

Gaeta gasped in shock; while Rogers was staring at the captain as if he had sprouted wings.

Adama could not help but admire the boldness and intelligence of the officer before him.

He could not even throw Helo in the brig for insubordination because he had given the man leave to speak; then again he was right.

Without proof, there was no clear indication that the four before him were planning a rescue mission.

But he knew; because if it had been Lee who was held by the cylons...he would be the first in line to try and rescue him despite the risk to the entire fleet.

"I see...so this is how it's going to be," said Adama in a deadly calm voice.

Even Sharon looked worried at that point.

Adama may not be able to put them in the brig but he could sure as Hades re-assign them to the murkiest jobs in the fleet as a substitute punishment.

Another loud knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.

Adama frowned and nodded at Gaeta to check on who it was,

The officer opened the door and quickly moved back to allow 3 people into the room.

Captain Logan, Ensign Q and the CAG were back.

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Earlier on as Lee waited outside the Starfleet shuttle; he had tried to examine the outside. He wished he had a portable scanner to see what the hull was made of.

He could not make out if it had any cannons or guns like a viper and he wondered if it carried the equivalent of 'nukes' or whatever missile the Xavier had used to blow up the basestar.

Clearly it was like nothing he had ever seen; the hull was smooth and looked polished. He wondered if it was new or if that was how the alloy was supposed to look.

Lee tried not to go near the front of the shuttle; so as to reduce the risk of being seen by the occupants of the strange ship.

One thing was certain; they had to get someone onto the Xavier to find out how it worked.

Lee almost missed the slight hissing sound and he turned just in time to see the shuttle door slid open.

The CAG quickly stood up straight and moved closer to the door.

Captain Logan was the first out and he had a knowing look in his eyes.

"Had a good look around the shuttle commander?" he asked bluntly.

Lee felt his face heat up. "You have a very interesting ship."

Logan nodded; acknowledging that the CAG was not going to deny or confirm that he had been snooping around.

"We're ready to go back to the Admiral now."

Lee stared at him and the silent observant expressionless hologram.

The man from Earth also had a blank expression on his face. That could mean anything, Lee just hoped whatever the outcome; the refugee fleet was not about to be abandoned.

The CAG tried to keep his voice calm. "If you two would please follow me."

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The walk back had been completely silent and crew got out of their path quickly when they saw the serious expressions on their faces. It was not long before they got to the Admiral's office.

Once inside, Lee Adama took one look at the 4 officers in the middle of the now crowded office and realized they had returned in the middle of a reprimand.

He had his suspicions what had brought this on.

On the way to the flight deck he had suspected that Sharon and Starbuck were working together to try and get Hera back from the cylons.

He just wondered if they were so sure the child had escaped from New Caprica.

Anyway he agreed with his father...a rescue attempt would be too risky.

Lee turned to see Ensign Q Junior had assumed a position beside Rogers who he acknowledged with a silent nod, while Captain Logan was watching the four assembled officers with a wary look in his eyes.

The fact that the captain of the Xavier saw the colonials as potential enemies worried the CAG. He knew these colonials and was certain that their loyalty to the fleet was not in doubt.

But the crew of the Xavier were of the Thirteenth Tribe and might consider the fleet to be more trouble that it was worth especially with the cylons in pursuit.

Lee suddenly found himself praying to the Gods for a favourable outcome.

Captain Logan turned to the senior Adama.

"Admiral...I apologize if I am interrupting anything but I believe time is of the essence so we...both have to make some quick decisions."

Admiral Adama frowned. "Please explain."

Logan chose his words with care. "We just completed a conference call with Dr Grey and my daughter."

A frown appeared on Lee's face. He had included his daughter in the conversation? She could not be more than 13 years old...she was just a child !

Logan was still speaking.

"The recon mission is still very important and will be started as soon as possible...with or without your assistance."

Adama's frown deepened. He could read between the lines...Logan was willing to negotiate but he had a funny feeling what was coming next.

He did not have to wait long.

"However...due to general consensus...having a few colonial officers who have experience in fighting the cylons would be a bonus.

There are only a few that we would accept for this crucial mission."

Lee's frown deepened; his expression almost mirrored the look on his father's face.

Everyone in the room silently watched the Admiral and the Captain of the Xavier.

"Who did you have in mind?" asked Adama in a neutral voice.

Logan glanced at the colonial officers standing at attention in front of the Admiral.

"Lieutenant Agathon...her intel may be months old but it's better than nothing at all.

Lieutenant Kara Thrace...she's a fighter but has been on the Xavier before and knows not to cross the line."

Lee tried not to snort in disbelief.

Anyone smart that met Kara, identified her as a person who had authority issues. The only person who had been able to keep her inline was his father and usually with some degree of difficulty

Logan kept speaking.

"Captain Helo Agathon and Junior Lieutenant Anders...one of them tried to protect my crew when they were on the Galactica and the second one prevented a certain person from attempting to nuke the Xavier."

Lee felt his face heat up as he felt everyone look at him.

As for Rogers he was trying and failing to hide his disappointment at not being called.

But Logan was not done.

"And last but not least...Ensign Bill Rogers...he's the most diplomatic."

Rogers' expression turned to one of hope, then he looked at the Admiral who now had a blank look on his face.

But would the Admiral agree?

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Logan maintained eye contact with the Admiral as he awaited his decision.

He knew he was not making things easy for the senior colonial officer but that was not Logan's problem.

From the time he agreed to help the colonials; he knew it was going to be a difficult ride and he was sure it was only going to get worse.

Suspicion and paranoia was rife in the fleet...starting from the very top.

That was most likely due to their disastrous war with the cylons; however he was not particularly interested in who was right or wrong.

He had agreed to help them, that was more than enough...but in order to get to Earth they had to do things his way.

Whether they liked it or not.

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Adama stared at the man before him.

He could tell that Captain Logan was not going to back down.

The Xavier would carry out this recon mission...with or without fleet support.

Adama wondered if Logan really knew why Sharon was going on this mission...he felt the captain had to have an inkling of her real plan.

If so, why was he going along with it?

What did the crew of the Xavier have to gain ?

There was no doubt that the recon mission was going to be very dangerous...and also highly necessary.

Until they knew how the fleet was being tracked by the cylons; they were all in danger.

Adama broke eye contact to look at the 5 officers that Logan had suggested for the meeting.

They were not his first choice for the basic fact that he was really upset with 4 of them for very obvious reasons and that the most junior of them did not have enough experience for a high level recon mission.

But Adama was smart enough to know that he had lost this round; now it was time to regroup and adapt tactics.

"Fine...if they are willing...they may accompany you."

Sharon and the 3 officers with her could not hide their relief and trepidation.

Rogers closed his eyes as he silently whispered a prayer of thanks to the Lords of Kobol. Beside him; Ensign Q Junior looked at him with an expression close to a frown.

Logan narrowed his eyes for a few seconds. He had clearly not expected the Admiral to give in so quickly. He had expected a long drawn out argument that no one had time for.

"However...I need to discuss with them in private for a couple of minutes," continued Adama.

Logan nodded. "Of course...we'll wait outside...with whoever."

The Admiral looked at Gaeta and nodded.

A discreet cough from the silent hologram had everyone turning to him. He had raised his right hand as well.

"Em...Admiral Adama; do you mind if I inform Dr Cottle that I will not be returning to the medical bay? He had wanted me to partake in a ward round and a few clinics."

Adama stared at him for a few moments. "Junior Lieutenant Gaeta will help you in relaying that message..." he saw the expectant expression still on Q Junior's face.

"Anything else?"

"Yes...the grav units I used to transport the files...I would like them back please."

The CAG frowned. "Why?" he asked in an accusatory tone.

Q Junior gave him a relaxed smile. "Because; first of all it is Starfleet technology and should not be left with you and second I doubt you want it left with you since you're already convinced that the Xavier led the cylons to you."

He paused to let the words sink in.

"...so when the cylons do turn up in the absence of the Xavier or any of it's technology...you'll realize we were telling the truth."

Lee stared at the hologram with barely disguised shock.

Even though Ensign Q Junior spoke with a pleasant smile, the expression could not hide the anger in it's eyes.

Captain Logan had a wry smile on his face.

"Excellent idea Junior," Logan looked at the two Adamas "I trust returning our stuff will not be a problem."

The tone of his voice suggested that it had better not be a problem.

"No...Gaeta will see to that as well," said Admiral Adama slowly.

"Now... let's wait outside." The captain of the Xavier left with his ensign and a nervous looking Gaeta.

Adama stared at the door for several moments before turning back to face the silent colonial officers before him

The CAG also pinned them with his steely gaze. Ensign Rogers looked scared and uncertain.

The senior Adama looked at each of them.

"I'm not going to waste time by stating how each of you before me...would have jeopardized the safety of this fleet if events had turned out differently."

His hard tone made Rogers swallow nervously; even though he knew he had nothing to do with whatever the other had planned he could tell the Admiral was still livid. He glanced quickly at the others and saw that apart from exceedingly pale complexions; their features were neutral.

He could not help but admire their control.

Adama was still speaking.

"I also do not have to explain or stress upon the responsibility you have to each and every member of the fleet.

A responsibility that you will keep at the front and back of your mind on this recon mission."

Adama paused.

"While on the Xavier...your other duty is to learn all you can about Xavier, Earth, it's defences and allies...while trying not to step on Captain Logan's toes.

Because I'm sure he will not hesitate to throw you into the brig if you frak this up!"

His last words were delivered with a slightly louder voice; it was not exactly a shout but it caused more than one person to flinch.

"Is that understood?"

"Yes sir !" yelled the five selected colonial officers.

The Admiral looked at each of them for several seconds.

"Does anyone have any questions?"

There was silence for a while before someone spoke up.

"I have a question Admiral."

Admiral Adama turned to look at his son. He had expected this...he would have been more than a little worried if Lee did not say something.

" You may."

"Five officers is not enough...can we not add more...experienced personnel ?"

Admiral Adama made himself relax a little; for a second he was sure his son was going to state that he did not support his decision to allow the 5 colonials go on this mission.

"I get the impression Commander...that Captain Logan will not allow us to exceed the number of crew of his ship."

"Sir..." called Helo tentatively "do you think he's got only 5 crew on his ship?"

Admiral Adama glared at him before answering. "It's a calculated guess...one that you will have confirm when you get on board the Xavier."

Helo tried to answer calmly. "Yes sir."

"Also sir...are we going to tell the President?" asked the CAG quietly.

The Admiral was silent for a while. He was sure that if Roslin and Zarek had been present; they would have objected to the mission.

Thanks the Gods for the Quorum's impeccable timing.

"We will...eventually."

Roger's eyes narrowed and he shared a quick glance with Anders who was standing closet to him.

Did eventually mean after the Xavier left ?

"Rogers," called Admiral Adama.

The ensign looked at him; a bit startled at having his name called. "Yes sir."

"Tell Captain Logan and the others to come in for the rest of the meeting."

"Yes sir," said the ensign before heading to the door.

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Logan kept quiet as Q Junior spoke to Dr Cottle.

Once they left the office; Gaeta offered to call the doctor by using his personal communicator.

It had not taken long to contact the medical bay and Gaeta quickly handed the phone over to Q Junior to speak into.

"I'm really sorry sir...but I will be unable to attend the wardround..." there was silence as Q Junior listened to the doctor's question.

"I'm afraid I cannot explain why...you will have to discuss it with the Admiral. I also cannot say when next I will be available...that will also depend on the Admiral."

Logan's keen hearing picked up a disgruntled snort on the other end of the phone.

"Yes sir...I will endeavour to continue that discussion the next time I am on the Galactica...you're welcome sir." Q Junior handed the phone back to Gaeta who started dialling another number.

"Let me guess...Dr Cottle was not happy ," said Logan.

The ensign shrugged. " Can't be helped Captain...he's definitely going to take it up with the Admiral."

Logan could not help but grin. "Wish I could be here to see that."

He noticed Gaeta was trying to keep a wary eye on them while speaking to whoever was on the other end of the phone.

It looked like the grav-units were being brought up as they spoke...after being looked over of course.

Logan couldn't care less; even though he saw the reason for having the moving equipment returned ,he had more important things to worry about.

And he also had the uncanny feeling that he was running out of time.

The sound of the door opening drew his attention as an anxious looking Ensign Rogers emerged from the office.

"Admiral Adama would like you to return now please."

Logan shared a glance with Q Junior. That had been quick.

Obviously Adama was also keen to get the show on the road.

"Would be glad to," said Logan calmly as he went back into the office with Ensign Rogers, Q Junior and Gaeta.

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The first thing Logan did when he re-entered the Admiral's office was to check to see if Lieutenant Agathon and her crew were still in one piece.

Yep. They looked shaken and a bit pale; but relatively intact.

He wondered if they would still be in one piece at the end of the recon mission.

Logan turned to face the Admiral.

The senior Adama spoke first. "How soon are you setting out and what can you tell me of the mission?"

Straight to the point thought Logan, this man did not like to waste time.

"Not much I'm afraid," Logan glanced at Sharon " what we do depends on her intel and the cylons locations.

What I can tell you is that the cylons are roughly eight and a half hours away if we leave at once at maximum warp.

The goal is to find out how they are tracking the colonial fleet; their defense and offense capabilities...and what they know about Earth."

Adama stared at him for a few seconds. "I presume maximum 'warp' is your version of FTL...is it?"

Logan looked at Q Junior. "Ah...that will be Junior's department."

The hologram looked a bit nervous as he stepped forward.

"Captain Logan is right...it will take exactly 8 hours 34 minutes and 19 seconds to get to the cylon's location...that is if we leave at maximum warp which is 9.97."

"How fast is warp 9.97?" asked Starbuck with an intent look on her face.

Q Junior looked a bit uncomfortable as he answered carefully.

"Em...the speed of light is 299,792, 458 metres per second...that is if you use the metric system.

Anyway...warp 4.8 is one hundred and eleven times the speed of light."

Everyone apart from Logan looked at him with stunned expressions.

"...so warp 9.97 is almost double that...which is huge."

They were still silent.

Logan had a small smile on his face. "Q...I think they get the picture.

However, due to us knowing virtually nothing about the cylons..." apart from the fact they want to kill all humans thought Logan silently "...we will set off at warp 4.8."

That caught Admiral's Adama's attention but it was Sharon who asked the question on everyone's minds.

"Why not maximum warp?"

Logan just looked at her. "We go in fast and virtually blind with no preparation whatsoever and I promise you that most of us will not make it back alive."

That grim announcement shut her up.

Inwardly Admiral Adama agreed with him but he had certain questions that needed to be answered.

"Will you at least consider two vipers accompanying you ? They may come in handy."

Logan had a frown on his face as he thought for a few moments. "Fine...but it will be piloted by 2 pilots from the five in this room. I'm not taking more than 5 colonials on board the Xavier."

"Understood," said Admiral Adama gravely as his son's expression turned to an obvious frown. But the senior officer was not done yet.

"Now...what about after the recon mission? How do we meet? To be honest with you...this is akin to a suicide mission...giving you rendezvous co-ordinates will be a huge risk."

Lee Adama raised his head at that; he agreed with his father completely and didn't care if Captain Logan saw differently.

To his astonishment, the member of the Thirteenth Tribe actually smiled.

"I accept...that is why you will not be giving us the co-ordinates."

"What?" asked Helo softly as other voiced their concerns.

Logan continued speaking. "We won't need the new co-ordinates; as I'm sure you will not be staying in any one place for long until we meet again.

The Xavier will be able to track you...I'll let Q Junior explain this bit."

He looked at the hologram before anyone could say a word.

Q Junior cleared his throat before answering.

"The Xavier was able to track you using different sensors...due to Starfleet regulations I cannot go into detailed explanations.

What I can tell you is that when your ships execute a jump...this sends signals in subspace that are detected by sensors that I placed in this sector of space when I was on my way to pick up Captain Logan, Dr Grey and the others."

Q Junior gave them time to absorb this as he prepared his next words. Before coming back to the office he and Logan had discussed with Dr Grey and Laura about how much to tell them about ' Xavier's ' tracking abilities.

The general consensus was to definitely keep the Cerebra Monitoring System ( CMS) secret and to emphasize on the subspace 'disturbance' caused by the 'jumps.

Q Junior was not lying...those jumps did disrupt subspace and the colonials' ships use of Tylium left a detectable and traceable radioactive signature that would in all honesty take a lot longer to track then using the CMS to track the minds in the fleet.

The CAG asked a question before Q Junior could continue.

"You placed these sensors...exactly how long ago?"

Q Junior looked a bit wary. "Exactly 3 months and 2 days ago."

"The cylons could have hacked into these sensors," pointed out Lee Adama.

Q Junior actually looked irritated at that suggestion. "Highly unlikely...to access those sensors one needs complex codes that I created and also I'm certain the sensors have not been detected or hacked into."

"How sure are you of this?" asked Admiral Adama.

Q Junior actually answered in a very confident manner. "Very sure sir, because any attempt to hack into these sensors will set off an autodestruct sequence.

I have kept watch over the sensors and so far they are all accounted for."

Logan was watching the Admiral closely and saw that Q's explanation was actually making him more worried.

Apparently the thought of sensors that could self destruct was something to be concerned about.

"We intend to leave this region of space soon...I think we have been here long enough," said Logan calmly.

He saw Lee Adama's face tighten; Logan was sure the younger Adama was blaming the Xavier for their present predicament.

Logan once again did not give a damn what the officer thought, right now his main goal was to go after the cylons and find out what the hell they were dealing with.

"I am curious though...when are you going to tell the President?" asked Logan. The silence that greeted his question was a good enough answer.

He nodded. "Fair enough."

Admiral Adama stared at him; obviously the man had not fully recovered from the fact that 5 of his colonial officers were going on a mission he was not keen about.

Logan decided it was time to spring another surprise on the senior officer.

"However...there is one more thing."

Admiral Adama raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"

The captain of the Xavier took a deep breath as if he had finally made a difficult decision.

"Admiral Adama...I need to speak to you alone."

The Admiral's eyes widened slightly.

"Hades no!" started Lee Adama without thinking.

Logan ignored him and maintained eye contact with the Admiral.

Admiral Adama stared back for several moments as his son stated that there was no way in Hades that they were leaving them alone.

"Commander Adama," barked the Admiral. His son shut up at once.

"Take everyone outside now."

"But..." started Lee. The Admiral turned a steely gaze in his direction which silenced him.

"As you wish Admiral," said a shocked Lee. He turned to the stunned watching silent colonial officers and motioned them out of the room.

Logan turned to Q Junior and held out his right hand. The hologram placed a folded piece of paper in it. He looked at Logan with a concerned expression.

"Wait outside Q...we will be fine," said Logan in a reassuring manner.

Q Junior looked at the silent expressionless Admiral before leaving the room.

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Admiral Adama was stunned when Logan asked to see him alone.

The first question was why.

He could understand his son's concern but the captain of the Xavier looked like he had made a very difficult decision to tell the Admiral something.

Something very important.

"Take everyone outside now," ordered the Admiral. He cut off his son's word of protest with a cold glare.

As the colonials filed out of the room; Adama was a bit amused to see the concerned look on the hologram's face before he too left the room.

Did the ensign think that he, an old Admiral was going to harm the captain of the Xavier?

A man who had metal claws bond to his arms ?

The door closed ; then after a few moments Adama turned to face Captain Logan. Both men stared at each other for moments.

"I see you have something on your mind Captain," said Adama carefully.

The man before him was holding on to the piece of paper in his right hand tightly; then he seemed to let himself relax and he slowly held his hand out.

"Admiral Adama...I need to ask you this. Is it possible that there may be spies amongst your fleet?"

The direct question and the way it was politely worded took the Admiral by surprise. It took a while before he could find the words to say.

In the end ; he said the truth. "I'm not sure."

Logan's lips tightened in a thin line and he bit his lower lip as if trying not to swear. Finally he trusted himself to speak.

"This...is for you."

Adama looked at Logan's hand for a while before taking the innocuous looking document.

He unfolded it to see a series of numbers.

Adama blinked several times , then re-read it twice more.

"Is this...is this...?" he found he could not say it.

"Co-ordinates...but not to Earth. They are for a Starbase 21; a Federation outpost which is at least 6 weeks from Earth at maximum warp."

Adama's elation at what he thought it was fell ; then rose again.

A Federation base would be fully equipped and possibly more than able to take on the cylon fleet as well as protect the colonials.

"Why?" asked Adama as he refolded the now highly valuable piece of paper.

"Plan B, in case we don't make it back.

Admiral...we both know that we may not make it back, but we sure as hell are going to try."

Adama looked once more at the piece of paper in his hands.

"You're giving me this...even though there may be spies in our fleet?"

Logan shrugged. "Who knows ? Maybe I'm wrong...but if I'm right, keeping those co-ordinates secret will be your main goal.

It's not just you who is at risk anymore...I am also risking the safety of Earth."

Adama nodded slowly at the captain's solemn words.

"Is there anything else you wish to tell me?"

Logan sighed. "We might take 16hrs to get to the cylons; but we will definitely get back the fastest way possible...if we do not meet up with you in 36hours. Then we are either dead or captured."

Adama tried not to flinch at his words; but he could not deny the reality of what they were facing.

"Admiral, let's get the rest of them in before your CAG thinks the worst," said Logan dryly.

Adama could not help but smile back. He tucked the piece of paper into his breast pocket.

He strode to the door to find the CAG was right up next to it.

The frustrated look on his face showed that he had hardly heard anything; he opened his mouth to speak.

"Later," said Adama with steel in his voice, then he looked at the others who were standing down the corridor.

"Come in people, we have plans to make."

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Colonial One...

Roslin tried not to grit her teeth as the representative from Gemenon described in detail how he felt the president and vice president of the colonies had failed in their endeavour to return the crew of the Thirteenth Tribe to the fold.

From the moment she, Zarek and Tory walked in they had been verbally attacked.

Most of the Quorum were actually nodding as the idiot preached about spiritual purity and the need to show the Thirteenth Tribe the error of their ways.

The president glanced sideways to see Zarek staring at the Gemenon representative with a murderous glint in his eyes.

She didn't blame him; at the moment if there was a weapon nearby she did not trust herself not to use it upon most of the delegates in the room.

Utter complete fools.

How stupid were they? Their main concern should be the fact that the cylons had tracked them and here they were worrying about religion?

Captain Logan had been right, this was hardly the time for a theological argument.

Roslin let them speak; she wanted them to get the anger and hopefully the stupidity out of their system before she explained to them why they were so wrong.

But two delegates watched her closely and silently.

John Cantrell of Sagittaron and Dahlia of Tauron sat side by side and watched her with very thoughtful expressions.

They saw to the heart of the matter, but they were hardly allies.

"Ms President; how did the cylons track us?" asked Dahlia when the representative paused in his speech to take a sip of water.

Everyone turned to face the president at that question.

Roslin answered calmly. "We don't know, however the Admiral is looking into it."

John and Dahlia stared a silent look as the delegates began to shout questions at the president and vice president.

"What do you mean by you don't know?"

"Are we again at risk?"

"What does the Xavier have to say about this ? Can they not get more of their people here to help?"

Roslin held up a hand and the voices died down.

"Captain Logan has informed us that we are about 4 or 5 months from Earth's territories. I am not sure if he has informed them of our existence..."

"Why hasn't he?" interrupted John "Is it because we are too far from Earth...besides I have not heard of a technology that can transmit that far."

The delegates around him murmured their agreement.

Zarek decided to answer at this point.

"As you have seen from the most recent battle; the technology of the Thirteenth Tribe is more advanced than that of the colonies.

However we are unable to assess how advanced...but we will in time. I am happy to inform you that Captain Logan has agreed to two of our colonial officers acting as representatives of the fleet aboard the Xavier."

The murmurs this time were those of amazement.

Roslin found herself sighing inwardly. Once again Zarek made himself appear as the shining knight who had saved the fleet.

Though that was annoying; Roslin was grateful for the reprieve.

She tried to relax as the delegates began to ask Zarek more questions about the latest meeting.

As Roslin watched; she noticed one of the aides for the Sagitarron delegate was on her hand held communicator and she looked very distressed.

The woman walked over to John Cantrell and whispered urgently into his right ear. The man looked at her for several moments before turning to face Zarek with a look of anger on his face.

"Mr Vice president," cut in John "could you and the president please explain to us why the Xavier and two vipers just jumped without the fleet ?"

There was dead silence at this question.

Roslin and Zarek shared a startled look.

What had Adama done?"

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Hi everyone; so sorry about the wait. Weather this month has been something else! Rain, ice and snow! You name it.

Hope you are all keeping well, hope you all enjoy this chapter. Please read and enjoy.

Have a great week people!