CHAPTER 34 of The Phoenix and the Wolverine.

Baltar leaned back in his lounge chair and smiled at the sunset before him.

He recognized the area; he must be in the Fkelia Resort, where only extremely wealthy capricans travelled to.

There were tourists idly walking on the beach and the clear sapphire-blue water of the man-made Fkelia lake sparkled with the setting rays of the sun.

He had been coming to this seaside resort for the past 6 years and he always enjoyed himself.

"Having fun?"

Baltar smiled behind his sunglasses before looking up at the owner of the feminine voice.

As usual Caprica was clad in an exquisite white two piece bikini bathing suit. It definitely enhanced her assets and Baltar's smile became quite lecherous.

"Not as much fun as we'll be having later this evening."

Caprica removed her large brim straw hat and looked solemnly at the setting sun for a few moments before answering.

"It's beautiful; isn't it?

Even though it means death for this planet."

The smile slid from Baltar's face and he found himself removing his sunshades.

"Six; what are you talking about?"

The female cylon smiled sadly without taking her eyes off what she was looking at.

"See what I see Gaius."

The scientist turned and moments later; his sunshades fell from nerveless fingers.

The setting sun had become a blossoming mushroom cloud , the lake was completely dried up and the tourists who had been walking around were now blackened corpses.

"What...?" muttered the scientist in complete horror.

"Gaius," he turned to face Caprica who was now in a well-cut business skirt suit which was the colour of fresh blood. She held both his hands.

"The following days and weeks are going to be very difficult. I...I wish I could help you; I think only the Thirteenth Tribe can help you but I'm not sure they will."

Baltar suddenly realized what was happening.

"I'm dreaming; that's what this is."

Six closed her eyes and took a deep breath before opening them again.

"Baby," her voice was gentle "it's time to wake up."

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Gaius woke up suddenly; he found himself breathing heavily.

He tried to sit up.

"You're awake," said a strangely familiar feminine voice.

Before he could say a word , a calm female teenager dressed in a black long sleeved t-shirt with black trousers appeared by his side with a familiar device in her right hand.

He recalled her name almost instantly.

Laura Kinney; daughter of captain Logan of the Xavier.

Baltar tried not to flinch as she applied the tricorder to his head and neck. Then he noticed Caprica was standing by the left side of his bio-bed; while Helo was watching them with a neutral expression.

"What...what happened after I blacked out ?" asked the scientist.

"What do you remember?" responded Laura with a question after she completed her scanning.

Baltar only had to think for a few moments.

"Six, Helo and I were in the mess hall; then the space battle started," Laura kept quiet as he continued.

"The ship shook; was probably hit...then we realized we could see what was happening from the viewports in the mess hall.

We; three ran to watch..."

There was a flicker of an emotion on Helo's face.

"...then we saw raiders impacting the sides of the ship; it was a miracle the Xavier stayed intact. I lost count of how many raiders blew themselves up as I tried to stay on my feet.

There was one particular explosion that came closer than the others , I lost my footing and the last thing I saw was the side of one of the tables."

Laura nodded. "Sounds about right; do you know where you are?"

Baltar frowned at her. "This is your medbay; can you please tell me what happened after I lost consciousness?"

"You got a head injury during the battle; it's been fixed," explained Laura in a bland tone.

The scientist eventually sat up; he began to systematically check himself for symptoms of a serious head injury.

So far; he did not have problems with his sight; no headache; no urge to vomit.

"Did I get my head scanned?" his voice to his annoyance sounded shaky.

"She checked you over completely Gaius, with scans and all; you're fine," said Caprica Six in a reassuring tone.

"For now," added Helo who was still watching them from the foot of the bed.

Gaius thought the colonial pilot looked upset that he was better.

I wonder why, thought the scientist dryly.

Of course he knew why; but he really did not want to dwell on the many reasons why he should be dead.

"Is it over?"

Laura out away the tricorder before answering.

"Yeah; 4 basestars were destroyed and the remaining two took off."

Caprica looked shocked at the news. "Just like that ? How did you destroy the basestars?"

Laura looked at her for a long time. "We defended ourselves." The female teen turned away as Caprica's stunned expression changed to one of frustration.

"I expect we'll be leaving this area of space soon," Laura looked at Baltar " can you walk?"

The scientist hesitated briefly before getting off the bed.

His feet were steady and he felt almost like his old self.

"I think I'm okay..."

"Good," said the female teen before he was finished "you can return to your quarters."

Caprica frowned at her. "Since he had a head injury should he not stay in the medical bay for a while ; at least for the next 24hours..."

"That isn't necessary," cut in Laura "his head injury was not significant and I have done micro-scans and done the necessary treatment for a moderate concussion.

His memory of the incident is more or less intact and all observations are satisfactory; there is no need for a medical admission.

You can observe him in his quarters and alert Xavier or I if his situation deteriorates, but right now I need you two out of this medical bay so that I can sort it out."

That was when Baltar took stock of his surroundings and realized that the usually neat medical bay had certain equipment on the floors and a couple of panels loose.

Caprica's eyes narrowed. "You just want us out of here so that we don't get a closer look at your technology."

If she thought those words would intimidate Laura; she was in for a surprise.

"How perceptive of you," said Laura in a manner almost identical to that of her 'father'.

"Now; please leave while I'm still polite," said the female teen with a cold smile.

Caprica hid the uneasiness she felt at the girl's tone.

She was just thirteen or fourteen years old for heaven's sake.

What had happened to her to make her so hard?

Six glanced at Helo to see him also giving Logan's daughter a wary look.

Even the colonials seemed scared of her.

"Since you put it that way; I will comply," said Six calmly.

Laura's eyes narrowed. "Glad to hear it." She sounded anything but that.

The Number Six cylon took Baltar's hand and pulled him gently.

The scientist opened his mouth to speak; then seemed to think better of it and left with the cylon.

Helo moved to go after them ; then looked at Laura.

"Do you need any help?"

The female teen sighed. "I really hate tidying up." Then she smiled at him before continuing in a friendly tone.

" No; I'm good here, please just ensure those two do not do anything...unwise."

Helo blinked and nodded hastily before hurrying out of the medical bay.

It was unnerving the way Laura ( make that Cadet Kinney) seemed to rapidly switch from extreme coldness to almost normal politeness.

Some might state that was an indication of insanity.

But Helo was sure she was definitely sane and very smart.

He suppressed a shudder of what she would be like when she was her father's age.

May the Gods help any man or woman who crossed her path.

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En route to crew quarters...

Baltar was nattering away while Helo followed silently at a distance but the Number Six model said nothing while she nodded at all the right places.

For her thoughts were elsewhere.

Caprica's mind was in turmoil as she tried to process what had just happened in the last few hours.

Earlier on; she had woken up from a restful sleep in her private quarters on board the Xavier.

She had been pleased and also astonished that the crew of the Xavier didn't put her and Baltar in a cell.

They didn't trust her; of that she was certain.

But, it was as if they had other ways to ensure that she didn't cause problems.

That scared her, because at that point; she had no idea what those methods could be.

Six had checked the chronometer on the wall and sure enough it was exactly 60 minutes until they got to the colonial fleet. She had actually felt apprehensive about leaving her quarters but she eventually walked out of her quarters.

The moment she got on the corridor; the ship's AI politely asked if she needed any assistance.

Six had looked up at the ceiling in surprise; then found herself smiling.

"Your name is Xavier; is it not?"

"Correct, and your designation is Caprica Six."

Six nodded. "Tell me; where is Ensign Q Junior?"

"He's busy."

The female cylon was a bit puzzled at his answer. Maybe the ship's hybrid needed specific questions.

"I meant; what is his current location..."

"His current location is really none of your concern; now how else may I help you?"

Six had stared at the ceiling in shock; she had not expected the AI to interrupt her and also indirectly tell her to mind her business.

"Were you ordered not to speak to me?"

"If that was case; then we wouldn't be having this conversation, Miss Six."

It's sentient thought a stunned Six. The Thirteenth Tribe had definitely come far in terms of creating Artificial Intelligence.

"What I meant," began Six carefully " is that it looks like I have limited access to certain information and areas on this ship."

There was silence for a few moments before the AI answered.

"Correct; would you like to proceed to Ten-Forward?"

"Is that the only place I can go to?"

"Ten-forward and your quarters are the only places you can freely move to, Miss Six," came the calm electronic reply.

Six bit her lower lip. "And if I wander by accident..."

"I will be there to guide you back to the right path," the words sounded almost gentle but the underlying firmness sent shivers down her spine.

This AI was like nothing she had ever encountered.

She wrapped her arms around her; this felt worse than being in a cell. Xavier was her jailer and for a brief moment, he had sounded...irritated with her questions.

"Shall we proceed?"

Six had only nodded and started walking down the corridor with the AI giving directions.

In Ten-forward she had been surprised to find Baltar there.

Apparently he had been unable to sleep and left his quarters half an hour earlier and Xavier had also guided him to the mess hall.

The scientist looked startled when Six walked in.

"Hello Caprica," he said awkwardly.

Six had stared at him for a long time before she walked up to his table.

"Mind if I take a seat ?"

Gaius was silent for a long moment before he replied. "There's no one stopping you from doing so."

Six sighed and sat down. "We really haven't had a chance to talk..."

Baltar laughed bitterly. "I wonder why; maybe the reason may have to do with the torture sessions I underwent 4 weeks ago."

Caprica winced. "I was against that..."

"Were you now?!" interrupted Baltar in a loud voice "that's hilarious because I didn't see you stopping D'anna from working me over!"

"Would you have preferred the alternative?" asked Caprica in a calm voice.

Baltar looked at her. "Like what?" his voice was cutting.

"Death," that word made the scientist blink several times.

Six nodded. "Oh yes Baltar; Cavil and a few of the others wanted you executed...I was the last one to vote and it came down to four against three in favour of you living."

"And torture? What of that? Did you frakkers vote on that as well?!" demanded the bitter man in-front of her.

Six maintained eye contact. "Yes we did and it came down to two against five.

I don't have to tell you what the outcome was."

There was a very uncomfortable silence after that for several moments.

"Why was I moved from my cell?" asked Baltar quietly.

Six leaned back in her chair and looked up at pristine light grey uniquely patterned ceiling of the mess hall.

"Cavil; he was playing one of his...games, the one where you could have ended up dead if I made the wrong move."

Baltar closed his eyes briefly before turning to look at the spectacular scene of stars streaking past while in warp.

"That's why I asked Captain Logan to get you off the basestar."

The scientist snapped his head round to stare at her. "And Novacek? Was that your idea as well to get him free after eight years of captivity?"

Several moments passed before she answered.

"Daniel had long outlived his usefulness. I always found a reason to keep him alive but I knew once I left the basestar, Cavil would kill him just out of spite."

"So you had him rescued out of the goodness of your heart?" asked an incredulous Baltar.

Caprica had laughed softly. "Oh no, I did it just to wind Cavil up."

Baltar gave her a startled look. "That is one...odd reason Six."

The female cylon smiled sadly but a rumble from her tummy prevented her from speaking.

She had only had a little to eat the first time she came to the Xavier's mess hall but now after a restful sleep; she was starving.

Six looked towards the replicator with barely suppressed glee.

Baltar followed her gaze and found himself smiling as well.

"You thinking what I'm thinking?"

The next 20 minutes had them looking at the replicator and discussing what it could do.

Of course; they didn't take it apart because the two were well aware that the AI of the ship was silently watching them.

But they prepared a lovely snack when their hunger got the better of them.

They were still talking about the replicator when the AI calmly warned them that they were about to come out warp and that they should please stay in the mess-hall until further notice.

Their animated expressions were replaced by those of dread when they realized the gravity of the situation.

After that announcement; they were joined by Helo and soon found themselves in the middle of a space battle.

Six found herself returning to the present when she realized Baltar had asked her a question twice.

"I'm sorry...what did you say?"

The both of them were now in Baltar's quarters and to her relief, Helo had not followed them in.

"I asked if you were alright...twice; you seemed very far away."

Six took a look round Baltar's spacious apartment. It was almost identical to hers and was probably just as comfortable.

"Just thinking about what's led to this, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be a 'guest' on board a ship of the Thirteenth Tribe."

Baltar laughed softly. "It does boggle the mind; doesn't it? However I have got other things to worry about."

Six gave him an odd look. "What do you mean?"

The scientist was silent for a long time before answering. "The battle with the basestars is now over.

It's not going to take long before Roslin and Co; realize that I am on this ship."

Six felt dizzy with dread when the full meaning of his words dawned on her.

"They wouldn't...Captain Logan would not..."

Baltar raised a hand wearily. "Let's not fool ourselves.

I don't know what Starbuck and the others have told him and his crew but they look at me as if I am the enemy.

Look into my eyes and tell me you don't feel the same way."

Six stared at him for a long time and then her eyes fell away.

Baltar smiled sadly. "Roslin and Zarek are going to ask him for me and he will have to hand me over to them."

Caprica knelt in front of the seated scientist.

"I got you off that basestar; I will make Captain Logan listen to me..."

"No Six," cut in Baltar gently as he placed a finger softly on her lips "I want to be handed over to them."

He went on to answer the unspoken question on her stunned face.

"I deserve to die Six; if not for what happened on New Caprica...what about what happened on the Twelve Colonies? I gave you the defence codes with which your people used to attack and destroy 20 billion lives.

There is no hope for me."

Six could find no words to describe how sorry she was.

Baltar nodded silently as if he understood; he patted her hands; stood up and went into the lavatory.

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Saul Tigh took over running of the CIC immediately the Admiral left with Captain Logan; an unconscious Dr Grey and the hologram.

The XO forcefully passed the recent memory of a levitating doctor to the back of his mind as he tried to ensure the safety of colonial refugee fleet.

"Gaeta; status of the Astral Queen and her escorts?"

The ashen looking Junior Lieutenant answered from his station. "She's back with the rest of the fleet and the compromised vipers are with her. What do you want me to do with them?"

Saul thought for a moment.

"Keep all five vessels in one area; inform the pilots and crew of the reason why." He turned to Dee.

"What's our jump status?"

"Ready to initiate on your orders sir; the other ships of the fleet are also ready." Her voice was amazingly steady.

Saul hid a sigh of relief; thank the Gods that the officers in the CIC were could still do their jobs. He was about to say something when he noticed something odd.

Novacek looked ashen and was leaning against the wall.

The XO walked over to him.

"Dan; you alright?"

The senior lieutenant looked at him. "Saul; I...I..what just happened? What the frak did Dr Grey just do?!"

Saul swallowed nervously, looked around and saw that a few people were looking in their direction.

"Pal; you don't look too good. I think it's time Dr Cottle had a look at you."

Daniel looked sharply at him. "Who is he?"

"The best medic we got," replied Saul Tigh instantly "I'll get a marine to take you there. I'll come check on you when I have some free time."

Daniel hesitated before nodding.

Saul beckoned a marine and quickly gave him instructions before Mr Novacek left for the medical bay.

The XO turned round and saw Starbuck and Anders were standing with Sharon and speaking quietly.

Saul tightened his lips when his remaining eye went to the bundle in the female cylon's arms.

So the child was alive.

He didn't know if that was a good or bad thing; but he was sure of one thing.

That child was going to be trouble.

Then again; Saul had bigger things to worry about.

What had just happened in the CIC? What exactly was Dr Jean Grey capable of ?

And how the frak was Gaius Baltar on the Xavier?

"Admiral on deck!"

Saul pushed his thoughts away and turned to watch his commanding officer enter the CIC.

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The Galactica; personal rooms of Admiral Adama...

Q Junior stayed silent as Oma listed the damage report over the com-badge.

Four feet away lay a sleeping Dr Grey on a pallet with a grey blanket covering her.

Captain Logan was leaning against the wall listening to Oma's voice as he also watched the doctor at the same time.

In a corner was the severely bent and misshapen form of a metal and plastic chair.

Logan had momentarily forgotten the considerable weight of his adamantium frame and had sat in the light chair for at least 5 seconds.

That was more than enough time to almost flatten the chair.

Admiral Adama had stared at it in shock as Logan held back a curse and apologized.

To his and Q Junior's surprise; the senior officer had smiled and said.

"After what I have seen earlier...this shouldn't surprise me," said the colonial warrior a bit wearily.

"Gentlemen; there is still a lot to do. I will return to the CIC but will speak to you in a short while."

Logan nodded. "Thanks Admiral."

Adama nodded silently and left them.

Q Junior had promptly checked Jean again without Logan needing to tell him to.

The female telepath and doctor was still asleep and her observations were normal.

Logan allowed his mind to return to the present as Oma continued with the damage report.

"...warp core is stable; no evidence of hull breach even on the micro-level ; however 15 percent of sensors were damaged and will need repairs.

Communication array is intact; the deflector shields are back to full strength; ablative armour is still intact."

"How many raiders went kamikaze before the battle ended?" asked Logan.

"Sir; from the number of hits we took; there were one hundred and three attempted jumps into our shields and seventy five of them were successful."

Logan frowned when he heard the tone in her voice.

That was the sound of someone kicking her behind repeatedly.

"You did the best you could kid and from where I'm standing it was a job well done."

"Thank you sir," there was a sound of pride in her voice.

"But sir; what made the 650 raiders reverse course and blow up two of the basestars?"

Q Junior grinned. "That was due to Dr Grey."

There was silence for a long moment.

"She...she did that?!" asked a stunned Oma.

Guess she doesn't know what Jean is truly capable of thought Logan with some relief.

But she will know soon enough.

Logan went still as the dark presence of the Phoenix left his mind; he looked sharply at Jean.

The female doctor was still asleep.

"Captain," called Oma.

"Yes Ensign?"

"A Lieutenant Anastasia Dualla-Adama has just informed me that they are about to jump the fleet and have given me new co-ordinates to go to."

Logan and Q Junior shared a solemn look.

"Understandable considering the fact that the cylons just got four of their basestars annihilated, staying here any longer would be unwise," Logan paused then turned to Q Junior " stay with Dr Grey. I'm going to the CIC to find out what's going on.

Oma , how far away are those co-ordinates?"

"Three point two minutes sir at warp 9."

Logan nodded. "We'll speak again soon; until then stay frosty."

"Yes captain."

The captain of the Xavier looked once more at Jean before leaving the room.

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The CIC...

There was an air of urgency in the command centre when Adama returned; he didn't waste time in asking Saul Tigh for a sitrep.

Apparently the last two 'compromised' vipers had returned with the Astral Queen thirty seconds after the battle ended.

The Admiral immediately ordered all 5 compromised craft to dock in the main flight deck.

Saul and some of the personnel were stunned at the order; they had thought he was going to ask them to be destroyed but Adama had other plans.

He wanted to see the tracking devices himself just in case the cylons tried this again in the future.

Adama then asked his daughter-in-law to send new co-ordinates to the Xavier and to prepare the rest of the fleet for an immediate 'jump'.

Then Adama heard a sound and he and most of the personnel turned at the same time.

It was the sound of a child laughing and it was coming from the bundle in Lieutenant Agathon's arms.

Adama closed his eyes briefly ; he had forgotten about the cylon and her baby.

He looked around quickly and was dismayed to see Roslin was still present , she was looking at the female cylon with a stunned look on her face.

It looked like the female president was just being aware of the baby's presence for the first time.

"Lieutenant Agathon," called Adama loudly.

Sharon looked pale but her expression was neutral as she walked up to him. Most of the nearby personnel stared at the baby in her arms with questions in their eyes.

"Sir," answered Sharon. Adama tried not to look at the female president and Lieutenant Thrace who were approaching as well.

"Do you want to go to the medical bay so that Dr Cottle could do a check up on you and Hera?" asked Adama softly.

Sharon hesitated.

The Admiral knew why; the feeling of betrayal must still be strong.

"I..." began the female cylon.

"That would be a very good idea," cut in Roslin in a clear voice.

Adama saw the eyes of Sharon harden before she turned to face the president of the 12 Colonies. Even Starbuck was staring at the female leader.

"There's no need for that ma'am, Dr Grey gave her and I a clean bill of health when we got off the basestar. I'm certain she's fine."

Roslin walked up to her and tried to look at Hera, but Sharon took a defensive step back.

"That was not a request Lieutenant," said Roslin softly.

Sharon's eyes got darker with anger while Kara bit her lower lip and kept silent.

Adama opened his mouth to speak.

"Permission to enter the CIC," boomed out a deep voice.

Everyone turned to watch Captain Logan enter the command centre; he nodded respectively at the marines standing guard and they responded in kind.

"Permission granted," said Adama while hiding his relief at the interruption. Going toe to toe with the head of the 12 colonies in full view of everyone was not ideal.

Logan walked up to them and looked briefly at Roslin, Sharon and a silent Kara.

"Am I interrupting anything?" he asked softly.

Roslin smiled at him "No captain; I trust Dr Grey is feeling better?"

"She's okay," simply replied Logan

The female president appeared relived. "Excellent" she turned back to Sharon. "anyway the Lieutenant was just about to go to medbay for an assessment..."

Sharon opened her mouth to protest.

"Which she may not need," cut in Adama " since it appears Dr Grey has already done so, besides I'm sure Dr Cottle is currently busy treating the surviving pilots from the recent fire-fight.

The post mission assessment can wait."

Roslin glared at Adama but wisely kept silent.

Logan noticed the blank look on Sharon's face.

"If need be; we'll go with her once things calm down sir," that statement came from Lieutenant Thrace , standing silently behind her was her husband; Junior Lieutenant Anders.

"Kadretti just told me you're about to jump the fleet," said Logan abruptly before Roslin had a chance to speak.

"Who is that?" asked Saul Tigh bluntly.

The captain of the Xavier looked at him. "Ensign Ihuoma Kadretti is a recent addition to the crew. She's a Starfleet officer and the one who blew up the resurrection ship."

Saul looked at Kara who confirmed with a nod. "She also got us away from the basestar sir. She's got very good piloting skills."

"She's currently in command of your ship?" asked a curious Roslin.

Logan nodded. "Yes she is."

Adama smiled dryly. "I hope we will get a chance to meet her."

"Perhaps," said Logan with an equally dry smile " so what's happening now? I expect you want a debriefing done asap."

Adama nodded. "That would be ideal; but we need to isolate and scan the compromised ships and remove the tracking devices. Do you know when the next signal is to be sent?"

Logan was already shaking his head. "Not entirely sure; the time varies from four hourly to six hourly or eight hourly. Q Junior will be the expert on that I'm afraid."

Saul frowned and was about to speak when another person beat him to it.

"All ships ready to jump Admiral and the Xavier is ready to go to warp," reported Gaeta.

Adama looked at him. "Jump the fleet."

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Lee waited his turn as the vipers docked before he did the same.

The entire fleet had just jumped and at the moment they were just waiting for the Xavier to catch up.

The CAG suspected that the colonial 'jump drive' may be more advanced than that of the 'warp drive' of the Xavier.

However that was a drop in the bucket when you compared the colonial weapons and defence against those of the ship of the Thirteenth Tribe.

Cheerful crews greeted him as he emerged from his viper.

It was astonishing the effect the presence of the Xavier had on the colonials.

But what Lee wanted to know was what the frak had made the cylon raiders crash into the two basestars and make them explode?

Oh Lee was grateful for the results alright!

But he wanted to know how it happened.

Because he would dearly love to replicate it in the future.

Once Lee had a quick check for radiation he made a beeline for a harried Tyrol.

"Chief! A word please."

The specialist allowed Lee to take him to a corner.

"Lee; any problems?"

"No; not really. What's the word on the five compromised vessels?"

The specialist answered by pointing at three raptors in the middle of the flight bay. Other deck crew were already swarming over the three small ships.

"Three of them are right here; they just came in just before we jumped, the other two vipers are in bound."

Lee raised both eyebrows. "We didn't blow them up?"

"No; as per your father's orders. He wants to see what the devices look like in case this is done again and besides we are running out of ships.

We can't afford to lose these ones."

Lee bit his lower lip; he understood what Tyrol was saying.

At the beginning of the escape from Caprica; they had too many fighter crafts and not enough pilots.

Now it was the reverse.

"Do you know what blew up the basestars? Why the raiders went suicidal on them?"

Tyrol gave him a stunned look. "You mean...you haven't heard?"

Lee narrowed his eyes. "Heard what? Come on; if you know, tell me."

Tyrol hesitated only for a moment before telling him what he knew.

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Lee hurried to the CIC.

He still was unsure of what he had just heard from Tyrol; who was one of the most mentally stable and realistic people he knew.

But yet; what he heard had just been too fantastic.

What Tyrol told him wasn't possible.

He had said as much and the specialist just looked at him and said.

"Get the surveillance videos; then we'll talk later," Tyrol then left him to get back to work.

Lee's mind was forced to return to the present when he walked into the CIC.

Captain Logan was standing with the Admiral; the XO; President Roslin; Sharon, Kara and Anders.

Dr Grey was nowhere in sight.

The CAG sized up the situation and couldn't help but notice the tense aura around the small group of people in the centre of the CIC.

Almost against his will; Lee's attention was drawn to the baby in Sharon's arms.

Yes.

The child had to be the cause; considering the way Roslin was looking at the female cylon and her child.

As if she was a bit uncertain what to do.

Lee thanked the Gods that Zarek was absent; then again...where in Hades was the sly vice president?

"Admiral."

They all turned to face him.

"Chief Tyrol has already gotten his people working on the compromised raptors," he paused "does anyone have any idea when the next signal will be sent?"

Adama senior answered. "We were just discussing that, apparently Ensign Q Junior is the expert in this case but he's currently with Dr Grey."

Lee saw Logan's face tighten.

Something had happened in the CIC while Lee was gone.

"Is she okay? Has Dr Cottle seen to her?" asked the CAG while he tried to hide his panic. He suspected the captain of the Xavier and the female doctor were very close.

If she had been harmed; then may the Gods help them all.

"She's better; just resting at the moment," said Logan.

Lee waited for more ; then quickly realized that that was all he was going to hear.

The captain doesn't trust us thought Lee as he looked at Logan's grey eyes. Q Junior was more than just a medic/engineer.

He was also a bodyguard.

Lee found his mind replaying the memory of what Q Junior had done to the marines when Saul Tigh tried to space the hologram and Laura Kinney.

"We need to speak to Q Junior now especially if he can detect the devices quicker," said Roslin. The two men broke eye contact and turned to look at the president.

Logan opened his mouth to speak when his com-badge went off.

"Captain?" It was Q Junior's voice.

The man before them looked concerned as he tapped his 'com-badge'.

"Yes Q?"

"Dr Grey is awake and she would like to see you and Lieutenant Agathon if that is not too much trouble."

Everyone including Logan looked puzzled at the hologram's words.

Logan frowned. "Sure..." he looked at the Admiral " is Sharon free to see her? I'm sure it will not take long."

Adama senior looked at the female cylon who nodded silently.

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A few minutes earlier...

The Phoenix was fully 'awake'.

However, poor Jean was so exhausted that she had fallen into a healing sleep.

But the Phoenix was also tired as well.

It had been so long since it had performed such a feat on a cosmic level.

Probably because I have been out of practice. Thought the entity dryly.

However ; on a positive note; The Phoenix was feeling quite cheerful.

The crew back on the Xavier were safe and it had felt useful for once because the 'destruction' had been on it's own terms.

For now the entity was content to 'roam' the halls of the Galactica.

It didn't even look into the minds of the giant ship's inhabitants.

If Jean knew this; she would have been pleasantly surprised.

The Phoenix was just about to 'peep' into the halls of the nearest colonial ship when it 'felt' distress coming from the CIC.

It hesitated then flowed back like a rapid river to the command centre; in no time , it identified the source of the distress.

Lieutenant Sharon Agathon.

The young cylon mother was terrified of Roslin and from the way she was gripping her child, it didn't take a genius to know why the pilot was scared.

The Phoenix found herself hesitating before briefly brushing the top layers of the female President's mind.

Mere nanoseconds after doing so; the entity had to 'mentally' restrain itself from giving into the unbelievable strong temptation to obliterate the female president.

Because of one reason...it would make Jean very unhappy.

You have no idea how lucky you are Ms Roslin.

The entity then proceeded on it's next plan.

It was time for Jean to 'wake up.'

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXX

Q Junior heard a sharp intake of breath and turned to see Jean trying to sit up.

"Easy Dr Grey," said Q Junior as he rushed to her side to help.

"You're still very tired..."

"Where's Logan, Sharon and Hera?" asked the female doctor tiredly but with a concerned look on her face.

Q Junior stared at her. "They are in the CIC; is something wrong?"

Jean tried to stand up and rapidly sat down when she felt dizzy.

Q Junior brought out his tricorder and checked her readings.

"Heart rate a bit elevated however over-all obs are fine; but you need to rest Dr Grey."

Jean held up a hand. "I know and agree but I need you to get Logan, Sharon and her baby right here, right now." She saw the question on Q's face.

"The Phoenix is pretty pissed right now with Roslin; that...woman," hissed Jean angrily " wants to separate Sharon and Hera again!"

Q's eyes widened but he quickly reached for his com-badge and got in contact with Logan.

A few minutes later, Logan walked in.

Jean and the male Starfleet ensign heaved signs of relief when they saw he was followed by Sharon with Hera in her arms.

"Is everything alright?" asked Logan his eyes went to the female doctor ; he knelt beside her and tentatively touched her right hand.

"You look tired Jean..."

"I'm fine," said the female doctor as she softly interrupted him. She touched his face gently and smiled tenderly at him.

Q Junior felt his face heat up; this was like watching his parents. He coughed before the two adults did something silly.

Like kissing each other.

He so wasn't ready to be traumatized by that!

"Have the five compromised ships been found?" asked Q Junior quickly.

Jean smiled knowingly while Logan frowned at him.

"Yes," he stood up "their engineers are going over them, do you know when the next transmission will be?"

The hologram looked at his chronometer. "In 3 hours and 41 minutes; 37 seconds."

"That does not give us a lot of time," said Sharon as she tried to comfort a restless Hera "Dr Grey; why did you send for us, if you don't mind me asking?"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Jean looked at Sharon.

The telepath could feel apprehension from the female cylon; but there was also trust and respect.

You saved her daughter Jean; she knows she owes you big time.

I'm just glad she doesn't fear me or hate me for what we are. Thought Jean.

There was the equivalent of a mental snort in Jean's mind.

Let's face it dear; she's a lot smarter and more sincere than the 'humans' who run this place. She knows you are not her enemy.

Jean nodded; then spoke when she saw her silence was making Sharon and the others a bit worried.

"I need your help Lieutenant," began Jean pleasantly.

The female cylon; Logan and Q Junior looked surprised.

"Q Junior has to help Chief Tyrol with the tracking devices; Logan needs to speak nice with the Admiral and Company in the meantime and I need a baby sitter so that these two nice gentlemen," she pointed at Logan and Q Junior " will quit worrying about me and do their jobs."

Q Junior and Logan exchanged a wry glance while Sharon looked stunned.

"Can you help me Lieutenant?"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXX

Sharon didn't know what to say.

She had been present when Jean singlehandedly obliterated two basestars and six hundred and fifty raiders.

It had been unbelievable and the female cylon was still asking herself if she had dreamed the entire thing up.

Now the woman who was a member of the Thirteenth Tribe as well as being a 'weapon-of-mass-destruction' was asking her, a cylon for help.

What does one say to that?

"Eh...sure, I will be glad to help."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXX

Logan stared at the two women.

I know what I'm doing Logan, right now she needs to feel that she and her baby are safe.

I want her to stay with me; the Phoenix and I will keep her safe.

He concentrated on the female telepath. There had to be a good reason why Jean was acting like this.

Oh yes there is; I just found out that Roslin is planning to separate Sharon and Hera again.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXX

The CIC...

Roslin was trying not to tap her foot impatiently; she knew it had only been a few minutes since Captain Logan and Sharon had gone to see Dr Grey.

She wondered why the doctor had asked for the female cylon; but the president pushed it to the back of her mind. For now, Roslin had to get Hera away from Sharon and into hiding.

They may have defeated the cylons for now; but they will be back for the child and the Xavier.

She walked up to Adama and whispered urgently.

"We need to speak soon."

The Admiral looked at her. "I am well aware of that; but let me make the fleet safe first; then we do the debriefing before we have our own little chat."

His voice was firm but Roslin was not going to be deterred.

"William..." she began before the sound of people returning interrupted her.

Captain Logan and Ensign Q Junior walked quickly into the CIC.

"Ensign Q Junior says we have less than 3 hours and 40 minutes before the next signal is sent out. He has some ideas on how to scan your ships faster," said Logan without wasting any time.

Everyone turned to the male Starfleet ensign.

"I can modify the sensors on the shuttle to isolate the trackers and beam them out."

"All the trackers?" asked Lee cautiously.

"Yes; but first I need to use a hand held scanner. Once I get the first one; the rest may be easier to isolate."

Logan looked at Adama. "Sounds okay to me."

The Admiral stared at the hologram for a moment.

"I want to see the trackers and how you isolate them."

Q Junior looked at his captain who nodded silently.

"No problem Admiral."

"Where's Lieutenant Agathon ?" asked a worried looking Roslin.

Logan narrowed his eyes. "She's with Jean; the doctor wanted to speak to her about her placement on board the Xavier and if she wishes to continue it.

Is there a problem?"

Roslin tried not to flinch from the cold light in his eyes.

The man before her seemed to see right through her.

"No; I was just curious."

Saul who was standing near her gave her an odd look at her lame reply.

"People; we need to get this show on the road," said Adama in a firm tone.

Logan stared at Roslin for a moment. "Of course Admiral."

"Sir," called Dualla. Everyone looked at her.

"The Xavier has arrived."

Before anyone else could speak; Logan's com-badge went off.

"Captain Logan; this is Kadretti, we're here."

Logan smiled a little. "Good work, ensign, keep an open line in the meantime."

There were puzzled looks around as the Starfleet officer on the other end replied.

"Yes captain."

Logan turned to the Admiral. "Ready when you are."

"Gaeta," called the Adama senior " you have command."

Then he left with Q Junior and the others.

Roslin tried to keep a calm expression as she went after them.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXX

The flight deck was a hive of activity and most of the crew were all over 5 particular fighter ships.

Tyrol walked up to the Admiral when he saw the small group of people approaching his work area.

"We got three out sir," he had three small greyish circular devices in his hand.

Admiral Adama took one and noticed it had a red blinking light.

"It's 4cm in diameter; 1cm in thickness, circuitry and body is made out of chrominium; the same metal used in the hull of cylon raiders and basestars."

Adama shared a solemn look with his XO.

"This is cylon tech alright; where are the rest?"

Tyrol winced. "These ones were pretty superficial, but the some are pretty deep. It will take repeated scans to get them all."

The Admiral turned to Q Junior " Still need to use your hand scanner or is this one enough?"

He handed the three to Q Junior.

The sentient hologram received the three trackers.

"This will be enough sir." He began to run his tricorder over the three devices as if he was taking a reading.

Tyrol frowned. "But I can detect them all; I just need more time...

"Which we don't have," cut in Lee gently " we have less than 4 hours till the next transmission. You figure that is gonna be enough for us to find all eighty-four trackers?"

The pale expression on Tyrol's face said it all.

"It's not your fault chief," said Adama gently.

"I'm going to do a quick scan using the shuttle's sensors and will inform you when I'm ready," said Q Junior as he turned to the shuttle.

"Captain Logan; mind if we watch?" asked Adama politely.

The captain of the Xavier looked at him for a long moment.

"Not at all, but let's keep the number small."

The Admiral nodded before selecting his XO and his son Lee; who looked suspicious and eager at the same time.

Adama senior looked at the president who silently shook her head.

The Admiral said nothing but nodded slightly before following Captain Logan and Q Junior into the shuttle.

Kara and Anders remained outside with Tyrol.

The chief engineer looked at the shuttle with longing; obviously he wished he had been invited along to watch.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Inside the shuttle; Admiral Adama tried not to gape at the obviously advanced tech around him.

Just the feel of the hull and the obvious view-screens depicting sensor readings was enough to tell him this ship was from another civilization.

One thing he was sure of; it definitely did not look like cylon tech.

He glanced at his XO; Saul was also trying to memorise everything.

Lee on the other hand was watching what Q Junior was doing.

While Logan watched the three colonials.

The only person who did not seem bothered about the colonials was the hologram. The 'ensign' was seated before a console with a touch-screen controls.

His fingers flew over the screen too fast for the human eye to follow and a 3 dimensional holographic image of a raptor was suddenly hovering in the air.

All three colonials, including the captain of the Xavier were now looking at the image.

"This is the first raptor Chief Tyrol removed the trackers from; by identifying the material of the devices I can now pin-point where the rest of them are."

Certain points on the image began to glow.

"There are 19 more devices in this particular raptor."

"How many in total?" asked Saul Tigh.

"Eighty-four devices colonel," replied the hologram "I'll ask chief to have a box ready so that I can put them into it."

He stood up and quickly left the shuttle.

Admiral Adama watched him leave before turning to Captain Logan.

"You have a pretty impressive shuttle."

Logan's face was neutral as he answered. "Thank you Admiral."

"I expect the Xavier must be more impressive," added Lee.

Logan glanced at him. "Perhaps."

The XO who was watching narrowed his remaining eye.

Q Junior suddenly popped back into the shuttle before anyone could say a word.

"All set; Chief has a huge plastic container out there and he also told me to inform you all that he's recording the transportation."

The hologram sat down quickly and pressed a few more symbols; then from the image of the raptor; the glowing points disappeared.

"It's done."

The Admiral and his son shared a shocked look.

"That's all?"

"Look for yourself," said Logan calmly.

"Eh...excuse me?" called a familiar voice from the open door. All turned to see a stunned Chief Tyrol tentatively sticking his head into the shuttle.

"You might want to see this Admiral."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXX

Roslin was staring at the plastic box that was roughly 90cm by 60 cm with a height of 40cm. Less than a few seconds ago; it had been empty.

Now it had at least more than 10 of those cylon trackers in it.

It was not the trackers which were the cause of her amazement but how they had materialized.

The shocked colonials standing nearby had heard an odd sound like very soft bells ringing and suddenly the empty box was filled of light. Once the light disappeared; they saw the cylon tracking devices.

"Oh my Gods," muttered Tyrol in shock "how did he...?" he looked at Kara and Anders. Both of them didn't look particularly surprised.

"You're seen this before?" asked Roslin.

Kara nodded. "It's how Ensign Kadretti pulled us out of a battered cylon raider. If not for that tech; we would all be dead."

Tyrol stared at them with his mouth open. "They...they use this on people?!" he sounded horrified "isn't that dangerous?"

Anders and Kara shared a slightly anxious look.

"We hope not; but the crew of the Xavier don't seem worried about it."

Tyrol looked back at the box. "I gotta tell them it worked." He hesitated before walking up to the shuttle and sticking his head into the open doorway.

Roslin slowly walked over to the box and stared into it as implications of such a tech ran through her mind.

What else could it be used for?

"What's going on here?"

Roslin's head came up.

It looked like Zarek had decided to join the party.

Kara looked at the vice president. "Ensign Q Junior is helping us detect and remove the tracking devices."

The president of the 12 colonies frowned as she watched him listen to the female colonial pilot.

Where had Zarek disappeared to?

She put that question from her mind as Admiral Adama; his XO and Lee Adama emerged from the shuttle with Captain Logan and Ensign Q Junior not far behind.

Roslin saw Zarek's eyes widen with surprise then narrow with speculation.

She could bet her next rationed meal that the man must be wondering how to obtain such a craft for his own use.

Roslin watched silently as Saul Tigh walked up to the plastic box and stare inside it for several seconds.

He turned back to look at Ensign Q Junior who was standing beside Captain Logan.

"This is...impressive; how did you do it?"

"Transporter technology; can be used to move an object from one place to the other."

"What of nukes? Can it be used to deliver that into a basestar?" asked Lee suddenly.

Q Junior gave him an worried look. "Yes; but that is not what it's usually used for and for it to work certain conditions need to be met."

"Like what?" asked curious Admiral Adama.

Q Junior looked at Logan who after a long moment nodded.

"Shields get in the way and also jamming signals could be a problem."

"Personally; I would rather use the old fashioned method...firing the missiles from a distance," said Logan dryly, he paused " Q Junior; the other trackers?"

"Yes sir," said Q Junior before he turned to go back into the shuttle.

"Eh...can I watch please?" asked Tyrol hurryingly.

Logan looked at him for a moment; then turned to the Admiral.

"Is that okay?" The Admiral nodded.

"Thanks sirs!" said Tyrol happily before almost running into the shuttle.

No one saw Kara and Anders exchange a guarded look.

For the next few minutes; everyone's attention was on the plastic box as it was being filled with white light at least four more times before a stunned Tyrol and a relieved Q Junior emerged to announce that they had removed all the trackers.

This was followed by everyone watching as the trackers were counted by Tyrol and Anders.

In the end there were eighty-four of the devices before them.

Admiral Adama looked at them for a long time.

"Tyrol; Q," the hologram looked startled at being called "any chance you can disable these trackers."

The two engineers of different planets looked at each other.

"I think so sir," began Q Junior.

"Possibly..." added Tyrol.

"However," continued the hologram "might I ask if you wish to use them for something else?"

The admiral stared at the sentient hologram and to his surprise; the 'ensign' looked a bit embarrassed. "Why do you ask?"

"Sir; with all due respect, the cylons may have realized by now that we know about the trackers. I already have the schematics in my tricorder in case you wish to study how they were made but it may be safe if we destroy these ones now.

Especially since we have less than 4 hours before they transmit again."

There was silence as everyone waited for the Admiral's decision.

Adama had a thoughtful expression on his face as he turned back to stare at the devices for a long moment.

"Destroy them all," said Adama in a grave tone. He looked at Tyrol who nodded silently before taking the box of tracking devices away.

After a brief silent look between father and son; Lee Adama also went with the chief specialist.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXX

Q Junior was a bit surprised that the Admiral had listened to him.

It looked like wonders would never cease.

"Now that's settled; we need to debrief Lieutenant Thrace, Lieutenant Agathon and Junior Lieutenant Anders..."started Adama.

"What of Captain Agathon and Ensign Rogers?" interrupted Zarek.

The Admiral glared at him.

"They are still on the Xavier, probably helping out with repairsconsidering the obvious fact that Captain Logan's ship was the primary target.

We can start with some info from Kara and the others and get the rest later."

Zarek backed down. "Fine by me."

"I'm going to need to get the downloaded data from Q Junior sir," jumped in Kara. Anders gave her an odd look which she ignored.

There was a brief look of surprise on Q Junior's face which was only noticed by Logan.

Admiral Adama looked at her for a moment. "Alright," then he turned to Logan.

"Captain; we will be debriefing in the first conference room we used for our first meeting. I hope you can join us."

Logan nodded thoughtfully. "I'll do that; however I need to speak to my crew on the Xavier first then Q Junior and I will join you."

The Admiral looked at Starbuck. "Lieutenant Thrace will show you the way; until later captain."

The senior officer left with the president, vice president and Junior Lieutenant Anders.

Logan turned and entered the shuttle without looking at Kara and Q Junior.

He waited until they got in and the door was shut before turning to face Kara.

"Alright lieutenant; why don't you tell us what you really want?

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX

Kara stared at the captain and a frowning Q Junior.

"I gave you the detailed report on a PADD 2 hours before we emerged from warp," said the hologram in a solemn tone.

The female pilot swallowed nervously.

"I can explain...you did give me the report but I cannot give it to the Admiral and the others, especially the president and the vice-president."

Logan and Q Junior exchanged a brief glance.

"Look," said Kara in an anxious voice "weeks before we met you...I was part of the Circle. We...abducted, then tried and judged cylon collaborators.

All but one of them were executed by being spaced."

The atmosphere suddenly became quite tense.

Kara hurried to explain. "I know it sounds ...barbaric; but you have no idea what happened to us on New Caprica. Some of us were tortured; many of us lost people we cared about, either in raids or being randomly selected for public executions."

Q Junior looked horrified; while Logan's expression was very grave.

"Then we saw those very same people who helped the cylons walk around as if they had done nothing wrong!" Kara paused as her voice had got very high at that point. When she started speaking again; her voice was lower.

"Some very highly placed people were part of that Circle..." her voice faltered.

"Was Anders in that group?" asked Logan in a solemn tone.

Kara looked at him, she opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out.

Q Junior began to rub his forehead as if he had a migraine.

"Who else was in that group?" continued Logan.

Kara shook her head. "I can't tell you sir."

Logan stared at her for a long moment; then nodded slowly. There were some oaths that one took that couldn't be broken.

Not until one was ready to deal with the consequences.

"Captain; if I show that full report...Anders, Tyrol, Foster and Colonel Tigh will be put into cells. Even if they are not arrested; you will be accused of trying to tear this fleet apart, and I know that is not the case."

Q Junior looked at her in surprise.

"You trust us?" the shock in his voice was palpable.

Kara laughed bitterly. "I do; it may come to a shock to you...but I do. I have seen things that cannot be explained but I have also fought beside you; the captain and Laura.

You knew what Anders what; but yet you gave him a chance.

That is enough for me."

There was silence for several moments as Logan rubbed his face wearily.

"What exactly did you have in mind Lieutenant?"

Kara took a deep breath as if she was about to take a dive.

"Remove the report about the visual message on Hera's planet; but leave the video of the closed resurrection tanks we found on the basestar."

Q Junior frowned. "Keeping that info under wraps for too long will only cause problems in the long run Starbuck."

"He's right," agreed Logan "someday in the future; this will come out and then there will be Hell to pay."

Kara smiled weakly. "Somehow I feel your word 'Hell' means 'Hades'."

Logan raised an eyebrow. "Yeah; they are the same," he turned to Q Junior "can you do what she asks quickly?"

The hologram nodded with a troubled expression on his face. "It's easy but is this the right thing to do?"

Kara stared at him.

Who ever thought she would one day be arguing morality with a computer program?

"What other option does she have Q?" asked Logan calmly.

Q Junior looked at his captain; then at Kara for a long moment before sighing.

"Fine; when it all goes south, don't say I didn't warn you." He moved to a cabinet and removed a PADD.

Kara looked at Logan.

"Going south means..."

"When the crap hits the fan or when everything goes extremely wrong."

Kara nodded slowly. "I see."

Logan glanced at her. "For your sake; I hope you know what you're doing."

Her reply was a long time in coming.

"I hope so too sir."

Her words didn't reassure Logan in the slightest.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXX

The Xavier...

Oma walked down the corridor with her PADD in one hand.

They had been at their new location for the past 3 minutes; Laura was on the bridge with Ensign Rogers and Captain Agathon was still watching over Baltar and Caprica.

Oma knew where everyone was because Xavier had told her.

However she had other things to worry about.

Like her security clearance on board this Defiant class ship.

On board the USS Dunkirk; Oma's security clearance had been Delta-Two.

This meant limited access to all ship's records, systems, commands and duty related functions.

Every officer from the most junior to the commanding officer had a specific security clearance.

Yet since being on board the Xavier; she had not been allocated one.

She blamed herself even though there were several logical reasons for why she had forgotten about it until now.

Let's face it; since she came through that wormhole, it had been one thing after the other.

She barely had time to catch her breath before rushing into the next disaster.

Oma made a note to speak to the captain once he got back, until then she would just do her job.

Fly the ship and try to find out how damaged the Xavier was.

"Xavier."

"Yes Ensign Kadretti," answered the AI calmly.

"Could you please tell me which sensors were the most damaged ?"

"Motion sensors above the deflector shield took the most damage; at the moment we have overall 13 percent of sensors which still need repairs."

Oma stopped walking.

"Xavier; about 10 minutes ago the analysis showed 15 percent of the sensors were damaged."

"That was correct Ensign Kadretti; however I have completed repairs on 4 of the sensors."

"What...how?!" asked a stunned ensign.

"Nano-replication and modification; however if the damage had been more extensive I would have required Q's assistance.

There is still some repairs that will need his input...Ensign Kadretti, are you alright?"

Oma was now leaning against the wall as her heart beat rapidly.

Nano-replication and modification?! That almost sounded borg-like.

"I...I am alright Xavier," she said in a slightly breathless voice.

"Your heart rate and respiration is elevated and you don't sound well; do you require medical assistance?" To Oma the AI actually sounded concerned.

The female tried to calm her racing heart as she stood in the corridor.

"I'm fine...just a bit startled," she paused before asking carefully "Xavier...you were built by only Q Junior , is that correct?"

The AI answered almost instantly. "Yes; that is correct."

"Were you built...using Borg technology?" There she said it!

"No, I was built using Starfleet technology modified by Q Junior."

Oma heaved a sigh of relief as another thought came to mind.

"And Q Junior was your programmer?"

"No; he's not." Oma was once again stunned.

"Then who programmed you?"

"Lady Q."

Oma was now puzzled. "And who is that?"

"Q's mother."

Oma was speechless at Xavier's calm reply.

This made her look at the ship in a new light.

How much of the Q continuum's knowledge had gone into the construction of this vessel?

Oma didn't know of any Starfleet vessel that had nano-replication tech; it was understandable why the Federation would shy away from such tech because it seemed so similar to what the Borg used.

She was still trying to think up more questions when her com-badge went off.

"Oma." It was Laura.

The female ensign tried to sound calm as she replied. "Yes Laura?"

"I think you need to get back here; the debriefing on the Galactica is about to start."

"Fine; I'm on my way."

As she walked back to the bridge she made a promise to herself to sit Q Junior down and ask him exactly what he had built.

And why his mother programmed an AI who she was beginning to feel was a lot smarter than any Federation AI she had come across.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX

Logan walked in silence with Kara and Q Junior on either side of him.

He noticed the nervous looks from colonial personnel they passed. Most them seemed a bit awed while the rest looked down right terrified.

The captain of the Xavier hid a sigh.

If this was how they were reacting; he couldn't wait to see how they would react when Rear Admiral Janeway and her small fleet of ships showed up.

Logan was worried about what Kara was about to do.

But he understood why she had to do it.

He just didn't have to like it.

It didn't take long before they reached the conference room, after all it was not far from where Dr Grey and Sharon were.

Once again the room beside it had colonial marines inside it.

But this time, the door was open and standing in the doorway was no other than Sergent Tyler.

The big marine nodded respectively to Logan, Q Junior and Kara.

Logan and Q Junior returned the gesture at the same time.

"Captain Logan; Ensign Q, Lieutenant; it's good to have you back."

"Thanks," said Logan calmly as he looked into the room which had about 8 colonial officers. Most of them smiled at him; quite nervously.

Only Tyler looked calm.

"Glad to see we'll still have an audience."

Tyler grinned sheepishly. "Orders sir." His tone was somewhat apologetic.

"I understand," said Logan wryly "well; until later folks."

He waited for Kara to and Q Junior to walk in first before him.

Several people were already standing inside.

Admiral Adama; Colonel Saul Tigh, Commander Lee Adama, Junior Lieutenant Gaeta, President Roslin, Vice President Zarek and Tory Foster who had been absent since the Xavier got back.

Another interesting thing was that Chief Tyrol was also present.

Apparently he must have finished destroying the tracking devices.

They all stopped talking when the three walked in.

Logan got straight to the point.

"Q Junior and I will not be taking part in the first part of the meeting."

The Starfleet ensign beside him gave him a stunned look as everyone stared at Logan in surprise. "We're not?"

"Yes, we're not," said Logan calmly "because I'm think you might want to debrief Lieutenant Thrace and Junior Lieutenant Anders in private first."

Adama senior looked at Logan.

"You do have a point captain; I appreciate your thoughtfulness."

"What of Lieutenant Agathon?" demanded Zarek " she should be part of this meeting as well."

Adama gave the vice president an irritated look before turning back to Logan.

"Vice president Zarek is right; we will need to speak to her."

Logan nodded. "I'll inform her shortly." He looked at Q Junior. The hologram gave Kara a PADD.

"It's offline and should be compatible to your view-screen."

The female pilot thanked him as she took the data pad; as expected Tyrol came over to her with a curious look on his face.

There was silence as Captain Logan and Ensign Q Junior left the conference room.

Adama looked at the others. "We'll start when she gets here; her input will be valuable."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXX

Sharon tried not to worry about being separated from Hera as she quickly walked to the conference room.

She tried to count her blessings and she felt her anxiety reduce as she listed them one by one.

Helo was safe and well and so was Rogers. Earlier on; Jean had given Sharon her com-badge so that she could speak to her husband.

To Sharon's relief; he had sustained only a few bruises when the Xavier was knocked around. However he was still guarding Baltar and Caprica Six.

Fortunately the Number Six model was not causing any trouble.

Yet.

When Captain Logan and Q Junior returned and informed Sharon that her presence was needed at the debriefing; she had frozen.

Her one fear was Zarek's reaction when he finally noticed Hera.

Also she didn't like the look in Roslin's eyes each time she looked at her daughter.

To her relief Dr Grey ( who was now insisting that Sharon call her Jean) had offered to watch Hera while Sharon attended the meeting.

The female cylon had agreed without hesitation.

Not because she was afraid of the doctor.

It was due to the fact that Sharon knew no one would dare come after Hera while she was in the care of Dr Grey, Captain Logan and Q Junior.

A lot of people had witnessed what had occurred in the CIC less than 30 minutes ago.

Sharon reached the conference room and knocked sharply on the door.

An answer from within had her opening the door.

"About time you showed up," muttered Zarek loudly.

Sharon ignored him and waited for permission from Admiral Adama before she sat down.

"Where's Hera?" demanded Roslin in a soft but firm voice.

The female cylon almost froze as Zarek stared at the president.

"Who's Hera...? Wait; you found her?!" the vice president sounded shocked and angry at the same time.

Adama senior rapped the table loudly to get everyone focused on him.

"People; we have a lot go through. I am certain we will find out soon enough on how Hera was rescued but until then; let's do a standard military debriefing..."

"There is nothing standard about this situation Admiral," interrupted Zarek sharply.

There was a deadly silence as Adama senior stared at the vice president for a long time.

"My ship, my officers, my rules...are we clear?" The Admiral pronounced each word precisely.

Zarek flushed under the senior officer's scrutiny.

"As crystal, Admiral." His voice was almost mocking.

Lee Adama narrowed his eyes while Tigh looked like he wanted to break something.

The Admiral turned away from the vice president ; giving the impression that he didn't want to waste anymore time doing a pissing contest.

He looked at Kara.

"Report Lieutenant."

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Kara nodded slowly; she walked to the nearby view-screen and tried attaching the PADD with Tyrol's help. To their relief; it fitted like the colonial PADD; she wondered how Q Junior knew it would work.

The female pilot picked up the remote and stood beside the large view-screen.

"We jumped the two vipers immediately we were assigned to the Xavier; once we emerged at our new co-ordinates, the Xavier was waiting.

By using a tractor beam, the two vipers were attached to the bigger ship."

Kara saw the unspoken question on everyone's face; that is apart from Anders and Sharon.

"It was safe and the aim was to enable us travel faster; however less than 30 minutes into the journey the Xavier had to perform an emergency stop because of an anomaly."

"What kind?" asked the Admiral with a frown on his face.

Before she replied; Kara activated the remote. The screen showed the large grey anomaly and her viper floating in front of it.

"I was in that viper; I went closer in order to get better readings..."

"Against the advice of Captain Logan," the others looked at Anders in surprise while Kara rolled her eyes.

"How big was that thing and what exactly is it?" asked Tyrol.

"It was 30,250 metres at the diameter and I was 45,000 metres from the anomaly when it destabilized," there was stunned silence when the anomaly seemed to erupt and tear the viper to pieces.

"Q got me out in time with the Xavier's transporter tech," said Kara calmly.

Lee looked at Kara and then at the image of the exploding viper; he was trying to figure out how she had escaped that.

"He explained to us that the anomaly was trying to become a wormhole; however due to it's violent nature we were about to leave the area when a ship came through."

The screen showed a battered looking shuttle which was almost identical to the one sitting in the main flight bay.

"The occupant of that ship was Ensign Ihuoma Kadretti; a member of Starfleet. She was stationed on a Federation science vessel called the USS Dunkirk which along with the USS Endeavor; the USS Zeus..." Roslin's head shot up when she heard the last name "some Romulan ships and a Klingon ship were investigating the anomaly."

Kara took a deep breath. "Ensign Ihuoma Kadretti is...partly human."

"What the frak does that mean?" asked Zarek sharply.

The female pilot looked at him. "It means one of her parents is fully human and the other one is part human and part klingon."

"What?" gasped a horrified Tory Foster.

Kara understood her reaction.

All of them in the room had seen the pictures of the different races that Q Junior had given them and to them the Klingons seemed the most...barbaric.

However, Kara felt such an impression may have been made in haste.

Oma was a good pilot and seemed to have a cool and level head in a crisis as proven in the recent battle.

But Kara was ready to bet her next meal that in comparism; Laura was a lot more vicious in a fight.

Afterall; Starbuck had witnessed her handiwork on board the basestar.

"That's not all; I'm not entirely sure but I think on the other side of that anomaly...Earth was not far away."

One could have heard a pin drop in the silence that followed.

"Why...do you think so?" asked Lee in a stunned voice.

"I asked her directly and she shut down immediately; it's just a hunch. However; she stated Starfleet didn't create the wormhole and that there was a joint investigation to find out if it was a security risk."

"Does this have to do with the Dominion War?" asked Gaeta to everyone's surprise.

Kara silently thanks the Gods that someone had read Q's notes.

"Yes; the Dominion attacked the Alpha Quadrant by invading through a natural worm-hole which still exists relatively close to Earth.

It looks like the Federation; the Romulans and Klingons haven't yet recovered from the losses they sustained 7 years ago."

"Are you certain that the...Kadretti can't recreate the wormhole?"asked Zarek anxiously " think of how close Earth must be!"

Kara looked at him.

"I asked the same thing but there is more at risk; the Romulans are not exactly...allies of Earth.

Seven years ago during the Dominion War; necessity forced the Federation into an alliance with the Romulans...that didn't exactly make them friends but the impression I get is that at least they are not enemies.

Now; this anomaly appeared on the Romulan-Neutral border...something which is very similar to the Armistice line we had with the cylons before the Holocaust."

There was silence for a long time.

"I recall from the notes that there was a war between Earth and Romulus 200 years ago, this border is as a result of that I suppose," said Roslin in a somber voice.

Kara nodded. "That is correct ma'am; Ensign Kadretti has informed me that the Romulans are extremely trigger happy due to the last war they fought against the Dominion so even if the worm-hole was working...us arriving unannounced on their doorstep may actually lead to war against Earth and the Federation."

Admiral Adama and Saul Tigh shared a grave look; causing a war between the Thirteenth Tribe and another possibly powerful alien race was not how the colonials wanted to be reunited with their long lost brothers and sisters.

"However ; I would strongly advise using the worm-hole even if it appears again."

"Why is that?" demanded Zarek.

Kara frowned at him; his snarky tone was getting on her nerves.

"Because it was too unstable; it tore my viper to shreds in less than a minute and it blew up a shielded Starfleet shuttle seconds after Q pulled Ensign Kadretti from the ship.

In contrast; the rest of the colonial fleet is battered and in urgent need of repairs and our ships do not have shields!

We wouldn't last up to 5 minutes."

Zarek stared at her for a long time; then leaned back in his seat with a resigned sigh.

"Lieutenant Thrace, please continue," said Adama in a solemn tone.

Kara looked at him. "Yes sir." She turned back to the screen.

"I have a question," said Roslin before the Lieutenant could continue.

"You said there was a ship on the other side called the USS Zeus...is that an Earth ship?"

"We believe so ma'am," said Anders "from the little we could get from Ensign Kadretti; we think it's one of their battleships."

"Is it similar to the Xavier?" asked a curious Tyrol.

Kara shrugged. "Not sure; she wasn't about to tell us much but one thing was clear. Earth hasn't completely forgotten the Lords of Kobol. She knew who Zeus was and recognised the significance of 'Athena' as being Sharon's call sign.

One of the things that puzzled me is that she called Zeus 'the Greek father' of the Gods."

Roslin released a sigh of relief. "Then there is some hope for us."

Adama nodded for Kara to continue.

"Soon after her arrival; the anomaly disappeared," everyone turned back to the paused screen as the worm-hole vanished " and we resumed our mission.

Ensign Kadretti was brought up to speed and thus became our designated pilot."

Kara turned to the audience. "If your next question is the number of crew, I'm sure they are only five..."

"You forgot to include the AI," said Sharon quietly.

Everyone stared at her.

The female cylon nodded silently. "I believe that the AI is very intelligent...more so than a hybrid and the crew of the Xavier treat him as a member of the crew."

Lee narrowed his eyes. "Are you sure of this?"

Sharon sighed and nodded. " There were times when the captain left Xavier in command of the bridge when everyone was assigned to different duties."

One could also feel the shock from the people present.

"That's not normal," said Tyrol softly. Roslin and Zarek looked very pale, while Tory bit her lower lip in worry.

"We all got medical checks," continued Kara hastily " because of the upcoming recon. Sharon told them of what she knew of basestars and the captain shared with us the scans the Xavier took of the basestar when it was attacked.

Q Junior came up with an idea to infiltrate the basestar...he disguised us as centurions using holo-emitters and camouflaged a shuttle to appear as a cylon raider."

Kara pressed the remote and briefly let the images speak for themselves.

Tyrol was staring at the images of the disguised shuttle in admiration and also looked a bit startled when Q Junior 'turned' his form into that of a centurion.

"For this to work perfectly; Q Junior still had to hijack a raider to steal it's codes so that we could get into a basestar.

Q Junior also replicated body armour and Earth weapons for us to use on this mission."

Saul; Lee and Gaeta sat up straighter with very interested expressions on their faces, but Kara dashed their hopes with her next sentence.

"However; he could only give us something akin to what we already have. So we got weapons which are 300 years out of date on Earth but still decades ahead what we had on the colonies."

"You're kidding," said Zarek in disbelief.

"No," said Anders gravely " she's not."

"Wait, wait; when you said replicated...what does that mean exactly?" asked a very curious Chief Tyrol.

"On the Xavier; there is a machine which creates anything you want from matter...it could be clothes," Sharon pointed at her new looking uniform " food; medicine or even weapons. I'm not sure exactly how it works but you have to be specific on what it is you need.

I just know that it works pretty well."

"That's incredible," said Tyrol in a hushed voice.

"We got to the co-ordinates," continued Kara before she got interrupted again "and Q succeeded in disabling a raider and getting it's codes; then we set off..."

"Who was part of the infiltration team?" interrupted Saul Tigh.

"Captain Logan, Lieutenant Agathon, Junior Lieutenant Anders, Q Junior , Laura Kinney and myself."

The expression on Lee's face was one of disbelief. "His daughter...was part of the team ?"

Kara smiled wryly. " I protested but...it appears that 300 years ago she was doing this sort of thing...from the age of 7 years."

Roslin looked horrified; the female pilot saw her expression and quickly said what was on her mind.

"Ma'am; I don't think it was voluntary service on her part back then."

Kara turned back to screen and flicked to the next scene.

"We found 17 basestars and two resurrections ships, " she let the audience absorb the spine chilling image of the enemy force.

"However this is not their main force; from the data we got, there are at least 53 more basestars and one huge unknown structure in an unknown location and at least one more resurrection hub."

Admiral Adama's heart sank at those words.

"We approached the target basestar with the disguised shuttle; we got in and headed for the medical bay where Hera was kept."

Kara felt Roslin turn to give her a stunned look ; while Zarek looked like he wanted to explode. Foster, Tyrol, Gaeta and Lee were shocked.

"Was that what the Admiral sent you to do?" demanded the vice president " to rescue a cylon child?!" he was this close to shouting.

"Mr Vice President," said Admiral Adama in a cold voice "let Lieutenant Thrace finish the debriefing."

Kara turned back to the screen and continued without waiting for Zarek's response.

"This footage is of us going in as centurions; it's seen from my view-point because my com-badge was recording the mission as well."

Zarek found himself staying silent as he watched along with the others.

A lot of people in the room had never been in a basestar; so it was understandable that the viewers were very interested in what they were seeing.

It was obvious the vid had been done from the last person at the back of the group. The holograms were so perfect that no one could tell who was who.

The room was silent as they watched the ' fake' centurions walk off the shuttle; head down the corridor and reach a room with metal doors.

Adama's eyes narrowed when one of the 'centurions' stopped the lead one from entering. All heard the second centurion speak in Logan's voice as he insisted in going in first.

What followed next made Lee's lower jaw drop in shock.

Three point blank shots to Logan's chest and he was still standing.

"The armour," breathed Tyrol in an impressed voice.

Kara nodded but kept quiet as the rest played.

Sharon was tense as she relieved when Boomer threatened to kill Hera and then Six turned round and shot her in the head.

While D'anna looked stunned by what her 'sister' had done.

Kara paused the image; all stared at Sharon kneeling beside Boomer's body as she cradled a crying Hera with Q Junior scanning the infant.

"Hera was very sick at this point..."

"With what?" asked Tory Foster.

"Acute appendicitis," said Sharon in a amazingly calm voice " Q recommended we got her back to the Xavier at once; then Six offered to help us escape the basestar as well as assisting in the escape of two colonials they had as prisoners."

"Novacek," said Adama solemnly. He was cringing inwardly; he had tried to forget the man was now on board the Galactica.

Very soon he would have to address what had happened eight years ago.

He definitely wasn't looking forward to it.

"Who was the second prisoner?" asked Tyrol.

"Let me guess," Saul's voice was hard "Gaius Frakking Baltar, am I right?"

Kara nodded solemnly in the shocked silence that followed. "We didn't know it was him until we got to the cells."

The XO closed his sole remaining eye for a few moments. " You should have shot him when you had the chance."

Roslin gave him a look as if she agreed with him.

Zarek's expression hardened.

"Mr Tigh, not now," said the Admiral softly but firmly.

Saul looked very upset but said nothing.

The Admiral turned to Kara and nodded at her to resume the debriefing.

"We got Hera back to the disguised shuttle," everyone's attention was on the screen images that showed the slightly larger group walking back to the shuttle with a covered plastic box on a trolley.

"I'm surprised the child didn't cry out on your way back," said Roslin in a puzzled tone.

"We were lucky," said Sharon as she glared at the president.

Roslin narrowed her eyes at the female cylon's tone.

"Captain Logan explicitly ordered Ensign Kadretti to take Lieutenant Agathon and Hera back to the Xavier and to not come back for us."

Tyrol's eyes widened at Kara's last words.

"We went for the CIC next; still 'dressed' as centurions but D'anna and Six acted as our...guides."

"They didn't raise the alarm," said the Admiral in an incredulous tone.

"I believe there were reasons for that," said Anders uneasily "Six definitely wanted to get off the basestar because it looks like she and Cavil are at war; as for D'anna...she thinks Q Junior is a cylon and I believe she was trying to get him deeper into the basestar where she could possibly have him taken captive."

Roslin looked very shaken at the thought.

"The cylons didn't get a chance to get close to him," said Kara with grim satisfaction " Laura and her father made sure of that."

She pointed at the screen. "Soon after we reached the CIC; the alarms went off but Q Junior did his best and hacked their systems like his life depended on it.

While the captain decided to buy us time by taking on 12 centurions."

"What?" asked a startled Lee; he wasn't sure he heard correctly.

Kara kept speaking. "This vid is from Q Junior's and Ander's com-badges."

There was shocked silence as everyone watched Logan tear one golden centurion and 11 grey ones into pieces.

With his metal claws.

Even a head shot did not stop the mutant captain from fighting.

Kara turned to her audience.

Anders and Sharon had serious expressions on their faces; the rest looked like they could hardly believe what they were seeing.

"That...was not the last time he got shot; he heals at an astonishing rate, like his daughter.

There's a lot more you need to see."

Kara let the scenes play as she gave a running commentary.

"We got to the cells; sprung the two prisoners then tried to make our way back to the flight deck.

With Q Junior's tricorder stuff; we were able to pinpoint where cylons and centurions lay in wait for us. This is what happened next."

Kara found herself observing the expressions on their faces as they watched Laura, a thirteen year old girl tear systematically rip cylons to pieces; her father doing the same and Q Junior using head shots to eliminate centurions.

"How many did they take out on their own?" asked Zarek through a very dry throat.

"Not entirely sure but I think they took out 80 to 90 centurions between them and maybe 20 cylons," said Kara solemnly.

This was met very a long moment of silence.

"They are ultimate weapons," said Saul Tigh in a tone of respect tinged with fear.

Everyone stared at him.

"Excuse me?" asked a puzzled Zarek.

The XO suddenly looked very tired.

"Before the holocaust; the Admiralty was funding quite a number of projects...their main goal was to create ultimate weapons that were so powerful that they could wipe out the enemy.

And because of the lethal nature of such a weapon; it had to be hidden in a research facility on a preferable desolate planet in the middle of only the Gods-knew-where." He paused.

"Well as you can see; those weapons were never used because there's nothing left to defend," he shook himself as if trying to forget the past.

"Captain Logan, Laura Kinney and especially Dr Grey are ultimate weapons; and if I'm not mistaken, the doctor is the most effective of the three."

Tigh leaned on the table.

"The questions we should be asking ourselves is why did Earth hide them so long ago and why has it chosen this time to wake them using a sentient hologram?

Is Earth in trouble...are they at war?"

Everyone looked at each other uneasily; even Lee.

He was yet to see the surveillance vids but if Dr Grey had done something so significant to scare Saul Tigh; then it had to have been some truly spectacular.

"I know I'm late to this; but what exactly did Dr Grey do that makes her more dangerous?" asked Lee abruptly.

The XO looked at him. "You're gonna think I'm insane; but that doctor flew up into the air and somehow turned 650 cylon raiders around and made them attack their own basestars."

Lee looked at Saul Tigh as if he had lost his mind.

"That's...that's not possible."

"We were there Commander," said the Admiral softly "the only person who I think could safely approach her was Captain Logan.

After the basestars and the raiders were destroyed, she dropped out of the air and he caught her. She was unconscious but due to the damage sustained on the Xavier, she had to stay here."

Lee opened his mouth and closed it after a short time.

He knew his father wasn't one to play pranks. He definitely had to see that surveillance vid!

Adama turned to Kara.

"You have more to say?"

The female cylon nodded. "We lost D'anna when a Number Five tried to kill Q Junior; she sacrificed herself for him. So, it's safe to say that she and the other cylons now think that Q is a cylon.

Six got us off the base and that was when things got hairy.

They started trying to blow us up; however Six kept us alive for a moment but as the shots got closer...Ensign Kadretti appeared with Ensign Rogers." She looked at everyone.

"She disobeyed orders and came back for us and used the light thing to rescue us; however in the process the weapons got damaged so she improvised by using a tractor beam as a sling shot and threw one of the raiders against a resurrection ship."

Kara was silent for a moment as everyone watched the resurrection ship explode.

"The result was spectacular," she said grimly. Oddly enough she didn't feel that excited as she looked at the huge rectangular ship exploding.

"We got back to the Xavier with Baltar, Novacek and Six. In our absence ; Dr Grey had operated on Hera and healed her..."

Roslin looked sharply at Kara.

"...then we started moving as fast as we could.

Q Junior tried to speed us up but we had to stop abruptly when the anomaly appeared again. Fortunately we weren't badly affected by it.

Soon afterwards; Captain Logan got in touch with Starfleet."

All sat up when they heard this bit of news.

"Captain Logan called Anders, Agathon and I up to speak to a Rear Admiral Kathryn Janeway..."

"Is she human?" demanded Zarek.

Kara gave him a odd look. "She looks human; however she had a lot of non-humans around her and they were all wearing Starfleet uniforms," she paused.

"She knows of the airlock incident Admiral."

From the corner of her eye; Kara saw Saul go a bit pale.

Roslin looked at Zarek and Saul Tigh angrily.

The vice president just ignored her.

Lee just sighed wearily and leaned back in his seat.

"And she's not happy; however they are still coming towards us," continued Kara.

"How many ships are we talking about?" asked Admiral Adama.

"Two Starfleet starships, the USS Dunkirk and the USS Prometheus..." once again there was a pleasant surprise as everyone recognised a name of one of their ancient prophets "...and a klingon bird of war called the IKS Y'tem."

"A klingon what?!" hissed the vice president.

Kara couldn't help but smile at his shock.

"I don't know why they are coming; maybe they are related to Ensign Kadretti."

"Did you get to speak to them?" asked a curious Gaeta.

Kara shook her head. "Only to Rear Admiral Janeway... she looks tough as nails and she stated they expect to keep in touch with the Xavier very regularly until they get here."

Adama nodded silently. He could read between the lines just fine.

If anything happened to the Xavier ; there would be Hades to pay.

Maybe the colonies was really related to Earth after-all.

There was nothing like distrust between family.

The Admiral looked at Kara.

"Anything else we should know?"

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Kara was well aware of Anders and Sharon being very still.

This was the moment; she was definitely going to mention the fact that Helo, Rogers, Novacek and Hera had the mutant gene.

That Rogers had the abilities of an Oracle.

Even more importantly she had to inform the Admiral that Anders was a cylon and that there was three more people ( who just happened to be present ) who were also cylons.

She took a deep breath and answered.

"No, sir; there's nothing more to add."

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Hi everyone! Thanks so much for the reviews; suggestions and for following the story!

I'm so glad you like it!

By the by I had no idea what makes up the hull of cylon ships so I made up the word 'chrominium'...not sure if it doesn't exist!

Ha! Ha! Please read and enjoy folks.

Have a great week people!