(I do not own the rights of Xmen or Battlestar Galactica or Star Trek!)
CHAPTER 48 of the Phoenix and The Wolverine.
The Entity drifted in the realm between dreams and reality; it looked for two minds to touch. Things had been moving too slowly as of late; it was time to give the players a little nudge in the right direction.
Cylon controlled space…
Cavil woke up suddenly; he grabbed the pad beside his bed and began to frantically type in sentences and numbers. Several minutes passed before he could write no more.
Afterwards he stared at the screen of his padd. None of it made sense but he knew where he had seen them before.
The blasted Holy Scrolls of Kobol. He wanted to fling the pad far away from him but something held him back. Cavil could barely make out the words but three words jumped out at him.
'Filii terra location '
Loosely translated into 'children of Earth location'.
Cavil tried to figure out why the words were in his mind. Many weeks ago; he had spent hours trying to study a digitalized copy of the old scrolls but there was only so much of the ancient literature that he could stomach.
The Number One rubbed his face as he looked at the pad; there was one person he knew who might make sense out of the gibberish he had seen in his dreams. He wanted to laugh at the thought of him dreaming; that hardly ever happened. If he was really weak minded he would have proclaimed that it came from a Lord of Kobol. However fortunately he wasn't that naïve.
Cavil forced his thoughts to return to the words before him.
Leoben Conoy would be the best person to interpret this crap; but Cavil knew that his cylon brother wasn't to be trusted. The Number Two was spending a lot of time with Natalie. Those two were definitely planning something.
Cavil's face assumed a thoughtful expression. Maybe these words would force their hands. If this revealed the real location of Earth; then all he needed to do was wait for the way to be made clear.
The Number One smiled as he reached for the comm device by his bedside; it was time to wake up a certain spiritual idiot known as Leoney Conoy.
##############
The Galactica; the CIC…
Lieutenant Ann Lackey clutched her notebook as she scanned the crowded command centre. She sighed with relief when she saw Junior Lieutenant Gaeta. She quickly walked up to him.
"Gaeta a word?"
The junior officer looked a bit started. "Lieutenant Lackey; is all well…?"
Lackey's eyes were wary as she looked around. "We need to speak…elsewhere."
It didn't take Gaeta long to realize she meant in private.
Once he found a quiet room, Mackay started speaking frantically.
"I had a dream; it…it was weird but so vivid. I saw a shadowy figure and it…it kept repeating the same thing over and over again! When I woke up I quickly wrote it down and it turned out to be ancient kobolian words and numerical figures!"
Gaeta held up his hands in a soothing manner while he wondered if the senior officer had finally cracked under the mounting pressure. "Calm down; Lieutenant . Start from the beginning ."
It took several moments before Mackay gave him a coherent outline of her dream. He couldn't help but stare at her in disbelief.
"You kept hearing 'Filii terra location'?"
"I know it's hard to believe," Mackey opened her worn out notebook "but I correlated the figures and words in my dream with a certain passage in the Sacred Scrolls and I think…" she took a deep breath "I think…it's a passage similar to one we used to we find the planet Hera."
It didn't take long for Gaeta to realize the implications. "Are you certain of what you're implying?"
"I checked and triple checked and I believe the new passage may be another clue towards finding the Thirteenth Colony's planet!"
Gaeta stared at her. She may be right but the big question was why was this appearing to them now?
He shook his head. "We have to tell the Admiral; but why did you come to me first?"
"You know the Scrolls of Kobol better than many people on this ship; I also want you to cross check it in-case I got something wrong."
Gaeta nodded whilst being filled with dread. To many the dream would be considered Gods sent but he couldn't shake the feeling that it implied something a lot worse.
#########
The Adriatic; 0740hrs…
Karienne Cole sipped her lukewarm cup of kaffa as she walked quickly into the Colonial Gang News Network rooms. Once again she wished she had a large well equipped studio.
She knew she should be grateful for what they had but it was hard not to want more especially when she used to work in a more lavish newsroom on Caprica before it was attacked by the cylons.
Her thoughts abruptly returned to the present when she noticed that the small quarters were more crowded than usual.
"Hey," she stopped one of the frantic looking cameramen. "What's going on ?"
"James McManus is doing a 'Reveal Segment' this morning at 8am!"
Karienne frowned. "Those segments are usually for the evenings…" her words went unheard as the cameraman hurried away. She felt irritated at the fact that her 'Good morning Colonials' had been replaced without her being informed.
Besides James didn't do 'Reveal Segments'; that was someone else's job.
"Where the frak is Mcmanus?" She was getting her answers one way or the other.
######
0755am…
"Bp is 120 over 70." Cottle shook his head as he took the cuff off Admiral Adama's left arm. "With all the crazy stuff that has occurred in the last few days I'm surprised it's that normal."
Bill Adama smiled. "Let's be grateful for small things Sherman." He reached for his jacket. "By the way how are the new supplies? Are they useful?"
Cottle grunted. "They are always useful and we have gone through so much of it already. The vitamins; antibiotics and analgesia are going faster than I expected. Don't get me started on the food.
I've had to caution patients not to eat so much so fast; as one would expect most of them don't listen. The odd thing is that we've not had any allergic reactions or over eating syndromes occur. I asked Dr Grey about that and she stated Q Junior had replicated easy to digest hypo-allogenic nutritious foods."
Adama couldn't help frowning. "You sure it's safe?"
Cottle gave him a jaundiced look. "Bill; if the crew of the Xavier wanted to hurt us I'm sure they would have done it by now.
Does Logan seem like one to waste time on an indirect approach to solving his problems ?"
Adama found himself agreeing. Captain Logan didn't have the demeanour of a devious person; he just said what he thought , did what he had to and to Hades with the consequences.
"Well since you're here. There's another pressing matter at hand."
Adama raised an eyebrow. "Sure; add it to the list of a hundred other pressing matters I've got on my plate."
Cottle's didn't laugh. "The other ships need medical supply and aid; right now we're getting it all here on the Galactica."
The old admiral sighed. "I know; Lee has to ensure all is in order before we parcel it out to the rest of the fleet…"
"We don't even have personnel to distribute it," interrupted Cottle "yesterday Dr Grey said she could take some supplies to the other ships."
Adama's eyes narrowed. "She didn't mention it at the meeting."
Cottle kept looking at him. "Because I spoke to her after the meeting and asked if she could do the supply runs for us." The doctor saw the displeased expression on Adama's face.
"Hear me out; I know you are in charge of the safety of the entire fleet and as you said yourself; there is a mile long list of other stuff you have to take care off. I was only trying to do my part."
"Sherman; asking Dr Grey to supply the other ships wasn't your call to make…"
"Bill do you recall what my rank is ?"
The Admiral was a bit stunned at the abrupt question. "You're the Chief Medical Officer of the Galactica..."
"And of the entire refugee fleet since the attack on the Twelve colonies," added Sherman in a firm tone "I have been shouldering this for the past two years; I wish to the Lords that I could retire but I can't. Every minute of the day my office is flooded with calls from the rest of the fleet about how they are barely surviving on medicines and food.
I know Lee is great at his job but we don't have time to wait for him to inspect every piece of food or medication that comes from the Xavier. People have died in the last week from illness and accidents. I know that between our medical team and that of the Xavier that we can't save everyone but at least we can keep the body count down if you only loosen some of your archaic rules !"
Both men glared at each other; until finally Adama dropped his gaze.
He sighed. "Fine; you're right," he paused "Lee isn't going to like this."
Cottle snorted. "So?"
Adama found himself smiling. Cottle was unapologetic and his bedside manners could be much better but he was one of his best friends.
"As nice as your company is; I better get back to work."
Both men left Cottle's office.
"I'll let Dr Grey know a bit later in the day; we'll need to get the list of ships which are in dire need of supplies."
"Already on it; I'll send an email later this morning..." Cottle's voice trailed off when he saw some of the patients and staff were crowded around the large viewing monitor in the ward.
"What's going on?" asked Adama who had seen the gathering. He wasn't too alarmed because none of the klaxons were blaring at the moment.
One of the patients turned. " James McManus is doing a Reveal Segment in a minute!"
Cottle frowned. "On what?"
No one answered the doctor as all were staring at the monitor.
"This is James McManus of the Colonial Gang Network; I bring you a special 'Reveal Segment….on the alliance between the 12 Colonies and Starfleet.
Two days ago; there was a secret meeting in which our leaders came face to face with Starfleet and the Aliens that they consort with.
You won't want to miss this special Reveal Segment!"
Adama was speechless with shock and anger; Cottle took one look at his face.
"Blood and ashes; what the frak?!"
########
"Get down!" yelled Oma as she flung several heavy sharp metal pieces at her team-mates. Laura dropped to the floor as Q Junior grabbed a stunned Rogers and pulled him down as well.
The metal pieces flew over their prone bodies to skewer several centurions who were chasing them.
Laura looked over a shoulder and quickly stood up when she realized the pursuers had been dealt with.
"Nice." Oma silently acknowledged the praise as she turned to Q Junior.
"Sitrep?" He was already on his tricorder while a dazed looking Rogers picked himself off the floor.
"Clear for now; but we're still in trouble."
"Tell me about it," muttered Oma as she looked around them. They were standing in a long corridor with shining pale grey walls as the basestar's klaxons rang persistently.
"Can you reach Lieutenant Agathon?"
"Negative," said Q Junior "comms went down after we ran into that lot."
"Where to now Captain K?" asked Laura in a vibrant tone.
Oma resisted rolling her eyes; the younger female mutant had given her that nickname recently. She wondered why.
"We need to get off this corridor and find a way off the ship."
Oma hesitated for a moment before turning to Rogers.
"Rogers; anything?"
He looked blankly at her before replying. "Er…no. I'm not sure what…I've had no warnings.
"Don't worry," said Laura "I'm sure when the centurions try to murder us next time that you'll definitely feel something."
Oma could hear the impatience in the teen's voice. The three of them were surprised when Captain Logan had suggested Rogers join them for this away mission.
Laura as usual did not keep her mouth shut. "Pops; he's not ready."
Logan smiled. "Well; he has to start from somewhere."
Poor Rogers had looked just as confused as the rest of them.
"People; we have company and I count two dozen tin soldiers," warned Q; thus bringing Oma back to the present.
"Then we run in the opposite direction," ordered the female Starfleet officer.
#########
The Xavier; Observation room…
Starbuck nodded in approval at the way Oma took down the centurion holograms.
Gods above! Imagine if the Colonial Forces had been filled with mutants like Oma during the First Cylon War; they would have won that war many times over and avoided the genocidal attack on the 12 Colonies.
She snuck a look at Logan and Jean; the two older mutants were observing the combat simulation with very serious expressions. She couldn't tell if they were disappointed or impressed.
"Ensign Q; come in. Can you hear me?"
Kara turned to look at Sharon who was close to the observation screen; she had on an X-shaped comm badge. The female cylon had been relaying instructions to the away team before the ambush by the centurions.
Sharon turned to Logan and Jean. "I can't get through to them."
Logan nodded without looking at her. "It's part of the exercise. Let's see how it plays out."
Sharon and Kara shared a look.
The colonial officers were surprised when Logan called them the evening before. He asked if Sharon was open to running a combat simulation for his students.
Students.
The request took them by surprise. Kara found herself wondering if that was why Starfleet retrieved him, Jean Grey and Laura.
To teach at Starfleet Academy? To be honest she found it hard to picture Logan as an instructor but after watching the simulation for a few minutes; she agreed with one thing.
Logan would be the teacher you wouldn't want to mess with.
Anders and Helo wanted to join them; but someone needed to keep an eye on Hera and on Baltar and Caprica Six.
"They're trapped," said Sharon in a worried voice. Kara turned to the screen; she had missed seeing what led to the present situation.
The four young people were boxed in a corridor where a blast door was cutting off their escape.
Kara looked back at the two 'teachers'. Logan's face told her nothing while Jean had a worried expression on her face.
###########
Oma resisted the urge to swear when she realized they were trapped. She tried to get the blast doors open with magnetism but that failed. She suspected they were made of non-metal materials; but that was the least of her problems.
Beyond the closed blast doors was the flight deck and their ticket to freedom.
"Q get that door open."
"Yes ma'am," said the ensign; he threw the tricorder to Laura who promptly caught it as he attempted phasing with the control pad on the right side of the closed blast doors.
"They will be here in exactly 30 seconds," reported Laura with a crazy gleam in her eyes as she glanced at the tricorder. She had become quite adept at using the small device.
"What can I do?" asked Rogers. Laura's eyes narrowed; but she said nothing.
"You need to stay behind us," said Oma in a gentle voice. Rogers looked hurt at her words.
"It's okay; but I'm going to be throwing stuff you could get hurt…"
"Incoming!" yelled Laura. Oma turned and sure enough more than a dozen centurions rounded the corner at full speed.
###########
The centurions retracted their guns and changed their upper limbs to long sharp blades as they ran towards the four trapped individuals.
"Now we're talking," muttered Laura as she ran to meet the first one; it swung out it's right arm in an attempt to decapitate her. She went to her knees in one smooth motion.
Snikt!
While in motion; she sliced upwards with her adamantine blades and carved the centurion almost into two from the groin to the mid chest. She hit enough core parts to shut it down for good.
Oma was not far behind; two bore down on her. She struck out her hand and lifted two up and flung them against the following centurions.
To her amazement; most of the centurions reacted with quickly and avoided their fellow air-borne colleagues. The others resumed their race towards her and the team.
Beside her Laura briefly retracted her blades as she propelled herself from the floor; she side stepped another centurion's double hand-blades and subsequently chopped it's left arm as her blades returned once more.
Oma saw the fallen metal arm and an idea began to take root.
She turned towards the centurions who were now very close; she reached out and began to systematically break them down to pieces.
Part of her wanted to laugh at how easy it was; while the other part warned her to stay focused. Using her ability of magnetism; she concentrated on the joints and hinges and parts of the centurions fell off as they tried to charge her.
Of course she started with their knees and spines. When she had sufficient pieces she used that as projectiles on the centurions at the rear.
Before she knew it; she and Laura stood in the midst of several centurion pieces.
"Clear!"
Both turned to see a relieved looking Q Junior who had just gotten the doors opened and a stunned looking Rogers who was gaping at the female Starfleet Ensign.
"End simulation."
They all looked up as the holographic sim disappeared to be replaced by the white halls of the inactivated holodeck.
Oma heard Rogers mutter a soft 'thank the Lords.' She gave him a reassuring look; he noticed her expression and after a long moment gave her a slight smile.
"So how we do?" Both turned at Laura's voice; the young teen was addressing the four adults entering the deactivated holodeck.
"Not bad," answered Logan. Jean gave him an odd look.
"Actually I thought it was a good performance…though there is room for improvement."
Sharon and Kara exchanged a look. Both of them were very impressed by what they had witnessed. What more did they want?
"Alright; report" asked Logan. The four youngsters looked at each other.
Oma went first. "We were able to utilize each of our unique abilities and worked as a team to escape the basestar."
Laura snorted. "You mean most of us did something." She glanced at Rogers whose face reddened; then she turned back to Logan.
"By the by; shouldn't the sim end at when we actually get on the ship and escape ? The exercise was not realistic."
Logan raised an eyebrow. "You want it to be more difficult."
"Pops we both know that the real thing is going to be a lot deadlier than this exercise."
Kara stared at the female teen mutant; the girl had a point but boy did she have a way of stating her mind. If any of her colonial cadets spoke to her like that she would punch the idiot in the face before he or she finished speaking.
Logan nodded after a long moment. "Fair enough; I'm sure between Jean and I ; we'll be able to think something up.
Well on that note; Oma you seem to be in tune with your ability. Nice way of taking the tin cans to pieces.
Laura; good evasion moves with the centurions and you have a very efficient way of shredding them up and Q Junior good work on the door but you were a bit slow." He paused as if unsure what to say next.
"So Ensign Rogers what happened?" gently asked Jean; Logan appeared a bit relieved at her taking over.
The colonial junior officer appeared more uncomfortable as he tried to reply. "I had no warnings during this exercise…I can't tell when something is about to happen…I'm not…useful in this."
"That's not true," said Logan bluntly "you just haven't figured it out yet; which is why we run simulations."
Jean nodded. "No one," she looked around to include Sharon and Kara "should ever consider themselves worthless. We all have our strengths and weaknesses and that's what makes us unique. What matters is how we adapt to the situation." She turned back to Oma.
"Your leadership was good; keep it up." The female Starfleet ensign felt her face heat up from embarrassment.
She was grateful when Q Junior raised his right hand. "Question; why did it take me so long to get the doors open ?"
Sharon coughed. "That was me; I asked Xavier if he could make the phase-lock combination changeable when there was un-authorised access."
Laura whistled. "The codes kept changing as Q Junior tried hacking it? Is that the type of locks you have on basestars ?"
"It's not frequently used because basestars were considered very secure until you…I mean we infiltrated them recently. Years ago the changeable lock was experimented on but due to a number of unfortunate incidents we decided not to use it."
The female cylon shrugged. "However I'm sure Cavil has beefed security on the basestars after what we recently did."
"I bet," muttered Kara.
Q Junior had a thoughtful expression on his face. "Could you give me more of the changing lock equations ? I'd like to practice a bit more on them."
Sharon nodded. "Sure." Kara tried her best to hide her feelings; the thought of Q Junior experimenting with cylon equations was giving her day-mares.
"Okay; lesson for today is done . Let's resume our posts."
"Captain."
Logan looked up; he had the impression that the A.I had been waiting for him to finish talking.
"Xavier; any worries?"
"We have been hailed repeatedly by the Galactica for the past 30 minutes."
Jean and Logan shared a worried look. "What's wrong ? Why didn't you tell us?" asked the female medic.
A concerned Kara was wondering the same thing as the A.I replied.
"It is not a situation which requires battle stations alert or a medical alert; however it may have to do with the current broadcast from one of the colonial ships."
Sharon had a sinking cold feeling in her chest. "What type of broadcast?"
"A Reveal Segment being hosted by John McManus."
Rogers appeared puzzled. "That can't be right; that's only shown in the evening; in the middle of the week."
"So why break the schedule?" asked Oma as Laura and Q Junior shared a bemused glance.
"Xavier; have you been recording it?" asked Logan
"Yes Captain."
"Let's see it," He had a feeling what the segment was about.
###########
"This is James McManus of the Colonial Gang Network; I bring you a special 'Reveal Segment on the alliance between the 12 Colonies and Starfleet.
Two days ago; there was a secret meeting in which our leaders came face to face with Starfleet and the Aliens that they consort with.
You won't want to miss this special Reveal Segment!"
James changed position to face the second camera.
"Good morning Colonials; I apologize for interrupting your regular programming but this 'Reveal' is too important to be kept under wraps.
The Colonial Gang just learnt about this secret meeting which was held two days ago; a meeting which was used to decide the fate of every colonial man; woman and child.
The first of many questions is why keep it a secret? Are we not kin to the Thirteenth Tribe ? What do they have to hide ?
Here to discuss the content of those meeting is Quorum Members Riall and Jacob Cantrell."
"Oh Hades no," muttered Kara softly under her breath.
The two quorum members appeared on screen; John Cantrell of Sagittarion spoke first.
"Thanks Jacob for inviting us to this Segment. You're doing a tremendous job in keeping our people informed."
The reporter smiled at him. "What can you tell us of this clandestine meeting ?"
Jacob took a deep breath as if making a momentous decision. "When I heard we were about to see the military leaders of Earth; I tried to imagine what they would be like." He paused for dramatic effect before looking at the camera.
"It was much worse then what I could ever imagine."
"Give this man a damn Oscar already, " murmured Lara. Sharon glanced at her with a puzzled expression but Jacob Cantrell wasn't done.
"Their leadership is filled with aliens and half breeds…"
Rogers noticed Oma's body stiffen at the words. He bit his lower lip and wished he could physically throttle the clueless Quorum member.
"…after speaking with them the conclusion I reached is that they have absolutely forgotten the Colonies of Kobol and our culture. The questions that remain are how did this happen? Was the Thirteenth Colony conquered eons ago by unknown aliens that erased our culture and religion from their lives?"
James McCanus nodded. "So how do we get the answers to such important questions ?"
"I doubt that will ever be revealed," replied Riall Zhalen of Gemeron.
"Then what do we know?" asked James.
"I know that if we do not safeguard our souls and minds ; our fate will be us losing everything that makes us Kobolian.
Our culture; our religion will be lost completely."
James was silent for a long moment as if realizing the gravity of the situation.
"Can you tell us more of the video conference ?"
Jacob sighed. "Starfleet which is the military of the Federation; of which Earth is a member of, is on their way to help us but they have refused to assist us in taking back the 12 colonies from the Cylons."
James frowned. "And their reason?"
"According to a set of rules known as the Prime Directive; they aren't allowed to take back our homes. This is why we're concerned.
Our brothers and sisters of the Thirteenth Tribe don't appear to be ready to go the long distance with us in this battle against the cylons."
"One would think that with all the advanced technology that the Thirteenth tribe has; that it would be easy for them to take back the Twelve Colonies. It makes one wonder if they are only concerned about their world and the safety of their alien allies," commented James with a serious expression on his face.
Riall nodded. "This is a possibility. I am concerned that when we arrive at the Thirteenth Colony; we the citizens of the Twelve colonies will become Second Class citizens and at best be forced to forget our roots and the True Kobolian Faith."
You've already said that before jackass. Thought a pissed off Kara.
"And what of the mutants?" asked James.
Riall and Jacob looked at each other. "Once again we don't know enough; they haven't told us what we want to know. Like how did so many of them become mutants ? Is this condition easily passed to others?
Do we all have to become mutants before they accept us on Earth?
How will they treat us if we refuse to become mutants?"
James appeared horrified at Jacob's words. He opened his mouth to speak.
"So why don't you ask me?" The new voice seemed to belong to someone who was off camera. The three men turned as the owner of the voice approached.
Logan frowned slightly. He knew that voice.
"Oh Goddesses and Gods ; frak me sideways," cursed Kara in a soft voice as the face of a stern looking Commander Lee Adama appeared on the screen.
#########
Lee had been on the Adriatric when the broadcast started. Due to the shortage of engineers; he had volunteered a while back to check communication equipment for some of the ships. The Adriatric was top priority because it was one of the few civilian ships with weapons.
It also needed a lot of repairs. Lee was walking with Captain Brienne when they both noticed a lot of people gathered around a view-monitor.
It didn't take long for Lee to realize the topic of the 'Special reveal segment'.
With his blood boiling he asked just one question. "Where the frak are they?"
Captain Brienne didn't waste time taking him to the quarters of the Colonial News Gang. Since the escape from the colonies; the reporters had claimed quarters on board the civilian ship.
The camera crew had been so busy that it took a while before they noticed who was in their midst. Thus they barely had time to react before he marched into the recording studio.
James Mcmanus; Jacob Cantrell and Riall Zhalen gaped at him for a long moment. The reporter recovered first.
"Why it's the CAG; Commader Lee Adama. He's on for the next segment…"
Lee realized what he was about to do. "If you go for a break now; the colonial fleet will know that you are attempting to silence my voice.
So why don't you give me a chance to answer the burning questions that you three have? Or are you that afraid of the truth?
Are you only out to cause panic and rack up ratings ?"
James Mcmanus froze. He had been about to signal the crew to go on a commercial break so that he could get rid of Lee Adama.
But the rage in the CAG's eyes and his words told him that ignoring the young colonial officer would be a grave mistake.
"We're always ready to hear the voice of the Colonial military. After all you defend us," said Jacob Cantrell.
Riall had a speculative light in his eyes.
Lee glared at the two quorum members as he sat down.
James took the time to rearrange his notes. "Well since the CAG is here; I will put the next question to him.
"Why has the captain of the Xavier not taken us to the nearest Starfleet base in this sector ? Surely our damaged ships can be refuelled and repaired there before the long trip to Earth.
Like Hera's planet where we found the Xavier; there must be another base in this section. Is this not evidence that the Thirteenth Tribe is not being honest with us ?"
Lee stared daggers at Cantrell before turning to Mcmanus. "You dare mention Hera's planet? The base of the Thirteenth Tribe which got nuked by the cylons when we led them there ?!"
Lee knew the cylons had gotten the co-ordinates from the Holy Scrolls but he was not above using a bit of mis-information to shift the public's interest in the Xavier. Too much was at stake.
"I didn't know of this…" started Mcmanus.
"Of course you didn't," cut in Lee sharply "because that was a sensitive top-secret military operation until these two told you of it," He looked at Cantrell and Riall "and according to Article 22.4 of the Wartime Security; dispersion of such sensitive material which could endanger civilian life is considered an act of treason."
His words rang like a death-knell. "I don't have to remind you of the penalty for that."
Riall blistered. "Are you threatening us?"
Lee smiled coldly. "Oh no; just reminding you of the same laws that the Quorum drafted and approved decades ago. Laws; which every member of the Quorum is required to know by heart in order to protect the people who elected them."
James Mcmanus coughed. "We only seek the truth; Commander Adama."
Lee looked at him for a long time. "Truth? Well; let me be the one to tell you the truth.
We're outgunned and outmanned by the cylons; we have barely any food and just enough fuel to last us for the next few weeks and all our ships need repairs.
We are living on hope because of the crew of the Xavier who have repeatedly put themselves in harm's way to help us survive and all you care about is spreading fear and hate because of something you don't understand."
Riall jumped in. "The mutant factor and the aliens who run the Thirteenth Tribe cannot be ignored; that is why I am here today to speak out!"
"As a member of the clergy and Quorum you owe it to your electorate to tell them the truth; not twist it to fit your political goals," stated Lee "you have been told repeatedly by the crew of the Xavier and by their Admiral Kathryn Janeway; that Earth is run by humans and that they are members of the Federation.
Mutants are also humans; stop making them sound like a disease when they are clearly not that."
"It appears you're ordering us to stop asking questions," said Jacob Cantrell.
Lee turned to him. "There are ways of doing that without causing unnecessary panic and insulting our brethren the Thirteenth Tribe which you have striven to do so at every given opportunity."
The CAG didn't have to elaborate; no one was going to forget how the First Thirteen Quorum meeting had gone down.
Mcmanus tried to regain control of the interview. "But why won't they help us get back the Twelve Colonies? Surely they have the ability to do that?"
Lee gave him a pitying look. "James; how long have we been running?"
"What?" Lee waited for him to answer.
"Two years; what does that have to do with it?"
"Do you know how far we travelled? Do you remember how many ships we started out with ? How many people we lost?"
Something in Lee's face stopped the reporter from answering.
"I do," answered the young CAG "we're less than 45,000 souls.
I watched with the rest of you as the Twelve Colonies were nuked from orbit; at best those worlds will be unsuitable for life for the next 50,000 years.
And you want us to go back to that?" He paused; waiting for his words to sink in.
"The main objective right now is finding a safe haven among our brethren the Thirteenth Tribe. They don't owe us a thing; they didn't have to help us at all however they did.
Even after how we treated them; they still helped us.
That alone is enough for me to trust them and consider the people of Earth; our brothers and sisters."
"If they are out to aid us; why do all the supplies go to only the Galactica?"
Lee turned to Jacob Cantrell who maintained eye contact.
"Everyone sees their shuttles bring supplies to the best and only military vessel we have and yet it doesn't trickle down to the rest of the fleet."
Lee leaned back. "And just how many times has the Xavier being able to send supplies to us? In case you're forgotten they engaged the enemy three times and sustained heavy damage in the last one; they barely had time to fix their ship before giving us medication for the severely injured colonial pilots.
They brought the supplies to the Galactica because they also follow a chain of command; every bit has to be inspected by us before it goes out to the rest of the fleet. And how do you know we haven't supplied other ships?
Have you been to every ship in the fleet to check ? Or did you just decide to go with your opinions without doing some groundwork?"
Cantrell kept quiet.
"One can't ignore the fact that the rest of the fleet is left with nothing when the Galactica gets all the supplies?"
Lee gritted his teeth before turning to face Mcmanus. The man was refusing to listen.
"As I said before the Xavier has been working around the clock to defend us; repair its ship; distribute supplies as well as help with healing injured colonial citizens and soldiers. What have you done with your time? Apart from plant the seeds of doubt and spread fear amongst the people who elected you to protect them?"
Riall face darkened with rage. "I am protecting their souls from the heresy of the Thirteenth Tribe! They no longer follow the scriptures…."
"The Scrolls led us right to them," cut in Lee "do you deny that? If the Good Lords didn't deem it right for us meet them; we wouldn't have.
Or do you wish to cast doubt on the Guidance of the Lords of Kobol as well?"
Riall looked as if he was about to explode; Cantrell laid a hand on his right arm as if restraining him.
"We're not the only ones with questions or concerns Commander Adama. While we are grateful for the help of the Xavier; it is only understandable that we approach the Federation and Starfleet with trepidation.
We have lost much in the last two years and when we thought a year ago that we had found a safe haven; we were betrayed by the man we elected to lead us."
Lee's eyes narrowed in warning. Cantrell continued.
"That's right; I'm talking about Former President Gaius Baltar. The man who escaped with the cylons from New Caprica and is now currently residing on the Xavier as a guest."
Lee features appeared set in stone. "Once again you feed lies to our people. Baltar is a prisoner on the Xavier; he has not been transferred because it would be safer for us while he remains there."
Riall pounced on his words. "Safer how?"
Lee glared at the Gemenon delegate. "Until I am sure he isn't a threat; I will not have him transferred to the Galactica holding cells."
Cantrell smiled smugly. "What about the other….?"
"Quorum member you are this close to releasing more sensitive information that could compromise the safety of this fleet. Continue and I will have no choice but to act for the good of all."
Cantrell raised an eyebrow. "Really and how…" his voice trailed off when he saw movement that was off camera. His face went pale as he noticed the heavily armed colonial marines who had silently invaded the small newsroom.
Lee didn't turn. "So; you were saying," he glanced at Mcmanus and Riall as if daring them to continue.
Mcmanus cleared his throat. "Well; when all is said and done there is one way to clear all this up."
The three men looked at him.
"To invite Captain Logan and Dr Jean Grey to a special reveal segment interview. We could encourage viewers to send in questions for them to answer."
Lee stared at Mcmanus; the reporter was either insane or extremely forgetful of Dr Grey's abilities.
Then again ; this might actually work out in the end.
"I'll relay your request." He stood up "well fellow colonials; I do have a job to do. Have a good day."
He left the silent marines behind; their orders were to stay until the 'Reveal Segment' was completed.
Part of Lee felt guilty at his heavy handed way of dealing with the situation. It was undemocratic but what Mcmanus, Cantrell and Riall did was actually treason.
Arresting them on live TV would have far reaching repercussions; but silent intimidation was the only way he could mitigate the damage.
He suspected it would not be enough.
#########
There was silence in the holodeck as the screen showed Lee stand up and walk away. Soon afterwards Mcmanus hastily wrapped up the Reveal segment.
Laura frowned at the abrupt change of the journalist's attitude from a challenging one to an anxious one.
"Something's going on; the CAG didn't enter that room alone."
Jean stopped leaning against the wall and sighed. "There were 6 heavily armed colonial marines off camera."
Sharon; Kara and Rogers looked at her in shock.
Oma frowned. "You mean the CAG intimidated them with armed soldiers? That's not…right."
Q Junior and Laura shared a look.
"Sure it's not right," said Logan with a grimace "but would it have been better if he dragged those three idiots off in front of live TV? They were this close to committing treason; heck I believe they did so already.
But the sad truth is the Colonial Fleet is running from an enemy which outnumbers them vastly. The last thing anyone needs right now is in-fighting caused by half-truths and false perceptions.
God; I hate politics." He shook his head wearily.
"I need to contact the Galactica; you guys should take a break for two hours. After the crap we just watched; we need to prepare for the shit-storm that is on the way. Dismissed."
Logan left the holodeck. Oma; Laura and Q Junior left soon after; talking amongst themselves with serious expressions on their faces.
The three colonials shared worried looks and appeared so lost that Jean had pity on them.
"He's not mad; just…" it took a while to find the right word "…just disappointed."
Kara stared at her for a long time. "With all due respect Dr Grey; that actually sounds worse."
Jean winced. "You're right."
#########
Oma soon found herself alone when Q Junior and Laura decided to relax by checking up on engineering. They had invited her but she declined stating that she had to call the USS Dunkirk.
Both teens had given her understanding looks; nodded and left her to her thoughts.
Her mind kept returning to Rialls words about half-breeds and mutants; it brought back memories of her first visit to Qo'noS. She had been seven years old and was old enough to realize she and her mum were being looked down on because they were part human.
She hated Qo'nos at that point and was relieved when the visits were over. The last time she went there was 3 years ago for a distant cousin's wedding.
It had been a less than ideal experience.
Earth on the other hand was her home. She felt safe there and no one ever treated her differently in society or at the Academy.
And now this.
The hatred in Riall's voice made her scared; cold and angry at the same time. Part of her wanted to use her abilities to slam him so hard into the ground so that the pompous bigot would see some sense.
Oma entered her quarters and headed straight to the shower. She decided to use the hot water this time; she needed to clear her head.
A few minutes later; she felt a bit better but she had to talk to someone.
She looked at the time before tapping a series of numbers of her view-screen control. The flashing symbol of Starfleet was soon replaced by a familiar face.
"Finally!"
Oma smiled at the relived smile on Ensign Cassius O'Reilly's face. She had only spoken to him once before now and it had been a very brief conversation.
"Glad I caught you at your rest time pal."
He beamed at her. "Hah! You know I hardly sleep; 30 minutes of nap time keeps me going for days."
This was true; due to his hyper-speed, Cassius only needed 30 mins of rest every three days. It made him the envy of his classmates at the Academy and the top of his class.
His smile dimmed when he noticed the look in her eyes. "What's going on Oma?"
She hesitated for a moment then told him of the Colonial Reveal Segment.
Cassius' face got darker as he listened. It didn't take a genius to know that he was mad.
"I wish we could just retrieve only you and the rest of the Xavier crew."
Oma shook her head. "I know you're upset; they are not all bad. Remember Sharon; her husband Helo and their baby Hera."
Cassius looked a bit guilty.
"And Kara ; Anders and Rogers?"
He sighed. "Okay; okay I get it. Some are good but that doesn't change the fact that you're in the midst of a xenophobic group! They tried to kill Laura and Q Junior before you got there just because they taught they were cylons."
Oma felt ill at the thought of what happened to the younger crew members.
"And they look more human than me."
Cassius frowned. "Don't talk like that; you're human and Klingon. There is nothing wrong with that; remember that."
Oma felt a bit better. "Thanks dearie; you know I love you right?"
The male Starfleet ensign grinned back at her. "I do; now if only you would marry me."
Both laughed at his words; it had been a running joke since their Academy years used especially when they were undergoing stressful situations.
Oma felt it was time to change the topic. "So what's the latest gossip on board the Dunkirk?"
"Not much; apart from everyone pouring over every bit of intel we get from you guys. The Klingons included; they have been discussing with us more often though. I hear they are really interested in the cylon resurrection tech."
Oma blinked in surprise. "Why?"
"Don't know; I thought it was odd myself. Apart from that the other concern are common ailments that occur among the colonials may be deadly to us."
"True; I need to discuss that with Dr Grey and Q. We don't have enough data about the physiology of the colonials. They are human but have been apart from us for millennia."
Left unspoken was the difference in evolution that had created the mutants on Earth eons ago.
A difference that was already causing a lot of tension before the two groups met. Oma sighed inwardly; time to change the topic
"Enough about work; so who's seeing who and all that jazz?" asked Oma.
Cassius smiled at her. "Oh you won't believe who I saw the other day talking to Shila…"
Logan looked at the viewscreen that showed the Galactica. He really wasn't keen on speaking to anyone right now but it needed to be done.
"Xavier; patch me through to the Admiral Adama."
He only waited less than a minute; Logan suspected the old colonial officer had been sitting by the modified vid-comm device in his office.
"Good morning Admiral Adama; I apologize for the delay in responding I was in the midst of supervising training."
Adama looked surprised. "Training?"
"Yes; today's group was Oma; Q Junior; Laura and Rogers. Only God knows when we meet the cylons again. I wanted them prepared."
"Understandable," replied Adama in a grave tone ; he hesitated before continuing.
"You're seen the Reveal Segment?"
Logan had to give him credit for mentioning it first.
"Yup. It was a doozy alright."
Adama looked confused at his choice of words.
"It means…never mind. I'm not pissed but a bit concerned about how safe my crew is going to be whenever they go onto your ships."
"We'll protect them."
Logan wanted to snap back that he shouldn't have to but kept a rein on his rising temper. He took a deep breath.
"Q and Oma told me about the list of repairs Tyrol gave them." His keen eyes noticed the brief moment of shock on Adama's face before he hid his expression.
Logan's eyes narrowed. Was no one telling the Admiral what was going on in his own fleet?
"And Dr Grey mentioned yesterday that she would like to aid in distributing supplies and medical aid to other ships in your fleet.
Now; that means a lot of trips back and forth between the Xavier and the rest of the fleet. Can you guarantee their safety at all times?"
Adama didn't have to ask about Logan's safety. He had seen video evidence of how deadly the Captain of the Xavier was in physical combat.
"I can't ; but we will do our damn best in keeping them safe."
Logan stared at him for a long moment. "I guess that's all one can ask for at this point." He saw the tension leave Adama's shoulders.
"Q Junior is gonna need a start list of the most damaged ships. We'll assess them gradually and see what we can do. Please bear in mind we're just one ship."
"We're aware…and Captain Logan thank you for everything."
Logan felt tired. "Don't thank me yet; let's see what we can accomplish. We're still a long way from home. Xavier out."
He saw Adama nod once before the communication was disconnected. Logan was once more left with the view-screen. He knew Jean was going to be pissed with what he was about to do.
But he didn't have a choice.
The Holodeck…
Six tried not to let her annoyance show as she and Baltar entered the plain holodeck. As expected the colonial watchdogs known as Kara and Anders silently followed them.
Come to think of it; something was worrying those two. Their body language screamed tension and anxiety.
Something must have happened recently; but she knew better than to ask.
"So where do you want to start today?" Baltar's question forced her to return to the present.
Six was silent for a long moment; she had tried reading up on Earth's history. It seemed so alien; especially since it had been such a divided planet centuries ago; but her mind kept returning to a particular place.
"Xavier; please show us the school that once carried your name. That distinguished Institute for the Gifted. I want to see how it was after the Vietnam War."
There was no sound then the landscape began to change right in-front of their eyes. It was a bit disorienting at first so Six closed her eyes for a few moments.
When she opened them; the Xavier Institute for the Gifted was before her, it's lawns now covered with snow.
"December 16th 1976."
Six nodded at the fake sky. Amazingly she didn't feel cold; she saw white vans pull up which began dislodging workmen with equipment that looked like construction tools.
"What's going on here Xavier?" asked Baltar.
"Due to neglect wrought by the passage of time; Professor Xavier paid for renovations and constructions of new rooms to the mansion. The school was about to get a lot of new students."
They saw a young Dr Hank Mccoy pushing Xavier's wheelchair and also assisting him as students began to appear on their doorstep.
A few came accompanied by their parents. Most came alone and many looked scared and confused.
"How did they find this place? How did they find him?" asked a stunned Six as she walked into the school. The halls seemed to be filled with students of varying ages.
"He reached out to them at first; then word began to spread."
Six heard Baltar ask Xavier to move the history forward year by year.
She watched the wheelchair bound professor gradually age as the workload increased. There were gasps of astonishment as the 4 of them watched the school destroyed in a surprise attack by uniformed soldiers with no marked insignias. Some students went missing in the attack.
Six made a note to research more on that date. Who had attacked them and why?
To her surprise; soon after the school's destruction, Erik Lensherr turned up one day and began to help the professor rebuild the school.
Something spectacular must have happened for them to bury the hatchet.
Or was it due to the fact that despite their different ideologies; that they had a common enemy who hated all mutants?
Once the school was rebuilt; enrolment of new students started more than ever.
She witnessed the frustrations of Charles and Erik when some parents abandoned their mutant children as if glad to be rid of them.
Instead of frustration; she was livid. Humans never knew how lucky or blessed they were.
How could a parent abandon their flesh and blood just because they were born different?
Then she saw a young couple with a pre-teen daughter and almost stumbled over her steps.
"Xavier; who are they?"
Kara and Anders who had remained silent the entire time; shared a concerned look. Six sounded excited.
"Professor John Grey and Elaine Grey; accompanying them is their twelve-year old daughter Jean Grey."
Six looked at Mrs Grey; she could see the resemblance to a particular female doctor on the Xavier; but it couldn't be. She eventually forced herself to look at the twelve-year old Jean Grey who was holding on to her mum's hand.
"Are my eyes deceived or does little miss grey not look like Dr Grey on this ship ? Perhaps our doctor is a descendant" asked Baltar.
"No," answered Xavier patiently.
"They are both one and the same," said Six in an awed whisper.
Baltar frowned. "No; no that's impossible…"
Six ignored him and approached the small family who were earnestly talking with Charles and Erik. She went down on her knees and gazed into the face of 12-year old Jean Grey as she listened to the adults talk.
This was another sign that she had made the right choice in leaving her people.
Jean Grey had to be a cylon.
How else would she had survived all these centuries without Resurrection Tech?
This was what the Thirteenth Tribe had been trying to tell her.
She stood up; her heart pounding with excitement.
"Xavier; would you mind relaying a request for me?"
"What is it?"
"I would very much like to speak to Dr Grey and Captain Logan; it's extremely important."
######################
Medical bay…
Jean waited as the replicator made another batch of bandages. She already had forty-five boxes down in the main cargo bay.
And that was due to Q Junior working overtime to get them done; at times she wondered at the younger Q's real abilities and to tell the truth it scared her shitless.
Truth. Whispered Phoenix; his people are never to be taken lightly.
Jean paused in her work. How long have you known about them?
Let me put it this way; they existed way before I was born.
The female mutant felt chilled by that little bit of hugely significant detail.
So yeah; the word 'Ancient' doesn't even begin to describe them.
"Good to know," muttered Jean as the replicator beeped once it was done.
A sense of alertness suddenly filled her mind.
Oh you're gonna love it; lover boy Captain Logan is headed your way.
"Wait; what ?" asked a stunned Jean as the doors slid open and the above mentioned individual walked in.
She saw the set look on his face and knew there was trouble ahead.
Yet why had Phoenix called him lover boy?
"Am I interrupting anything?" asked Logan in a tentative manner.
Jean forced her mind back to the present.
"No; I'm just doing bandages." Logan looked around and sniffed the air.
The female medic sighed. "And I'm also the only one here. So what's going on?"
Logan came close to her ; then leaned on one of the bio beds.
"I just got off comms with Admiral Adama."
Jean kept silent; waiting for the rest.
"The guy has problems; pretty bad ones as we've all seen but right now I'm uncertain at his ability in protecting any member of the Xavier who needs to work amongst the colonial refugees."
Ya think ? Whispered Phoenix in an amused voice.
Seriously Phoenix; now is not the time for games.
Jean tried to concentrate because she had a bad feeling what was coming next.
"And ?"
Logan looked at her; he hesitated for a brief moment. "I think you and the others need to reduce the number of trips and the time you spend among them."
Jean felt herself go hot and cold; Logan actually straightened at her expression and took a step back.
"Please hear me out. I know you are more than capable to taking care of yourself. There is no one else I would rather have beside me in battle if it came to it because you are truly a formidable combatant.
But…" he paused "but the kids aren't ready. Especially Oma and Laura.
Q Junior can handle himself; but he should not be put in that position."
Jean felt her anger reduce a bit. "Even if I considered…your suggestions; we can't just sit here protected in the Xavier and do nothing…" she paused.
"You want to do it all; the delivering of supplies at least can be done by you but what about using a derm-replicator? Do you even know how that works ?
Or fixing their countless engineering problems?"
"I can take Q Junior with me and watch over him while he does his work…"
"It's still not enough," interrupted Jean in a gentle sad tone; she sighed and walked up to him.
"Logan; you're a good man and you want to protect us all. That is sweet but believe me when I say we endanger more people if we suddenly batten down the hatches because of what some two-bit politicians and a stupid reporter said on the air-waves."
Logan was silent for a long moment then looked away. "I don't want anything to happen to you. I don't want Laura to have to kill anyone again; I don't want Oma to ever have to repeat what she did with the resurrection ship.
And Q Junior is too young to be in this shit-storm.
We're trying to help a large group of very scared colonials who distrust anything they don't understand.
It's clear how their leaders feel about mutants and aliens.
They are scared and we both know that fear can lead to pretty stupid dangerous actions."
Jean suddenly wanted to see his eyes again. She lifted up a slightly trembling hand and brought his face back to hers.
"We'll be just fine."
Logan's eyes widened. "Jean i…"
She leaned in and kissed him softly on the lips.
At first he didn't react and then he wrapped his arms around her. Jean wrapped her hands around his neck and lost herself in his embrace.
It seemed to go on forever; eventually both came up for air.
"I…I didn't expect that," said Logan in stunned tone.
Jean smiled at him and leaned her neck against his chest.
They fit so well.
About bloody time. Murmured a smug Phoenix.
"Captain Logan and Dr Grey I regret on interrupting but Six has a request."
Logan and Jean shared a look of regret as they separated.
"Is it just me or does Xavier actually sound a bit nervous?" asked Logan
"Mmhmm; by the by our earlier conversation is not over," said Jean.
Logan winked at her. "Which one?"
Jean punched his right arm lightly before looking up at the ceiling.
"Xavier; sorry about that. What does Six want?"
"No need to apologize Dr Grey; Six would very much want to meet with both of you as soon as possible," then as if anticipating their next question; he continued "It may be regarding the Xavier School For the Gifted. Six appeared quite emotional when she witnessed a 12yr old Jean Grey attending the learning institute for the first time."
Logan sighed. "No; tell her we're busy."
Jean frowned at him. "Ah yes; we need to speak to her now." She saw the stubborn look on Logan's face.
"Using the holodeck to keep her distracted was a brilliant idea but it won't work forever. The sooner we talk to her; the sooner we get into the minds of her cylon brethren."
We could always take what we want straight from her mind without her knowing. Muttered Phoenix.
Jean rolled her eyes. Not an option Phoenix.
Why am I not surprised?
Logan was thoughtful for a long moment. "You got a point ; and especially after that reveal segment , I won't be surprised if the colonial brass ask us to hand her over for 'questioning'.
If we give them the intel we 'obtain'…that might reduce the tension a bit."
Jean nodded.
Logan sighed. "Fine we'll do this in the ready room in an hour; with the colonials listening in from an observation room."
He saw Jean's enquiring look. "I want them to be part of this."
"Sure; I'll pack up the rest of the bandages and head over..." her voice trailed off when she saw a slightly nervous expression on Logan's face.
He started speaking before she could ask a question.
"Em; later today when it's not too busy…would you like to have dinner on the holodeck?"
Jean was a bit surprised at how that simple request made her feel so light.
"I…I would like that very much."
Logan actually blushed a little and quickly left the medbay.
Jean kept smiling as the Phoenix happily called her silly names in her head.
##########################
"He wants us to do what?!"
Oma refrained from sighing and kept her expression as neutral as possible even though Kara's attitude was really grating on her nerves.
Less than ten minutes ago she got a call from the bridge; Captain Logan first surprised her by apologizing for cutting short her break then informed her that he and Dr Grey were planning on having a long overdue chat with Caprica Six and Gaius Baltar.
Oma had been glad for the interruption; after her call with Cassius she found herself staring at the ceiling. She needed to do something to keep her mind busy.
At the moment; Q was getting the conference room ready while Laura had the conn. Oma's job was to inform the colonials of the meeting.
She had barely walked into Sharon's quarters before Kara started demanding to know what was going on.
"Captain Logan asked if you would like to observe with Q and I while the meeting with Six and Dr Baltar occurred. I assumed you would be interested in the outcome…"
Kara's swearing cut her off. "She is a frakking enemy operative ! This meeting shouldn't be taking place. Have you forgotten what they did to us? ! To the Twelve Colonies ?!
She and Gaius Frakking Baltar should be facing a firing squad for their crimes against my people and you want to have a cosy sit down with them !?"
Anders tried to indicate that she calm down ; but the female colonial pilot ignored him completely.
"We remember," countered Oma in a steely voice which indicated she had lost her patience " but we are trying to do all we can to help the colonials and also understand how the cylons operate.
This meeting could have occurred without any of you; but the fact that you're invited to observe is not enough ?"
Kara stared at her with fury in her eyes; she opened her mouth to speak but someone beat her to it.
"Starbuck; this ship belongs to Starfleet," everyone looked at Rogers "we have no jurisdiction here." His voice was calm and even.
Kara glared at him for a long moment as if struggling not to yell at him.
"Ensign Kadretti and Ensign Rogers are both right Kara," said Sharon in a firm voice. Kara looked at her.
"Yelling at Oma is not going to stop this meeting from happening. The only difference is if we decide not to be present and we can't afford that right now."
Sharon and Kara stared at each other for a long moment; Kara was the first to drop her eyes.
It was obvious that things had changed in the last few hours because of that blasted reveal segment; and Kara may have just made things worse.
She tried to extinguish her anger. "We'll attend. Where do you want us?"
"Please report to the bridge in 35 minutes; there's a second ready room we can use while the meeting is ongoing," she looked around the room and her gaze rested briefly on Rogers.
"See you later."
There was silence for several moments after she left Sharon and Helo's quarters.
"I sure frakked up didn't I?" asked Kara in a subdued voice.
There was silence at first.
"You're not the only one," said Rogers as he stood up "excuse me."
He left the room before anyone said a word.
Kara and Anders shared a puzzled look then turned to Sharon and Helo.
"What's Roger's problem?" asked Starbuck.
Sharon sighed. "He has a decision to make."
Kara waited for her to elaborate.
"It's complicated," said Helo.
###########################
Oma felt like kicking herself.
She had lost her cool; her attitude had been uncalled for and unprofessional. Just because some colonials were being stupid was no reason for her rude behaviour.
Crap. That meant she would have to apologize to them sooner than later.
"Oma."
The familiar voice made her stop in her tracks as her heartbeat sped up.
She turned to see Rogers approaching her. He had a tentative expression on his face.
"I know you're busy…but can we talk. I promise it won't take long."
Oh shit. Thought Oma while realizing since being on the Xavier; she had gotten into the habit of swearing inwardly. Her mum would be so pleased.
"I have a few minutes."
Rogers swallowed hard before choosing his words with care.
"I…I know I have been a bit different lately."
Oma raised an eyebrow. The male colonial pilot seemed more nervous at her neutral expression.
"My avoiding you wasn't done to cause you harm…" he paused "I like you; I really, really do." His words came quick as if he was afraid to stop speaking.
"But right now I'm in a tight spot. I don't want to cause you pain."
Oma had a sinking feeling what this was about. Laura had been right.
"You worried about your superiors; are they demanding for more intel?" asked Oma in a gentle tone. Rogers kept silent but his expression said it all.
She sighed. "What do you want Rogers ? I'm asking you the man; not the soldier."
He stared at her for a long moment. "I want to be more than a friend to you; if you will have me."
Oma felt her heart skip a beat. She had to look away from his clear blue eyes for a moment to compose her thoughts then she returned his gaze.
"That…that would be nice…"
His smile was like the sun.
"However; we start off as friends first and then see what happens."
Rogers nodded still smiling. "That would be great."
Both ensigns just stared at each other; with more than 3 feet of space between them.
"Em; I have to go now…for the meeting." Said Oma with a soft smile on her face.
"Oh yeah; see you there," said Rogers. She nodded shyly and then walked away.
The colonial pilot knew he was grinning like a fool but some instinct told him that everything was going to be okay.
####################
Six paced in the conference room. To be honest she had not expected the captain and Dr Grey agreeing to speak with her.
There was so much she wanted to say but she wished she had time to prepare a statement. Right now her mind was filled with questions and ideas.
"I've never seen you this nervous." She glanced at Baltar as she kept walking.
"You wouldn't understand."
"Then try and make me understand; what did you see in the holodeck that has got you so excited?"
"Gaius; we all saw the same thing; Dr Jean Grey as a child more than 300 years ago. How do you think she managed that ?"
Gaius frowned. "Perhaps she has the same ability as Captain Logan; maybe they both age extremely slowly."
Six closed her eyes briefly. How could he be this dense.
"Look; I…" her words trailed off as the doors slid open and Logan and Jean walked in.
The female cylon focused on the new arrivals.
"Thank you so much for agreeing to this."
Logan and Jean shared a look before the female doctor replied.
"You're welcome; please let's be seated."
Gaius glanced at the doors. "Is anyone else joining us?"
Six was wondering the same thing and she had expected the usual watchdog duo of Kara and Anders.
"Nope," said Logan "it's just us in here."
Six smiled; already things were looking up.
"So what did you want to talk about?" asked Jean when everyone took a seat.
Caprica Six felt her hands shake so she put them on the table as if to steady her nerves. She picked her words with care.
"I now know why you had us see Earth's history from the very beginning."
Logan raised an eyebrow; Jean looked intrigued.
"It was there the whole time but gradually I saw the truth as plain as day." Six took a deep breath. "It is quite clear that the Thirteenth Tribe are more than just distant Kobolians displaced by time and space but you are our kin.
You are cylon born like me and the rest of my brethren."
Stunned silence met her words.
"Say what?" asked a puzzled Logan.
################
The Second ready room…
Laura's eyes widened a bit at Six's words but she almost started laughing when she saw the stunned expression on Logan's face.
Damn. She would have brought popcorn if she knew it would be this hilarious. She glanced at the others in the room in time to see Oma and Q Junior share a look of surprise.
But the colonials apart from Sharon looked horrified. The female cylon appeared exasperated as she rocked a sleepy Hera. Only the Good Lord knew how the colonial bigwigs would react at the next debriefing about this meeting.
The day was just getting more interesting by the minute.
##############
Jean closed her eyes briefly as the Phoenix entity was laughing it's head off. She could picture it rolling around holding it's sides in.
Oh my; that was rich ! The looks on your faces ! Did none of you realize she would follow this path of reasoning? Good luck explaining the 'truth' to her.
Jean bit back an angry retort and concentrated on Logan who still looked stunned.
"Logan I didn't expect this."
"Same here," silently replied the male mutant as he felt her gentle mind voice "how the hell do we get out of this one."
An inkling of a plan began to form in Jean's mind. "I have an idea."
Six was beginning to look puzzled at their reactions. Even Gaius was giving the cylon an odd look.
"Six; we're not cylons…" began Jean.
"Your recordings and the recent actions of Q Junior say otherwise. I saw Captain Logan as a young man in the Vietnam war; that was over 400 years ago.
I saw you as a twelve year old child attending Xavier's school ; that was over 300 years ago.
The only way that you survived this long must be with the use of cylon resurrection tech !
We have witnessed Q Junior access cylon interface as if he has done that for most of his life.
We know what you are; why do you hide it ? Is it because of the colonials?
I don't blame you; they would use you and then betray you at the drop of a hat if they don't try to kill you first." She paused "I was trying to learn about where your home was instead of learning about you. The kin of the cylons; that is why you have a ship this advanced; only the knowledge of fellow cylon minds could have achieved huge strides in space travel and technology…"
"Six; we're not cylons," repeated Jean in a tone that stopped her in her tracks. "There is a logical explanation why Logan; Laura and I are still alive when everyone we knew in our time is dead and buried." A look of grief appeared on her face. Logan took her hand silently.
She nodded at him. "For you to understand; I'll need Q Junior to show you something."
Jean tapped her combage. "Q; come in."
######################
Kara glanced quickly at Q Junior and saw the pale expression on his face. He closed his eyes briefly; then took a deep breath before leaving the room.
"Why is he so nervous?" asked Anders.
Laura turned to him. "Do you really want him to tell her everything he told your Admiral ?"
"Then he shouldn't be entering that room!" said Kara.
"It's okay; Q Junior knows what he's doing." Everyone looked at Oma; she ignored them and kept her eyes on the screen.
Six looked at the door as Q walked in. He seemed a bit nervous.
"Yes; Dr Grey? Captain Logan ?"
"Relax bud; this won't take long. Six wants to know why I; Laura and Jean have survived for so long."
Q opened his mouth to speak.
Logan raised a hand stopping him. "Wait; I'll go first." He turned back to Six.
"You're right that I'm much older than I look; but that has to do with my mutant ability that causes me to age slowly. However; that does not explain how I came to exist here," he paused then looked at Jean who nodded silently for him to go on.
"On October 11Th 2006 there was a battle on Earth at a certain place called The Worthington Alcatraz Mutant Research Institute. Jean and I were at that battle; it was ugly and people died. That was where we both disappeared from."
"Disappeared? "asked Gaius in a stunned voice.
"For you to understand; it's best you see it for yourselves," answered Jean. She and Logan stood up. Q Junior looked a bit pale at her words.
"Where are we going ?" asked a confused looking Gaius Baltar.
Six knew of only one place where they could 'see' anyone's past.
"The holodeck."
Kara heard Six's words and ran out of the room. The other colonials were startled by her actions and quickly followed her.
Laura exchanged a look with Oma. "Let's see what the fuss is all about."
As Oma stood up she realized she was more than a bit confused by the recent events. Six thought the people of Earth were cylons ?
Whatever gave her that idea ?
Her mind returned to the present when she and Laura caught up with the colonials. Kara was standing with her hands clenched as she faced Logan ; Jean; Six and Baltar.
Thank God Logan wasn't a Klingon otherwise he would have taken Kara's stance as a challenge to physical combat.
"Captain Logan I request permission for us to observe whatever Earth history you're about to show Caprica Six!"
Logan and Jean looked at each other; the female medic nodded. The captain of the Xavier turned back to face the colonials.
"Sure; join the party." He sounded as if he couldn't care less.
Six looked less than pleased while Kara appeared stunned.
"You mean…I mean...thanks for including us." The colonial pilot had been prepared to argue but seemed a bit unsure of how readily her request had been granted.
Six frowned and for one second Oma was sure she was about to protest.
"People let's get moving," said Logan in a loud voice as he and Jean walked off. Six looked at Gaius who shook his head slightly as if warning her.
The female cylon glared at Kara and the colonials for a moment before moving in the direction that the two older mutants had taken.
Oma felt queasy. She had a bad feeling about this.
"Jean are you sure about this?" She could feel Logan's worry as she kept the link between their minds.
"I think it's necessary for them to see how divided we were centuries ago. What happened to the colonies could have very well happened to Earth.
In fact it did happen; it's just that Earth had a better outcome though millions died and billions suffered before humans learnt from their mistakes."
"Will you be alright?" asked Logan.
Jean tried not to let her anxiety show. She was dreading what came next but even the Phoenix felt it was time to deal with her past.
"I will be." She felt how Logan ached to hold her and protect her from what they were about to witness. Jean took his hand and ignored the speculative looks from the small group following them.
When they got to the holodeck; Q Junior was already waiting for them outside the doors.
"It's ready captain," said Q Junior in a solemn tone; he gave Jean a questioning look. It was clear he was worried about her.
Jean smiled at him and wanted to reassure him that she wasn't about to break. For the hundredth time Jean wished she could mind-speak Q Junior.
That would be a bad bad bad idea other me. Whispered Phoenix.
Q minds aren't meant to be touched; it's the kind of encounter that leaves one completely insane.
Jean's eyes widened. Good to know.
Logan turned to the small group who had gathered.
"What you're about to see is what some call a significant event in Earth's history," he paused " for me it was a shit storm of epic proportions that could have been prevented. It's known as the Alcatraz Incident of 2006.
Let's begin."
The holodeck doors slid open.
Six hadn't known what to expect.
But it was a lot frightening than she could ever imagine.
She saw a strong elderly mutant known as Magneto bend and shift the massive red metal bridge like it was nothing. The swarm of mutants used the great bridge to cross the sea and they stormed the Worthington Mutant Research Institute only to be halted by Logan and the X-men who were protecting the soldiers on the site.
She began to memorise their names; Ororo Munroe aka Storm and an older Hank McCoy aka Beast.
Then the younger fighters; Kitty Pryde; Colossus and Bobby Drake.
These were just children; barely older than Q Junior, Laura or Oma….and they had to fight older mutants just to protect a young mutant boy with a unique ability.
She saw Logan directing them as he cut down mutants who tried to get past him. Some of them had unique and terrifying abilities but that didn't faze Logan in the slightest. Six turned to look at the opposition and finally realized who was standing beside Magneto.
It was Jean Grey but there was something off about her.
This Jean Grey seemed distant; not moved by the chaos taking place right in front of her. She appeared to watch the fighting with a detached expression on her face even when Magneto turned to her and asked her to aid her fellow mutant brethren.
Six gasped as Juggernaut used his body as a battering ram to crash into one side of the building ; Logan couldn't get to him in time.
Only to hear Kitty yell that she was going after the towering mutant. All heard Logan scream at her to wait but she phased through the wall and ran after Juggernaut.
Six marvelled at the fight between Storm and Callisto and the showdown between Pyro and Bobby but she found herself holding her breath when Logan and Beast took on Magneto; out smarted him and finally depowered the old mutant with the Cure.
This is it thought Six; this is the end of the battle. It's over.
She heard Logan repeat the same words to Jean Grey who still appeared to be in a catatonic trance.
Then hundreds of soldiers suddenly appeared on the bridge and began firing in Jean's directions.
And Six saw the Fury of Hades let loose.
Her heart beat rapidly as hundreds of soldiers were disintegrated into particles smaller than a postage stamp. Mutants who tried to run were also victims of Jean's rage and power.
Surrounding structures began to disintegrate and even the sea surrounding the island began to boil as huge ribbons of water began to climb towards the night skies.
Both mutants and non-mutants screamed in terror as they stopped fighting and tried to escape the impending mutant made disaster.
Six saw former enemies helping each other to escape; even as the X-men's ship was destroyed in the psychic storm that was Jean Grey.
Then Logan began to yell and approach Jean as she turned her attention to him.
What happened next made Six sick to her stomach. She watched as his skin was peeled away by Jean's ability then Logan seemed to heal right in-front of them as he took one painful step after the other. She heard someone gasp behind her but she was transfixed by what was before her.
"You would die for them!?" Jean's eyes were black; her skin glowed with an unearthly red sheen.
"No! I would die for you. For you!" Logan was in pain but he took one step closer to her as if fighting an invisible force.
Jean appeared to stare at him for an eternity; then her eyes cleared for a brief moment and Logan's skin stopped peeling.
Six found herself crying silently as they all heard Jean beg Logan to kill her.
He was shaking his head.
"Please Logan; I can't hold it back any longer. Do it now."
Logan's eyes were red and filled with tears. "I love you Jean." Then to Six's horror she heard a familiar 'snikt' sound as he plunged his blades into the female mutant's chest.
Six saw the look of peace on Jean's face as Logan screamed to the heavens in grief. Around him the sea settled and structures stopped disintegrating.
Then the images disappeared leaving behind the white walls of the holodeck.
There was silence for several moments; Six didn't have to look around to see if everyone's reaction mirrored her own.
"That was when we disappeared," said Jean in a normal tone. Six almost jumped at her voice.
"The last thing I remember is that battle and Logan holding me; the next thing I knew I was waking up beside him and Laura more than 300 years in the future."
"Y…you you survived that ? Then woke up where exactly and how and why?" asked Gaius in a shaky voice. Six was amazed he still had the guts to ask that after what he had just seen.
"I'm afraid most of that information is classified," said Q Junior " what I can tell you is that I woke them up in this region of space and that now they are returning home to Earth."
"I…I didn't see Laura Kinney at the battle," asked Caprica Six in a slightly nervous voice as she quickly wiped away her tears.
"That's because I was somewhere else and that's none of your concern," said Laura in relaxed tone as she examined her fingernails.
Six felt a chill run down her back ; all too aware that the female teen had the same blades as her father.
"So; now you know," began Logan " we're not cylons. We're just mutants; we were taken from our time; put to sleep and woke up to find ourselves in the middle of another war between two groups who hate each other because of what makes them different," he paused "sounds awfully familiar doesn't it?"
Silence met his words for a long moment only for it to be broken by a soft cooing sound as Hera chose that moment to wake up.
Everyone turned to Sharon.
"I…I'm sorry; she just woke up."
Jean smiled. "It's okay." Then Hera began to wail.
"And she's either hungry or she just pooped in her pants." Everyone looked at Laura. The female teen shrugged.
"What ? Its basic stuff. Baby cries; its either hungry or wants a new diaper."
For some reason; Laura's nonchalant behaviour seemed to ease the tension a bit.
"Well ; in that case; are there any questions?" asked Logan.
No one seemed to want to say anything.
"Fine; then most of us have work to do." The crew of the Xavier left the holodeck.
The colonials and Six looked at each other.
"We have to go," said Helo as he quickly left with an irritable crying Hera and a slightly flustered Sharon.
"Same here," said Six as she and Baltar left; she ignored the odd look Kara sent her way.
The female cylon eventually found her way to her quarters then realized Baltar was following her.
"I….I need to be alone for now."
Gaius gave her a questioning look. "Are you sure ?"
Six hesitated; then shook her head.
The colonial scientist followed her into her quarters.
Once inside Six felt weak at the knees; she quickly sat down on the soft carpet.
"Caprica you're shaking," said Gaius.
Was she really ? Thought Six as she looked at her hands and noticed the fine tremors. She barely acknowledged the soft blanket that Gaius threw over her shoulders.
Then she felt Gaius felt lift her chin up with a gentle hand. His expression was one of alarm
"Six…"
"Logan and Dr Grey are not cylons. I know that eventually I will have to process that bit of information but what I am finding exceedingly hard to believe is the power that Jean Grey possesses."
"I…"began Gaius. Six grabbed his hands as she cut him off.
"Such power I have never seen or even dreamt about. A mutant with that ability can lay waste to an entire fleet or even a world."
"I'm sure there is a logical explanation…'
"Have you not been paying attention?" demanded Six in a harsh tone "she blew up the basestars that attacked the colonial fleet! It was her and the colonials have her on their side !"
She saw the expression change on Gaius face and knew he had arrived at the same conclusion.
"My cylon brethren are so frakked and the funny thing is that they have no idea what's coming."
Hiya everyone. So sorry for the long wait.
Hope you enjoy this chapter. I aim to post more this year.
Have a great 2017 folks!
