Bojay and Bria's Raptor jumped into a system ahead of the fleet.

"Jump complete." Bria said.

"Holy frak look at all this." Bojay said.

Bria came up to the front of the Raptor. As far as the eye could see there was debris from a battle.

"Look at that, is that a nose from a Viper Mk 2?" Bria said.

"Sure looks like it to me. I haven't seen one of those outside a museum." Bojay replied.

"Could this be debris from the first war?"

"Nope there's wreckage over there from one of the new raiders." Bojay said.

"Looks like we're not the only survivors after all." Bria said.

Bojay moved the Raptor through the wreckage.

"Oh man, there are bodies here, humans." Bojay said.

"How many?" Bria asked.

"Two that I can see." Bojay replied, "You up for a little space walk?"

"Sure thing." She replied.

"Any word from Captain Johnson?" Johannsen asked as he walked onto the CIC.

"No sir but in this case no news is good news." Garrett replied.

"Give the order to jump the fleet." The commander said.

"Aye sir." Garrett picked up her handset, "All ships this is Orion XO prepare to jump to the next co-ordinates on our mark." She put her handset down, "Ensign Turner prepare to jump,"

Ensign Stewart Turner who was standing in for Lieutenant Taylor took over.

"All ships this is Orion jumping in 10..9..8..7..6..5..4..3..2..1..jump." Turner ordered.

The entire fleet vanished.

As Bria was getting the last of the bodies back onto the Raptor, the fleet began to jump in around them.

"Close the hatch we're good." She said. She looked at the emblem on the dead pilots flight suit, "My gods they were from Galactica!" she said.

"Galactica? I though they turned that old bucket into a museum?" Bojay replied.

"Do you read anything other than dirty magazines? She was being decommissioned the day of the attack, they must have gotten away." She said.

"Raptor 1, this is Orion XO please respond." Garrett said over the COM.

"Orion XO, this is Typhoon we've found wreckage of a battle." Bria said.

"This is Orion actual, a battle between whom?" the Commander asked.

"It would appear to be the Cylons and Galactica." Bria replied.

"Are you sure it was Galactica?" the Commander asked.

"Yes sir, we recovered the bodies of two pilots and their flight patch says Galactica. There is a lot of wreckage from Viper Mk2s out here as well as raiders." Bria answered.

"Does it look like anything can be salvaged?" Johannsen asked.

"No sir it's bits and pieces as well as torn wreckage. We've looked for more bodies but can't find any at the moment." Bria replied.

"Very well come back home." he ordered.

Archangel and Vannick had been called to the commander's quarters. Neither of them had any idea why he wanted to see them.

"Any ideas at all what this is about?" Vannick asked.

"Not a clue." Archangel replied.

As they reached his door the marine guards let them straight in.

"Gentlemen thank you for coming so quickly, please sit." Johannsen said.

Both men sat down, still none the wiser as to what was happening.

"Neither of you have done anything wrong. I have a new job for you both." the Commander reassured them.

"New job?" Archangel asked.

"Yes as you know the presidential debates are about to begin. Mr Vance and Mr Vents campaign managers have asked if we can provide personal security for them. I would like you both to be that security."

"Seriously?" Archangel asked.

"Very." Johannsen replied, "Sergeant Vannick I would like you to be Mr Vents person body guard and Major you to be Mr Vance's."

Archangel groaned, "Is he really going to want me there?"

"We both know his views on the military but they've asked for two people who I trust." the Commander replied.

"Edgar Vance," he said with a sigh, "And don't worry, I'll hold my temper."

"I know I don't need to tell you both but there will be the eyes of the fleet watching you."

Colonel Garrett stood by Bojay's raptor on the hanger deck and smiled as she saw Archangel and Vannick approach both wearing suits with a shirt and tie. She had never seen Archangel dressed in anything other than his military clothes.

Bojay wolf whistled as he saw them both approaching.

"Well look at you two, don't we look smart!" he said with a smile.

"Shut the frak up Bojay." Archangel said.

"Oh so touchy." He replied, "You guys ready to head off?"

"We are." Garrett replied, "You both look lovely." She said to the two men.

"I feel like a door to door salesman." Archangel said fidgeting with his collar and tie.

Garrett let out a little laugh, "I'm sorry."

"You know I am armed!" he said.

"I'm sorry, I'll play nice." She said with a wink as they all got onto the raptor.

"Ladies and gentlemen welcome aboard raptor 1, today's destination is the Starburst." Bojay said from the front.

"Looking very handsome gentlemen." Bria said.

"Thanks, I like this look, but the dear Major here isn't feeling it." Vannick said.

"I swear I'll shoot the next person who speaks." Archangel said.

Everyone let out a laugh.

Minutes later the raptor was flying through the fleet towards the Starburst.

"So Colonel what are you going to the Starburst for?" Vannick asked.

"They want a representative from the Orion there for the press to talk to and I pulled the short straw, you know what they say, shit rolls down hill." Garrett replied.

"I find it all interesting." Bria said, "I've never been this close to an election before and certainly not the start up of a new government from scratch, it's fascinating."

"Yeah Bria is definitely the intellectual of the squadron." Bojay said from the pilot's chair.

"You guys really don't find it interesting?" Bria asked.

"It'll certainly be interesting if Vance wins. I really don't think he and the commander will ever see anything eye to eye." Archangel said.

"If he wins I think I will suggest we take Orion and go on alone." Garrett said.

They all let out a laugh.

"Starburst this is Raptor 1 requesting permission to approach the hanger bay." Bojay said as they neared the giant luxury liner.

"Raptor 1 this is Starburst, permission granted, the hanger bay is yours." Came the reply.

"Ladies and gentlemen next stop Starburst." Bojay said.

"Great." Archangel said under his breath.

Bojay flew the raptor into the hanger bay and touched down.

"Powering down." Bojay said as he brought the bird to a complete standstill.

Bria opened the side door on the raptor and Natasha Cobb who was smiling widely as usual met them.

"Colonel, Major, Sergeant welcome aboard the Starburst." She said as they all got out. Archangel turned to see Bojay waving with a huge smile across his face.

"We have quarters for you all during your stay with us. Anything you need just ask and I will make sure you get it." Natasha said shaking each of their hands.

Archangel took a deep breath before knocking on the door in front of him. Moments later it was opened by Edgar Vance's assistant James Porter.

"Ah Major Hunter please come in come in." the young man vigorously shook Archangel's hand, "Mr Vance is through here."

They walked through the large suite to the living room area where Edgar Vance and several other people sat talking.

"Mr Vance this is Major Hunter." James said.

"Pleased to meet you sir." Archangel said holding out his hand.

Vance didn't even look up from the paper work he was reading, "I'm sure you are. I must tell you this was not my idea. You are here because your commander, Miss Cobb and several others think it's better to have you here. If you are to follow me around I don't want to know you are here, I don't want to hear you at all. Do I make myself clear?"

"Crystal." Archangel replied.

"I'm sure I don't need to tell you that anything at all that you here in this room or that leaves my mouth anywhere else, is privileged information and you are never to repeat it anywhere." Vance snarled.

"Of course." Archangel replied.

"I have no public appearances today so I do not require you to be here. Take the rest of the day off and be here in the morning at 09.00." Vance said, his gaze still on his paperwork.

"Yes sir." Archangel turned and walked out of the room.

"Gods damn viper jocks." Vance said to himself.

Vannick took a deep breath before being led through to Milo Vents. Milo walked over to him smiling and shook his hand.

"Sergeant it is very nice to meet you." Milo said.

"Thank you sir, you too." Vannick replied.

"The commander tells me you're one of his best and most trusted."

"The commander is too kind sir." Vannick replied a little embarrassed.

"To be honest there isn't going to be much for you to do today but feel free to hang around, meet everyone and get a feel for the place." Milo said.

"Of course sir." Vannick had been put at ease. Milo was very welcoming and it seems what he had been told about him was true, a nice man who had time for everyone.

"I'm hoping at some point we will be able to trade some war stories over a bottle of whiskey." Milo said.

"I will look forward to it. The commander told me you served during the first war." Vannick said.

"I did, as did he as I'm sure you know. The men and women of Orion make me proud every day."

The commander didn't quite know what to make of Mike. He was clearly very young and very cleaver. Archangel had already warned him that he had the people skills of a brick, but putting up with the things that came out of his mouth were worth it for what you would get in return. He was always coming up with new toys and weapons to help destroy Cylons.

"May I get you a drink?" Johannsen asked.

"No thank you commander." He replied.

Johannsen took his seat behind his large desk. The young genius had requested a meeting with him.

"So how can we help you?" the commander asked.

"It's more how can I help you." Mike replied, "When we were on Caprica I came up with an EMP grenade. Ever since we got here I have been trying to take my designs to the next level." Mike reached down and picked up a large bag he had with him. He opened it and pulled out it's contents and put it on the commander's desk, "This commander, is an EMP warhead that can be fixed onto any of your ship to ship missiles."

"Wow, that is very impressive." The commander said, "How much damage will it cause?"

"If this hits a Cylon base ship it will power down every electronic system the ship has so you can just sit back and destroy it without taking a single hit." Mike replied.

"I have to say this is going to be extremely useful." Johannsen said. "How many have you made?"

"One." Mike replied, "But if I can get the resources I can have a further twenty by the end of the month. The more materials and help I can have the more warheads I can make for you."

"Make me a list of the things you need and I will make sure you get them," the commander replied, "Do you want to make them on the Columbus where you are staying or would you like to be assigned to Orion?"

"It will probably be easier for me on Columbus, I've already been given a lab. I also in preparation for this meeting I already have a list of things that I will need." He said handing Johannsen a sheet of paper.

Archangel walked through one of the large bars on the Starburst with a beer in his hand. He saw Skeeter sat at a table and walked over and joined him.

"Hey buddy." Archangel said to his friend.

"Hey, wow look at you all suited and booted. What are you doing over here?"

Archangel sat at the table, "Personal security for Edgar Vance, but apparently I'm not required today."

"I thought you hated that guy?" Skeeter replied.

"Oh I do but the commander thought it would be a good idea to assign me to him, I must have pissed him off. So how are you finding the Starburst?" Archangel replied.

"I love it here. It's a little cold at Michaels' place but it's quiet and out of the way. I've just been enjoying myself. I'm actually entered into a pyramid competition this afternoon." Skeeter said.

"Good for you, I'm glad you're getting on with things." Archangel replied.

"I have to go but I'll catch up with you later?" Skeeter replied.

"No problem I'm staying in suite 239, give me a call or just pop round." Archangel said.

"Will do." Skeeter replied patting his friend on the shoulder as he walked away.

As Skeeter walked away Colonel Garrett appeared.

"May I join you?" she asked.

"Of course." Archangel replied.

"Aren't you supposed to be watching Vance?" she asked.

"Yeah I'm not required until the morning. What about you?" Archangel replied.

"I have two hours before I have an interview, I'm not looking forward to it." Vanessa said.

"Is that Bojay?" Archangel said.

Garrett turned to see Bojay at the far side of the bar sitting down.

"Who is he with?" Archangel asked.

"That's the woman he rescued the first time he went to Caprica. This explains why he's over here so often." Garrett said.

"Good for him." Archangel replied.

They sat for a few moments in silence, drinking their drinks.

"Are you hungry?" Archangel asked.

"Actually I am." Garrett replied.

"There's a Tauron restaurant round here I wanted to try, fancy coming along?" he asked

"Sure, I'm going to have to go to my quarters on the way if that's okay?" Vanessa replied.

"Of course, let's go." Archangel said.

Lieutenant Anthony "Wedge" Manning led the CAP on patrol of the fleet. Since Bojay was squadron XO the job of lead Viper pilot while Archangel was on Starburst had fallen to him. Lieutenant Joseph "Wildcard" Tobber, Lieutenant Hanna "Impulse" Harper and Lieutenant Maria "Splicer" Flanner flanked him in their vipers.

"So who are you guys voting for?" Impulse asked as they flew.

"No way it'll be Vance." Wildcard replied, "He gets in and there is no telling what will happen when he gets his hands on Orion."

"Boys and girls let's not talk about politics, my grandmother always used to tell me, don't talk about politics, religion or money." Wedge replied.

"Well I've got no money to talk about." Splicer said with a laugh.

"And I couldn't give a frak about religion." Impulse said.

Dradis beeped in each viper.

"Okay cut the chatter," Wedge said, "Orion this is Wedge a base ship has just jumped in at the other side of the fleet. We are on our way to engage but we are four minutes away."

"Wedge this is Orion, copy that we are launching alert vipers." The reply came.

"Copy that Orion we are on our way to intercept." Wedge replied as they all turned their vipers towards the enemy, "Okay kids keep your eyes open and watch each other backs. Open racks and prepare to engage." Wedge said.

The ships of the fleet began to jump away as the four vipers sped throughout them. They watched in the distance as the Orion began to shoot a flak barrier and launch missiles at the base ship. They could see the other vipers launching while others engaged the raiders.

"At this rate we're gonna get there when it's over." Impulse said.

"There will always be another time." Wedge replied.

The ships they passed looked like streaks in the canopy. These few minutes it was taking to cross the fleet seemed like an eternity. As the four vipers passed Orion they neared the fight.

"Okay guys lets do this." Wedge said as he split off with his wingman Impulse and went after a raider. He opened fire with short bursts. As the raider tried to turn to fire at Wedge he caught it head on and the rounds tore it in two.

"Good shooting Wedge." Impulse said.

"All vipers the fleet is away, come back and complete combat landings." Major Rae said over the con.

"Okay boys and girls, get your asses back on Orion." Wedge ordered.

Wedge and the other birds all turned back towards Orion. This was the part Wedge hated, surviving the battle was great, getting home to the barn without getting shot down, that was the hard part. He had his throttle fire walled, as did all the other pilots. He saw a viper out of the corner of his eye hit by stray fire and explode. He wasn't sure who it was, they would morn him or her later on. As he turned his viper to the landing bay, he felt relief as the sides of the ship enclosed him and gave him the shelter that open space did not provide.

"That was hard." Archangel said. They had to wait in the Colonel's quarters while the ship was at condition one.

"I know what you mean, it's hard not being there when you know all your friends are directly in the line of fire." Vanessa replied.

"I'm sure Wedge will have led them all well." Archangel said.

Condition one stopped and silence followed.

"Shall we eat?" Garrett asked.

"Sure." Archangel replied.

They both stood up and clashed heads as they did.

"Oww." They both said at the same time.

"Are you okay?" Archangel asked.

Garrett nodded in reply, "You have a bruise already." She said putting her hands on Archangel's head so she could get a closer look. She smiled at him before they looked at each other. Garrett took a deep breath before pulling him closer and kissing him. She broke away and let go of his head.

"I'm sorry." She said.

"Don't be." Archangel replied kissing her.

Bojay and Bria stepped out of their raptor.

"Good job Wedge." Bojay said patting the young viper pilot on the back.

"Thanks Captain but we lost Slingshot." Wedge replied.

Slingshot had been one of the newest viper pilots on Orion. Everyone knew her as she destroyed four raiders in her first combat.

"Frak me." Bojay said, he turned to the other pilots who were on the deck, "Good work everyone, you all did good."

Archangel lay with his arm around Garrett in her bed.

"Now that was unexpected." She said with a smile.

"Unexpected but very enjoyable." Archangel replied.

Garrett laughed, "You know this is the most relaxed I've been since the attack." She said stretching out.

"This ship is very relaxing in general, that is when it's not all about politics!" Archangel replied with a chuckle.

The phone next to the bed began to buzz. Garrett turned and picked it up.

"Hello. Colonel Garrett." She said, she paused listening, "Oh frak, I am so sorry, I will be there right away." She slammed the phone down and shot up out of bed.

"What's wrong?" Archangel asked sitting up.

"That interview I told you I had in two hours earlier on?" she asked.

Archangel nodded, "Yeah."

"Yeah well two hours passed over twenty minutes ago, I'm late." She said grabbing her underwear and uniform and putting them on.

"Is that the time?" he asked picking his watch up off the floor, "Time certainly does fly when you're having fun." He said with a laugh.

"I'm going to be out most of the afternoon, how do you fancy having that meal and continuing this evening?" she asked.

"Sounds perfect. What time?" he asked.

"I'll meet you at that restaurant in four hours." She said fastening up her uniform. She crawled over the bed and kissed Archangel again before walking out. Archangel smiled to himself before putting his suit back on.

The following morning the Starburst's many video screens were showing interviews with the two presidential candidates as well as Colonel Garrett and many other people.

Archangel stood behind Vance as he and Milo listened to Natasha Cobb as she announced the people who had been chosen for the new Quorum of Twelve. Both men listened as they heard the names of the men and women they would have to work with if they were elected.

Archangel looked out and saw Colonel Garrett sitting in the front row among the media and other people listening in. She smiled up at him, he smiled back at her. He looked at Vance sitting smiling and nodding at everything being said. If only the people of the fleet could see what he was like or hear the things he thought of them. As Natasha finished speaking about the Quorum she introduced Milo and Vance, both men walked across the stage to their podiums, Archangel stood next to Vance and Vannick next to Milo.

"Ladies and gentlemen our two presidential candidates will now take your questions." She said.

All the press who had questions had all been given the order that their question would be taken.

Barney Smith, formerly of the Virgon Gazette stood up, "This is a question for both of you. What are your primary goals for the people of the fleet?"

Milo spoke first, "The continued survival of our species. We need to find a planet where we can live. While this may take a long time it has to be our overall goal. I would continue to build on the things we have already begun to put in place. The people of our fleet have been united in our sorrows and have been helping each other on a daily basis. This must be nurtured so our continued existence is that little bit easier."

Vance smiled as he began to speak, "While I agree with Mr Vents, I think we need to find somewhere to live sooner rather than later. I would urge Orion to work harder to find somewhere for you. They want you to believe it will take a long time, I believe this is because the longer we are in space, the longer they have their grip on us."

"That is ridiculous," Milo interrupted, "The men and women of the Battlestar Orion are here for our protection and they risk their lives for us day after day. Searching for a new home, along with the help of science vessel Columbus is one of their top priorities in a long list of high priorities."

Andrea Morgan, a young journalist for the news fleet took the opportunity to ask her question, "Speaking of the military, what are your plans for them if you should take office?"

"That is quite simple," Vance said, "They must be closely monitored, they must be taken control of to make sure what happened to the people the Pegasus, never happens to us."

"That is utter rubbish. Since the attack I have often spoken to Commander Johannsen, I can guarantee the people of this fleet, that his only intension is to keep you alive. Trying to scare the people of the fleet as Mr Vance is trying to currently do, is just another of his tactics. If you are scared, he can offer you his hand, his ear so that you will give him your vote. Do not be scared into voting for anyone. As I say again the men and women of Orion only have your safety in mind. I will let the military carry on as they have been, leading us away from danger and into salvation."

The Q & A carried on much in the same way. Archangel cringed at some of the things Vance said and hoped that the people saw in Milo Vents what he did, the man to help the Commander lead the fleet. As it all came to an end both candidates shook hands and smiled for the cameras before walking off stage. Vance stormed off in front saying nothing as his aides flapped around him. Archangel kept up pace with them. As they reached a cross road of corridors Archangel noticed a man appear in front of them, as he reached into his jacket, Archangel moved in front of Vance and took the full brunt of the rotten tomato that had been meant for the other man. Archangel quickly overwhelmed the man who found himself face down on the ground with the muzzle of a gun pressed into the back of his head. Two marines appeared as Vance's aides screamed.

"Corporal take Mr Vance to his quarters, do not stop for anything and wait outside for my arrival." Archangel said to them.

"Yes sir." The corporal replied.

When they were out of sight Archangel picked the man up by his collar as two of the Starburst security guards appeared.

"You're fraking lucky I didn't shoot you when you did that." Archangel growled putting his gun away.

"Maybe I should have shot him, someone needs to stop him taking office." The man replied.

"Major we can take it from here." One of the security guards said.

"Do you have cells at your security station?" Archangel asked.

"Yes sir, we do."

"Take him to one, I'll see what the Commander wants to do with him." Archangel replied.

"Yes sir."

As they took the man away, Archangel looked down and saw all the rotten tomato stain on his shirt, "Frak." He said trying to clean it off, it was the only shirt he had with him. It didn't take Archangel long to get back to Vance's suite. Porter met him at the door.

"Major are you okay? You dealt with that man so well." He said smiling like an idiot.

"Yes I'm fine." He said walking past him, Vance was sitting down with a large glass of whiskey, "Mr Vance are you okay?"

"Yes, thank you." He replied.

Archangel couldn't believe he had just been thanked.

"Major would you like me to clean your shirt for you?" Porter asked, still with the stupid smile across his face.

"No thank you. If it's okay with you Mr Vance I will go back to my quarters and get changed before this afternoons interviews." Archangel said.

"Yes of course Major. See you after lunch." Vance replied. He seemed to be quite shaken by what had happened.

Johannsen stood on the flight deck with the Chief. Both men stared intensely at a piece of wreckage from one of the Viper Mk 2's.

"So you're telling me that some of these parts could be salvaged?" Johannsen asked.

"Yes sir. Due to the damage Bojay saw, I understand why he thought it was all too badly damaged. When this piece was brought in as we passed by I checked it out myself, there are definitely parts here that I can use. They may be from an earlier model to the MK 7 but the parts are essentially the same." The Chief replied.

"This could be an opportunity too good to miss. Thank you for bringing this to my attention, I'll have some salvage crews put together." The Commander turned and walked to the nearest phone.

"CIC." He said, moments later he was connected.

"Major Rae." The voice came from the other end.

"Major please have Bojay organise a group of Raptors to escort a salvage team back to the wreckage." Johannsen ordered.

"Aye sir." She replied, "I want as much wreckage as possible brought back for spare parts. Assign Gunstar Aries to go with them."

"Yes sir." Rae replied.

Archangel stood in front of the mirror in his quarters with his uniform on. He knew Vance was not going to like this but it was the best he could do. He strapped on his holsters and took a deep breath as there was a knock on the door. Archangel opened it to find Colonel Garrett standing smiling.

"Now that is more like it Major." She said stepping inside and giving him a kiss.

"It feels more like me, but Vance is going to hate it I can tell you that." Archangel replied with a sigh.

"Well he caused quite a stir this morning. I honestly think the vote could be split at the moment." Vanessa said.

"So what have you been up to today?" he asked.

"Talking to reporters. Civilians have been coming up to me asking me questions. Vance was right about a panic because of Pegasus although it seems to be settling down." she said.

"Pegasus certainly didn't do us any favours, sure hope we catch up with them if they're still out there though." Archangel replied.

"Should be interesting, I know the Commander wants Cain immediately removed, no matter what it takes." Vanessa said.

"Good, I'll look forward to her getting the payback she deserves. Anyway what are you doing this evening?" Archangel asked, changing the subject.

"At the moment nothing, although I could be interested in getting a drink." She said with a smile.

"Sounds good." He replied giving her a kiss.

Archangel took a deep breath before entering Vance's suite again. Porter looked very surprised when he saw the uniform and almost seemed a little nervous.

"Mr Vance I'm ready to escort you back to the auditorium." Archangel said.

Vance looked up and gave a short loud laugh, "Very well Major, but why may I ask are you in your uniform when I specifically told my staff to tell any military that came to guard me to be in plain clothes?"

"I'm sure the Major has a good reason!" Porter said stammering his words out.

"The tomato that hit me stained my suit jacket and shirt and it is the only one I have with me. There wouldn't have been enough time to clean it so I put on my uniform." Archangel answered.

"You only have ONE suit?" Vance yelled.

"Sir some of us could only carry whatever would fit in a pack when they Cylons attacked, I thought ammunition, food and water and meds might help a little more than suits." Archangel replied, he'd had enough.

Vance shot out of his seat and squared up to the pilot, "Now you listen here you little shit, I'm sick and tired of the military crying about how hard they have it. It never changes and it never will. When I am elected by those laughing monkeys out there I will make sure YOU are removed from Orion and left to rot on the sewage ship."

"Nice to know how you really feel." Archangel replied sarcastically.

"Frak you. I'm going to go back out there and feed those fools the shit they want to hear to get me elected, and then they will do as they're told when I'm in, PEOPLE WILL LEARN THEIR PLACE! Now get the frak out of my sight I never want to see you again, you're relieved." Vance snarled.

"Yes I am Edgar, relieved that I don't have to protect your worthless ass any more. You'll never be President. Milo Vents is worth a million of you, why do you think Adar gave you your marching orders when he took office? He could see what a worthless, angry little man you truly are." Archangel said. As he finished speaking he turned and calmly walked out of the room, but his anger levels were so high all he wanted to do was rip Edgar Vance's windpipe out with his bare hands. He took a very deep breath and walked to the auditorium. As he passed people there was a state of shock amongst them. When he entered the auditorium he saw an empty seat next to the Colonel and sat down.

"Before you ask I've been fired." He said as he sat.

"Oh, I know." She replied.

"How?" he replied.

She pointed to the speakers, "I can't wait to get my hands on Orion," Vance's voice came from the speakers, "I'll reshape that ship into what it should be. Gods damn it Porter, stop flapping or I'll push you out of an airlock myself. I'm sick of all these whining whinging people, I picked you because I though you may have some kind of back bone, clearly, I was mistaken."

"The microphone he's wearing, for some reason there is a problem with it and they can't get him off the speakers." She said with a smile.

"Is that just in here?" he asked.

"All over the fleet, I just asked the tech guys. People really did like what you said though. Between you, Milo is guaranteed to win." Vanessa said with a smile.

Archangel smiled, this had made his day. As Vance walked out onto the stage to take his seat he was met by booing and abuse from the crowd. He looked shocked, he couldn't think of what he had done to get a reaction like this. He saw Archangel smiling in the front row as he tapped a finger to his chest. Vance looked down and saw the microphone he was wearing.

"Oh frak." He said and heard himself on the speakers. He ripped off the microphone and darted back out of the room.

The Gunstar Aries and eight armed Raptors kept watch as the crews of the three salvage ships went about their work.

"I was hoping to never have to see this again." Bria said as she looked out at the wreckage.

"Certainly hits home." Bojay replied.

Everyone was silent on COMS. The graveyard spanned a long way in front of them, where their comrades had fallen.

"This is Salvage ship Goliath to Raptor 1, please respond." A voice said over the COM.

"Goliath, this is Raptor 1, everything okay over there?" Bojay answered.

"Yes sir I just wanted to in form you that we have found four more bodies and are brining them aboard."

"Thank you Goliath." Bojay replied.

Minutes passed until they had been there for two hours. As the last of the wreckage was being brought aboard dradis started to beep.

"Dradis contact, one Cylon Base ship, right on top of us." Bria said from the back.

"All ships this is Raptor 1, you are ordered to jump back to the fleet immediately." Bojay ordered as the Aries opened fire next to them.

"Okay Raptors get ready to cover the salvage ships while they jump away." Bojay ordered as he brought the Raptor to the other side of the civilian ships.

"Weapons free." He ordered.

All Raptors fired a large barrage of missiles at the oncoming raiders destroying them and making others turn away. As the next wave turned on them, they fired again taking more of them out.

"Last ship is away," Bria said, "All ships jump immediately." She ordered.

As the Aries took a missile hit, all the ships jumped away and rejoined the fleet.

"Orion this is Bojay, we have all the wreckage but the Cylons found us, it might be an idea to jump to the escape coordinates."

"Thank you Captain come on home." Major Rae replied.

The following day Natasha Cobb stood in front of the media with the Quorum with Milo Vents standing behind her.

"Ladies and gentlemen, people of the fleet. After the equipment malfunction yesterday, which caused Edgar Vance's private conversation to air across the fleet, he has withdrawn from the presidential elections. The Quorum, the captain's of the fleet and Commander Johannsen have all agreed that as we now only have one candidate left the elections will now be cancelled and former mayor of Caprica city, Milo Vents will be sworn in as president this afternoon. Mr Vance has asked me to send his heart felt apologies to the people of the fleet…."

Vance sat alone in his suite drinking a bottle of whiskey, all his staff were already long gone. He was angry with himself, as well as everyone else who did nothing to stop this from happening. He looked up as the door opened and Mr Caprica walked in followed by two large men. He sat down before he spoke, the men taking up position each side of him.

"Edgar what have you done?" he asked, sounding very unimpressed.

"It was a simple mistake." He replied, fear in his voice.

"A mistake that has a knock on effect. A lot of work was being put into your winning this election. A lot of favours had to be called in from a lot of different people and for what? A favour is used up even if nothing has come of it." Mr Caprica replied.

"I'm sorry, I'll make up for it, there has to be something you can do still?" Vance stammered.

"To what end? In the space of five minutes you turned from a respected man into the most hated person in the fleet. There is nothing that can be done, you have blown the chance we had to tighten our grip on this fleet. As for you making up for it, well it's too late for that too. We, the Twelve have decided that we cannot afford to have anything further to do with you. Our cause hangs in the balance, we cannot be associated with you."

"What am I going to do?" Vance asked.

"Nothing. We have decided and that, is it." Mr Caprica stood up, "Goodbye."

As he turned to walk away the other two men both produced silenced guns from under their jackets. Vance didn't even had a chance to protest or scream they had both shot him in the head, killing him instantly.

Later that afternoon Milo Vents stood in front of a packed auditorium, cameras flashing away as well as the red light of cameras recording. Brother Ramok took to the stage and opened the sacred scrolls he had with him. He shook Milo's hand before speaking.

"Mr Vents, if you would please repeat after me." Ramok said.

"Of course." Milo replied.

"I Milo Vents." Ramok said.

"I Milo Vents." He replied.

"Do now avow and affirm, to hereby take the office of the President of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol."

"Do now avow and affirm, to hereby take the office of the President of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol." Milo replied.

"Without any moral reservation or mental evasion."

"Without any moral reservation or mental evasion."

"And I will protect its people with every fibre of my being."

"And I will protect its people with every fibre of my being."

"I now pronounce you President of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol." Ramok said with a smile.

As he finished speaking thunderous applause and cheers broke out in the room. President Vents smiled and waved before taking the podium, "Thank you so much. I promise that as your president I will protect your freedom and your liberties. Along with Commander Johannsen, the Quorum and the rest of the government we will strive to and stop at nothing to find you a new home. The days and months ahead will be hard and we will all be tested to our limit, but I know that if we continue to stand together and continue to support each other then we will prevail. Over the coming days and weeks your new government will be fully formed and I want to tell you that we are here to serve you. Any queries or questions will always be answered and we will always strive to do our best for you. You have my word that what happened to the civilians found by Pegasus will never happen to you. Leave those fears and doubts behind and focus on today and the future that we have to make ourselves. History will look back and marvel on the survivors of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol, not only did they survive against insurmountable odds, but they flourished, they stood tall and they were never beaten."

The ballrooms and dance halls of the Starburst were full of parties, people kicking back and enjoying themselves. Commander Johannsen stood with President Vents in the main ballroom.

"Well Mr President I am pleased to say the right man won out." Johannsen said.

"Thank you Heinrick. Although I must say that I would have very much enjoyed beating Vance in the vote count." Milo replied.

Both men laughed and shook hands.

Milo held up his glass of ambrosia.

"To the people of the fleet." He said.

"Here here." The Commander replied.

Archangel sat with Vannick, Bojay and Bria drinking and chatting.

"Oh man that must have been amazing to witness, I would have loved to have been there." Bojay said.

"Knowing you, you would have been at the front booing the loudest and throwing things." Vannick replied with a laugh.

"You know me, let it never be said that Jimmy Johnson doesn't give the crowd what it wants." Bojay replied taking a sip from his drink.

"Oh I'm sure you've given plenty of people far more than they were expecting!" Bria replied sarcastically.

"Hey!" Bojay exclaimed.

Archangel was distracted by Colonel Garrett. She walked in wearing a red cocktail dress and looked stunning.

"Excuse me guys." Archangel said standing up and walking over to her.

"My oh my, I wonder what is going on there?" Bojay said.

Bria punched him hard on the arm.

"Good evening Colonel, may I say how lovely you look tonight." Archangel said kissing her hand.

"Thank you. A chance to wear something like this doesn't come round very often." She replied with a smile.

"Would you like to dance?" he asked.

"I would love to." She replied.

The commander walked out of the ballroom and headed towards the hanger bay.

"Commander." A voice shouted.

Johannsen turned to see D'Anna Biers walked up to him.

"Good evening Miss Biers what can I do for you?" he asked.

"I have a message for you." She replied before stabbing him repeatedly in the chest and stomach.