In the overall picture, Empyreans feel we are a minority within the fleet. The differences between our peoples --values, faith, and overall customs--leave us feeling like outcasts. At the same time, our society is proud of its traits and defining characteristics and we feel like it is our duty to not only protect them, but also to develop them as we see fit.
The Council was set up to represent the twelve colonies of man. But how can one man or woman represent all the people from a planet when our worlds were full of so much cultural diversity? Generally, it is the majority—the strongest nation, the most common religion—that is actually represented.
What I would like to see is a constitutional treaty that would permit the Empyreans to assert themselves as a distinct society on an equal footing with the Kobolian majority.
CommanderAdama adjusted the volume on the monitor in his quarters, Tinia at his side, as he watched Sire Regus making his speech. The Siress had warned him that something like this was coming. Though her delegation had been working hard to try and integrate the Empyreans into the fleet, she had met resistance from the Great Houses, most notably from Sire Regus.
Initially, her hopes had rested on the sealing of Lady Aurelia to Rogane, Sire Regus' eldest son. If she could first unite the oldest houses which had been squabbling for centi-yahrens about the future path of their people, then perhaps they could see their way to integrate with the rest of the Fleet. Of course, that had ended disastrously with a kiss between a wayward lieutenant and the intended bride.
Then, shortly thereafter, a routine landing party had made a monumental discovery when the Imperial House of Empyrean nobility, which had left Kobol with the rest of the thirteenth tribe to journey to Earth, was found on a planet. Not only were two branches of Empyreans united, but a clear substantiation that they were indeed on the correct route to Earth gave new and much needed hope to their people. Prior to this, the course given to them by the Ship of Lights guided them on their journey. While it was enough for those with devout faith, those seeking more concrete evidence were finally somewhat consoled.
That evidence was corroborated sectars later when Apollo's rescue party had found a log book which told of a small group of Empyreans who, instead of settling with their Imperial brethren, had continued on towards Earth. Still, their sectarian nature had them growing weary of their journey amidst other cultures and influences, and they had decided to settle on the planet Alrinach, also abandoning their quest for Earth. Once again, Adama had been able to bring tangible evidence to his people to reaffirm they were on the correct path.
History tended to repeat itself, and, indeed, the Empyreans had proven that time and time again, they would maintain their customs and traditions, cutting themselves off from outside influences. The only Empyreans who had changed ancient traditions to a certain extent were the Imperialists. They had done so out of necessity when the males in their society began to die off from a strange illness that did not effect the females. Ama and her people were much more prepared for change and assimilation within the fleet, but according to Tinia, it was an uphill battle all the way.
Now, with the Council of Twelve about to announce a date for an election, Adama couldn't help but wonder how much of this was bureaucratic scheming. Finally, the Fleet had come to the point where it could safely consider a mandate from the people. After all, the initial appointment of council members had been in a time of duress and crisis, in effect, forcing him to appoint a new Council.
After sectars of relative peace and no sightings of their mortal enemies, they could take the time to properly elect bureauticians to represent them in the Colonial tradition of democracy. Finally, the people would be given an opportunity to endorse their current representatives, or to replace them.
And how do you envision this concept to be actualized, Sire Regus? Zara asked him.
I suggest that Colonial Law should be concerned with criminal and foreign policies, and that Civil Law should be the exclusive jurisdiction of the Empyreans on a more community based level. We would simply like to be granted formal law-making powers over cultural and social policy. In this way we could preserve our time honoured traditions and culture. I'm certain we are not the only sectarians who feels this way. Regus replied, his smile oily.
Are you speaking for other groups as well, Sire Regus? Zara asked him.
Not at all, Zara. Though ultimately I believe that it would work better if every ship-- or rather community, as I prefer to think of us—was to be given the same powers requested by Empyreans. Then they could either exercise these powers or reassign them back to the Council of Twelve, as they see fit. What I am asking for is policies that directly relate to our people being dictated by our people instead of by appointed bureauticians with little understanding of our needs or customs.
Thank you, Sire Regus. While you're here, Sir. Would you like to comment on the betrothal of Ensign Luana and Lieutenant Starbuck? Zara smiled professionally, hoping for one more scoop on the infamous lieutenant.
Regus' features tightened with displeasure and he let out a carefully scripted breath. I believe that Princess Luana's choice should be reconsidered. After all, in light of recent events concerning the lieutenant's triad activities as well as his violent attack on two civilians . . . well, I don't really feel he is an appropriate model for the Empyrean youth to emulate.
But isn't Lieutenant Starbuck recognized as the savior of the Empyrean people since it was he who reunited your people with the Imperial Empyreans?
That is one interpretation. It does not happen to be mine. I feel it had far more to do with coincidence than prophesy in this instance. I believe our future lies in the strength of our culture and convictions and preserving both. Starbuck is simply not Empyrean. Our Princess should marry within our society, not to mention within her social rank.
The picture zoomed in on the IFB correspondent.
And now for a recap of the day's top stories—most of them featuring the swashbuckling Lieutenant Starbuck . . .
Adama turned off the monitor with a snort of disgust. "I swear that boy is a one man demolition team." He shook his head and Tinia looked on in amusement as she poured them a drink.
"Ama thinks he's being set up with all this happening today. It's too coincidental."
"All the same, Starbuck has some kind of magnetic attraction to trouble." He waved a hand in the air to accentuate his point. "It finds him easily enough."
"Especially if it comes wearing a pretty smile." Tinia added, handing the Commander his ambrosa.
"Yes." Adama agreed, touching his glass to the councilwoman's. "And this betrothal? Is it genuine?" The last he had heard, Starbuck was still seeing Cassiopeia. He knew that the lieutenant moved fast, but not usually in matrimonial terms.
"I'm not certain. Although, if you've noticed, neither Starbuck or Luana have appeared publicly to deny it."
"And you think that this union will help the integration of the Empyreans?" Adama reminded himself of some of their past discussions.
"Sealing an Imperial princess with the most dashing bachelor on the Galactica? Most definitely." Tinia smiled.
"I thought I was the most dashing bachelor on the Galactica." He smiled tenderly at her.
"I tend to think of you as the most distinguished bachelor on the Galactica." Tinia clarified, squeezing his hand.
"Ah, I see." He chuckled at her explanation. "All the same, Sire Regus is obviously pressing to maintain the sectarian nature of their society with his proposal."
"Sire Regus is trying to maintain his own control in Empyrean Society. He seeks to regain the male dominated society that has been prevalent in their culture for most of their history." Tinia elucidated, her role as official liaison with the Empyrean people and member of the Council of Twelve giving her more insight into the situation. "That dominance was even more pronounced when the Imperial family joined the thirteenth tribe's journey to Earth, leaving the Great Houses to lead the Empyreans on to the Colonies."
"Ah, that is why Ama stayed to sit on the Empyrean Quorum even after her supposed retirement from leading her people."
"Yes, as necromancer to the Imperial family, she retains that right. One seat, one vote. The majority rules. Siress Ama holds a seat. You remember Albus' mother? The necromancer who cursed Starbuck." She continued at his nod. "And Lady Aurelia as the eldest child of the House of Albus is also a Quorum member."
"And on the opposite end of the table, Sires Regus and Albus, and Regus' son, Rogane."
"Correct. Of course, Albus and Regus are waiting for Lady Aurelia to leave and fulfill her dream to join the Colonial Service, thereby, tipping the scale in favour of Regus. Especially as Lia and Luana have refused to take their places on the Quorum."
"And this constitutional treaty would be Regus' method of making what was once tradition into civil law."
"It would be akin to driving Empyrean women back into the dark ages of male dominance." She watched him quirk an eyebrow. "I know it sounds overly dramatic, but I assure you that that is how they perceive it."
"And perception is a very large part of what is truth."
"Indeed. How do you feel about granting special status to the Empyreans, Adama?"
He paused, sipping on his ambrosa before answering. "I cannot help but believe that if we cede greater bureaucratic powers, even civil ones, to the Empyreans, that their appetite for power will only grow."
She nodded. "I agree. The Empyrean people know what motivates Regus. Those who long for change will be quick to anger over this matter. I only hope Ama can curb the emotional tide that this speech may cause."
"With the promise of an Imperial Wedding?"
"With new hope for their future."
"Well, then, let us drink to the union of Starbuck and Luana. May we catch the groom in time to deliver him to the sealing." He raised his glass, a twinkle in his eyes.
"Adama!" she laughed, hearing the truth in his words and thankful they were alone in the privacy of his quarters. "Perhaps if you had a word with him. I know Starbuck values your opinion."
"Tinia . . . are you suggesting I convince Starbuck to marry against his wishes. . ."
"To a woman he loves passionately, in order to sway the Empyrean people towards integrating wholly within the fleet on the inevitable wave of the future. It's a win-win situation, Adama."
"I fail to see how a mere sealing could influence a society." Adama stated, pondering her words.
"Do you remember the excitement when the Empyreans held their Ball?" Her face lit up with animation. "Well, multiply that threefold. Nothing is more romantic or exciting than an Imperial Wedding, Adama. It's a fairy tale come to life. And if we could have a decorated Colonial Warrior marry an Imperial Princess, it would send a clear message to all our people that even the most sectarian of them are willing to assimilate."
"You've been conspiring with Ama. Haven't you?"
"Perhaps." She smiled at him, seeing the glow of approval in his eyes. Not only was she a capable bureautician, she understood what moved and motivated people. The only thing remaining was to figure out how they could convince Starbuck of the wisdom of their plan.
Abruptly, the sound of Adama's comm interrupted. He rose from the longseat, moving to the monitor. "Yes, Tigh."
"Commander, I'm sorry to disturb you, but we have a situation building on the Malocchio Freighter."
"I'll be right there, Colonel." Adama replied, he turned to Siress Tinia. "As official liaison to the Empyreans, perhaps you should attend."
She nodded solemnly. "Of course, Commander."