"What's the situation, Colonel?" Commander Adama asked as he strode onto the bridge with Siress Tinia at his side. The atmosphere was tense as bridge personnel attended to their duties with brisk efficacy.
Tigh paused as he saw Captain Apollo arrive on his father's heels. The younger man took the stairs to the command center two at a time as he joined them. "Captain Valeray of the Malocchio Freighter reports a widespread uprising across the ship, Commander. Security personnel have been overcome by the masses, and there have been several attempts to take the bridge. As yet they have been unsuccessful." Tigh replied, bringing up the schematic of the Malocchio on screen.
"Have we heard from the Empyrean Quorum?" Siress Tinia asked, her fingers touching her lips lightly in a gesture of concern. As liaison to the Empyreans, she felt she had better come up with some ideas quickly to help with the crisis.
The Colonel's eyes flickered over her and then to his commanding officer. Adama nodded briefly, his eyes conveying a respect for the Councilwoman that the Executive Officer hadn't quite accepted.
"Lady Aurelia and the Ama's are currently on the Rising Star. We have forestalled their departure until the Malocchio is secure." Tigh told them.
"And Sires Regus and Albus?" Tinia enquired.
"Captain Valeray has been unable to make contact with them. There has also been no contact from the leader of this uprising."
"Assuming there is one." Adama interjected. He turned to his son. "Apollo, organize a squad to board and secure the Malocchio Freighter. Four shuttles with four teams, comprised of both warriors and security officers. Have full riot gear at the ready, but use it only if absolutely necessary. As always, we must abstain from using force with our civilians if at all possible." He looked back at the Colonel. "Tigh, let Dr. Salik know we'll need a medical team."
"Father, I think we should consult Ensigns Lia and Luana." Apollo added. "They might be able to dispel the insurrection without any further violence. After all, though they decided to abdicate, they are the Imperial princesses. The Empyrean people may listen to them more readily than a group of Colonial Warriors." Lia had been raised to lead her people. She had the instincts of a bureautician, whether she chose to use them or not.
"I agree, Adama." Tinia nodded, lightly touching his arm. "Furthermore, if we have the Ama's and Lady Aurelia, along with the Ensigns, arrive on the first shuttle as ambassadors to discuss the Empyreans concerns, I believe our chances at avoiding further aggression would improve drastically."
Adama nodded. "Very well, Organize the teams and pick up those members of the Empyrean Quorum on the way to the Malocchio."
"Commander . . . " Tigh said carefully. "Considering the recent . . . publicity concerning Lieutenant Starbuck, perhaps it would be best if he stayed on the Galactica."
Tinia shook her head. "Just the opposite, Colonel. Most of the Empyreans still feel that the lieutenant is their prophesized savior. And especially considering the announcement of the engagement, he should be there."
"Tinia . . . " Adama's voice was low. He watched his son's brow furrow in concern and his eyes narrow.
"I'm not trying to force him into anything, Adama. His mere presence at Luana's side may be enough to get them to calm down and listen to the Quorum. Isn't that the priority?"
"Of course." Adama concurred. "Apollo, make sure Starbuck is appropriately briefed. I want him going in with his eyes wide open."
"Father, are you telling me that Starbuck is going to have to agree to marry Luana in front of the Empyrean people?" Apollo looked at his father dumbfounded.
"I hope not." Adama sighed. "I admit that the nature of the Empyreans with their fervent belief in their prophesy and their necromancers somewhat escapes me. I cannot fathom how this union between Luana and Starbuck would end their sudden anarchy, but others, more familiar with their ways, disagree." He shrugged at his son, while nodding briefly at Siress Tinia.
"Ama and Aurelia insist it is the key to easing their people's disquiet." Tinia returned.
"Starbuck's not going to like it." Apollo met his father's eye, imparting his own dislike for the plan.
"I don't expect him to. All the same, if it will prevent further violence on the largest passenger freighter in the fleet, he will go along with it."
"Commander's orders?" Apollo asked, his jaw tight with his barely controlled anger.
Adama sighed. "It is merely a charade, Apollo. But if Starbuck needs to hear it, then tell him it's upon my orders."
"Yes, sir."