So, doctor, she actually looks perfectly Human? Chief Engineer Branwen said to the grey-haired medical officer seated at the end of the table in the commander's quarters.
By all physical appearances, yes, Galen said. But medical scans show what's on the inside is a completely different matter.
Well, I still feel we're a little quick to roll out the welcome mat, Dex said cautiously. Including inviting her to dinner.
I have my men watching her and if she tries anything, she won't get far, Daggur assured the First officer.
Well, I don't care if she's alien or not. It's nice to have another woman on this ship after two yahrens, Branwen said.
At the head of the table, Commander Cain smiled at his small blond Chief Engineer, seated next to him. Feeling outnumbered by the men, Chief?
Outnumbered has nothing to do with it. It's the testosterone level that has me ready to snap!
The four men about the table were laughing when the door to Cain's quarters parted to reveal Aeryn Sun in full dress uniform. Standing just behind her were her two assigned, ever watchful and darkly dressed security guards.
Lt. Sun, Commander Cain said, standing up from the table. His senior officers about the table did likewise.
Cain gestured to an empty seat next to Branwen. Welcome, we have been saving a chair for you.
Looking a little mystified, Aeryn stepped inside. She nodded politely to Commander Cain and his fellow officers. Thank you, sir. She was glad to see there were others invited to dinner, too.
Let me introduce you to my command staff, Cain said as he motioned a hand towards the people about the table, starting at his left. You have already met my First Officer, Colonel Dex. Next to him is my Head of Security, Duggar, who keeps a watchful eye out for all of us. At the end of the table is our ship's Doctor, Galen, who might be the oldest but also the healthiest person on this ship. And last, but not least, our Chief Engineer, Branwen, who has a thankless job in keeping this ship running.
There was a brief moment of silence as the Colonials and the Sebacean stared at one another before the blonde engineer winked at Aeryn. The job is fine, but I desperately need a raise.
Everyone in the room chuckled and instantly, the tension was eased.
Branwen extended her hand to Aeryn. Welcome to the Pegasus.
A grateful Aeryn slipped her hand into Branwen's, shaking it. Thank you.
Cain watched and smiled as the rest of his officers greeted her before Aeryn finally went to the empty seat next to Branwen. They all sat down together. As Aeryn engaged in polite conservation with the engineer, a crewman came and dinner was served, such as it was. Fortunately for Aeryn, even consisting of mere ship's rations, Colonial food was twice as good as the food they typically had aboard Moya.
As they ate, Cain and his officers discussed ship operations, including repairs, maintenance and supply shortages. As Aeryn expected, they were low on spare parts, but one good thing they had going for them was that since the Pegasus was running on skeleton crew, they had plenty of food and water.
Cain was still focused and determined to attack the Cylon armada they were trailing and wanted any ideas or suggestions, no matter how far fetched. Aeryn noted the differences between how Cain or Adama ran their ships as compared to Peacekeeper commanders and the way they operated their vessels. Peacekeeper Captains never sat down with their officers to eat dinner, let alone to ask for their honest opinions.
There're at least twenty fully loaded Cylon fuel tankers within that fleet. If we could get a strike at them, it would seriously hurt them, Dex said.
Unless we get that fleet to park up close next to those tankers, it'll be nothing but a pretty light show, Branwen replied.
Those ships won't be doing much fighting without fuel.
It'll slow them down, yes, but it won't stop them cold. They'll just limit their action until the next support fleet is sent.
It won't make a difference; those tankers are located within the center of that fleet, Daggur said, Even our new cloak screen won't let us get that close. It will be a one-way trip if we do try to target them. If we are going to try anything, then let's make it count.
Cylon tactics are always quite predictable. They're slow to respond to sudden changes on the battlefield and that's the key, Cain said. We just need to find that weakness here.
If we just wait until the Cylons reach their destination, we could strike them when they start deploying the fleet for action, Branwen suggested.
Dex shook his head. If we wait, they'll break up those tankers into smaller groups. We need to hit them when they are still close together.
Or perhaps don't hit them at all, a voice interjected.
Cain and his officers looked over to Aeryn, who looked back unwaveringly. I'm sorry, I was thinking out loud, she said.
Cain smiled. No, go ahead. I want a fresh perspective.
Aeryn paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts. This Cylon fleet is heading straight for Scarran space. I would let the Scarrans deal with it and concentrate your efforts in rejoining Commander Adama's fleet. Get the rest of your crew and your Viper squadrons back. Get this ship back up to fighting strength.
Dex stared at Aeryn and did not bother to hide the disdain in his voice. Are Sebaceans always prone to running from a hard fight?
Cain glanced over to his First Officer, his expression unreadable, but he remained silent. He looked back down the table to Aeryn, waiting for her response, which came quickly.
I don't have a problem in facing a hard fight or even an impossible one, Aeryn said flatly, irritated at being called a coward. However, I do have a problem in fighting for the Scarrans. Do you know anything about them? As a species, they are predators, seeking out new territories and rich worlds to conquer and exploit. They usually do it through strong-arm diplomacy, but sometimes they also do it at gunpoint, if the inhabitants can be easily bullied. When they move in, they set up huge factory complexes and strip the world dry of its useful resources, even sucking trace gases from the atmosphere. When they're finished, they move on, leaving nothing but a lifeless hulk behind. They rape and plunder worlds and their inhabitants and they would do it to you as well, simply to gain this ship and its technology.
And I suppose if it was your people endangered, you would want our help immediately, Dex countered. A few races we encountered suggested that Scarrans and Sebaceans are not much different in how they treat so-called lesser species.
I will not lie, Aeryn said slowly, with a dangerous edge to her voice, eyes locked with Dex's. My people are not much better and they, too, would try to capture this ship and its crew to gain its secrets, but I also know how much greater a threat the Cylons are. All I'm saying is that you should know the type of people you are risking your lives for. Trust me when I say, the Scarrans won't be grateful for any assistance you might give.
***
Iblis slowly moved amongst the dead. The landscape about him was stained with blood and the air reeked of death. A major battle had been fought here not long ago, but all was still now. Soon, there would be nothing left alive on this world.
He surveyed the pile of corpses, of Scarrans, Charrids and Kalish, decomposing in the afternoon twin suns. Behind him shattered buildings burned.
His children, the Cylons, had done their work very thoroughly.
Off in the distance, he saw several mushroom clouds sprouting high into the atmosphere as the Cylon forces finished crushing the few remaining strongholds of resistance on this planet. Once all resistance had been dealt with, they would move on.
The Scarrans and their allies were no match against his children. They were perfection! The Cylons were flawless in design and conformity, without any equal.
Iblis stopped when he sensed a new presence. She was here, the new one.
Is it not lovely, Zhaan? He called out, not bothering to turn and face the newly ascended being.
The former Delvian priestess looked about in repulsion at the carnage surrounding her. This is your vision of beauty, Iblis? This wholesale slaughter of billions of life forms?
It is necessary, Zhaan. Iblis slowly turned to face her. The Cylons are wiping the slate clean of imperfection. In its place will be a new beginning, a new golden era such as you have never seen before.
What you're speaking of is madness!
I'm not planning to wipe all life away, Zhaan, Iblis promised. There are many races that I wish to spare to build the foundation of my new order. The Delvians are a promising species, and so are the Nebari. I might even allow a few others to exist
Zhaan took a step forward. It will not come to that and you will be stopped.
Oh, yes, Iblis laughed, taking a step towards her. Once every 1000 yahrens, your kind come out of that mighty ship of lights to make yourselves feel relevant by helping the lower life forms of this galaxy. There is little you can do to stop this.
We shall see. Zhaan was standing toe to toe with Iblis, just a mere few feet from him.
Iblis continued to smile. You honestly believe that the Humans and their tiny band of allies can make a difference? He held out his arms, gesturing. On one hand I have the Cylons and on the other, I have the Goa'uld. What do you have, Zhaan, other than a soon to be extinct race.
You underestimate their worth, Iblis.
You speak about the prophecy of the Humans becoming the Fifth race? Iblis mused. That's mere wishful thinking. They are not the future.
How can you be so certain, Iblis? Zhaan challenged.
Because I am the future!
Zhaan watched his eyes glow red and his flesh grow dark, as Iblis revealed his true form. She was taken aback momentarily by his startling true appearance, but she quickly regained her calm composure and stood unflinching before Count Iblis.
You can't harm me.
the shadowy spectre hissed. That, however, can't be said for your friends. Aeryn will be the first to die and then the others. Some of them will die very, very painfully.
If you harm them Zhaan began.
No, my dear, Iblis gloated. It is you who are endangering them. In the grand scheme of things, they are but chess pieces in this battle of what we call good and evil. I am prepared to sacrifice mine in order to win for my ideals. Can you say the same for yours?
***
Apollo glanced at the small plastic disc with the curious red lettering on a black and white background laying discarded on the worktable. He picked it up and read it aloud.
Avril Lavigne? Who's that?
Crichton, busy pulling the insides out of a compact music player, answered without looking up. Don't ask me. I haven't been on Earth long enough to catch-up on what I missed in the last four years.
Carter was disassembling a zat gun, trying to reach the power core. She's a singer to some, a splitting headache to others. Then she glanced nonchalantly over to Crichton, saying, By the way, we owe Chiana a new CD player.
Don't worry. And most of it's going to a good cause, Crichton said, holding what was left of the compact disc player. It had been a gift to Chiana from Daniel, but the Nebari girl had volunteered to give it up to help them.
The three of them were gathered around the table in the maintenance chamber. Apollo, Carter and Crichton were busy stripping parts from Colonial, Earth and Goa'uld equipment. Not far off, both Adama and Rygel watched them work.
The Scarrans will have a hard time believing we are there to help them if we walk onto their base with a bomb, Adama said cautiously.
Not just any bomb, a tylium enhanced warhead, Crichton said. Or, for those of us from Earth, we just call it naquadah. We need every edge we can get, in case the Scarrans get any ideas. As an added precaution, to keep them from easily disarming it, we're making three separate triggering systems from Earth, Colonial and Goa'uld technology.
Apollo nodded in agreement. I am also troubled by this plan, but considering the character of the people we will be facing, it might be a wise precaution.
Also, the Scarrans may not show it, Rygel suggested as he hovered near Adama, but they tend to respect a demonstration of strength.
Carter finished freeing the tiny power core from the zat gun. One thing is for sure, once finished, this little puppy will contain the combined explosive power of an entire nuclear ballistic missile submarine. They'll have to have a death wish to try anything.
There's something to be said for the insanity of nuclear deterrence and mutual destruction. It kept an uneasy peace on my planet for fifty years, Crichton nodded before lifting his eyes to Apollo and Carter. Once we're done, wire it to me.
Carter stared back at him in surprise.
You heard me, Crichton said. I'll carry it.
I thought the three of us would draw straws to decide who carries it? Apollo said.
Well, I decided to make it easier for everyone and to volunteer, Crichton said firmly. And it's not up for discussion.
Carter continued to watch Crichton as Jolinar suddenly spoke through her host, addressing the others in the room.
Will you please leave us for a moment? I would like to have a word with Crichton.
Adama, Apollo and Rygel glanced at one another before finally filing out of the chamber, leaving Jolinar and Crichton alone together.
What are you doing? Jolinar quietly demanded.
Nothing, I'll carry the bomb and that's it.
"I should carry it.
You're also forgetting that I'm carrying the knowledge of the Ancients. You know we can't risk the Scarrans getting that wormhole technology.
Crichton had a hand resting on the table's surface when he felt Jolinar's hand slipping over his, covering it. Jolinar's touch was warm and tender as she spoke to him.
I just don't like the idea of you wearing it. I am concerned for you, John Crichton.
Becoming uncomfortable Crichton pulled his hand away. Please, don't.
But I just wanted to Jolinar started.
I know and thank you, Crichton said quickly, not letting her finish. He couldn't deal with this, not now. Let's just continue what we're doing and finish the bomb.
Jolinar continued to stare at him and after an uneasy moment, nodded, turned and went back to work.
Crichton watched her and there was no mistaking the sadness now in Jolinar's eyes. She was hurt by his rejection. Crichton quietly sighed. Jolinar made no attempt to hide her feelings towards him and she tried to keep her distance to give him time to grieve for Aeryn. Unfortunately, the Tok'ra couldn't resist displaying her affections and concerns at the most inopportune time for him.
Like in the middle of assembling a bomb!
After another long moment, Crichton finally whispered to her, trying his best, if at all possible to smooth things over. I can never thank you enough for your support and friendship, Jolinar, but I can't give you what you want.
Jolinar turned to him, her eyes almost pleading. I can be patient.
And what about Carter? Crichton asked. She loves O'Neill and there is only one body to share between you.
Jolinar nodded gravely. It is a problem. Carter and I haven't yet arrived at a solution.
O'Neill is a good man and he can make you happy, too.
But he's not you and I can make you happy.
I don't doubt it, Crichton confessed.
The Tok'ra eyes welled up with tears. She knew what the problem was. But I'm not her.
After another moment, Crichton slowly reached up, slipping a hand around and behind her neck. Lightly, he drew her head forward until their foreheads were touching.
I don't want your pity, Jolinar breathed, but didn't try to pull away, keeping her eyes closed to stop the tears.
Crichton whispered to her in earnest. Just listen, please. You're my friend and I do need you, now more than ever. That's not pity, but the honest truth.
Jolinar swallowed hard, as if it would help to bottle her heartbreaking emotions before opening her eyes. Would you object if I admit that I still have feelings for you?
Crichton managed to smile. No, I don't object.
***
Space traffic about the fortress moon of Katratzi was a hive of activity nowadays. Supplies, ships and fresh troops were being moved to the front, even though it was all now under the watchful eyes of Commandant Grayza's command carrier parked just a few thousands metras away.
It was a desperate time for the Scarran Empire, as the battlefront drew ever closer to what was once known as the most heavily fortified sector in Scarran space. The Cylons put that claim to the test as they slowly crushed the Scarran forces under the weight of endless hordes of Cylon centurions and fleets of basestars.
The ship traffic about Katratzi was so great that a small boxy shuttlecraft equipped with a camouflage screen quietly approached the vast installation undetected.
***
Inside the War Council Chamber, the Emperor knew this was not going to be a good day the moment he saw Commandant Grayza being led inside to greet them. The Commandant had that incredibly smug look. She knew they were losing the war and she was going to take full advantage of the situation.
Next to her stood a Peacekeeper Captain who did a better job at keeping his emotions in check.
Standing now within the chamber, Grayza looked over the Scarrans, Kalish and Charrids seated about the table. When she spoke, there was a hint of sarcasm in her voice.
I bring greetings from Peacekeeper High Command to the mighty' Scarran Empire.
Emperor Staleek silently growled and entertained the thought of immediately killing Grayza. No, he would hear her out first, and then perhaps afterward he would kill her.
***
What's that? A Charrid soldier said to his comrade as he pointed to a strangely shaped shuttlecraft slowly touching down in the small landing bay they were guarding. They were no craft scheduled to be arriving for another arn.
With weapons ready, the two Charrids approached the grey shuttlecraft covered with strange alien markings. It was not Scarran, Charrid, Kalish, or even Peacekeeper. It didn't look like any craft they had seen before. It appeared to be much like a flying cargo container with two engines located at the rear.
A large hatch at the side parted open and the two Charrids drew closer with fingers tight on the triggers. Cautiously, they peered inside the dark interior.
Who's ever aboard, show yourselves! The first Charrid commanded.
It was then that they both heard a distinct and ominous soft electronic sound emanating inside the ship that sent chills down their spines.
Voom voom voomIn the darkness they saw a glowing red light slowly traversing left to right.
Voom voom voomThen a second red light appeared next to the first. It, too, moved in harmony with the sound, left to right, repeatedly.
Voom voom voom
The two Charrid soldiers stood frozen in fright, their weapons simply quivering in their grasps, as two Cylon centurions stepped out of the darkness towards them.
***
I don't care what your intelligence report says, War Minister Ahkna argued. The situation within our territory is nowhere near as grave as they paint it. Our fleets have made several successful counterattacks in the last few days alone.
Grayza and Captain Braca were seated on one side of the table, facing the Scarran ruling council.
The Commandant chuckled. You might put on a good show, but let's face reality; these Cylons have your forces near collapse. We estimate that you lost nearly a third of your fleet and a quarter of your territory to them and they are still advancing.
Get to the point, Grayza, Staleek hissed impatiently. Tell us why you are here?
We are here merely to help, Grayza declared. Seeing that you need more ships, I suggest that you abandon the Groben Cluster to free up the defence fleet stationed there.
Staleek glared angrily at the commandant. Those systems are rich in valuable resources! You merely want us to abandon it for you!
What is more important, a few planets or your entire Empire? Or what is left of it? Grayza countered and smiled. I suggest you don't wait long to decide. The Cylons grow closer to this base with each passing microt.
There was a loud bang heard at the doors of the Council Chamber, just before the double doors exploded inward and a Scarran guard came stumbling through, collapsing into an unconscious heap on the floor. Surprised, everyone stood up in time to see two Cylons walk in. One of them had another struggling Scarran guard by the throat, dragging him behind him before releasing him to the floor like a sack of discarded vetta roots.
Standing behind a shocked Secretary Vakali, Sikozu watched the two fully functional Cylon centurions in awe, considering the ones she studied were always in pieces.
Were they here to assassinate the Emperor? If so, this was far better than she had ever hoped. The Scarran Empire would certainly collapse almost immediately upon his death.
It was then that Sikozu noticed the markings in black paint across their golden chest plates, written in Hynerian. The first Cylon had Sparky' written on his chest, the second one had Fluffy' on his.
Before Sikozu could comprehend the strange meanings to these words, the four honour guards to Emperor Staleek, positioned on either side of the chamber, quickly hurried to place themselves between the two Cylons and their leader with weapons ready.
Defend our Emperor! One of them shouted.
The two Cylons responded by drawing their rifles from across their backs. In that fateful moment, Sikozu realized that no one might be getting out of this chamber alive. The Scarran guards might have the Cylons outnumbered two to one, but the machines had them outmatched by twice that much.
Strange.
She thought she would be more afraid of death, considering no Kalish, including herself, believed in an afterlife.