They were looking straight down the opened jaws of the Budong, jaws that could bite sizable chunks off small planets. So overwhelming was the sight of the oncoming space beast that no one on the bridge could move - they were all completely transfixed at the sight of the charging monster.
Commander Cain was the first to break out of his paralysis, releasing his grip on Aeryn's arms, forcing himself into action by sheer will. He never dreamt that his warship would be suddenly caught low on the list of some galactic food chain.
His voice broke through the deafening silence on the bridge and the spell that held his crew. He prayed that Aeryn was right about that thing being drawn to energy emissions, because they were too close to try and run and he seriously doubted that his ship had the firepower to kill the beast on the first salvo.
Emergency power down! Rig the ship for silent running!
Cain's well disciplined bridge crew leapt into action. They carried out his orders without question and started powering down the battlestar even as the Budong closed in. Sensors, defence fields, engines and manoeuvring thrusters were immediately deactivated.
Cain kept an eye on the bridge main view port. The Budong was so close that it now filled the entire window on the bridge.
Time before impact?
At first, Cain had to laugh inwardly at his choice of words. That creature wasn't aiming to ram his ship; it was going to swallow them whole!
Eighteen microns! the tactical officer shouted.
It was too close! It was going to run them down regardless of what they did.
Cain suddenly remembered. Do we have any decoys left ready to be launched?
Yes, sir! another crewman yelled in reply, his voice trembling in fear. One left!
Launch it! Set it for immediate activation and maximum speed away from us!
Watching, Aeryn couldn't do anything but hope that Cain and his bridge crew would be able to save themselves. She found herself at the edge of the command platform, her hands gripping the railing so hard that her knuckles were turning white.
The forward view port was now pitch black. They were staring right down the Budong's throat.
Twelve microns!
Along the back of the Pegasus, a decoy the size of a Leviathan transport pod was launched and sped away. Colonials had dubbed it a 'Mimic' during the 1000 yahren war against the Cylons. Once triggered, the mimic would create all the electronic noise that a battlestar produced to confuse long-range scanners. It had mixed results when used against the Cylons, but it had made them believe the Colonials had more battlestars than they actually did during battle. It was able to fool sensors on the small Raider fighters, but the more powerful scanners on their huge basestar could see right through the illusion. The mimic was an ancient device and the Pegasus, being a veteran class of battlestar, still carried one of those decoys.
It's still heading for us, the tactical officer reported. Eight microns!
Is it working? Cain demanded as he watched the Budong continue to close in on them.
Yes, sir, another crewmember reported. The mimic began transmitting the moment it was launched.
Five microns! The tactical officer continued to countdown before shouting excitedly, It's turning away! It's chasing the decoy!
The deck shuddered as the Budong freight trained by the Pegasus, the gravity from its huge mass tugging lightly on the warship.
The mimic barely got one hundred Earth miles from the Pegasus and was still accelerating when the Budong over took it, zeroing in on its massive energy output. Even so, it had lived up to its design purpose and distracted a potential enemy from the real battlestar.
With its city size mouth opened wide, the Budong swallowed the decoy like a vitamin pill.
All around the bridge, the crew let out a collective sigh of relief, thankful to be still alive. The tactical officer reported up to Commander Cain.
I have the Budong on camera four off our starboard side and it's heading off, ignoring us completely.
Cain nodded, before taking in a deep breath and then releasing it. He moved to face an equally relieved Aeryn.
Thank you, the Colonial Commander said gratefully. You saved the ship and our lives and if you don't object, I would appreciate if you remain on the bridge from now on, in case we need your insights again.
I would be honoured, Commander.
Cain turned his attention to a nearby monitor that showed the Budong still moving away. How ironic, in the early days our first deep space explorers told tales of monsters that consumed entire ships. Here I thought they were stories merely made and told by the bottle.
From where I'm from, Budongs are legendary, Aeryn said as she moved to stand beside Cain, to watch the departing space beast. And very few people ever live to tell about their encounters with them. They travel between star systems, searching for anything to satisfy their enormous appetite. No one knows where Budongs come from, or how old or big they can get. Some stories tell that they can crush entire planets beneath their bulk or of entire fleets being swallowed whole
Aeryn's voice stopped when an insane idea struck her. Something that only Crichton would dream up.
Cain looked away from the monitor to see Aeryn smiling ear to ear. Clearly, the daring battlestar commander was thinking of the same thing.
Entire fleets you say?
***
Starbuck was half listening to Adama speaking to the Scarran Emperor when the Colonial warrior found himself in an odd staring contest with a rather huge and unfriendly Scarran guard standing opposite him.
Appearance wise, Scarrans were quite an intimidating race of creatures, especially when viewed up close. The one he was facing stood easily two feet taller and was busy trying to glare right through him.
Starbuck decided to look friendlier and smiled at the Scarran. The Scarran, however, snorted and flashed his white and pointed teeth back at him.
Okay, that was a bad idea, Starbuck thought. Don't smile at the Scarrans They don't appreciate it!
He cautiously took his eyes off the Scarran and scanned the room. The scene wasn't much better: Scarrans to the right, Scarrans to the left and to the front and behind. There were other aliens here too, a couple of Charrids who were just as ugly as the Scarrans, but there was also another whole group of aliens, the Kalish. They were very Human in appearance, with golden yellow skin, reddish-orange hair and haunting green eyes. Starbuck's attention was immediately drawn to a rather attractive female Kalish. She had her hair done up in this weird multiple corkscrew bun style that just had to be painful to wear, but he did like her taste in clothing.
For a moment, Starbuck toyed with the idea what she would look like with her hair down and out of uniform. Immediately, the Colonial grimaced.
Starbuck, he said silently to himself, this is one hell of a time to start feeling horny.
Sikozu couldn't believe it! The Cylons had the Scarran Empire on the defensive and would have them on their knees in a matter of weekens, but now These these, Humans came in here and were now offering to help them. If they could assist the Scarrans in turning the tide against the Cylons, they might come out of this conflict even stronger. Her people would never be free of them.
It was then she noticed one of the Humans in the brown uniforms was looking right at her. Those blue eyes were giving her a frank survey. Not the ogling stare like the ones she got from those repulsive Charrids, but more of an appreciative gaze. He was physically pleasing to look upon and apparently had only 'one' thing on his mind. She wanted nothing to do with this Human. Then again, if she wanted to find out more about these people and their exact intentions, she could turn this to her advantage. Sikozu permitted herself to smile welcomingly at the Human even as Emperor Staleek addressed Adama.
I'm not interested in the history of these Cylons. Tell me what you are offering to help us drive them from our space.
Captain Apollo moved to his father's side. First, you need to change tactics. Having your forces stand their ground to the last man is self-defeating against the overwhelming numbers the Cylons can deploy.
You are suggesting that we retreat? Staleek questioned. That would include abandoning Katratzi, which was out of the question.
You can't fight the Cylons in a war of attrition, Apollo insisted. You need to reorganize and to fall back and refortify new positions before launching a new offensive. Keeping the Cylons off balance and responding to your attacks is the only thing that works.
Staleek look intently at the two Colonials. How do you know so much about the state of our forces?
Adama paused significantly for a moment before turning his eyes to Commandant Grayza. Let's just say we have our sources, although they are unaware of it.
Grayza overcame her surprise at the Humans' dramatic entrance and their alien and Cylon companions. She was now becoming angry at the thought of them helping the Scarrans. They were ruining everything!
You have been intercepting our coded transmissions! she accused the Colonial commander.
Adama looked at the commandant, admitting rather unapologetically,
Grayza glared furiously at Adama. Talyn, that's how you are doing this – with his help. We should have destroyed that infuriating gunship when we had the chance.
I would worry more about yourselves than a Leviathan hybrid gunship, Adama said. If the Cylons defeat the Scarrans, they will come after you.
Grayza laughed. You expect me to believe that? The Cylons only attacked the Scarrans and not once did they cross the border to strike any of our installations or ships.
That's because they are not finished here yet, but when they are finished with the Scarrans, they will come after you with everything they have unless you make a stand now.
Grayza stared at Adama as if he had gone mad. You are suggesting that we ally ourselves with the Scarrans? Merely on your word that the Cylons will attack us next?
Adama met her stare. They will come for you until there is nothing left that can oppose them.
Discreetly, Ahkna, Vakali and Rahzaro shared a knowing look as Staleek snorted.
Allying ourselves with the likes of Peacekeepers, Luxans and even the... The Emperor had to struggle to say the name before staring at Rygel. The Hynerians.
And that'll be just the beginning, Adama said. We must gather everyone who is able to fight in this war.
I need a moment before I arrive at any decision, Staleek said, standing up to leave. One of my guards will escort you to our base recreation facilities and there you will wait. He then pointed to the two Cylons. Keep those things on a very short leash.
***
They were all seated in the Katratzi rec facility, which wasn't too, too bad, except for being surrounded by Scarrans, Charrids and Kalish. The other species were eating, drinking and socializing at the neighbouring tables. Rygel left Fluffy to guard their shuttle but kept Sparky close at hand, even though everyone in the room was giving the machine nervous glares.
Their very quiet Scarran 'guide' stood next to the doorway where they could all be watched from a distance.
This gives a whole new meaning to strangers in a strange land, O'Neill said to no one in particular. Carter was seated just next to him with Chiana and Daniel sitting down from her.
I think we screwed up, Crichton admitted, seated on the other side of the table. If their Emperor wanted our help, he would have accepted it and not have left just to think it over.
There's still hope, Adama said next to him. Their Emperor is proud, but he's no fool. Commandant Grayza might be another matter.
She was not happy to see us, D'Argo commented next to Adama. We interrupted whatever she had planned with the Scarrans and now she's back on her command carrier plotting her next move.
Apollo carefully surveyed the room, saying, Do you notice something about the seating arrangements here?
Daniel looked left and right. Scarrans, Charrids and the Kalish seated at separate tables. That's odd.
Not really, Rygel said, his throne sled parked next to D'Argo and his Cylon escort standing directly behind him. It's obvious that none of them can really stomach the others' presence. Their alliance is only a matter of convenience and little else.
I have noticed a lot of tension, especially between the Charrids and the Kalish, D'Argo observed. They truly despise one another.
Probably wouldn't be too hard to start an all out brawl or riot between them, Crichton thought aloud.
As the others talked, Chiana remained uncharacteristically quiet, sitting next to Daniel. The archaeologist couldn't help but notice that the Nebari had been acting very distracted over the last few days.
He leaned over and whispered in her ear, Hey, a penny for your thoughts.
Chiana looked over, with a confused stare. Uh? A penny?
What's on your mind, Daniel smiled. You have been very quietly lately.
Smiling, Chiana said softly, Nothing, nothing at all. I'm good.
Daniel didn't believe her for a minute. You can always talk to me. Is something, you know, bothering you?
Chiana swallowed hard and looked down at the table. Daniel moved closer, saying very tenderly, Is there something you are afraid to tell me?
After a long moment, she turned her dark eyes to his soft blue ones and realized she couldn't lie to him.
She sighed nervously.
Sheba was chatting with Apollo and D'Argo when she glanced up and whispered, Trouble incoming.
Three Charrids had left their table and were walking over to them. They stopped to sniff the air at their table.
Not Sebacean, one of them said. Different scent.
You guys can really put two and two together, O'Neill said to the three aliens, who looked like they had wandered off a Peter Jackson movie set. They weren't too terribly tall, but they had a strange odour to them, something close to week old gym socks. We're Human Well, most of us.
the Charrid continued. There's a Luxan, a Hynerian and He sniffed the air again detecting something sweet. A Nebari female.
We heard wondrous stories about Nebari females who haven't been mentally cleansed, a second Charrid said, eyeing Chiana who was still in the middle of her confession to Daniel. We are curious if it is true.
Well, keep guessing fek face! Chiana spat angrily at their interruption.
The Charrids growled at the insult and stepped towards Chiana. The Nebari leapt from her chair, ready to reach for her Zat gun. Daniel stood up right after her and reached to pull Chiana behind him, but Carter rose from her chair, placing herself firmly in the path of the Charrids.
I would think about twice before taking another step forward, Carter warned them. She had a hand on O'Neill's shoulder to keep him from getting up from his seat, showing that she would deal with this. Confronting the Charrids, the Tok'ra was also surprised to see that she was slightly taller than they were.
Meanwhile, D'Argo snarled threateningly, but Apollo placed a hand on his shoulder to stop him from standing up. Hold up for a micron, but be ready just in case.
Watching closely, Crichton slowly leaned back in his chair, his hand cautiously resting on Winona. Around and under the table, everyone else silently mirrored his actions. For himself, Rygel was simply prepared to snap his fingers to let Sparky loose.
The leader of the group just stared at the blond Tok'ra in contempt. No female talks to us in that manner!
Carter could smell alcohol on top of the strong stench of his breath. Not good, they are drunk, armed and were first class assholes.
Apollo appeared on Carter's right side, saying calmly to defuse the situation, No one meant any offence. Lets return to our tables and I'll buy the next round.
His careful, diplomatic words might have worked if the Charrid hadn't had a critical imbalance between brains and bullshit.
Who do you belong to, female? the Charrid demanded of Carter. You need discipline!
The female' belongs to no one, O'Neill stood up and faced the Charrids having heard enough, Now go back to your table.
Not until she apologizes for addressing us disrespectfully!
Carter said slowly, looking as if she was prepared to swallow her pride. I am sorry
The Charrid smiled just before the Tok'ra continued saying.
Sorry that your faces look like they were used for an Air force bombing range. I am truly sorry that I'm standing up wind from you. I am semi-sorry that your brains are obviously located where you plant your ass on a chair.
Sighing, O'Neill braced himself for the fight that was sure to come as he watched the Charrids becoming increasingly incensed at Carter's constant sting of insults, but it soon became apparent she was saving the best for last.
And, I'm sorry that the women on your planet have to live amongst such small men with even smaller, how should I put it? Carter held up her right hand and waved her pinkie finger at him.
From behind, Carter heard Chiana giggling out loud even as Daniel tried to edge the Nebari behind him.
The insulted Charrid leader roared and lunged at Carter only to be stopped dead in his tracks when the Tok'ra reached out with her right hand, grabbing down hard like a bear trap at the end of his stubby snout.
The Charrid howled in pain. He struggled at first and tried to pry away the hand squeezing his nose like a crushing vice, but the Tok'ra was far too strong. She held him at arms length, determined not to let him go.
His two Charrid companions started to move forward, drawing their weapons, but they, too, were stopped cold when they found themselves staring down the barrel of Apollo's blaster. The Colonial warrior had pulled his weapon before they could even get theirs out of their holsters. The Charrids had never seen anyone with such lightning reflexes before.
For a second, they wondered if Apollo would dare shoot them, but they immediately heard a strange metal click, which unknown to them was the hammer to a 9MM pistol being cocked.
Glancing over to Carter's left side, they saw O'Neill aiming a black pistol directly at their heads, warning, Don't be stupid!
Around the table, everyone stood up, ready for trouble, but they were all amazed that no one around them seemed to care. A few Charrids looked like they might intervene, but stopped to think about it some more when Sparky drew his sword. The Scarrans glanced over with complete indifference, but the Kalish watched with keen interest at the scene of the blond Human female and the Charrid she had in a nose hold.
O'Neill was thankful that no one else wanted to get involved, but he then saw their Scarran escort approaching, leaving his position at the entrance.
I think he has learned his lesson, Sam, O'Neil urged. Time to let him go.
Carter had her eyes locked on the Charrid. Say, please.
O'Neil frowned for a second, but said, Uh, please?
Carter stared over at O'Neill. Not you, she turned her attention back to the screaming Charrid as her hand squeezed his nose even harder. Him! Say, 'let me go, please'.
O'Neill saw green blood running down his face now. He could only imagine the pain that the dumb and drunk Charrid was going through as he continued to yell and scream in agony.
Carter, we're not here to pick a fight, O'Neill quietly pleaded. Just let him go.
Carter glared at the screaming Charrid for a moment before releasing him. He immediately pulled away, clutching his bleeding snout.
Filthy tralk! You broke my nose! the injured Charrid hissed, with murder in his eyes.
The Tok'ra just stared at him innocently, shrugging her shoulders, taunting, Well, if it'll help. Sorry about the nose.
Apollo kept his weapon aimed and ready and O'Neill levelled his 9MM straight at the enraged Charrid, who was glaring daggers, ready for another go at Carter.
Hey! Get a clue, O'Neill warned. Go back to your table or I'll fix you with a new breathing hole!
Just then, O'Neill saw the Scarran guard marching over with his rifle drawn, commanding, Do as the Human says and return to your tables, now.
Surprised, O'Neill gawked at their Scarran escort, hearing it speak for the first time. Although the voice was rough and gravely, it was still very feminine sounding. He couldn't believe it. All this time he had thought the Scarran was male, but it was actually a female.
Two of the Charrids finally and wisely decided to give up, rather than risk confronting a Scarran on top of everything else. They had to drag their angry, injured companion away under the steady glare of the female Scarran.
Apollo breathed a sigh of relief as he re-holstered his weapon. The Colonial turned to the Scarran, saying,
The Scarran simply nodded before moving towards Carter. The Scarran eyed her closely for long moment and then she smiled down at the Tok'ra, placing a hand on her shoulder.
A curious species, you Humans are, the amused Scarran said before walking away to return to her position at the entrance.
I think you just made a friend, O'Neill commented as everyone began to retake their seats.
Chiana stepped around Daniel, saying appreciatively to Carter, Way to go, Big Sister!
Carter smiled at the Nebari and started to take her chair, when O'Neill stopped her with a gentle grip on her arm, saying softly, At the risk of getting my nose grabbed too, what's up with you?
Carter looked perfectly innocent.
O'Neill wasn't buying the act. He kept his voice low, saying, Don't try playing dumb, Sam, you're way too smart to pull it off. You're walking around with a chip on your shoulder the size of a mothership. Is it Jolinar, the new Tok'ra muscles or is it the black leather you are now wearing that's doing most of the talking lately?
Carter watched him expressionless for a moment before smiling. You like the leather?
Don't change the subject, Sam, O'Neill said.
Answer my question first, do you like the leather or should I say do you like me wearing it?
Hey, I asked first, O'Neill said in protest, but became slightly flustered as Carter stared at him with her heart-melting smile. He had to admit, she did look good in leather. Okay, I like it a little.
Carter stared at him incredulously. A little?
Okay, a lot, O'Neill confessed.
Starbuck looked around in time to see Sikuzo walk in and take a seat at a small table by herself. The Colonial tapped Apollo on the shoulder, whispering excitedly, There she is!
Apollo looked up.
That woman in the Council Chamber, Starbuck said. That female Kalish with the weird hair.
Looks damned painful, an eavesdropping Sheba commented on the exotic alien and her choice of hairstyle.
Starbuck slowly started to rise from the table. I think I'll go over and introduce myself and see what I can learn That can help us.
Sheba stared at him doubtfully. And to see if you're her type? she asked, smiling.
Give me a little credit, Starbuck said defensively. It's not like I hit on every woman in sight. Just the special ones.
Apollo almost laughed. That'll just about include any female with a pulse.
Sheba grinned. Like a certain brunette who's also a fellow warrior.
Across the table, both Chiana and Carter glanced at each other, smiling.
Or a stunning blonde who's a host to a symbiont, Chiana chimed in.
Or someone who's grey and on the adorably cute side, Carter added.
Surprised, Apollo, O'Neill and Daniel stared at Starbuck, wondering what the Colonial was doing with their significant others while they weren't around. Fortunately, Starbuck knew when to cut and run.
If you guys need me, I'll be over there with the Kalish.
***
As Starbuck left the table, a hidden camera, located in the ceiling above them, was watching their every move. The live image was transmitted to Staleek's office. In the spacious room, the lights were dimmed to permit a better contrast for the projected holo-image.
The Emperor watched with interest, trying to understand the Humans' behaviour, as did his companion who lingered in the shadows.
That was quite a display of strength on Major Carter's part.
Staleek snorted. I don't share your interest in the woman. Tell me more about Crichton since you claim to know so much about him.
That I do, the shadowy figure answered. First, he's a man of his word and when he tells you the bomb he is carrying will go off, you can rest assured that he's not buffing.
And why I should believe you?
From the shadows, Scorpius slowly stepped forward to the glowing holo-images to watch the Humans and their alien companions more closely. Because I have been your spy for nearly ten cycles.
After a moment, Scorpius approached Staleek's desk and the controls to the camera. Slowly, he adjusted it until it was focused on Carter.
Staleek watched the Scarren hybrid carefully. You seem very interested in that one. Any particular reason why?
Scorpius smiled. It's not what you think. I just wish to see the one who killed' me.
So, it's about revenge?
No, not revenge, Scorpius admitted. I would like to meet her in person this time around.