As the minutes faded away into over an hour, Beth's clothes were in the dryer and Beth had read three times as many pages compared to an average reader. Once the dryer had quit, Beth closed her book with a page marker inside and went to take the clothes from the drawer. She had just started folding the clothes when Alicia followed by Angela, Carla and Jeannie walked into the room.
When Beth looked up from folding clothes, Alicia said, "Beth, meet Angela, Carla and Jeannie." Alicia gestured towards Beth. "Everyone, this is Beth."
Beth stopped folding the clothes and exchanged hellos with Angela, Carla and Jeannie. Beth then continued to ask, "So how much did Alicia tell you three?"
"I told them about how all psychics will have to register his or her ability within the next year or so and that you fear that the government will attempt to exploit us," said Alicia.
"Did you tell them that any group that I'm involved in will be obeying the law?" Beth questioned.
"She told us," said Jeannie.
"She also told us as to how your boyfriend's a cop and you have uncles who are lawyers," Angela added.
"My older brother is a cop too, so I'm very strict about obeying the laws," said Beth.
"We got that and we aren't criminals," said Angela.
"Well, how well do you know those two for you to speak for them?" Beth questioned.
"Carla's my younger sister and Jeannie has been friends with me since we were twelve," said Angela. "Now we deal with harmless incantations, but we have never committed any crimes."
"And what kind of incantations would those be?" Beth questioned.
Carla gave Beth a curious look as Jeannie answered, "We did an incantation that would attract good luck and another one for someone that we know to overcome an addiction."
We also did one for us to have good and prophetic dreams," said Angela.
"We used one to help find my dog," said Carla.
"As I said, the incantations that we do are harmless," said Angela.
"Were there any animals sacrificed during any of these harmless incantations?" asked Beth.
"God no!" Jeannie quickly said.
"Have you ever attempted to summon a demon?" Beth questioned.
"No," Angela was the first to abruptly blurt out. "Even if that was possible, we want nothing to do with summoning demons."
"You ask questions as if you were a cop of some kind," aid Carla.
"That's just Beth's way and I assure you that she doesn't mean anything about it," Alicia said as she gave Beth a look as if to cool it.
"If I'm going to be socializing with you three, I'm making sure as to what kind of people you three are," said Beth.
"It's okay, everyone," said Angela. "Let Beth ask all the questions she wants. We have nothing to hide."
"I'm about done asking my questions," said Beth. "And my next question is how old are you three?"
"Jeannie and I are twenty-two and Carla is nineteen," said Angela
"I'm planning to have a contract made up that will outline the rules of this newly form group for each member to sign as he or she joins…" Beth was able to get out.
"Alicia told us about it and yes; we'll sign it," said Jeannie.
"Great," said Beth. "My final question is, what ability do you three have?"
"Carla and I see images in our heads and get feelings from time to time," said Angela. "In fact when I look at you I see sick and injured people."
"I actually think of shows like ER or Grey's Anatomy when I look at you," Carla added. "Do you work in a hospital?"
Beth slightly grinned and questioned, "Alicia didn't tell you three what I do?"
Angela shook her head as Alicia said, "It never came up as to what you do."
"Well, Carla is right about me working in a hospital," said Beth. "I'm a surgical intern. So Jeannie what is you psychic ability?"
"I don't really have a psychic ability per se, but I do know how to read palms and tarot cards," said Jeannie.
"That's interesting, but I doubt that you will have to register," said Beth. "You are welcome to join our group though; in fact, it might benefit us to have non-psychics in the group as well."
"So Beth, how much longer until you're done here?" asked Alicia.
"All the clothes are clean and I can finish folding later," said Beth.
"Good," said Alicia. "We can go up stairs and start the meeting."
"In this meeting, what will we be discussing?" Beth questioned as she began to fill the basket without folding the clothes. "I mean until the president makes his announcement that we have to register, there's really nothing to cover."
"We need to discuss a plan on recruiting," said Alicia.
"Well, I would like for our group to remain underground for now so we can't be too open on recruiting," said Beth.
"As I said, we have to discuss recruiting and how to proceed is part of it," said Alicia.
Beth grinned and shook her head. She then threw the last bit of clothes into the basket and as she picked up the basket to be carried, she said, "Well, I'm ready to go upstairs."
Noah, with Katie at his side, had started to knock on Beth's door as Beth and the others were reaching the floor.
Katie immediately saw them and as she began to run towards them, she yelled, "Beth! Alicia!"
Noah turned to look and quickly said, "Walk in the halls Katie and we're inside now, so no yelling."
Katie never slowed down as she ran up and gave Alicia a hug. Alicia embraced the hug and said, "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas," Katie mocked as she was ending the hug. She then gave Beth a quick hug at the waist while trying to be careful not to knock the basket from her hands. "Merry Christmas, Beth."
"Merry Christmas, Sweetie," said Beth.
Katie asked as she and the others walked towards Beth's apartment, "Who are they?"
Alicia pointed them out as she said, "They are Angela, Carla and Jeannie. They are friends of mine…"
"I'm Katie," she said while not allowing Alicia to finish. Katie pointed to her uncle. "He's Uncle Noah."
"Well, it's nice to meet you and your uncle, Katie," said Jeanie. "Do you live in the building?"
"No, silly," said Katie. "We come to talk to Beth."
As everyone was only a few feet from Noah, Beth asked, "So, what brings you and Katie here?"
Noah grinned and said, "That mercury that's park out front."
Beth gave Noah a smirk and said, "Cute, but you know what I mean."
Beth handed the basket to Alicia to hold and as she was taking her door key from her pocket, Noah said, "We're here to find out what went on last night with Savannah."
As Beth was unlocking her door, she said, "And I was slightly scared of that being the reason that you two are here."
"Where did Savannah go?" asked Katie. "I want her to come back so I can wish her a Merry Christmas."
As Beth was opening her door, Alicia said, "I can take Katie for a walk if you want to explain things to Noah."
Noah gave Alicia a curious look as Beth said, "No. I know what to say to both Noah and Katie about it. You, Angela, Carla and Jeannie can go into the kitchen. I'll talk to Noah and Katie in the living room."
After entering the apartment, Beth, Noah and Katie sat down on the couch as the others went to the kitchen.
Before Beth had a chance to begin, Noah asked, "Is Savannah in some kind of trouble?"
Beth put up her finger and said, "I'm going to explain things in a way that Katie will understand." Noah slightly nodded. "Katie, Savannah is a religious person and because of how religious she is, she done things while thinking that it was what God had wanted. Some of what she did though had gotten some people seriously hurt."
"Savannah wouldn't hurt anyone," Katie insisted.
"She has hurt people, Sweetie, and last night, she came to the understanding that some of her actions were not what God would've wanted and she turned herself over to the authorities," said Beth.
Katie practically screamed in an emotional manner, "Savannah is a good person."
Noah was about to correct Katie, but Beth gestured for him not to. Beth then said in a patient tone, "Sweetie, even good people makes bad choices from time to time. In fact, I believe it was your and your uncle's kindness that made Savannah to understand that she made bad choices."
"I want to talk to Savannah," said Katie.
"Sweetie, I don't that's possible," said Beth.
"Why?" said Katie.
"Well, the authorities are giving Savannah a long time out and I don't think she's allowed to talk to anyone," said Beth.
"Can you call them and ask?" asked Katie.
"Sweetie, I really don't…" Beth was only able to get out.
"Please try," Katie pleaded. "Please, please, please."
Beth gave Katie a skeptical look just before going for her cell phone and saying, "I can't believe that I'm giving in when I most likely know what the response will be."
Katie just smiled as Beth dialed the phone.
Clarence answered the phone with, "Dr. O'Brian, have you reconsidered joining our group of psychics?"
"No!" Beth quickly snapped out.
"Then is there a problem?" asked Clarence.
"In a four-year-old girl's world there's a major problem," said Beth.
"I hope that statement comes with an explanation," said Clarence.
"It does, Agent Wilier," Beth said with a slight amusement in her voice. "Savannah has touched a little girl's heart. Now I have explained to Katie… the little girl who we are talking about, about how Savannah had made some bad choices and a few people had gotten hurt because of those choices. I had also explained to her that Savannah is getting a long time out for what she had done. Now the reason that I'm calling is to ask you in Katie's behalf on if she could talk to Savannah even though she's in a time out."
"You can't be serious?" Clarence asked in a tone that matched his words.
"I know that this is an unusual request, but this is also an unusual circumstance," said Beth.
"What you're asking is not only unusual, it's unorthodox," said Clarence.
"Well, I'm actually an unorthodox person," Beth said in a tone as if to be joking and serious at the same time.
"So I'm learning," said Clarence.
"Agent Wilier, it would make a four-year-old girl's Christmas complete if she could talk to Savannah and wish her a Merry Christmas," said Beth.
Beth heard Clarence growling for a second before he said, "Give me thirty minutes to see if I can arrange it and I'll call you back."
"Of course," said Beth. "We'll be waiting."
As Beth was hanging up, Katie asked, "So can I call Savannah?"
"I'm not sure, Sweetie," said Beth. "The person I just talk to is going to find out and he'll call me back in thirty minutes with the answer."
"Can I wait for the call?" asked Katie.
"It's fine with me, but your Uncle Noah may have other plans," said Beth.
"We can wait," said Noah. "Sweetheart, go in the kitchen with Alicia. I would like to talk to Beth alone for a minute."
"Okay," said Alicia as she stood up.
Noah watched Katie entering the kitchen before asking, "What did Savannah do, Beth?"
"The person who I was talking to is Agent Clarence Wilier of the CIA in Washington D.C." Beth began. Noah just gave Beth a perplexed look. "I had to sign a non-discloser agreement with him and I'm going to try to satisfy your question without breaking that agreement." Beth then took a second to think of her response. "Savannah is not from the United State. I can't tell you where she's from, but I do know that she is an active member of her culture's military… well, at least yesterday she use to be. She was sent to the U.S. to spy on the U.S., but last night she had a change of heart about her mission. When Spence, Savannah and I left my mom's house last night, we were escorted to the CIA headquarters in Washington D.C. so that Savannah could turn over evidence of a homeland security threat."
"So Savannah defected to the U.S?" Noah questioned.
"I believe so," said Beth. "However, as to where she's from and what her mission was, I doubt that she'll gain citizenship anytime soon."
"Thank you, Beth, for telling me this," said Noah.
"Noah, Savannah is a religious person and I really do believe that you and Katie were the ones who had the most to do with convincing Savannah that her mission against us was wrong," said Beth. "So even though Savannah was misguided by her original beliefs, I agree with Katie. I think Savannah is a good person and that she still deserves our prayers." Noah slightly grinned before he nodded in agreement. Beth stood up before continuing. "Well, I'm going to knock on my neighbor's door and see if she has any kid's movie CD's that Katie can watch while you two are waiting."
"I know that Katie would appreciate that," said Noah as he was standing up.
Beth just grinned as she walked away. Noah walked into the kitchen. Beth was gone for a short time before returning with a Disney cartoon.
As Beth was stepping up to the DVD player, Katie came out of the kitchen and asked, "Did you get me a movie to watch?"
"I did get one," said Beth as she turned on the TV and DVD player. "Have you seen, 'Over the Hedge' yet?"
"I haven't seen it yet today," said Katie.
Beth looked back at Katie and questioned. "But you have seen it before?" Katie just nodded. "Can you watch it again?"
As Katie continued to nod, she said, "I like 'Over the Hedge' and I watch it all the time."
"Good," said Beth as she was putting the movie in. "Okay, Sweetie, I need you to stay in here and watch the movie. Alicia, me and the others have something that we need to discuss."
"Are you going to be discussing grownup things?" asked Katie.
"No, it's not grownup things, but it is a private discussion," said Beth as she started the movie. "So stay in here and watch the movie, okay?"
Katie went to sit on the couch and said, "Okay."
As Beth was walking into the kitchen, Noah said, "Alicia had filled me in on what this meeting is doing and I think I can help."
"And what all did Alicia tell you?" asked Beth.
"About how that all psychics will have to register their ability in the coming year and how you and this group are worried that the government will try to exploit your ability for their use," said Noah. "I think I can help on recruiting."
Beth gave Noah a skeptical look before saying, "Being that I would like this group to remain underground for the time being, I don't see how you can help, and Alicia, you really needs to stop being so free with information before I get arrested for breaking my nondisclosure agreement."
"You never broke your agreement," said Alicia.
"And the government won't believe that when the leak of information surrounds me," said Beth.
"Don't you trust Noah?" asked Alicia.
"Alicia, this has nothing to do with trust," said Beth. "I trust you with my life, but I've signed a non-disclosure agreement and if it wasn't for Brandy telling you what she did, you wouldn't even know about this."
"Okay, Beth," said Alicia. "I'll be more discrete about this, but this group needs to be formed before the president's announcement and Noah believes that he can help us on locating other psychics for potential recruitment."
Beth sighed and said, "Okay, fine. Noah, how can you help us do this and remain off the government's radar at the same time?"
"I hold private dinner parties for businesses, weddings, conventions and private clubs," said Noah. "I'll just throw a private dinner party for the local psychics."
"And how is that remaining off the government's radar?" Beth questioned.
"This dinner won't be a recruiting party," said Noah. "It will just give you the opportunity to gain names and then you can approach them later one at a time. To throw the government off the scent, tell them about it."
"And we six know about the true reason for that dinner and if the government send their own psychic, I know it will be a mind reader," said Beth. "We won't be able to throw them off of any scent when that person reads our thoughts."
"Then we six won't attend for a mind reader to read our thoughts," said Noah.
"How are you even going to get the psychics to attend?" asked Beth.
"Angela, Carla and I know where all the mystic bookstores are and we'll advertise through them by passing out flyers," said Jeannie
"I know of a couple of fortune telling shops in the area too and we can put flyers there as well," said Carla.
"So all we need is a time and date," said Jeannie.
"Not quite," said Carla. "They'll need incentive for them to give us their address."
"A raffle of where the winner will be contacted off of a mailing or email list," Beth quickly said. "Noah, you have raffles about four times a year, so I would like for you to slip another one in and this time the group of psychics that come will receive one free ticket. Just give me a list of what items are worth raffling off and I will purchase what will be raffled."
"So you don't get stuck with the whole amount, Beth, I'll chip in," said Alicia.
When Angela, Carla and Jeannie said that they would also chip in Beth grinned and said, "Thanks."
"So now all we need is a time and date," Jeannie continued to say.
"I advertise all the time in the papers about special events at my restaurant," said Noah. "I'll place an ad in the paper about having it on January 8th between 5:00 and 9:00 P.M. With my ad and your flyers most of the psychics in the area will be told in form or another."
"Are you sure that's enough time?" asked Beth.
"That should be plenty of time," said Noah.
"Well, I also think that we need to come up with an incentive to get them to attend this dinner as well," said Carla.
"Noah, you're good at coming up with an advertising hook, so I'm comfortable with leaving that part in your hands," said Alicia.
"As long as there are no objections from your friends then I'll be glad to brainstorm on it and come up with something," said Noah.
"Advertising is not my thing, so I'm all for Noah doing it," said Beth.
Angela, Carla and Jeannie agreed to leave the advertising to Noah.
In Washington D.C. Number-Six was in her room while watching 'Christmas Carol.'
Outside her door were two armed guards. The guards watched as Clarence approached. When Clarence stepped up, he showed them his ID and said, "I have business with our guest."
"We were informed of your business with her just a short time ago," said the lead guard as he was getting out the key. He continued to say as he was opening the door. "Just knock when you're ready to leave."
"Will do," said Clarence.
Number-Six was staring at Clarence as he walked in and as the door was closing, she stood up and asked, "So what do I owe this visit, Agent Wilier?"
Clarence noticed to what she was watching before he focused on her and said, "Dr. O'Brian had called me with an extremely unorthodox request." Number-Six just gave him a curious look. "Apparently there's a four-year-old girl who desperately wants to hear your voice and to wish you a Merry Christmas. Her Christmas won't be complete without talking to you and Beth requested if I could arrange for this little girl to talk to you."
Number-Six grinned before questioning, "You are going to let me talk to Katie?"
"Giving the fact that you had fully cooperated with us, I had received authorization to allow you a five-minute phone call so Katie can wish you a Merry Christmas," said Clarence.
As Clarence was taking out his cell phone, Number-Six asked, "Did Beth say anything to Noah or Katie about why I'm here and not there?"
"Who's Noah?" asked Clarence.
"Noah is Katie's uncle," said Number-Six.
"Uh, well according to Dr. O'Brian, she had told Katie that you had made bad choices that had caused a few people to get hurt and because of that you were getting a long time out," said Clarence.
"Time out?" Number-Six questioned.
"That's a phrase that an adult would use with kids Katie's age to get them to understand that a person is being disciplined for doing wrong," Clarence explained. "To give a child a time out is to make him or her sit quietly alone for several minutes."
"So Katie just believes that I'm being disciplined for making bad choices?" Number-Six questioned.
"Yes, and to me by Beth telling Katie what she did, Katie won't lose her previous beliefs of you," said Clarence. Number-Six slightly grinned. "So are you ready for me to make that call?"
"You may proceed," said Number-Six.
Clarence dialed the phone. Once Katie was on the phone, Clarence handed the phone to Number-Six and then looked at what time it was.
Number-Six heard in Katie's voice as to how delighted she was to be able talk with her. For the first two minutes, Katie gave Number-Six a long list of what Santa had brought her for Christmas.
Aboard the Galactica, the one who was watching the dradis was in his first day of training, and when the Grey's space station had jump within a close proximity to the fleet his nervousness was displayed for all to see when he spoke in a trembling and broken manner, "Sir… Cmdr. Adama… Sir, a contact… an unknown contact…"
Dee had received a radio transmission from the Grey space station and didn't allow the nugget to finish as she interrupted with, "Cmdr. Adama, the unknown contact that most likely showed up on dradis a moment ago is the Grey observatory."
"Acknowledge," said Cmdr. Adama. He walked over to the nugget and said, "Relax son, I'm not going to bite your head off for using the wrong words on your first day in CIC to describe a contact on dradis, but if that Grey observatory had been a Cylon base star, we would be under fire before you had gotten the correct words out."
He responded while again displaying nervousness, "Yes, Sir, Commander. I will do better, sir."
Cmdr. Adama nodded. As he turned he shouted out to no one in particular, "Contact Catalina and tell her I want to meet her in my quarters as soon as possible."
"Yes, sir," came the response from more than one person.
"The CIC is yours, Col. Tigh," said Cmdr. Adama as he was walking towards the exit.
"Yes, Sir," said Col. Tigh just before Cmdr. Adama walked out.
Ten minutes later, Catalina was walking in Cmdr. Adama's quarter while asking, "Did you want to see me, Commander?"
Cmdr. Adama was looking over reports. As he was putting them to the side, he said, "Yes. Please come in and sit down." Cmdr. Adama waited until Catalina was comfortable in a seat before he continued. "The Hominid observatory that we found a couple of days ago had been modified to use a FTL drive and a few minutes ago, the observatory had jump into the area. Now, I'm face with a choice. If we were solely dealing with colonial law, then by law we would lay claim to any ship or space station that had been abandoned for more than twenty-five years…"
"You think that my people would try to declare ownership of the observatory," Catalina quickly said. "Commander, if this helps, there is no one on my planet who has the knowledge of how to operate that observatory and there is nothing in our law about who can claim ownership on a ship or space station that has been abandon. So as far as I'm concern, the observatory is rightfully yours. Besides, our only desire is to return to the surface of our planet."
"If you had the authority to make that decision in your sovereign's behalf then I would say the matter of proper ownership was over," said Cmdr. Adama. "Now correct me if I'm wrong to assume this, but you don't have the authority to renounce ownership of the observatory."
"You're not wrong, Commander," said Catalina.
"The data that we've been collecting on your planet suggest that it will be safe to return to your planet in approximately forty-eight hours," said Cmdr. Adama. "When you leave for the planet, a representative chosen by Pres. Kellogg will accompany you. That person will have full authority to speak for us."
"I understand, Commander," said Catalina. "Is there any else?"
"There is actually," said Cmdr. Adama. "The knowledge of your underground cities had spread throughout the fleet and a percentage of the civilian population has been expressing a strong desire for Pres. Kellogg to make a deal with your sovereign and allow them to live in those underground cities."
"Why would they choose to live underground when they could live on Earth?" Catalina quickly questioned.
"There are those who are not optimistic that we will win against the Cylons even with the help of our thirteenth tribe," said Cmdr. Adama. "The people who are expressing the desire to live in your cities feel that hiding from the Cylons is better than waiting to die."
"Your scouts… or whatever term you use had discovered our cities, so our cities aren't exactly hidden to the outside," said Catalina.
"And Pres. Kellogg and I had pointed that out to a group that's forming and growing by two or three people a day," said Cmdr. Adama. "They feel that the percentage of surviving in your cities is greater than winning against the Cylons. Pres. Kellogg had been trying to discourage the thought of making a deal with your sovereign about moving into your cities, and the main reason that I'm telling you this, is that I didn't want you to be surprised by it if our representative would bring it up."
"If that does get brought up to the sovereign, I know that the sovereign will agree to it under one condition," said Catalina.
"Which is?" asked Cmdr. Adama.
"There would be a requirement from the humans to help increase the Hominid population by procreating with the Hominids who are fertile," said Catalina. "DNA of their offsprings would also be taken once they turn six in order to help populate the cities through cloning."
Cmdr. Adama slightly chuckled and said, "I will pass that piece of information along to the group. Knowing of the requirement might help to deter most of them of wanting to abandon the fleet."
"Is there anything else, Commander?" asked Catalina.
"I have one more," said Cmdr. Adama. "Dr. Clu-Isic would like to accompany you and the others when you return to your planet. He wants to make a deal with your sovereign about using your cloning equipment to clone his people."
"I'm actually aware of that part and I have no quarrels about him making his request to the sovereign," said Catalina.
"I will inform him that he has everyone's permission to go to the surface in a couple of days," said Cmdr. Adama. "And that's all I have."
Catalina stood up and said, "I bid you a good day."
"Good day, Catalina," said Cmdr. Adama.
In Washington, D.C., at the FBI headquarters, Agent Weatherly along with Agent Teresa Holmes walked into the interrogation room that Number-Three was being held. Agent Weatherly was carry photographs of the twelve and the photographs were arranged in order by the Cylon model number.
Number-Three was sitting at a table and when she saw the two agents walking in, she got to her feet and demanded to know, "I've been snatched before sunrise and brought here to this military facility without an explanation and I want to know why."
"This is not a military facility," said Agent Weatherly. "As far as why you were brought here, these photographs can better explain it than what I can."
Number-Three took the photographs and flipped through each one. She had a disturbed expression on her face after seeing only a few of them. She also noticed that the photograph was arranged in order. When she was done looking at the pictures, she looked up and said, "Normally it's Number-Eight who is found to be sympathetic to you humans, but on a few occasions Number-Six can also display sympathy. So was one of those two who told you about us."
"What do you mean by Number-Six and Number-Eight?" asked Weatherly.
"Don't insult my intelligence," said Number-Three.
"Why are you thinking that I'm insulting your intelligence?" asked Weatherly.
Number-Three held up the photos and said, "You're not going to convince me that you don't know who I and these others are, so by you trying is insulting me."
"We know that you are a Cylon and that each photograph that you are holding are also Cylons," said Teresa.
"These photographs are also arranged in order from model Number-One through Number-Twelve and the only way you would know as to how to arrange the photos is by a Cylon traitor," said Number-Three.
"We have been following your moments since you caused the plane to crash," said Weatherly.
"Again, I say don't insult my intelligence," said Number-Three.
"Do you know what a crystal ball is?" asked Teresa.
"I don't," said Number-Three.
"A crystal ball is a magical orb that people would look into to learn things of people and places that are out of reach," said Teresa. Number-Three just looked at her as if she had lost her mind. "It is also used to see into the future."
"You can't honestly expect me to believe that a crystal ball exists and that you found out about us from using one?" Number-Three questioned.
"Even if a crystal ball does exist, we don't have one; however, there are people within this nation who has the ability to see things that other people can't." said Teresa. "These people are psychics. Not all psychics have the same ability and if you put the correct psychics together then that group becomes more powerful than a crystal ball."
"I hope you don't expect me to believe that a group of psychics saw us coming," said Number-Three.
"In this case I must admit that you had passed through the group's psychic-radar, but within a very short time after your group had crashed the airliner, one of your eleven friends had crossed paths with a local psychic," said Teresa. "That psychic had reported your group to the homeland security and you have been under surveillance since."
"Last night we had enough intel on you to apprehend you and the others," Weatherly added. "Oh and when I say the others, I mean all the Cylons around the planet and not just your small group of twelve."
"So it seems that you know a lot about us," said Number-Three. "Whether that you got your information from a group of psychics or from a Cylon traitor is irrelevant at this point. Now being that you know what you do, I serious doubt that you two came in here to interrogate me. So what do you what?"
"From the friendly voice of the twelve colonies, we know that some Cylons are AI's…" Weatherly was able to get out."
"AI's?" Number-Three questioned.
"Artificial intelligence," Weatherly explained. Number-Three just gave him a curious look. "Anyway, this government recognizes all Cylons as an independent society. With that said, this government would like to open diplomatic talks so we can solve any dispute that you have with us without going to a full-blown war."
"Our dispute is that humans can't be trusted and therefore all humans should be annihilated," said Number-Three.
"All we know about the twelve colonies of Kobol is that they are a society of humans that existed in a distant solar system," said Weatherly. "Around this time last year, we didn't know that they even existed. In fact, over a year ago, the greater portion of this planet believed that life in other solar system wasn't possible. Now we have gotten an explanation on how we're related to one another by the friendly voice of the twelve colonies and even though this government acknowledges that relations, the people on Earth are nothing like the people from the twelve colonies. So what I'm trying to say is, is that you're wanting to destroy us before getting to know us."
"You're humans, and that is all I need to know," said Number-Three.
"So in your opinion, the only good human is a dead human," said Weatherly.
"From your mouth to God's ears," said Number-Three.
Weatherly grinned and said, "I think you've been on this planet long enough to know that the Earth's population are broken into more than two hundred nations. Each nation has their own belief, culture and a way of life and it wasn't all that long ago when we felt that way towards a particular nation. Take the Native American for an example. We called them Indians a hundred years ago and back then, the people of this good nation's philosophy was, 'The only good Indian was a dead Indian.' We felt the same way of other nationalities too from time to time, but within the past few generations we realized that, that kind of thinking was from our ignorance and prejudice. By no means am I saying that the people on Earth no longer have any shortcomings, but I believe that we have risen above our pettiness enough to make diplomatic relationship possible between our two cultures. All your culture has to do is meet us halfway."
"And you will consider us as being petty if we don't meet you halfway?" Number-Three questioned.
"To keep from stereotyping people is actually hard to do when hatred is deeply rooted," said Weatherly. "So, no; you're not being petty, but you are being human."
Number-Three's anger had slightly risen and she said while trying to hold her temper, "Cylons are not humans."
"We know that the crash of Flight 209 was your and the other Cylons' doing and we know why you did it," said Weatherly. "A small number of passengers from the flight and at least one Cylon were killed in that crash. The local psychic who reported your infiltration had also turned that body over to us for autopsy. We found what makes you different than us, but when it comes down to the nitty-gritty you are a breed of human."
Teresa saw Number-Three in deep thought and asked, "Is there a problem?"
"If the psychic turned over the Cylon's body then she would have to be in position to do so," said Number-Three. "That would put the psychic as being in the medical profession. The psychic is a young woman doctor with long red hair, isn't she?"
"We can't verify or deny who the psychic is," said Teresa.
"You don't have to verify it," said Number-Three. "I have never met this doctor, but I have heard stories as to how intuitive she seemed to be. Now I know why."
"Again, that statement cannot be verified or denied," said Teresa.
Number-Three grinned as Weatherly said, "Getting back on subject, this government would like open diplomatic talks with your culture. We need someone… a Cylon to take that message to your people."
"You think I'd be the one to volunteer to take your message to my people?" asked Number-Three.
"We started with you and if you don't do it, we will be talking to the other Cylons about this one at a time until we find one who will agree to it," said Weatherly.
"Even if your people don't agree to the talks at least you would gain your freedom," Teresa added.
"What about the others?" asked Number-Three.
"To show good faith on our part we will release all Cylons who were captured in the United States and allow you to return to your ship," said Weatherly. "However, there were Cylons killed while attempting to evade capture."
"Of course they're not really dead, are they?" Teresa questioned. "Each Cylon killed will be resurrected from your resurrection ship that's lurking nearby."
"The more you talk, the more I'm convinced that you get your information from a Cylon traitor," said Number-Three.
"We got that piece of information from the friendly voice of the twelve colonies of Kobol," said Weatherly. "Anyway, do we release you and the others or do we find another way to get our message to your people?"
"Well, as you know, you release us by killing us and I'll take your message back to my resurrection ship," said Number-Three.
"I'm glad to hear it," said Weatherly.
"So how were you going to kill us?" asked Number-Three.
"We were thinking about doing a less bold approach," said Weatherly. "A newly designed shuttle was going to be tested and flown to Jupiter… the fifth planet in this solar system…"
Number-Three gestured towards Teresa and said, "As she said, we cannot die, so it would be a lot simpler and faster if you just kill us."
"Because of how harsh that sounds, we weren't wanting to go that route, but if you do then I'll talk to my superiors about it," said Weatherly.
"I have been resurrected three times during the past five years," said Number-Three. "It's not as harsh as it sounds."
"Well, we'll be back," said Weatherly. He and Teresa walked out.
Just after stepping out Teresa said, "We need to tell Savannah what is about to take place."
"We have to get permission first," said Weatherly.
"Savannah needs to be warned about Belinda's suspicions about a Cylon traitor," said Teresa. "I'll gladly take the disciplinary action if it comes down to it."
"Fine, go tell her, but I'm totally against it without getting permission first," said Weatherly.
"I'll catch up with you later," said Teresa. "Bye."
Weatherly just shook his head as Teresa walked away.