Homeworld Bound A SAAB NBSG crossover story Book 1

by JonHarper

After 2yrs of running from the Cylons the Colonials are on the brink. Low on Food, Fuel and Morale they must play one last game of Cat and Mouse against the Cylons. Meanwhile Earth comes face to face against an enemy far more powerful than the Chigs.

13. Chapter 13 The Coming Storm

Chapter 13 The Coming storm

Tom Zarek stood immaculately dressed for this special occasion admiring himself in the full length mirror in his suit on Cloud 9. Although no one knew it yet this was the moment of opportunity he always waited for. Plotting, scheming and making painful if necessary alliances had been painstaking but had none the less increased his standing with in the remnant of humanity. Like many things thought up by supposedly great men it had its share of mixed results and its share of obstacles, however no obstacle Zarek had ever faced seemed more imposing as the one on Galactica known as Adama. Although he would never admit it openly Zarek respected the Commander of Galactica immensely. The man had time and time again risked his life to save what was left of humanity and had asked for nothing in return something that always seemed folly to Zarek who knew that nothing came without its price. It would be some time before Zarek would learn the truth of Adama's nature; a selfless patriot that would give all that he could to save his people. On that day Zarek made a painful admission to himself that Adama was a far better man than himself. Though Zarek would never think to say it openly he knew beyond a doubt that if he had the power of a Battlestar at his fingertips things would have turned out quite differently.

Coincidentally there was his target Laura Roslyn. The secretary of education turned president of the Colonies by a stroke of miraculous luck. She had thwarted his attempt at the presidency over a year ago using Gaius Baltar as her vice presidential candidate. The eccentric if brilliant scientist had the popularity and standing within the fleet to overshadow Zarek derailing his bid at the presidency. Some months later during the elections Zarek had attempted to garner all the support he could for the presidency using every favor and dirty trick he could think of, yet it hadn't been enough. Roslyn by a slim margin had managed to win the election casting Zarek to the role of a follower rather than the leader he always knew he was.

This was not to be the case today.

Almost as soon as it had happened his sources on Galactica had informed him of the death of Diana Biers. To say that the news was shocking was an understatement but what intrigued Zarek was not that she had died but how she had died and the sequence of events that lead to her death (all concerning the supposedly real Earth pilot), the details to the event being closely guarded by Adama.

One on one hand this was disturbing, everything about the supposedly real pilot from earth was being kept secret for reasons Zarek couldn't fathom, yet at the same time it also presented Zarek an opening he could use.

"Mr. Zarek sir, they're ready for you."

"Then let's not keep the people waiting." Zarek said with a smile taking one last approving look at himself before departing with his aid. As they walked thought the spacious corridors of Cloud 9 Zarek went over his hastily thought out plan of attack. He would openly question the air of secrecy surrounding the Earth pilot with the Quorum standing behind him. This would leave little doubt in the minds of the people of their support and would show that Zarek's 'concerns' were also their own. Though Zarek knew he had the support of the Quorum he knew he would need the support of the people if this endeavor was to work.

As they exited the corridors and entered one of Cloud 9's massive dome structures Zarek had to squint slightly at the brightness of the artificial lighting as he moved to a podium that had been hastily set up. Just behind the podium the Quorum stood side by side watching as he made his way slowly to the dais, the press sitting just a few feet away from the podium fidgeted in their seats as if anticipating something big was about to happen. Moving with a sense of purpose he hadn't felt since his defeat during the recent presidential elections Zarek took the center stage and waited as the quite murmuring of onlookers and the press died down to nothing.

"Thank you all for being here." Zarek opened his speech. "Today is a wondrous day for us all, perhaps the salvation we have all prayed and even hoped for. Recently on Galactica a historic first meeting with the Captain of the Earth warship Reuben James has concluded. But as we are all aware the details of this historic face to face contact with our long lost brothers and sisters is being withheld from the People of the fleet. I stand here today not just as a concerned council member of the Quorum but as a citizen of the fleet. I stand here to question our president's actions of not informing the Quorum of 12 before deliberations with the Earth captain began. I also question the reasons why an air of conspiracy surrounds the Earth pilot who now resides on Galactica. I also demand an explanation for the sudden and unexplained death of Diana Biers on Galactica." That bit of news elicited a surprised murmur from the Press Corp who looked at each other with growing alarm.

"With support from the Quorum." Zarek said with a wave towards the now seated council members. "I officially demand an explanation from our president for all these unanswered questions in an emergency session of the Quorum to take place immediately. I also invite members of the Press to attend this Quorum session in a live televised event to the Fleet so that we all may finally get the answers we deserve. As President she cannot refuse a summons from the Quorum. Thank you all for your patience and May the Gods watch over you all." Zarek departed the podium without so much as a look back. The Quorum too stood and left with him as the press went wild shouting questions over each other.

In the Civilian fleet the joy and jubilation of learning about the discovery of an Earth warship and lost pilot slowly gave way to trepidation and uncertainty as the population listened to Zareks words. Though President Roslyn's announcement to the fleet had inspired hope for the future her answers had never fully satisfied the fleet. Now as the people listened in on Zareks press conference they too began to ask the same questions. Once again the communications blackout became non existent after it seemed to be returning to a semblance of normal. Small groups of conspiracy theorists who had never trusted the government or the military were soon openly asking the same questions on open channels to the fleet. For the vast majority of the civilian population their arguments were received as and rejected as idle speculation bordering on paranoia, but for a small percentage of the fleet their arguments touched upon a growing unease at what they perceived to be a malicious conspiracy. Slowly just as Zarek had planned human nature was taking its course.

Galactica

"I had a feeling that snake would try something like this!" The voice of Laura Roslyn echoed across the room to the discomfort of the 3 men with her. They were again back in Adama's quarters with Captain Lee Adama, Billy Kekiaya and the ships master himself.

'It was bound to happen, but I must admit he moved on this faster than I expected." Adama said. Resigned to the fact that his first crisis to deal with after disclosure to the fleet was Zarek's opportunistic grab for power. He knew Zarek well enough to know that the man would not pass up an opportunity like this. The recent riots in the fleet some weeks ago hadn't given the man the momentum he needed to unseat Roslyn though it had generated dissatisfaction with her administration. But if properly manipulated this situation had the potential to do the job. In hindsight Adama knew that classifying Vansen's medical records was a prudent decision but the manner is which it had been done was enough to raise eyebrows within the Quorum, something Zarek was taking full advantage of.

"So what is it that could be so dangerous in Star's medical records?" Billy asked, his natural curiosity bringing him to the question those in the know still felt some discomfort over.

"There were some anomalies in her blood." The elder Adama stated bluntly.

"What kind of anomalies?" Roslyn asked with a slight chill knowing there had to be more to it than that.

"Genetic anomalies." The younger Adama answered. "Specifically genetic drift similar to what we've seen in the Sagittarians but much more pronounced."

"Why didn't you mention this before Bill?" Roslyn asked turning her full attention on the master of Galactica.

"Because it wasn't relevant Madam President. Our guest is human and she's from Earth that's all that matters at this point."

"I agree Bill." Laura answered. "However if I'm to appear before the Quorum I need to know your reasoning for classifying her medical data. Surely it can't be that bad?" She asked looking to both Adama's who fidgeted slightly under her questioning look.

"Bill I thought we had moved past this?" Roslyn asked earnestly. "What aren't you telling me? How bad could it be?"

"I'm not exactly sure how to say this Laura so I'll just come right out and say it." Adama said looking the president straight in the eye." Doc Cottle did the workup on her, physiology, toxicology, pathology and a DNA profile. That's when he noted some abnormalities in her physiology and the genetic drift. He speculated that for the kind of drift to occur that he witnessed within Ms. Vansen would have taken about 5000 years…minimal."

"My Gods." Roslyn muttered, instantly catching the significance of what the Commander was telling her.

"I don't understand." Billy piped up again not quite comprehending what he'd just been told. "Doesn't the scripture say the flight from Kobol happened almost 3000 years ago?"

"That's exactly what it says." Adama confirmed. All eyes turned to the Commander as he spoke. "This poses a very serious dilemma for us. It either means that her blood work was misinterpreted." Adama said with an unconvinced look "Or it means that the scriptures from the lords of Kobol or our interpretation of them are not entirely accurate."

"Bill…I don't know what to say. How am I supposed to present this to the Quorum? "

"I'm hoping it won't come to that Madam President. If you could debrief the Quorum in a private setting. Make them understand the significance of this discovery and the need to keep it quiet, it would allow us to concentrate on getting the fleet to Earth. Then and only then; when the fleet is safe we can make that knowledge public and let the people decide for themselves. It's the only way Madam President because if we do this the way Zarek is pushing for then the fleet will destabilize long before we reach Earth."

"That's going to be hard Commander." Billy replied. "Zarek's called for the press to be at this emergency session of the Quorum. If he suddenly backs down without explaining himself he'll loose what credibility and momentum he's gained and I think we all know him well enough to know he's not going to do that."

"Which means we're going to have to reach out to him." Adama began. "Make him understand the severity of what he's asking. These findings call into question the authenticity of the scrolls. I'm betting…well I'm hoping that his love for the fleet is greater than his lust for power. No one wants to be the ruler of a shattered nation and that's exactly what his little holy quest for the presidency will do if this isn't stopped. Now. "

It was a long moment before Roslyn spoke again and when she did her voice was barely audible.

"No...noooo." Roslyn muttered. The intensity in her voice left no doubt to how strongly she was opposed to this plan. "I will not reach out to a terrorist turned political opportunist!"

"Madam President, Laura. We've already made enough mistakes already. I know this is hard to hear, but if you face off against Zarek live in front of the entire fleet this information is going to come out. No victory is worth the price we'll pay when it does."

Laura Roslyns face was contorted with a mix of emotions as she considered her options. Ultimately she knew Zarek couldn't be trusted and yet as she thought over Adama's argument she bitterly came to the conclusion she had no real alternative. She could go out and face Zareks head on and probably win. She hadn't actually done anything that could bring about her impeachment, but the Commander was also right, no victory was worth the price of a destroyed state crippled by the knowledge everything it believed in could be built on a lie. It ultimately boiled down to what she knew to be right and what she felt to be right. Though both usually went hand in hand; today they were pulling her in different directions, the extremes almost threatening to overwhelm her sense of reason.

"Ok." Roslyn said suddenly. "Ok I'll do it, I'll go to Cloud 9 and speak to Zarak personally, but I don't think its going to do us any good."

"Leave that to me Madam President." Lee Adama said. "I think I can get him to meet with you. If he won't meet with you I have another angle I can play."

"Such as?" The elder Adama spoke up.

"He's looking for inside knowledge about the death of Diana Biers. I say we give it too him or at least use that to set up the meeting. He'll want all the facts he can get his hands on before he attacks you publicly madam president."

"While we're on that issue." Billy interrupted. "What exactly happened?"

Both Adama's again looked at each other pensively before the elder Adama gave his son a nod.

"During your press conference Madam President Diana Biers went after Shane. We thought she was just pushing for an exclusive interview with Shane but as it turned out she was prying for information about Earth. When Shane wouldn't cooperate Diana attacked her and nearly killed her. I arrived in time to stop her." Lee finished his statement with a tone of voice that gave little doubt as to how he stopped Biers.

"Why in the name of the Gods would she do something like that?" Billy gasped.

"Because she was Cylon." The Elder Adama added. "And she wanted the one thing only Star could give her. Coordinates for Earth."

"By the Gods." Roslyn muttered in horror. We knew her…she was right there in front of our faces for close to 2 years and I never thought to suspect her."

"None of us did Madam President." Lee Adama added softly.

Laura Roslyn nodded quietly before standing. "Captain Apollo please arrange for the meeting with Mr. Zarek we have to stop this before it gets out of control." She turned her attention to the elder Adama then back to the other two occupants in the room. "Can the Commander and I have a few moments please?" Both Captain Adama and Billy Kekiaya shared a look for a second before both stood and left the room.

"Bill I appreciate everything you've done for the fleet and for me." She began as soon as the door closed. "We both know I don't have much time left." She turned to face him with a thin smile.

"Maybe." Adama said rising from his desk and moving to within a foot of her. "But we don't know how advanced Earth's medical technology is. For all we know they could have developed a cure for cancer. I never really believed in all that religious prophecy." He said offering her a warm smile.

"I know Bill." She said feeling slight warmth run through her at his charming smile. "But I feel it. This is the end of the road for me. I'll never live to set foot on Earth."

"Don't give up hope Laura. This fleet still needs you; we're going to need strong leadership to make this relationship with Earth work and that's you."

She could feel the tears building behind her eyes as she listened to Adama's praise in her abilities. She looked once more into his eyes and for once she thought of missed opportunities.

On that subject." Roslyn smiled thinly forcing those thoughts aside. "You know I have my reservations about Dr. Baltar." Adama nodded. "I know this is going to sound strange Bill, but it's important to me that you believe me."

"Of course Laura."

Roslyn took a deep breath to calm her racing heart and focus her thoughts. "You remember when my cancer almost claimed me the first time? When Hera's blood saved me?"

Adama nodded again. "Vividly."

"As I laid there dying I started having flashbacks to my last few hours on Caprica, Particularly my last time at the River walk market. When I was there I saw Dr. Baltar with a tall blonde woman, a Cylon."

Adama stiffened noticeably. "Do you have any idea of what you're saying?"

"I know it sounds crazy but it's the truth, it was the same Cylon model that came aboard Galactica and accused the good doctor of treason."

Adama turned away from her in thought before he faced her again. "So why say something now? Why didn't you bring your concerns to me earlier?"

"For the same reason you didn't tell me about Star, I wanted to be sure."

"Are you?"

"That he was with the blond Cylon? Yes. That he was the one that betrayed us?" Roslyn paused briefly. "Yes I am."

"But do you have any proof?" Adama asked helpfully.

"No."

Then there's not much I can do, at least openly. I appreciate you bringing this to my attention Laura. But realistically what do you expect me to do about it? I can't throw him out an airlock based on what you remembered on your deathbed without any proof to back it up."

"Gods, I know Bill. Just watch him and make sure he doesn't do anything that jeopardizes humanity especially now that we've found Earth." She turned heading for the door and grabbed the handle before facing Adama again. "If I should die then someone needs to be aware of what I know. You're the only man that has the power to stop him." She smiled again this time brightly. "And one of the few people I trust."

"Thank you Madam President. I will keep an eye on him." Adama confirmed.

"That makes me feel a lot better knowing that." Roslyn said with sincerity. She opened the airlock door and left with a final smile back leaving Adama alone with his thoughts. For some reason Adama couldn't shake the feeling this was the last time he would ever see her again.

Cylon occupied Aris.

It was once again night on the world of Aris as the last vestiges of twilight receded from the sky casting the loom of darkness only partially pushed back by the streetlights of the town. Despite the coming night and the bitter cold that followed activity within the small town and adjacent mining complex remained at an all time high as Raiders and heavy Raiders descended or rose from the now completely rebuilt airfield. Throughout the settlement itself centurions could be seen marching in squads or standing guard at vital intersections of the town's streets despite the lack of a human presence.

"Kind of has the feeling of a small town doesn't it? Rather than the mining settlement we know it to be." A soft silky voice broke through the quiet and cold chill of the night.

"It does. The people here obviously wanted the comforts of home and took great pains to bring about that illusion. Kind of like Troy in a way." Another female voice responded.

Six turned to face her companion a number eight model or more accurately known as Sharon Valerie to the crew of the Battlestar Galactica. Since her death aboard that ship and subsequent resurrection she had remained with the fleet that had patiently stalked and herded them instead of returning to Caprica.

"Yes I can see that. Troy always did have that feel to it. Like the town of Oasis if I remember correctly."

"Yeah." Sharon answered almost wistfully as if lost in the memory of actually being there.

"You were never actually there you know." Six said bringing her back to reality.

"I know, but it still feels real. If I concentrate right now I could tell you every detail of what happened that day. The day my parents died, the heat of the explosion, the screaming, all of it. It's so vivid so…real as If it happened yesterday. Or I could think of more pleasant times like when I was on Galactica with the chief."

Six sighed as she heard Sharon speak. "This is a waste of time don't you think? Remembering things that you were never actually apart of. And why do you continue to dwell on your relationship with that human? Its not like it was actually love." Six asked in disgust.

"He did love me and I loved him." Sharon answered defensively.

"No he didn't." Six replied as the two walked the streets towards their destination. "He loved what he thought was you; an illusion. If he had known what you truly were…well do we really need to go there?" Six asked with a feral grin.

Sharon swallowed hard as she listened but otherwise didn't respond partly because she feared Six might have been right. In the prevailing silence that followed they rounded a street corner just as a patrol of Centurions passed them heading the opposite way.

The situation with the Colonials will soon be resolved. A recon patrol picked up open communications chatter emanating from a nearby gas giant, we're positive that's where the remnant is hiding." Six reported.

Sharon swallowed again this time in fear of what would become of those she had come to know as her only true family. "How can we be certain it isn't a diversion?"

"We have confirmation." Six said with certainty. "One of our number 3 agents was resurrected she confirmed the location of the Colonial remnant to a moon behind the gas giant. Our reinforcements from Caprica will divert there and deal with them. Already another eight, six, Cavil and a Simon are enroot from Orbit to take over custody of this world. But before we go I wanted to show you something."

"What is it?" Sharon asked.

"It's a surprise." Six answered but didn't elaborate. Sharon kept her peace as well as the two walked toward their destination in silence on the now empty streets, their footsteps echoing quietly in the night.

"It's only a matter of time before the Earthers receive reinforcements." Six said to break the prevailing silence.

"I know." Sharon answered "Probably to reclaim this world."

"We now understand the reason why they invested so heavily in it." Six said. "It seems this world has an organic ore unlike anything we've ever seen. The potential for its applications are astounding from new reactors and propulsion to-"

"Weapons." Sharon answered for her.

"Especially weapons." Six answered with a predatory smile.

They entered one of the settlements housing complexes which were nothing more than a glorified apartment with one main common room that acted as a living room and kitchen, an adjoining bathroom and two rooms on opposite ends.

"So why are we here?" Sharon asked once they entered the apartment. She had moved to the entertainment center where something had caught her attention. It was a series of picture frames with pictures showing a striking woman and a man together smiling happily. In another picture she could see the same woman albeit she seemed a bit younger with two elder people who were probably her parents, but again it was the same smile. A smile reserved for loved ones. It made Sharon homesick making her wish more than anything at that moment to be back on Galactica with the crew no matter what fate awaited them.

"Are these the same quarters as the woman you found?" Sharon spoke suddenly.

"They were." Six confirmed from across the room. Her back was to Sharon focusing on something on a table that commanded her attention.

Sharon placed the picture gingerly back on the mantle, she turned to six and made her way to Six's side moving around the furniture in the room as she did so.

"What is it?" She asked still not able to see what had captivated her companion.

"What I brought you all this way to see. Look for yourself." Six answered stepping back slightly allowing Sharon to move closer. What she saw was a globe suspended on a pedestal. As she got closer Six put her hand on the globe and rotated it slowly.

"What is it?" Sharon asked already knowing the answer.

"Destiny." Six answered with a slight tremor to her voice.

"Earth." Sharon stated. She too could feel her pulse quicken as she looked at the globe that represented everything their holy quest had been building too. "It's beautiful in a way the Colonies never were...almost sacred even. Like Kobol."

"Two Worlds, two beacons in the lonely night…sisters." Six recited from one of the many sources on the legends surrounding both worlds. "Terra…"

"And Kobol."

United Nations building

New York

Earth

Secretary General Drozny was the last man to enter the room, shutting the door behind him and sealing off the outside world. Drozny was a hard looking man from the Russian steps; whip thin with a gaunt face and remarkably piercing eyes. He looked mildly terrifying, like an assassin or murderer but in truth he was one of the most pleasant people you could wish to meet. At least he was most of the time; he also possessed a ruthless streak that was all too necessary for a leader in times of crisis.

After the debacle with the Chig ambassador and the failed peace plan that cost a great many human lives serving Secretary General Diane Hayden had been forced out of office in disgrace, the nations of Earth finally resolute and committed to winning the Chig war through military means.

Mikhail Drozny was elected as her successor and was firm in his belief the Chigs had to be beaten militarily before real peace could be established. The war had continued and had been a bloody affair costing millions of lives and vast resources before victory was finally earned and the Chigs surrendered. Drozny had been rewarded with a second term in office and tasked with rebuilding and stabilizing Earth after the war, a task that was still ongoing.

Also in the room were the representatives of the Security Council representing the five major world powers that after over a century of UN history still held the greatest economic and political power. The nations had changed names a few times, and both the Communist Soviet Union and Peoples Republic of China had since become free democratic countries, but the overall balance of power remained stable.

They were joined by two other people, the UN military advisor Admiral Jake McIntyre of the US Navy and Cathy Connelly, Vice President of the massively powerful Aerotech Corporation. All of them looked extremely serious.

"I assumed this was serious." Drozny found a chair. "It is rare to be summoned at such short notice."

"It is Mr. Secretary." Admiral McIntyre spoke. "We have received some frankly astonishing information and we need a decision."

"Well then, let's hear it."

"Simply put we have made contact with two Alien races." The Admiral stated. "One appears to be genetically identical to us, the others are robots and cyborgs who want to wipe out humanity."

Drozny and the council members went very quiet. "For real?"

"Yes sir, for real."

"How did this happen?"

"We encountered both groups while searching for one of our lost ships and the apparent loss of the Aris colony. At first we assumed Chigs but our investigation took us in another direction."

"These Robots?" The Chinese ambassador asked.

"Yes." McIntyre confirmed. "We've looked over the details and they are very different to our own silicate creations."

"So they are a separate development?"

"Yes sir."

"How can we be positive?"

McIntyre gathered some papers. "If I can direct the council to page four of the dossier, you will see schematics of an alien vessel recovered by our forces. "

"These are the ships that attacked the Saratoga Battlegroup?" Drozny asked.

"Yes sir and the data was confirmed by the human aliens."

The British ambassador nodded. "None of our AI's could build one of those, let alone a fleet."

"Data reports show they fired first on our ships." McIntyre continued. "They are clearly hostile."

"Which is why I sent Admiral Monroe." Drozny reminded the Council. "So these aliens are confirmed as AI's, what about the others?"

"That's a little more complicated." McIntyre frowned. "For starters they are human, our people in contact with them have tested samples of their DNA, we share a common ancestry. Even more interestingly we share a common language, analysis shows their speech and ours have a common root, probably Attic Greek. They also seem to follow or at least know some of the figures from our own Greek mythology."

"How is that?" The American ambassador asked. "They must be from Earth?"

"It's a possibility." McIntyre agreed. "But respectfully we can figure it out later. These humans are called Colonials; they used to live on twelve Colony worlds."

"Used to?" Drozny picked up on the phrase.

"Their Colonies were destroyed by the Cylons, the race of machines."

"All of them?"

"A whole civilization sir, tens of billions of people. The ones we found are the last known survivors."

"How many?" asked the French Ambassador.

"Between forty and fifty thousand."

McIntyre could almost sense the unsaid remark.

"So few?" The Chinese ambassador finally said.

"Hardly a good sized towns worth of people." The Russian said. "From a stellar civilization?"

"That's the story." The Admiral stated. "Genocide on a level we can hardly conceive."

"And now they have brought those who committed genocide to our doorstep." The French Ambassador said. "Already they have destroyed a colony and some of our ships, this is intolerable."

"Clearly." Drozny said. "So what do we do?"

"They should not have brought this to our doorstep." The Frenchman said. "We should turn them away; these Cylons are at war with the Colonials, not us. Let them follow these Colonials away from us."

"We do not want a war." The Chinese diplomat added. "We are still recovering from the last one."

"With respect," McIntyre spoke up. "The Cylons have already attacked us, we've lost hundreds of people, we are already at war whether we like it or not."

"Have we tried to talk to these Cylons?" The British Ambassador wondered. "Might be worth a try."

"They fired first on our units without any attempt at communication." McIntyre said. "We went through standard protocols and identified ourselves, they still attacked."

"They want these Colonials dead?" The American asked.

"They want all mankind dead, which includes us."

"There is something else." A soft female voice joined in, slightly surprising the group. "Technology."

The room directed its attention to Ms Connelly, drafted into Aerotech after the war from a company that fell in a hostile takeover she had managed to claw her way to the top despite having only three years of time in the company. Unlike Drozny who looked hard but was actually pleasant, Connelly looked gentle but inside was as hard and cold as granite.

"Based on the information we have so far Colonial technology is particularly advanced in some fields." She purred. "Especially materials and Faster than light travel."

"Ah, I see Aerotech has sensed a profit." The US ambassador smiled thinly.

"It can help all of Earth." Connelly said. "Their FTL is faster than ours, it needs some work to improve its range but I'm sure we can work something out. I'm more interested in their armor and ship construction techniques."

"Battle reports show they can take impact hits from nukes." McIntyre stated. "And their ship is much bigger than our own."

"The report says this lead ship, Galactica, is in fact out dated and newer ships were twice the size."

"So they had good ships," The French Ambassador grunted. "Didn't help them much did it?"

"The Colonies fell because the Cylons hacked their computers and switched off their ships." Connelly informed. "Not something they can do to us; our systems are literally alien to them."

"They did try some electronic warfare, but it failed." McIntyre added.

"Our ships can hold their own." Connelly asserted. "And have proven effective in battle, this is far from a hopeless fight."

"It will still cost us lives."

"The war has already begun." McIntyre said with increased exasperation. "It isn't a 'what if' scenario, its happening. We need to be ready."

"We will be." Drozny confirmed.

"And we need a decision on the Colonials." Connelly reminded. "They are in our space now; they fight the same enemies we do. They are few in number but it would be foolish to turn them and their secrets away."

"Well, it would be murder to send them away." The British ambassador said.

"These Cylons would hunt them down and kill them." Added America's voice. "They must have been from Earth at one time, they're our people."

"No they aren't. It is not our problem." Stated the French man.

"I'll have to put this before the full assembly." Drozny sighed.

"By then the Colonists will be dead." McIntyre stated urgently. "We need a decision now, we can formalize it later, but they have to either run or come under our protection. We can't delay."

"The Military is happy protecting them from the Cylons?"

"The Joint Chiefs of combined Earth Forces are in favor." McIntyre stated formally.

"Aerotech also strongly advises bringing these people into our fold." Ms Connelly said calmly.

"The United States will offer sanctuary."

"So will the United Kingdom."

"Likewise Nationalist China."

"And the Russian Federation."

Drozny slowly nodded. "Then it is decided, offer them asylum here. I'll make it official after observing UN charter regulations. But bring them in before they are caught out there and killed. If they are the last of their race we can't let them be exterminated. Bring them home."

USS Saratoga

Admiral Ross ducked under the shower of sparks pulling his cap down to protect his eyes as he made his way to the bridge. Damage control teams were at work across his command cutting away shattered and bent supporters and installing new braces to keep the warship rigid. The Carrier had survived remarkably well considering the punishment she had been subjected to and while there were still areas of the ship open to space the onboard damage control teams had worked like heroes to keep her space worthy.

Ross' superior officer, Admiral Monroe had ordered the Saratoga to make for home, there were still enemy ships at large and in his opinion the Saratoga was at risk of being picked off as an easy wounded target. He had assigned a handful of fresh escorts to accompany the Carrier and her surviving Battlegroup to Groombridge while Monroe took his own combined Earth fleet to Aris in order to seek out and bring battle to the new enemy.

Ross hadn't liked it, but orders were orders and with great reluctance he had set his course and started to limp home. The ship was still at action stations as there was always the chance of ambush which was why Commodore Masterman requested Admiral Ross on the bridge he was already dressed and poised to go.

"What do we have?" Ross squeezed through a half opened blast door that was jammed open and onto his bridge. Many screens were blank and a number of posts were empty due to injuries taken in battle, but the vital systems had all been quickly restored and were operating fully. Even so he couldn't help but feel the bridge was emptier, somehow larger and colder without the usual bustle of officers and crew passing back and forth.

"Coded signal sir." Masterman was leaned over the communications terminal with Lieutenant Alice Martinez, the Saratoga comms officer and in Ross's opinion the best voice in the Navy.

"Enemy Commodore?"

"I don't think so." He shook his head. "I think we might actually be getting some good news."

"Confirmed sir." Martinez clipped. "It's an Earth registered signal, US Navy." She ran the transponder ID. "The Reuben James!"

"I'll be damned!" Masterman grinned. "She's actually still out here!"

"The signal is a microburst download." Martinez said. "Not automated, she's still in one piece and active."

Ross cracked a smile, it was the first bit of good news he'd heard in what was almost an eternity.

"Open a channel, narrow band; we've got some stories to share. But first's things first send a contact report to Admiral Monroe with all available information and my intention to linkup with the Reuben James before proceeding home."

"Yes sir."

Reuben James

"Captain Sir, we've got some signal traffic."

Reynolds moved over and looked over the screen as his specialist ran the signal ID

"It's the Saratoga; she's still in-system!"

"Excellent." Reynolds beamed. "But I thought she'd be at Aris already." Reynolds mused quietly

"Admiral Ross is on the line sir."

"Let's not keep him waiting, patch it through."

There was a brief pause before the signal was routed to the speakers.

"Reuben James this is Saratoga, respond."

"Saratoga this is Reuben James, it's a relief to hear from you Admiral."

"Captain Reynolds you lucky son of a bitch!" Ross called over the radio. "We had you written off as dead!"

"Close enough sir, we had a bit of a close encounter of the fourth kind."

"Fourth kind?"

"The sort that ends with a nuke."

"Let me guess, big star shaped vessel with scimitar winged fighters?"

"Exactly sir." Reynolds replied. "You've met them?"

"Only the hard way, while you've been gone Earth's gone and got itself into another inter stellar war."

Admiral Ross related the Saratoga's battle with the alien ships, its damage and the arrival of Admiral Monroe's battlefleet to pursue the enemy fleet and deliver a strongly worded reprimand for attacking Earth ships and colonies. The sort of reprimand chalked to the front of a nuclear missile. As he did so the Saratoga altered course to meet the Reuben James in the heart of the stellar anomaly it was residing.

"We managed to escape and evade." Reynolds stated. "Which brought us here, and that lead to another discovery."

"Discovery?"

"Earth didn't tell you sir?"

"Long range comms are still down."

Reynolds winced inwardly, this wasn't how he would have preferred the Admiral to learn of it, but he figured it was best just to come out with it.

"Well sir, we made contact with another group of people."

"More aliens?"

"Not exactly sir, I think its best you meet them."

"Meet them?"

"Yes sir, it's quite safe, I've been over there a couple of times, they are enemies of the Cylons, the star shaped ship builders."

"Well, I'll take your word on it Captain."

"Thank you sir, I'll arrange it." Reynolds slapped himself, he nearly forgot. "One more thing Admiral, we found a little something you lost."

Several Hours later…

Admiral Ross' reaction was almost identical to that of Captain Reynolds a few days earlier as he gazed through the thick windows of the ISS APC as it banked around the huge steely grey bulk of the Battlestar Galactica.

"We could use something like that."

Beside him the silver haired head of Colonel McQueen bobbed in agreement.

"Yes sir, that we could. I'd hate to try and fight one of these things."

"Just look at the size of that thing! We could hit it with our guns all day and it would still be here! Like pelting it with snowballs!"

"Maybe sir." McQueen peered out of his own window. "Looks like somebody tried; can you see the damage patterns?"

"Yeah." Ross picked out dark grazes along the ship. "Looks like she's been through hell and back."

"According to Captain Reynolds that might be true."

Holding formation around the APC was the 58th squadron in their well worn S/A-43 fighters. They were streaked in dirt, scratches and scorch marks but were still in perfect combat readiness, appearances aside. The squadron was also captivated by the vast warship though most of their thoughts were on the subject of Shane Vansen.

"She's on that thing?" Hawks said with a healthy measure of awe. "If they've done anything to her…"

"Relax Coop." West assured him. "The old man says they're humans."

"I just don't get that." Lieutenant David Goins cut in. "Where did they come from?"

"I dunno, but they must be more advanced than us."

"Looking at that ship, yeah." Mikey answered. "But they're friendly?"

"Alright cut the chatter guys." West interrupted. "Fighters on their way, stay frosty in case this turns ugly."

From their port side a flight of Vipers fell into formation, pacing the Earth made fighters and passenger vessel and guiding them on a tight flight path to the hangar pod.

"This is Galactica control," A voice said in a distant accent. "Follow our squadron in and land when you see the lights."

"They speak English?" Cooper asked.

"Translator." West informed. "Well you heard the lady, drop landing gear and ready to land."

The Vipers led the navy flight into the hangar pod and flew on out of the fore end while the 58th and the APC locked down on the deck elevators, then retracted into the pressurized maintenance bay. As before quite a crowd had gathered to see the visitors but by now the knowledge of Earth was widespread and the expectations had worn off. Mostly the crowd was deck crew interested in seeing another human flag officer along with Commander Adama, Captain Reynolds and Major Vansen.

The APC doors opened up to reveal Admiral Ross in his regulation dress uniform. He stepped down from the vehicle looking immaculate despite the pounding his ship had taken recently. Following him came Colonel McQueen in dull olive Khaki and antique bronze buttons and badges of the Marine Corps. They had not brought any guards this time based on Reynolds guarantee of safety and his own presence on the ship.

"Admiral on deck!" Reynolds announced formally, bringing the Battlestar crew to attention. Despite being from a far distant civilization the respect given to a flag officer was universal. Ross acknowledged the salute and stepped forward to meet the assembled delegation.

"Admiral," Reynolds introduced. "Commander William Adama, Colonial Fleet. This is Vice Admiral Glen Ross, United States Navy."

The two care worn officers shook hands firmly and locked eyes, seeing something not much different from the officers they had served with.

"Admiral, Welcome aboard the Galactica." Adama stated through Dee's translator.

"It's a hell of a surprise to be here." Ross admitted. "But a pleasant one. This is Colonel McQueen, Saratoga's Commander Air Group."

"Colonel." Adama shook hands again. "Gentlemen I'd like to give you the tour and answer any questions you have, I'm guessing that'll be a lot." He stepped back. "And I understand you know Major Vansen?"

At that the Admiral beamed. "Major, I swear I'm gonna get you a collar with a little bell. You go missing way too often."

Vansen grinned back. "Yes sir, maybe my sense of direction could use some work."

"Good to see you well." He turned to Adama. "And thank you for taking her in."

"Least we could do for a stranded pilot." The Commander replied.

"Colonel, get a debrief from the Major." Ross ordered. "Captain Reynolds, you'll come with me. Commander Adama, anytime you're ready I'd love to see the inside of this beast."

Adama grinned. "We had another ship that was called 'The Beast' in the Colonial fleet, the Pegasus, now that's a ship that could pop eyeballs at ten thousand clicks…"

Vansen watched the trio head out while the deck crews got back to work.

"Major?" the unmistakable voice of Colonel McQueen sounded behind her. "It seems you have quite a story to tell."

"Yes sir." She answered formally.

"Good to have you back Shane." He said in the closest he could manage to emotion. "The family wasn't the same without you."

"Thank you Colonel." She smiled. "Good to be back."

"Shane!" A voice yelled from across the deck. "Shane!"

Cooper Hawks bolted across the deck, dropping his helmet as he did so. The rest of the 58th followed him but none of them were able to keep up. He half collided with Vansen bodily picking her up and swinging her around in a tight embrace which she happily returned. For a moment McQueen looked on disapprovingly, but in the end he wasn't going to deny the two lovers this reunion. He stepped back and gave them some room.

"West, get the birds down alright?"

"Yes sir, landing grid was simple enough."

"Get a look at their handling crews?" McQueen continued.

"Fast and efficient, as good as our own." West said admirably. "They know they're jobs, even with our jets."

"How about they're pilots?"

"Same story sir." West stated. "Good precision control."

"And that's without computers." Vansen chipped in having extricated herself from Hawkes. "They had to remove most of the automated system because their enemies were master hackers, better than silicates."

"What's your take on them Major?" McQueen wondered.

"They're good people." She answered honestly. "Good people in a nightmare situation doing the best they can. They've shown me nothing but trust and support from day one. They saved my life, twice, and I'd serve with any of them."

"So what's their story?" Hawkes asked.

"How long you got?" Vansen began, and then started telling them about the flight from the Colonies and the links to Earth.

"And that brought us here." Commander Adama finished as he lead the two Naval officers into the CIC. "It looked like a good place to hide from the Cylons while we work out our next move."

"With all the interference out here they'd have to be right on top of you to find you." Reynolds said.

"Or have a leak onboard." Ross added. "Can you be sure that reporter didn't tip them off?"

"It's possible." Adama said. "In fact I'd bet on it, either she hid it in a broadcast signal or she'll just tell them when she downloads, in either case we need to move on soon."

"We're pretty close to some major Earth military forces." Ross stated. "By now Admiral Monroe knows about the fleet and your situation and he's sent a contact report back to Earth."

"The United Nations is probably debating the matter right now." Reynolds said. "It might take some time, until then I don't know what you can do."

Adama nodded. "We don't want to cross your border without permission, especially if we're pulling a fleet of Cylons with us."

"At this point I don't see it making a difference." Ross grimaced. "They know Earth exists nearby, I'd bet they're pulling together a strike fleet."

"Commander." Colonel Tigh huffed. "We've got a message for Captain Reynolds, text only relayed from his ship."

With a nod from the Admiral, Reynolds picked up the printed message. He read it over once then handed it to Ross.

"That's a surprise." Ross raised an eyebrow. "The Security Council made a decision usually takes days." He looked up to Adama. "The United Nations of Earth has offered Sanctuary to the Colonial refugees."

"Sanctuary." Adama repeated, forcibly trying to keep his hopes in check.

"You have permission to take your ships to Earth and once there you'll have the full protection of the United Nations and the right to settle on Earth if you want to take it." The Admiral smiled widely. "Thank heaven they made the right decision for once."

"Earth will do that for us? Even knowing what hunts us?"

"That's what our leaders have decided." Ross extended his hand. "I guess this means your part of the United Nations."

Adama took the hand again. "I don't know what to say."

"Well if it was me Commander I'd be breaking out a song right about now."

Adama couldn't help but smile, he'd been in the military a long time, he was a man usually in total control of his emotions but that was starting to slip. "May I address the crew?"

"By all means." Ross matched his grin.

Adama picked up a radio mike, the channel whistling on across the ship. Activity halted as the crew waited expectantly.

"Attention all hands, this is the Commander." He spoke formally. "As you are by now aware we have contacted representatives of Earth. I can inform you that the leaders of Earth have agreed to grant us sanctuary."

Even in the CIC the cheers could be heard echoing down the corridors.

"The long journey we have made is now almost over, from today once again we have a home. Stay sharp and stay diligent and we'll soon be able to see it, Commander out."

"Hot damn Bill," Tigh slapped his back. "About time we had some good news!"

"Absolutely, this happened very fast." He flicked through the radio frequencies. "I better inform the President, she's about to make an address to the Quorum, this will be vital for her speech."

"Captain." Ross turned to Reynolds. "I've got a new job for you. I'll accompany this fleet home with the Saratoga, but if we've got hostiles in the area searching for these guys we're going to need to deploy a scout to cover our backs, something that can slip in unnoticed and take care of itself if it gets into trouble."

"And that would be us sir." Reynolds guessed. "It's the job we were built for."

"Take the Reuben James and hold station at the edge of the anomaly." Ross ordered. "Maintain silent running unless you spot an enemy force heading our way."

"Yes sir."

"We are at war, so if you spot a target of opportunity, take it."

"With pleasure Admiral."

Ross smiled. "Finding these people is something big Captain, whole new perspective. And you made first contact. I think you might end up a little celebrity."

"Well technically sir Major Vansen made that initial contact."

"Then I guess you both better get ready for the press." Ross answered with amusement. "Rather you than me."

Reynolds laughed briefly. "Think these Cylons will try and stop us getting home?"

"They want this fleet dead." Ross said. "If they don't hit it in the next day or two it'll be inside our space and protected by our fleets. This is their last real chance, and you can bet they'll take it."

"I was afraid of that." Reynolds grunted. "I better get moving."

"Very well Captain, good hunting."

"To us all sir."

Port Flight pod

"Take a look at this," Chief Tyrol ducked his head under the wings of Major West's S/A-43. "The cannon."

"Nice." Cally followed his gaze. "Fully trainable."

"That's a nice trick; give these girls a nice field of fire, even with just one gun."

"Think we could put one of these on a Viper?"

"Maybe a Raptor." Tyrol guessed. "Vipers are pretty delicately balanced."

"Hey chief," he recognized Captain Lee Adama's voice. "We have some more visitors?"

The pilot wasn't alone, beside him Kara Thrace sauntered up to the Hammerhead, a rare cigar wedged in her teeth.

"Damn that is an ugly fighter." She craned her neck for a better look. "I like it."

"Why didn't anyone tell me we had more Earth people aboard?" Lee demanded.

"You were getting sleep sir; the Commander didn't want to disturb you." Chief Tyrol answered. "Did you hear the tannoy message?"

"About us finding a home on Earth?" Kara checked. "Yeah, well I believe it when I'm standing on the ground surrounded by admiring men."

Lee looked over to the pilots clustered around Shane Vansen laughing and joking, there was no doubt they were overjoyed but he couldn't help thinking an opportunity had slipped away.

"You liked her didn't ya?" Kara said beside him.

"No." He answered quickly. "Just an interesting person."

"You're a terrible liar Lee." Kara grinned.

He shot her an annoyed stare. "That's 'You're a terrible liar Captain' Lieutenant."

"Sir, yes sir." Kara mocked. "Come on, let's say hello. Got a translator?"

Lee held up a palm sized computer.

"Spiffy, let's go make some friends."

Vansen hadn't been this happy in a long time; she couldn't tell if she'd been talking for seconds or hours. After checking how her friends were her first question was about the Silver Knights. She was relieved they were all well and currently on patrol around the Saratoga as Admiral Ross spoke to Commander Adama.

She listened carefully as Hawkes went through the battle with the Cylons and the close call with the Saratoga, then the arrival of more Earth ships just a few hours away. She had learned enough about Cylons in her stay to know they were a very dangerous and unrelenting foe; it gave her some relief to know they weren't out here alone.

Afterwards she had told them about her time on Galactica and took frequent questions, mainly from Colonel McQueen about the fall of the Colonies and the running battle that had been waged ever since.

"And that's when we met Captain Reynolds." She concluded, and then noticed two people walking over. "This is the guy I was telling you about." She waved him over. "Captain Adama, he's my equivalent over here."

"Good to meet you Captain." McQueen shook his hand. "Heard a lot of good things."

Lee smiled awkwardly at Vansen. "Just doing my job." He said through the translator. "You know Lieutenant Thrace."

"Hi, call me Kara." She shook the hands of the 58th in turn. "I hear you guys are the best?"

"We've had some furballs in our time." West said proudly.

"You fly those things?" Kara thumbed at an S/A-43. "Nice load out."

"They're good all rounders." Mickey Goins replied. "Fighter and strike missions."

"So they're ready for anything?" she eyed Mickey. "Up to a challenge?"

"Anytime." He replied with a grin. "You know you're jets look pretty hot themselves."

"Well they handle well in the right hands." Kara winked. "Wanna climb on sometime and give it a ride?"

"Lieutenant Goins." McQueen glared. "Save it for the bar."

"Way to go Kara." Lee winced. "Can you sound anymore desperate?"

"Well it's been a while." She shrugged. She smiled back at the Marine pilot. "Anytime you want a spin, I'm ready."

"So I hear Cylons look like people?" Hawkes changed the subject.

"Some do yes." Lee answered. "Others are just robots, big armored ones."

"Take bullets in their stride." Kara added. "You need a lot of firepower to handle one; bad news is we left all our best stuff behind. Auto cannons, armored cars. Real pity."

"Shane was telling us about Silicates, how the same sort of thing happened to you on Earth." Lee said.

"The AI war." McQueen confirmed. "I did my time there."

"Least Silicates are easy to kill with the right gun." Goins said.

"So," Lee said. "You guy's want the tour?"

"I don't think we have the time." McQueen answered. "Maybe later, the Admiral will want to head back soon."

"Sure." Lee nodded. "Maybe we can take a look at your ship? See where you guys hang out?"

"I think you'd be welcome." Vansen smiled. "But from what I hear there's not much left of our ship."

"The Saratoga still has fight in her." McQueen said. "Takes more than that to kill her, or us."

"Heads up people," Brody spoke up quickly standing straighter. "The Old Man."

The squadron quickly stood to attention as Admiral Ross rapidly crossed the Galactica landing deck and stopped briefly beside the 58.

"Time to head back, Colonel, I want you to set up a patrol plan for our fighters covering this whole fleet. Commander Adama is doing the same thing here and when we get back you can coordinate with the Galactica CAG."

"That would be Captain Adama sir." Vansen pointed out the dark haired officer.

"Alright then." Ross nodded. "We'll be handling joint patrols now the UN has agreed to provide asylum for the Colonial survivors. Work out how our fighters compare and assign roles accordingly."

"Yes sir."

"Mount up 58, we haven't got all day about this." Ross ordered. "Major, care for a lift?"

"Thank you Admiral." She agreed, then turned to face her newest friends. "Thanks for bringing me in, I know it was a hell of a risk to take."

"It paid off." Lee said.

"Yeah, you guys made it to Earth."

"That wasn't what I meant." He admitted. "Hey, I'll be ready to look over your ship and steal your booze any time you're ready."

"We'll be glad to have you guys, show you a real party."

"I'm in!" Kara called.

"We'll drink to Earth, and friends we never knew we had." Lee smiled.

"I'll hold you to that." Vansen said with a smile, then turned to join the rest of her people as they prepared to leave Galactica.

"I'll be waiting." He said quietly and watched them go. Glancing down at his watch Lee realized he had another appointment he needed to keep. Moving off towards where Chief Tyrol was conducting final checks over an Earth S/A-43.

"Chief?"

"Sir." Tyrol turned from West's S/A-43.

"Is my Raptor ready?"

"Oh yeah." Tyrol replied almost dismissively "Raptor 147 is fueled up and ready to go."

Lee worked his jaw in slight discomfort but kept his peace and nodded.

"She's on Pad 2 sir." The Chief added catching the younger Adama's discomfort. "Would you like another Raptor prepped?"

Lee shook his head he really didn't have the time. "No I'll be fine, Thanks Chief." Lee left the chief's side with a pat on his shoulder and walked down the length of the bay towards Raptor 147. Just as he was about to board the Raptor a figure blocked his path.

"Captain Adama sir." Lee looked up into the startled eyes of Sharon Valerie. "When they said I was taking someone to Cloud 9 they didn't tell me who."

"Boomer." Lee said with a curt nod.

"Uhhm the Raptor's ready to go sir, I just finished preflight and was going to let the chief know I was ready." Lee nodded as Sharon stood aside allowing Adama to board the Raptor and assume the Co-pilots chair. Boomer took her station at the Pilots chair to the left of him closing the hatch and starting the Launch cycle. The Airlock/Maglock doors cycled closed as the Elevator brought the Raptor to the flight deck.

"Where's Helo?" Lee asked, noticing the lack of an ECO.

"Taking care of Hera. She loves spending time with her Daddy, besides this is just a milk run, no need for an ECO." Sharon said with a half smile before switching the transmit button on her wireless to active. "Galactica, Raptor 147 requesting permission to depart on scheduled run to Cloud 9."

"Acknowledged Raptor 147, standby." The two sat in silence as they waited for clearance each one taking furtive glances at the other. Glancing at her companion Sharon could see the younger Adama working his jaw muscles a clear sign to anyone who knew him of his discomfort.

"Raptor 147, Galactica, you are clear for launch."

"Roger Galactica launching now." Easing on the throttle Sharon brought the Raptor to life lifting it off the flight deck and out of the flight pod. Taking a look through the foreward window Lee could see the distant Saratoga and her escorts as well as the recently launched 58th and their ISS APC who had been given priority clearance. Once again Lee's mind drifted back to missed opportunities.

"ETA Cloud 9, 5 minutes."

"Roger." Lee replied automatically. Taking a glance at his guest he remembered another conversation he'd had previously and his resolve to lay to rest some inner demons before reaching Earth.

"She's a beautiful girl Sharon." Lee spoke up.

"I'm sorry?" Sharon said caught off guard with the change in subject.

"Your daughter Hera." Lee clarified.

"Thank you Sir I appreciate that." Sharon said in clear surprise.

"I've been thinking of something." Apollo said looking at Sharon. "What are you going to do once we make it to Earth?"

"I'm not sure." Sharon replied hesitantly. "Assuming we survive the next Cylon attack I don't if I'll be given the opportunity to make that choice."

"The next Cylon attack? What are you talking about?"

"Come on Apollo your not an idiot so please stop acting like one." Sharon scoffed "The fleets open broadcasts, the death of Dianna Biers who I have no doubt will tell the Cylons where we are once she's finished downloading, if she hasn't already. And what do you think that means for us?"

"Have you told the Commander yet?"

"Of course and he agreed with me."

"How do you feel about that?" Lee asked and immediately regretted his poor choice of words.

"What do you mean how do I feel about that!?" Sharon snapped clearly insulted. "They're coming to kill us, all of us."

"Not all of us." Apollo replied, and both of them knew exactly who he was referring too.

"Listen, I know you don't believe a word I say, but for once trust me when I say that's not a fate I want for her."

"And what do you want for her Sharon?"

"To have a life! Not be used like a pawn for someone else's purpose. She never would have had that kind of choice among my people."

Lee sat back in his seat as the form of Cloud 9 came into view; just as he was about to continue his line of questioning his companion beat him to it.

"Why the sudden interest? Why now?"

Apollo didn't speak at first simply staring out the forward window at the approaching form of Cloud 9. Just as it seemed Sharon wouldn't get her answer Apollo surprised her yet again.

"When we get to Earth, I'm not sure what good it'll do, but I'll do what I can for the three of you."

"What?" Sharon asked out of reflex again hearing words that invoked surprise.

"These past 2yrs have been hard on you Sharon I know that." Lee began "And I also know that we haven't been as good to you as we should have been, me in particular." Lee drew in a quick breath as he tried to find the right words. "You haven't really been able to see your daughter grow and I know that's been torture for you. You've had several opportunities to take her and flee but you didn't. You've done more than enough to earn our trust and all you've received in return is hostility and suspicion. Don't get me wrong none of us will ever forget what you are...but that's no excuse for us not accepting who you are; who you chose to be and how instrumental you've been to the survival of the fleet. And I wanted to say...I'm sorry."

Sharon smiled back at him "I've already forgiven you Apollo, a long time ago."

"Thank you. Still I meant what I said. I'll talk to my Father; see what we can do to keep the three of you together."

"Thank you." Sharon said genuinely before her face lit up. "You haven't heard have you?"

"Heard what?" Lee asked.

"Karl proposed, if we can; we hope to be the first couple married on Earth." Sharon said with a smile.

"You two deserve some happiness."

"There's one more thing." Sharon added quietly. "We haven't exactly told anyone yet so...I'd be nice to see some familiar faces at the ceremony"

"uhhmm...sure." Lee stuttered figuring he'd be the last person the couple would ask.

"If you like we'd be honored."

"Then I'll be there."

"Great, one obstacle down about a dozen to go." Sharon replied jokingly. Lee laughed slightly feeling better than he had in a while; it was as if a weight he hadn't known he'd been carrying had been lifted from his shoulder freeing him. The two talked for the next few moments before they landed on cloud 9 coming to terms with their past and taking the first delicate steps in forging a better future.

Cylon Occupided Aris

Admiral 'Smoking Guns' Monroe looked at the tactical board deployed in the Yorktown's CIC. A new addition to the Kennedy class SCVNs they certainly made things easier on the commander. Displayed on the TAC board he could see the 3rd Fleet moving in on Aris. The Carriers, Battleships, Destroyers, and other ships were in tight formation so their missiles, laser cannons, and CIWS rail guns would have overlapping fields of fire. Monroe wanted the protection, from what Ross had told him these Cylon's fighters would be a serious threat. Their ability to jump in close and conduct a sierra strike had taken a heavy toll on the Saratoga's group. Monroe wanted to make sure that any robo-fighter who tried that on his ships wouldn't live to get away with it.

"Sir, all squadrons ready to launch." The Yorktown's commander informed him. Monroe nodded and replied, "Launch 'em."

All along the port and starboard slabs of the Yorktown huge launch bay doors opened. Seconds later, electromagnetic catapults sent dozens of S/A-43 Hammerheads into space. The squadrons formed up and were joined by an equal number of squadrons from the Kennedy. Leading the way was the 14th Squadron off the Yorktown.

Captain John 'Spartan' Grey checked his LIDAR and made sure these Cylons didn't have any scouts operating far out from Aris. It looked clear, "All squadrons, this is Spartan, the sky is clear ahead so far. Precede according to plan, Kennedy planes we'll see ya on the other side." The Hammerhead squadrons from their sister carrier broke formations and headed off to their three o'clock.

With the air wings spilt Grey called home, "Yorktown this is the 14th were all set."

"14th Lead, you are a go." Confirmed the Yorktown's CIC responded.

"Roger, Fighting 14th let's get jeaked."

The lead squadron broke away from the rest of the Yorktown's air wing and accelerated ahead, while the other S/A-43s held back. John smiled as they came forward. Like most of the 14th Squadron he was a veteran of the war. They were all prepared for the coming combat, each dealt with their personal fears or quirks. Grey wasn't worried. He had survived the Chigs and wasn't going to buy it from some silicate wannabes fighters and ships. The air wings had a good plan, one perfected in the war. Besides, John thought, when has any of Smoking Guns's plan failed?

………….

The Cylon presence on Aris was impressive. Several facilities were established on the surface, and the human mining colony was occupied. An entire legion of Centurions provided ground security. Ten squadrons of Raiders were deployed planet side. More fighters would have been available however they had been destroyed along with half of the orbital force engaging the 13th Tribe's forces. Only two Base Stars remained. Any other Cylon forces were deployed hunting the elusive Galactica and the Colonial remnants. As the S/A-43s closed on Aris, a meeting was taking place.

"Its obvious the 13th Tribe's forces are more powerful than we anticipated. Perhaps we should await further reinforcements before proceeding." A Six argued.

A Cavil model laughed, "Oh enough with these baby steps. What we should do is gather our forces in this area from tracking Galactica and use them against Earth before they become too aware of us. Time works for them not us."

An Eight wasn't so sure, "They might not know about us yet. All they will know is that they have encountered unknown forces. Remember the 13th Tribe knows nothing about the Cylons."

"Or so you think. Either way we strike now before they strike us when our reinforcements arrive from Caprica." Cavil argued.

The argument was settled with a warning alarm.

……………

The Cylon's CAP forces covering the two orbiting Base Stars moved immediately against the inbound human fighters. Raiders powered up their guidance systems and prepared to lock onto targets. However the Hammerheads had impressive ECM. Thanks to data gained through the battle by the Saratoga the techs in 3rd Fleet had come up with some basic jamming frequencies to use on the enemy's sensors.

The Colonials didn't use jamming effectively as they could of and the Cylons were caught off guard by this. The few moments it took the Raiders to decide what to do cost many of them their lives. 2/3s of the Yorktown's air wing locked on their missiles and fired. Fast moving streaks left the Hammerheads and screamed down on the Raiders. The big missiles slammed into the many of the CAP fighters before they could maneuver. Plus the tight formation the Raiders were flying in caused some secondary kills through pieces of debris slamming into maneuvering ships.

Quickly recovering the Cylons locked their own missiles and fired at the attacking jets. John saw and heard the missile lock thanks to his LIDAR and radar receiver.

"Incoming, jink!" he yelled at his squadron.

The S/A-43s fired their RCS thrusters and dumped chaff to spoof the Raider's warheads. Some missed, some hit. John saw two Hammerheads disappear into balls of flame which ripped apart their fighters. Angry he ordered his squadron to move in. Both sides' fighters were now intermixed at gun range. It became slightly confusing as both sides were also using blue tracers. Raiders preformed tight high G turns on their axis while Hammerheads were able to score kills with their chin mounted rail guns.

'Spartan' had three Raiders on his nose. Selecting his gun, he sent a stream of blue tracer into the center fighter. The slugs from his cannon ripped the Raider to shreds and caused his buddies to split apart. John ordered his wingman to go for the fighter breaking to port; he had the guy to starboard. Brining his Hammerhead down into a spiral he caught sight of his target. Just as he was about to squeeze the trigger, the Raider flipped end over end brining its twin cannons to face him. Pulling hard on the stick and his thrusters, John brought the S/A-43 straight up and avoided the shells as the rushed beneath him.

"Buns! Get this guy off me!" John screamed into his mike.

Both Raider and Hammerhead engaged in a dance as one tried to avoid while the other tried to get the kill. The 14th Squadron's CO almost gave up hope when the Raider behind him exploded.

"Got you covered Spartan." Karen 'Buns' Hideko called. Her Hammerhead came up and took position on John's four o'clock.

"Thanks. New wave detected, bearing 295, looks like it's their reserves."

Nine squadrons of Raiders had risen from the planet to aid in the defense of Aris. The CAP Raiders were being beaten by the experienced pilots of the Yorktown's air wing. Even with the ability of the enemy pilots and planes, they would not last long outnumbered. The ground based Cylons were about to lock on when explosions ripped through their ranks.

Coming around from the dark side of Aris, the JFK's air wing arrived. The Cylons were devastated as they were caught from behind. Quickly they tried to shift forces to engage the new threat to their six. However they could not affect the battle in front of them as they did so. The remaining CAP Raiders were destroyed as the pilots of the Yorktown and Kennedy groups hunted them down.

………………………

Watching from a command station on Aris, the Six, Cavil, Eight, and a Simon were disappointed.

"We must recall our fighters and put them under the protective cover of our Baseships." Six demanded. Cavil was more aggressive, as usual, "No, we move the Base Stars in and use their SAMs to wipe these fighters from the sky."

Simon of course had a third opinion, "Neither solution is correct. Pull both our fighters and Basestars back. The Earth fighters will need to refuel and rearm. If we draw back our forces now we can conserve them and mount a better defense."

Eight cried out, "DRADIS contact. Multiple ships."

"The Galactica?" Cavil asked, thinking things were probably going to get worse and fast.

"No, the 13th Tribe."

………

USS New Jersey and HMS Wellington both slowed as their Eckerly drives dropped them from FTL to normal space travel. Less than 1,000 KM away were the two Cylon Basestars. Both battleships fired first. Twin kinetic shots from the heavy rail guns rang out from the New Jersey and both salvos slammed into the center mass of the second Base ship. Explosions rang out in a blast of fire and snapping supports. The British battlewagon fired off its 4 particle accelerator cannons. The bolts of energy ripped huge holes in the first Basestar, cooking off some of its ordnance causing severe damage almost crippling the strangely elegant ship.

Damaged the Cylon capital ships opened fired. Missiles streaked out from their remaining arms and center sections. The two Earth battleships were protected by their CIWS rail guns, and defensive fire from their escorting missile destroyers. Even with this fire however the Cylons still got their licks in. Three missiles ripped into the side of the Wellington with a huge explosion. Its armor was gutted but not breached. New Jersey took a hit to one of her four particle accelerator cannons knocking it out of action. Both the escorting destroyers also took hits, but were still operational and able to put a large amount of defensive fire out.

The two Battleships turned and presented full broadsides to the Cylons. Their laser pulse cannons swung in their turrets, made finite corrections and fired. Bolts of energy followed by missile trails from the Phalanx launchers as the Cylon and Earth ships exchanged fire attempting to destroy each other. The lead Basestar received almost the entire first attack from the New Jersey and Wellington. Its beautiful starfish like design erupted into dozens of fireballs and massive explosions. The hybrid aboard the dying Base Star just managed to fire off its missiles before the entire ship disintegrated.

One of the DDGs was the target of the hybrid's dying salvo. Its missiles and rail guns couldn't shoot down all the Cylon weapons. It broke apart and drifted away from the battleships.

The remaining Base ship knew it was time to cut its losses. As it pulled away from the battle it managed to launch all its Heavy Raiders. Most were loaded with survivors and Centurions to reinforce the troops on Aris. Remaining heavy Raiders were launched to try and ram the attacking Earth ships and possibly board them. It was a long shot, but hopefully would give the Basestar time to jump away.

The captain of the New Jersey saw this on his LIDAR and ordered the Brits to go after the enemy carrier before it could get away. As the Wellington pulled away, the New Jersey and its escorts opened fire on the Raiders. Computer controlled laser pulse cannons and rail guns ripped the enemy formation to shreds. The slow moving Heavy Raiders were only able to close within 20 kilometers of the battleship. A few which moved to try and catch the Wellington were destroyed by the Royal Navy ship's own defenses.

Quickly the second Basestar's hybrid prepared to make a blind jump. However its calculations were interrupted by the arrival of a dozen Phalanx II missiles into its ship. The Battleship followed this up with a number of laser shots and KW rounds from its heavy rail guns. Fireballs ripped through the Base ship's corridors and exterior. With so many of her systems damaged the hybrid couldn't initiate the jump. Inside the ship a Bier's model was screaming for the hybrid to respond when the entire command section was vaporized by a shell passing through it. The Wellington's bridge crew cheered as the Basestar fell from its orbital position towards the planet bellow, flaming and pieces falling off it as its orbit decayed.

As the British warship moved back towards its American companion, a new series of ships arrived. 3rd Fleet with its cargo and transport ships took position just off Aris. The two victorious Battleships joined up with the American and British squadrons. Every ship then turned its weapons toward the planet.

…………………

Inside the Cylon command center, the humanoid models debated what to do. They were silenced as they watched even more DRADIS contacts showing up above them. Cavil looked at the contacts and saw a formation of ships move away from the core of the Earth fleet. He recognized the approach, as did every other Cylon in the room. They had done the same thing over the Colonies.

"Orbital bombardment." The Eight said quietly.

"Yes, ironic isn't it. If there is a God he has a sense of humor." Cavil remarked.

Six was about to speak up when the entire complex shook with massive force. Cavil thought a nuke had just landed next to them. Six had the sense to pick herself up and access a camera that was viewing the outside.

A giant mushroom cloud encompassed the barracks and maintenance facilities for the Centurions. She was about to comment on it when another massive blast rocked them. This time however Six was able to see what caused it. Instead of a nuke or missile, a streak of light flew down from the sky and slammed into the Raider factory. It was vaporized and the ground around it kicked up a massive cloud of dust and debris.

"They are using pinpoint accuracy against us!" she screamed.

"Of course they are, they intend to land!" Eight yelled back.

"We need to get out of here, order all Centurions and other Cylons to fall back on the human facilities they won't attack it for fear of killing their own." Cavil explained and then proceeded to do by accessing the computer in front of him. Placing his palms in the liquid material he managed to give his order to the remaining Cylon forces before a KW round landed right on top of the Cylon Command Bunker.

………………………

Admiral Monroe watched with satisfaction as the battleships pounded the Cylons. Their little camp they had set up a few kilometers from the main settlements on Aris was history, reduced to rubble by the orbital attack. A few Cylon fighters managed to get up from the ground and tried to attack his fleet. They died quickly from a fresh force of S/A-43 Hammerheads. His two air wings were now rearming and preparing to cover the ground assault. Meanwhile the battleships shifted targets and now engaged the defenses they could spot from orbit. Monroe would have liked to bombard the settlement on Aris as well, he doubted anyone was alive down there, but he had orders to preserve the expensive colony.

"Sir, the Airborne boys are ready." An aid reported. Monroe nodded and went to the TAC board inside the CIC. A dozen new icons appeared. ISSAPCs were on the move, carrying the ready brigades of the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions. They were about to establish the human foothold on Aris.

Cloud 9

The door to the luxury suite opened showing a dimly lit but spacious room. Tom Zarek entered cautiously his eyes scanning for potential trouble as he moved further into the room waiting to meet his mysterious contact who claimed to have inside information he could use.

"Hello?" Zarek called out searching the seemingly empty room. As Zarek neared one of the adjoining bedrooms he heard a small shuffle behind him followed by a voice.

"Hello Tom." Zarek smiled knowingly as he turned coming face to face with his 'source.'

"Madam President, this is highly irregular." Zarek said as he faced Laura Roslyn.

"It is, but I felt it was necessary for us to speak privately."

"About what madam President? You're scheduled to speak before the quorum in an hour about your rather curious actions lately." Tom added with a sly smile.

Roslyn inhaled deeply, the next words forming in her mind almost making her physically ill. "Because I need your help Tom."

Zarek arched an eyebrow for a moment before he seemed to collect himself. He turned to the nearby couch and sat down turning the lamp on the nearby table as he did so.

"And what can I do for you?" Tom asked with a smile.

"I know that I have a lot to explain before the Quorum about my actions, I understand that." Roslyn began "But I'm also aware this is the opportunity that you've been waiting for."

Tom laughed slightly but didn't rise to the bait.

"So, knowing that; I'm appealing to your sense of patriotism, because what I'm asking is bigger than me or you and bigger than this office...the one you so covet."

"I'm listening." Zarek replied.

"I'm asking that we postpone the Quorum meeting until we reach Earth orbit." Roslyn began. "By then it will be safe for full disclosure to the fleet."

"Safe for who Madam President?" Zarek asked. "Your Political career? Once the fleet makes it to Earth orbit they won't care about your little conspiracy, all they'll want to do is lay down their burdens and settle on Earth. And once again the Government will have gotten away with yet another conspiracy against the people, I'm not going to let you get away with it the same way Adar and every president of the colonies before him did." Zarek paused as he rose coming within a few feet of Roslyn his normally passive features now contorted in anger over a subject he felt very passionate over. "You will be brought before the Quorum Madam President, that can't be changed." Zarek turned towards the door

"Tom did you ever stop to think of why we classified Star's medical records? Or Biers's death?"

Zarek went quite as he thought it over, of course he had thought it over and the conclusions he had come to led him inexplicably to where he was now. The fact that Roslyn was speaking to him in this manner only confirmed that suspicion.

"I'll see before the Quorum Madam President." Zarek turned again toward the door.

"Biers was a Cylon." A voice spoke from the darkness behind Zarek eliciting a started look from him as he thought they were alone in the room. Lee Adama stepped out of the shadows having observed the meeting wasn't going as planned he decided the full truth was now in order.

"What?" Zarek asked recovering from his initial surprise.

"She was a Cylon and she tried to kill our guest."

"It doesn't change a thing." Zarek said after a moment's consideration.

"Do you want to know why Shane's medical records were classified?"

"Captain don't!" President Roslyn insisted.

"Who?" Zarek asked.

"Her Name is Shane Vansen a Major in the Earth Military. When we rescued her Doc Cottle did the workup on her, he noted some genetic anomalies within her DNA. Specifically a genetic drift from the colonial baseline.

"Really?" Tom asked unconvinced that was all there was too it. "If you recall Captain there's also a genetic drift within us Sagittarians." he pointed out.

"Not like this." Lee pressed his point. "For the kind of pronounced genetic drift to occur within our guest would have taken a lot longer than three thousand years."

Now Zarek understood where the captain was taking this argument, though he was no expert on the scrolls Zarek knew the basics particularly the flight from the Colonies almost three thousand years ago. If what the Captain was saying were true...

"Yes Tom, that's right." Roslyn said as she caught the look of realization on Zarek's face.

"Now you see why we classified her records, and why we need to postpone this live quorum meeting." Lee added trying to hammer the point home.

Zarek smiled inwardly as he realized what Roslyn and the young captain were doing. They were appealing to his love for the fleet hoping it outweighed his lust for the presidency. And by the clear evidence that she was having as hard a time with this proposal as he was made him realize this wasn't her idea. Could this be Adama's handy work? Zarek wondered thoughtfully, He knew the man to be an able warship commander, but a shrewd politician? Zarek again found himself admiring the Galactica's master. It seemed the man had found yet another counter move to Zarek's play for power.

"This has to happen Tom." Roslyn persisted; snapping Zarek back to the present." You know exactly what will happen if we do this live in front of the entire fleet."

"Do you have any idea of what you're asking me to do?" Zarek asked with growing anger fully realizing the situation he was in.

"I do." She replied.

"You are effectively ending my political career!" he snapped.

"Perhaps, but we'd be saving the fleet from imploding." Lee added. "You're no expert on the Scrolls Zarek, but even you came to the same conclusions we did when you heard what we just told you." Lee spoke earnestly "How do you think the fleet is going to react when they hear this?"

Zarek shook his head angrily as his mind raced over what he'd been told.

"Tom we need an answer on this now, as the representative who initiated the recall vote only you have the power to end or delay it. I know this is hard for you-"

"-Do you!?" He half laughed half snapped. "This is a great way to get rid of the only true threat to your administration. If I go to Press and just announce for no specific reason the Quorum meeting is to be postponed... and we all know I can't give that reason. I'll loose my credibility as the only council member to stand up to you. I won't ever again be taken seriously by the people; who will see me as a joke! "

"Or maybe gain their admiration." Lee said thoughtfully. "When they learn you gave up your bid for the presidency for their sake."

Zarek laughed bitterly. "You really are naive my young friend." The room went quiet for a moment as Zarek weighed his options and struggled against his emotions. Realizing there wasn't anything more to say Zarek made his way for the door.

"Zarek." Lee called. He pulled a file off a nearby table and handed it to him."

"What's this?" Zarek asked.

"The truth, everything. It's all there." Lee replied. Zarek gave him a long look as he pocketed the file then turned to the hatch.

"Tom?" Roslyn inquired. Zarek opened the door and turned to her, his face unreadable.

"One way or the other madam President you'll have my answer in an hour." And before Roslyn or Lee could reply he shut the hatch behind him.

"Well that could have gone better." Roslyn replied dryly." Though I wish you wouldn't have given him the file."

"Do you think we were able to reach him?" Lee asked.

"By the Gods I hope so, but there's no telling with Tom Zarek, we'll just have to wait and see."

Cylon Occupied Aris

"Stand up!" cried the load master. 1SG. Harry Davidson was one of the first men in his stick of fourteen paratroopers. He got off the uncomfortable mesh seats inside the cargo hold of their ISSAPC. They looked less like soldiers than some massive figure of equipment and olive drab colors. Davidson was not too worried about this jump. He had been with the pathfinders on the jump into Aris the first time, then again for the 'Big One' on Anvil. If the Chigs had thrown their best at him and not managed to kill him, no 'Cylons' as the Capitan had called them was taking a piece out of First Sergeant Harry 'Screaming' Davidson. Besides, if he didn't get this war over quick, his wife would walk all twenty light years out here and kick his ass.

"Hook Up!" Davidson and the other troopers took their static lines and attached them to the main line running above their heads. Taking a look around him Harry could see the 'newbs' were nervous. Time for a little pep talk.

"Its okay boys and girls. Just like training, except this time the MILES gear is shooting live bullets. NOW SOUND OFF SHIT HEADS FOR EQUIMENT CHECK!"

The entrie line of airborne soldiers yelled off their numbers, "TEN OKAY, NINE OKAY, SIX OKAY, FIVE OKAY…" This went on till the lead trooper, Lt. Bond yelled, "One okay jump master!" All they needed now was the green light.

Suddenly the entire ship rocked from end to end. "What was that!" cried Private Lisa Kerrigan, one of the newbs.

"Nothing, probably flak." Harry replied. Lisa looked pale.

Then the green light went on.

"OKAY, GO, GO, GO!!!!"

Lt. Jeremy Bond was out the door first. First sergeant(1SG) Davidson went third. He threw himself out the door, and felt the air slap him in the face. Through his goggles he could see the ground rapidly approaching. 'Right about now….' The shock from his chute opening hit and he instinctively went for his reigns. During the shock he caught glimpses of what was occurring around him. Paratroopers were filling out of the craft as expected. Some blue tracers were flying skyward. An explosion! There, an ISSAPC falling to earth in flames. The sounds of supersonic jets, S/A-43s going to suppress a target, and just like that, Harry hit the ground.

He rolled over and kicked up some dust. After getting reoriented, Harry took a look around. The planet reminded him of Fort Franks in southern of Iraq, lots of sand and some vegetation. Troopers were assembling together and firing back. Suddenly a stream of rounds landed next to Harry's position on the ground.

"Ah, hell no!" he said. With that he raised his M-590 to blast a couple of big robots he could see down range.

…………………..

Number Five was known to the Colonials as Aaron Doral. He was not a tall man, nor a heavy one. He was someone who could blend into a crowd and disappear. Unlike the Sixes, Threes and Cavils he preferred not standing out. It had made his mission in the colonies so much easier. Now however he was standing out, as one of the last high ranking humanoids on Aris.

Five had assumed command of the defense of the Cylon landing forces. Cavil had left him with a real mess. Earth forces had destroyed their orbital support and the main bulk of the Cylon Fleet in the area was heading towards Galactica's suspected location. He had managed to get a quick request for help out but it would take time for it to reach the Resurrection Ship. Plus it would be a while before the first of the Humanoids started downloading. By that time he had calculated that the battle with the Colonials would be at its highest, hardly a fine time to take some of their strength away to save him.

It seemed the enemy had invaded with light infantry forces. Men deployed on parachutes. Five considered it a strange strategy. Why jump down on target when you could simply land drop ships on it? For whatever reason the 13th tribe did it, they were well entrenched. Centurions from the 2nd and 4th Battalions were counter attacking, but the enemy was growing in numbers. Five estimated there was at least a whole legion of enemy soldiers now on the ground.

"Send units One and Six here. Order them to engage the Earth troops with heavy mortars and machinegun-cannon. Then have Units Two and Five attack the humans." He ordered the Centurion. It nodded and proceeded to transmit its orders to those units.

……………

Harry fired a three round burst and watched as each of them struck the enemy 'Centurion' as they were called center mass. Each round was a DU or depleted uranium AP round. The Centurion staggered as each round hit it and it collapsed to the dirt. He singled for the two squads behind him to follow. The platoon moved forwards dodging pop-shots from some tin-men who just wouldn't die. Davidson and his squad hit the dirt in front of the Cylon defensive positions and pulled out Smart Grenades.

"One, two, and THREE!" he screamed. Harry and one fire team pulled the pins on the grenades and threw them. The five grenades floated over and picked out their targets some hunkering centurions and a skinjob. Three didn't even get out a warning to move as the smart munitions hit home. 1SG Davidson was over the edge of the trench as he heard the grenades go off. Now inside the trench he ordered his men to spread out. They began performing a sweep of the defensive position.

Once completed they got ready to move onto the next objective when a sound every veteran recognized came in, "INCOMING!"

Harry hit the dirt as the first of the damned things went off. An eruption of dust and fire shot from the impact site, covering the entire squad with sand. Davidson hated mortars. The Chigs had been in love with the damned things and used them in every single major engagement he had fought in. Now a new set of aliens had them, great. Carefully moving forward he headed over to Corporal Mitchell's position. The soldier was positioned near a view point in their trench.

"Where's that damned fire coming from Mitchell?" Harry demanded as plotted down in the ground.

"A bunker, right over there." Mitchell indicated with his hands. Another trio of mortar rounds hit, once more covering their position in dust and smoke. Harry carefully picked his head up and looked. A fortified bunker was 500 meters to their right. It had numerous Cylons inside. He could also see the barrage of explosives was falling on all the advancing Screaming Eagles of Charlie Company.

"LT, can we designate that damn bunker for an air strike?" Davidson called over the radio.

"Negative, the CAS is committed to the 82nd at the moment. Our mortars are up and blasting at a target in support of the 3rd Battalion. No artillery yet. The CO is sending 2nd platoon on a flanking attack to try and take them from the flank, we're on covering fire."

"Got it." Harry replied.

Less than three minutes later they got the order, "Covering fire!"

Harry and the other men of 1st and 3rd Platoons opened up with their M-590s, SAWs, and light machineguns. Rounds were slamming into the bunker area and its defensives. 2nd Platoon moved out firing, as well. Running to get inside the enemy's perimeter. Suddenly however the group was ripped apart by tracers from the bunker. Harry watched in horror as a chain gun came out from the bunker and opened up. Its super fast rounds decimated the attacking platoon.

The LT ordered some grenadiers to open fire and take it out. Soldiers rose up with their under-slung launchers and fired. The 40mm rounds exploded harmlessly against the bunker's tough hide and failed to damage the chain gun. Now the weapon turned on the grenadiers and killed two of them. Harry just managed to pull one his soldiers down before a hail of rounds ripped him apart. The mortars became more active too.

Dozens of the bombs were exploding all over, now finding targets. Wounded were now crying out over the radio and the shouts for, "MEDIC!" Harry tried to keep firing on the enemy but now in addition to the mortars and Vulcan cannon, an infantry assault was coming. Centurions, at least forty in number, rushed towards the paratroopers. Their arm mounted weapons were firing, sending a hail of bullets at the humans.

1SG. Davidson now started to worry. It was short lived however.

Suddenly the Centurions were ripped apart by blue tracers which hit with huge force. The enemy AIs were blown apart as the blue rounds found targets. Bigger explosions rang out now. As well as the sound of laser fire. Corporal Mitchell was still next to Harry and cried out, "What the hell is that!"

Davidson looked up and smiled, "That my friend is an ISSACG, the Cyclone. Giving a whole lot of FUBAR out right now!"

Hovering a thousand feet above the battle, two ISSACG Cyclone gunships were pouring, rail gun, Vulcan cannon, 105mm howitzer, and 250 MW laser cannon fire down on the Cylons. Developed because of the Chig War, the Cyclones could provide heavy firepower for Marines, Airborne forces on a hostile landing. Like the AC-130 Specters of the 20th Century these gunship now covered the 101st Airborne by raining fire.

Once the Cylon ground assault died from a hail of rail gun and Vulcan fire, the Cyclones turned their attention to the bunker. The chain gun the Cylons were using swung and tried to target the enemy gunships, but couldn't they were out of range. First the ISSACGs fired their 105s at the enemy bunker. However the Cylons had built the structure well. Like the old Nazi bunkers of old, it held up to the direct impact of heavy shells. So the ships switched to their laser cannons.

On the belly of the craft, the laser cannons swung out. Targeted via remote control, the gunners inside the Cyclones put their crosshairs on the bunker. Twin pulses of yellow light lanced out of the cannons ever few seconds. The blasts slammed into the bunker and pulverized it with energy. Harry counted; it took several shots before the bunker exploded in a hail of fire.

"OVER THE WALL BOYS!" The Lieutenant cried out. Feeling the initiative switching to their side, the Airborne troops got up and moved forwards. The remaining Centurions in the complex tried to fight back but were cut down by accurate fire from the Cyclones.

……………………..

"Complex 004 has fallen to Earth forces." A Six reported to Five. He sighed. Things were not going as plan. They had lost 30 of their ground forces. The humans had not suffered as much; causalities for them were predicted at 2 to 3 so far. However there was not much he could do to change it. Earth's soldiers appeared to be battle hardened veterans. They didn't make mistakes and Cylon combat doctrine was not enough to throw them off balance. For a moment he considered launching all his remaining Raiders to attack the human beachhead but dismissed it. Too many Earth fighters were airborne, and the capabilities of their hovering gunships ensured that his remaining Raider hiding spots would be destroyed as soon as they took off.

The only chance they had was to hold out inside the human mining colony. Five moved over to the central control station and placed his hands in it, "Have all Centurions not in direct combat actions fall back, continue to fortify the colony. They will have to dig us out."

…………….

As the ready brigades of the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions continued to expand their beachhead, the ROLCs came down. The Roll on Roll off Landing Craft was designed to quickly transport heavy combat brigades to the surface of planets. These ships saw action in the last few months of the Chig War and were built as a response to the far slower HLVs which could only deploy a battalion at a time. Now armor could be in action against an enemy in a little under an hour.

The huge ship had powerful engines to allow it to enter and leave a planet's gravity. These covered the entire landing area in a huge dust storm as the ship settled down. A few minutes after touchdown ramps located at the bow, port, and starboard sides of the vessel deployed. Again only a few minutes after the ramps were down, the first M6A1 Jackson main battle tank rolled off the ramp and onto the dirt.

Flying from its radio antennas was the guideons of the 7th Armored Cavalry Regiment. As the ROLC did its work, the Airborne boys finished up theirs.

1st of the 517th PIR had secured the terrain to the west of the beachhead, the 2nd of the 516th had taken the north and occupied the Cylon bunkers and trenches that hadn't been destroyed by orbital fire or air strikes. The east was held by 3/506th and secure. Covering the south the 82nd Airborne had met little opposition till it ran into an entire battalion of Centurions and skin-jobs. Unlike the battles held by the 101st which was in relatively high vegetation this was in open terrain.

Paratroopers ran for the best spots in the sandy areas and behind rocks. Long range rifle duels and close in shootouts dominated the battlefield. Air support called in by 3/502nd had managed to save a company of paratroopers from being overrun. The captain commanding the besieged unit watched with awe as S/A-43s swept over their position and covered the advancing Cylons with anti-armor cluster bombs. He then led a counterattack which routed the remaining Centurions and captured two humanoids.

……………………….

Five was staring at the battlemap trying to get a sense of what he should do next. Enemy units had formed a tight circle, and held this position. Most of his Centurions near them had pulled back on his order and were regrouping. The majority of his force were fortifying the city. Makeshift bunkers, trenches, and fighting positions in buildings, they would chew up any infantry assault.

Six came over with something in hand. Unlike most of her counterparts, she had firery red hair instead of the usual blonde, "There's something you should see."

"What?" he asked quite annoyed. He didn't have time for diversions.

She returned his comment with a frown and then brought up and image in the display of the liquid table. Five looked at it, and frowned, "What is that?"

"I don't know."

Displayed was a blocky vehicle with a long barreled gun in a boxy turret on top of a set of treads.

…………………………

Second Lieutenant Nathan Randleman smiled as the dust hit his face. This is what it's all about, he thought, nothing like charging across the field in a sixty ton tank and not even god himself can stop you, god I love this job. Lt. Randleman was sitting in the commander copula of his M6A1 Jackson, the best main battle tank the US had ever built. Armed with 140mm thermoelectric cannon, a 7.62mm coax MG, turret mounted mini-gun and grenade launcher, and advance digital communications. Four of these tanks were now moving in a wedge towards a pocket of Cylon resistance holding up the 2/508th of the 82nd Airborne.

"Contact, troops!" called his gunner. Randleman dropped into his turret and checked his screen showing what his gunner was seeing. Specialist Kelly Brown had her crosshairs right on a group of Centurions.

"Identified and ready to light them up!" she told him.

"Fire." Randleman ordered.

Squeezing her Cadillacs (nickname for the triggers) Kelly sent a stream of red tracer rounds at the robots. Sparks flew off the Centurions as they took a barrage of rounds. Brown was pissed that she was wasting this much ammo to take them down. Finally though, the last Centurion fell down peppered with bullet holes.

"Good shooting, target." Randleman replied singling she had waxed all the enemies.

"Next time let's use a HEAT round or THERMO, LT."

"Sounds good gunner. Driver left half speed." Randleman ordered.

His tank and the other three Jackson's turned and headed to another pocket of resistance. While the 7th ACR got itself all put back together, two Cavalry troops had been sent to the 82nd and 101st to help clear out pockets of resistance near the frontline. It looked like the Cylons were falling back, but left some troops to run harassment. Admiral Monroe wanted to not give the aliens too much time to regroup, so the ground forces needed to get moving quickly. Those harassment troops needed to be dealt with and quickly, what better way to do that than with tanks.

……………………….

"These vehicles are not being stopped by our conventional tactics. We need to rethink our defense plan." Six argued with Five.

The tanks had taken the Cylons by surprise. Sure they knew about orbital combat, ground infantry fighting, and even tactical nuclear warfare. Armored warfare however was something the Colonials never truly developed. Since their creators didn't develop it, neither did the Cylons. Centurions were designed to deal with body armored equipped Colonial Marines, not MBTs or IFVs. Now the enemy armor was ripping through their lines like a scythe through a field of wheat.

"And just how do we rethink? Our forces are down to 50, if we don't fight their vehicles, they will reach the center of the colony with no opposition at all!" Five argued back.

She sighed and stared him down, "At least withdraw ten percent of our Centurions and field leaders. That way we can mount a guerrilla resistance against the humans till help arrives."

"Oh, and we should bring ourselves down to the level of the Colonials?" Five had a bitter hatred of the occupation of Caprica. The one thing he hated more than the War Heroes philosophy of co-existence was the human resistance still running amok. Never did they challenge the Cylons in a stand up fight, no they used improvised explosives, suicide bombers and hit and run tactics. At least every time the Cylons had fought Galactica or the surviving BSG 77 it had been in a military action against professionals. No, Five was not going to give that up.

"Your suggestion is noted and rejected, now have our remaining Heavy Raiders attack here. Perhaps mass fire from their guns can stop these vehicles." Five ordered.

Six frowned. She initiated Five's orders, but also sent a quick text to another Six out in the field.

…………………..

The 7th ACR's vets had a saying, 'From Little Big Horn to Hill 84 on Anvil, if there's been a massacre we've been in it'. However Lt. Randleman didn't feel like that at all. Right now the Cylons were the ones being massacred. He couldn't believe how stupid they were acting. The AIs or Chigs had never been this bad. Centurions would pop up or out of bunkers and engage their tanks and IFVs with their hand mounted guns. Although they went for tank commanders and loaders exposed up top, they never lived long enough to do it. Seconds after appearing they were cut down by a burst of coax or chain-gun fire.

Brigadier General Emerson commander of the 7th ACR had decided to take the city with a Thunder Run. A tradition going back to Vietnam, the thunder run had started out as a way to help secure the supply lines between firebases. At night armored thrusts of tanks and APCs would go down the road, drawing fire and firing back at their attackers. Another condition was the tanks did not slow down for this; they plowed on at the best possible speed during the run. Basically it was recon by fire. In the early 21st Century a thunder run had been used to probe Baghdad's defenses, then the next day to take the city. U.S. tankers blew threw the heavy defenses and parked two battalions of tanks on Saddam's palace in downtown Baghdad, all the while just a few blocks down the street, the Iraqi information minister was claiming that the Americans were being slaughtered at the gates of the city. When asked about his comments one of the tank battalion commanders asked if the minister could validate parking for eighty tanks.

Emerson was betting he could do the same to the Cylons. His three Cavalry Squadrons would move down the large three lane roads that led into the colony. Then they would seize three key objectives, the Earth airfield (Objective Lisa), Mining Complex (Objective Homer), and the Cylon's suspected HQ (Objective Flanders). The Airborne troops were also following right behind to secure the rear and defend the objectives. Each of the regiment's squadrons would take an objective, all attacking at the same time. This combined with Airborne troops reinforcing immediately right after was designed to collapse the enemy's ability to resist.

Right now the unit tasked to take Objective Lisa, 1st Squadron was inside the city. Preceding their attacking column the Cavalry artillery battalion fired preplanned targets ahead of the thunder run column. Cylons in their fortified houses, quickly made bunkers, and silt trenches were bombarded with VT artillery rounds sending shrapnel flying down on them killing humanoids, anti-armor bomblettes, and conventional shells to blast apart fortified houses. Hammerheads flew CAP and a few struck targets called in by CAS controllers. ISSACGs also were tasked to hit Cylon forces approaching the battle zone.

Lt. Randleman's tank was part of the lead company, the Death Dealers. His commander Dealer Six called, "Red One, Dealer Six."

"Dealer Six, Red One, read you."

"Inbound transports, your platoon take the shots, at your eleven o'clock heading to nine." The captain reported.

Randleman could see this on his IVDS screen. A 'BluFor' tracker as the tankers called it. It let him know where every other vehicle in the company, battalion, or if he wanted regiment was. It also displayed how much of the enemy you wanted to see. To keep confusion down, platoon leaders often only took the feed from their own unit or company. Company commanders tended to have the 'big picture'. Now Randleman could see the plotted enemy red icons coming around his left flank.

"Identified, transport, gunner load MPAT." He ordered and with his control stick swung the turret onto the incoming threat. While his gunner picked up the targets, he sent an engagement order viva IVDS to his other three tanks.

Brown picked up the Heavy Raiders in her sight with its TIS, "Identified!"

Their loader slammed an MPAT round in then armed the main gun and called, "UP"

Randleman gave a quick fire plan to his other tanks, and then he checked his own, "FIRE!"

The four Jackson's fired their 140mm main guns and sent their MPAT rounds flying. Randleman was able to track their flight via the long red tracers the round made. Each of his tanks had fired the MPAT rounds in their air engagement settings. This would cause the round to explode when it was close to the target peppering it with shrapnel. The four rounds exploded right next to the advancing Heavy Raiders. Shrapnel ripped through each vehicle and severed flight controls, killed the brain each one possessed, or caught a tylium fuel line. Exploding or falling to the ground smoking, the Raiders fell. Three remained.

The loader had already replaced the round fired and rearmed the main gun. Kelly had also fired her second shot just as the first Raider crashed into the Earth. The second round was a dead on hit which blasted away the front head and machine guns of the Heavy Raider. Two other tanks of the platoon fired, but one missed. A slight change in elevation had allowed the Raider to survive. It turned and fired all of its forward guns at the tank platoon.

Sparks flew off the tanks as the rounds hit home. None penetrated but they could damage the optics or commander and loader copula mounted weapons. Randleman yelled for Kelly to engage the Raider but she didn't get the chance. A stream of blue tracer lanced out from above and shredded the Raider apart. An S/A-43 flew over the column and did a victory loop. Sticking his head back up Randleman swore, "Ah thanks for nothing you fucking asshole! Where were you when they first showed up?"

Even as this entire engagement happened the thunder run continued forward, machineguns and cannons blasting away at the Cylon positions.

………………..

Known to the Colonials as D'Anna Biers, her Cylon number was Three. Unlike her famous counterpart she did not have such an exiting role during the war thus far. This Three mainly dealt with supporting the growing reach of the Cylon Fleet. She had come down to Aris to help set up their presence on the human world. Now she was in charge of a section of Centurions and a hastily created battleplan.

At the intersection, she was deployed along with five other Centurion sections (Squad to platoon size units). This was one of the last intersections between the advancing Thirteenth Tribe's forces and their airport. In attempt to stop them, all heavy weapons had been deployed here. Vulcan guns, mortars, auto-cannons, and even some ground attack missiles stripped from a downed Raider. Three was in command of one of these units.

She didn't know how well this idea would work. The missiles were sitting on a revolver like launch rack designed to fire SAMs. Plus they were also built to fly down and strike a target, not go right at it in a straight line. A final worry, each missile had to be armed and set in its launcher. Two units were sitting across from each other on the road one on the left, the other on the right. The idea was to knock out the lead human vehicles called 'tanks' and block the road. Three wasn't so sure how well this plan would work, but it was better than nothing.

"Enemy to the front!" was called over the wireless. Suddenly all the supporting weapons opened fired. Centurions rose and fired; humanoids manned the crew serviced weapons to free up Centurions and fired; Cylons even fought from windows in houses and buildings. Three could not see what they were shooting at but heard it. Heavy blast of cannon roared over the weapons fire. Squeaks of their tracked vehicles, heavy machinegun fire and cannon, smaller more rapid fire signaled the humans' approach.

"Prepare the weapon!" she ordered the Centurions. They manned the launcher and Three grabbed a weapon and moved down the trench. As she took position, the first enemy vehicle moved into view. It was huge and mounted a massive cannon. Red tracers streaked from a machine gun next to the big gun. Fire also came from two humans in its turret. One had a gun similar to Vulcans the Cylons were using. The other had an automatic grenade launcher. Three saw these tear through a line of Centurions blasting them apart as if a fire team of Colonial Marines had used explosive rounds on them.

Three more tanks followed the first. They traveled in a staggered column, covering each other's flanks. Three watched in horror as they cut down the other Cylons. An Eight was on top of a roof with some Centurions, firing a grenade launcher when she and the robotic soldiers with her disappeared in a blast of fire and smoke. Three could feel the blast wave from the 13th Tribe's armored beast as it washed over her. The other tanks fired shortly after and destroyed other Cylon positions.

"FIRE!" she screamed at the Centurions over the roar of combat. It was then that she noticed none of the Centurions manning the missile launcher were functioning. Three crawled over to the weapon and manned it. She risked being injured by the exhaust from the missile, but she no longer cared. All that filled her was a desire to destroy the armored weapon that was slaughtering her race. Quickly pointing the missile at the nearest tank, she fired.

Hot exhaust from the rocket badly burned her arm and right side. Falling she screamed in pain but watched as the rocket flew at the tank….and exploded in a cloud of fire and smoke. Three screamed with victory, she had done it, it was dead it was….

The tank emerged from the smoke, uninjured it turned its gun on her and fired.

Kelly watched as the Cylon ATGM or whatever it was disappeared in a hail of fire and smoke. That had really scared the shit out of the gunner. The missile had slammed into the ground only a few feet in front of their tank. Now the position was silenced and she got back to killing the enemy with her gun. Randleman was a little shaken too and decided orders be damned, "Red, Red One, light up everything, lay waste to any heavy resistance I don't care if their in buildings or not, waste them!"

The company began moving forwards and blasted away at buildings and enemy bunkers without any regard for 'protecting property'. A group of Centurions ran at the approaching tanks. A humanoid had gotten the idea to use them as walking bombs. Each Cylon carried a heavy shell to hit the enemy vehicles with. However the volume of fire from the 1st Squadron was so intense that they died before even closing to 100 meters. 30mm rounds from the closely following McMaster IFVs took down the Centurions in a hail of explosive rounds.

Red Platoon had pushed past through the surrounding residential area and now entered the airport itself. Randleman ordered the platoon to spread out some more now that they weren't confined to the road. He also ordered an echelon left formation, denying the enemy their right flank. Blue platoon did the same but on Red's right, both platoons making a huge arrow with the other platoon to the rear.

"Contact PCs front!" Kelly yelled.

Randleman whipped his CITV around; three armored cars were approaching them. Each mounted an auto cannon or minigun as a main weapon.

"Identified!" Kelly called.

"HEAT UP!" the loader informed them.

"Fire!"

Their main cannon shot out a high explosive round. The HEAT round slammed into the armored car's front. It wouldn't have survived a Colonial RPG let alone a tank round. It exploded and flipped over end over end. Fire from one of Red's tanks and another from Blue ended the enemy's charge.

"Red One, Dealer Six, secure the hangers on the left side of the airfield. Then set up a defensive position."

"Roger that." Randleman replied.

The four tanks of Red Platoon headed to the left as the company moved to their objectives. Three Cavalry Troops followed them and went to work securing other areas of the airfield.

……………………..

Five couldn't believe it, his forces had collapsed. The mining complex, airfield, and his command center were all being assaulted. He had less than five percent of his forces left. They were scattered through the city and he had lost contact with almost all his humanoid counterparts in the field. Six stood next to him, although she was kind enough to keep an 'I told you so' look off her face.

"We must order our remaining units to go to ground." She said calmly.

"Yes." He replied without much thought.

"I also suggest we try to link up with our forces outside and escape." Six's words were supported by the entire complex shaking from an impact. Their bunker was set up in a fortified warehouse's basement. It wouldn't last long.

"Yes…Six go and run the effort."

She was surprised, "But…"

"You are our only chance now…I will defend this facility and prevent the 13th Tribes forces from capturing any of our information." Five ordered.

She tried to argue with him. Although he would die and be downloaded, the loss of the valuable resources on Aris would see him severely punished, he could even possibly be boxed.

"Go Adriana." He said using her 'human' name.

Six nodded and left.

…………………

1SG. Davidson took shelter behind a wall of an office in the warehouse. Fighting was intense as they moved in on the building selected as the Cylon CP. Tanks and McMaster's from the 2nd Squadron had secured the area, but they couldn't clear out buildings, only smash them. So his unit had been inserted viva ISSAPC to help clear the area. They had taken down five different structures. Charging buildings by throwing in a flashbang or grenade while the heavy AFVs laid down covering fire; then only to find out the Centurions weren't affected by the flashbangs, so they switched to grenades.

He signaled his lead man to toss two grenades into the room they were about to enter than wait for the explosion to enter. His point man nodded and pulled the pins on a pair of smart grenades. Counting to two, he then tossed them through the slightly open door. Pair explosions rang out shortly after that, then they went in.

The point man busted through and fired his weapon but was cut down by two surviving Centurions. A blast from the second man in line however cut down both Centurions. He was the third man in and fired his weapon at a skin-job that rose up. The short haired man fell as he was hit. Moving into the room quickly the squad kept firing their weapons at some holdouts. Three more Centurions appeared and managed to wound two more of Davidson's boys. However they all died to do it. Then just as soon as it began it was over.

Breathing heavily, Davidson saw they had taken the room. It also looked like they had won the battle. All around him he could see screens and other equipment he didn't recognize. It defiantly looked like a command center of sort.

"Top, we got one alive!"

Davidson moved over to his boys, they had their M-590s pointed down at someone on the ground. The sergeant recognized the man; it was the one he had shot. His rounds had struck the brown haired man in the arm and shoulder. There was a lot of blood but if they got a medic fast enough he might live.

"Private Hall, get a medic and the MPs. You two, watch him like a hawk." Sgt. Davidson said. He knew this was no ordinary man; he was one of the skin-job Cylons. He had killed at least six different versions of this man. Bending down he looked at the guy, AI, whatever in the eye.

"I'm first sergeant. Davidson, 82nd Airborne, U.S. Army and you are the first POW of a new war. Congratulations."

…………………………

Lt. Randleman took a long swig of his canteen. Night was settling on Aris. His platoon was still holding the hangers on the airfield. Basically they were waiting for new orders. The armored assault into Aris had worked like a charm. No one thought it would have worked that well, but since the Cylons had been so happy to throw their forces into the 7th ACR's meat grinder…well it sucked to be them.

Holdouts were still around, humanoid robots and their metal soldiers. They were trying to mount a guerrilla campaign. Randleman didn't believe they had much of a chance. A detachment of Marines had arrived from the fleet above and they were helping the Airborne boys clear out the buildings and houses of the colony. Unlike a major city on Earth there were few places to hide on the medium size colony. A few hours earlier a group had tried to attack his tanks. They came straight at them and were easily taken down by their coax and miniguns.

'Nope' Lt. Randleman thought, 'these guys aren't AIs, they aren't taking away this planet from us.' He pulled out a small notebook from his pocket. It was covered with dirt grease and oil. Flipping it open, one could see a lot of marks and two columns. One said Earth, the other Chigs. Both had a bunch of talleys underneath. It was Randleman's way of tracking the war. His pervious page showed the humans having slightly more ticks than the Chigs. The new page he wrote Earth and Cylons, and then he added Earth's first victory underneath.

Cloud 9

"Mr. Zarek, sir?" and aid called out. "The other members of the Quorum are gathering, its time sir."

"Let's go." Zarek said as he rose from his desk, the one with the file he had been intently reading. Outwardly Zarek's demeanor was as calm and confident as it had always been, but internally Zarek was troubled. Alone the thought of some insignificant genetic drift from the colonial baseline seemed inconsequential enough to be dismissed as nothing but a matter of curiosity. To learn that such an event would have taken a minimal 5000 yrs of exposure to Earths unique conditions on the other hand made it a different matter.

Ultimately it didn't matter to Zarek, Their guest was human and she was from Earth and their people had been kind enough to shield the colonial refugees from the Cylons that was all that really mattered.

But to the fleet; what he perceived as inconsequential they might perceive differently. The scrolls were clear on the matter of the flight from Kobol and seeding of the 12 colonies and the loss of the thirteenth. The scrolls were also clear on how long ago this had all happened. If one key fact could be called into question by this seemingly trivial detail then what other details could be called into question? How much was truth and how much was...less than accurate? According to the report he'd been given Ms. Vansen had never even heard of the Colonials prior to her rescue on Galactica, there was no mention of the Colonies or Kobol anywhere within Earths nearly five thousand years of recorded history. Which was another disturbing fact which called into question the authenticity of the scrolls.

Which meant either there was a conspiracy of massive proportions on Earth to hide their heritage from the people, something Zarek found as unlikely, or Earths accounting of events thousands of years ago didn't match with the Colonial's interpretation.

Lately there had been a huge revival of faith within the remnant as the perilous journey wore on. Their ships were breaking down; their food and fuel reserves dwindling and the Cylons seemed to arrive no matter how hard they tried to remind them of their power.

It all seemed to be a never ending chase by their relentless foe. Zarek could understand the reasons why such a revival of faith would gain such strength within the fleet...it was the only thing they had the Cylons couldn't take away.

Walking the corridors to the Quorum chambers Zarek shared smiles and handshakes with his supporters who cheered him on and voiced their support. On any other occasion Zarek would bask in the glow of support, but today it troubled him as his mind once again raced at the implications of what he was about to do.

They entered the Theater style room that represented the heart of the Colonial government and as Zarek noted the other members of the Quorum were present along with their aids. As Zarek studied the room and its occupants he noted the press were just coming in and taking their seats while yet more spectators who wanted front row seats to this grand event were also filling in.

"There you are Tom." Sarah Porter began as she spotted him "We were wondering if you were ever going to show." She said with a slight edge to her voice causing the rest of the Quorum members to look.

"I was detained for a moment." Zarek replied.

"Speaking with your source from Galactica?" Marshall Baggot asked with a raised eyebrow."

"As a matter of fact yes." Zarek answered

"Something you care to share with us?" Sarah Porter asked.

Tom took a slight glance at the media still filling to the theater style room before turning back to the Quorum members. Just as Zarek was about to answer them he came up short. Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath he exhaled in a sigh while bringing his attention back to the expectant members of the Quorum.

"Actually quite a bit." Zarek took one more glance at the press who were still oblivious to the impromptu meeting. "But not here. We need to talk privately."

Laura Roslyn paced nervously in a nearby room awaiting her official summons from the Quorum. She was frustrated and angry at the situation, the thought that one mans lust for power could destroy their people on the eve of salvation filled her with a fury she'd never known before...and was zapping strength that could have been better spent fighting her renewed cancer.

"Five minutes." Billy said looking at his watch.

"hmmm?" Roslyn inquired.

"I was just thinking out loud madam President. We were supposed to be summoned 5 minutes ago. That's a good sign right?"

"Don't count on it Billy. The fact that we're still here gives us our answer, he's going to go through with this." Roslyn noted ominously, resigned to the fact she now had a fight on her hands.

"I still don't see how he can still do this knowing what he knows." Billy added darkly. "Guess Commander Adama was wrong about Zarek."

"So it seems." Roslyn agreed." Men such as Zarek rarely think of the consequences of their actions, they only see one thing; the fulfillment of their ambitions. In this case it might come at the cost of the fleet."

"But won't the news of sanctuary on Earth help?"

"For many yes, to others..." Roslyn trailed off with a thoughtful expression "I don't know. Some may not feel that way when the facts come out. The genetic drift alone is enough to call into question the events of the scrolls, but to learn that Earth has no mention of us or even Kobol could be too much. I mean we all thought that Earth was at least aware of us and shared our faith and our history. Now to learn we'd be living with perfect strangers who don't share our beliefs...I honestly don't know how the people will react.

"It's better than a life of constantly being on the run." Billy replied "I don't see how settling on Earth could be worse than that."

Just as Roslyn was about to answer the hatch opened revealing a striking woman.

"Madam President?"

"Yes?" Roslyn replied.

"The Quorum is assembled and ready for you."

"Thank you Torri." Looking to Billy. "Well here we go." Billy rose from his seat and followed the President who in turn followed Torri to the Quorum Chamber. The doors opened allowing Roslyn and Billy to walk to the set up podium, a low murmur from the onlookers and the press could be heard as they took their places.

"Madam President." Tom Zarek spoke up formally bringing the session to order. "Thank you for appearing before the Quorum today."

"Thank you representative Zarek." Roslyn echoed Zarek's formality. "It's good to be here."

"I'm sure it is." Zarek replied flatly. "We have much to discuss."

"Yes we do." Roslyn agreed "However I would like to make a statement before we begin."

Zarek was quiet for a moment before he nodded his accent.

"I've just been informed by Commander Adama that Earth's leadership has reviewed our case and is sympathetic to us. They have agreed to grant us Sanctuary on Earth."

Cheering broke out from the crowd and people rose clapping enthusiastically or hugging one another. Within the fleet that had been monitoring the whole event live via the press; jubilation and celebration once again broke out. One of the many questions that had caused such growing apprehension within the fleet was the question of whether Earth would shield the remnant from the Cylons. There had been speculation back and forth for days on the 'Colonial Gang's' broadcasts about whether Earth would take in the Colonial remnant; their conclusions based on a few 'expert opinions' hadn't been very inspiring.

But now, to know they had been embraced with open arms by a people who were practically strangers was enough to elicit strong emotions.

It took more than a few minutes for things to settle down within the Quorums chamber mainly due to the fact that several Quorum members themselves were also congratulating one another.

Zarek remain quiet; locking eyes with Roslyn and nodding sagely, it was a brilliant opening move using her trump card so soon, but as Zarek reflected with a smile it was unnecessary.

"With that in mind." Zarek's voice boomed through the speakers. "There is still a matter of the utmost urgency we still need to discuss."

The room grew quiet again as everyone settled down and retook their seats as if anticipating a fight.

"Yes there is." Roslyn responded sounding almost defiant to Zarek's ears.

"Madam President, suffice to say that while we are all over-joyed at the fact our brothers and sisters from Earth have granted us sanctuary your actions of the past few days has been highly unusual. You failed to inform the Quorum of the rescue of the Earth Pilot Shane Vansen, your classification of her medical data as well as the Cylon detector test have also raised a few eyebrows. The sudden and unexplained death of Diana Biers aboard Galactica also warrants our full attention."

Zarek took a breath before he plunged in; this was the moment of truth where he decided what kind of man he really was.

"However those matters pale in comparison to an issue that has come to my attention...That of the impending Cylon attack."

Roslyn blinked, uncertain she had heard him correctly. The many spectators as well as the press looked to each other in confusion as a low murmur could be heard radiating through the spectacle.

"What I'm saying." Zarek Clarified. "Is that the issues of the conspiracy surrounding the Earth pilot be put on hold until such a time the fleet is safely parked in Earth orbit. I also would like to call for a quick recess and to reconvene within a half hour in a closed session of the Quorum to discuss the impending Cylon attack. I would now like to put the matter before the Quorum."

An uproar went up from a small corner of the chamber who Roslyn recognized as a group of Zarek's supporters. Turning her attention back to the members of the Quorum she noted in delight they all signaled their agreement.

"Then unless there are any objections from the President?" Roslyn shook her head indicating she had none. "I call this session closed."

A low murmur permeated the air as the many spectators and the press began to file out of the chamber with a sense of bafflement, within the center of it all Roslyn stood immobile breathing a small prayer of thanks.

"Guess Commander Adama was right about the man after all." Billy said in shocked relief. Roslyn didn't answer at first but looked straight ahead into the eyes of a man who had nobly committed political suicide for the good of the fleet.

"He sure played that one to the last minute." Billy said. Watching Zarek rise and file out with the rest of the Quorum.

"Maybe, But I doubt we'll ever know for sure." Roslyn said a little out of breath.

"Are you ok madam President?" Billy asked in concern.

"I'm fine Billy." Roslyn lied. "We have other things we need to focus on."

"Yes Madam President." Billy paused slightly.

"What's wrong Billy?" Roslyn asked. She had only known the young man for 2 years but in that time he had become like the son she never had and she could tell instantly when something was troubling him.

"Zarek said the next Cylon attack. What do you suppose he meant by that?"

"Commander Adama believes we've served our purpose to the Cylons, Now that they know where Earth is they'll send a fleet to finish us and then move on to Earth."

Billy nodded in acceptance; realistically he had figured something like this might be the case.

"I'll go prepare for the next session." he stated. Roslyn nodded as Billy left her side, she knew the immediate political crisis had passed and the only thing now standing in the Colonials path to salvation was a Cylon fleet somewhere out there.