Disclaimer: I do not own Stargate or Battlestar Galactica: 2003.
Another Road not Taken
Chapter3: Into the Fire
January 9th 2006
Uncharted Territory
Deep Space
Battlestar Galactica
CIC
The command and control center of the forty-year old Columbia-class Battlestar was abuzz with activity as the crew worked at their stations throughout the room. The last two years were exhausting for everyone as they tried to keep just one step ahead of the mechanical menace which destroyed their homes and murdered their families back on the Colonies.
"Report," Admiral William (Bill) Adama ordered as he stepped through the hatch.
"Four Cylon Basestars have just jumped in and are bearing down on our position. Raiders are on attack vectors," Gaeta reported.
"Civilian ships are reporting to have cold FTL drives sir," Duala informed him.
"Put the Galactica right between the civilian ships and those Basestars. Launch the alert Vipers and have the Pegasus flank them," Adama ordered as the hologram appeared above the table showing the positions of the fleet.
"Vipers are now engaging the Cylon Raiders...inbound nukes," Gaeta reported.
Missiles streaked out of the tubes on the Basestars and accelerated towards the Galactica. Gun batteries responded and filled the empty void between them with flak rounds. Two missiles slipped through the barrage however and slammed into the old Battlestar's hull, igniting in nuclear fire and vaporising any raider which had gotten too close.
"Fires are reported in sections six and nine. Sealing off sections now," Gaeta informed the Admiral.
"Where the hell is the Pegasus?" Adama questioned.
"It's engaging two of the Basestars now," Gaeta replied as he looked over the readings.
It was true; the much larger Mercury-class Battlestar was currently trading weapons fire with a pair of Basestars and appeared to be holding its own for the moment. Shots from the Colonial warship's gun batteries tore through the weaker armour of one Basestar and kept going until it hit a vital system. Just then a single round struck the Basestar's reactor core and caused it to explode, destroying the warship.
A second later three nukes struck the Pegasus and consumed the mighty Battlestar in light. It died down a moment later to reveal splintered armour along the ship's starboard hull which the other Basestar was trying to exploit. Raiders and Vipers flew between the two as the intense dogfight continued in hopes of destroying one another.
"We can't keep this up," Colonel Tigh commented bitterly.
Adama silently agreed but wouldn't voice it, "load missile tubes one and two with nuclear ordinance." Tigh turned to his old friend in surprise even as he turned to Roslin, "I need your approval to fire the nukes."
"You have it," Roslin nodded and gave him the go-ahead.
"Missiles tubes loaded," Duala informed him.
"Launch the nukes," Adama gave the order.
Two missiles streaked out from the Galactica's ventral launch tubes and sped quickly towards the nearest Basestar. The Cylons were surprised at the sudden action but nonetheless sent raiders to intercept and destroy them. However before they could destroy the nukes they were themselves intercepted by a flight of vipers and were forced to evade.
The two nukes continued on course and struck the Basestar a few seconds later. The Cylon warship disappeared in a blinding light and after a few seconds all that was left were a few of its launching arms.
"Status of the fleet?" Adama questioned.
"They still need more time," Duala said shaking her head.
"Frak," Tigh grunted out.
"Three more Basestars have just jumped in," Gaeta reported.
"Double frak," Tigh grunted again.
"Detecting a large energy-spike one point two kilometres out," Gaeta reported. "I'm reading a new contact on DRADIS; it is not listed in our library."
January 9th 2006
Uncharted Territory
Deep Space
USS Prometheus
Main Bridge
The space near the battle zone tore open in a vortex of otherworldly space and deposited the small Tau'ri battlecruiser into the area. It accelerated the moment it was clear and the hyperspace window closed behind it a second later.
"Multiple nuclear detonations detected," Delouise reported. "I'm picking up several ships engaged in battle including five Cylon Baseships ahead."
"Five...you have to help them," Racetrack pleaded.
"Colonel, should I hail them?" Delouise asked over his shoulder.
"The last time we did that they opened fire on us," Pendergast shook his head. "Start beaming our warheads onto the Cylon Baseships one at a time and standby all railguns for defensive fire."
"Coordinates locked in," Delouise informed.
"Do it," Pendergast gave the order. A moment later there was a flash of light and followed by an expanding fireball from the center of the closest Basestar.
"How did you do that?" Racetrack asked feeling both awestruck and fearful at the display of firepower she had just seen.
"The same way we plucked you out of your raptor," Cam smiled.
"Frakking Hades," Racetrack muttered.
"Warhead two is away," Delouise reported and a second Basestar exploded just like the one before it.
"We need to speed up deployment of those nukes," Pendergast spoke as the Cylons turned their attention on the small Tau'ri vessel. Missiles struck the shield around the battlecruiser and surprised both the Cylons and Racetrack who was watching. "How's it coming Major?" he asked.
"Warhead three is away," Delouise reported and another Basestar disappeared in nuclear fire. "Remaining enemy forces are retreating," he added.
"It looks like we scared them off," Cam commented.
"...Open a channel to the Galactica," Pendergast ordered.
January 9th 2006
Uncharted Territory
Deep Space
Battlestar Galactica
CIC
"What the frack is that?" Tigh narrowed his eyes as the DRADIS signal blinked several times before it changed from 'unknown' to Prometheus with a green light.
"Mister Gaeta?" the Admiral demanded.
"It's giving off friendly IFF sir," Gaeta informed.
"Frakking toasters are using our own codes against us now," Tigh spoke through gritted teeth.
"Galactica, this is Racetrack please respond," Racetrack's voice sounded through the comm.
"Racetrack, what are you doing aboard that ship?" Adama questioned.
"Lieutenant Edmondson and her crew will explain everything once we're finished here Admiral Adama. Needless to say I think we have a lot to talk about," another male voice spoke.
"Who is this?" Adama questioned further.
"I am Colonel Lionel Pendergast, commander of the Prometheus," the man replied. "We are peaceful explorers from a planet called Earth," silence descended on the CIC. "Your pilots told us quite a bit Admiral...with your permission we'd like to send over a delegation to discuss matters."
"...Very well...we'll meet here on Galactica...bring my pilots back along with their raptor," Adama told him.
"We'll be there shortly, Prometheus out," Pendergast concluded and the line went dead.
"Five Basestars destroyed and we didn't lose the Galactica or the Pegasus. It's about time we gave the toasters an ass kicking," Tigh commented. "Still we don't know anything about these new guys; I mean they just took out three Basestars in a matter of minutes...are you sure about this Bill?"
"No...but I don't think we have a choice," Adama finished. "Have the Pegasus and the rest of the fleet jump out. Tell them if they don't hear from us within three hours to keep moving and don't look back."
January 9th 2006
Uncharted Territory
Deep Space
Battlestar Galactica
Port Flight Deck
The raptor's hatch slowly opened revealing those inside; the two marines stepped off first followed by a clearly excited Skulls. Marines stood along the wall while Tigh and President Roslin stood at Adama's side as Racetrack slowly stepped off of the craft.
"Lieutenant," Adama nodded.
Racetrack saluted the Admiral, "sir."
"At ease," Adama said and she lowered her harm. "Report," he ordered.
"Sir I...I think you better talk to them," Racetrack said and turned to the two figures which now disembarked from the raptor. Four figures soon emerged from the raptor wearing a uniform similar to the ones worn by them.
"I am Doctor Daniel Jackson and I will be representing Earth and the IOA while we are here," Daniel introduced himself. He gestured to the rest of the team one by one, "this is Colonel Cameron Mitchell, Colonel Samantha Carter and Vala Maldoran".
"Admiral William Adama of the Colonial Fleet," the Admiral responded, taking the man's hand. "This is President Laura Roslin of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol and Colonel Tigh. My second in command," Adama nodded and let go. "You'll have to forgive me for being cautious but after what we've been through I'd be a fool not to be."
"Yes I understand, your pilots explained the situation to me back at our outpost. You are currently fleeing from a race of machines called the Cylons who can take human form," Daniel said in understanding.
"We really should discuss this in a more appropriate location," Adama suggested.
"Is there a place we can talk more...privately?" Daniel asked after a moment.
"Yes, right this way," Adama said as he led the way out of the room.
As they made their way through the ship Cam couldn't help but look over the worn-out walls and corridors of this familiar yet alien warship. Carter was thinking much the same though she thought it looked like what Earth might have been able to build in a hundred years if they hadn't discovered the Stargate. Vala on the other hand just thought it was primitive even by the standards of the Tau'ri and that it wasn't worth her time.
"Your ship looks like it has seen some rough times," Daniel commented.
"We've been on the run for nearly two years now without access to a shipyard or a supply station," Adama explained carefully. "Before the Cylons attacked us the Galactica was scheduled to be decommissioned and turned into a museum. We were barely able to rearm her before we were forced to defend the civilian fleet as they jumped away above the planet Ragnar."
"It looks like she's given more than she's been taken," Cam added.
"Despite being forty years old the Galactica can still take on one of the modern Cylon Basestars," Adama countered as they reached a large room with a 'U' shaped table in the center. The Admiral forced down a groan when he saw the Vice President and a certain senator waiting for them on the other side of the room.
"Terribly sorry we were not at the flight deck to greet you," the lead man spoke to the Tau'ri.
"That's quite alright mister..." Daniel started.
"Doctor Gaius Baltar, Vice President of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol," the man introduced himself.
"Tom Zerak, elected representative of the Quorum of Twelve," the second man introduced himself a moment later.
"My name is Doctor Daniel Jackson and I will representing Earth and the IOA during these talks. It's a pleasure," Daniel said with a smile. It wouldn't be his first time negotiating with another government but quite simply he was no Elizabeth Weir no matter how much some might think so.
"Please have a seat," Adama said finally motioned and everyone sat down at the table.
"Let's begin then shall we? Your pilots mentioned that you come from a star system called the Cyrannus System; it's a system made up of twelve habitable worlds that were colonized by the humans from Kobol. Am I right so far?" Daniel asked them.
"Yes, the Cylons launched an unprovoked and unexpected attack on our colonies. They nuked them from orbit...besides a few pockets of survivors back on the Colonies we're all that left," Roslin confirmed.
"There are survivors on your worlds?" Daniel asked.
"Yes," Roslin nodded though said nothing else.
"What about these Cylons? What can you tell us about them?" Daniel questioned further. "We know that the Cylons are machines created by you and they destroyed your homes. Your pilots have told us that the Cylons have taken human form and one of our teams has already encountered one on Kobol."
"You've been to Kobol?" Adama asked guarded.
"A few months back," Daniel nodded. "Our team was exploring the planet when they were ambushed by a blond woman and several Cylon robots."
"...Yes the Cylons have taken human form," Adama confirmed. "However I would like to know who you are and more importantly where you are really from."
"We've heard from your pilots that you believe us to be a 'Thirteenth Colony of Kobol' if I understand the situation right," Daniel started. "We are indeed from Earth," he paused when silence filled the room. "But Earth was never a 'colony' of Kobol...your 'thirteenth tribe' just returned to Earth when Kobol was destroyed several thousand years ago."
"What do you mean returned?" Roslin asked as her eyes narrowed.
"Across the galaxy we are known as the Tau'ri," Daniel explained. "Tau'ri means those from the first world or first ones; it's the name given to the humans of Earth by both our enemies and our allies over the last eight and a half years."
"Ridiculous," Zerak scoffed. "What right do you have to go by such a name; Earth was never anything more than a colony...don't be so arrogant to think its humanity's homeworld."
"I don't like being called a liar Mister Zerak," Daniel's eyes hardened at his words. "Eight thousand years ago an alien race called the Goa'uld enslaved the humans of Earth and transplanted them throughout the galaxy."
"And you expect us to believe this fairy tale?" Zerak asked with sarcasm.
"Earth is the birthplace of humanity and the second evolution of a race we call the Ancients," Daniel continued now ignoring the Quorum representative. "Humanity evolved on Earth anywhere between ten thousand and four million years ago...that's a fact so there is no denying it."
"Lies," Roslin spoke up. "The gods created humanity on Kobol and we lived with them for centuries until we were forced to leave and colonize the Cyrannus System. The Thirteenth Tribe left to settle on a planet they called Earth before the exodus from Kobol and became a thing of myth Doctor Jackson. Our sacred scrolls that have been passed down from generation to generation have said as much and they can't be wrong."
"Which gods are you referring to exactly?" Daniel asked knowing that shaking the beliefs of a civilization were always messy work. But they needed to know exactly what they had gotten themselves into and they needed to know now instead of later.
"Dear gods you really have forgotten your heritage," Roslin shook herself. "Zeus, Athena, Daedalus, Icarus, Ares-" she started.
"I think I understand now," Daniel interrupted with a nod. "The pantheon gods of ancient Greece," he sighed. "Alright...putting aside the religious talk for now...the question is what were you planning to do when you finally reached Earth?"
Silence greeted him...
"...I think they were hoping we'd be willing to fight for them and destroy the Cylons. Probably thought we'd cleanup their mess for them," Cam spoke up breaking the silence.
"Now wait just a-" Tigh started.
"Saul," Adama stopped him. "Earth was originally nothing more than a myth to us...something to search for and bring hope to the fleet. It doesn't matter now though...the Cylons will still be coming for us...so the question is what do we do now?"
"I've been authorised to offer you sanctuary at our outpost," Daniel answered. "You can remain there for as long as you wish or you can settle down on a planet somewhere else and rebuild your civilization."
"Forgive me for being blunt but what do you get out of this?" Gaius asked.
"Sam?" Daniel asked over his shoulder.
"We'd like access to your FTL drive technology and your designs for the small scout ships you use. They would be extremely useful to us," Sam told them. "In exchange for sanctuary and our help in rebuilding your civilization."
"...Very well," Roslin said finally. "We'll need to speak with the Quorum before giving you our answer."
Author's Notes:
I have gone back and renamed Earth's second BC303 the Astrea after the Greek Goddess of justice instead of Gaia which is basically the Greek Goddess Mother Earth. To me is just sounded better so I'm going with the new name instead of the first one.
I understand if the battle was rather short and one-sided but that was my intention. It was supposed to be like that otherwise the Cylons wouldn't have withdrawn and the Colonials would have just jumped away rather deal with the ship that can nuke them without firing a missile.
I have also fixed the references to Halo in this chapter though I need to explain what happened there. You see I originally wrote most of this chapter as part of my Halo-BSG fic but I scrapped this chapter months ago because I couldn't make it work right. I reedited most of it for use in this story but clearly I didn't get all of them like some have pointed out to me. If you see anymore Halo references (that are not intentional) then please inform me and I will correct them.
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