Author's note : Sorry for the long delay guys, between having other problems, for a while FF net didn't like me getting on. I keep getting random notices of 'Your browser is too old!" If they expect me to use Goggle, then I'll just work on original fics from now on.

Chapter 43

People finally settled down and a man came out on stage to tell Cameron they were ready. Delilah stayed by the projector. With a mike clipped onto her collar, Cameron announced, "Greetings everyone we have a long presentation here, so please wait until the end to ask your questions."

She nodded to Delilah, and a picture came up on the movie screen of the XTS.

"This was the ship we left in. Although we were assured this ship was checked out and performed flawlessly, we discovered that wasn't the case. The farther we went, the more troubles we discovered."

Delilah put up the next picture showing a planet.

"This is the Planet Atlantis. We went there to find out what was going on. We know there are peaceful and kind Atlantians, but there are also those who are mean, aggressive and don't mind killing at all. We went to find out why. We are still researching the data, but it appears there is an environmental factor involved. The only ones left who were decent, are ones in the middle of this ocean, here. Be it a virus or something else in the air, these people were the only ones unaffected. When we returned, we did bring some of them back with us. They were very helpful on the ship. Unfortunately, that is when we discovered our ship was breaking down. That was compounded by automatic functions that were installed."

Delilah brought up a picture of a nebula.

"The automatic functions aimed us the wrong way, and we ended up shooting off into space," Cameron explained. "By the time we got the engines shut down after they went full thrust, we were right by this nebula, thousands of light years from Earth. Out here, we also found the habitation on board was inadequate. Not enough of anything, including food. Worse yet, we discovered where we thought stars were, weren't there. Due to being closer, we weren't seeing them from many light years away, but much closer up to where many now were. Any navigation we had, was useless. We also found a distress signal. Although the language was unknown, the pleading tone was not. We marked the location and went to assist however we were able to. What we found was a small ship."

Delilah showed a picture of the raptor inside the bay.

"When we found these people, who looked more or less human, they were passed out from lack of air. We got their craft on board and got them out of their ship. We did save their lives, but when they woke up, they were terrified. After one assaulted Delilah, we put them all back into the bay with their ship to maintain safety and we hoped, some familiarity for them. It took time, but began through crude communications, finding out what was wrong with their ship. We did our best to repair it so they could go on their way, and discovered they had a language a few of us could understand. Although not like it was, we did get their ship working and found out they had a fleet. We delivered them to their fleet and left. We still had problems of our own and had to find a way back. The only way to find out where stars in our area were, was to go above the ecliptical plane of the galaxy."

Delilah showed the picture of the galaxy in front of them.

Cameron pointed to the picture. "Here, far above the galactic plane, we could see the whole local group of stars and where they really were. Using these star positions, we were able to map a route back home with fair accuracy. We also met another group of aliens out here."

Delilah showed a picture of a Six standing beside a centurion.

"These people are called Cylons. Some look more human, others don't. They are all mechanical in nature. They were exploring and came upon us. They were also much calmer and curious that the ones we'd previously met. We also found out they were at war with the other species of humans, which explained why those others were so scared of us that they resorted to violence. We had to get home, so John agreed we would try to do something about that war when we were able to return to the area."

Cameron paced a bit and added, "Now able to, we got back to Earth and got the ship fixed. As John said, by the time we got back, the inside looked more like a refugee camp, then a modern space ship. Many things needed to be changed before we went back out. All the minor problems we'd fixed as well as the ones we had to put up with were addressed. We also found out we didn't need all six engines operating, we could shoot through the galaxy just fine with four. We also needed much better habitability, including uniforms. I didn't want my daughter piloting the ship half naked again singing 'Born to be wild'."

That got a few chuckles out of the crowd.

Cameron smirked. "Yes, a few of us were getting a bit punchy by the time we got back. We were also down to two operating engines. This time NASA did not want us going back out. Still we had to, so the ship was repaired and we made sure it was going to be more or less comfortable when we took off again. By now we had a good idea of why the engines were failing. It had to do with a feedback loop the engines used for balancing. We didn't realize how bad the problem was until we were way back out near the Colonial humans and Cylons again. We did listened to them and made peace between them. We also barely got back home, on only the last two engines."

A picture came up of the peace table, with some sitting, others standing around behind it.

"I want to make one thing clear. Both these races are nervous this war might re-ignite. BOTH are counting on us to make sure it doesn't. Right now, it's a fragile peace, but it's working. They are looking to us to be the mediators and the people to go to if problems erupt. The LAST thing they need is for anyone go out there playing politics, pushing their own agenda, or trying to add to their power like many politicians do. Being truthful, helpful AND seeing to their needs first is what needs to be done. The only tech I saw that they have better than us is space ships that don't break down. Questions?"

Eddie waved his hand in the air as many others did. Cameron called, "Eddie Brock?"

Eddie got up to the mike. "You said, and I tend to agree, that political figures should not be part of a delegation to go out, wherever these planets are, to help them learn to live in peace. My questions is, who would you want to see go?"

"As I said, people who truly want to help them with no strings attached. As for specific persons, John, Delilah and myself have become very familiar to them. A cylon has also returned with us. Her main task is to help Delilah discover why they cannot have children of their own, but I'm sure she could be helpful in the selection process."

In the forest of hands up, Cameron picked a woman next. "The woman halfway back with the yellow shirt and green skirt."

The woman had a French accent. "I have two questions. The first is, will there be any restrictions of people by nations, the second is, Are these planets suitable for migration. The Earth is getting overpopulated."

Cameron replied, "Restrictions by nation, no. Restrictions by attitude, yes. I don't care if it's a farmer from India. What I do care about is whoever is going sees the previously warring factions need serious help and ONLY want come assist with that. As far as any immigration to their planets, that is something to be considered after the current problem is rectified. Once things get settled down, that can be discussed."

Another man who stepped out into the isle had his hand raised up. Cameron pointed to him. "That anxious man there."

The man stepped up to a microphone. "I must ask, who are YOU to decide who goes and who stays? This should be a UN decision!"

Cameron eyed him. "We are the ones who went out there. We are the ones who talked to them and listened to their fears and desires. We are the ones who know what the situation is for all of them. John didn't just try to raise a white flag and call it good. He had us talking with them, living with them so we understood the full picture. By your attitude alone, I can tell you would not be a good candidate to go speak to nervous people. Especially since their lives all depend upon seeing this peace prosper. NEXT!"

It was a military man in a Russian uniform she picked next. He got up and went to a mike. "If this war does begin again, what are the chances it will migrate it's way to Earth? I also must ask, what weapons do they have."

"As far as finding Earth, the chances are low," Cameron told him. "We had a hard time getting back and we knew where it was. We know no one followed us because the one good thing about our ship is it is very fast and can't be seen. As far as weapons we saw, those were very similar to what most nations have here. Only more of them. Yes, they have guns and nukes on missiles. Our plasma cannons and armor us cyborgs have are superior to anything we saw from them. If you are afraid of an invasion, I don't believe it will happen or is even possible. Not only due to weaponry, but we are also acting in the role of peacekeeper for these races. Does that answer your question?"

"It does. So you do not think a protective space force is needed?" he asked.

"It may in the future, but it is not an immediate concern," Cameron replied. "As long as we help them and see to their goals of peace and possible cooperation, we have nothing to worry about. If it all falls apart, we may. That is why I am insisting on those delegates who go, go with an open mind and focus on assisting those races with no ulterior motives."

Next Cameron picked a woman in a brown suit and bore glasses. She took a mike and asked, "Will there be a scientific element to this delegation? And what do you think about them using a human like form, even the machine race?"

"I would very much like to see a scientific element," Cameron agreed. "We have done some studies, but with just myself and Delilah there much we haven't even looked at. Right now, Delilah's sole focus is on helping the Cylons produce babies successfully. The females can get pregnant, but it is not known why only one fetus has grown into a little girl. This is something they are very concerned about. At the moment, they are duplicating themselves to keep their population up. This is bad for any race, for there is no mixing of DNA and no evolution for their race."

"We can help!" the woman insisted, "Can you bring any Cylons to our labs?"

"We will ask for volunteers when we get back there," Cameron assured her.

The questions went on, but thankfully, there were no mean or accusing ones other than that one man. Everyone just seemed to be very curious about the races they met out in space. At least the press here and a few others that came, received the news well of what Cameron and her family was doing.

.

Back at the base, John, Jennifer Six, and Mr. Matheson watched the televised press conference.

"Cameron was informative and firm. She did a good job," Mr. Matheson said.

"Agreed," Jennifer said. "We do need reasonable people to help to assist us." She then asked, "John, would you consider trying to make a baby with me?"

John gaped at her. "What?"

"To see if it works. Delilah has the theory that we can only have children with human men," Jennifer explained.

"Umm Jennifer?" John said cautiously, "I don't think my wives would really like that. I'm sure you can try to get pregnant with someone else."

"I don't know anyone else I'd be comfortable with," she explained, watching him.

"Give it some time, I'm sure you'll find someone." he assured her.

"I see, you're loyal to your wives."

"I am."

Jennifer nodded then grumbled, "That makes me want you even more."

John pretended not to hear.

.

The flight inspector at the airfield on Midway Island found out that C-200 was rebuilt by the same company that did the C-125, so while the mechanic worked on the plane in the hanger, he went out to inspect the large four engine cargo plane. Seeing a man already looking the plane over, he asked who inspected it last.

The terminator said, "I did. I am the primary copilot, so it's my job to inspect this plane with the pilot before we take off."

"Can you tell me what holds the propellers to their motor shafts?"

"Yes. When it was first brought to us, we did a complete FAA inspection. We discovered only lock collars the gripped the shafts held the propeller assemblies on. That is against FAA regulations. We added the proper bolts and locking devices to comply with FAA rules." The terminator said. "I have an inspection mirror of you wish to view them without disassembling the propeller."

The Inspector smiled. He was happy this guy was on the ball. "Yes, I would like to."

After they were done inspecting the propellers, the terminator took him around the plane to inspect all the control surfaces and then inside to show him the paperwork on the last annual inspection that was kept in it's own sealed box near the flight recorder. That wasn't required, but the terminator explained knowing the 'health' of the plane if there was ever a problem might help lead to any cause of failure.

The Inspector was ready to hire the man to come work here.

In the hanger, the mechanic got plenty of help from Bob, Joan, Allison and another terminator. They passed him tools, removed and lifted props to be reinstalled, then even went to go get the Inspector to certify the plane ready to fly.

As with all plane repairs, the mechanic went with Duncan and Jackie on the test flight. The first test was full power at the end of the runway with the brakes on. As soon as that passed and nothing flew off, Jackie released the brakes. They shot forward, and being empty, the plane left the runway after a hundred foot run and climbed skyward.

"YAY!" Jackie beamed, "It works!"

The mechanic laughed. "Very short take off," he noted.

"It was made for short fields," Duncan explained.

The mechanic was surprised that coming in for a landing, Jackie turned the
Front engine off. They touched down on two engines, then Jackie ran the front motor up to max in the other direction, helping them stop. He felt the braking force. She pulled off the runway on at the very first taxiway. Once she was on that, she eased off on the brakes and turned the front motor off again. He didn't think they used two hundred feet of runway to get slowed down.

"You could damn near land this thing in someone's back yard," he noted.

Jackie giggled. "Might scare someone's dog."

.

With their plane re-certified to fly, everyone packed up. Midway did have some people to haul back to the US, so Joan decided to take them on the C-200. With no cargo, there was plenty of room for seating. She just couldn't take a bath in her clear sided tub. Duncan and Jackie went first. Right after they were up and clear, Joan took off.

For the next two days, Joan followed behind Jackie at 220 knots, just above and behind. Early afternoon on the third day, they got an SOS call. It was a yacht that was flooding, and the crew couldn't stop the leak. They were in danger of sinking. Talking over the radio, Duncan and Bob got it plotted. They agreed Jackie would fly over and look for anyone in the water and make sure it was OK for Joan to set down.

As always, Joan had to plot her moves out for doing anything in this big beast. "Jackie, what's the wave action like?"

Flying low to the water, Jackie said, "I'd say three, four feet tall, long swells. They are putting a couple boats in the water. This thing's about a hundred fifty foot long. Waves from the Northwest, Damn, I'm looking at about forty people here on that boat. It's low in the water, bow's just out of the water, I don't think we're going to save it."

Allison looked out the front and said, "Joan, steer 015 and come at it with the waves. Back up to it when we get close?"

"Yup," Joan said and changed course. She could see the ship in the distance. Planning her moves, she dropped lower as she made her turn to land in the waves. She noticed Jackie flew higher to stay out of her way.

Her planning went well, Joan landed on the waves and slowed down, then turned her plane around before approaching the sinking ship. On the intercom she said, "We're picking up people from that ship. Malinara, get on the rear hatch controls, I'm going to have to back up to it. I need you to guide me. Bob, give her a hand. Allie, we might need our tails, get them ready." she told the terminator beside her, "You might need to do station keeping. Make sure no one gets near the props."

Using her controls, Joan turned the plane around and backed towards the ship. With the ramp partway down, Malinara dropped it a little lower just above the water. "You got it, Joan, just a little farther, "Whoa! Right there! Boats are coming towards us. We got a few swimmers too."

Joan went down to the back where Allison was putting her tail on. Joan got hers on also.

Bob had Malinara drop the ramp a little more, then grabbed the first small boat with the people in it and dragged it up on the ramp. He had them get out then dragged the boat up in the plane and grabbed the second boat.

"Bob, throw me in!" Allison called.

He did, pitching Allison off to the side some. He pulled another boat up and on, then pitched Joan in. After the four boatloads of people were on, Allison and Joan swam out to grab the ones in the water to tow them to the plane where Bob helped them up and out. One was a boy who was splashing as he tried to swim. Joan grabbed his life vest and pulled him over to the plane. A couple women came partway down the ramp to help him up and on.

With all the lifeboats up in the plane, a man in his shorts and golf shirt came up to Bob. He eyed the now mostly under ship sadly. "No chance of saving it, is there?"

Bob shook his head. "Too late. It's going down."

"There goes a shit load of money," the man grumbled. "How you get one of these cargo planes to float? I didn't know C-130's could do that."

"It's a C-200, a modified C-130. Lucky for you we were passing by."

The man chuckled. "You're right! I'm Andrew Bach. Thank you for the rescue."

Bob shook his hand. "Bob Tanner. We were headed back for the states. Where were you going?"

The man looked out at the yacht that only had it's bow out of the water. It blew some air out that sank down to leave only foam coating where it had been. Out from the plane, Joan lifted up in the water and called, "I think we got everyone! Someone check!"

Allison did a leap back up onto the ramp. We missing anyone?" she called.

A woman counted heads. "We got everybody! Thank you for saving us!"

"No problem," Allison beamed. She hand walked up to take her tail off.

"MY Woobie!" A girl cried.

"We'll get you another one," her mother assured her.

Joan got on and got out of her tail. Seeing the cargo hold full of refugees, she announced, "We're going to have to stop in San Diego. We can get you and your boats off there, but it's gonna be another couple days before we get there. We got some food and water, but you're going to have to find your own place to sleep."

The intercom announced, "Captain to the cockpit, Coast guard knows the name of that ship and the location it went down, they want to speak to the Captain and our Captain."

"Coming!" Joan called.

"I'm Captain of that ship, Andrew Bach." he said.

John nodded and waved for him to follow. "Then come with me."

Joan got up unto the cockpit. The terminator piloting turned to her, "Joan, Jackie reported a Chinese fishing boat is headed this was, they got close enough see that boat has an anti-aircraft missile loaded in a launcher and headed for us."

Joan replied quickly, "Man the aft gun. I'll take off." She got in the pilot seat right after he vacated it and ran the port engines to full power. She got on the radio. "Jackie, if that boat fires, take them out!"

"You got it sis!"

She then heard, "This is the coast guard, what is your situation?"

Joan replied back, "Joan Tanner here. We got a plane load of people here and it looks like the Chinese are going to shoot at us again. Got my hands full right now, I'll get back to you."

Joan brought the plane around to 090 and thrust all engines out full.

"Joan! They shot their missile!" Jackie cried.

"Incoming!" Joan yelled.

A few seconds later, the terminator in the back said, "Got it, missile destroyed."

"See that ship?"

"Yes, on the horizon, coming at us."

Jackie watched the C-200 pick up speed slowly, she got her window open and moved behind the fishing boat close. They had another missile out and were looking up at her. She fire a plasma shot and blew the missile and the men up. Pieces of them flying overboard. She kept shooting down on them, getting the pilot house then a couple more shots into their deck. The ship was burning brightly as she circled around it. Seeing movement, she gave it a couple more shots. It burned from one end to the other. She banked away to see how Joan was doing.

The C-200 was skipping across the waves. After a couple more splashes in the waves, they were lifting off the water.

"Joan, we got that ship. Hostiles are neutralized."

"Thanks. Coast Guard, the captain of the pleasure ship that sank, is right here." She then handed Andrew the boom mike and headphone set. He talked to the Coast Guard as Joan concentrated on getting up in the air.

Joan was wet and not happy about it. Once Mr. Bach was done talking to the coast guard, explaining what happened to his boat and gave an accounting of the 'battle', he passed the headset back to Joan. Joan gave them her heading, speed and altitude. She was staying low, only 1000 feet up to discourage any further attacks against them. Jackie replied she was doing the same, off to Joan's left and keeping an eye out for trouble.

Settled on course, speed and altitude, Joan let Bob take the stick so she could go change.

.

Patricia sat behind Jackie wide-eyed, still and silent. She knew about the plasma canon, but it had never thought that thing was so powerful! Cursing, arm out the window, Jackie had blown that boat apart! It was like canon shells made of pure light that blasted that large fishing boat into a burning wreck. Jerry's warning of 'Don't get Mom made at you' took on a new meaning after seeing what Jackie could do. Jackie was devastating!

Her pondering was cut short when Jackie asked, "Patty, you OK back there?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah. You just blew up a fishing boat and everyone on it." she said weakly.

"Damn right I did!" Jackie said firmly. "They shot a missile at my sister and a plane loaded with people. Wasn't going to let them get away with that."

"It's just …something I never saw before." Patricia offered.

"Oh, Patty, the guy your family works for, is it Andrew Bach?"

"Yes, why?"

Jackie chuckled. "Joan just fished him out of the ocean. Maybe we can get your Dad a little raise."

"Really?"

"Really really."

.

Bob and Malinara were down in the cargo hold, finding out how many people wanted something to eat. They now had 40 people down here besides the 20 marines going home on leave. They did load food on for the marines, but now he was hoping they had enough for everyone. As he suspected the marines waved off and told them to give it to the women and kids. The men from that ship agreed.

Coming up to him, Andrew Bach said, "That was the hairiest rescue I ever had. What can I do to reward you folks properly?"

Bob shrugged at first, then asked, "You got a family at your place that has a daughter named Patricia? A Latino family maybe?"

Andrew thought, then said, "Yes, I do believe so."

"Patty is in that other plane that got rid of that ship that fired on us," Bob explained. "Joan and I would like you to give them any reward. I'm thinking Patty helped save all our butts."

"Done!" Andrew said with a big smile. "That is very generous of you. I'll see to it as soon as we land."

"Thanks. I know Patty was earning some money to help her family out working at the Collins place. We just figured that could give her family a little boost." Bob explained.

"That is mighty kind of you," Andrew agreed. "So you know the Collins family?"

"Yeah, My sister, Jackie, is up there. She inherited it from Daniel. I know she's been doing what she can to help Patty out."

.