Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges (In times of war, the laws falls silent)
Battlestar Galactica C.I.C.
"Sir five ships just jumped in; they're almost on top of us," the dradis officer reported.
"Who are they, Cylons or Colonials?" Commander Adama asked.
"One moment sir... they are colonial," the dradis officer replied.
"Put up a visual," Commander Adama ordered.
On one of the screens, five ships appeared. The entire C.I.C saw two Mercury and one Valkyrie class Battlestars, as well as two smaller support ships; a tylium tanker and a supply ship.
"Those are definitely colonial," Colonel Tigh confirmed.
"Sir, the lead ship is sending its IFF to us and to Pegasus. The other ships are doing the same; it's the Battlestars Vanguard, Chimera, and Valkyrie, as well as the support ship Trench and tylium tanker Akimba Maru," Specialist Dualla reported.
"Valkyrie, what the hell is she doing here? No a better question is how the frak she survived when she was in orbit of Caprica at the time of attack?" Colonel Tigh asked surprised, both he and Commander Adama had served on the Valkyrie. Especially during the infamous mission six years before the Cylon attack near the armistice line of Cylon space.
"I believe that's unimportant at the moment," Commander Adama said.
"Sir, the Vanguard is hailing us," Dualla said.
"Put them through on speakers," Commander Adama ordered.
For several seconds there was silence and then...
"To Battlestar Galactica, this is Commander Jurgen Belzen from the Battlestar Vanguard. Do you copy?"
"Loud and clear commander, we're surprised by your sudden appearance since we believed that the entire fleet was destroyed," Commander Adama said.
"I understand Commander, can I board your ship? We have lots to talk about, and if I may make a request; I would ask that Admiral Cain and President Roslin also be present on Galactica," Commander Belzen said.
"Of course commander, we are looking forward..." Commander Adama started to say before being interrupted.
"Then in 15 minutes," Commander Belzen interrupted Commander Adama, and then the line between the ships communications was cut.
"Send messages to President Roslin and Admiral Cain; tell them that they are needed in the conference room onboard Galactica," Commander Adama said to Specialist Dualla.
10 minutes later on Galactica...
"Belzen, that can't be, he was killed. Pegasus' XO Colonel Fisk said that Cain left him in a broken Raptor to slowly die in space," Colonel Tigh said while walking with Adama to the corridors that lead to the conference room.
"It appears he's alive, or do you think he was replaced by Cylons and is actually their agent?" Commander Adama asked in response.
"No, but this is hard to believe; in just under two days four Battlestars show up. Little strange don't you think?" Colonel Tigh asked suspiciously.
"It is, but let's see how this goes first; we don't want to make the mistake as we did with Cain," Commander Adama said.
Several minutes later; Admiral Cain, President Roslin, Colonel Fisk, Commander Adama, Colonel Tigh, Captain Adama, and Lieutenant Thrace were all present in the conference room. This time there were no preparations made, as there were for Admiral Cain's arrival.
"So who the hell is in charge of that fleet, and why didn't I speak with whoever it is?" Admiral Cain asked annoyed.
"Vanguard contacted Galactica, not Pegasus Admiral. And I believe you will see for yourself in a few minutes. I was just informed that the Commander's Raptor landed. He will be here in a few moments," Commander Adama replied.
"Do you know the Commander of the Vanguard?" President Roslin asked.
"No, but I believe Admiral Cain does," Commander Adama said, at which Admiral Cain gave him a perplexed and confused look.
The doors opened and Commander Belzen and Commander Hastings entered the room. Of course Fisk and Cain seemed to become paralyzed after seeing Commander Belzen. To their knowledge, he was supposed to be dead. Without even looking at the Admiral, Commander Belzen came closer and raised his hand to Adama who quickly followed suit. After shaking hands, Commander Adama presented Commander Belzen with President Roslin.
"I am glad to meet you Madam President," Commander Belzen said, "Ah I see Admiral Cain and Colonel Fisk. You sure got my position fast, didn't you Jack?"
"You know each other?" President Roslin asked.
"Of course, I was XO on the Pegasus during the Cylon attack," Commander Belzen replied.
"They said that the Admiral put you in a broken Raptor and left you die, because you disobeyed a direct order?" Commander Adama asked while watching Admiral Cain, there was red on her face and she was furious.
"It is custom to salute a superior officer Commander," Admiral Cain said coldly.
"I won't salute you admiral. Not after what you have done to me and to those ships you left behind; stripping them from everything useful and leaving them to die, and not to mention after ordering the killing of innocent family members of those who refused to join your crew. Oh, don't look at me that way; you know very well what I'm talking about. And how do I know? We were able to save a few survivors from a ship that managed to jump away before you stripped the Scylla's fleet of their FTL drives and they told us everything about what happened," Commander Belzen said.
"How did you survive?" Colonel Fisk asked.
"One of the marines smuggled food and water on the Raptor and a basic repair kit. I repaired the thruster control and had enough power and air to get to the nearest fleet depot. I landed on one of the ships there and shared my resources. I was finally saved by one of the search parties from Olympia station who scavenged the depot," Commander Belzen said.
"There are more survivors back home?" Commander Adama asked.
"The Cylons jammed the entire system; so it's no wonder you didn't get all the messages, but yes there were many ships that survived the attack. Admiral Thorn on Olympia station, Admiral Stryker from Battlestar Atlantis, you commander and the Pegasus, and we believe the Nova class Battlestar Prometheus and her escorts are out in space at the Copernicus colony they were colonizing just before the Cylon attack," Commander Belzen said.
"Stryker? Mark Stryker? That rat, he was a Commander last time I saw him," Admiral Cain said, "Since when did he become an Admiral?"
"Stryker was in charge of a mission to the Terminus sector in order to create a secret colony in case of a Cylon attack, though nobody knew that the Cylons would actually attack us and much sooner than the Admiralty thought possible at the time. During the battle of Virgon; Admiral Nagala sent a last message to Stryker promoting him to the rank of Admiral, with orders to bring all survivors back to the colony now known as Avalon as part of Operation Exodus," Commander Belzen said.
"Operation Exodus, I've never heard of that?" Commander Adama said.
"Of course commander; only Fleet Admiral Torres, and several Admirals in the fleet knew about it. The whole plan was in preparation for almost 20 years. Many ships that should have been retired and scrapped stayed active or in reserve. Several facilities were made or kept active especially for the plan in case of an attack; like super large mobile shipyards called Unity and Eternity, Olympia station, and even the Hera station. After some time, Admiral Stryker was promoted to Fleet Admiral. Which means Admiral, you are taking orders from him now," Commander Belzen said looking at Admiral Cain.
"I don't think so," Admiral Cain said arrogantly.
Ignoring her last statement, Belzen continued, "there were lots of ships; military and civilian that survived, and are now on their way to Avalon."
"How many military ships and civilians?" Commander Adama asked.
"Right now; 23 Battlestars, with half of those that were taken from depots, upgraded, and manned. Two were unfortunately lost during the last battle at Picon, but we also reclaimed a lot of captured warships and salvageable military ships that could bolster our numbers once repaired. There's also 2 Warstars, lots of gunstars, firestars and several other types of warships. In total; I believe we have well over 100 military ships. There are also several mobile shipyards/docks, and almost 3 million survivors," Commander Belzen said.
Everyone in the room went very quiet after those last words.
"Plus we secured Picon, and there was still about a million people guarded by the entire defense grid plus several newly installed anti-ship cannons on the ground and over 6000 marines we left behind. Unfortunately Caprica was destroyed," Commander Belzen said.
"What do you mean destroyed?" Colonel Tigh asked perplexed.
"During the evacuation of Caprica we were joined by the 11th Marine expeditionary division under command of General Conrad William, who were on the outskirts of the Cyrannus system hunting pirates and completing military exercises. Shortly after their arrival a large amount of baseships, around 40-50, and one large ship that we call the dreadstar joined in and started firing an enormous swarm of missiles. We escaped, but the missiles struck Caprica. More than half were nuclear and some were even 250Mt. After the bombardment, they must have triggered some of Caprica's volcanoes and in a short time, Caprica became a molten rock," Commander Belzen said.
"You said there was an evacuation from Caprica, did you get the resistance movement there off the planet?" Lieutenant Kara Starbuck Thrace asked.
"Yes Lieutenant, we evacuated the military division led by General O'Reilly and a resistance movement in the mountains led by Samuel Anders and the rest of the Caprica Buccaneers off of Caprica," Commander Belzen said and continued with his story.
Everyone in the room quietly listened to the story. After almost an hour of telling them all that he knew, Commander Adama was the first to speak to Commander Belzen.
"So Fleet Admiral Stryker sent your fleet to find us?" Commander Adama asked.
"Yes, and to bring you back to Avalon. I know that Picon in the Cryannus system is still under colonial forces control, but sooner or later the Cylons will find a way to conquer it again. And also you are being followed by at least 50 baseships, the Resurrection hub, and their Colony ship," Commander Belzen said.
"Resurrection hub, didn't your ship destroy that one?" Colonel Tigh asked.
"That was a Resurrection ship. The hub is actually the center of all other Resurrection ships that are usually connected to her. In case of losing a Resurrection ship the hub becomes the primary Resurrection ship in a fleet since the Colony does not have Resurrection technology," Commander Belzen said.
"And you said Commander Turner also survived?" Commander Adama asked.
"From what we know from tapping into Cylon communications; he was also promoted, and he's an Admiral now. Which leads me to the next part of my mission; Admiral Cain, due to your incompetence, you are demoted from Admiral to Commander. These are written orders from Fleet Admiral Stryker, signed by him and Admirals Sounders and Thorn. You are also sentenced to the brig until you face a trial for your crimes," Commander Belzen said.
"What the frak are you talking about? You can't do this, and he's not here. Everything I've done was all for survival," Admiral Cain said angrily, not knowing what else to say.
"No, it was your vengeance. You wanted to wage a war with one ship. Tell me how the attack on that staging ground passed. I bet you lost the majority of your fighters during the assault. Marines!" Commander Belzen yelled.
Two marines of the four that arrived with Comander Belzen entered and, after being gestured to by the Commander they apprehended Cain.
"You can't do this; I am the flag officer of this fleet!" Cain yelled.
"Not anymore," Commander Belzen replied with a smile.
President Roslin, Commander Adama and Colonel Tigh were in shock after this little scene, a demonstration that whoever this Stryker is he meant serious business.
"Ah yes, I almost forgot," Commander Belzen said taking out a box and written orders by Admiral Stryker, "by order of Fleet Admiral Stryker; to Commander Adama, for you Admiral Adama," and as he said that he gave the Admiral rank insignia to a surprised Commander Adama.
"But why?" Commander Adama asked shocked, it was the only thing he could think to say.
"Admiral Stryker has a high opinion of you sir. And you are a better choice for Admiral than Cain would ever be. These are yours Admiral," Commander Belzen said.
After a moment of silence, Colonel Tigh was the first to congratulate the new admiral.
"Well you earned them and you finally got them, thank the lords of Kobol," Colonel Tigh said.
"Congratulations, Admiral," President Roslin said smiling, "you earned it."
"I waited a long time for this; I think we will need to do a press conference about this and the arrival of the new ships in our fleet," Admiral Adama said, "Commander are there any more orders from Fleet Admiral Stryker for us?" Admiral Adama asked looking back at Commander Belzen.
"Yes sir, only one; to return to Avalon. We will escort you back home sir," Commander Belzen said smiling.
"What about our search for Earth? The 13th tribe?" President Roslin asked looking at Admiral Adama uncertainly.
"Madam president, the 13th tribe has been destroyed for a long time," Commander Belzen said, and after another 30 minutes of explanation... "there is nothing left, except ruins and a world covered with radiation."
"Then we set course for Avalon," Admiral Adama said simply.
"Of course, Commander; you will be present at the press conference, no escape," Admiral Adama said smiling, "and you my good old friend," pointing at Colonel Tigh, "my first order, or better decision, as Admiral is your promotion to Commander."
"Well I'd say it's about fracking time," Colonel Tigh said laughing.
"Admiral, if you wish you can take the Vanguard as your flagship. I am sorry that we didn't bring a mobile drydock to repair Galactica," Commander Belzen said.
"Do you wish to take command of Pegasus, Commander?" Admiral Adama asked, watching Commander Belzen, of course he also noticed confusion from Colonel Fisk since Fisk believed that after these events he would take command of the ship, but now that remained in question.
"No sir, however, I would recommend that you put someone you can trust on Pegasus. There are still a lot of people there loyal to Cain," Commander Belzen said.
"I must object Admiral!" Colonel Fisk said outraged.
"Noted, but you will not get command of Pegasus Colonel. After all, you are the person who ordered the atrocities on the Scylla and other civilian ships. Maybe you didn't fire the first shot, but you are definitely guilty," Admiral Adama said, "Commander Belzen you will remain in command of the Vanguard."
"Yes sir, Admiral. By the way, we may not have a dock, but the support ship has many spare parts and we have excellent teams that can repair most of the damage on Galactica. With your permission they can start immediately," Commander Belzen said.
"Of course," Admiral Adama said nodding then turned to Commander Hastings, "Commander Hastings, I will not take command from you, but I would like to return to the Valkyrie; at least until the repairs on Galactica are over. It has been a long time since I've been on that ship."
"Yes sir, Admiral it would be a pleasure to have you on board," Commander Hastings replied quickly.
"Colonel Fisk, you may not get command of Pegasus, but still you will remain on your post as XO of the ship," Admiral Adama said.
"Yes sir," Colonel Fisk replied.
"Now if that is all, there are a few things I must do before we announce all the changes to the fleet. By now they must know about the new ships here," Admiral Adama said.
After that; Commanders Belzen and Hastings returned to their ships, Fisk returned to Pegasus and after a short chat newly promoted Admiral Adama returned to his own quarters. He also sent word for his son Lee to join him there.
Under Commander Belzen's orders, marines were sent to find any Cylons hiding in the Galactica's fleet using the pictures and information Commander Belzen gave them. The Cylons found in the search were executed under the President's order. A few tracking devices were found with the Cylons and destroyed.
20 minutes later
Admiral Adama's quarters...
After hearing a knock on the door, Admiral Adama yelled "Enter," and his son entered the room.
"Well congratulations are in order, you finally got the Admiral's wings," Lee Apollo Adama said smiling, sitting down in a chair.
"All these years, I looked forward to becoming Admiral of my own fleet and each time I failed, especially after the Valkyrie incident. And now, I finally got it," Admiral Adama said.
"You probably lost faith that you'd ever become Admiral," Lee said with a smile, "but you are now admiral of this fleet, and we need you."
"And Pegasus needs a new commander. I've decided that it should be you," Admiral Adama said shortly.
"Me? I am surprised that you chose me; there's Fisk, and Garner, or other more experienced officers..." Lee said trailing off.
"I can't trust Fisk, and Garner is an engineer. And by the way, you have experience and training to be a Commander. If not for the attack, you would already be in command of your own ship and in a few years, your own battlestar. But war is war. I am giving you the chance now. Don't make me have to choose from the others," Admiral Adama said.
"Then I accept; only if I get to take specialist Dualla and Starbuck with me," Commander Lee Adama said grinning.
"You get command of your own Battlestar and still you bargain. You can have Dualla, but Starbuck stays on Galactica. I need a good CAG after you take command on the Pegasus. And besides you have a CAG on Pegasus, Captain Taylor," Admiral Adama said.
"Taylor, with respect he was a jackass. He had me at gunpoint in a raptor when Pegasus and Galactica were about to get into a shooting match not too long ago. I doubt he will take well to the change in command," Commander Lee Adama said.
"Maybe, but still he will not disobey orders from you and if you have some problems send him to me. I will deal with him swiftly. Of course you can't be Commander of a Battlestar with a captain's rank. Here you go, you will need this," Admiral Adama said taking from his desk locker a Commander's insignia.
"Thank you sir," Commander Lee Adama said.
"I will take care of the rest; you have 30 minutes to get your ass there and start putting things in order," Admiral Adama said.
"You can count on me," Commander Lee Adama said.
Cylon Colony, unknown system - Command Room
"What do you mean, you lost the fracking resurrection ship?!" John Cavil yelled at one of the Fives that commanded the resurrection fleet.
"Three Battlestars jumped in and immediately opened fire on us. We didn't have a chance. Moments before the attack; two or three stealthstars jumped in and blew up the engines of the resurrection ship and by the time that we tried to react they disappeared," the number five said.
"Did you at least ID the ships in the fleet?" John Cavil asked.
"Yes. Two Mercury class Battlestars Vanguard and Chimera, and Valkyrie class the Valkyrie herself," the number five replied.
"What!?" John Cavil yelled.
Cavil yelled so loud that everyone in the room stayed silent; nobody wanted to say anything. Before anyone said anything, Cavil hit the nearest console with his fist.
"That son of a bitch, he said he had plans for those captured ships and he had it all under control back home. Fracking moron," John Cavil said angrily.
"Calm down, it could be anything; maybe some of his prisoners escaped, and somehow got to the ships, or maybe they were re-taken from surviving colonial units. We know that there are a few ships still not accounted for," a number four called Simon O'Neill said trying to calm the situation.
"Really? He assured me that all the ships that survived would be destroyed. He sent the message that he eradicated the humans remaining on the colonies and that he destroyed all the remaining ships. And now we get this. First Pegasus joins Galactica's fleet, then three Battlestars, two of which were supposed to be under our control and a third destroyed. They attacked and destroyed three of our ships. Now how did that happen? When I get ahold of that idiot, I will kill him with my own two hands," John Cavil said angrily, envisioning himself crushing Jack Cavil's neck.
"Relax, there must be a good explanation for this," another Number one called Lucian said, "we should concentrate on Galactica and the rest of her fleet. If these new ships have joined with her then it means they have; five battlestars, three of them Mercuries, three gunstars, and one old firestar. I believe that to be a much better priority than seeking revenge on our brother for his failure."
"Fine! I don't even want to think about what else he could've screwed up, like how many other ships survived the original assault. But one thing is for sure, I will kill him," John Cavil said.
"Don't over react; let's take this one step at a time," a number five called Aaron Doral said, "so what if those three ships survived, they are still outgunned."
"I wouldn't be so sure brother; humans are unpredictable. And let's not forget that we destroyed their homes, their military, everything. Those that remain are more dangerous than the entire Colonial Navy intact," a number two called Leoben Conoy said.
"One more reason to eliminate Galactica and the other ships. There are too many battlestars present," John Cavil replied.
"And what about Earth?" a number six known as Caprica Six asked.
"What about it?" John Cavil asked.
"If we destroy Galactica, then we will never find Earth and the 13th tribe," Caprica Six said.
"Myth, we are following a myth, and what if Earth and the 13th tribe don't exist? We're wasting time for nothing, I say this time we crush them. We've left them to live for too long," John Cavil said.
Galactica Fleet's location
Battlestar Pegasus
Commander Belzen decided to visit his former ship and after landing on Pegasus he started his way to the C.I.C. Newly promoted Commander Lee Adama had already taken over the ship. Half of the crew was for his taking over, but half were not; believing that Cain should remain in command.
"Commander, it's good to see you again," Lieutenant Hoshi said smiling widely, approaching from the opposite direction.
"And you as well, Lieutenant. It's good to see this ship again, especially under new management," Commander Belzen said.
"I think most of the crew would like you to take command of Pegasus, they don't really have anything against Commander Adama, but still," Lieutenant Hoshi said.
"Well I can understand that, but the Vanguard is now my home Lieutenant, and you have yourself a good commanding officer," Commander Belzen said.
Commander Belzen knew about the Cylon number eight model aboard the Galactica who was pregnant, and had sent a detachment of marines near her special prison cell for her protection as well as the fleets, knowing there would be some in the fleet unhappy with a Cylon aboard the fleet travelling back to Avalon. After visiting CIC, Commander Belzen visited Pegasus' brig to see the other captured Cylon from Galactica's fleet, located in her own special reinforced cell. There he found a man trying to feed the beaten blonde woman, a number six.
"Who the hell are you?" Commander Belzen asked while entering the brig, escorted by two well-armed marines.
"My name is Dr. Gaius Baltar, and I am here to help the cylon prisoner. Who are you?" Baltar replied.
"I am Commander Jurgen Belzen. From the reports I received; this woman killed seven marines before she was taken down. From now on, nobody has permission to visit her unless they get it from Admiral Adama or me," Commander Belzen said.
"Commander, this woman needs help. I understand she is a Cylon, but she is a living being and I can't leave her to die," Baltar protested.
"She will not die Mr. Baltar. She will get food and water, and you have my word that no one will touch her. I am not sadistic like Cain, and I am sure that Commander Adama thinks like me. She is safe from further harm, but she is also dangerous. So doc, visiting hour is over and you will get out of here, now. Don't worry, you will have the opportunity to heal and clean her once a week. Now move," Commander Belzen said forcefully.
One of the marines gestured to the doors for Baltar to exit, and without a choice Baltar complied. After Baltar was gone, Commander Belzen looked down upon the blonde woman. She was in the corner of the cell, staring at him. Undoubtedly, she thought he would rape her as the others had. But she also saw there was something different about him; he didn't look mean, or angry.
"What is your name, or designation?" Commander Belzen asked.
For some time there was no response, so he repeated himself, "look I will not torture you or do anything to harm you, so what is your name?" Commander Belzen asked. After a few more seconds of silence the Cylon woman finally spoke, "Gina. Now what do you plan to do with me?"
"At the moment, nothing. You will stay here in the brig. You will receive food and water, and nobody will touch you. We are not all animals as you Cylons think of us, and I am not like Cain," Commander Belzen replied shortly.
Gina only nodded her head. Commander Belzen then exited the brig.
Vanguard's Situation Room
Commander's Belzen, Tigh, Lee Adama and Admiral Adama debated over the best route to reach Avalon.
"We don't know anything about this region," Commander Tigh said, "and we don't even know where the main Cylon fleet is."
"There's no doubt that they plan to attack. By now they must have realized that our ships joined with Galactica and with a force of five battlestars, we present a large threat to them. Sooner or later they will attack us," Commander Belzen said.
"Do you have a plan Commander?" Admiral Adama asked.
"Yes I do. I noticed there were three Sentinel class gunstars and one old firestar in your fleet Admiral," Commander Belzen said.
"Two of the gunstars were damaged and they are not fully repaired. The firestar, if I am not mistaken, was converted as a cargo ship. There's not much of a force from there," Admiral Adama said.
"Admiral Stryker is using a large amount of patrols all around the fleet to warn him about immediate danger. A circle created around the fleet in a radius of one light year where stealthstars, raptors, scouts, and patrols are. This creates an excellent grid; in case one of the raptors or stealthstars sees an enemy ship, the assault force is able to intercept and destroy it. Of course this is a defense against raiders and heavy raiders, and if they encountered a baseship or more of them then a new route for the fleet is made," Commander Belzen said.
"Interesting, but how this can help to us? I mean the Cylons could be practically everywhere by splitting their fleet up and then massing in a large group once they find us," Commander Lee Adama said.
"Yes they can. However, we can split our forces into two divisions. Vanguard, Chimera and Pegasus in one; making a Mercury trio, and with their firepower hardly anything would survive. Valkyrie, Galactica and the rest of our forces would be division two. The second division's priority is to always stay with the fleet, while the first division will attack the Cylons, or be the first line of defensive in case of an attack," Commander Belzen said.
"That will divide our forces; we could have a lot of gaps in our defenses," Admiral Adama said.
"If they attack in force and start their attacks from behind us with heavy raiders, then hardly any ship will have the time to react," Commander Belzen replied.
"You also mentioned before that during the first trip to Terminus, Admiral Stryker encountered a new threat?" Admiral Adama asked curiously.
"Unfortunately yes; automatized drones called the Harvesters. We don't know much about them; only that they were made from a very old and advanced race. We don't know what new can of shit opened in front of us, but that's why I want to introduce the patrol grid. It will warn us of an enemy before we even encounter them. And sir, I would also add that I have another plan; a plan that I would leave for the end if all else failed," Commander Belzen said.
"I am listening," Admiral Adama said.
"Locate and attack the colony itself," Commander Belzen said simply.
Everyone in the room looked at each other, and mumbled.
"It would be suicide," Commander Tigh said.
"From the Cylons that defected in our fleet; we found out a lot about the colony. It was created around the original ship in which the so called final five or survivors from the 13th tribe came in. I would say we attack in force and launch every missile, nuclear or otherwise, and blast it to pieces," Commander Belzen suggested.
"We will set course for Avalon, or at least the coordinates where we can intercept the main fleet, and I would like to get a good look at your plan commander. That is all for now," Admiral Adama said.
As the others started to leave, Admiral Adama said, "don't forget, the press conference is tomorrow at 10:00 on Colonial One. I expect you all to be there."
"Yes sir," Commanders Tigh, Lee Adama, and Belzen said.