Coup d'etant
Day 1102 Since the Fall
Avalon – Caprica City, Colonial Fleet HQ CIC
The CIC crew coordinating for the fleet and the planetary system were in disarray, all working to take reports and make sense of what was going on across the planet. The minor force of rebels that had tried taking the HQ from within and from outside had been put down and the mess cleaned up.
"Report!" Admiral Stryker called out again furiously, looking from his gathered military leaders around the plot table in the center of CIC and the surrounding CIC personnel.
"There's too much going on across the planet sir. Marines have been dispatched in each city, but reports are that a number of them had joined the mutiny as well. Each time one of our marine platoons reported success another batch of rebels attacking in the same area or elsewhere was reported," General Robert Clay said.
"Simply put, our best efforts have been throwing water onto a spreading grease fire. At best we put out a small bit of the spreading flames and the inferno spreads elsewhere while our focus is diverted," Commander in Chief, Colonial Marines, Lucian Abrams said.
"Much of the civilian casualties are being kept to a minimum now that they've gone to ground in any safe building they can bunker down in. Still, unconfirmed reports of causalities inflicted since the start, including when many civilians were in the open on the streets and in crowded public areas; thousands if not tens of thousands are dead," Colonel Fred Bennett, the Fleet Admiral's head of staff stationed on Avalon, said.
"There's also reports of mutiny in the ranks across the fleet over Avalon, though the majority of the fleet on exercises outside of the fleet may be safe for lack of contact due to knowing what's going on at Avalon. Most of the fleet rebellion is in the process of being put down swiftly as marines landing aboard the affected ships have been joining the still loyal crew members to eradicate any mutineer," Admiral Jones said.
"It would seem anyone to ever have a grudge against the colonial government and military, and from recent controversies, is choosing now to pick a fight. Mostly working separately on Avalon, but all at once…" Colonel Bennett said.
Admiral Stryker slammed his fist against the plot table in frustration, startling several people.
"And we have Zarek to thank for coordinating all this…?" Admiral Stryker said, disgusted.
"Yes, sir. His wireless message across the planet before major communications shutdowns across the planet made that much clear," Colonel Bennett confirmed.
"What kind of plan can he have for after this is over? Assuming he sees himself winning in his mind, what happens to all these people he's made promises to?" General Clay asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Maybe he expects us to eliminate most of them anyway and take the question of what he'd do off the table. They're a distraction," CINC Colonial Marines Abrams said.
"Then he's right about that much. Anyone who has engaged in these attacks across the planet has signed their own warrant for execution. They have all committed murder and treason, and the only thing that awaits them is death," Admiral Stryker said coldly, looking over at the bloodstains still splattered in several areas of the CIC.
"What about the government?" General Clay asked.
"So far the government is safe; the majority of the lower level members have been put into underground bunkers with trusted guards as planned for emergencies, which we were able to order and confirm with jury rigged communications. The Quorum is gathered at the Colonial Capitol building, safe from the last we heard. The President has been moved to Galactica where most of the mutiny aboard has already been put down, and they're cordoning off the remaining resistance so the threat they pose is eliminated soon enough," Colonel Bennett said.
The group around the plot table remained silent a long moment, while the CIC members around continued frantically working around them.
"Sir. I hate to suggest this, more so than most others even. But, we may need to consider bringing in the centurions and every troop we can bring to bear to put down this resistance movement as swiftly as possible," General Clay said, grimacing at the thought.
"No. Most of the people rising up in protest out there are doing so because of the Cylons. This is an internal matter best dealt with our own; involving the centurions isn't an option," Admiral Stryker said firmly.
"Recent reports are confirming that many of the Gemenese and Sagittarians are joining the uprising in force, the few not doing so moving as far from the fighting as possible. There's also been explosions in the cities of Aegae, Kios, and Rhodes. Not sure if it was intentional or what, but it's a clear escalation of the chaos outside. Whatever we're going to do needs to be implemented soon sir," Colonel Bennett said, reading through the rest of a report one of the CIC personnel gave him.
Admiral Stryker was silent a long moment before responding, the marine commanders looking to him expectantly as they waited for orders.
"Orders are for Vipers and Peregrines to begin strafing runs on known areas where the mutineers are, particularly where they are out in the open attacking but any marked building as well. Marine forces will paint their targets for bombing runs as well. I want all marine forces that can be spared from the fleet down where they are needed on Avalon, and marine forces are to begin sweeping through the cities of Avalon. Attack the rebels, secure a city, leave a garrison to ensure it won't be retaken, and move onto the next area; one by one until they are all taken. Bombing runs will continue to harass the rebel forces where they are concentrated in the meantime, ensuring they can't grow in force anywhere," Admiral Stryker ordered.
Several personnel nearby flinched at the orders.
General Clay looked to the CINC before receiving a nod and went to deliver the Admiral's orders to the marine forces personally.
Across Avalon…
Marines disembarked from dropships by the hundreds in various cities across the planet. Tanks and armored transport vehicles were unloaded and quickly engaged into formations, moving troops quickly to where citizens were protesting.
Tanks fired HE rounds, destroying several buildings protestors and mutineers were holing up in, bringing the structures down around those inside, and removing them from being a threat any longer.
Marines fired on militia men, mutineers, criminals, all the various groups attacking areas of the cities and who were firing on marines when they got in range. The marines formed up in formation, taking cover behind the tanks in their units and otherwise continuing to move forward, quickly eliminating every target within their line of sight. Every now and then their opposing enemies hit the marines in the oncoming marine units, wounding or killing them as they continued firing automatic weapons in their direction.
Vipers and Peregrines began descending in formations over various cities of Avalon, firing or dropping munitions on enemy targets in strafing runs, destroying several buildings and streets the mutineers and insurrectionist fighters occupied.
Fires and explosions began lighting up the once peaceful planet, thousands of little heat signatures that collectively were visible from space – marring the planet's once pristine condition.
Avalon, Colonial Capitol Building
"'The world's upside down. And someone has to turn it right side up again.' I heard that from the first colonial fleet member to rise in the movement against Avalon's leadership status quo. Others have told me I am that someone. I believe everyone involved in this movement are the answer to that problem, to set the world to right. In order to accomplish that, sacrifices and hard choices must be made. I came here because I wanted to see people that would refuse to give up, that have the courage to voice their dissent and save our people, and at the end of the day will stand by a leader that will guide them and our people onto the right path for us all," Tom Zarek said.
There was a long silence following Zarek's declaration and he stood looking at the sitting Quorum delegates one by one.
"I think you should leave now. Mr. Vice president," the Virgon delegate Marshall Bagot said firmly.
"Hear, hear," the other Quorum delegates began saying one by one.
Zarek looked stoically at each of the Quorum members who sat firmly, unmoving in their resistance to considering working with him, then looking down sadly he sighed and as he straightened he nodded, then turned and walked away with his three companions. The quorum members began talking amongst themselves as he left, arguing over recent events.
Zarek, former delegate Campus and his two compatriots, left the Quorum behind and exited the conference room. Once outside, Zarek turned to the armed militia men that were loyal to him who had been guarding the Capitol from outside intrusion.
"Shoot them," Zarek ordered morosely.
The militia men nodded, cocking their weapons as they went into the conference room. Within moments they unloaded their weapons in the conference room.
Screaming started as the Quorum delegates panicked, a few trying to escape as the others were shot dead, blood spurting around them. The gunfire continued until all the members of the Quorum were eliminated, their bloody remains left behind in the official government chambers they'd long been working from.
Minutes later…
Delegate Campus threw up, vomiting everything in his stomach, in a corner of the outer entrance to the Capitol building.
"Was that necessary?" Delegate Campus asked breathlessly after he took a moment to recover.
"It was always going to be necessary. I had hoped some of them might've come over to our side though," Zarek said.
"That's…" Delegate Campus said.
"A necessity for the world we live in. Now, I hope you can get the frak over it. Tell me you can and I can count on you to keep it together to do your job as a member of the Quorum again," Zarek said.
"Frak," Delegate Campus said, shaking before taking a calming breath, "Alright. You want my backing, you have it. Though three of us doesn't exactly make up for the normal Twelve."
"When we have the rest of the planet, the leaders of the remains of the resistance can make up for the rest. In the meantime, stay here and try to contact and lead the resistance cells around Avalon," Zarek said.
Zarek left the delegates behind, leaving the capitol with other resistance fighters in the area that rallied toward him.
Avalon – Caprica City, Colonial Fleet HQ
"Admiral! Incoming transmission," one of the communications officers in the CIC said.
Admiral Stryker raised an eyebrow, sharing a look with his officers before nodding to the communication officer who flipped a switch to put the message over the speakers.
"This is Tom Zarek. Many have died today, many innocent who got in the crosshairs while the guilty sat back, safe in their bunkers. Must this bloodshed continue, or are those in charge ready to see reason?" a voice over the CIC intercom speakers said.
Admiral Stryker picked up a cord phone, "This is Fleet Admiral Stryker. Don't try to rationalize the string of murder going on across Avalon that you started."
"Ah, Admiral. I thought you might be safe in there, sitting on your laurels, with the rest of the remaining corrupt leadership of Avalon," Tom Zarek said.
"Speaking of corrupt leadership of Avalon…" Admiral Stryker said pointedly.
"My offer of a graceful surrender stands. Save the countless other lives that will be lost while the attacks on the leadership of Avalon continue," Tom Zarek said.
"No," Admiral Stryker said simply.
"Then you leave us no choice. The Fleet HQ will be hit soon enough with-" Zarek was saying before being interrupted.
"Ah yes, where your last attack with people of your cause from inside and outside the secure building occurred. How'd that go? Right, your side lost. Any more attempts will similarly fail," Admiral Stryker said.
"I don't need to storm the building Admiral," Zarek said.
"Blowing up the building won't work either. Face it Zarek, you've already lost. It's a question of how long it'll take to make that fact known to everyone, and how many have to die until then. I'll reverse your offer; end things now before more people die for your madness and greed," Admiral Stryker said.
"I'm just another citizen working to right the wrongs of this administration. I will fight for freedom with everyone else, against a government of tyranny, injustice, and that seeks to hand over our future to the murderous enemies that destroyed our civilization," Zarek said.
"Just another citizen until after the fighting is done, and the ashes settled, when new leadership is needed and you will be looked to for guidance as the one who started all this. The man with all the answers," Admiral Stryker said sarcastically.
"You should know that the Quorum has been eliminated. A new order will rise after your administration is dead and gone. I'll make it happen, even if I die in the process; so no personal glory awaits me after this endeavor Admiral," Zarek said abruptly.
Admiral Stryker and his officers and the CIC personnel were silent for a moment, digesting the news regarding the Quorum.
"The only deal I will offer is as follows; put a stop to all that you have set in motion and surrender. You seem to be claiming to be working for the greater good, so prove it by saving the many lives that will be lost all around before this insurrection is put down," Admiral Stryker said.
"I'm afraid it's too late. What's been put in motion can't be stopped, even if I wanted to. So I will see this through to the end," Zarek said.
"Then hear this. I will use very bullet, every missile, every weapon I have at my disposal to end you and this insurrection movement. I promise. I'm coming for you, ALL of you; every malcontented citizen, every ex criminal, every corrupt politician, every religious fanatic, and every mutinous member of the military. Woe to anyone who gets in my way, and anyone stupid enough to not cower and run the frakking other way in fear will know better soon enough!" Admiral Stryker said, slamming down the wireless phone, and snapping at the communications officer to cut the comms connection.
The crew stood in silence, several gaping at the Admiral with wide eyes.
"Well. That concludes negotiations," CINC, Colonial Marines, Lucian Abrams said, trying to lighten the mood.
"Send units to the Capitol, check Zarek's claim, and if he's stupid enough to still be there take him out. Otherwise, retake the building," Admiral Stryker ordered.
"Right away sir," several members of the CIC called out, grateful for something to distract themselves, and began issuing the Admiral's orders.
"Progress on the Quarantine of cities to eliminate the threats across Avalon?" Admiral Stryker asked.
"Various strongholds the resistance took over and were trying to hold were destroyed, and clumpings of fighters on the ground were eliminated by our marine drop forces and fighter squadrons. The far-most cities have been recaptured entirely, having smaller populations and less development there. Our forces are moving inward rapidly. Any hostile individual in their path is being eliminated. Give it a few hours max," CINC Lucian Abrams said.
Orbiting Avalon, Battlestar Galactica
"Lay down your weapons! Do it! Do it now!" Colonel Aaron Kelly ordered loudly.
Fourteen officers and marines stood holding assault rifles or handguns opposite the ship's senior officers and two dozen marines, having been cornered in one of the ship's tight corridors from multiple sides; with no escape.
"You're just going to shoot us anyway, so get on with it!" Lieutenant Paolo "Redwing" McKay said angrily.
"Maybe. That's the Fleet Admiral's decision. But if that's the case, you'll die with some semblance of dignity and honor if you face the facts of your situation and stand down. Or you can die here, traitors until your death," Admiral Adama said gruffly.
"Frak you!" Redwing replied.
Admiral Adama cracked a small smile, before returning to his stoic mask of an expression, "Just tell me why. Why rise with criminals, religious extremists, and lords know who else is out killing people across Avalon."
"I hate the Cylons sir. And I can't serve under a man who won't fight them," Lieutenant Noel "Narcho" Allison said sadly.
"We are still fighting them Lieutenant. Did you forget our months of constant fighting on our mission to Picon? Soon enough the Cylons will show up in force and we'll fight then too," Admiral Adama said.
"Meanwhile we'll be buddy buddy to the Cylons here. Never mind that they caused the Cylon holocaust that killed all our friends and families. Never mind that they'll likely eventually turn on us and kill us, if they're not just waiting for the other Cylons to make their move," one of the marines with the mutineers said.
"We do what we have to survive. We-" Admiral Adama started to say before a shot was fired just missing him, interrupting him trying to talk the mutineers down.
Redwing and twelve of the other mutineers fired at the marine forces opposing them, yelling all the while. Narcho stood still, weapon having lowered to his side.
Several of the marines with Adama fell as the mutineers opened fired on them, the rest lowering closer to the ground and returning fire from the various directions surrounding the mutineers.
It was over in less than a minute, the marines continuing to fire on all thirteen of the mutineers until they fell dead, their weapons fire against the marines ending abruptly with the last mutineer falling, losing his grip on his weapon, and beginning to choke on his own blood.
Colonial Fleet Over Avalon
Similar scenes as in Galactica played out across the fleet, the majority of the crews remaining loyal and eventually overpowering the mutineers, killing them in firefights and pushing the remainder back into a corner until they finished them all.
Dozens of crew members were lost along the way taking out the mutineers, but the loyalists stayed strong and united. The mutineers lacked a contingency plan for what to do after they started firing at crew members across the fleet ships and were for the most part uncoordinated; the loyalists used that to their advantage, the remaining commanding officers leading them to a bloody victory.
Over the next few hours…
Avalon
As the various resistance groups continued fighting, killing bystander citizens and government and military targets, marines forces began appearing more and more blocking them off.
Groups like the large number of Sagittarians and Gemenese that had attacked with limited weapons or lacking body armor at all were quickly overtaken in their mostly uncoordinated groupings by formations of heavily armed and armored marines, with artillery support as needed. The groups of ex-wealthy traditionalists and other citizens that had risen up and lacked any training or heavy firepower fared no better.
One by one, the cities of Avalon were secured by marine forces, eliminating the hostile forces and leaving a small garrison in the city before moving on. The marine units were highly efficient, but not without casualties.
Bodies from each side littered the streets of cities, blood pooling around and splattered everywhere. Animals beginning to move toward the bodies were pushed away by citizens beginning supportive volunteer cleanup efforts.
Avalon Colonial Capitol Building
Marines stormed past the resistance put up by the small number of people firing at them, quickly killing several of those resisting and forcibly putting down any other threat in the area until they controlled the main government building of the capitol.
The marines then captured the delegates that survived the firefight to control the area.
Delegate Campus was punched in the face as he tried to escape, squealing in fear. He went down in a heap and the marines restrained him with all others in the area.
The sight of the bloody remains of the Quorum of Twelve shocked the marines checking on them, several marines losing their lunch at the horrifying scene.
The marines capable of handling it began cleaning the Quorum members for an honorable burial while Admiral Stryker and colonial command was made aware of what they had found.
Avalon – Caprica City, Colonial Fleet HQ
Admiral Stryker held onto the table firmly, leaning forward head downcast, as he stood unsteadily after hearing the report of what happened to the Quorum.
"Gods," Colonel Bennett exclaimed
"Zarek wasn't there. Apparently he'd left Campus to his own devices at the Government Capitol," CINC, Colonial Marines, Abrams said.
"Resistance is all but stifled across the fleet and likewise systematically on Avalon as control of cities across the planet is regained," Admiral Jones said.
"This won't end until Zarek is captured. Find him!" Admiral Stryker ordered loudly, standing upright, a determined look in his eyes.
Avalon – Caprica City, Colonial Marine Base Makai
Insurrectionist fighters had broken into the base and taken control of it shortly, wiping out the weakened garrison of marines at the base – the main force of marines elsewhere working with other marine units.
Zarek was at the center of the base's operations center where his own men were working to bring the base's systems under their control, while the other insurrectionists working with them gathered the base's weapons.
"Tom. Colonial marines have captured the Capitol building; everyone there was taken or killed as well," Nikol Seaborne, ex guard of the Astral Queen, said.
"Unfortunate," Zarek said, unaffected by the news.
"We also have word of marines gaining control of Avalon city by city…" Seaborne said.
"Have we brought missile launching systems online?" Zarek asked, as if he hadn't heard Seaborne.
"Yes," Seaborne said, eyebrows scrunching together as he looked at Zarek.
"Good. Prep a missile launch, target Avalon Colonial Fleet HQ," Zarek said.
"Right away," Seaborne said, rushing to carry out Zarek's orders and trusting his friend had a plan.
Zarek waited the next several minutes in silence, staring off into space contemplatively, as preparations were completed.
"We're ready," Seaborne said.
"Fire," Zarek said viciously.
Avalon – Caprica City, Colonial Fleet HQ
"Missile launch detected!" one of the CIC technicians called out in alarm.
"We've got incoming, five missiles, ETA Three minutes!" one of the CIC dradis operators reported.
"Have fighters intercept," Admiral Stryker ordered.
"There aren't any in range. We sent our squadrons with other planetary squadrons on strafing runs across Avalon," Admiral Jones said.
"An inopportune time for us… Clearly that was accounted for and taken advantage of," CINC, Colonial Marines, Abrams remarked.
"Launch interceptors and lock down the base!" Admiral Stryker ordered heatedly.
The base's personnel moved about their stations in a panic, rushing to lock down and secure the area, getting inside the underground portions of the base.
Ground-based missile tubes opened up and unleashed chaff and decoy drones into the air, streaming toward the oncoming missiles in an attempt to lure them off course.
Two missiles detonated short of the base as decoy drones made them drift several hundreds of feet off target, the explosions lighting up the sky.
The remaining missiles continued on course unimpeded and impacted on different points of the heavily shielded base, explosions from the impact creating a bright flash of light.
"Report!" Admiral Stryker demanded, rising to his feet after recovering from the explosion.
"The surface level of the base is in ruins. The heavy armor kept us safe, but there is internal damage and wounded that require being moved to sickbay," Colonel Bennet said, coughing as he waved smoke away from a nearby console that had sparked and caught fire. CIC personnel put the fire out with handheld gear.
"A recall order was sent to our fighter squadrons and others not needed where the fighting has ended on Avalon. About five more minutes before any arrive to safeguard the airspace against more missile launches," Colonel Bennett said.
"Have whatever defenses we can bring to bear in the meantime implemented. And send in marine teams to surround the marine base Zarek's people are entrenched in. I want the base taken intact," Admiral Stryker ordered.
Avalon – Caprica City, Colonial Marine Base Makai
"Heavy damage to the fleet HQ. The heavily shielded underground areas of the base are apparently intact; movement around the HQ is being detected. Now, this base is being surrounded by marine units on all sides, leaving no exit route. We've also detected viper squadrons on an intercept course, ETA five minutes," Seaborne said.
Zarek stood silently absorbing this latest information.
"What do you want to do Tom?" Seaborne asked, desperate for direction.
"What weapons do we have up and running on the base to work with?" Zarek asked.
"Can't get any of the gun platforms running in a short period of time. There is a large storage of missiles, it'll take a few minutes to prep more for launch," Seaborne said.
"Have as many as can be setup readied for launch on the marine forces, the fleet HQ and any other sensible targets in range," Zarek ordered.
As Seaborne was turning to leave and carry out Zarek's orders Zarek called out to him.
"We've been friends a while. After you've done this last task, you might want to consider trying to escape from here," Zarek said, looking meaningfully at Seaborne.
Seaborne gave Zarek an incredulous look, but Zarek just stared at him and nodded once. With a final look back at his friend, Seaborne left to carry out his last request.
Five Minutes later…
Avalon – Caprica City, Colonial Fleet HQ
"Marines have surrounded the Makai base and are beginning to enter to capture the base intact. Heavy resistance is being reported," one of the communications officers reported, relaying intelligence from several marine units engaging in storming the Makai base.
"That's to be expected. We should have the base under control soon enough though," CINC, Colonial Marines, Abrams said.
"No sign of Zarek as of yet," Colonel Bennett said.
Admiral Stryker nodded, jaw locked as he looked at video monitors showing the Makai base.
"Missile launch!" one of the tactical officers called out from his station in CIC.
"Over a dozen contacts registered!" another officer called out in alarm.
"What are they targeting?!" Admiral Stryker demanded.
"Four of the marines positions, our location… And several are veering off course; they appear to be on an intercept course towards areas with heavy groups of civilian!" Colonel Bennett reported, quickly coordinating with dradis operators.
"Order the marines to fall back! Launch interceptors against the missiles targeting civilians; we can take the hits and they can't! And someone get me my damned vipers to secure the frakking airspace!" Admiral Stryker roared loudly.
"Yes sir!" several of the CIC personnel called out, sending out his orders as quickly as they could.
As the missiles closed distance over the next minute and a half, vipers finally began arriving to secure the base.
A high speed chase began, the vipers trying desperately to catch up to and destroy the raiders, firing their cannons as they closed distance to get within firing range. Ultimately the vipers were too late to catch up as a number of the missiles outdistanced them, going further out in the opposite direction from the vipers.
The marines on the ground rushed to escape to safety, abandoning heavy equipment to make a mad dash to survive.
Three missiles detonated in mid-air as cannon-fire from vipers kept them from their target, causing a flash of white and an explosion close enough to the ground to start several fires on nearby buildings.
One missile impacted on the ground where the marines had been, the fiery explosion consuming heavier armored vehicles the marines left behind, and spreading outward as more combustible objects were consumed by fire several marines unable to escape in time joined the trees and other objects in the area set ablaze. They didn't have time to scream before the fire consumed them.
Several other missiles detonated as they impacted on civilian structures within a few miles of the colonial fleet HQ, killing many in the initial explosion and bringing down buildings as well as starting fires and causing secondary explosions as exposed fuel lines were ignited.
Colonial Fleet HQ began shaking violently as three missiles impacted on the already heavily damaged topside structure of the building, digging deeper into the underground structure and causing internal damage where structure supports buckled.
Avalon – Caprica City, Colonial Marine Base Makai
Zarek looked on at the view screens of the central command center of the base, showing video feeds of the destruction unleashed outside. The smoking ruin of the colonial fleet HQ was apparent as well as the fires and continuing explosions on civilian structures.
Zarek looked on stoically, taking it all in, even as several monitors monitoring the interior of the base showed images of marine forces rapidly carving their way through all resistance, killing anyone firing on them, to quickly reach the command center of the base.
Zarek was calm and composed as he picked up a control stick with long wiring to systems that had been manually interconnected to the fuel lines and munitions storage of the base.
As marines closed on his position, even arriving to bang on the dead-bolted door to the base's CIC, Zarek stood still preparing himself.
"For the new era," Zarek said as he pushed the button sending a command signal to coupled together explosives connected to the base's fuel lines.
Fire consumed the marine base, quickly rushing through every inch of the base and bringing a quick death to everyone inside, killing indiscriminately.
A large cloudy plume from the explosion rose high into the air above the burning ruin of the building.
…
Across Avalon…
Once the fighting was done and the planet brought back under control by the colonial military, SAR and clean-up efforts began with many civilian volunteers joining in over the next several days to mend the damage and prepare honorable funerals for the mass casualties.
The process to implement a new form of the quorum and bring in new members to replace those lost in the mass killings of what was becoming known as the bloody uprising of the colonials, or the day of tears, was started.
Within a few days of the violent uprising and insurrection, the militia and various groups that participated in the violence killing so many innocent people, the ones not killed immediately during the bloody uprising, were brought together on several ships that would've others been scrapped and brought to a nearby star system. They were then released on a directed course to crash into the sun, where all those aboard would shortly die on contact in the extreme heat.
…
Day 1113 Since the Fall
Avalon, Capital: Caprica City Main Square Outside Government Capitol Building
Admiral Stryker stood on an erected podium just outside of the Capitol, in front of fellow officers, government officials, and Cylon allies. Before him stood the press, and thousands of people; with his speech also being broadcast on wireless among the fleet and across Avalon.
After talking for several minutes describing the mutiny and general uprising, Admiral Stryker went over why the alliance with the Cylons must be upheld and strengthened and how the colonies as they once knew them were gone and that meant a vast expanse of changes they needed: something that could be an opportunity as much as a frightening thing. They could choose to never again have the cultural or racial tensions between tribes/colonies, the vast gap between rich and poor, religious intolerance, crime, or vast number of other things best changed in their renewed society. He told all about the Cylons, including the Final Five's part in the last war and being survivors of the thirteenth tribe. He also told them of the Harvesters and the Arcadians. He continued with the frightening proposal that dark days were coming and only through unity could they survive.
"The colonies as we knew them are gone. For all intents and purposes that part of our lives is over. There's no Sagittaron, Caprica, Picon, Tauron, or any of the other colonies. There's just us; the survivors from our respective tribes. But we've come a long way since Kobol; we are not defined by tribes and the history and traditions attached. The old grudges between our people are a thing of the past just like our old homes and our lives, and that is where they must remain! We have a chance to start over, to not make the same mistakes and do things right. More than that, we have little choice besides getting things right, because this is it! There are no more second chances, nowhere else to go. We are here, and this is where we make our stand. We're not going anywhere. So we must make peace with that and look at the larger picture; do whatever we have to in order to survive. We're alive people! Not many can say that. And if we have to we will do what it takes to continue to live, no matter the cost, no matter the petty reasons against doing so. Because to do otherwise means failure. Our failure will mean our death. It will also mean that the sacrifices of everyone we've lost; friends, family, anyone and everyone we've known that have died, who have helped us to get to this point, will be in vain. They will have died for nothing if we squander this chance and frak it up!
Look to the people standing next to you. Your friends, your family. We are all that is left; we are all that we have. There is nothing else, no more second chances. We can stand together, rise higher than the peoples of Kobol could ever have imagined. Or we can fall, down and down into the deep pit of nothingness. No legacy, nothing left of us with no one left to even keep a memory of all our struggles and accomplishments. Everything we've done will have become meaningless. The military, the government… I, have made choices that have affected every one of us since the beginning of our journey. This is a crossroads.
Now, it is your turn. Your decision that will determine the fate of humanity. Let no one go on in ignorance. Now is the time; not tomorrow. Decide what you are willing to do. Is there any price you would not pay for the sake of those next to you, the people you love?
Can you get over petty grudges, even hatred such as for the Cylons? Be willing to work together even with the Cylons we call allies so we can all survive? Be willing to forgive the unforgiveable?
Do you think we didn't have to do the same? We, the military, the government; ME. We all had to force ourselves to put past issues in the past, and get over feelings such as hatred, distrust, and dislike towards the Cylons, to do what had to be done.
Now the decision must be yours. We cannot go forward until we are united in this. Make no mistake; this will be a choice that affects our children, and our children's children. Their future hinges on what is decided. They can bear what we may see as a necessary evil of allying with Cylons, a thing thought impossible for so many years, or they might not have a future at all.
I leave you with these words. The torch has been passed. It is a heavy burden isn't it? But I have faith. I have faith that we will make the right choice, to get on the sole path for our survival, that we can prove worthy of saving, worthy of all the sacrifices and all the horrors in our peoples collective past," Admiral Stryker said.
With that Admiral Stryker left the podium, the audience silent as a crypt as they contemplated his words, and walked away toward the Capitol building. Government officials and other fleet officials followed him in turn, informally ending the proceedings for the gathering.
Several Minutes Later…
Avalon, Capitol Building
Admiral Stryker shared words with one of his subordinates that was catching up to him as he walked through the building, hand running unconsciously to his new wounds from the day of the bloody uprising when the fleet HQ had been so damaged in the carnage that he'd been among those hit by falling debris inside the underground base.
Admiral Stryker was walking steadily one moment and the next he collapsed, eyes rolling into the back of his head.