Hello every one!

My exams are finished and as I promised here is the next chapter. I will be going in holiday Friday 13 but be reassured I bring with me my computer and will have access to internet so I will be able to upload some chapters.

And to anyone wondering or wanting a clearer image of the Terran uniform, I take inspiration from the TV series Andromeda, which I don't own. The general design of suits and some of the colors are from andromeda while the color of the pants and the grade insignias is mine. I don't know you but in many Sci-Fi series, the Grade insignias are so small that if you don't examine them in detail you can't see the difference.

Chapter 6

After the announcement from President Roslin, the Terran Federation's 25th Fleet started operations of humanitarian aid to the Colonial Fleet.

The first shipments of food, medication, and clothing had already been distributed by Terran Personnel in great quantities. Terran Doctors from the Fleet where dispatched on all civilian vessels and helped where ever they could, even managing to respect the wishes of the Sagitarron by providing them with natural medicines though not everyone seemed happy about the idea. Not knowing anything about the Terrans made many people nervous, but the calm and professionalism of every Terran worker helped calm waters.

Several repair ships were provided by the Terran Federation to fix the damaged ships. The machine shop aboard the Terran Federation ships were producing replacement parts as quickly as they could from the sensors analysis. To the surprise of many colonial engineers, the replacement parts were of a better quality than the ones stocked from the colonies.

But the most profound effect of the Terran Fleet was not the amenities they provided but the sense of security they provided. Terran cruisers were patrolling at the edge of the sector in case of an attack, Dreadnoughts were shielding with their enormous presence the civilian's ships and Arrows were helping the Combat Air Patrol.

But while the Colonials were happy with the help, the revelation of the Terran Fleet appearing from nowhere increased the wireless traffic between ships to a point never seen before and no amount of control from the colonial government could prevent it. Speculations were running unchecked and wild theories were popping up like flees on a street dog. The general population was still wary of the Terrans even with what they did for them.

To put to rest these fears and calm the rumor mill, Admiral Delterre offered a tour of the General's Glory, the Admiral's flagship and even allowed the president to bring with them a camera crew, thought no journalist was allowed to accompany them since the D'Anna Biers fiasco aboard the Galactica years ago. The tour was transmitted live, every ship in the fleet were fitted with large screens from the Terran Federation, and so far every able person was planning to attend.

Raptor en route to TFS General's Glory



The President, The Admiral and a camera crew were onboard a raptor with Director Petersen in an invitation by Admiral Delterre to visit his ship. Finally able to take a close look of the Terran's ship, every colonial aboard the raptor were scrutinizing every corner of the ship, admiring its design. The General's Glory seem to be made from one single piece of dark grey metal as no rivets could be seen holding it together. Glowing vertical thrusters in the shape of a curved triangle illuminated the area while small tube like ships were coming and going from the hangar bays on the each side of the ship. They were approaching one of the main bays on the side of the ship and could already see to their stupefaction that an honor guard was assembled waiting for them seemingly exposed to the vacuum of space but protected by the shield. As the Raptor landed, the Admiral and the President gave each over a look of determination and nodded to the pilot to open the door.

Immediately the 2 pilots exited the ship, surveyed the situation and stepped aside to let the Admiral step out. As the President stepped out, the colonial anthem played on the speakers while the honor guard came to attention in their midnight blue uniform. Admiral Delterre and his staff were standing at the end of the column formed by the honor guard, waiting for them.

The Admiral was surrounded by three officers all dressed like him in the midnight blue dress uniform of the Terran space Navy. The first one was a Chinese man of approximately 40 years with average height, the second was a black man of 30 years or so and a very tall stature, and the last officer was a young woman of average Height and blond hair.

The officers of the Terran Space Navy saluted the President first and the Admiral Adama second, following protocol. At last finished with the protocol the Admiral started the presentations" Mme President, Admiral, may I present to you Commander Peng, Commanding Officer of the General's Glory, my Chief of Staff, Lieutenant Commander Mugabe and Lieutenant Rawthorne, who I designated as your liaison if you will accept her."

Smiling gently to the professional looking young woman, the President responded" Of course Admiral, thank you for your consideration, will Lieutenant Rawthorne come back with us?"

"Yes Mme President, Lieutenant Rawthorne will be acting as your military liaison until your settling on your new world when a permanent Ambassador will be appointed by the Foreign Office."

With the final presentations made between everyone, Admiral Delterre started the tour of his flagship "The Super Dreadnought class ship serve in the Terran Navy as the Flagship of the Admiral commanding a Fleet. Unlike typical war ships, it is a multipurpose ship used for exploration, diplomacy and commerce additionally to being a warship."

Nodding to the Admiral's words Adama asked" how is this ship powered, with all we have seen from your capabilities you must use a spectacular source of energy?"

Smiling the Admiral replied "At the heart of this ship's class is a controlled singularity which provides unlimited energy. It is basically a miniature nova constantly generating energy which is fed to the ship directly. May I ask how you power your ships?"

"We refine a mineral called Tylium and use it as a carburant for our ships engines. For this purpose we have several ships able to mine and refine the mineral that we found on asteroids."

"I see if you are interested we may be able to fit some of our cold fusion reactors onto your ship. It may help you produce more energy for the Galactica and free some resources for the rest of the Fleet."

"Any help would be greatly appreciated but I do not know what type of energy source is a Cold Fusion Reactor?"

"It's a reactor we developed approximately 120 years ago on Earth. It can generate as much energy as a nuclear reactor but using only heavy water as a source. It is thus safer and more compact."

"I will ask my chief engineer to contact your staff, this will be of great help for us. We are very dependant of Tylium factoring and freeing resources will facilitate matters."

As they were talking they entered a corridor with dark blue marble like walls with sliding opaque glass doors every 10 meters. They stopped in front of a wall with a screen showing a map of the ship with a golden globe on top of it.

Colonel Mugabe stepped in front of the map and started the explanation" This is our main mean of transport aboard the ship. The globe you see on top is what we call a beam globe. You have to select the destination on the map and the transporter will beam you to your chosen destination."

Frowning in confusion the President asked the obvious question" What do you mean by beaming?"

Clarifying is explanation Colonel Mugabe responded" Beaming technology was given to us by our greatest allies, the Asgard. It is a device that dematerialize the body and reconstruct it a second later to the destination."

Astonished and a little fearful Laura Roslin could not wrap her head around what was revealed to her. The very thought of a working dematerialization technology opened worlds of possibilities to her mind, terrible as well as wonderful worlds.

Admiral Delterre stepped forward to continue the visit" We will use the transporter to beam next to the Bridge." Saying this he touched the icon of the Bridge on the Map. A whirring sound echoed in their ears followed by a bright light and they were in another corridor filled with Terran personnel. Unlike The midnight blue dress uniform worn by the commanding officers, the on duty crew was dressed in grey pants tucked in black boots and burgundy leather vest.

They entered the Bridge and took in the activity around them. Contrary to the Galactica CIC, the General's Glory's bridge was a big airy room with a view out to space. 3 central chairs were placed in the middle on a raised platform, while 20 consoles were spread around what appeared to be a holographic tank of 20 meters.

Proudly, Admiral Delterre described the bridge" The bridge is the central nervous system of the ship; every system can be controlled through here. But the most important person in this room is right over there" He then turned around to show the holographic screen were a form began to appear.

The small form was that of an alien, with grey skin and big black eyes. As it turned toward them Admiral Delterre began the presentations" Mme President, Admiral Adama may I present to you Freya, our Asgard resident and avatar for this ship."

The Asgard Avatar Officer turned toward the Colonials watching him with rapt attention" Hello, I am Freya, Avatar Officer of the Terran Federation."

Nodding in greeting, not knowing what to say to the first alien they ever encountered, the president and the Admiral were observing everything around them. The air of professionalism was present in every officer of the bridge they saw, from the ensigns manning the communication stations to the 2 master crewmen standing guard at the door.

Continuing their tour, they turned to exit the Bridge and again came in front of the Beam Globe. Commander Peng touched another point on the map and they reappeared in the middle of a garden with a breathtaking view of the singularity powering the ship. Fascinated by the display, the camera crew, the President and the Admiral were so taken by the view that they missed the environment around them.

Finally turning around they were even more astonished by the vista. In front of them was displayed an enormous city with spires Hundred meters tall with bridges connecting them. At the feet of the buildings, large gardens were sprawling with small water fountains and people milling around.

Trying to find her voice, the President was wondering how such a thing could be possible in a starship, knowing the hazards space travel presented.

Seeing her fascination, Admiral Delterre started to explain the details of the City" every Dreadnought and Super Dreadnought class of ships disposes of a city. The city is the principal living emplacement of the ship where crewmembers and civilians alike live. For example, we currently have aboard an exploration team, 2 ambassadors and their staff and the family members of some of the crew who are here for a visit. The city as a capacity of 7 000 people and is protected by a 3 layered shield tied directly to the singularity."

Nodding to Admiral Delterre while trying to take in everything in front of her, Admiral Adama asked the question he was thinking of since seeing this city" Admiral, since our run from New Caprica some of the civilian's ship already in bad condition before are now showing signs of failure. The Galactica as already taken some of the civilians aboard but we are reaching maximum capacity as are other ships. It would be of great help for us if you could shelter some of them in this city."

"I see Admiral. The city is currently not at full capacity and can probably shelter approximately 5 000 of your people. If we combine this city with the ones on the Dreadnoughts we can push it to 10 000. But I want it understood that while onboard our ships, your people will be under our jurisdiction and so subject of the Terran Federal Law. Our security systems are very efficient and any transgression of military facilities will be met with deadly force. If you can accept these conditions then we will be happy to welcome them aboard our ships."

Responding with a smile in her voice the President replied for Admiral Adama" It will be no problem for us and since we might request membership in the Terran Federation, it will be a good thing to have our people start experiencing life in a federal setting."

Turning toward Commander Peng, the admiral ordered him to make preparations to welcome the Colonials. Admiral Delterre then asked the Colonials to follow him while he showed them the typical 

architecture of the city, inspired directly from the Great City of Atlantis with geometric designs, tall stained glass windows and great aerial bridges between buildings.

Finishing the tour of the city by the market place where Federal Citizens were buying and selling, they headed toward a Beam Globe. The Admiral then selected another destination and they found themselves in an office, without the camera crew.

As the President and the Admiral examined their surroundings they realized they were in fact in Admiral Delterre's Office when they watched him take place behind an enormous desk and ask them to take place in front of him.

He explained that the Camera crew was continuing the tour by interviewing some of the passengers and crewmen aboard the ship, while they continued their discussions in private.

"I know that some of your people put a great deal of faith in your recorded history and your religion, and for this I wanted to tell you in private what our theories are concerning your people and the fabled 13 colony you were looking for. I will add that everything concerning our history is clearly documented and proved beyond the shadow of a doubt, what theories we have are not about us but more where your people come from. But I think the beginning will be a better place to start. Millions of years ago, a race of beings from another galaxy in search of a new home found our planet, Earth and started colonizing it. This race was called the Alterans and was a very advanced civilization both technologically and biologically. They expanded their civilization, terra forming planets and establishing colonies all over the Milky Way galaxy, forming alliances with 3 other races, the Asgard, the Nox and the Furlings. They were the first human looking civilization, our genetical ancestors. Unfortunately at the height of their civilization they were struck down by a plague that slowly but surely were killing them. Even with all their knowledge, nothing they did could save them so they fled the Milky Way Galaxy and choose to re settle in the Pegasus Galaxy approximately a 100 000 years ago. They lived there for millennia until they entered a war with another race, the Wraith, for which they were only food. Again while technologically vastly superior to the Wraith their numbers were too low and, as they were succumbing to the enormously greater number of their enemies, tried to rejoin Earth. Here is where our theories start: during the time that the Alterans left, the plague had ran its course leaving very few of the survivors left behind alive. After a time, our species, the second evolution of the Alterans but less advanced biologically, were discovered by another race, this one with more nefarious intentions, the Goa'oulds. The Goa'oulds are a race of extremely intelligent parasites who use living hosts to reside, and their preference rapidly became humans. With their technology they enslaved us, taking some of us as host, genetically modifying others as soldiers and incubators for their young. They posed as Gods and established domains throughout the Galaxy. But one day approximately 10 000 years ago, the humans of Earth rebelled and overthrew the Goa'oulds. We believe that the Alterans choose to return during the time of that rebellion and decided to help us. This theory was established 50 years ago after we finished deciphering the databases from the Alterans we discovered. You have to understand that while the humans from the time may have overrun the defenses on the planet, they didn't have the capability to destroy the capital ships the Goa'oulds possessed at the time. We believe the Alterans were responsible for that."

Nodding at what Admiral Delterre was telling her, the President asked the question that was on her and probably Admiral Adama's mind" But how does this relate to us, we had no contact with the Goa'oulds?"

"You had no contact with the Goa'oulds, yes, but we believe that the Alterans choose some of your ancestors form what is now Greece on Earth to create a new colony for them, Kobol. The Alterans were a peaceful race with the aspiration to help others. But since the war, the surviving Alterans were few, barely a hundred aboard 2 or 3 ships came back from the Pegasus Galaxy and the rest of their people had ascended to another plane of existence so they decided to do the last thing they could do, offer some of us a new home fearing the return of the Goa'oulds. They settled on Kobol, living among your people until they too choose to Ascend and rejoin the others."

Shocked from what she learned and the attack on her beliefs she needed more details to help her understand the story the Admiral told her" From what I understand from your theory you believe our lords of Kobol, our Gods, were aliens! How do you want us to believe that? And what is this ascension you are talking about?"

"I will start by your last question. Ascension is a process where the body becomes so advanced genetically speaking that with the correct mentality the need for a physical body disappears and evolves to a being of pure energy. This is a state to which most Alterans had access and they choose to evolve to a higher plane of existence. Now from what we understand, Ascended beings in our universe have a strict rule of non interference in which even to the threat of complete annihilation of a race they would not interfere. However that rule does not automatically apply to every Ascended being as we discovered with the Ori, Ascended that behaved like the Goa'oulds. While we do not think that your ascended beings had nefarious intentions, we don't think they restrained themselves to not interfere in your galaxy. Finally, we have records of the phenomenon that is Ascension. If any Human witnessed it 10 000 years ago, I don't think believing them gods would have been so far from their minds. Frankly we don't want to impose any of our beliefs to your people, in that regard and as stated clearly in our constitution, freedom of religion is one of our most sacred rights. We just want to explain to you some of our theories and furthermore make you understand that while for your people we are your 13 colony, we do not have the same beliefs as you. On Earth the Greek religion of worshiping the pantheon of gods died out 2 millennia ago."

Considering the information given to her by Admiral Delterre, she saw the importance of revealing it in private. While a fervent believer in the Gods of Kobol, she was also a practical and intelligent woman who knew since the beginning that 4 000 years of separation, from what their scriptures told them, was a very long time and that many things might be different between their people. But to learn that their entire religion was considered a thing of the past was something she did not expect.

However, thanks to the opportunity offered to them to settle on their own world, she decided to move past it, knowing that even if currently religion took a more active role in the lives of the Colonial public, many among her citizens were almost atheists and that fact would not bother them.

Looking to the chair at her side she saw that Admiral Adama looked thoughtful but not bothered by the theories presented to them. But of course, Bill Adama was always someone that looked at every angle of a problem or information before making any decision, a fact which saved their lives more times that she could dare to count.

Finally exiting is silent contemplation, William Adama decided to offer his own comments to the situation" You said before that the Alterans were allied with 3 other races, why then did they not do 

anything against these Goa'oulds or helped the Alterans. I believe the Asgard were one of your closest allies, were they not?"

Taking the mantle, Director Petersen responded to him" At the time of the emergence of the Goa'oulds, the Asgard were starting a war with a very powerful enemy known as the replicators, very advanced automated machines which were locked on only one setting, to self replicate by any means necessary. Furthermore the Asgard home world was in the Galaxy of Ida, far from here and they still believed that the plague was running rampant. By the time they were made aware of the situation it was too late and the Goa'oulds already occupied the majority of the system. The Nox are a very advanced race but very peaceful. It was not in their nature to make war to the point of not defending themselves if they were attacked. If they had been attacked by the Goa'oulds they would have lost because they would not have fought. Instead of allowing the Goa'oulds to take their technology, they decided to hide themselves on their home world. It is only recently they reopened communications with us. Finally the Furlings were a race native from our home galaxy but from another phase compared to us. They were working against the Goa'oulds in their own way but had limited interaction with our phase."

Nodding to himself, as he made up his mind, Admiral Adama thanked the Director and addressed Admiral Delterre directly" Admiral, whatever the religious people decide to believe or not is not my problem. My only purpose is to protect the fleet and help us survive the genocide brought by the Cylons. To that end I would like your agreement to prepare the fleet to move forward into your territory under your protection."

"Of course Admiral Adama. Even if the world you decide to settle upon is not the exact way we would be going, for our security it would be better to start the preparations to move the fleet. As you requested, the General's Glory and the 4 Dreadnought in the 25th Fleet will be made ready to harbor your citizens until they are ready to settle on their new home world." Replied Delterre.

As the Colonial representatives began to take their leave, Director Peterson addressed them" Mme President, I took the liberty to ask my government to provide me with complete details of the planets available for you to settle on so that you may begin the selection process. The information is already in the hands of Lieutenant Rawthorne."

Leaving the General's Glory onboard their Raptor, Laura Roslin could only begin to wander what the future had in store for them.

Same location, 3 days later.

Several civilian ships, ready to explode at the seams as well as the dog town on Galactica had been evacuated and the civilian population relocated aboard the Super Dreadnought's inner City in real quarters equipped with every comfort they could ask for.

After 3 years of running from the doom of their civilization and the gnawing fear eating away at their stomachs the Colonial People felt safe.

The Quorum of Twelve, the President and the Admiral and his aides had been in constant communications with the Head of the Contact Office back on Earth and their provisional Membership had already been approved by the Federal Senate engaged in an emergency session. The choice 

offered to re settle on a new world which appealed greatly to them was accepted and they were discussing the various worlds available. While the Cyrannus Galaxy, their home Galaxy was poor in habitable worlds, the Milky Way Galaxy offered them a multitude of planets not only habitable but also rich in minerals and fertile lands. But while the choice was vast, the time was short. Whatever planet of their choosing was, the Terran Federation needed at least a week to install the Satellite Defense System composed of 39 Satellites, and 2 more months to complete the basic infrastructures needed for a permanent settling. They had to choose wisely in the best time possible and after much consideration a planet named by the Terrans PXY-913 was elected. The planet itself was slightly larger than Caprica with 2 oceans and 3 Great lakes of fresh water each the size of Australia. It was considered a green planet virtually untouched by civilization and rich in Trinium and diverse minerals they could mine as an economic resource for revenues in the Terran Federation.

With this final decision everything was ready to be made official and a state visit to Earth was prepared for the President, the Admiral and 3 of the Representatives for the Quorum of Twelve: Lee Adama, Marshall Bagott and Sarah Porter.

To avoid the trip for a ship from the edge of the Milky way to Earth the Stargate aboard the General's Glory was activated. Every Capital Ship in the Terran Space Navy was fitted with a Stargate that was used when ships are in orbit of a planet for direct contact and transportations inside the Federation. The Stargate network connecting every planet of the Federation was set apart from the general Stargate network of the Milky Way Galaxy by the use of codes that disconnected the wormhole if it was not entered in time.

In front of a camera crew, the Colonial contingent, escorted by 4 colonial Marines as an honor guard, was ready to step through the event horizon of the incredible wormhole that opened in front of them, and every colonial watching the spectacle on the screens.

As the honor guard stepped carefully through the event horizon, Laura Roslin couldn't help to pray the Gods that everything would go right. She took a great breath and stepped through the gate reappearing a second later in a different place.

She was standing in the middle of an indoor square with tall stained glass windows in the architecture reminiscent of the City aboard the General's Glory. Her honor guard was waiting for her, standing on either side of the gate next to the Terran Honor Guard waiting for her. At the end of the honor guard, an older man of about 60 stood waiting for her in a dark suit, his eyes sharp detailing everything he saw. Turning around after hearing the wormhole close behind her she took sight of the rest of the square: contrary to her first glance, she was only partially indoor as the square ended on a huge balcony hundreds of meters long overlooking the sea. Their arrival was at night as she could see the stars shining in the sky above her head.

As she tried to focus her attention on the proceedings in front of her, she suddenly turned back and stared at a grouping of constellations. Taking Bill Adama's hand she stammered the name of the constellation she recognized" Gemini, Bill it's the constellation for Gemenon!"

And as the Admiral stared at the sky like her he could only utter one phrase" And the people of the 13th colony rejoiced, as when they looked to the heaven, they could see their 12 brothers."