Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

"Have engineers from the other ships go to assist the Pycies. We need to know if she can keep up. We need to find a safe place to repair our fleet..."

"Commander there is a small asteroid belt 100 metro from here. I am reading large deposit of metals." Said the coordinated to the fleet. Best speed."

He was glad that no ships had been outright destroyed but, he feared it was luck rather than skill that had saved them today. He sent a prayer of thanks.

Baltar was perplexed. To his knowledge FireStar had all been scrapped. He wondered where these new humans had come from. He just hoped that they did not meet up with the Pegasus. The idea of Cain with a war fleet gave him nightmares...

Lucifer reviewed the data. These new human ships were different from what the empire had been dealing with. They were fast but seemed to lack the shielding of a standard viper. They had faced at least 4 kinds of fighters. The one seemed to have multi crews of human and extra firepower. While they appeared to be slower the rear guns had devastated the raiders. The tape of the battle was damaged and he could not fully assess the firepower .How would they battle these new foes. The centurions were too used to dealing with vipers. He and the other IL would need to figure out how to program the raiders to deal with this new danger. He accessed files .The firestars were no match for a base ship on their own. It was why the colonials had built the first Battle stars. But 2 to 4 could deal a deadly blow to a base ship. They have to win with heavier firepower. As much as he hated to admit it Baltar was correct to withdraw. He sent the report to Cylon. The Leader was going to be very angry.

The Jaguars and Scorpions had begun to drive the raiders off.

"Major Thor they are headed for that Planet. I am going to take a look."

"We were ordered to fall back."

"No we were ordered not to engage the enemies capital ships. I want to check out that planet. We will have to fly past it to get to the asteroid belt. I would really hate to fly into it blind."

Dara had a point but Thor knew his father have his hide if anything happened to his wife.

"Everyone back to the Fire Stars…That is an order she commanded." Major Dara On the private computron she read. "Not on your life Major I am with you."

"Thor -"

"Major we can argue latter let's check out that planet."

Dara shook her head . He was just as pig headed as his father.

She hit her thrusters and dove low. Her scanners gathered data as she flew by. She flipped on the shields. With luck she gets a good scan and be back in time for cocktails. Thor followed his step mother unhappy that she was so dammed concerned with the fleet. He knew she risk her life to keep them all safe.

On Board the Kobal's Shield Commander Noah received the news.

"Sir Major's Thor and Dara are scanning the planet...They did not want us fl-"

"I see Dismissed Lieutenant.

Noah was going to kill His wife. He swore it. The woman was going to give him a grey hair. He had no doubt that she had lead the patrol. He was going to ground her for his sanities sake.

Maya hide a chuckle. She had seen the two Jaguars break away and head for the planet. Inside she knew it was her sister and Son. Poor Noah he had too many independent minded family members. Maya knew despite their differences Thor stick with Dara and keep her safe.

Noah looked around the bridge. His crew was working hard to repair the battle damage. He knew Dara was right to check out the planet. He was sure it was Kobol. Sometimes he wished he had a normal family. No worries and no responsibilities.

"When the Major's report comes in I want it patched through at once. Have all fighters refuel and launch 1/4 for now. I do not want to be caught off guard again. 1/4 speed ahead. If we get the all clear the asteroid belt will hide is while we make repairs."

Dara was annoyed at Thor following her. She already knew that Noah was going to be upset. The backup was however always a plus.

"Major I want to get a scan of those building and any hostile craft. Since you are along for the ride please cover me."

"Yes Ma'am."

"Maintain radio silence unless you see a problem."

Thor watched his stepmother dive. She handled the Jaguar with natural ease and grace. In many ways he was sure that this was part of his problem. She was just too good at everything. In moments he has reason to be glad at that. They had entered the planet's atmosphere with their shields intact. What they had not known was that the enemy had massive scanners set up. The Cylon's had wanted to know if any humans returned. The scanners they set up were strong enough to catch the exhaust fumes.

"By your command "The Bronze centurion Gangus walked up to Lucifer.

"We have picked up an exhaust trail near the planet."

"Have any enemy ships been seen?"

"No, Shall we launch a patrol?"

"Yes...Capture if possible."

"By your command."

Unlike Baltar Lucifer was worried. It was a bad omen that a new group of humans had shown up. He wanted information from the pilots. Then , they could be destroyed.

"Commander, The first casualty reports are coming in."

"I will read them in my quarters. Have each ship send an officer for briefing in 2 centars. We need to prepare for this threat and determine a course of action. "

Commander Noah turned heading for his office. His heart was heavy at the losses. He wondered how he had allowed himself to be so complacent. Never again he vowed. These creatures would not be allowed to cause harm. He sat at his desk. They had lost 15 aircraft and over 30 crew men. It could have been a lot worse if not for Dara's warning. He sighed. Even now she was seeking more information risking her life to protect the fleet. He was glad that his son was with her. Together they were a deadly fighting force. He also received battle data. It seemed that they were a match for the enemy. The opponents fought in a pattern and were easily confused. They had obviously never dealt with scorpion fighters. That would be a definite advantage. The Jaguars had done a lot of damage unfortunately their lighter armor had cost them. He jotted down notes. There had to be a way to increase the armor and not lose speed.

It was then that he read the bad news. Agro ship Belarus had been badly damaged. It could still fly but it's bio pods had been hit. Almost all of the new crops were lost. Food and water could now become a major problem. He was glad that Maya had insisted on spreading seedlings throughout the fleet. They had a base to begin again. The problem was soil. It had drifted out as the hulls depressurized.

He hit his com.
"LT. Commander Maya to the Commanders office at once."

Lt. Commander Maya had already gotten the news. It was worse than she had expected. At first glance it was hopeless. They would need to prefabricate three of the four biodomes. The fourth was salvageable. The real problem was the loss of soil and the head Gardner. Nelly had been blown out of the dome along with all the first plantings. She knew they have to find a place to replenish their soils and water supply. Filters would help for a while but new generators would also be needed. She scanned the fleet's inventory.
The call from Noah came as no real surprise .She had been hoping to have a more positive picture to offer. Maya walked to his office determined to find a solutions. She wondered if Kobol truly would be their salvation. She hoped the soil was viable.

The scans were frightening. Dara read the data as she flew. The planet seemed infested with those machines. As she looked down too late to register the missile launch.

"Look out bogies "Thor's cry came too late. A missile sliced through the tail of the Jaguar.

"Major I am going down. Get back to the fleet your Father will need that information."

"I will follow you down. Eject now."

"No, you need to go my scanner shows 6 enemy craft approaching. I can land this. Just go. I will be fine."

"Dara I--

"I know . Go the fleet is what matters" Thor hit his thrusters determined to give Dara a fighting chance. He locked on and blew the first of three raiders' way.

"Thor get out of here there are six more coming. Go, I think they want me alive. Get help and get that info back. That is an order Major."

With great reluctance Thor finally obeyed. He noted the coordinates and headed home. He was not looking forward to seeing the Commander. His Father was going to kill him.

Dara fought for control. The rising panic would kill her. She took a deep breath. She could do this. The Jaguar wretched and groaned as she fought to keep in a landing position. It spun and rolled but, she held on. She closed her eyes and saw. Using her gifts she found a landing zone. Lord willing she be in one piece.

All to soon the Jaguar hit the ground. It bounced and rolled. Inside Dara was cushioned by her cage. After a moment the craft grinded to a halt. Her head was spinning. The cockpit groaned open. With less grace and skill she tumbled out. Looking around she her new enemies for the first time. They were over 8 hezar tall. Silver armor covered their bodied. The swords they carried looked as deadly as the strange riffles. She scrambled to her craft. Popping the hatch she removed her sword. She might now win but she has no intention of making it easy. She away from her ship. The emergency pack flung over her shoulder. The enemy was still over three kiltars from her crash site. Looking around she saw only dessert and sand. Hiding was not going to be easy. She knew she needed to get away. Every instinct told her staying would mean death.

"Commander we have a major problem. We must repair and then restock the agro ship."

"I know. Get me a list ... We will try to do what is needed."

LT. Commander Maya walked over to her mate. She put her arms around him in comfort. Kissing his back. "She will be alright dear. Thor's with her."

Noah turned and kissed his wife hard. She showed no rivalry for him. Maya was in fact as worried as he was. The kiss let her know how glad he was for her being there for him.

"I know. I just hope the scans she brings back will tell us who or what we are dealing with."

Dara was cornered. The three ship had landed and she had nowhere to run. She had already blasted at least six of the tin heads. Still they came at her. She was now certain they were intent on taking her alive. That thought gave her no real comfort. With each moment they enclosed the circle. The bronze tin head drew his sword. His blow almost killed her as she rolled to the left. His large foot kicked the laser from her hand. She rolled into a silver machine. Kicking it, it fell into the bronzes sword. Now upright she swung and decapitated another. She had no way of knowing that she was stronger and faster than the humans these machines were used to. Even so she never saw the blow that rendered her unconscious.

RoAnn cursed "Bloody damn things. What kind of explosives were they using? "

The burns on the pilots were very bad. So far she had treated half a dozen. She knew that the crew was scared. They had stumbled onto an enemy who was not afraid to die. That was a dangerous thing

"What do you mean you left her?" Cried Maya "Was she alive?"
Fearing the answer.

"Yes she landed safely...I believe she was captured Mother."

"The data is it intact? Noah clamped his emotions down. First the fleet then his wife.

"Yes Sir, I want to go get her Sir?"

"No...At least not until and unless we have a workable solution. I will not risk more warriors yet."

"Father, she could be in danger or worse."

"Son that is a risk we all take. I cannot, and will not risk the fleet for one warrior no matter how much they mean to me personally. If they captured her they will want information. That gives us a bit of time. What I need now is a plan that can work. If you want to help Dara start looking over that data with Colonel Rashid and the tactical teams. Dismissed."

Major Thor was chastised. He knew his father was right but he still felt guilty. He find a way. He could not bear the look of utter devastation on his parent's faces.

COLD water woke Dara.

"AAAAAAH"

"So you are awake "a voice said looking up through blurry eyes.

Dara said nothing. What she saw shocked her. A human pacing and talking to a tin head. He was a good looking man but there was something that reeked of evil. She could understand him barely. He spoke an ancient tongue used by the religious orders.

"Who are you and what is your ship? The Galactica or the Pegasus?"

Baltar noticed the different uniform. He assumed it had been dawned to cause confusion. He was sure there were no other humans alive.

Major Dara listened hoping to learn more. She groaned hoping to appear weak. She gets what information she could and then get the hell free.

"Baltar we have news." Lucifer stated.

"Speak."

"This human female is different. Our scans show genetic anomalies. In addition she is caring a human child."

Dara's gasp gave away her knowledge of the language. A baby...
Oh Lord, now she was in real trouble. Noah will kill her if she managed to get free. She never even considered it. Despite her circumstances she smiled.

Baltar was enraged. He did not know why. He had been stuck by the beauty of his captive. For the first time in a long while he considered what he had given up. His home a chance for a family. The rage caused him to strike out. Sending Dara across the room. Lucifer came to her aide. His hand caught Baltar's before a second deadly blow could be given.

"We need information." The IL said calmly.

Dara was shocked. The contact with a man was frightened. Baltar's thoughts and feelings had been close to the surface. The blow and contact sent his memories and rage at her like blows. Instantly she saw the destruction of the 12 colonies and Baltar's role in it. It was enough to cause here to faint.

In his many yearns of serving Baltar Lucifer had never seen him lose control. There had been times when he was afraid or mocking but always he had maintained an emotional distance. His reaction was totally out of character. The concept was amusing. Over the yearns Baltar had showed less and less emotion. At times Lucifer could almost forget he was human. (As an IL that was impossible) Baltar had become more like cylons then any other human in recorded Cylon history. He seemed to be taken with the woman. His rage at the news of a child seemed highly illogical. After all what threat was a single human child.

Baltar was appalled at his lack of control. A gentleman never struck a lady. (He ordered or killed hundreds but never personally) He had seen a rare beauty in this girl. She touched a part of him that he thought long dead.

In response he almost killed her. She had seemed too pure to be with child. It was only then that he saw the sealing arm band. He was too shocked to examine it closely. Those bands had been out of use for a 1000 yearns.

Lucifer looked at the still woman. She was alive but no longer conscious. His scans indicated that she should be out cold for a while. To revive her would risk termination. For the moment that was not an option as they needed information. He could study the genetic anomalies after her termination.

"Remove her to my quarters." Baltar ordered. "She will rest better on a softer bed."

"By your command "Lucifer responded unsure of what to do. For the moment he followed orders.

The reports came in from each ship in the fleet. They had survived with few loses considering they been jumped. The squadrons had detected a wide communication array that was destroyed. With luck they could repair it and listen in on the enemies transmissions.

"I want a strike team assembled. We will be heading down to that planet. We have to resupply our bio-ships and gather any data we can on these machines. "Commander Noah explained to his Senior Command Staff." While we are gone Commander Zeus will be in charge of the fleet. You will contuie repairs and harvest anything of value from this belt.

"Commander you can not be risked."

"Zeus I am going. I will not ask others to free my wife. I alone will take that risk. Thor will go to gather the information for our fleet. May I remind you old friend that incursion is my specialty. And if you dare say I am too old I will challenge you on the spot. Frankly we do not have time for that."

"As you wish Commander. "Zeus knew his friend was set on his course." I will keep the fleet safe until you come home."

Noah smiled. Once again he was glad his staffs were his friends and allies.

Baltar looked down at his captive. She was a rare treasure. He had not seen another human in 5 yearns. Not since Adama had stranded him. Now to see one so young and lovely was wrenching. He pushed aside a stray hair. Unknown to him Dara was awake. Her mind alert and scanning his thoughts. Normally to do this was forbidden. However what she had glimpsed was too important she need more information. What she saw was the stuff of nightmares, Whole worlds burning and billions being slaughtered. Their lost brothers had been slaughtered like simple swine's. She wanted to cry out. It was then that she saw it. A glimpse. A small ragged fleet guarded by two large Ships. A light and hope. She groaned. It was to cover her mournful cry. Baltar sponged off her face. Gentle for the first time in yearns.

"I am sorry." He said even as he believed she was out cold. He felt a need to apologize for all his deeds. It did not matter that for him there could be no redemption. It just was a relief to finally admit his sins.

Dara scanned his thoughts seeing the two great ships a battle where one had disappeared. In Baltar's Mind she learned of the small fleet's desperate quest. How close they had come to stumbling onto Azguard and Amazonite evil she saw chilled her to the core. They were in grave danger. The cylons could never learn of the Home worlds. They would need to be warned as well. Suddenly Paulus and Metoshopholies were not looking so bad.

Abruptly Baltar rose. He could stay here no longer. His guilt suddenly intense. He turned and headed for the command center. His pushed from his mind. Guilt solved nothing he was damned. His allies needed a report. He sent a message to the Cylon home world. Unaware that Lucifer had already done the same thing.

She had to get free. She sat up. The word still spun around. In a moment she once again entered the dream state.

Noah was dressing in his flight suit. In his pocket he added small metal stars. Maya watched him aware of his deepest fears. That he would be too late. She walked over and handed him his laser pistol and sword. She knew there was one more thing he need. Would he take it? She went to the chest that held their formal jewelry. She picked up the small worn box. Opening it she saw the symbol of whom and what her husband really was. The Seal of the 13th tribe. Noah was a direct descendent of the last Lord of Kobol SAGAN. He rarely used his title and position. Only once had he claimed his rank and its ultimate power. When he had claimed RoAnn as his daughter and demanded that She Lady Maya be allowed to marry him. Paulus had dared not refuse. Maya knew that this symbol would somehow guard her husband and family.

"I am ready Maya. Come with me well." He held out his hand needing to let her know how important she was to him. That she was as important as the one he sought to rescue.

Maya walked over and put her arms around him. Not in a hug as he expected but to attach the Seal. He flinched as it sent a shock trough him. He felt a strange sense of calm and power.

"Maya what are you doing?"

"MY love as you love me and Dara take this. It will mean your life. I know this and feel it. Please go with Lord Sagan."

Noah began to say something and then said nothing. If it was indeed Kobol he could use all the luck he could get. He knew that the Seal would now be a part of him. He sensed it was going to be a key of some sort. He strode out heading for his Jaguar. Noah would not fail his family. He would get his wife and find a way to defeat his enemies. He reached out trying to sense his lost wife. It occurred to him that it should not be possible to do so at such great distances. Yet he felt she was alive if not exactly safe. Shaking his head he wonders if perhaps he was too old for this.

Major Thor was pacing he was angry that his father was going along. Zeus was right it was too great a risk. His guilt ate at him. He should have forced Dara to return. His handpicked team was boarding the Sting Rays. A shuttle would be better but they would be sitting ducks. Seeing Commander Noah join them he mounted his fighter. The teams would penetrate gather information, save Major Dara and with luck cause some chaos to the enemy. The Jaguars and scorpions would provide cover for the Sting Rays to get in and out.

"Everyone let go." Victory or Death "called out Major Thor. It was an ancient warrior's chant. The crews shouted the response back as loud "Honor and Glory"

"Launch when ready "Came the order.

The ships launched 8 Jaguars and 4 Sting Rays and 4 scorpions.

"Group the scorpions will cover the Stingrays and Jaguar will cover all of us. With luck we can be in and out before the enemy realizes we were there. We will be approaching with full shields a glide in. It is clear that they traced Major Dara's Ion trail. From 10 metro we will glide in. Using only maneuvering thruster in emergencies. The Jaguars will patrol above the in the atmosphere of the planet. The scorpions will be above us all. Major Thor will be in charge as Ensign Patrick, LT Harris and the team seeks the Major. Once inside the LT's. Team will set charges and gather data. I alone will look for the Major. Anyone disobeying will be in the brig by nightfall."

"Sir, I-"

"LT. the safety of the fleet comes before the life of any single warrior. You will do your Job and bring your House honor."

LT. Harris wanted to argue but he knew it was useless.

"Yes sir."

In centon the ships had landed. Noah brought his Jaguar down beside the strike teams. He knew they had little time.

He motioned for the teams to head out. Acknowledging the salutes as he headed for a great pyramid. They had scanned two human life signs there. It was the only place Dara could be. He crawled through the sand. Quickly jumping behind debris as a patrol of machines passed him. They seemed not to notice his presence. Noah walked along the building. He saw cylons guarding all the entrances. There appeared to be no way inside. Looking up he saw a ledge. It was 12 hezars up. He saw what appeared to be a window. The walls had groves and dents. He quickly began to look for a way up. He jumped and caught a low ledge. It was not a moment too soon. A golden centurion walked below with six silver ones following along. He pulled himself up. The outcrop was not a window. Or rather it was painted to seem like a window or door. In the center was the Seal of Kobol. He removed his laser and then changed his mind. A blast would alert his foes. His fingers traced the sign. It was dirty but he could make it out. Wiping away a millennium of dust he placed his seal in. Rather slowly the door began to open. It was a small space, enough to allow light in and to give him access to the building.

The Sting Rays teams had split up. Each had to a specific task. Team one planted explosives on various Cylon raiders and around the fuel and ammunition dumps. Team 2 hijacked two fully loaded tankers. Team 3 penetrated what appeared to be a communications area. Downloading all data. Once finished they 2 added explosive charges. Team 4 set mines on the path from the cylon garrison. Not pressure mines but rather timed mines.

Major Thor was not happy reading the data. It suggested that the cylons hated humans. He put the disks away and signaled the team to move out.

Noah watched the side open. He slipped in. As usual Maya was correct his Seal was indeed important. The Seal was a key. He wondered what else it would open.

Noah looked at his scanner. It was picking up bio-signs not 2oo meters away. He swung down from the ceiling and headed forward. The clacking of armor had him hiding behind statues.

Lucifer was walking with his Lt. a bronze centurion called Gali.

"Gali have we any reports on the human crafts?"

"No, we have scanned the region. Only wreckage and a distant fading ion trail. Shall we send for reinforcements?"

"Yes, we must so that. Have the incoming Base ships scan the asteroid fields. Cain used them quite effectively to hide when he raided us. I think that any new humans would do the same."

"What are they to do if they find these humans?"

"Gali the standard order is destroy all humans. We have no reason to do otherwise.""All human life must be wiped from the universe. They are a pest and plague."

Noah now had confirmation of the transmission. He had to free Dara. He moved down the hall way. Turning into a blind hall. Suddenly he heard.

"HUMAN. Destroy."

He pulled his laser and fired, hitting the startled centurion dead center. It stumbled back. It did however sound the alarm.

"Frak." he ran.

The hall dead end was covered with symbols. He scanned it. Having no time to translate he once again took a leap of faith. His seal opened a door way. Quickly he closed it and ran. The hall was narrow but it was leading away from the pursuers. Stopping he set a went to the wall. His torch found another seal marking. Having no alternative he used it once more. Silently thanking the crypt designer. This Doorway leads to a hall and he saw a man standing over his wife.

She appeared to be dead. Enraged he attacked. Baltar heard the running feet. He turned just in time to see a fist flying. He ducked and swung upwards. His blow knocked Noah aside.

"Who in Hades are you?" He demanded. Before him straighten up was a man. Strong and very angry. His grey hair had for a moment made Baltar believe he was facing Adama.

Noah drove his left hand into Baltar's face. The traitor fell back.

Without a glance he knelt beside Dara. Her Pulse was weak but to his relief she was alive. His hands gently reached for the shackles that held her down. With one great yank he pulled them free from the wall. Baltar stared. He was frozen in fear. Before him stood a Lord. For now he saw the Great Seal so like his own. On this Man however it glowed. Noah looked around for the key to the shackles. Seeing it on the desk he grabbed it. They came off easily. He gently kissed his wife and swung her into his arms.

"Be glad she lives. For if she had not I would have ripped your heart out. "He pulled his laser and shot Baltar. He swiped up the journal and carefully carried Dara out. She awoke.

"Ah, I -"

"Easy my love. I will get you out of here."

"Baltar?"

"I left him. We must go."

"Kill him he's traitor."

Noah was shocked. All he learned was true.

"Another time. We must get this information to our people. Can you walk?"

"Yes, I think with help."

They slowly made their way out. As they left they ran into a cylon patrol. Noah fired his laser. He looked around looking for some way free.
Dara sensed his fear for her.

"There, the rover."

Noah fired as Dara quickly hotwired the craft. It was rumbling and moving as Noah mounted it. He used the gun to cut down cylons. The roar of a scorpion was a welcome sound. It strafed and cut down the centurions. The garrison began to explode as the mines were set off.

"Lucifer, we are under attack. What shall we do?"

"Fight you idiot. "He left Gali to run the battle. He went to Baltar's quarters only to find his commander out cold and the prisoner freed. He picked up Baltar and headed for the safe zone.

As they flew out the various charges were detonated. Once again the cylon base on Kobol was in shambles. Lucifer was in shock. He had been so sure his new security system would detect humans. He woke Baltar with a shake.

"Ah," Groaned Baltar. His head ached. He felt like he had been run over by a reaper. "Status" he demanded.

The teams raced home. Dara was amazed. She was alive and had wonderful news. And terrible news. She wept silent tears for all who had been lost in the colonies.

RoAnn was tired. The wounded had finally all been treated. She had never seen so many injured at once from battle. It was clear to her that this was only the beginning. She headed to bridge. With luck there would be news.

"Ma'am, We have the results of Major Dara's scans."

A raised brow greeted the tech.

"How was she able to leave? You know protocols Simpson. Each pilot must be checked out ever section to maintain flight status."

Simpson cringed. "Ma'am we got back logged when everyone had polos flu. The Major said she wait to fly ma'am. Then all Hades broke out and she was gone."

Sighing RoAnn reviewed the files. In an instant she paled .Simpson was definitely going on report...Or she kill her herself.

"Hades..."

"Simpson you are on report and confined to quarters."

The techs shocked look was amazing.

"Major Dara is unfit for flight status. Your carelessness may cost her life. Dismissed. "RoAnn reread the scan.

Major Dara was with child. Flying was very dangerous. The stress could cost her child. She would Court marshals Simpson if that happened. All her medical team knew how important scans were especially to female pilots. If that happened she feels awful. She had known Simpson was a bad med tech. She had given her one more chance and that could cost them all. Her Connections had meant that she was cock and over sure of herself. Sighing RoAnn sent a silent prayer.

RoAnn headed toward the bridge. She hoped there would be news. Entering it she saw her mother pacing. It was always her way. Whenever anyone she cared about was not on board.

"Commander Do we have any news?"

"Maya I am sorry...wait...They are all coming home. Safe and sound. They left a few surprises for the Cylons."

A loud cheer went up from the bridge.

"Pass the news on. It should lift the fleet's sprits." Ordered Zeus. Like all of the first fleet he genuinely loved his Commander. They had been friends since the academy. He never wanted to follow any other commander and certainly never coveted Noah's job. That loyalty had kept him under Noah's command for 35 yearns.

"Great new Commander. I think I will plan a celebration. You and Freya will join us I hope."

"My wife and I would not miss it for the world. Unless we have other duties."

"Fiddle, Maya replied. We will make it a date. If needs be it will wait ... However, we will have it."

The ships landed easily. The charges had done an effective job no raiders had followed them.

Lucifer always found it ironic that he was constantly healing Baltar. His programming said to kill Humans and in time that would include this man. But as usual for now he was patching him up. He really was becoming a good Doctor.

Baltar snatched the rag from Lucifer, His hand inflicted more damage than care. Who was that warrior? He was stronger than a man 1/2 his age. As strong if not stronger than the average centurion. How had he penetrated the Pyramid? All the entrances were guarded. Just then he recalled the seal.
A Seal of Kobol?

Impossible thought Baltar. There were only 3 left. Had one escaped the destruction? Was this a new colonial fleet?

Baltar knew he had his seal. Adama as well. Cain also held one. Who's was this Adama's or Cain's. Adama surely only pass his on to his son the loathsome Captain Apollo. This man was also their age maybe older. He was like a Lord of old. Baltar remembered the myths. He was never a man to believe as Adama had been at yet... What if this was a Lord returned to pass take revenge. He shivered suddenly afraid.

Noah was concerned. He leaps down from his ship. As Dara came down he picked her up. Ignoring her protests as he laid her on a medical gurney. He hit the page for RoAnn.

"Not a word Major. You are going to life center now. When RoAnn says you are ok you will come to our quarters and give me a report. After you have rested."

Simpson was enraged. She had did her job. She was a very good doctor. Only the fact that RoAnn was Commander Noah's daughter allowed her to be in charge. How dare she get blamed for the Commander's whore's foolishness? She headed for the shuttle bay she was not going to take this. They were all doomed if they followed the old man. She was leaving. A long range shuttle gets her home. Her lover Paulus needed to know what was happening out here. She would demand a better posting. Paulus would protect her. if for no other reason than expediency.

From nowhere Cylon raiders appeared. Simpon's shuttle had no chance. She was herded toward a large base ship. She was beginning to think he made a big mistake. But She was smart enough to take advantage of any opportunity.

"How is she?" Demanded Noah. He was pushed aside.

"Father go to your briefing's will let you know. For now you are in the way." said RoAnn

Simpson grabbed her laser. She blasted the closest centurion. The second was ready and quickly blasted her He went down and out. The centurion walked over to the fallen woman. Taking no notice of her blonde hair and blue eyes merely a being to be taken to his superiors for questioning then termination.

RoAnn knew her father was beside himself with worry. She sighed in relief when the Colonel paged him to the bridge. She began to work on her stepmother.

Colonel Tyson paged the Commander. They were receiving incoming transmissions from the repair station. They were Cylon and there was bad news. In addition he knew Simpson the fool had been captures by the cylons. Both he and Noah had realized that Simpson was Paulus pawn. A woman who was to spies on the people Paulus feared. He had no idea that his page was a God sent for RoAnn.

"Commander Simpson's shuttles been captured"

The time in captivity had been short. Yet somehow Dara was very weak and ill she was burning up with a fever.

"Get those blood samples analyzed. Isolate all the teams that were on the mission. Damn, The Commander went to the bridge. Call him and order the bridge quarantined. What the hell are we dealing with? Most of the pilots are in the O lounge. Confine them. No one flies who was on that mission until further notice. Send security to back it up. Move."

She quickly hooked up lines of fluid and scanned Dara's now shaking body.

"Ma'am it a virus. Looks like the Cromian."

"Cromian? That been extinct for over 1000 yearns. How in Hades name did our people get it?"

"We may be able to synthesize a vaccine. It will take at least 1 rising."

"Do it Ensign. We have no choice. Let the Commander know what is happening. At least we have a cure. "RoAnn wiped her brow wondering what else could go wrong.

"Let me go you tin headed idiot." Simpson kicked the centurion only to be picked up like a sack of wheat.

"Silence human."

"So, it would seem that I have a visitor." Said Baltar. His grin was dark." Who are you and where do you come from?"

"Let me go and I promise you a great reward." Begged the terrified Simpson. She fluttered her eyes. She had no idea that Baltar was indeed happy to see another human.