Disclaimers: In Part 1

Lost Tribes

Chapter 4

"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.

"Well at least there is a cure. Yes, we will remain in quarantine. How is my wife?"

"Commander we have her stabilized Sir. The next rising will tell us more. No Sir, Dara is in no state to answer anyone's questions." explained RoAnn.

Commander Noah cursed. He sat down suddenly weary. The effects of the illness beginning. He opened Baltar's journal and be gain to read.

It has begun. I have made contact with the Cylon Empire. No human has ever done so and lived. It is an amazing place, clean and efficient. No illness or clutter. So unlike our home world. The Cylons leader speaks of a Great Peace. I have hopes. He Believes I can be the one to bring it about.

So the man had not started out to be a traitor. What had changed it? Why did the cylons hate humans? Thought Noah.

"Come on Dara fight. You have to hang in there. Do not make me have to take the child." Whispered RoAnn."I Will if it the only way to save you."RoAnn knew that a child would drain Dara's strength. In some cases the child had been sacrificed to save the mother. It was a hard thing but she do it to keep Dara alive.

Dara's hand shot up. It closed around RoAnn throat. She protects her baby. The surge of adrenaline was what RoAnn needed. The heart had to be stabilized. Dara's fear had done that. She gently laid her step mother's hand down. She hoped Dara would not remember the threat latter. It had worked .But she felt rotten about doing it.

Dara fought her way back. It was so very hard to do. The place she had been was peaceful and safe. Only the thought of losing her child brought her home. She knew that RoAnn would have done anything to save her even sacrificing her child. The idea was more than enough to pull her back. She opened her eyes. Smiling she touched RoAnn gently. There were no bad feelings. All she could think of was how amazed Noah would be. She was definitely in for a lecture. She wondered how the scans had failed to show her pregnancy.

Commander Noah paced. He was very worried. The illness that Dara had did confirm one thing. The Planet they had just left was indeed Kobol. His people has first ran into that nasty bug right after the exodus. It had been so devastating that every med tech had to learn to identify and treat it. It was one of the reasons the original alliance between the Amazonians and Spartans had taken place. He looked at his scanner tiring to make out details from the buildings. He was wondering if there was an ancient medical building. They might have stored a cure-All he saw was ruins and large numbers of cylons. His pacing was making the crew edgy. They all knew that the next 2 or 3 rising were going to be uncomfortable. The majority of them had never really been seriously ill. The thought of any weakness was unnerving

"Look I just want to get out of here. You look like a wise man. A business man. I can pay 2000 marks."

"Marks? What is a Mark?" inquired Baltar. He was beginning to think his IL was correct. These humans were from a different branch of humanity.

"Marks? They are currency. I guess you must not be familiar with the trade confederation. Marks are standard currency for all 4 systems. They consist of auric. I can show you."

Baltar motioned and the centurion abruptly released the simpering Simpson. Simpson opened a pouch and poured out 2000 marks. She pushed her hair back. Blue eyes sparkling.

Baltar walked over and picked one up. It was similar to a cubit but lighter. Turning it over him saw the 13 seal.

"Lucifer analyzes this." He tossed it to his Il."Come let us speak of this home world of yours."He led a now relieved Simpson to his quarters.

Lucifer was puzzled until he considered Baltar was laying a trap. Perhaps this mission could bring success. The destruction of a previously unknown branch of humans.

The fluids began to stabilize Dara. She slowly regained consciousness She saw a now full med bay. Many had begun to show symptoms. Why had the not considered this and wore bio suits. She mentally kicked herself. Of course she had not planned ongoing site seeing either.

Commander Noah read the reports. They had caused the cylons some major problems. He knew that they were merely delaying the in evadable conflict. He headed for his cubby hole. A small office that was directly off the bridge. He walked to the storage area and removed a fresh uniform. Instead of his normal dress uniform he once again put on a flight suit. His laser was attached and he smiled. He was feeling sick but for the moment he felt like a young man again. It must be the rush from nearly dying. Ah well there always was an upside even if it was twisted.

Major Thor passed. He was confined like all others from the mission to the O club. He knew there were worse places to be confined but he was jumpy.

"Hey, Major Thor wants to play a some daggers?" Called Lt. Samuel
Thor raised a brow. It was clear his little brother was mocking him.

"Sure, A ducket a point Lt."

"My Pleasure brother. I do so love to take your currency."

Daggers were a game that many frowned on. Commander Noah however always liked it as a training tool. He had taught all his children from a young age. Maya had not always been amused as young player and Noah himself often sunk their blades into the walls.

"You go first big brother. Show these hotshots how it is done."

He motioned to a group of pilots drinking and watching with interest.

"Sammy boy, I am going to make you eat it."

Thor tossed the first blade. It sank deep and just off center.9 points.

"Told you all he was getting old." teased Samuel .His blade landed dead center 10 points.

The group of pilots laughed as Thor grinned.

Maya was working out a ration schedule. The loss of the agro ship meant food would need to be carefully monitored. They had enough...but it is prudent to conserve. She wondered if they could retrieve soil from Kobol. The old journals said it was wonderful. She hoped to get a chance to find out. She sipped her water. She to be now feeling the effects of the virus.

Looking over the information that the team gathered made Noah want to weep. The logs and Baltar's journal suggested that a holocaust had occured.12 planets of humans wooed out by an evil trick. Only 2 war ships has escaped and a rag tag fleet. It was clear that they were fleeing and battling to survive. He knew they had to help. His fleet could make a difference. It seemed impossible that one ship could defend over 200 civilian craft. He was unsure if the 2nd warship had survived.

Two Ships the Galactica and the Pegasus. The design specifications were massive. They each carried the firepower of 3 or 4 Fire Stars. He knew this information had to get back to Commandant Able. He decided to send the Pycies back. It was a Battle cruiser. He knew they could repair it but it needed a shipyard to be 100 percent once more. Sub Commander Petrous would be able to get his people home safely. The information was vital to the home worlds. He prayed that the council prepare. For sooner or later the cylons would find them. And even their fleets might not be enough to stop another holocaust .Petrous was a good man. Noah knew he do his duty. He had been close to retirement but had not wanted to leave his people with a new commanding officer .By sending him home he get to retire and still be doing one last great service for his people. The thought made Noah smile.

"I think Simpson you and I can do business. I hope you understand our attacking your fleet was a tragic accident. The Humans the cylons are fighting are mad. They have been killing cylons for 1000 years. Naturally the empire defends itself."

Lucifer was impressed. Few could spin a tail as well a Baltar. He actually had him believing that his people acted in self defense rather than conquest and destruction.

"That is six marks you owe me Major."

Thor tossed his brother the money. It had been a good game. He had honestly forgotten how good Sammy was.
It had been fun to relax and enjoy his company. Maybe RoAnn was right they did need more family time .He try to relax and fit it into his schedule .He realized he missed his family.

Thor looked at his brother. "Since you are now a rich man you can buy dinner."

Sammy laughed .He was glad his brother was relaxing. Lately he had been such a pain in the astrum. He realized that Thor now had many more duties and responsibilities but he still needed to unwind. If not then you burn out. He gladly buys dinner to help his brother get his head out of his a...

Commander Noah frowned. It was becoming clear that Baltar had deliberately betrayed the human race .He sought only self glory and power. He resolved never to trust the man and to do his best to bring him to justice. He also knew he would have to return to Kobol. He studied the scans. On the far side of the planet he detected a small city. It had not been touched in an eon. The vegetation overgrew many of the buildings. He knew from his own records that there was a library there. It was clear that the cylons were not into archeology or studding human civilization so it was possible they had not found the records. He drank more water his body fighting the illness. It is a while before he could return. He wondered if there would be a clue to the path the Galactica had taken.

"Baltar you look ill. Let me help you...Did I mention I a doctor." Said Simpson.
Baltar raised a brow. Perhaps he would keep this woman alive a while. After all his touch was much lighter then Lucifer's. And he really needed human company.

RoAnn was pleased the medication was distilling faster than expected. In 2 cectons she is able to treat Dara and the most seriously ill patients. In a rising all is well on the way to recovery. Thank the Lords they had kept the records and could synthesize a cure.
She put a page through to Colonel Tyson. He is glad to know what was happening and could pass it to the Commander.

Commander Noah set a call over to the Pycies. He knew his old friend would be upset with his orders. There was however no real option.

"Sub Commander how goes the repairs?"

"Commander they are proceeding ... But to be truthful we need a space dock." replied Sub Commander Petrous.

"Can your ship be repaired enough to navigate the void?"

"Sir? I believe so. Are we returning? What of our orders Sir?"

"I must send a ship back. The Commandant needs to be warned about this new danger. The Pieces is the best option. Out here you would be in real trouble. I think you can get back we can keep the Cylon busy." Explained Commander Noah.

"Noah, Please I hate to leave. It feels like running away."

"Petrous we have no choice. I know you are the only one who could do this. I am sending 2 frigates with you. We cannot let our people be caught off guard. In addition you will not be easily intimidated by Paulus need someone I can trust 100 percent to do this. Someone who will be believed and able to sway the council. Can you?"

Petrous sighed. He knew he was going to go home. While he hated to leave he was in one sense relieved. He knew that to was part of his friends plan. Yet ,the Commander was right as of now the home worlds were totally vulnerable. Even the need for new homes was not as great of a danger as the Cylon empire. They have to keep the fleets close to home or they all are lost. Timing could be the difference between life and death.

"Yes Sir, We will need more time for repairs. We can do this Noah."

"Good Man. Let me know when your repairs are finished. Noah out."

Noah's heart was heavy he hated to lose his friend. Sometimes it was just hard to do his job. He walked over and picked up the Book of the Word. He had never really believed .Now however he felt the stirrings of faith? He sighed suddenly deeply in need. Noah walked to his couch and opened the book reading more about the past and the exodus. Telling himself he was looking for clues on where their lost brothers were.

Because of her condition Dara was in a private room. She had been the sickest of all the crewmen. That and the fact that RoAnn wanted to give her a chance to tell her father and Mother about the baby on her own. It was for the moment a secret. One she intended to keep. No sense letting rumors fly.
RoAnn was not happy. Dara kept tiring to get up. She hated stubborn warriors they made the worst patients.

"Lay down Major. That is a medical order. Thor has to take care of my little brother now."

"So you know." said Dara

"The question is did you?" stated RoAnn

"To be honest. A machine told me. One of the cylons scanned me. I almost fell over in shock. My first thought was Noah's going to kill me." Laughing out loud.

"I hope he is too happy that you are ok. Otherwise he might just. Not to mention what Mother will say." Teased RoAnn

"Lord you are right. Maya may well ring my neck. She was always worried that this could happen." said Dara Seeing RoAnn frown "She was afraid I hurt a baby by accident. She constantly telling me it is nice to have a child around."

Laughing "Tell me about it. I have lost count of the eligible men she introduced me to. You think she work on the boys too. I was so glad that you married my Father I hoped it deflect attention."

" I told her she should have one more..."grinning" She said why when we have you to do it."

"OH I bet she loved that." By now both women were laughing." Dara, she is right you are here by grounded from Jaguars and if I can any other small ships. For now there was no damage but there is no sense taking risks."

"Alright but, ...Let me tell Noah myself and Maya too."

"Sure, do you want me to call them down? It might make them both worry less?"

"Yes, please in a centon. I love a shower first." replied Dara.

Lt. Seth was talking to his friends. Their scorpion had been assigned to the mission so all were confined to the O club.

"So Seth do you ever wish you were assigned to your Father's ship?" Asked Harris

"Sometimes, But to be honest I feel like I am more at ease on the Nova. I am always his son and proud of that fact but...At least there I get treated like a regular pilot. Not that that not happen here but ... it less stressful and easier to be one of the guys."

"Yeh, I can see what you mean. But you all your family are great warriors. Being from the Sagas really secondary buddy."

"I know Harris, but there is always the expectation to excel, .I mean following Thor at the Academy was bad enough "laughing out loud.

"Yep, the major was a hard act to follow. But you and Sammy found a way to shine so don't sweat it .Let's get another drink. This trip down memory lanes is thirsty work "Joked Harris lighting the mood.

Commander Noah knew he had to find the Galactica and its fleet .He considered it long and hard. For a moment he had considered finding the 12 colonies .Even if the cylons had devastated them they would presumably be habitable. He did at last decide to suggest that Commandant able send a task force there instead. As strong as the First Fleet was they are no match for a whole empire. It would take a lot more firepower then he had to help those people. However his fleet could make a major difference for the Galactica. In addition they had to have a goal in mind. Maybe by protecting them they could all find new safer worlds to live at.

He wrote out SubCommader Petrous orders along with his recommendations and his new course of action. He hoped and prayed that this was the right thing to do.

He sent off the coded orders to his friend. With luck the Pycies could leave in a few risings.

Maya headed for the life center. She was feeling weak and very ill. She hated being sick. Upon entering she noticed that the techs were using hypos on all the sick personnel's headed for the nearest tech.

Lt. Seth drank down his tea. He was being ribbed about the lack of ambrosia in it. He merely smiled. He ordered another round for his friends and listened to the speculations about the Cylon.

Despite himself Baltar found he liked his guest. Maybe it was because he had been without female human company for so long. He sipped ambrosia and listed to tales of the 2 worlds that would soon become a Cylon target. He frowned at Simpson's speculation that his CO seek out the Galactica and Pegasus. His nightmare could indeed come true. He originally only planned to be at Kobol a short while. Seeking clues to find Adama's fleet. Now it seemed he have 2 problems to deal with. At least he could now justify sending for more Base ships.

For now he enjoys this pretty woman's company. She was not as striking as the other but she was enjoyable. He grinned. Maybe he keeps her a while.

He set the Book of the Word down. It was vague not really laying out a direct course to follow. Yet he knew there had to be clues at Kobol. He returns. Contacting Zeus he laid out his plans. The fleet gathers any mineral and other resources from the asteroid belt. Zeus would continue to supervise repairs and the harvesting. He would take teams down to the planets far side. The scans showed rich soils and many building that could contain the clues they needed. Unfortunately there were no dry-docking or port facilities. His teams would be large and have to move fast but in the end he figured they pull it off. After all it was not something the Cylon would expect.

Lt. Commander Maya looked around for RoAnn. She saw her enter Dara's room. She shook her head at the joking but a wide grin broke out as she heard about the baby. She quickly knocked.

Both women turned and looked surprised.

"Sorry to interrupt. Are you well Dara?"

"Come on in Sis. I guess you heard?"

Not for a moment believing the innocent look Maya attempted to portray.

"Heard what?" She began to laugh letting them know she had heard every detail.

"Guess you will hear pitter patter of little feet after all "Joked Dara. "I was going to tell you and Noah together but, it is just too exciting to keep to myself…"

"Wonderful. Our husband will be so shocked and pleased...Oh, My...He going to kill you for going on that last mission. Why was not a scan done?" Looking at her Daughter.

"It's not her fault Maya. That tech Simpson dropped the ball. She was too busy to let me know about the baby. I would ring her neck myself if she were here."

"Noah will ripe her head off and rightly so. So a male of female child?" Asked Maya

"Boy, poor dad he has all boys" Joked RoAnn.

"Well he has you RoAnn. "Said Dara smiling. "Maybe we can have girls next time?"

"Oh he love that "Laughed Maya" I bet you a bottle of Ambrosia that he asks how it happened."

"Deal" Laughed Dara the women were all laughing when the Klaxon went off.

"Not again. "RoAnn groaned.

"Now what?" Exclaimed Maya

"Looks like we are under attack again. Do not even think of getting up Dara."Warned RoAnn

"I 'm headed for the bridge. Take care of Dara RoAnn." Maya headed out. She hoped that this was not a sign of things to come.

Commander Noah headed for the bridge. He listened as a report came in from both the Dark Moon and Dragon's Star. They were once again being attacked by cylon raiders. This time however they were ready.

"Corporal order all Fire Stars to fire at will. The fleet civilian ships must be protected. Launch the fighters."

"Yes, Sir Commander. The first wave has engaged our patrols. They are reporting that the cylon are scattering. Looks like they are headed for the fleet."

"Have the Battle cruisers open fire and keep them back. Their big guns should give that tin can a nasty shock."

The Klaxons went off and the officers in the O club began to scramble.

They were stopped at the door.

"Sorry Sirs, we have orders that none of you is fit to fly." Stated a security guard.

"What...Who in Sagan's name gave that order." Demanded Thor
The sgt flinched he was not happy but knew he had no choice.

"With respect sir the Medical officer."

"I am going to wring her neck. I going to the life center Sergeant I can do that I assume."

"Yes, Sir Major."

Major Thor stormed out followed closely by Lt's. Seth and Samuel.

"Commander incoming message from The Dragon's Star Sir"

"Put it on screen corporal."

"Commander, I believe the Cylon are merely testing us this time Sir. Our fighters are easily driving them back. LT. Ra and LT. Remis request permission to pursue and destroy? "Explained Aries

"I'd love to my friend. Not just yet, I want more time to analyze the data we have recovered. Drive them back and then recall our ships."

"Sir, should we not destroy before they get reinforcements?"

"That is not going to be a problem. But keep the patrols going." Commander Noah ordered. He had a strong feeling that the cylons were tiring to make them waste fuel. He smiled. They had no way of knowing that the Spartan fleet could recharge using the stars themselves.

Dara was protesting.

"I need to get to the Bridge. I may not able to fly but I can help there."

"NO way Major. LT. RoAnn said you had to stay here and rest. Please Ma'am does not make me lock you in said Ensign Holly the tech assistant.

"LT. RoAnn I order you to clear us for duty." Demanded Major Thor

"Sit down before you fall down Major." RoAnn deliberately emphasized his rank. There were days when she wondered why she became a doctor. " By regulations you are not allowed to fly for a minimum of 1 rising after exposure and treatment. By all rights you should be off a center. You know you cannot order me to release you for duty. Even the Commander cannot do that. Right now you feel ok but your reflexes and equilibrium are way off. No protest. It be irresponsible of me to allow you six to fly."LT. RoAnn stated "Any more lip and I will confine you to the life center understood."