Disclaimers: Part 1

Lost Tribes

Part 5

"You are enjoying this way too much Sis." Complained Lt. Seth

Her raised brow silenced his protests

"Out all of you. I have to be ready for incoming wounded."

Lucifer listened to the centurion's report. It was as he suspected. The earlier battle was a fluke. These new humans were every bit as cunning and clever as the colonials. He looked over his notes. They did not follow the raiders. That was unexpected. He began to wonder if they had a fuel problem. A few more raids would provide that answer. So far they had no idea how long the fighters could stay in a fight. He knew they needed more data. He hoped Baltar let him continue to find it. He was sure they would not easily catch this new commander off guard. He reviewed the security tapes once more. These Humans were stronger and faster. Several had engaged the Centurion warriors in sword play. That was unusual. Normally they ran or used blasters. The humans were in fact quite good. Lucifer did not have to like humans to admire them. He recalled LT. Starbuck. Now there was a unique human.

He watched as the Warrior warily decapitated a centurion and effortlessly tossed another into an oncoming group. Why were they so much stronger? They did not appear to be any larger then colonial standard and yet...Wait. They were breathing harder. He typed in a simulation. Of course they were used to having a different atmosphere. He programmed the data base to increase centurion strength by 20 percent some of the older models would burn out faster but at least they are a match for the humans.

Lt. Commander Zeus walked over to his longtime friend. He was worried and knew that there was more going on then they had so far been briefed on. This new threat had him highly concerned. The mission surely must be scraped and they needed to return home at once.

"Commander is we returning home?"

Commander Noah looked at his friend. He knew he would receive unflinching loyalty and obedience. For once he was glad of the strict code they all lived by.

"No, when the virus has run its course we will return to Kobol. Gather more data and then leave. We must even more then before we proceed with the mission. Come to by office. I like your option on my plan. We can open a bottle of ambrosia and discuss it in detail…"

Now Zeus was more worried. It was clear that they were going to do something totally crazy and insane. He smiled. Well if he wanted any easy life he could have joined the Law Guild as his father had wanted him to. He could not wait to return to his own ship. The raid had made him worry for his own family.

On board the agro ship repairs were being done. The main dome had been blown away. New panels would have to be made. Agro Specialist Freak was unsure how they manage to replace the panels much less the precious soil. The report she received from Maya sounded good in theory. However KOBOL's soil was an untested entity. It may have once been rich but she had seen the scans. Much of the planet was now a dessert. Except for the area around that second city. It was surrounded by a tropical rainforest. While the forest might appear to have rich soils she knew that they were often deceiving. She hoped they knew what she was up to. She was really already uncomfortable with her promotion to chief gardener. She lacked Nelly's experience and did not wish to fail the fleet.

The Tarsus crew was working flat out. The fabrication ship was busy refining and molding new parts. It was capable of fabricating almost any part needed to repair any ship it the fleet. Her captain Colonel Washier was determined to have the damaged ships repaired in record time. She was no way she allows the military to say her people were slacking. (She was a member of the Merchants Guild) and hated being recalled to active duty.

"I know it is hard. We need that glass now. Kraus do not grumble. Think we will all be eating field rats if we do not get the agro ship repaired…"

"Lord, that is right. I will remind the crews. But refining that saber is hot nasty work. Tell the Commander to watch the domes better next time." grumped Kris the chief fabrication specialist.

"Yeh, I will the next time we have dinner." she joked. She headed back to the bridge to report their progress.

"We are going to find the Galactica and the Pegasus."

"What?"

"Before you say anything. Consider, the odds we face fighting the Cylon alone. I am sending copies of this disk to all fleet captains. But take a look." Noah ordered

Zeus walked over. Watching in horror as the Cylon destroyed the colonies.

"They had 12 Battle stars. They lost ... we cannot hope to match the cylons. In many ways we are too far behind. But, our ships with Battle stars could win. We need the designs and layouts. I am sure we could build a fleet of these magnificent ships. With the Fire Stars as backup we could defeat the Cylon and have new worlds as well. I believe the Cylon will have killed every human on the colonies. Even if they did not the Cylon have planets that we could colonize."Noah poured them each a drink. He knew after seeing the data disk Zeus would want it.

"It so hard to imagine 12 worlds and various colonies all gone." Said Zeus.

"Yes, that is why we must find and help our brothers. I feel it in my heart." explained Noah." Can I count on your support?"

"Yes Sir, As always." Was the reply He gulped down his drink. It burned but made him remember that the data disk he watched was over four yearns old.

Lt. RoAnn signed with relief. There were no major casualties and the epidemic was subsiding. Dara was out of danger and even her headstrong brothers had lain off. She walked to the com and summoned her Father. Dara really needed to let him know her news. It would after all affect the running of the fleet.

"Commander Noah to the life center." She Paged

"Excuse me; I have to head down there. If you could contact the other ships captains. Once the crisis is over I will brief you all on my plans." He left and headed down to see his family.

Entering the life center Noah saw various crewmen getting shots. All were grumping and teasing the techs about being heavy handed. He rolled up his sleeve and waited for his turn. He was quickly waited on. He was quickly directed to Dara's room. She was looking much better.

"Noah, it is good to see you. Have a seat. I have dome news to tell you. Promise you will not get angry."

Simpson was unsure if he trusted Baltar but for now her belly was full and the ambrosia was cold. She could bide her time and then escape.

"Commander I will need reassignment ...temporarily of course."

Concerned Noah brow rose. Had she been injured?

'I guess there is no easy way to say this...I, we... are going to be parents."

Dara wished she had a cosmotron to record the look of total and complete shock on his face. Whatever news he had been expecting that was not it.

"But. How?" He looked shocked and confused.

She laughed. Maya had said he say that. She owed her a bottle of ambrosia.

Dara kissed him. He was too shocked to move. He was expecting the next baby he held to be a grandchild. A grin broke out. Then he hugged his wife and let out a whoop of joy.

"Wonderful" Suddenly he felt yearns younger." Does Maya Know?"

"Yes, and before you think it was telling she already suspected when I got ill last week. Only a mix up in the scans let me fly. Then when I was brought in she was here when RoAnn was lecturing me on taking it easy."

Noah frowned. He just realized how close a call Dara had had.

"So, you are happy?" She asked

"Yes...Considering I never expected such a wonderful gift at this stage of my life. You are here by relieved of flight duty Major." Her shocked looked pleased The Commander in him." You can assist in assignments but, no more flying. I will not lose either of you."

Noah kissed his wife and stepped back still holding her hands.

"Let me see if I can at least get you released to our quarters. Now we really do have a reason to celebrate. I am sure the twins will be ecstatic. They always complain about being the youngest." He gave her a wink and went in search of RoAnn.

Dara smiled. His look of shock was priceless. Next time she has to remember a comporting to snap a picture.

RoAnn was busy restocking. The earlier battle had taken them by surprise. The types of injuries they had seen were far different then what the life center was used to treating. There was no way they allow themselves to be caught off guard again. She was in contact with the other Doctors in the fleet. Each had similar injuries. She hoped they could conference to address any needs and exchange data.

"LT. RoAnn, A moment if I may."

"Yes, Commander." She said with a grin" Can I help you Sir?"

"When can Major Dara be released? I need to debrief her on the flight and her mission."

LT. RoAnn choked back a laugh. While she knew that much was true it was not her Father's only concern." If she rests and takes it easy no duty for a rising now would be fine. Debrief her but do not over tire her Sir. It was a close thing Sir. No need to risk ... a relapse."

"Thank you Doctor. I will keep that in mind. We are having dinner tomorrow in our quarter's 2100 hours. Be there and contact your brother and pass on the message…" He turned and went to give Dara the good news.

RoAnn smiled she knew she had better warn her Mother too. Or there be Hades to pay. Maybe she help cook. It might be fun to try an old family recipe or two.

Maya was already expecting a family celebration's was looking over recipes when her com went off.

"I Know RoAnn. Your Father am happy? Good. I make dinner. Yes you can help. In fact it is wonderful. See you later."

She knew that Noah always celebrated his children. She went and ordered vintage ambrosia. It was well worth it. For this was a reason to give a toast. She was very pleased with the outcome. Hopefully everything stays quiet for the next rising or two..

The ships of the First fleet were making rapid repairs. The mining ships had already gathered full loads off all needed materials. Unfortunately they had not recovered useful soils. The mission to Kobol had to go on.

Metostopholies was pleased. He had the fool Paulus completely fooled. The Man was not a believer but wanted power. Throughout the millennium such creatures had often delivered empires into his hands. He smiled another group of humans would soon be his.

The troublesome First Fleet and her Commander were light years away lost in the great void. He was glad. That Commander had reminded him to much of Adama. Perhaps it was the bloodline of Sagan. Always too strong to lead astray. He destroy him in due time. First he would destroy these planets and then the remains of humanity.

Lt. Commander Zeus was preparing to once again guard the fleet. He reviewed the possible options. His fellow officers were dubious about returning to Kobol. He also had his doubts. Zeus did however agree that they needed to find the Galactica and her fleet. Each Fire Star would take turns launching patrols. They would stay out until they utilized 50 of their fuel reserves. The recharging would be by solar power. They had to make the Tylium last. While the mining ships had restocked and the refineries were going full capacity he knew the risks. They were headed into unknown space. His Commander wanted a full contingency plan laid out. Noah was going to let his staff help formulate plans so that each could feel confident in success. In the end he makes the decision but all would feel ownership. This trait of Commander Noah's meant he had the unquestioned loyalty of his officers. Sometimes Zeus wished he was not so liberal but, he knew it boosted moral. In the end he had two different plans to give the Commander. All the Staff officers agreed they were good options. He knew that Noah could reject both but , that was highly unlikely.

Lucifer did not share Baltar's option that these new humans would be easily destroyed. So far they have survived two direct attacks with little damage.

Their ground teams had been highly successful. Lucifer had he not know it was impossible would have assumed it was Commander Cain leading the raid. The Warriors were not Colonial it was however clear they were highly disciplined. The ships they had used were fast and maneuverable. So far the only weakness he and the other IL had found was less armor. Too bad they had not tried to trick these people as they had the Colonials.

Major Thor received his orders with a slight grimace. He knew his Commander understands. He was stuck on board at least 24 more cectons. Thor headed for the visiting officers quarters. He might as well get some rest. Sammy and Seth grinned and followed him. It reminded him of when they were kids always tagging behind him. The thought made him smile. Roma read the reports. The news that they had to be heading deeper into space was not to disturbing. She had joined the service to travel. In a way she was getting her wish. Her mate was preparing dinner. She grinned. Atraties was the best thing that had ever happened to her .He was the Dark Moons Chief engineer and one hell of a cook. He never minded the differences in their ranks. After all without him the ship goes nowhere. She headed in for dinner. No sense letting it gets cold.

Her people were good and would let her know of any problems. She hoped the Commander Consider her Plan. They need more than just soils from Kobol. Colonel Atraties had suggested they steal Cylon technology. She agreed after all they had to know how the enemy worked to fight them. Her Engineer husband's Idea could prove valuable. Besides they needed new generators. She was less pleased with his volunteering to go on the mission. Well she makes him pay for that idea... after dinner.

"Hurry up Sammy. If we are late for dinner Mother won't let us have any dessert."

"Coming, I don't think she do that now that we are adults. We have 10 centons. "Replied Sammy

Seth grinned as he pulled on a highly polished boot.

Yeh…, Like that make a difference bro."

They both left buttoning their tunics as they walked.

Colonel Tyson was smiling. It was not often both he and the Commander got off the bridge at the same time. He was not sure it was a good idea now. However Fawn his wife was happy with the invitation to dinner. He reminded himself that there were other ships out there to keep track of any dangers. Tyson was still uneasy. He knew something important was about to happen. He hated those feelings. They always made him edgy.

Commander Noah was nervous. It was crazy because he had four wonderful children already. He felt like the first time all over again. Then again each time had been like that. He watched Maya and RoAnn put the finishing touches on dinner. Dara had insisted on helping as well. It was a site to warm his heart. All three were laughing and joking. Not in the least bit concerned. He was in a panic and they were all discussing baby names. He never understood how they took it so calmly.

The chimes went off and he headed to the door. His Xo and wife came in .He was greeted with a hug and handshake.

"Welcome Fawn, Tyson. Would you care for a drink?"

A clearly social gesture. Tyson smiled. "That is great Sir. Ambrosia sounds wonderful "He was usually formal even though they had served together for over 20 yearn. Noah smiled.

"No thank you Commander let's just take this desert in to the kitchen." Fawn walked over to the laughing women who eagerly took the six tiered pastries.

The Chimes went off once more and his sons entered.

Thor, Seth and Samuel all Warriors who made their Father very proud. He knew his announcements tonight would shock them all. The thought pleased him. Maybe they remember there was still life in the old man yet.

Maya was pleased. So far everything was running smoothly. All they were waiting on was Zeus and Freya.

After all those present were all like family. Dara had known she be nervous. Never had se expected to have so many people she considered family around. It was a warm feeling .It was a blessing she never expected.

"By your Command" Gali said

"Have we received a reply from the Imperious Leader?"

"Yes, Lucifer."

"Well?"

"He will be sending reinforcements three more base ships and support craft. He orders you to destroy this new human fleet."

"Excellent"

"Relax Zeus. You will make Maya and Dara nervous if you glower all night. "Freya chided.

"I am sorry my love. I 'm just worried. "He had confided in his wife needing her support.

" My dear it will all work out have faith. "Freya was a firm believer in the old religion. She had always had faith in Noah. After all he came from the best their people had to offer. She like her husband valued the lifelong friendship. Maya was her closet friend and she always is there. Dara too had been joined to that love. She grinned remembering her, Fawn and Maya's pranks as children. Her own daughter Dana was in Thor's squadron. They had all been close for years. Tyson's son Rorke's was a stingray pilot on the Nova.

The chimes went off. They entered the apartment pleased to see their Daughter. It was a pleasant surprise.

"Hi mom, Dad. Guess what? I am on leave. Thor here was nice enough to ask me to dinner."Dana said blushing.

Thor Blushed "Sir, Ma'am good to see you both again. I hope you do not mind my bringing Dana?" He had come over to welcome her in.

Frey beamed. "How could we mind such a wonderful surprise?" She hoped that in time these two stubborn souls would realize they were in love. It had been obvious to their parents for yearns.

Rorke's followed them in. His eyes looked for RoAnn. My she is the loveliest woman he had ever seen. He walked over and put his arms around her. A quick stolen kiss.

"Hey Babe what's cooking."

"Rorke's, you slouch." She laughed. "Her buddy was back. She had missed him. Her best friend from child hood.

Rorke was the oldest of all the children. By a centon. He never let them forget it either. "Hello Major. Stop joking around or you will find us both in a blaster sealment."

"Would that be so bad?" He asked suddenly serious.

"I..."RoAnn was caught completely off guard. "No...I do not think it would be."

"Let talk about it latter ok. "He kissed her briefly. Not seeing Noah smile.

RoAnn was shocked .She had had deep feelings for Rorke as long as she could remember. Odd how until this moment she had never considered him as a mate.

"Everyone Gather around" said Commander Noah "Tonight we are just family." His wives walked over each wrapping an arm around him.

Oh boy something up thought Seth. I have a funny feeling. He looked at Sammy and he nodded. They were definitely in for something. What was going on?

"First of all thank you all for coming on such short notice. " Dara said
Maya was beaming looking ecstatic.

Thor wondered what was up. His folks looked like they were going to bust with happiness.

Dana slipped her arm around him and he drew her closer.

RoAnn was holding Rorke's hand. Waiting for the news. It was hard to wait when you knew the secret.

"Major Thor ,Lt's Seth and Samuel and Dana will all be transferred to the Kobal's Shield next rising announced Dara "Before you all protest there is a reason. Thor's is being promoted to be my XO. Major Rorke will take over For Thor."

Thor was stunned. What was going on?

"The Major will be taking over Dara's flight duties temporarily. "Explained Commander Noah "Dara is restricted from flying for the next 8 1/3 months. We expect that after our child is born she can resume her duties."

The room was silent. Then broke out in congratulations and pats on the back.

Having no idea what to say or do Thor handed his father stogies. "Congratulations... to you both."

He looked at his Mother and realized she was genuinely happy about this turn of events. He suddenly felt any resentment slip away. They were family and he do everything he could to keep them all safe .He looked at Rorke who grinned accepting a stogie.

"I will keep your place warn Thor. "While he preferred stingrays Major Rorke was a fully qualified Jaguar pilot. In a since he too was being promoted. To command a whole Fire Stars Fighter groups.

The happy cheer warmed Maya. It was clear everyone was happy with Dara's news.

"There is one more thing. Given the current situation I am suggesting we all use ever skill and talent we have to defend and defeat these cylons.

There is no way we can allow them any advantage."She looked around the room at her family and friends. Everyone was aware of what she meant. They looked to Noah for a response.

"The Lt. Commander is correct. For a while many of us have hidden or not used our various "GIFTS"I for one am done with that. We have already seen that they can benefit the fleet. We will use them as we deem appropriate."He watched Zeus groan. His poor friend would now end up sparing with him. The mental matches they shared at the academy had kept them both sharp. They were exhausting however." Now let us enjoy the feast these lovely ladies have made. We may not have a chance to do so again for a while."

The group took their respective seats as the food trays came indaba grinned. She looked at RoAnn who had an innocent look on her face then at Maya.

"Let me help Mother "Thor said. Well if they were going to play he wanted in.

Grinning. It felt good to let lose. He never realized how much he enjoyed using his gifts.

Dara thought they are all like children given permission to do something wild.

Tyson and Fawn chuckled. It had been a while. They all needed these games. Their minds were having fun.

Commandant Able was not pleased. He had been forced to order the First Fleet out with little warning. Iblis was becoming a problem. The man had spies everywhere. He coughed. He was tired and wanted to rest.

Soon. He had to be sure his people were safe. His son did not yet have enough support. He could not trust Paulus. He was totally under the priest spell. The ideas they were proposing would kill half the population. It would lead to over a 1/3 never being able to have families. That idea was appalling. No, he could not justify killing his own people in the name of saving the rest's ,sterilizing millions was also unacceptable. He prayed that Noah and Maya's mission was a success. Without new worlds and allies they were doomed.
Paulus my friend. We must prepare. Soon you will have no options. The chosen can bring life to the next generation. Most of these people are sheep. Useful to a degree but expendable."

"Iblis how can you say that. They worship you? "Paulus questioned.

"Yes, And as their leader I know what is best. To serve the greater good." was his evasive reply He would soon enjoy watching the games of life and death all the humans trying to please him so they could live. As he had one told Apollo and Sheba such games were vastly amusing.

--

Rorke pulled RoAnn aside. He always had been fond of her. Yet lately he seemed to have her constantly on his mind.
"Well, would you be my wife?"

RoAnn looked at him. He was a striking man. He was nearly as tall as her father. His green eyes sparked with mischief.

"I am honored to. But is this not a bit sudden?"

"Maybe, I have been thinking about it for a while. I have dated a few women." He stopped at her raised brow.

"Ok a lot. But it never felt right's. I can laugh with you, be happy and even cry with you. You will be my friend as well as my lover. That is what I want. Our parents all have that. I think that be the ideal."

Seeing he was serious RoAnn tried to find a neutral answer. She wanted this but it was a dream. An impossible dream. She was afraid it was the moment and not real." Can we date some...I mean it be bad to give the folks another shock right now."

Rorke smiled." YES" he shouted.

Everyone looked at him." He announced …"I just asked RoAnn to seal with me. She said yes."

RoAnn slugged him. So much for not shocking the family...

He caught her hand and kissed it."Yes, I will take you out too. I just did not want you to have a chance to change your mind."

Rorke easily read her thoughts and fears. Yes, using their respective gifts would be a relief.

Thor set down the ambrosia. It had to be something in it. Everyone was acting crazy.