Disclaimers: See Chapter 1

Lost Tribes

Part 6

Then he caught Dana looking at him. He saw and felt her feelings for the first time. Thor pulled her close having no idea how to deal with what he was feeling.

"Well young man. I always thought I would be asked for my daughter hand." Said Commander Noah" Not that I have any objections to it."

Colonel Tyson grinned. His son had spoken to him recently about his decision to court RoAnn was clear the boy made up his mind. Poor girl looked in shock. Fawn glowed. It had been her dream to see their children sealed. She winked at Maya. Who was shocked but pleased? It would be a good match . Fawn smiled. Now if Dana and Thor only get it together they would all truly be family.

The Imperious Leader was not happy. More Humans. They were worse than cockroaches always popping up. He ordered his base ship prepared. He was going to join Baltar's fleet and personally over see the destruction of the humans.

Lt. Commander Aries reviewed the tapes with Colonel Rashid. The tactical officer was sure they could follow the Commander's plan. It was not without risk. His ship along with the Thunder and Lighting would be acting as a decoy. Attacking the Cylon base. He was glad of that. Named for the God of war he preferred straight forward battles. Zeus ship along with the Dark Moon watch the fleet. The Battle ships would continue to guard them as they mined and refueled and repaired. Commander Noah was taking several experts along. Colonel Atraties would be in charge of finding technology from Kobold or the Rashid would take out the base again. This time with more effort on the destroy part. His only worry was the Base ships. He takes them on 1 at a time. His first target is the one on an intercept course. Pack tactics were by far his best option. He knew they had 1 chance at this. May the Lords help them?

The group was happy. Despite the recent conflict they all felt at peace.

Rorke pulled RoAnn aside." I know I was quick to announce this. But it feels right. Please be my mate, my wife. We can be happy."

"I will. I am scared Rorke. I am so happy and I am scared of it."

"We will make it RoAnn. Your Father and the others will see to it. Have Faith. I do, Since the mission I feel like we are being guided. I cannot explain it. But I believe it. Just as I believe in us." He kissed her" So soon lockset the date soon."

RoAnn thought for a moment carefully shielding her thoughts. Yes it has to be soon or they both burn up. Now that they were out in the open she could never truly hide again." Soon as we are away from this danger ok."

Rorke decided not to push for more. She agreed and that was enough.

Thor walked over to Dana. She was looking out at the stars.
"Dance with me."

"Why Thor, you pulled away. I ... I do not want to make you unhappy."

"I feel many things when you are around Dana. Unhappy is not one of them. I am afraid. Afraid to feel because of the risk. I could not stand to lose you." He hugged her." Do you understand.?"

"I think so." She replied for now it was enough a start. She hoped it meant Thor was finally feeling as she did. She loved this idiot for yearns. Always hoping the crush goes away. It had only grown worse. She knew Thor was her love. She prayed she could be his.

Maya was pleased it seemed that everything was going to be all right. She sipped her Ambrosia. It was sweet and refreshing. She smiled remembering her own first child. Now RoAnn poor girl was in shock. It is a good match but she hoped RoAnn make Rorke work at it a bit more. She smiled thinking they both are in for a few surprises.

Roma kissed her husband." I cannot believe you volunteered. You hate leaving the ship."

Atraties groaned. It was not fair even after 20 yearn she still could kiss him and he loses all his coherent thoughts.

" Darling I have the best chance to find what we need. Maya needs generators and we need technology." He rolled over." I know you are worried but It a piece of cake, really. I in fairly good shape. I will not risk them sending someone less qualified." He kissed her.

Two could play at this game.

Roma smiled. From her position she could feel his fair condition. For an engineer he was in great shape.

" Next time ask me first...or at least warn me."

At his scowl. Men and their egos.

Baltar was strangely happy. He just lost a battle but he felt good.

Odd.

He take the feeling. He wondered if maybe he had a second chance...

Metostopolies watched as the small settlement was killed. Worthless grubbers. They had refused to embrace him. Paulus troops killed them before they could regret their lack of faith. The only ones he allows to live had to follow him.

In an instant he dissolved. No one had even seen the lone figure watching.

Noah watched Maya as the last guests left. He long ago sent Dara to bed. Rest and care. She knew that the baby needed rest. He smiled as she slept peacefully.

He held out his hand and Maya took it. Tonight he needed to be grateful for all his blessings. His First wife above all. He kissed her as they went to bed.

Commander Aries groaned. The fleet was temporarily his. He saw the problem. The Belarus' had not been sealed yet. They had accidentally let out more seedlings. Maya was going to have a fit. He ordered all replanting halted until morning. Maya could deal with it. He was no farmer. He is glad when Noah took the fleet back. He smiled. To think he once wanted to command a fleet. What had he been thinking? He knew in his soul however that the command of the fleet would now need to be rotated. In that way ever Firstar's commanders would be able to get some rest. He read the reports from the rest of the fleet. At least everything else seemed to be going smoothly.

Colonel Tyson was the first command officer on the bridge. He grinned. He was going to tease his Co about being late. He felt good. They were in a war zone but he felt oddly happy. He grinned it must be the thought do grandchildren. He wondered how long the engagement be kept a secret.

"Seriously SSgt's heard it from the Corporal on alpha deck. Yeh, LT. RoAnn and Major Rorke who'd guessed."

"Yeh, think they are getting sealed?" Asked the SSgt's mean it be expected right. First families and all."

"Yeh, Lets hit the NCO club bets are that Major Rorke never seal...allowed could make a killing." Said Corporal Hans walking off duty with his friend Sgt Rees

Well thought the Colonel the secrets out...

Noah awoke slowly. He felt really good. He reached over only to find Maya gone. He sighed. He really wanted to be lazy today. He got up and headed for a turbo shower. In microns he was ready to go. One good thing about flight gear, it took less time to dress. He had forgotten how comfortable it was.

Maya hated leaving Noah. But the message was urgent. The loss of more seedlings was devastating. She had to attend the problem quickly. She motioned the crews to gather what they could. The bio suits were bulky but allowed them to work safely in the open domes.

She contacted the fabrication units. Only to be told they had one dome finished but not the second. The last attack had damaged their energizers. Repairs were complete but it had stopped production.

"Thank you. How soon can we get those parts? I understand. I will explain the delay to the Commander, Captain. I am sending your crew a couple of case of ambrosia in thanks for all their extra work. And a special bottle for you." Maya said as she hung up. Merchants were always open to incentives.

She motioned for the crews to move out. Soon the repair tech would need them out of the way. She wished they had a space port. It is so much easier. Looking around she saw only bare floors. They would need hectare of soils and rock. Kobol would provide Lords willing.

Noah read Maya's note. It was clear they had to get the replacement soils soon. He headed for the bridge happier than he had been in years. As he entered the bridge he noticed everyone watching him. It had been yearns since he attended the bridge in field dress. The change was striking. Before he had the appearance of a statesman now he was all warlords.

"Colonel Tyson arranges a staff officers briefing for the midday meal. We will meet in the officer lounge. Have a meal prepared we will all be there a while. I want a status report in my office in 10 microns. Everyone get used to it. I am in field dress for the duration." He headed for the cubby hole. He was sure the news had to be better. He picked up the night reports.

Baltar woke early. The night had been pleasant. For once he suffered no nightmares. Instead he dreamed of his home and Mother. She had always given him unconditional love. Her faith had been strong. He began to consider second chances. Maybe he could save these new humans. Make amends for the evil he had done. He wondered if he could escape. Maybe, just maybe he was getting a second chance...

Simpson watched Baltar.

He really was a striking man. She did not trust him but he seemed confused and wary. His arrogance had slipped away as the night went on. She found him oddly intriguing. He felt like a he was meant for her. For some reason she felt closer to him than anyone she had ever meet. Even Paulus. Maybe she not go back to Paulus. Maybe she would find a new life...Go back, but to Commandant Able. To warn the people of the new danger. For once she was not considering her own best interests.

A light glowed softly. The sprit smiled. Perhaps they could save these 2 lost souls after all. She prayed they found renewed faith in each other. After all neither soul had started out evil. And as long as they lived they had a chance at redemption. Gai hoped for her son would grab his last chance. And find peace. She dissipated and flew to the KOBOL's Shield. There she planted hope and peaceful feelings. Directing it's Commander to follow a path to Kobol. There he find the path the Galactica had taken...

Lucifer was once again in contact with Cylon Imperious leader was on his way to personally destroy this new human threat. Lucifer wondered why the Leaders always thought they do a better job. So far he had outlast 5.All killed by humans they had planned on destroying. Sometimes humans made more sense.

Reading the reports made Noah smile. So almost all his command staff wanted in on the mission. The only ones he takes were Colonel Atraties and Colonel Rashid. He would need their expertise. The others would just have to protect the fleet. He smiled Roma probably want to kill him and her husband for this crazy idea. But then Maya and Dara were not happy either. He chuckled you think the men were all going to an oscillator's Club in Sparta City. Instead of a life or death mission. Well, he was sure the wives would

rather they were doing just that

Rorke's smiled. He had made it back without waking RoAnn. She was sound asleep. They had talked all night long. She drifted off only a little while ago. He has slipped out and rounded up breakfast. Fruit and pasties. His other arm carried a tin of hot Java. He could not believe she had an empty storage area. He hoped he not get stuck with all the shopping once they got sealed. He had not noticed the Sgt starring open mouthed as he entered her quarters.

Dana awoke in Thor's Arms. Nothing had happened. They had just slept. She felt safe and at peace. Looking at his sleeping form she smiled. She could happily sleep that way every night. Thor pulled her close and used her as a pillow. Dana snuggled. After all she still had 1 rising of furlong.

The Cylon Base ships moved rapidly across space. Refueling as they flew. The Imperious Leader was going to get to Kobol in record time. He reviewed the reports. Picking up additional forces as he went along.

Noah looked around at his command staff. They were all fine officers. He was pleased to have the honor of leading them.

"I have decided to send the Pisces back to our home worlds. Along with the Rover and Finley as escort ships. They will carry news of this new threat to the Commandant and Council along with our plans to seek out the Galactica and her fleet. My hope is that the council will send ships to investigate and find any survivors that may remain in the 12 colonies. Perhaps they can help us build a fleet large enough to reclaim those worlds for humanity. The First fleet will seek out the Galactica and help protect it's fleet. I agree that they may be looking for our people's best chance of survival's planet called Earth. To that end I have accepted the Command Staffs plans for a raid on Kobol. We will restock and take anything we deem of value from those machines. In addition I and a team of scholars will seek out the dome of knowledge. I t is according to The Book of the Word a vast reciprocal of knowledge's am certain it will contain a starting point. This dinner is to thank you all for your hard work and to prepare us for what is to come. We have made several staff changes. First in my absence Zeus will run this fleet. Aries will be in charge of the attack and decoy of on the Cylons. Due to an unexpected event." He smiled at Major Dara "Major Thor will take over Major Dar's flight duties with Maher Rorke filling in for Thor.Major Dara will still be in charge of Tactical command but due to her pregnancy fling is not advisable."

The room fell silent and then broke out in cheers.

"Yes, It a joy and shock. But back to the mission. We will leave at night fall. Aries will begin his attack 30 microns before we launch. With luck we will catch them by surprise. Any questions or comments?" Asked Commander Noah.

"Commander Can we put in request for what we wish to acquire?"Asked Maya

"You may, But it will depend on the priorities we will all soon set." answered Commander Noah

"Sir, will we be taking the civilians with us across space?" Asked Aries.

"Our original mission has not changed. We still need new colonies. They will go with us. However I feel they must know about the mission only if we are successful on Kobol."

The meeting went on for several centons. Everyone there was clearly dedicated to the mission. Commander Noah was relieved and pleased that the Command Staff could see his vision. He was no longer going to sit idle by and allow fate to run its course.

"Baltar, How did you come to lead these machines?" asked Simpson

"I sold my soul for power. Only to find it an empty thing. You are only the third human I have seen in five yearns. The last condemned me to banishment on a dead world. I deserved it. But, I was so lonely." Baltar could not face her." I betrayed my people for greed and power. Lead these machines..."he laughed" No, I am their prisoner I live until I have killed every last human. Then I to will be destroyed."

Simpson was horrified. She had been caught in a deadly trap...

Roma handed her mate his lazer."Be careful. I know you feel you must go but. Be safe."