Disclaimers: Chapter 1

Lost Tribes

Part 8

Adama was just a man. A man pushed beyond what anyone could bear. As always his prayers brought him hope. It was as if a hand had reached down to pull his spirit up.

'Oh my love. I wish I could ease your pain. The best I can do is send you another. Please open your heart to her when she arrives.' Illya smiled sadly.

She loved this man. He had not failed her. Her fate had been written long ago. She hoped he find peace and love again. The new human fleet held his new mate. She was saddened by this thought but, Adama needed a helpmate. Someone to confide in and love. He had always been a good husband and father and he would be again. He just needed balance. She smiled the seal they had made would always be there but he had the room to love another. At first she had thought it might be the Siress but...He needed someone stronger. A warrior who could understand the fighting in a way she never been able to...

So deep in prayer he failed to hear his door chimes. Then he heard the pounding and the demand that he allow someone in. Reaching out with his mind he felt his Son. Apollo, wary and worried. He rose and pulled on his shirt. Closing the hidden room he went to greet him. Grabbing a towel. To all appearances he was just getting ready to take a turbo shower. He knew his experiments had unnerved Apollo and he saw no need to further worry him.

"Enter." He commanded. As he toweled himself off." Apollo what is wrong?"

"Forgive me Father; I have disturbing news. Cylons. We barely escaped detection from a raider patrol." He paused watching as his father pulled on a tunic.

"Any signs of base ships or a base?"

"Yes Sir, We need to hide then to divert."

"No, we will not alter our course."

"Father we need to go on."

"Apollo, we need to find tylium and new food stuffs. As usual we are low. Perhaps we can raid the cylons for fuel at least."

"Raid? This idea was more like Commander Cain" What about the fleet?"

"We hide them. Any ideas where?""An asteroid field 200 metro from our present location. But how can we do it without bringing up more base ships."

"Apollo, Tell Colonel Tigh to move the fleet to this field. I want all your data in my office in one centon. Launch another patrol we need to know the limits of the cylon space. Keep them silent and report any more information am just tired of running. We will get what we need and Lord willing kick some Cylon Astrum."His voice shook with conviction."We can mine this field do any repairs and in 2o or 3o days move on." he said as he read Apollo's survey reports. As always Apollo was efficient and anticipated his requests.

--

The Taurus was celebrating finishing the bio domes when it got the order. It along with the Tarts were to produce a new fighter. Taurus had the dome and Tarts the exoskeleton. The ship was sleek and looked fast. Colonel Washy was ready to scream. It looked like they not be lacking work for a while. The "Viper "design was similar to the original with solar cells added for fueling. He grinned. He was so glad they were making this ship. Lots more marks for his crew. He loved it when they were too busy to cause any problems.

Commander Noah ordered the fleet to go to light speed. He knew that they would need to make up time. From Baltar's journals he learned that the Colonial fleet was moving only as fast as the slowest ship. They could make in risings what took the Colonial fleet centars. He knew that this would use a great deal of fuel but it would also put distance between them and the Cylons. The finished Belarus could now easily keep up. He was restless. He felt pushed to make time. He walked to his bridge ready to relieve Colonel Tyson. He considered his options and prepared to once again jump. From the examinations of the vipers it had become clear that they were advanced technologically to their Brothers and sisters. He felt that they had much to offer their potential allies. His concern was with being out gunned by the base ships. He prayed Piteous had gotten the information safely home.

"Commander we have discovered further evidence of the Colonial Fleet. It not much but it suggest we are heading in the right direction. There are really 2 trails Sir. But I guessing the one is a false trail set for our Cylon friends. The Lighting sent this over Sir. A canister. It has the Seal of Kobol on it. We could not open it Commander." Colonel Tyson said.

Commander Noah took the canister. Removing his seal which he now wore all the time he opened it. Inside he found data disks. Had the container been cut or forced open they were rigged to self destruct. Clever. He placed one in the recorder.

It was also rigged to blow if the Seal Baltar carried was used.

"Epsilon 456 latitude 692 on an angle of 2999."He read the note.
"Old friend we are safe I pray this finds you.-ADAMA"

"Well it seems we have a map Sir." Said Colonel Tyson

"NO reverse the order and head that way. Look for traces. Commander Adama is too clever to make it that easy. His old friend would know this."

Commander Noah replaced the disks. He quickly typed out a message." To the Commander of the Pegasus. Baltar is back with the Cylons. Imperious leader in pursuit of the fleet. We will aid. Commander Noah of the First Aus

Guard Fleet. From the 13th Tribe. If we encounter contact us on frequency 3678.I believe we will be allies ageist a common foe. May the Lords be with you. He sealed the letter with his medallion."

"Colonel place this on the same path. I have a feeling The Pegasus is following being the Galactica. With luck they will get this." He smiled he hoped so 2 Battle Stars and the First Fleet that would give the cylons an unexpected surprise.

Colonel Tyson was perplexed but as always followed orders.

"Sir I have arranged a Command conference call for the morning. You wanted to go over your plans."

"Good job my friend. Now go get some rest. I have the fleet." Commander Noah ordered

Sheba saw Captain Apollo he looked wary. His patrol had found cylons. She sighed at times like this she wished Commander Cain was here. Not because he was her Father and a Living Legend but because having a second Battle Star or any other warship would ease the strain. She could not remember the last time any of the Warriors really had down time. Starbuck and Bommer had spread the bad news. Everyone was edgy. Even if they managed to elude the cylons for a while sooner or later they have to fight once more. She pushed her hair away from her face as she walked up to her friend.

"Hey, Care to buy a lady a drink?"

Apollo smiled. He was in love with this fusty woman. He checked on Boxy and the boy was sound asleep. He knew he should get some rest but he wanted company more."Sure. My treats." He took her arm as they walked to the Galatia Officer club.

The Imperious leader was amazed at the destruction of the base. Even as they followed the human fleet he reviewed the reports. He decided to let the humans find the Galactica and that rag tag mess. He destroy them all in one sweep.
--

"Commander we have intercepted a transmission. Cylon, The Imperious Leader is going after Adama's Fleet." Colonel Tolan reported.

"Damn, we need to get back to the fleet. Are the repairs ready yet?" Asked Commander Cain.

"Sir, We have the energizers back on line. The Chief engineer afraid they will not hold Sir."

"Tolan we have to get there. Adama needs to be warned. Let's go best speed." He was not about to let his old friend down. Another Imperious leader what did they do clone them. He sighed wary.

"Commander there is more."

"More?"

"Yes Sir, The cylons are frantic. It seems they encountered a human War Fleet." Colonel Tolon said. He was smiling. Lords he hoped it was true.

Commander Cain rose. Stumbling forgetting his injured leg." War fleet...Human...Who, What and how?" A smile spread across his face. A miracle...Maybe Adama was right and the lord would provide.

The Pegasus headed out. Cain pushed his ship and crew. The news that there might be more survivors or even new allies was enough to revitalize the tired crew.

His patrols went out. They had been well away from the fleets path. He knew Adama would leave him bread crumbs. He hoped they would find them. He retired to his room. His private com went off.

"Sir the Night Hawks found the canister."

"Bring it to me Tolan. Well done. Buy the Patrol a drink on me."

Colonel Talon was glad his commander was pleased. Lately Commander Cain had seemed tired and almost human. He chuckled that was a change from his usual cocky self and Tolon had been worried.

Cain looked at the canister. It seemed intact. He opened his desk and removed his medallion. Unlike Adama he had never really been comfortable wearing it. He opened the box. Inside he got the shock of his life. Another human fleet. He scouted with joy. Not just any fleet a war fleet.

"Tolan we are going to rejoin the Galactica."

The Colonel raises a brow." Sir?"

"We are going to soon kick the cylons tails."

Tolan looked at Cain as if he had gone mad." Commander Cain handed him the coordinates.

"Reverse and invert and lets go. That path will put us ahead of the Fleet. Light speed Colonel. There is no way Adama get to meet these people first." He was laughing and smiling." Or maybe we could do it a united front."

"Yes Sir."

Hunter and Bo jay were on patrol. They were scanning making sure that the fleet did not come up against any unexpected surprises.

"Hunter, Do you think we will ever really find Earth?"

"Bo jay. I really do not care what we find as long as we find a way to kill cylons. I am getting tired of running way and hiding. As much as I love Commander Adama I rather just fight it out with the Tin heads."

Bo jay laughed. With Hunter his buddy he could be honest.

While Adama's Family considered Hunter a daughter she still was as independent minded as ever .It was good to cut out the Felbercarb and just talk. He to was tired of running. He understood the need to protect the fleet but he honestly missed Commander Cain's attacks on the cylons .He respected both Commanders having the privilege of serving under both. However the Warrior in him was tired of running.

The patrol scans showed large deposits of low grade tylium.

"Hey Bojay. good news. I scanned some Tylium. Let's get back and tell the Colonel .He can send out the miners." Hunter said

The First fleet was moving very fast. Commander Noah chuckled. He hoped they did not fly right by the Colonials. His teams of engineers had the rough schematics of the viper. He ordered it immediately produced. Val and Colonel Atraties were also working on engines that could be solar powered. It would be a gift to their Colonial brothers.

"John is you sure this will work?"

"The humans will meet up a full days before the Cylon fleet arrives. Have faith Gai."

Baltar awoke. He went down and studied Simpson small ship. It was well stocked. Food, Water survival tools. The centurions paid him no heed. He loaded weapons and data disks. All the Star charts he had. Then he returned to his sleeping guest. He considered how to break away. The Imperious Leaders arrival meant he was now more or less trapped. He had to get them away before the final Battle. Maybe saving this one women would help save his battered soul.

Maya returned to The Kobol'S Shield. Her news was for once very good. The soils had been transferred and the seedling had been planted. Her mood was happy. She grinned. Noah would be pleased. As she went in search of her husband she ran into Thor and Dana.

"Hello my son. Dana."

"Commander good to see you Ma'am."Lt.Dana said
"Mother you look good. How is the Bularus?"Thor inquired." Trying to divert his Mother's attention.

"The domes sealed and the plantings have begun. You are off on patrol?"

"Yes. Father does not want any more surprises. So today it our turn to lead the patrols. Do not worry we will be joined by Bourke and a few others. Safety in numbers."

Maya knew her son was trying to be reassuring but...She still worried. It was after all a Mother's right.
"Good luck and May the Lord keep you all."

LT. Dana blushed. She knew that somehow someway her faith and that of many of the fleet had been restored. She shook off the feeling as she headed for her ship. Kobol had gotten to them all.

Colonel Tigh read Bo jay and Hunter's reports. At least there was some good news. At this point even low grade Tylium would help. He longed for the days when the Galactica was refueled by fleets of tankers. He set aside his musings and ordered the mining ships out. It was vital dangerous work but they needed fuel. Apollo and Sheba were up for patrol. He hoped they were well rested. He smiled. One day his friend children would realize they loved one another. He wondered what kind of children they would produce. He chuckled. Strong Warriors and good people. He laughed. If and when Commander Cain returned he was going to be in for a few surprises.

"Ready to go Sheba?" Apollo asked. Their night had been relaxing and pleasant. Together they had eaten breakfast with Boxey. They had even walked him to school.

"I am always ready Captain. "She joked .Their night had include so much more then a drink. She woken in his arms and felt totally at peace .Going on patrol was the last thing she wanted to do But she was her Father's Daughter and would do her job.

"Then let's go ."Noticing they were alone in the hall .Apollo leaned over and kissed her hard ."For luck."

They found their ships and launched. Sheba was glad she was so good.

Because that kiss had wiped all coherent thoughts from her head.

Commander Cain was upset. As predicted, energizer 1 gave out. The Pegasus was forced to hide and once again make repairs. He rubbed his leg .The injury meant he could not even go out on patrol to ease his frustrations. He prayed he found the fleet in time.

Lt. Seth was teamed up with Ensign Patrick. He like the new warriors spirit.

His gunner Ensign Makwa was watching the scanners.

"Lt. I got something on scanners? "Ensign Patrick reported.

"What did you see?"

"Cylons Sir .Several of those base ships."

"Frak. Lets head back toward Major Thor and LT. Dana. We need to warn the fleet. "Ordered Seth.

On the other side of the fleet Lt. Samuel and Lt .Harris had also found cylons. A base on a small moon with at least four squadrons. They to sped home to the fleet. This time their shield kept them well hidden.

Major Thor flew low. His ship scanned the planet It was incredible. The Cylons had a large base. He saw several ships docked at a space port. He signaled Lt. Dana it was time to go.

They hit turbos only to run headlong into a Cylon patrol.

"Look out Thor."LT. Dana warned. He dived barely missing a pinwheel attack. Dana's Jaguar shot down the raider.

"Hit your turbo's we need to warn the fleet.""I am on it."

For several microns they ran for the fleet. They knew that they never escape.

"Dana go on ahead I am going to take these ships out."Thor reversed blasting 2 raiders.

"I won't leave you."

"Go that is an order." He shouted.

Dana ignored him as she turned and blasted another raider.
They were hopelessly out gunned.

Suddenly a raider exploded to the right do Dana. Thor Looked up fully expecting to see the rest of his patrol. To his surprise he saw 2 vipers.

They now engaged the surprised cylons.

He wasted no time wondering about miracles.

He blasted 2 more raiders. Seeing the ship that saved him in trouble he returned the favor. Together the 4 ships quickly dispatched the surprised Cylons. Thor was glad that these machines were not quick studies. Now they faced off.

"Identify your selves. I am Major Thor of the Fire Star Kobol's Shield."

Apollo and Sheba had stumbled on to this firefight. He had almost fallen out of his cockpit when he realized the cylons were engaged against human foes. His surprise had nearly cost this man his life. Fortunately Sheba blasted the raider chasing the 2nd ship and he had reacted to it.

"Apollo?" Sheba asked uncertain what to do.

"I am Captain Apollo. Please follow us. We will take you to our ship. It looks like you both have some damage. Maintain radio silence. As you guessed we are in Cylon space."

Tactful thought Thor .His energizers were damaged and he was losing fuel. Dana wing was singed. He knew they had no choice they would never make it back to the fleet.

"Captain. Thank you for your aid. We are honored to join you." He wondered were they from the Galactica or Pegasus.

"My wing mate is Lt Dana."

"LT. Sheba here." Not waiting for Apollo to make introductions.

"Sheba."

"Relax Apollo; we want these people as friends?"

Dana laughed. Yep, Something's were universal. The males were always wary."Sir, I am having trouble with the controls."

"Frak," Thor said.

His response put Apollo at ease. It was clear that these were humans.

More similar then even those from Luna 7 and Pyridine.

Apollo was amazed Fire Stars had not been around for 100's of yearns. He hoped their ship was close. Or maybe their world. Were these people from Earth?

The four ships entered the asteroid bettor could hardly believe his eyes. Scattered and hidden amongst the rocks were over 200 rag tag ships. The human fleet. They had indeed found the Galactica.

Even knowing of the size did not prepare him for the sight of the Great ship.

"By the Lords."

Sheba grinned. She never admit it but seeing the Galactica always gave her chills too. The Pegasus had been home. But the Galactica was legend.

"Captain Apollo to the Galactica. Request permission to land in Alpha bay. We have guests. One who may be flying a bit hot. We ran in to a Cylon patrol."

"Permission granted."Lt. Athena said she looked at Colonel Tigh."Those ships Colonel. They Have human crews?"

"Get the Commander. He will want to know this. The signal from Apollo?"

"Scrambled Sir the moment I scanned the other ships"

"Good work Athena.""Our bays have catch holds Major, LT. If either of you lose control the cables should catch you. It is a rough ride but you are safe." Apollo explained.

"Dana can you hold it together a few more microns?"

"Not a problem Major. You must be flying on vapors?"

"No my reserves are ok. you land first. I will follow." He did not want to risk losing his love. Is that ok Captain?""Yes. We follow the same procedures."

"I owe you both a drink." Dana said the ship came in hot. As Apollo predicted the cables caught Dana ship. It was far from a perfect landing but she did land.Thor followed her in and landed beside her. As expected security surrounded them.

'Dana do not make any sudden moves. We do not want to frighten these people.'Thor mentally told his wing. He could see the advantage of this form of communication. His mind scans showed these people had no idea of their respective gifts.

'Thor,' she was tentative I am afraid'

'It will be ok. Remember these folks are looking for us. At least for Earth. They will be friends' He hopped out of his ship. Dana did the same. They both drew a deep breath. Thor looked around. The bay was huge.

Commander Adama headed for the landing bay. He was almost running. Humans in warships. He sent a silent prayer thanking the Lords.

"Commander Zeus's sorry to report your daughter and Major Thor are over do from patrol."

"Does Commander Noah know?"

"Yes Sir, He is sending a team to investigate." Colonel Tyson replied.

"Good. Please keep me informed Colonel."
Zeus was worried. He took heart in that his friend was already looking for their children. The news of the Cylon fleet had not been good. He prayed that Dana and Thor had not run into any surprises.