Disclaimer: In Part 1

Lost Tribes

Part 10

Sire Uri not realizing his error sauntered over to the Commanders group.

A false (what he thought was charming)smile upon his face. Several of his fellow councilors were on his heels. He held open his arms with AN exuberant welcome.

Even as he came toward them Commander Adama and Colonel Tigh entered the room. Colonel Tigh was escorting Siress Tinia. They were planning to meet Sure Duran. DuRan had swept Siress Tina off her feet .At first Tina had been concerned that it would affect her friendship with Adama. After all they had been an item for a while. Adama however had been pleased. Tina had become a dear friend but he did not love her. And To Tina surprise and delight Colonel Tigh had become an ally if not a friend .It was clear he had only disliked the idea of her being with Adama not her personally. The 4 of them had become good friends.

Sire Duran had liked and respected the Commander and become a 2nd much needed ally on the council. They approached the group.

Lt. Seth, Samuel, Major Thor and LT. Dana were on their heels.

"Ah Commander Noah it is good of you and your Wife and Daughter to join us. And your lovely crew "He off handed included RoAnn and the rest.

"Greetings" Commander Noah said formally no hint of friendliness "Let me introduce you." He said now with a cold smile.

'Noah' said Maya and Dara in his mind at the same time.

His look silenced them" I believe you have meet my Wife Lt .Commander Maya?"

"Yes, and this must be your lovely daughter. I am so pleased to meet you "Sire Uri said

Dara looked at Noah' Do it' she grinned now understanding Noah's cold smile.

Adama looked at his first officer both men could tell that Sire Uri had somehow before they arrived caused offence.

"I am afraid you are mistake. Sire...Uri was it?" Commander Noah said" This is my wife Major Dara. The young lady you looked at with such revision was is my first bor . LT .RoAnn. Her escort is Major Rorke son of my second Colonel Tyson.

His sweep of the hand encased the group. Thor bowed with Seth and Samuel along with Rorke purely mocking Sire Uri. None bothered to hide their utter contempt.

Adama approached .He received a warm smile and Noah held out his hand. Now smiling he made clear his choice of the two men. Sire Uri was enraged. He was forced to step back.

"Adama am pleased to meet you again." The two Commanders shook hands."Has Commander Cain arrived yet?"

"His shuttle is on approach now."Adama replied. He could early surprise a grin. It had been most enjoyable to see someone put Uri in his place.

"May I present my family?" Noah said" My Wives Maya and Dara."

Adama was stunned. He could almost feel sorry for Uries blunder.

"My Daughter and her Chosen Rorke. My Son His chosen Dana and my youngest Seth and Samuel."

This councilors could not fail to see the insult to Sire Uri. The normally diplomatic Noah cut him dead.

"I am pleased to meet you all." He bowed" My second Colonel Tigh, Councilor Sires Tinia and Sire Duran. My daughter Athena." He looked around for Apollo.

"Father Apollo and Sheba went to meet Commander Cain. Sheba is eager to see her Father." Explained Athena not wanting to cause offence.

"I can understand that we will look forward to meeting them." Noah replied."Adama I believe you meet Lt. Commander Eve. I was remiss earlier to properly introduce you."

"Men. "Maya sad" What he failed to explain is Eve is a cousin."

The group laughed. The tension clearly evaporating. Across the room Uri steamed.

It was to this seen Commander Cain and his group arrived to. He was speaking with the other Fire Star Commander All who had landed with in Microns of himself.

"So how many fighters do the Fire Stars have?" Asked Commander Cain .Sheba and Apollo trailed behind. They were listening intently. Sheba had been surprised at the deep hug both she and Apollo had received .For once her Father had clearly showed his affection ,So for now she was content to listen .They have more time latter .For once she was glad he was all business. She was very eager to see and hear how much relief they would be getting.

"Each Fire Star has 2 squadrons of Jaguars. Now our fleet is different then most. We also have Scorpions and the Stingray. Scorpions is 2 man fighters with both front and rear guns. The Sting ray can carry 2 to 4 man crew. They have different uses along with the rear gun they are a bomber." Explained Poseidon."They have 1 to 3 squadrons .Each Fire Star Commander got a choice of the mix."

"That sounds like your people had the right idea. Let the military run that area." Commander Cain said. Not caring that most of the Council of 12 heard his remarks. Even Adama had to hide a grin.

Starbuck and Cassiopeia arrived with Bommer and Jolly on their heels. They came from the back of the club. They snuck in by the service entrance hoping no one would realize they were as usual late.

"Commander Adama, President Tania I see we shocked you earlier." Explained Maya" Our culture allows a man to have more than one partner. The Woman as well. It is not a common thing but it happens. The only requirement is that all parties agree. My husband was quite shocked when I suggested he Marry Dara here." She grinned enjoying the surprised and stunned look from the councilors."We have been married over 4o yearns and I have never been happier. I am sure we will find more than a few cultural and political differences hope they do not prevent a close friendship from developing?"

Sires Tania was taken aback. However she had not managed to stay the President for over 2 yearns for lack of political skill." Forgive us. In the olden times our ancestor also had many wives. Though I never heard of a woman being allowed more than one husband."

Starbuck across the room dropped his fumeralle .He love to have 2 or more wives but to be a 2 or 3rd husband...

"I am sure it is a great system. I love to try that myself." Said Athena

"Indeed "said Sires Tania

The group broke in to a mutual laughter.

Athena was very impressed with the various Firstar Commanders. Aries was a handsome man. Even more stunning then Starbuck. His Dark hair and eyes were just yummy she thought while she like younger men he could have made her thinks twice.

Eve watched the room. She smiled and waited to see what else would happen. So far it was more interesting then she had expected.

Starbuck and Cassiopeia arrived with Bommer and Jolly on their heels. They came from the back of the club. They snuck in by the service entrance hoping no one would realize they were as usual late.

So far it was more interesting then she had expected.

The council of 12 had no idea how to react. Many members Looked to ire Uri to show them which way to go. Uri for his part went to the bar and ordered a drink. He wanted to seem unaffected by the direct Snub.

Commander Cain limped over to his old friend. For the first time in many yearns he too was relieved to have back up. He sighed. Maybe he was getting old but it felt good not to be totally alone.
"Adama I am so pleased to see you." He smiled and held out his arm.

Adama was still annoyed at Cain's disappearing act but he save that lecture for private. He to be glad to see his dear friend. He meets him half way and took his arm. Instead of a simple handshake he embraced the man who was like his brother. He had always been Cain's friend and he doubted anything would ever change that. They fight, disagree and then in the end bring out the best in the other. To have Cain be a team player would be like asking Starbuck not to gamble. He grinned." Welcome home dear friend. Aries walked over to where Athena was standing. He smiled. The young lady was stunning.

"Could I get you a drink?" He asked

""Yes, Commander I believe I would like that very much." She said taking his arm and leading the way to the bar.

Apollo watched in open amazement. It was the first time he seen Athena so open to a man in yearns. He grinned. Well maybe it was time."Sheba, can I get you something?" He asked.

"Sure Apollo, ambrosia is nice." Sheba said smiling. Apollo looked good in his dress uniform. Looking over the room she was amused to see many of the males were squirming around. They all looked like little boys forced to dress up for temple. She grinned. Her Father looked the worst .She really wished she had a recorder. It be great to get him in his dress uniform.

Adama smiled." I so glad you arrived when you did Commander Noah. We were in deep trouble. The fuel and food you given us gives us a chance to move on. Please join me at the table. Our feast should be arriving soon. We have much to thank the Lord's for."

The group headed for the table. A sullen Sire Uri joined them. He was now watching awaiting a sign of weakness.

Dara watched him. The evil was clear. She wondered how the people of this fleet did not see it. For the moment she was silent. She'd share here fears with Maya and Noah in private. She was sure that man would be a problem. She wished Noah had held on to his temper a bit better. But considering the last few cycles she was surprised he had not just wasted the man.

"Commander Adama We will be more than happy to help you in any way we can. As I am sure you have guess we are brothers and sisters. I admit to be a bit overzealous and maybe arrogant." Noah paused" But until recently we were the strongest military we knew of. Perhaps that made us too sure of ourselves. We stumbled onto the cylons and by the Lord's grace escaped. We sent a warning home...However I felt the need to seek out this fleet and offer help."

"I am pleased that you did so."Adama replied. He knew that the Commander was a man well used to always leading and that he showed impatience because Sire Uri had tried to dominate him. He could well appreciate that feeling. Uri was a major pain." We hope that an alliance can be formed. We seek out Earth in an attempt to find help. I am pleased that the help found us first."

Maya grinned. Adama was going to be a good friend she could since it. He was very similar to Noah. Even his bearing. She had a wicked thought. She wondered if Noah let her take a second husband.

Noah shot her a cold look." Not funny my dear." He them grinned. He could never be stern for more than a moment.

Maya gave him a who me look.

Seth and Samuel were at the bar. Each held grog in their hands. Smelling it then taking a drink.

"MMMM, not bad." Said Samuel

"A bit fruity but, good." Seth agreed

Starbuck, Boomer and Jolly walked up.

"Hi, fellas .Enjoying the grog? "Asked Starbuck

"Yes, Thank you. It is not too bad. "Seth said "So are you gentlemen pilots?"

"Yep, We fly the vipers Star hounds ."Boomer answered.

"Nice ships .different but interesting. "Samuel replied. "I am Lt. Samuel...Sam and this is Lt. Seth My brother. Pleased to meet you all." He held out his hand.

Boomer took it and Jolly shook Seth hand. Starbuck did the same.

"Glad you guys, showed up. What type of fighters were they? they looked to have rear laser turrets?"

Sammy grinned "Yes, We call them the Stinger. Scorpions and stingrays each have them. They help even the odd a little."

"A little you all cut right through them tin cans." Jolly added.

"We try." Sammy said

Eve smiled. Aries seemed quite taken with the Commander's daughter. Maybe more than one match could be meet. She grinned at the thought of Aries as a son in law. She had caught Noah's thought and it was interesting indeed.

Adama watched his daughter smile and laugh. She was quite taken with Commander Aries. He have to find out more about the man.
Just then council security came sauntering in. Their black uniforms seemed out of place amongst the warriors.

Reese looked at Noah with revulsion but elbowed his way to the bar. He considered" these people to be dangerous freaks" He needed to be here to protect the Sire.

Dana was standing next to Thor as Reece foolishly pushed by heritor's hand shot out to catch her as she fell off balance. His arms picked her up and gently set her aside. LT. Commander Zeus had witnessed the incident. He could not react in time to catch his daughter. Commander Cain to saw the whole thing.

"What in Hades name are you doing?" He boomed."Adama I know this is your ship, but that young man is showing a definite need for an attitude adjustment."

Reese turned. He gave the limping Commander a discussed look."Sir, I am here to protect the council. I do not need any warriors...to tell me my job." He said with a sneer.

"I am ok Thor really "Dana said attempting to cool his rage.

"Yes, no thanks to that digit droppings."

Reese stepped toward him." Look you freak. Get lost. And take your bitch with you..."

He never finished his sentence as Thor sent him crashing across the room. He was once again pinned to the ceiling. Only this time he was clawing at his throat air cut off.

"Thor Stand down."

"Father it my right. I call him out." He dropped Reese and the security man fell." I want combat for that insult. We have been polite and even risked our lives. I will not allow them to insult my mate." Rage shook him.

Sire Uri smiled his plan had worked. There be no alliance and the fleet would look to him for leadership. Adama was through.

"Combat?" Siress Tinia asked.

"Oh Lord," Maya she knew that Thor had to fight or he be labeled a coward. She also realized that this show had been planned."Yes, When a chosen or mate is insulted their intended or husband must in honor defend them. It is a battle to the death. Swords or bare handed combat."

"Reese you have caused enough problems. Arrest that man now" Adama ordered.

"You can no do that Commander he is a civilian under my authority." said Sire Uri

"Watch me."Adama said surely angry.

"Adama, My son demands combat. We must allow him that right. It is our law. If Reese refuses or you do not allow it then we must in honor leave you and your fleet. Personally I love to challenge Uri. I know he set this up."

"What, how dare you accuse me?" The fat Sire blustered.

"Do not push your luck Uri."Adama said or I might challenge you myself.

"By what right do they demand this?" Asked Sire Rodman

"By Kobalian Law All the Tribes were bound by the Code. It is clear you do not know your own laws. Yet you pretend to lead these people." Noah said. He faced the Councilor his Seal showing as his hand touched it."Thor is my heir. He may fight for his honor and that of his wife."

Adama sighed. He knew he had to allow it or condemn the whole fleet.

"Reese, this time you have gone too far. Over and over you have overstepped your place. Kobolian law is clear. You will fight Thor. However; it will not be to the death. That is against our, laws. Thor will that be enough?"

"Sire Adama I will accept that. But understand he will live...barely."

Reese by now was shaken. He felt like he had been tossed to the lopuses.He looked around hoping to find an ally. Even his friends stepped back. He now realized he risked the fleets future there be no help for him. He have to fight the freak.

"Thor you do not have to do this really." Dana said. She had been touched by his defense but dud not wants to be the cause of a rift between their new friends.

"Dana, I am doing this. It is my right. And before you say it is archaic. Remember I am very traditional in my views." He kissed her." I will not kill him just bloody him a bit. I will even promise not to hurt him to much ok."

"But you said-"

"I was bluffing I would not risk this alliance. We need to get this Sire Uri cut down to size. It was a setup. I will not be used to make our brothers fear us. We are here to lead them to safety but they do need to understand that we will not follow their foolish Council. Trust me." Thor explained.

"Frack, Thor is really pissed."Seth said

"What is this challenge?" Asked Starbuck

"Your Reese insulted Thor's chosen. Now under normal circumstances he might have let it slide. But Reese has been pushing it. In addition Thor has only just realized his feelings. Add to that the fact that the cylons almost killed our Father wife. With Thor feeling responsible. Well he is a little sensitive about Honor at the moment." Sammy Explained.

"A little?" Said Starbuck with a wary grin" Personally he could tear that digit slop apart .Reese is a major problem and always has been."

"Commander we can set this up in the triad ring." Offered Colonel Tigh. His expression was grim.

"I will not fight that freak. He flatten me with a look." Reese squealed.

"Maybe you should have considered that first." Snapped Adama" You will fight him but It will be a fair match. Your careless actions have once again endangered the fleet. For once you will answer for it. Even your Father will not protect you this time."

Uri gasped. He had always kept his relationship to Reese a secret. Using the man but never truly caring. Adama was now threatening to revel the relationship when it could hurt Uri the most. He had underestimated Adama Ruthless nature, Or was it just now surfacing because he felt at ease. It was then he noticed Adam's medallion seemed to glow. It was now bright like Noah's. What did this mean?

Alright Commander" Reese said with contempt." I will fight this freak. You may want to align yourself with these things but I will show the fleet that they are no better than us. Not everyone will want to be around them. When and where Thor."

"I would say right now. If the Commander shows us the place. In fact to be fair to you I will fight blindfolded. And I give my word I will only fight as a warrior. I will not use my special talents." He enjoyed watching Reese pale." You can even be armed. I just want my wrist bands."

Dana groaned. Thor was really pissed. The last time he fought like that he broke his opponent's legs.

"The dinner can wait Commander. I agree with these people .Thor young lady was badly insulted .If it had been my Bethany I have shot that black shirt on the spot. "Commander Cain said "We need to get this resolved so we can all enjoy a civilized meal."

"As much as I hate the idea. I think you are right Cain .Let the ring be prepared. Reese will be given the instructions and we will all meet there in 15 microns."

Eve smiled. She admired Adama willingness to see honor satisfied even though he disagreed with the methods. Cain was more ruthless that was clear. But she was drawn to the quieter soul.

The Fleets media was all in attendance. It meant keeping this "Combat" quiet was impossible. They of course had had no idea of the differences their new allies had. However it was now spreading through the fleet. Many wondered if Count Iblis had returned .There was an excitement. It seemed that despite the constant threat of death for themselves, Members of the fleet actually enjoyed violent sports. They cheered loudly as triad players bloodied each other on the field. Colonel Tigh shook his head. He had a feeling they get more than they bargained for.

Already the odd maker were taking bets. He saw Starbuck wager 40 cubits on the newcomer Thor. He though it was a good bet but Reese was sneaky and underhanded.

He also outweighed his opponent by 2 or more stones. It would be interesting.

He wondered if Adama mind him placing a small bet on Thor to win.

Unknown to Thor and the others Sire Uri sent to the Rising Star for his personal sword. True it had not been used in many yearns but he kept it sharp. As much as he hated to.

Reese was his only son and deserved a chance.

His sword dipped in a sleeping drug would be that chance. The rest was up to his Wiley son.

Noah looked at his son. While he knew it was necessary to deal with Uri he hated risking Thor. It had been a deliberate attempt to create a breach. He knew it and most of the Council were aware of it. He sighed politics. He hated it. He watched his son put on his custom arm bands Gauntlets. They encircled his wrists and 2 on his upper arms. Used properly they would keep Thor from injury and they were weapons when used against an opponent up close.
"You really do not need to be blind folded. You given him enough of an advantage."

"Father it actually easier to do it that way. But I promised not to you know send him across the room. It hard to do that by accident if I cannot see him."

"All right .Just is careful I want Grandchildren you know."
--

In the locker room Sire Urie handed Reese his sword. It was a wicked blade of 2 meters. It double edge was capable of cutting through titanium with a single stroke.

"Listen Reese. I lend you this to help even the odds a bit. It made of the finest gamines Steele. It also has a poisoned tip. Just a drug to slow down your opponent nothing lethal.

He left out that the slower reflexes would kill the opponent. I expect you to win. You are my son and I will be very unhappy if you fail to eliminate this treat to my position."

"Yes Sire." Reese said. He could not believe his luck. These swords were very strong and Uri had even tipped the blade. Surely his father did have some feelings for him after all.

TBC...

Edit Tuesday, October 21, 2008