Disclaimers : Chapter 1

Lost Tribes

Part 12

"It be nice. To win decisively for a change. "Apollo agreed."Starbuck a bit of help."

"I'm coming buddy. "Starbuck hit his turbo 's and headed for Apollo.

"I got you captain. "Called Rorke. He was in a Jaguar today. He blasted the raider and rolled off to go help Ensign Patrick who was dodging three raiders.

The cylons were confused by the joint efforts of their human foes. They did however have the advantage of numbers. They continued to do strafing runs hoping to cripple a few ships.

"Watch out they are going for the Landing bays. "Called Lt. Commander Roma "Bring the Daggits back. I want those bays kept clear."

The ship rocked and a raider crashed into it.

"Ma'am, Fires are on decks one and two Fire teams request assistance. "Corporal Janis reported.

"Call up the reserves and keep firing. We will fight the fires but we cannot move from the fleet. Those civilian ships would be sitting ducks."

"Yes Ma'am "The Corporal relayed the order knowing it was going to be a long shift.

RoAnn was attempting to get Thor to the life center of the Galactica. They had flown over with Commander Adama and his people.

"Thor You needs to rest. This arm a mess. You cannot fight this time." Knowing what he would ask next. She shook her head no.

"RoAnn You can heal it. Do it now I need to be out there. Please."

Cassiopeia watched the inter change. Wondering what was going on. Even with sytha skin Thor is off flying duty for at least a day or more.

"Thor, really you need to rest. But , I guess you will go either way. "Seeing his look of determination. RoAnn placed her hand over the wound and closed her eyes. She visualized a healed wound. Within moments a glow surrounded the wound as she sealed it and forced the healing. Thor grimaced but knew in moments he be on his way to his ship to join the Battle. RoAnn was sure Maya was going to kill her.

Cassiopeia watched as a miracle occurred. Thor's wound was suddenly completely healed not even a scar remained .These people were really quite different and it frightened and fascinated her. She looked at RoAnn who appeared really tired.

"Cassie, May I have something to drink "RoAnn said as she rocked an her feet. The effort had left her weak and slightly sick to her stomach.

Cassiopeia ran to get a drink. She wondered what other surprises these people had in store for them.

"Hey where do you think you are going?" called Flight Sgt Havion

"I am getting a shuttle home .I want to join the fun ."Thor Shouted.

Havion shook his head officers were all crazy regardless of where they came from. NO way fighting Cylons was fun It was just a major pain in the astrum.

Thor's shuttle landed on the Kobol's Shield without incident. He ran to his Jaguar anxious to join the battle. Cylons they were going to be a problem.

Baltar walked toward the imperious leader. He was frightened .For some reason he and Simpson had been dragged in here.

"By your command." A centurion said to the Leader. "We have lost a base ship and the Pegasus is closing in along with two of the new ships."

"Destroy them. "The Imperious Leader demanded.

Baltar looked out and aw the battle raging. It was clear to him that the cylons Imperious Leader had underestimated the forces under the Galactica. For once he was grateful for Cylon arrogance. It might just save his life. "Leader withdraw." He said "While he once more wished to regain his humanity he still wished to live to do that he had to get free.

"Baltar we will destroy the Humans."

"YOU ARE Getting killed out there "Baltar said "They are winning withdraw or we are lost"

The Imperious Leader reviewed the Data and as he did so the Nova and Dark Moon Destroyed a second Base Ship. He had to agree the odds were shifting. "Centurion order a withdrawal have Base ship 33 cover our retreat."

"Bye you Command"

"Imperious Leader allow me and Simpson to return to Base ship 32 we can cover your withdrawal." Baltar offered. Now was his chance to escape under the confusion of battle. He knew there would never be a better chance.

"I will allow it Baltar. Defend this ship. Escort Baltar to his shuttle."

"BY your command "responded the gold centurion

On Asguard in the capital city of Sparta the council was arguing.

"How do we know this is not some elaborate trick? To ensure your son succession." Demanded Commander Paulus

Commandant able rose indignant. "Because I am sending Jashua to the colonies with the 3 rd fleet and 13th fleet. You will take over here. As you have plotted since the beginning. I think that this would please you Paulus. After all ,the only ones who can challenge you will be gone from the home worlds. Do not interfere it not in your best interest."

Commander Paulus considered for a moment. Yes it would be in his interest to allow this. He still has enough personnel to crush any resistance and with Jashua gone he could eliminate Commandant Able with no one to care.

"I still believe this is foolish. There are no 12 Worlds. That Book you prize is myth. I cannot believe you follow that ancient trash. But you are right it is in my best interest to be the sole possible heir here. So send the fleets and let them be damned."

Commandant Able shook with rage. He knew in sending his son he doom the home worlds to Paulus ambition. However he knew they need new homes and he could not trust anyone else besides his family to follow his orders so directly. At least JHashua would live. He would this once be selfish and save his family. He would stay and protect his people but his son and daughter would be free to save the human race. He would serve to the end of his days but they would have a chance."They will leave in 3 risings. Dismissed Paulus."

Paulus was fuming. He hated Able and his self rightness attitude. The masses were sheep to be used. Yet Able and his family catered to their whims .Soon soon the home worlds would once again understand what a strong leader was. He with the help of Metoshopholies would control the masses. Their faith in that priest and divine deliverance would ensure their obedience. Any who failed to accept his rule would be destroyed. There was no one left with the bloodline or power to stop him.

"Father, you cannot be serious. How can I leave you. If I do you will not survive."

"Enough Jashua's am not a feeble old man. I have ruled for 90 yearn I have some time left." Able shouted .

He did not believe it but knew he had to get his son away. "We must help the 12 worlds. I am certain our future lies with our brothers there. Noah is seeking out Earth and with luck we will have new allies and world to live this new threat. The Cylons are real and I know we will be lost without help. You must do this. Paulus will lead us to destruction. I sent Maya and the First fleet away for safety. Now I send you as well. Some of our peoples must survive. If you go quickly you may return in time to prevent any damage. You will go in 2 risings. Dismissed."

"But, Father..."

"We will talk more before you leave. Now go there is much to do."

"Yes Sir. "Jasuha said.

Able watched his son leave with a heavy heart. He knew he lied. Their home worlds were doomed. But he save what he could. His family and the fleet. Maybe it was selfish but for once he sees to their welfare first. He do what he could here but Metoshopholis cult grew daily and Paulus controlled them. Darkness was descending on the colonies. He prayed for a deliver. Someone who carried a Seal to save them. He sent Noah away because he had not been the right Man to challenge Paulus. There was too much personal history and their people knew it .Paulus counted on that fact to keep him unchallenged. Jashua was a good man but not yet strong enough or hard enough to challenge a man of Paulus nature. He needed someone who understood ambition and who had no scruples about how he achieved his goals. What he needed was a man who understood Evil and could face it down...Perhaps someone almost as ruthless as Metoshopholies and Paulus.

Commander Jashua knew his Father was being less then truthful. Already news of the murders on the moons were coming in. Metoshopholies and Paulus had much to answer for He hated being ordered away. However having been in on the Briefing with Sub Commander Petrous he knew that they had to help. His fleets would seek out the 12 worlds and attempt to aid any survivors or at least gather intelligence. Then they join the First fleet.

Baltar walked behind the centurions . He helped Simpson board and then turned. Without a thought he shot the two guards and launched his shuttle. For good or ill he was on his way to the Asguard and Amazonian Home worlds. Perhaps redemption would find him.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Commander Noah."

"Yes Colonel?" Noah said

"The Cylons appear to be withdrawing. Our fighters want to presume?" Colonel Tyson

"Get me the Galactica and Pegasus. I think we need to withdraw. Let them go for now. But I want Commander Adama and Commander Cain's input they are more familiar with cylon tactics. "Noah said

"Commander Cain on line and Commander Adama to."

"Well gentlemen are we going to give chase?" Questioned Noah

"No" Cain said. He shook his head no.

Adama was shocked" Cain?"

"I know old friend. Normally I would like nothing better than to chase them gogamonging tin heads down. But I know my ship is in need of repairs and so is several of Noah's fleet. Not to mention the fact that we have more civilian ships." The last said with definite annoyance. "I suggest we regroup. Do repairs and move out. We can attack latter when we are more organized."

"Well, that would be my advice as well...One question where Commander Cain?" Adama laughed. It seemed his dear friend had at last learned prudence .Odd since for once he wanted to chase down the cylons.

"Ha-Ha ... Adama. It just we finally have a War fleet again. And I want a chance to use it. The Cylons may be trying to lead us into a trap. But I suggest we meet and discuss strategy."

Noah chuckled. it was clear he was missing something. "Well why come on over here. We can go over the plans on the Kobol's Shield. I have full info on the fleet's defenses and it is easier to show you what we can do from here. I think we need to find a place to do repairs. Any ideas?"

"Tolan give the recall order."

"Commander?"

"Do it my friend for once we are going to be careful." He laughed" For the moment at least."

Tolan grinned."Yes, Sir...You know of course noones going to believe it was your orders sir."

"Yes," he laughed" Poor Adama he will get blamed...and you know I think he actually wanted to chase the tin heads this time?"

Tolan looked skeptical.

The recall order came through.

"Ah ,you have to be kidding. "Jolly gripped" We are winning."

"Yeh, what gives?" Giles said" Apollo?"

"I am not sure. But let's wrap it up folks. Maybe they are saving fuel?

"Everyone this is Blue squadron leader return to base."

"Apollo do we have too?" A petulant Starbuck said.

"Now bucko."

Sheba and Boomer broke out laughing.

"Thor do we need to go back as well?" Asked Sammy

"The recall as for everyone" Rorke said "Thor I will cover you but I want one more shot." He blasted a stray raider.

"Will all do. We can blast the strays on the way home. "Thor said

"Hey sounds good to me "Boomer said

Adama the fleets reporting in the damage .It not that bad. "Tigh said .He was grinning. "Are you sure we cannot chase down the cylons? Blue Squadron requesting permission along with Red, Silver Spar and Bronze...Even the yellow." he was laughing.

"Oh old friend you have no idea how much I want to do just that. Ironic that it is Commander Cain preaching Caution. For now we will regroup. Have the o club give out a round of ambrosia to the crew on me. They have more than earned it today."

"I agree but ..."

"But what?"

"Who stole Commander Cain?"

Adama shook his head laughing as he had not done in yearns. The bridge crew looked on in pure disbelief." Get my shuttle ready. You and I are going over to the Kobol Shield. Omgea you have the bridge. Keep me informed of any new developments."

"Tolan prepare my shuttle and Forest you have the Com. Tolan with me.""Sir? I am happy to watch the ship?" Colonel Tolon said

"I know. But Tolan I need you with me."

Tolan puffed up. It was the first time he could recall Commander Cain saying he was needed.

Cain smiled ruefully. I must be getting soft. .But then Tolan was a good man.

ALL across the newly combined fleet staff officers headed once more for the Kobol's Shield.

As Adama entered the shuttle bay he was approached by several council members.

"Adama we wish to go with you." Urie said.

TBC...

Edit Tuesday, October 21, 2008