Disclaimers: In Part 1

LOST TRIBES

Part 13

"Adama we wish to go with you."

"Sire Tom bra, this is a military matter .I will inform the council of the relevant data when I return. I will not risk a repeat of today fiasco. "Adama said.

Sire Uri blushed and stopped protesting.

"We were lucky we did not cause irreparable damage. Weather you realize it or not we need these new allies. Had we been alone or even with the Pegasus we have all been dead!!" He effusive the last point." So go home or to the O club have a drink dinner I will inform you all latter. "Adama turned and walked away from a stunned Council of 12.

Colonel Tigh had to suppress a smile. It was past time that Adama put the council in their place. He said nothing as they entered the shuttle. A bit surprised when Adam took the position of pilot.

"Step in Tigh. I am about to request launch permission."

"Yes Sir?"

On board the Pegasus Commander Cain sighed. He was tired and not feeling well. He looked over to his first officer. Tolan why don't you fly us over. am going to review my notes on the battle."

As earlier Tolan was stunned but he was too well trained to say anything. He quickly took the controls and prepared to launch.

"Commander Noah reports are coming in from the fleet. he Dark Moon took some damage but has already begun repairs The Fabrication ship will have replacement parts in no time. The Squadrons are returning We had a few loses but over all we fared much better than our initial contact. Colonel Tyson reported.

"Commander Poseidon and Aries are moving to protect our flank. Once they are in position they will be joining us here."

"Good. Have the meeting rooms prepared. I want a full war council readied. Have all ships sent battle data to Commander Zeus. He can organize it for us. Commander Roma needs to let us know if they need anything to facilitate the repairs on The Dark Moon. I want Commander Maya to join us a well. She can inform our new friends of our food production capacities. I am sure that will become a major concern for all of us. Look around for a place to move to Colonel. As much as I would love to move back to Kobol or the astride field I think we need distance from the Cylons."

Baltar's shuttle flew around the battle. Once away he hit the thrusters once and headed for a small system. He had recalled seeing it earlier. It was uninhabited but did have water and some vegetation. He knew they need to fill the water tanks .He had no idea how long the flight would be .Ironic to think he was fleeing to humans. He wondered what his welcome would be. And if he should be honest about his role in the colonies destruction.

The Command Staffs were all gathered and ready to go.
"Ladies, Gentlemen it seems we survived our first Battle together." Commander Adama said" Commander Noah and I have decided that we should combine our fleets. To ensure the safety of all our peoples."

"And the Command structure of this new fleet?" Asked Commander Cain.

"We will combine the staffs. All major decisions will be made by Commander Adama, myself and Commander Cain."

Cain was shocked he had really not expected this.

"This is no slight on my people but rather an acknowledgement that the Pegasus has been its own fleet for a yearn or more and deserves a voice. However ,Majority rules here. We will seek advice from all command staff as we have always done." My fleets command structure remains intact as does that of the Colonial fleet. All joint decisions will be done together. We will be sharing resources and technology." Commander Noah said.

"So in a since I have a vote but I will still fall under Colonial law?"

"Yes, Cain. I am still the ranking officer but I will defer to your judgment on battle tactics or at least listen more closely. I am more than tired of running. "Adama said "From now on when we can we will fight!" He slammed his hand down to emphasize his point.

A telling concession Cain thought. Still considering he could be in the prison brag for his last stunt at Gomoray he would go along. In fact he was tired and wanted time to recharge. To not be the one totally responsible for his peoples safety.

"I think that will work. But I have a suggestion. There is a small system not far from here. It has water and some vegetation. There are also small deposits of tylium. We could rest there and do repairs." Commander Cain said.

"I think that could work, Adama?"

Adama thought for a moment. He like to move on but knew as always they needed fuel, Water and food." Yes, a good suggestion Commander .We will need the Coordinates."

Cain was surprised that Adama gave in so easily." Of course. Tolan can give them to you all. May I suggest that the Pegasus take the flank along with two Fire Stars? "He wanted Commander Aries and Poseidon but would be polite for now. Asking was going to make it seem more diplomatic.

"Sir, I like to volunteer. Lt. Commander Aries

"And I would to. "Lt. Commander Poseidon

"Agreed. Cain they are under your command for the rear guard. But remember they are a loan. For defense. "Noah said" Not an attack force."

As the room chuckled. It was clear Adama had informed them of Cain's reputation.

Commander Cain Laughed but said "I understand and thank you Sir .I am honored by their presence they are fine Warriors and Commanders. Without them by my side we have been in real trouble."

Sheba looked at her Father. What had happened. He seemed to have mellowed in their time apart. Not that she did not still think he wanted to crush the cylons. But rather he seemed more cautious just as it appeared Commander Adama was being more aggressive. She shook her head. Well at least they could balance each other out .She was unsure what to expect from their new friends. They seemed as stubborn as Nomen. But like her Father had said they were capable Warriors. "Apollo what just happened?"

"I am not so sure .I think our parents just agreed to work together?"

"Yeh, But what happened. They seemed to have switched personalities?" Boomer questioned.

"Hey, who cares we have Cain Back and Adama wants to fight. We have a fleet again! let's wrack those Cylons. "Bo Jay gleamed.

"I do not know "Starbuck said "I agree with Commander Cain."

Sheba and Apollo looked on shocked. Cain thinking things through was scary but Starbuck with a plan was worse. The world had turned on its head.

--
"Commanders ,I have asked My wife Lt. Commander Maya to give us a briefing on our food and supply situation. I think in time we can help ease the Colonial fleets food problems. Maya if you be so kind." Commander Noah said.

"Thank you Noah, "She smiled "We have in our fleet several Bio ships for food production. Our original journey was of unknown length so we planned on having to have our own food, water and power supplies. The problem occurred when we were attacked after the void. We lost the Belarus Bio domes and over 1/2 our food and seeds." She waited allowing the information to sink in. "However we were lucky in that we were able to repair the domes because of our fabrication ships .Seedlings came from Kobol. And we found hidden storage facilities with seeds and bio info on several species of animals. The biggest concern now is to have time to regroup them and the space."

"So you are saying you retrieved data on animals as well as plants?" Commander Cain said a little shocked." So will you attempt to breed them?"

"It will depend on space Commander. We have begun growing fish. They can live in the hydro tanks. But as for the other animals that should probably wait. Unless we can get a ship for the livestock."

"So you want us to acquire one commander. A livestock ship or two?"Cain was chuckling they could not be serious. Raiding for fuel or ammo was one thing but a Cattle carrier?

"We could also use more room for the people of the fleets. Consider it a challenge Commander. Surely you and Aries and Poseidon could find a way to steal a ship or two or more?" Maya said.

Adama coughed. Hiding a wicked grin. Poor Cain he fallen for the bait." I think I have to agree with Commander Cain on this one. It be impossible to raid Kobol again. The Cylons would expect it."

"Adama I did not say it could not be done." Cain said Embarrassed that they thought he could or would not do so simple a task." I just though it be a waste of recourses unless we took out the base as well."

"Apollo" Sheba whispered." Did my father just agree to become a thief?"

"Yes, I think this will be interesting. They are letting him do his thing but asking him. Maybe this alliance will work after all."
--

"The mission can and will be done. The Pegasus however need some major work. We have not had the crew to do all the repairs and as much as I hate to say it we are in no shape to take on a base ship. Tolan how long for repairs?"

"Commander at least 35 centon depending on if we can acquire the parts. We also need crews and vipers and every consumable supply .We stripped the ship bare at Gomaray. We have plenty of munitions but medical supplies and food are low."

"The foundry ships can make replacement parts. "Tigh said "Just send us a list.

"Our Fabrication ship can help as well. Within 10 centars we could have your parts begun ."Colonel Tyson added

"I want to destroy the Cylons but, for the first time we have a war fleet. I would like to use it at full strength. "Cain said.

'Ok where in Hades is my Father 'Sheba whispered to Apollo 'he has never this cautious?'

'I think it good he using strategy. We will win this way .Remember Sheba he was always a planner. It was not just his bravery but his planning that saved us. 'Apollo added.

"Cain I have to agree. But we must be ready as soon as possible. So you want Silver Spar and Bronze squadrons back? We also have several cadets graduating soon. We will have you staffed as soon as possible."

"Yes, Adama that be a good idea .But Send a few instructors as well. We should start a 2nd academy. That way our forces are equal. Reduce the risk of losing our newest people." Cain added

"We could send senior cadets over to study tactics. You always were a master at that. I also suggest reuniting families. It is good for moral and let the people feel you are staying this time?"

Cain hesitated "Yes agreed. But only after we are fully repaired."

"Commander Zeus per my order has devised a list of supplies we can easily spare. Food Water ect. Each of our ships will donate so no one is lacking. "Commander Noah added." We will soon have you battle ready."

"Commander Cain we have engineers and techs that would be glad to work on your Battle Star. In fact Colonel Atraties wants to pop over right away .Only the fact that The Dark Moon took so much damage is restraining him."

Commander Roma said." My husband is eager to look over that ship. He wants to see if we can adapt our solar generators to take over at least some of your ships systems. It would save fuel and give you a backup power supply."

"What and how do these fuel cell work? "Inquired Cain

Commander why don't we walk over to the there. We can sit down and I can explain the system."

Cain smiled. "Sure. That sounds good, Adama?"

"Go ahead Cain I like to learn more about their food production capabilities and their fabrication ships. We can discuss the engineering latter. Colonel Tyson and Colonel Tigh and Tolan can go over communications .If no one objects?"

"That sounds like a solid plan Adama. Commanders Aries and Poseidon can return to their Fire stars and keep an eye on our fleet. I like Zeus to stay and help us figure out a new supply system."

"Yes that will work well Cain said. Maybe Aries and Poseidon can work with my daughter LT Sheba can give them a good idea of what a fully functional Pegasus can do."

"LT Athena can join them she fully qualified to discuss the Galactica capabilities as well. And as a bridge officer she can answer any question they have in that regard. "Adam added

"Apollo looks like the ladies are going to have all the fun." Boomer said

"Father, Commander Maybe we should go over our squadrons capabilities as well?" Apollo suggested.

"I like to do that." Dara added "Major Thor can join us and Major Rorke's.

"Looks like we all have work to do." Noah added "let's go. The sooner we are 1 fleet the safer we all will be."

"So Major Dara how can I assist you?" Asked Apollo

"Captain I have a list of our various fighters their capabilities and their ship assignments .I was hoping we could find a way to maximize the efficiency of our patrol and fighting units. I noticed that our ships had a confusing effect on the Cylons at least in the beginning .What we really need is more information on those raiders and Base ships."

""The Cylons are a machine race. In the short term they can be confused and not adapt to change. That the good point. The down side is once one learns and returns all the cylons at least those on that ship or fleet knows the same thing. "Apollo explained.

"Yes we learned that much. The question I have is. Is there a way to scramble them mix them up?"

"Dr. Wilkers had been attempting to do that so far we only have a basic understanding of their programming." Apollo said

"Yeh, Wilker tried to make them work after we disassembled them. It was not a pretty site." Starbuck added.

Commander Cain. As I was saying our chief engineer really wants to look over your Battle Star. He seems fascinated with its size and power. "Commander Roma said." I would be insulted if I did not know my mates love of engineering. However he feels that you could benefit from our technology as much as we can from yours .Our Solar generators can empower almost anywhere and it saves on tylium. Fuel had been a problem from what Commander Adama has said."

"Yes. A large fleet requires power. And most of the ships Adama been escorting were never designed to be fuel efficient even under the best of circumstances. "Cain frowned now at long last beginning to understand the strain his friend had always been under. He was also ashamed that he had added to it with his impulsive ways." Any help be greatly appreciated. So Colonel Atraies is your mate. Must make for some interesting arguments." he winked.

"Oh, it does Commander it does." she laughed. It was clear they all be friends in time "I sent for him to give you a briefing. He said he be here in 10 microns which means at least 2 centon" she added.

"Engineers are all the same" Cain Agreed. "Mine said the same thing."

Maya smiled as they all sat down. Eve was sitting next to Adama and seemed to be really interested .She smiled that was going to prove entertaining. As Eve had long ago decided not to take interest in any Man. "Commander the supplies we are sharing. Well to be honest much of what we are sending belongs to your people as much as ours. Noah and his crews found storage units with rows and rows of seeds. Now I know it seem impossible but over 95 to 99 percent were usable and the range is beyond belief. Kobol yielded many treasures but the food was a Lifesaver."

"Food? When we were there we scanned only dessert and no other cities. It seems the Lord works in strange ways ."Adama said. He was puzzled but his recent history had shown him miracles did happen. He was not about to complain about finding food or water. It was always in to short supply."The planets we told you about are close. It had water and vegetation but most important it had Tylium. We can send crews to mine it and refuel. If Cain can steal some tankers then we will be even better off."

"Cain's list is growing." Noah said" Are you sure he can do the raid?"

"Commander Cain is a brilliant strategist. We often disagree on things but I have never lost faith in his genius. Among the Colonies he was considered "The Living Legend. " He survived more battles ageist impossible odds then I care to remember. He is a risk taker but he will always do his best. Sometimes he drives me crazy but HCain has saved my life many times." Adama explained.

"I can understand daring "Eve said" But order and discipline are important as well. It seems to me Adama that you have lead your people against amazing odds. Perhaps they just cannot appreciate your gifts as you are more modest then Commander Cain is. That does not make you less skilled merely different."

Adama smiled "Thank you, But I am what I am. I love Cain like a brother ,so we will do this together. I think at long last he is seeing the challenges a fleet can add to a battle."

"Commander Roma. I understand that your Fire Star has the most advanced engineering lab?"

"Yes Commander.'

"Cain please."

"Of course. Cain. In truth Atraties is the best we have-Not that the other Engineers are not very good but he seems to be able to read any system. I think Noah love to have him on the Kobol's Shield but ... being sealed does give me the advantage."

Cain chuckled" I am sure. I am amazed that you to are sealed?"

"Well in truth we started a the academy together. It just that our careers took different paths. I never planned on being a Commander but fate decreed otherwise. The fortunate thing is he doesn't care ,actionably we disagree but then he do that with the Commandant himself if he felt he was right."

"It sounds like your mate's a man after my own heart." Cain said.

Aries walked along side Athena. She was the most striking woman he had ever meet. He smiled suddenly feeling like a first year cadet. "LT. Can you tell me about the Galactica 's lasers?"

"Well Commander. They are all on auto. In the olden times they were manned but it took to many staff. Now for the most part they can be controlled by stations on the bridge. They can defend against most incoming raiders but we still need cover from the Vipers. We also carry missiles but have used most of them up. However Commander Cain list of supplies will help. We should be able to rearm in a few centons. "

She was impressed. Aries was asking questions but she was totally at easy. He was not pulling rank but just relaxing and talking .She had to remind herself of the differences in rank. She was unwilling to risk offending him .He was a handsome man. She hoped to get to know him much better. She wondered if it be out of line to invite him to dinner.

Colonel Tigh it is good to see you again. " Colonel Tolan said as he held out his hand. He wanted to show there were no hard feelings left from Tigh 's brief command of the Pegasus.

"I am glad you made in Colonel. Have a seat gentleman." He raise his hand signaling the Bar keep" I think we can figure out a way to supply this new fleet. What we need is a detailed list of our assets and liabilities."

"Agreed Colonel. I am Tyson by the way. I do not know about you but this Colonel thing will soon drive me crazy."

Tolon grinned. He was used to being formal but it seemed foolish when they were all so close in rank." I agree if Colonel Tigh has no objections?"

"None," he smiled it been a long time since he had been able to just relax and discuss issues with other senior staff." I would like that a lot. Now I think you all know what we do not have." He grimiest thinking again about the food and fuel problems." But we do have skilled people in almost every field."

"We have all the arms we could load on the Pegasus. Even some of the crew areas have spare parts or weapons. "Tolan said "We stripped Gomoray clean. We did not want to leave the cylons with anything to begin again with."

"Well as Maya said we have food fuel and people. What we need is upgrades to our weapons systems and information. The Cylons are to quick to adapt we need to know how to destroy them. I can send over crews to help transfer supplies and help with repairs."

"We can do the same .Tolon we have star charts you can have. Who knows you might need them again."

"No Tigh ,I think we are here to stay. Cain's different since his injury .I think he needs to be closer to Sheba. But in any case I will take what you can spare. Personnel what we need the most of Sending back our crew be a big help."

Tigh considered the personnel he had. I will ask for volunteers .Some have been sealed and may want to stay. Others may like the idea of serving under Cain. Once we have done that we will order the filling .I would rather give them some say in their assignments."

Tolan considered. "Agreed ,it will make for happier crews. Tyson do you have some people who might like to join us? We could use medical staff and agro people."

Tigh raised a brow.

"Well just on case."

Tigh laughed.

"I will look around and ask. We may have a few who like a challenge. I was thinking of sending a squadron of Stingrays on board."

"Why?" asked Tolan

"They hold four people and are designed for raiding. From what Commander Adama and Noah said. They are going to let your Commander do the raids .It what he good at. and the stingrays would give him more options."

"Humm .Tigh what do you think?"

"I have to agree with Tyson I think it give the Pegasus an edge and the Cylons will not expect us to mix our fleets fighters. Maybe we could trade squadrons? We should consider it and put it to the Commanders."

"I see your point. What I like is those solar batteries. They make a great back up. Like your fleet fuel been a problem. At least it has since we left cylon home space. We ran out of places to raid. How have you mined for Tylium?"

"We have miners and refineries. They are the biggest headache to defend next to the agro ship ."Tigh said" if we could mount lasers or some form of defense on the civilian ships it be a huge help."

"We salvaged several pulsar lasers from base ships We could probably add them to a few ships if we could find energizers. "Tolan said

"I can help with that. We raided the Cylon base on Kobol .We found several powerful energizers. They use tylium but are small and should not take up to much space .Maybe you could build more? Our folks are trying to convert them to solar cell but they help for now."

"That work .I think we are getting a plan my friends. "Tigh said as he took a sip of his grog.

"To old and new friends may we always work so well together" Tolan toasted, The Colonels all smiled and once more returned to solving the supply issues.

"Commander, I think we can develop a communication system. Our war ships communicate on Alpha channel. Your people used it as well. I think that good but a backup system be a good idea."

Aries considered. "Lights .. We used a code with lights when I was at the Academy. Blips and dots."

"Yes, Starbuck I was captured by the Cylons and a man called Baltar."

"That slug." Sheba said

"Yes in fact he caught a awol med tech named Simpson .I wonder if she is still alive?"

"If she was useful. maybe. But Baltar will kill her when he gets what he needs. Does she know the way to your home worlds?" Apollo asked

"I do not think so. She a tech not a pilot. "Dara answered "At least I do not think so. "She resolved to check with the Colonel Personal records would show more. "Baltar was upset when he heard I was pregnant. Like a single child was a treat or something."

"Odd. I never know he could lose it. Maybe he going crazy ."Starbuck said" I mean only cylons around no people no women...Ah ,Maybe your tech may be ok ...If Baltar' ah….lonely."

"Baltar?" Sheba said "Not a chance."

"Maybe Sheba. He is a man.. at least ... well" Apollo blushed. "It was clear he was shocked at the thought of Baltar and a woman.

"Men..."Sheba said" Major...I know it is a personal question but how come you were flying?"

Dara laughed ."Well, Normally I would not have been. it is kind of embarrassing...Not ,being pregnant that is a blessing but...Well Simpson took the scans. We all get check up the women especially .So that we do not fly when we are pregnant. The thing is Simpson never told me I was ."She chuckled again" I had to hear the news the first time from A Cylon. Lucifer."

"Oh ...That had to be awful. "Sheba said.

"It was... but ,It was still joyful news. Poor Noah...He was so shocked.

I think he expected grandchildren not more offspring."

Sheba joined her laughter the men all had odd looks. "What he do.. ask how."

"Yes."

That got the table laughing. For the group could see the humor in a Commander being at a lose for words.

"So that why Thor in charge of the Daily flight?" Apollo asked attempting to return to the subject.

"Yes, Dara still in Command of the group but I am doing the flights. It really a great thing. I get to learn from the best and she can take it easy a little. "Thor said." Rorke taken over my duties. It kind of interesting because we are all learning something new."

"I like that your people allow that accommodation." Sheba said." It has always been hard for our women though with the destruction things have changed a lot."

"Yeh,We have some great women pilots." Starbuck added "I personally never had believed it. But they saved me to many times." He puffed his stogie.

"Yeh, Bucko .Just be glad you are so charming ."Boomer teased

"hey"

"So are we going to be running joint Patrols?' Bo jay asked

"I think it be a good idea. "Rorke said "We can do a much better job of confusing the cylons that way."

"Apollo I need to go join Commander Aries and Athena .I hope you will all excuse me .I like to learn more latter if I can. But I need to brief them on the Pegasus."

"Of course ."Dara said. She smiled even as she saw Apollo frown.

""Sheba..."

"Yes Apollo .We need you here on the Galactica."

"It is just a briefing...I 'm not going anywhere...yet"

"Adama I think we covered the transfer of supplies. But I am thinking we need to send joint teams to the planet We can gather more food and water that way. It will also give our people a chance to work closely together. "Noah said

"Yes. But I would love to go myself .It has been so long since I set foot on a planet .Kobol was the last. We been running so long .In truth Noah I am tired. I am glad you arrived. It gives me a chance to ... rest. I know I still need to be vigilant but it nice to have backup."

"I am glad we can do that. Take a rising rest. Watch over the crews. But rest and recharge. I can watch our people. If you trust me to?"

"That ... My friend has never been in doubt. I think I will do that. Maybe take Eve? She can supervise your crews and I will drag Cain along. I love him...but He needs a break to even if he will not admit as much."

Noah chuckled.

TBC...

Edit Tuesday, October 21, 2008