Lost Tribes

Part 27

"Are the ships in your fleet Warships or Civilian commander?"

"We have both commander Cain but I would say 2/3 have some defenses or military capacity." Jashua explained.

Adama and Noah looked at each other. Cain looked ready to leap for joy. Xenia noticed and smiled. It seemed she found an ally.

"Commander Xenia I like to get a list of your personal. Many like Tigh may still have family on your ship? "There is no objection to this is there?" Adama asked.

"Sire Adama I hate to say this but we only had a skeleton crew. Most of the people here are descendants as I am of the original crew. Captain Mathis and I are among the oldest remaining. Most of the others have perished keeping us safe. However I will get you the list

Adama sighed and nodded. At least Tigh found a reason to smile.

All throughout the Colonial fleet there was joy. Sire Uri walked among the people and smiled broadly. He like Adama and Cain were more then shocked to learn the Rycon had been found ad was fling with a fleet. He been on the council at the time she been reported lost. They had sent teams to look for her. However there had been no trace. He was however grateful. A 3 rd Battle star was more then they could ever have hoped for. Now for the first time he was really feeling Safe. He just kept reminding himself however that there was a dangerous enemy just waiting to jump them.

Tigh Walked with Mathis and they talked. The news was even better then he had expected. His godson had married and had three children. The oldest boy he was pleased to learn had been named after him. He was so proud. The young man now 13 yearns old and stood tall and said he was going to be a warrior. Tigh been both proud and saddened at that though of this young man following in his father's and his footsteps.. He could tell Mathis shared his feelings. The two men walked on the Rising Star and were headed to meet the rest of the family. Tigh could hardly wait to introduce them all to Commander Adama.

Adama walked the crowd answering questions but really just wanting to find Tigh and relax. Eve had already joined Mathis wife and the ladies had warned the men not to be late. Adama considered what this all meant. They now had a large military force. A military force large enough to return and give the Cylons a fight for their worlds. He was for the first time uncertain what to do. He pushed the thoughts away and decided to enjoy the night. He would enjoy the news because really how many more miracles were they likely to receive.

Jashua sat beside Maya as she wept. In her heart she had known she never again see her father. Yet the news still hurt. To learn he had been murdered was worse. She was racked with guilt.
" I know what you are feeling Maya. It was his decision to send us away. He knew what was coming. He wanted us all safe. There is by now another fleet. One commanded by a man called Micah. He has the remnants of our people. From what I learned he is headed to the colonies. We really must follow him. You have read the note. I sorry I do not have Fathers faith in this man. We may need him but I not sure I trust him. We must get to our people and keep them safe."

"Jashua, how can you feel so badly about this situation? If we find him he is their leader. If he defeated Paulas then he is strong man. I am not so sure I like the idea of any of you challenging him. If you win then what would happen? He has done no legal wrong. In fact we owe him for avenging Father. He has taken on a hard thing. It must have been a nightmare to evacuate. From what you said he saved almost all of them. Will we join him what would you have us do?"

"What ever it is it will be a risk. I think he right however. We must regain the Colonies. My instincts tell me he from there despite the elaborate story father's told us. Who knows perhaps this Micah has a plan a way to win." Jashua sighed. He had to agree he really did not want to challenge the man who saved their people. At least not until he had a reason to believe he was a danger to them.

Adama meet Tigh and Mathis and they all joined the ladies. It seemed that tonight the grief was set aside. Adama smiled realizing it had been yearns since he really sat down to just relax. No family besides Eve. He grinned feeling carefree and young. Eve sipped her drink. She really liked Mathis wife Rommi. The Lady had a good head on her shoulders. Delphian she was non military. However she was an agro expert. Eve knew she get along great with Maya.
--

"Ah Sis, why does this Commander Adama look like your husband Noah?" Jashua had been wanting to know that since he first saw the man?

"I believe it is actually the other way around. Noah is Adama's brother."

Jashua was stunned. "How the hell did that happen?"

Maya shrugged "We are not exactly certain."

Athena walked over to her husband to be who was deep in thought." What is wrong my love?"

"Nothing. I was just thinking. We now can drive the cylons back. Did you see it? Another Battle star, we have moved the fleet it is well guarded. Soon we can go on the offensive." Athena sighed. She half expected this. The idea was exciting and freighting at the same time. She wanted to regain her home worlds yet part of her did not want to see the mess the Cylons created. Like Apollo she really had no desire to face any survivors. It was cowardly and not worthy but she was afraid they hate them. For many yearns they put the ones they left behind out of their minds. A necessity to stay sane they had to put the survival of the fleet first. It left no time to consider those left behind. In that way there was madness.. How was it going to be to go back and face their defeat. To see burnt out homes and cities?

"Commander Cain will want to lead the way. I agree we must attack but I think we need a secure base of operations first. Call me old fashion but I would rather not fight an offensive war defending all theses civilians." Aries replied.

Athena smiled Aries was a warrior but like her father he did think of those under his care and protection. Athena admired and respected Cain but he had a hell for Hades attitude that was not consistent with protecting Civilians.

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Roma was delighted to have joined the other fleets. She still had good friends amongst their crews. It had been a great joy to show off her new children. Atraies was in his element. Having been assigned to evaluate the new fleet's technology was like putting a child in a candy store.. He had to say he was impressed with the modifications they had made. He offered a few suggestions and got a few him self. It was a lot of fun to explore new technology.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Zeus wanted to groan in frustration. They now were better defended that was true however they also needed to find more fuel and supplies. He shook his head. Well at least they gained a new refinery ship and several more tankers. He immediately sent out patrols to scout for more tylium.

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Dane was ecstatic. He found an old friend on the Rycon. He had been a scout at the time of the Rycon's Disappearance. Now a full Colonel and the chief engineer he was clearly found a new life. Dane and he traded stories and it was good to be able to just unload. Rothor understood Dane as few had. They had been true friends despite or maybe because of their rank deference's. For the first time since he been captured Dane was able to be totally and brutally honest. He knew his friend take his secrets to the grave. Rothor let his friend vent. He knew that Dane despite appearances had been near the breaking point. He was just glad to be there for him. Dane in turn was able to listen about the horrors he been through. How he been forced to seal friends in a contaminated area to save the Ship. no one ever know that that single act had cost him his since of humanity. Dane understood. He to been forced to make impossible choices. The 2 downed a several large bottles of grog. In the morning they would move on. Forgetting they ever cried out their hearts. Refreshed and ready to Battle once more. Sometimes friendship was about forgiveness and forgetfulness. It was wonderful to have found total acceptance no matter what.

Dane looked at his old friend "Thank you. I appreciate you letting me vent. I have been so afraid to just go get drunk..."

"I know what you mean. I was always was afraid if I started to drink to forget would never stop." Rothor said "I felt like I betrayed them. They were my friends and I had to let them all die."

"No...They would understand now I think." Dane said. "The ship always has to come first."

"I hope they found peace."

"They have." Dane said totally confident in that at last Rothor for the first time let go of his guilt.

Rother smiled as they sipped their drinks.

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Tilia ran to Zac. She was so happy. She had been talking to the medics on the Rycon. They found a way to regenerate the nerves in the human body. It meant Zac could be healed.

Zac was stunned. He never thought he would get better. He whooped for joy. He could fly again. Fight the Cylons head on. He swung his wife around. Her smile faded as she suddenly realized what it would mean.

"Thank you. I would never have checked. However , I will not be going into a viper for some time. Maybe I will only request reserve status. I actually find that I am enjoying bridge duty really Cara."

Tilia looked at him hugging him." I fell in love with a warrior sac. I knew the deal. But What ever you decide I will support you."Seeing the truth in her eyes Zac made a decision. He would get his hand fixed if possible. Relearn to fly. However he meant what he said. He was going to remain a bridge officer. He found it challenging and rewarding. He had enough excitement in his life. He had a family to care for and that was the difference. He would train and be a reserve pilot but he no longer had the burning desire to take on a hundred raiders all by himself. He had grown beyond that. Zac no longer felt the burning desire to outdo Apollo or even Athena. He now wanted his own command. That was his goal now. He hugged his wife and led her to a table.

"Well Jashua he was called the living legend even before the Rycon was lost." Xenia said "But he is not risking my ship. I just got her airborne again."

Adama laughed and smiled he could see Xenia and Cain clashing. A good thing both was already sealed. Because if they ever got along he be in trouble because to aggressive officers would be hard to handle.

"Yes, Jashua I am Adama younger brother. We are not exactly sure how it happened. The best we can figure is that we are 1/2 brothers. However the DNA is a direct match. We were as shocked as you are now. However it has made our lives easier. We become good friends and I trust him with my life. I believe he feels the same. So now that you have joined us the fleets are even more secure. However Commander Cain had a glint in his eye. That usually means he wants to attack."

"Well Xenia shares that view. She shoots first asks questions latter. Is he any good?"

Noah and Maya burst out laughing.

Dara entered the room and headed to join her family. She heard the last remark. She would have to tell Diana that Jashua said that. Here friend would get a kick out of it.

Diana and Cain had skipped the celebration. She prepared a private one for just the two of them. He smiled and ate the meal thinking. His mind racing at when and where to attack the Cylons first, He was considering what place would be the most devastating fort them. Diana allowed him that during dinner.

However once it was through she slid next to him and said. "You my love are off duty. The Cylons will be there in the morning you promised me tonight."

Cain started looked up and all thoughts of attacking or the Cylons fled. He took her hand. He had to hand it to her she gotten his attention. Where had she found that robe and nightly? Well he was human after all. She was right Cylons could wait. It was good to be human and to have found a reason to live again.

Micah and Mira walked hand in hand. The moonlight shines in on them. He loved this room. He had it built on a whim. So he could look out at the stars. A private place for his lady and himself was a luxury he did not mind taking. He chuckled well as private as he could make it. He allowed the astro dome to be used by others but for tonight it was theirs. Wine soft music and each other was all that he needed for the moment. He felt safe secure and at peace. He would retake the colonies and gift his children and wife with a safe home to live in.

PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP

Poseidon chuckled as Zeus complained. You would think they lost ships instead of gaining them. In his mind life was good. Soon they could raid the Cylons. He not been so happy in yearns. He missed the action. It was all the better that they could destroy the enemy with no guilt. Cylon's had no souls.

MMMMMMMMMMMmm

Micah moved the fleet forward. They were now nearing the outskirts of the Delphian empire. He absently wondered if there were any humans left alive here.

"Launch patrols and keep a sharp eye out. The Cylons have colonized several of the Delphian systems." His flight crews launched. Mira stood beside him. She could feel the tension pouring from his body. He really hated this. He was afraid of being found out. Yet for her and her people he was going forward.

"Sir we have a long range scan the Cylons are attacking a small convoy of ships."

"Well we can not have that can we. Send in the Stingrays and Jaguars. I do not want the Cylons to know we are here. Commander Peterus move up and in. I think we can trick them. The raiders will run to you to refuel. Stay at the edge of their range." Petrus realized it was a brilliant tactic. He would just pull back and the raider would run out of fuel. Then they would have live fire target practice.

"Yes Sir. Shall I launch the hammer heads?" He asked.

Micah smiled Hammer Heads the new designation for the converted Cylon raiders. Yes it would be interesting. They could move in and destroy the raiders before they realized what was happening.

"Yes wonderful Idea commander. However warn our people not to shoot them. Oh and keep our conventional forced between them and the convoy. Stay back no need for them to accidentally target you. "Peters groaned suddenly realizing why Micah not wanted the Base ship to command.

"Yes sir thanks for reminding us." He said

Micah lol with genuine amusement. He almost wished Lucifer was here to see this. Strangely enough he sometimes missed that treacherous IL.
"Move us in closer Lt. However stay out of their scanner range. Launch when ready sends in the scorpions to cover the Hammer Heads."

The ships all launched engaging a startled cylon raiding party. The Base ship transmitted a call for them to come and refuel as they were launching relief ships. The Raiders unaware of the true allegiance of the base ship headed for it. The Hammer Heads launched as if to replace the raiders low on fuel. Commander Peterous began to pull back as he saw the scorpions. The Commander was brilliant. The raiders would see why they were retreating. He almost felt bad for them. As the raiders raced to get fuel the Stingrays and Jaguars engaged them while sending a friendly hello to the Convoy. They were surprised to receive a friendly greeting. It seemed the Delphians were glad of the help.

The cylons never mental giants on a good day fell for the trap. The Hammer Heads moved in and blasted the raiders. The squadron suffered only minor damage and that was actually from pilot error. Red faced they flew home. Micah smiled as he greeted the Commander of the Delphi Battle cruiser DAWN LIGHT.

"Welcome to KOBOL VENGENCE. All humans are welcome here. "Yantis the Commander of the Delphian convoy bowed in gratitude.

"We thank our new friends. Are you from the Colonies? We were told they were destroyed?"

Micah paled a little but smiling said" I am Micah Commandant of the Azgard Amazonian people. We are sons and Daughters of Kobol but I alone have been to the colonies. That was yearns ago as a free trader. However, we learned of their plight and are going to help them if we can. Our own worlds like Kobol are gone. We hope to help rebuild the Colonies and take the Cylon worlds. You are welcome to join our quest. We have room for more."

It sounded like conquest to Yantis. However he had no problem with the idea of deposing cylons. He agreed tentatively to join the protection of the large hums fleets. He realized for the first time in Yearns there was a human taskforce large enough to engage the cylons at will. He smiled the idea warming his battle wary heart.

Yantis joined Peterus and Micah in his office. He had gotten permission to create a formal alliance. He was glad for defending their small convoy had been a nightmare. There has never enough food or fuel. He had little problem following a man who clearly despised the Cylons as much as he did.

It had been 3 cycles since the RYCON and her convoy joined the fleet. Cain was highly impatient. He wanted to begin hunting the Cylon.

"Adama we have a bigger war fleet then ever. 3 full Battle stars and over 20 fire stars not to motion the groups. Surely you all can see we must attack." He pounded his fist on the table to emphasize his point.

Noah rose and answered as exasperated as his brother." Commander Cain we will not risk our people. We need more information. As of now we have the advantage. However we are all guarding civilian ships over 300. "

Raising his hand to silence Cain he said." I want to find Commandant Micah. 4 battle stars and the other fleets. We are able to colonize a planet to secure our people, Have a base of operations and Strike at will. Consider what 4 Battle stars could mean Cain. We could attack at 4 different locations making it impossible for the Cylons to defend themselves. I for one think it be poetic justice."

Cain paced and considered. He had to admit the plan had merit. However he wanted action.

"So who gets to go looking for Micah? Who is he by the way? Why is he in command?" Cain questioned

"Micah is my father's Younger brother. Maya said. "He was pirate and a bastard of the first order, a very dangerous and dark personality. I mean that he cold calculating and been gone from our people since I was a child. He was however coldly brilliant and charismatic. He and My father clashed over policy and so he left. We know, know he went to and traded amongst the colonies. He is what we called a free trader."

Cain grinned at that description the man was a smuggler then.

"SO why was he chosen to take over?"

Jashua rose "Because he was, is more then a match for Paulus and his master Metoshopolies. Commandant Able knew Micah could be ruthless in obtaining his goals. Where as I or even Noah had never developed such a razors edge."

--

Tigh and Tolan were relaxing and talking. So far they buried all past rivalries. The fact that they now each had their own command seemed to ease the competitive burden they had. "I can not believe my godson survived. It was a miracle." Tigh said.

"Yes it is. I was even more shocked to see Delany. She was a sight for sore eyes. I thought my sister was gone forever. The last of my family being alive was a miracle. I find it highly ironic that THE RYCON did basically want the PEGASUS did. However they had fewer choices in it."

"True. Tolan did you ever in your wildest dreams think we find a third Battle star?"

"Tigh I never expected to see another colonial warrior. We meet a few strays in old out posts and many joined us but mostly the only other humans were Delphians or pirates. But another battle star no way. The RYCON I swear I almost fell out of my seat."

"Well now you have some idea on how we felt when the PEGASUS showed up. Here is to Ghost Ships. May we find nine more with full crews."

Tolan raised his glass. He was sure that never happen but it was a good toast. The men talked quietly recalling fallen comrades. Both finally had a chance to grieve.

EDIT Thursday, October 23, 2008