Disclaimers : See part 1

Lost Tribes

Part 31

"She loves you son. Have faith in that love." Noah said "She wants a life with you she will fight to live as will Sheba."

Cain heard those worlds and like Rorke clung to them.

Adama prayed it was so for he could not bear to lose these brave women for they were his family. He could not believe Apollo was gone. Tears flowed freely. For a micron his family had been almost whole.

Iblis rose. He was angered but grew in power. For Lucifer was willing to follow him. he wanted ultimate power. This lust and greed fed the dark on. He grew stronger by the micron. 'Soon Adama soon you will pay!'

The Galactica life center was hopping. Dr. Salik and Cassiopeia raced to help the wounded. Into this chaos came Cain holding Sheba and Noah caring RoAnn. Both woman were critical and centons would mean the difference between life and death.

Mira came rushing in." I can help."

The medical teams began to work on the seriously injured woman. Their families were forced to wait.

The cylons were being decimated. The colonials and their allies were cutting them to pieces but the price paid was high. Jolly went through risking his very life to retrieve life pods. He worked fast often diving between incoming dog fighting ships. He knew that time was of an essence. Many of the warriors who ejected were leaking vital oxygen or were injured. He never forgot that had the commander not sent out similar patrols he have died in Caprica gravitational flow. The portly officer was not as slick and smooth as Starbuck. He lacked Boomer high intelligence and steadying presence. He was not a GREAT LEADER LIKE APOLLO. However, he had courage. He had loyalty. He was willing to put it on the line. This day Jolly risked death a thousand times to bring in his comrades. Almost ever viper and stingray recorded him retrieving a damaged ship. By cycles end Jolly would have saved 100 warriors lives.

" Commander Lucifer we are going to need to find a safe place. Sir we are damaged." A centurion reported.

Lucifer did not know where to go.

"Head to 5698 mark 3 we will be safe there. "Iblis said in a clear commanding voice.

"Do it." Lucifer commanded sealing his fate to that of the dark one.

Maya raced to the Galactica. She heard RoAnn was injured.

The reports of the dead and wounded began to pour in. Boomer and Starbuck landed to refuel and arm and they heard the news. Apollo was lost dead to a Cylon raider.

"No... No way." Starbuck said. Boomer gripped his shoulder.

Adama was waiting with Eve who was holding Zee. She decided it was the only safe thing to do. Because the boy kept rerouting systems. Not that he not saved them but it was a bit disconcerting for the engineers. They hated having been saved by a toddler. Adama hugged them to him as he stood by Noah. Maya had arrived and was in her husband's arms. All they could do was wait. Dana landed and headed for the life center. She heard the news about Apollo. She hated it but Adama had to be told. He too would pay a price this day. Zac leaned up from his bed. "Father where is Apollo?"

--
No Iblis is getting away!' Apollo shouted "You have to stop him.'

'Apollo we cannot. Do not worry he won't escape. He will face you once more. Now my friend it's time for you to go back. 'Jon said .

Noah looked up as Dana entered the life center. She had a grim look on her face. She went straight to her husband's and Maya side .Pulling them away to the die." Bad news.. It's been confirmed. Apollo was killed."

Maya stood in shock and Noah's heart broke for his brother. He hugged Danna and went to Adama. He heard Zac 's question. His face was bleak as he looked at his brother and his family." Zac, Adama ,Athena I am sorry... Danna's just brought me news. Apollo's viper was hit... He's gone."

Adama turned ashen as he remembered Iblis taunt so many years ago.

"I'll take a life more precious than your own."

He staggered under the news. Athena caught his side and helped him to a chair. It was as if Ibis had struck him through the very heart and soul. They all suddenly heard a maniacal laughter.

Tears formed in Adama's eyes and they flowed freely from Zac and Athena. For the first time Zac fully understood what his family had felt all those yearns ago. "No No way. Let me up. I have to go back for him." Adama's hand went to his youngest son's shoulder. He remembered doing the same to Apollo. This time however, this time he did not believe in miracles for any man could be so blessed twice. "No Zac. Rest. I will not lose you too. We will survive this." Eve came to his side and held him tightly. Adama clung to her tears flowing freely now. She offered her support and baby Zee sensing something was wrong began to cry. Adama looked down and held his newest child. The Lord had blessed him deeply and he was grateful even as his heart wept for his first-born he picked up and comforted his newest son.

Jolly was exhausted tired beyond belief. He refueled for the fourth time and was heading back out. He knew there was no chance no chance of finding anyone else alive. Yet he was driven to go. He shrugged off Bo jay and the others when they tried to get him to pack it in." One more run people. What if it was you out there? ""You won't do anyone any good if you crash." Brie said softly.

Jolly smiled at her obvious concern for him." I know but Brie I got to... One more check. Just on case. "Brie hugged him and smiled. "Ok but I will co pilot just to be sure." The two of them launched and Jolly headed out toward the asteroid fields. Some were large and able to support life. Just on case. Just one case, he would do one last check.
--

The cylons entered a small system. It had 8 planets. Several were dead but one appeared to have once held a civilization. "The 6th planet Lucifer. It will have what we need to repair this ship and begin rebuilding." Iblis said smiling at long last.

"Where are we?" Lucifer asked.

"Why Lucifer you should know? We are on the original Cylon home world."
Iblis said laughing. If the IL could have had a stunned expression it would be now on his face.

Brie watched as Jolly expertly piloted the shuttle. She loved the way he just calmly went about doing his task. He was not a glory hound he did not seek out danger. Yet he was always ready to be a support. His long time friendships with the men of Blue and Red Squadron might seem a little odd. Jolly was by nature a cheerful happy individual thus his name. She never heard his real one but she knew it was long and difficult to pronounce. Yet he did not mind the nickname he gotten in the Academy from Starbuck. He was one of the few pilots who managed to keep the legendary playboy from squandering his cubits on some gaming system. Brie had learned that Starbuck, Boomer and Jolly always been close friends from their academy days. While Starbuck grew up with Apollo and Athena and Zac. Jolly grown up on a Caprica ranch and power field. His family ranched sheep and also had wind turbines. In fact Jolly family had been well off. Not in Apollo, league but comfortable. Like Boomer Jolly was brilliant in his own way. He was an expert geologist and miner. He often lead mission to mine Tylium and other needed supplies. Brie often been assigned to work with him and found it fun. He was always willing to roll up his sleeves and get dirty. He did not delegated nasty jobs and hardly complained when they needed doing. Brie slowly but surely fallen in love with his rock steady presence and happy personality. She felt he was often not appreciated for his steadiness. Yes Apollo, Starbuck and to some extent Boomer were hotshot warriors. Nevertheless, without men like Jolly the fleet have long ago been dead in space. Brie tagged along to make sure he was safe and willing to come back before he risked his neck saving someone else. "Jolly you need to rest. Let me fly this rust bucket."

"I am perfectly fine. "Jolly said yawning. " I have done a lot longer shifts." Brie I need to be sure... I've been where these guys are. It is scary to be trapped and alone. I swore I would never leave anyone out there. I swore to the Lords of Kobol if they spared me..." Jolly had a deep faith. He did not speak of it, as he was very private in that regard but he held on fast. It was the reason he followed Commander Adama and perhaps the reason he fallen under Ibis spell. He needed to believe or he could not function. He glanced at Brie. She was tired and hungry he could tell yet she cared enough to help him. He made a mental note to put her in for an accommodation. 48 centars of duty was beyond the call of duty.

Brie watched Jolly. he was exhausted they all were. he not eaten in over a day. While many might chide him on his girth. Brie knew from experience he was mostly solid muscle. He was stocky true but he was very strong. He could lift 3 times his body weight and work all day and night with little or no rest. Brie seen him do it on many occasions before today. He was watching the scanners as well as glancing out the windows. It was almost as if he was looking or something.

" Jolly here have some of this." She handed him a mischief.
--

"Brie you eat it. You not eaten all cycle. I got lots of weight to burn you will just blow away." Jolly said. He often joked about his weight and size. He noticed Brie frown." Jolly I am fine really. You got to eat. Tell you what I will split it with you. Ok? And you are not fat. I like a man that big enough to hold on to. Not a skinny runt like Apollo or Starbuck. "Jolly was taken aback. Brie was a beautiful girl/woman. He always like her but been afraid to ask her out. Thinking her golden good looks belonged with someone like Starbuck or Bo jay. He was tired and figured she was just being kind but her words lifted his sagging sprits. For she was talking like Apollo was still alive.

Cassiopeia was scared to death. The injuries Sheba received were very bad. There been a time when she and Sheba had been at odds. Yet even then she never wished harm to Cain's eldest. She watched as Dr .Salik worked franticly to save her life and repair the massive wounds. What had Cain been thinking? Shooting her down will a fully powered laser set to kill.

Cain was in agony. He looked out a port hole at the still raging battle. He thought aback to the day he learned he was to be a father his wife's joy his own happiness. He remembered holding Sheba as an infant swearing to always keep her safe an love her. Yet he shot her himself. Tears flowed down his face. However he knew himself to save her soul he shoot her again. He could not allow Iblis to have her. Adama placed a hand on his friends shoulder. There were no words he could offer only his support and prayers.

Maya clung to Noah as RoAnn was in surgery. The doctors raced to repair the damage. Time was of an essence for the Sword had severed her spinal cord. If they worked fast enough she be able to walk once more. If not even the mechanical legs they designed for her be useless. For despite all their technology they still needed to utilize the human central nervous system. Noah looked over at Dana who was comforting Athena and Zac. Athena was taking it very hard. She could not help but remember when Zac' s viper exploded. It was worse than Cimitar for at least then they been certain. Now, now they had no certainty and no hope. She wept hard as Dana offered a shoulder.

Micah moved over to the wall. he leaned hard against it. His hand covered a massive wound. No way was he telling anyone. At least not until the others had been treated for he was still the worst of them. Mira saw him slump and ran to her husband's side. " Doctor." She shouted. Even as she pushed him toward a table to examine. She ripped his shirt and almost fainted seeing his wound.

Lucifer and his centurions followed Iblis into the hanger. The place was eerily silent. Lucifer started swearing he could sense someone or something watching them.

"Come Lucifer we have not much time. We must activate the defenses. Just on case the Colonials follow." Ibis said

Lucifer reminded himself he was an IL Cylon the highest of the high. There were no such things as ghosts and demons. Iblis was merely a different type of life form.

Iblis chuckled for all the machines apparent Intelligence he had not a clue. No clue to the dark ones true power or purpose. No matter he use the cylons as he always had. To avenge himself against the House of Sagan. His face darkened as he complicated the continued problem that line represented to him. He had to admit if only to himself he hated them. Hated them with pure passion. Adama especially for he was as pure and strong as his ancestor Lord Sagan himself.

Gai wanted to scream. her son was badly hurt. yet he was placing others before himself. She looked at Jon." Please. surely he has earned a second chance?"

" Yes, He has . His soul been cleansed but he must fight for his mortal life. we cannot interfere."

--

Iblis entered the chamber." Come Lucifer and see your salvation. " he waved his hand and the portal opened behind it were rows of stasis chambers all filled with cylons. Reptilian organic cylons that stood not like lizards but like men. He the hit another portal and the door opened here were rows and rows of centurions and other cylons the mechanical types. "Both cylons races must work together or you are doomed to be defeated by the humans."

"But they will destroy us for --"

"No Lucifer they will not for they don't know what your race did to theirs. They never have been with the other cylons. They know only that I am their leader mate to their queen." Iblis said his form shimmered and he became a Green reptilian cylons. "Work with them and the Cylon races will achieve victory."

Lucifer would have shuddered in disgust had he been able to feel emotion. Iblis new form was even more repulsive then the human one he had before. All IL had been programmed to hate organic cylons yet he was powerless against his master voice.

"Jolly we got to go back we are almost out of fuel." Brie said softly.

Jolly looked up about to snap when he saw the love and trust in her eyes. He bites his tongue. Nodding he prepared to turn the shuttle when he caught a glint. "Hey what is that?"
He moved the shuttle toward the flash he had seen. Brie sighed but checked the scanners. He never is happy unless he checked it out. Jolly hit the thrusters then guided the shuttle closer. There was a large asteroid and on it was a field of debris. Just then, they picked up a weak signal from a viper cockpit. "There someone out there and they are alive… barely. Brie we got to get them."

" I know. What can I do to help?"

"We got a get a closer scan Brie. "

"Ok Jolly bit we are almost on fumes here ourselves." Brie pointed out.

Jolly frowned then having an idea he shut down main thrusters." We will coast in, using maneuvering thrusters only. I am going to suit up. I hope you remember how to fly one of these things honey." He got up and kissed her cheek. at her blush he said "For luck. and if this is my last mission I can remember kissing the most beautiful girl in the fleet."

"Been taking lessons from Starbuck" She teases However she caught Jolly' s coat. Kissing him back." So I can remember the strongest ,bravest handsomest warrior in the fleet. Come back to me. I need you Jolly." Brie said

He blushed but nodded and entered the airlock to leave the ship. Time was running out for that pilot.

'It all unfolds as it should Gai. See your sons mate is healing him. She was meant to be a great healer but she turned her back on the gift. Now to save his life she embraces it. He will live heal and be blessed with a new life. Baltar is forever gone. Lord Micah will awaken. A true knight and LORD of Kobol.' Jon said

" No you cannot leave me Micah." Mira said she knelt beside him. There was only one way to save him. " Lord let me hear him Grant me my power." She laid her hands on the dying man." My life for yours beloved." That sacrifice would not be required. Only the willingness to do so. Mira felt warmth of her love flow to her husband. His vicious wounds began to heal.

" Jon she doing it." Gai said

" Of course it was only a matter of her admitting her need and accepting the gifts she was born to wield. She basically a good person she just lost herself for a while. Now she and Micah are back on the right road and all will be well."

"I see?" Gai said looking confused. Sometime Jon had lost her.

--

Lucifer always being the efficient Machine he was began to access and rewrites the security protocols without being ordered to… No sense getting caught unaware.

--

Jolly moved carefully toward the damaged viper pod. It was pitching dangerously over a cliff. He was just amaze it had not crashed into the large crater.

Jolly attached cables to the pod. he had to hold it stable. One wrong move and it and the pilot would fall to the crater floor. He could not tell who's ship it was but he did not care. It was a warrior. " Brie pull up the shuttle a little. We got to stabilize the pod."

Are you clear?" Brie asked.

" I am fine just do it. Lords I cannot even tell whose ship this is. It's a mess. We got a hurry or whoever it is wont make it. I can tell they are losing support vapors." Jolly explained. He forced his exhaustion aside as he worked to save the pilot. He did not care who it was but he save them.

Sheba was wheeled into the recovery room. She was still out cold. Cain sat at her side and Diana joined him." She will live and have a good life beloved."

"Yes... But She lost her love. How I wish I could spare her that hurt." Cain said referring to Apollo.

" Look I got a go... I need to get a drink." Starbuck said He could not believe Apollo was gone. He tossed his funeral away and headed for the officers club. It should have been him... Apollo was a better man. He had a family. Cassiopeia followed him and caught him by the arm. Spinning him around she kissed him hard. "It's ok Starbuck. Ok to grieve. We all loved him... But I'm so glad it was not you. God forgive me I glad it was not you." She cried.
Adama clung to Eve. Her presence kept him from falling apart. Noah, Maya and Dara almost collapsed in relief when the doctors came out. RoAnn was going to be fine and so was Rorke. Both would need time to heal but they live. Noah wept openly even as he grieved for his nephew. Adama tears flowed freely now. How could he bear the pain? First Zac, Illya and now Apollo. He looked over and Athena ran to him. Eve moved aside so 'father' And daughter could embrace. The door opened and Boxey came in. " Where's my dad?"

Boxey froze seeing the tears on his aunts and grandfathers face. " No ,No !!" he cried as he ran out. Adama looked on hopelessly having no words to give comfort to his grandson. He too wanted to howl at the fates. How much could he bear?

Athena hugged Adama and ran after Boxey. In the bay Aries landed his Jaguar and dismounted he saw the boy barrel past. "Boxey wait." He called Boxy however was gone down a corridor and disappeared. Athena ran but lost him. She looked hopeless. Aries went to her and gathered her into his arms. By now he heard the news. It was spreading through the fleet. Adama's eldest had sacrificed himself for their people. The hardest part was none knew how or when he been lost. Athena clung to him weeping. Aries held her and let her cry it out. He noticed the Seal and understood. Athena was weeping for Apollo and perhaps for herself. For she was now certain She was Kronous and not Adam's daughter she felt a poor comfort to her father.

Jolly pulled the wreckage up. His great arms labored to pry open the cockpit. Normally they just haul the whole back but the loss of support vapors would suffocated the pilot before they could get to the nearest ship. Added to that the damage was such it never land in one piece. Jolly carefully and with gentleness that belied his great bulk lifted the injured warrior. He carried him carefully even as he stumbled. He landed hard on his left leg and knee but never dropped his charge." Brie open the door." He called.
--

Lucifer watched in amazement and cynically as the organic cylons raced to build more machines. The organics did not seem to mind the work.
Soon hundreds of newly built centurions awaited orders. Only this time they are joined in flight by organic thinking commanders.

Jolly carried his wounded warrior to the shuttle. The pain from his twisted leg was ignored .Brie sprung open the hatch. Helping him settle the wounded warrior. Blood covered his face and body. They bandaged his bleeding arms and legs then slowly carefully removed the helmet.

"Lord's of Kobol. It's Apollo!" Brie cried.

Jolly was shocked but pushed his emotions aside. "Brie we got a go. To get him to a doctor. Can you fly this heap out of here?"

Snapping back and in forcing herself to push past her joy and fear, she nodded. Then ran to launch" Jolly hold on we are headed home full speed."

Jolly labored to stabilize Apollo. He knew what this meant. His friend was alive but weak. The shuttle landed on the Galactica only centons after launch. Brie redlined the shuttle. Its engines were burnt out but she did not care. It landed with a thud. Jolly said not a word knowing she pushed it. "Brie calls for Dr. Salik."

She was already doing that." We need medics we got Apollo!!" She shouted.

The com line been hooked straight to the life center. All eyes flew up to the speaker.

Adama collapsed in shock. "Apollo!! MY son." He called. Salik and a team raced to get him." Bring that life pod now."

Athena looked up. "Apollo? Aries is it possible?"

Tigh, Tolan and Zeus watched as the last of the cylons base ships exploded. Poseidon had forced the ship at the cruisers who finished them with a barrage of missiles. Now all that was left was cleaning up the stray raiders. Roma sighed and collapsed in her chair. They survived another battle. She looked around her ship with a frown. Atraties was going to kill her for all the damage. Maybe facing the cylons would be safer. She retreated from the bridge to check on her children. True warriors they were sound asleep never even knowing a battle raged. Atraties came in and hugged her. " We made it again... But baby warm me ok those barrel rolls you do. They give a man nightmare.

Roma turned into his chest. She clung to him weeping. On the bridge she had to be the tough as nails commander certain and sure. Here in private she could grieve for her lost friend family and crew. "We won Atraties but at what cost? We lost so many good men and women."

"I know… But we will survive live well grow. It's the best we can do. We all knew the risks my heart. We will prosper as a race. Besides think we have been blessed. We are still here we 2 lovely children and each other. A ship that while she needs repairs is still viable. Speaking of which, I thought you promised to not mess up the bridge again?"

"Hey it's not my fault.. The cylons did it." She said laughing She known he was going to give her Hades over the extra work.

Jolly and Brie landed and Jolly carried Apollo all the way to the life center. The large man would not relinquish his precious cargo for a million cubits. Entering the life center he laid his friend down. Apollo was bloody and pale but alive. Dr. Salik And Cassiopeia ran over. Cassie fainted from the sight of him. His wounds were horrid. Salik himself barely kept from throwing up. Rarely had he seen so much damage on a living human. Yet he shut it out. Saving Apollo was all that mattered. Commander Adama came to his sons side. He gently brushed his hair and then step back to let the doctors work. He turned to face Jolly.

"Sir I'm sorry ... I did all I could."

Adama looked at him tears in his face." Jolly... I owe you a debt I can never repay. You found him. When we all given up hope you brought him home. Thank you."

Jolly looked down he felt like he failed but he nodded. "Commander I'd follow Apollo to Hades. I drag him back out to. There is no debt sir. Unless it mine being replayed to him. He saved my astrum a million times. I gladly trade places with him If I could." He held Brie's hand. " He will make it sir. I know it."

Adama smiled weakly trying to share Jolly faith in the healers. But he knew Apollo chances were not good at all.

Sheba took her father's hand. "Daddy don't leave me ."

"Never again Sheba. I swear. I won't risk losing you ever again." Cain said. Diana came over and tapped his shoulder. "Cain I am going to sedate her. She needs to sleep it the best medicine."

"Do it Diana I don't want her in pain." Cain said. Diana gave him a reassuring hug and then went to work on her stepchild.

Don't tell me. I going to have to learn to walk again right?" RoAnn said "I guess I should be grateful that I cannot feel the pain in my legs. You know doc you could have added more of a tan to them." She smiled pleased she had legs once more.

" MY Lord we gathered the fleet. We will be ready to move on your command." The centurion said to Lucifer.

--

"I for one am glad he did not. You are too sexy as it is." Rorke joked. RoAnn laughed at him showing she finally come to terms with her cybernetic parts. Rorke was relieved for until now she been resisting them. Maybe the fact that they saved his and her life made the difference.

Dr. Salik labored over the fallen form of Apollo. He moved with speed he did not know he possessed. Every ounce of skill he had went into his work. He prayed also. he was not a man of faith but today he prayed. There been so much devastation. Not since cimatar had the fleet taken such loses. He thought he lost his belief in a higher power. Now ,now he knew he just misplaced it. One event had robbed him of it this one made the grab at it. Apollo stabilized slowly. He was wheeled into the recovery room.

Adama went out to check on the other wounded he was immediately besieged by reporters.
"Commander is it true you lost your son and that Athens is not your child?"

Adama looked at the press he truly despised them all but he knew they find out the truth." My daughter was at my side defending our people .Athena is mine and that is all that I will say on the subject. My son Apollo is alive." He paused for effect. "His viper was recovered by Lt. Jolly and Lt. Brie. They have worked around the clock to bring in the wounded and lost. The fleet and myself personally owe them a great debt. They are heroes. Jolly worked tirelessly for the last 26 centars to save lives. They deserve respect and honors."

Jolly and Brie came out of the life center. They snuck away from the throngs and toward the officers quarters." I want to clean up and then grab a bite to eat. Brie would you care to join me?"

"Yes, I think I would like that. But maybe it be wiser to eat in? Go clean up then join me in my quarters. I can whip up a snack. I not much of a cook but I can make something basic primary wise."

Jolly grinned his smile making him look boyishly handsome. "Ok... I bring a bottle of ambrosia. "He leaned over and gave her a quick peck on the cheek then ran off. Brie smiled and headed home. She just hoped he like her dinner. This last 30 odd centars had made her appreciate Jolly' s steady nature. He was a man a woman could depend on lean on. Brave and steady. Not flashy or brash but steady. Those were the qualities Brie decided she liked. He be a good husband a good father. Yes she was definitely looking at Jolly with new eyes. She walked to the mess to get food for dinner. A turbo shower be quick then she cook.

Aries held Athena as she wept. For her brother her father and Adama. He had to admire the Commander for he claimed Athena even now knowing she was not his. He and the Commander locked eyes. It was a fathers look a warning don't you dare let her my daughter down. Aries nodded. Almost grateful for the momentary distrust. It meant that Adama's still thought of Athena as his. Adama went to Athena and pulled her from her mates arms. "You made me so proud Athena. I know now... but You are always mine. My little girl. That won't change ever unless you no longer desire to call me father." There was a strange vulnerability in his face. Athena looked at him and ran to his arms." Father I love you. I so sorry. I... I had to help ."

" You saved us daughter. I am so proud of you. Know that if nothing else. Don't blame your mother for it was a moment of weakness. I loved her still. I knew she been with Kronous but they were both grieving. It was never evil what they did. I never held it against either of them. I loved Illya until the end. Part of me always will. I may be sealing with Eve as I love her very much but don't ever think I did not love your mother or respect her dearly."

Eve smiled she understood. She knew that Adama had loved his first wife. That he still did was a comfort to her. For she knew should she to pass on she live in his heart forever. Baby Zee was restless. He slipped from his mother's arms and went to look around. The Life center was in chaos so no one noticed the small boy. He sat down at a terminal and began to play. He was working a new formula to help speed the regeneration of skin and bone. He giggled thinking it a game.
Iblis looked out across his new fleet. 20 shining new base ships awaited .Lucifer came to his master .If he could he would have smiled. Perhaps this alliance would prove useful. He looked on with disgust however as organic cylons moved toward them all in command uniforms. The machines had to yield and that sat poorly with the egotistical IL. He plotted on how to turn and destroy the organics. Soon as they destroyed the humans.

The Cylon fleet prepared to return to attack. Iblis knew that the humans had taken heavy casualties. They need time to rest regroup. He was going to push them and push them.

Jolly could not believe how lovely Brie looked . He was speechless. "I picked up a light snack." he said caring several bags of food.

The news of Apollo's return swept through the fleet. Another miracle it was being said. Starbuck had raced to the life center with Cassiopeia and waited as did the others. He was so frightened he lose his friend again. He looked at Adama and saw the same gut wrenching fear in his face. He moved to the man he loved like a father to offer support. Cassie and Dr. Salik raced to heal the wounded warrior. Stabilizing him the best they could. Now he was in a healing chamber only time would tell if they been quick enough good enough to save his life. Jolly collapsed on the nearest chair. He felt he failed taken too long to bring Apollo safely in. Brie sat on his lap. He was shocked but held her close needing the comfort of her just being there.

"How long?" Adama asked

Noah watched his elder brother with deep sympathy.

"We will know in 26 centars commander. But I have every hope." Dr. Salik said.

"Hope... I guess that more than we had before." Adama said warily. He pulled Eve into his arms and she hugged him tight. Offering solace to the man who until now had been so strong. "He will make it Adama. " She said
--

Micah awoke with a gasp. He looked over to see Mira sitting at his side. "I thought I was dead?"

"You were you idiot. What were you thinking?" His wife shouted. She plummeted his chest forgetting he was wounded." We could have lost you. Darn it all I love you. you idiot." She shouted. Micah grinned and kissed her suddenly feeling so much better.

Everyone was so caught up in Apollo's return that no one noticed Zan ship in to Sheba's room. The boy saw she was resting and went over to her. He climbed up next to her and placed his small hand on her forehead. At once a light flowed from him to her. " Sheba you will be well." The voice commanded. Zan smiled as she opened her eyes.

" I feel better?" She said with wonder.

" I fixed you. You are too important to lose." Zan said. Exhausted her curled up and fell asleep next to her.

TBC...

EDIT Friday, October 24, 2008