Disclaimer: See part 1

Lost Tribes

Part 33

They all awoke. Shaking. Dara rolled over and was ill. Lord she hated astrum travel.
Maya rose and went to check on everyone. Noah was up and giving orders. "Prepare to jump as soon as we can. I am feeling the cylons will soon attack .Athena you need to go back with Aries .Guard our rear. Cain I want you to take point. Everyone we are only going to have a little time."

Eve looked panicked "We cannot leave Adama..."

Noah looked at his wives. Both went to Eve. "Eve He can find us know .Anytime anywhere." Maya said softly." He is light."

The all turned hearing a child's laughter." Papa is light he fighting the dark. Come see .I build a picture screen. We can watch them." Zan said in childish delight. Noah and Eve ran to see what the boy build. Sure enough, there was a screen and in it, there was Adama facing off against the vilest creature in the universe who was smiling. "Come Adama let us play!"

Iblis landed on Earth. He smiled as he considered the troubles he makes. He Sat on top of an active volcano. Yes, this would do well. He looked down upon the thriving civilization of Pompeii. So decadent and evil. His to command. Yes, he let Adama see Earth his earth. A place of savagery and evil.

The great mountain began to spew forth its ash. A city unsuspecting became the first to fall to the dark one evil.

"Iblis stop" Adama ordered.

The dark one laughed." Sorry Adama these people her e are mine. They freely followed me. "The ash and fire rolled down the hills consuming all in its path. Adama watched in horror as Iblis shimmered away once more. He was helpless to stop the destruction and yet? He spotted several children and scooped them up. They were ragged and poor but clearly too young to have chosen to follow the dark one and with no parents to give them away. These he could save. He Reappeared far across the oceans and settled them on another island. Adama summoned the animals to help them. Then he followed Iblis to a new land a new city. Sodom and Gomorrah. He watched as the evil dances and cruelties were abound. Only one family seemed to be honorable. He watched as they were tested by the angels of light and Iblis laughed certain they to faultier.

Adama watched as the being walked among the Humans. He never seen such decadence and evil. Not even when Iblis had been on board the Rising Star had there been so much depravity. He saw acts of cruelty ad sadistic rituals on every corner and heard shapeup reveal in the evil they did. He saw the beings enter a home and the man who owned it guard them. He watched as they in disgust blinded the inhabitants. " Leave here with your family for these cities are doomed. "One ordered. The family fled yet as they left the woman looked back. Iblis smiled and with a wave of his hand turned her to salt. Her lack of faith in the last micron gave her soul to him. Adama felt agony for the family. Yet it gave him hope. Hope that maybe some on earth understood well.

"You won some Iblis but not all. Humans can see through you." He taunted. "Earth has many good people. He showed the dark one the city of Atlantis being born from the children he saved from Pompeii. "They will be there to fight you dark one."

"This shining city will be mined as well. But have hope Adama in the end.." Iblis laughed He disappeared and reappeared in a new city one almost as dark and decadent as the others. It was a new city growing strong with a warlike people. He landed and pulled the general to him. "Follow me and all of the Earth will be yours."

"Mine, How."

"Follow give yourself and your peoples to us gods and the all on Earth will fall before Rome!"

The first Protector of Rome terrified f the god he saw fell in fear. "We live to serve Rome and you my lord."
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30

Far across the seas, Adama landed in an unspoiled land. He was people laboring to bring in crops and hunter falling game. They shared all they had with each other in peace and harmony. He smiled as he went to them gifting them with knowledge and power. Here is a new race to counter Iblis. He faded away and headed to the dessert. He saw a young woman singing and he joined her. Smiling he countered once more. He touched her and smiled."Your son will save this world." And went away to the heavens to await the next battle. He looked in on his family and sighed he missed them already. "Eve...I love you." he said softly.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The fleet began to regroup. Mourning was set aside as they took an inventory of the losses and the gains. While it looked bad at first the salvage ships were busy gathering debris both human and Cylon. The foundry ships were working around the clock to recycle the materials. Sire Uri took careful calculations and he went before the council and gave this report.

"We lost 40 vipers, Jaguars, scorpions and sharks. Several ships in the fleet sustained minor damage and the garbage scow was severely damaged. However, it is salvageable and will soon be reprocessing refuse once more. The biggest concern is three water ships took damage. We lost 200,000 mega liters of water. While we can repair the ships, we now must find new sources of water for our fleet. Too many lack recycling abilities. I like to suggest that finding water be a priority again."

Adama found the first settlers from Kobol. He smiled as he joined them. They were laboring to build giant pyramids amongst the forests. He gifted them with knowledge and healing powers. A history and past that would encourage them to welcome the new fleet that soon arrive. He had no way of knowing the disaster this set in place. Ibis watched and laughed. He smiled as he sent explorers from across the sea. Men who were in search of Gold... To them he told the stories of El Diablo and the seven cities of gold.

Tigh raced to the council hall. They had much work to do. He entered as Sire Uri contused his briefing in the reclamation of materials. "So far we are able to salvage over 500 mesons of pure metals from our ships and the cylons. The reclamation crews have recover several of the damaged fighter craft. About 25. Of those 15 can be salvaged. The rest will need to be reclaimed. Our foundry ships are in process now. The new craft should be ready in a secton or so .As to pilots that in the hands of Commander Cain."

Cain rose. He looked at Sire Uri. "We have a new class of cadets ready to go. They just lacked ships. Thanks to the training we given them between our ships they should be ready to form a new squadron soon. I like to recommend Captain Cree take command of the new squadron of vipers and Major Gray of the stingrays. If that approved by Commander Noah,"

Noah nodded it was a good choice. The new cadets would need experienced leaders. "Agreed Commander. It is a good choice. Gray may be newly promoted but he a skilled warrior. He served over 5 yearns under Major Talim. Losing him was a blow but the choice is good."

In their quarters Eve sat with Dara and Maya "Do you think he alive? Well? What happened to him?"

Dara took her hand and Maya the other. Both women knew Eve was scared and worried for her mate. Eve had never been overly religious so this whole thing was even harder for her to grasp.

Maya began to softly speak." Adama alive but he transformed."

"What does that mean?" Eve asked "Dara, Maya he glowed. Then chased that evil demon. How could he is just a man?"

"No, He was a man but no longer. "Dara said She hugged her friend. "He transformed to the next level of existence. I Think him closer to an angel now."

"But... why? Why he will he comes back to us?"

"I do not know. "Dara said, "Perhaps he can if he wins."

"And if he loses?"

Neither of her friends answered merely looked away.

Athena leaned on her husband. Aries was worried for her. She seemed pale and drawn." Are you alright beloved?"

"I am just tired Aries. All we done since we left the colonies are fight. Ever since we meet Ibis, it has been a constant stain. He almost destroyed us once. Now my father can defeat him but at what price? Will he be allowed to return to us? He not as we are now. What of Even and his vow to her. Will she be left alone but unable to remarry. He loves her Aries I know it but he sacrifice her for the good of us all. That is almost more then I can bare. He been through so much."

Aries held Athena and gently rocked her.

Apollo held a weeping Sheba. "It's all my fault if I never succumbed to Ibis he not be so angry now."

"Sheba honey, that is not true. He hates me. We defeated him with the truth and with goodness. He is pure evil the Prince of lies. He never cared except that we slipped away from him. This is an ancient battle. Good VS Evil we are simply caught in it. Almost like pieces on a game board. Worry Not My father will vanquish him." Apollo held her and tried to give her his faith.

Dane and Croft worked side by side to examine the captured cylons ship. It was only a light frigate but the men were delighted. It had suffered a malfunction and shut down. Now they and their teams were cleaning up and out the remaining centurions. This small ship be a nice addition to the fleet.

"Look out Croft!" Dane shouted as he shot a centurion that popped up.

"Frak how many can this small a ship hold?"

"I don't know maybe they were using it as a transport?" Dane said

"Figures …And my luck to have to clean up the mess." Croft quipped.

"Well we are both experts and close combat." Dane said laughed.

"Yeh, Land close fighting not ship board. I almost feel like a pirate." Croft said laughed.

"To bad there no treasure." Dane replied.

"I don't know the ship will be bounty enough." Croft said, "We can crew it and it will be a nice back up for one of the cruisers."

It had been several days since Commander Adama had entered the vortex to chase Count Iblis. The people of the fleet were slowly returning to a semblance of normalcy. Commander Noah went before the councils and gave a report.

"Thanks to the tireless efforts of Sire Uri and the crews of all our reclamations ships we retrieved and procuresses massive amounts of Raw materials. Commander Cain as helped organize the new squadrons and they been assigned. All that remains is to name a captain for our newest vessel. The captured Cylon much conciliation we have decided to offer this ship to Lt. Colonel Omega and he will be promoted to full colonel should he accept. "Commander Noah explained."I am told by Commander Tigh that since the Destruction colonel Omega has worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of this fleet. "

As he paused the room broke out in applause. "We often do not have the luxury of rewarding a solid bridge officer. We tend to forget their vital roles. However with the blessings of this council we ask Colonel Omega to take command of our newest vessel. It is to be called Luna Adelphi. for the moon colony that circled Caprica."

Omega was stunned and humbled. He been born on that moon colony. He looked at Tigh and Noah and nodded. "Yes please I be honored to command the Luna Adelphi."
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Adama walked the land. It was pure and untouched by human hands. He loved this land very much. Iblis had not touched it as he seen no human presence. Adama smiled. Here he settle the humans who followed him North. Yes these 5 lakes were crystal clear and the soil rich. They build new world. A place for the colonies shattered nations. Sealing his friendship with the people he took his leave. He hide them from the dark ones view even as he raced home. He missed his family. He wondered if he could go back?

Athena paced the bridge and sighed "No we need that report now Fallon. What ,Frak. I tell the commander. Try the next system. At least there some good news. I know but we can use the fuel. Even if it would be hard to harvest."
She turned as Aries entered the bridge" Aries we no water in Captain Fallon's secoter but he found some Tylium. Trace amounts but it would help."

"Good. I inform Commander Poseidon his teams can work on guarding the mining ships. We need to stay with our patrols."

"Yes sir." Athena said smiling. It felt good to be here. Here she felt valued. Not that she ever not been on the Galactica but her. Here she was just another officer.

Aries grinned he loved his wife for her cool confident abilities. She was his finest warrior. He could not believe she was his on any level.
"Athena we a staff meeting in 20 centons. Don't forget."

"No sir I am there." She said with a grin and smile.

looked at the small boy sitting among thru various comporting parts. The child was assembling something? "So zee what are you making me today?"

"I am make scanners."

"What kind?"

"Scanners for the warriors . Use them on the planets to find people." The boy said

"I see. " was amazed at the sight. The device the child was making was lighter and far more powerful than any he ever designed or made. This child was a gift from heaven. He was far advanced from any other. Wilker grown somewhat attached to the child. Being one of the few who were able to teach him anything.
Eve had asked for his help as she been at a loss on how to keep him from taking her quarters apart. Already he rewired several comutron systems. Wilker smiled his poor mother wake up to find her room a micro lab. Commander Eve clearly loved her son but his high energy and intellect was hard on her. She needed a break and Wilker was only too happy to help. Already the boy found solutions to problems he been trying to solve for yearns.

Lucifer was licking his wounds. Well not really licking them as Cylons had no way of doing that. He was enraged that they once again failed to destroy the human fleet. He stopped and complicated that he was almost feeling an emotion. He silently cursed the humans. Emotion that to be a weakness. He rolled back and forth, as he considered his next move. Glancing at Iblis as he wondered if the Cylon race would ever be free of the dark force. How to use it but then gain control. His processors raced to find a solution.

Apollo walked with Sheba in the Agro ship. They finally had gotten some down time. "Hey, a cubit for your thoughts?" Sheba asked a brooding Apollo.

"They are not worth that much. I was just thinking about my father. I think I finally understand how you felt all those yearn. I sorry I was never more supportive."

Sheba curled into his arms." Apollo, it is ok. I understood. I just had so many unresolved issues with Cain. I took it out on you on everyone. I am sorry too. I suppose at the time you all really thought on some level he was dead. I know I did. I hated him for leaving me alone among strangers. Yet...If he had not we never have fallen in love. SO have faith. Adama is not Cain. He will not stay away for his own agenda. Have faith. I know he be back."

Apollo kissed her "Thanks. However, I think in fairness Cain tried to protect you. He loves you Sheba even if he too stubborn to say it."

"I know, I always known it's just good we are talking finally. You have helped a lot with that and so has Diana. She has softened him."

Apollo grinned Cain was no what he consider as a soft man. However he was not foolish enough to say that.

Sheba playfully slugged Apollo" Well he never be a pussy cat but he trying Apollo."

"I know baby , honey I know it's just I cannot picture Cain as a kitty." Apollo roared.

Adama had placed counters to Iblis now he wanted to go home. He sat on the outside of the Galactica. He was not seen. He had no idea how to return .For he was no longer quite human but he totally evolved either."

Sheba playfully slugged Apollo" Well he never be a pussy cat but he trying Apollo."

"I know baby , honey I know it's just I cannot picture Cain as a kitty." Apollo roared.

Adama had placed counters to Iblis now he wanted to go home. He sat on the outside of the Galactica. He was not seen. He had no idea how to return .For he was no longer quite human but he totally evolved either."

"Thank you for your help. I never thought I be a mother." Eve said "I afraid I will make a mistake."

Maya and Dara smiled the women went to her. "Eve I got news for you that is very normal. I worry all the time." Dara said "But like Maya says we can only do our best."

"She is right you know. I raised my children. Then lord love him Noah gave me more. I was so shocked and scared. I been planning on grandchildren. Or maybe spoiling a few of Dana children. I mean I am an old lady."

No one looking at Maya would believe that one. But it made the woman all smile.

"Oh , yes I remember. "Dara said smilingly" You even said you spoil them. "She chuckled" At least Noah was nice enough to make sure our children have playmates."

"Yeh... Right." Maya said with a rueful smile" We certainly have our hands full five children between us. What were the lords thinking. " She said shaking her head with mock contrition.

Eve grinned. Until now they been too busy to consider what so large of families mean." I ... I am worried. Adama and I we never talked about children. I mean other then taking in Zee. But I have been a little sick."

Instantly her friends moved to her side. Adama was stunned. Could he have?

"Are you well?" Maya asked

"I don't know. I been ill. At first I thought it was stress. But ... But I think it's not. Oh ,Lord what will I do? I cannot do this alone."

Dana hugged her and smiled. "Boy will Noah be shocked. Adama better come back. Or I think our husband will shoot him."

"I am so scared." Eve said.

"Shuuss ,He be back. he loves you." Maya said

"I know ..But what if he cannot come back?"

"He will. "Maya said hoping she spoke the truth. "But you should tell Apollo ,Athena and Zac."

"I will... once I certain." Eve said "But I need to tell Adama first."

If Adama had been in human form he have fainted. He looked at the 3 woman and was stunned. A baby? How had that happened? Well he knew how but he never expected. Lords of Kobol he was going to be a father again. He smiled. He was so happy he shouted and jumped into the air. He landed after flying through the bulkhead. For once he was glad he was not in human form. He have hit his head. He grinned and left the room. He raced to his quarters cutting through walls and landing in his room. He entered it and still smiling regained his human form. He swayed briefly. However the feeling of happiness was great. He sat behind his desk and Called to Eve." Commander if I might have a micron of your time."

He grinned at the 3 woman's stunned expressions. Not realizing that he was in appearance 20 years younger. He was grinning like a cat that swallowed cream.
Yes he was so happy to be home.

Dara and Maya were as stunned as Eve. They exchanged a brief look and together called for Noah. The Commander was speaking to the council of the 13 and froze" Excuse me a few micron. "Commander Tigh please take over this meeting. "He left before any questions could be asked. At a dead run he rant o join his wives and sister in law.

Adama smiled. "Yes, I managed to return. Please Eve join me. We have much to speak of."

Eve suddenly realized her beloved was safe and back. She ran out of the room. Her momentary morning sickness forgotten. Dara shouted at her but she was already gone.

Maya looked at Dara. "We better go with her. Just on case. Lords. How in Hades did he just reappear?"

Dara smiled at this "You are asking me? I am not the expert on the metaphysical. " Both woman followed Eve.

Eve rushed into Adama' s rooms and flung herself into his waiting arms. She began to weep wit joy.

Adama caught her and was forced to take a step back from the impact. His arms caught her and he hugged her tightly as if he would never let go. "Oh Eve I missed you so much."

"Adama...is it really you? You were gone so long I as starting to ..." She cried.

Adama merely soothed her and held her" Sh..I am back. I won't leave you ever. At least not for long. I swear."

RoAnn looked over the list of wounded. Most were not going to need to much extensive follow up care. They been really lucky. The loses had been bad but. Given the fleet they faced. She sighed. She was truly sick of war. Her body ached. She leaned against the wall and looked over at Cassiopeia and Dr. Salik. "If you two are alright I heading home. I can hardly even think straight anymore."

Cassie nodded and said" Go on you have done enough. Go see your husband and take a nap."

Cassiopeia began to laugh" Doctor if she grabs her husband I doubt either of them will get much rest."

Salik looked blankly then blushed as both woman roared with laughter.

"Go on you two get out of here. I to tired to put up with your sass. "He said now smiling.

RoAnn sighed and shook her head in amusement as she left the life center. Cassiopeia was right. Sleep was hardly on her mind at all. A hot shower a back rub and just a little loving sounded far more reviving then sleep. She smiled so grateful to have found love and acceptance. Now she felt alive and whole. For now with her husband's love and support she was stronger than ever. A better doctor and woman. She did not even notice that she was not fully human anymore. Dr Wilkers Prosthetics made her feel alive and real. She sang a soft son as she headed for her quarters.

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"Adama, Thank the Lords of Kobol you are safe." Eve said as she kissed him.

Adama hugged her back. "We have a lot to speak of. I am so sorry that I had to go after Iblis .I had to try to keep him from causing too much mischief .Only I am restricted in what I can do. "He sat down and drew Eve to his side. "So what has been happening with you and the fleet?"

Eve blushed deep." Adama I have news for you."

He waited for her.

"I .. We are having a baby." Eve said.

Adama grinned and hugged her "I think I am a very lucky man. When?"

Croft entered his quarters .It had been a long shift. He collapsed upon his bed. Lord he was tired. Yet he felt alive and free. Ever since the ice planet he been tiring to prove he was reformed. Now for the first time he was beginning to believe he was succeeding. The arrival of the Spartan fleet made him feel he matted. He was no longer an ex prisoner but a warrior of position and power. He just wished his wife had lived to see this. He looked at her picture. "I made it back baby. I don't know why you saved me but thank you. "he kissed her picture and drifted to sleep.

Micah washed his daughter in the tub. Such a simple task. He was soaked from head to toe and the baby was laughing. Mira came in and joined him. Caring a newly diapered and clean Hope.

"Micah are you almost done with Faith?"

"Yes. We are clean. I think she gave me a bath to." He said

"Good. You could use one "His wife teased" I just heard some news."

"Oh?"

"Adama is back."

Micah froze "That is good." he still was slightly fearful of his old rival and friend. Especially now that he was different.

"It will be alright Micah. He has forgiven you."

"Yes...But I have yet to forgive myself. I am a monster who does not deserve such happiness."

Mira went to him and comforted him "We all got second chanced baby. Don't waste it with regret. We cannot change what was only the now."

"I know." He said pulling her and his children close.

Adama held Eve. "I have done all I can for now. I needed to feel alive again. To see that the chess match was worth the price I am paying. So I came home. Here I am just a man."

"Adama you have never been just a man." Eve said grinning

"Yes I am .But somehow that alright too." He said softly "How is the fleet? Anything I need to deal with?"

"Yes, We need Earth but mostly people need to know you are safe. "Eve said

"Why I am not that important. I just a man."

"You are the hope. They look to you for leadership and consistency. To them you are the man that has The Lords ear."

"Why?"

"You saved them. Now you fight the dark one directly. How is it you are so unaware of your stature in the fleets mind? "Eve asked

"I serve that is my job." Adama replied.

Eve grinned he really was to humble for his own good.

News of Commander Adama's return sent cheers throughout the fleet. Even Sire Uri smiled. He patted Reese on the back and told his son they were flying back to the Galactica. It seemed that They were celebrating. Poseidon grinned as he ordered patrols out. One sweep to be certain all was well then maybe they could relax some.

Cain dressed with Care. He pulled at the high color of his dress uniform. Looking at the Com and talking to Noah." Does Adama know yet?"

"NO. But if he sees you in that get up him will."

"Very funny Noah, you know he better appreciate this. I hate dress uniforms."

"Yes., know. "Noah said "Bu we can hardly award him the star of Kobol in battle dress.."

"Says who. "Cain quipped. "But you are right he deserves this honor and so I wear this simian suit."

Noah laughed "Yes he saved us all again."

"Hurry Up Boomer I don't want to be late. "Starbuck called. he ties his cape on." Remember we have to go get the refreshments."

"How did we get that duty?" Boomer asked.

"Well I mentioned to Commander Tigh that I knew this guy."

"Ok, I get it Starbuck." Boomer said loll "I wonder how they are all going to sneak in?"

"Oh, Apollo said its under a guise of a briefing for the fleet. "Starbuck said

"RoAnn dressed with Care. She looked at her mate. "I hope this looks ok?"

"You look great. Now can you fix this collar for me."

RoAnn smiled indulgently. "Sure."

"Seth ,Have you seen my saber?" Samuel asked.

"Here" His brother tossed it to him." I swear Sammy you are like a 3 yearn old losing stuff."

"Funny. Ok Now I am ready. Are we fling the shuttle over with Father ,mother and Dana?" Samuel asked

"I think we are. But Thor wants to fly it." Seth said

"Ok, Heck I can take a nap then." He strapped on his laser to his opposite side.

"Wow , you ladies look fantastic. "Noah said as he entered his quarters. 'Are the children all settled in?

"Yes, The nannies have them all bathed and tucked in." Maya said.

"Indeed we actually can have the evening with you my husband." Dara said winking.

"Keep that up... No we have to go. Adama deserves this reward. But latter ladies ."He teased wickedly "Will Ever be able to get him to the conference room?"

"I think so ." Maya said "She telling him it's a fleet briefing."

p32

Adama was relaxed and really did not want to get up. He certainly had no desire to go to a fleet briefing. He knew Eve was hiding something from him. Yet out of respect he did not search her mind. He smiled as he heard Zee screaming that he did not want to wear his good clothing. Adama rose and dressed. It seemed a little formal. However he assumed it had to do with the council of the 13 new ideas of its importance. Dress uniforms. He grimaced. He only smiled when Eve told him even Commander Cain was ordered to wear one. He knew that alone was worth going to see. Cain was worse than Starbuck when it came to dressing up.
He put on his uniform and it hung lose. He frowned. Glancing at the mirror he was shocked. He looked years younger. Well this uniform never does. He peeked to make certain Eve was busy. Then with a wave of his hand his uniform was custom fit.

Eve came in and went to Adama "You look handsome." She was caring Zee. "Ad da looks good."

"I feel silly." Adama said

"We will be late we must go. "Eve said smiling" Before I forget and decide to stay here."

"Adama better appreciate this." Cain said as he attached his cape. I feel like a freak . Why we have to wear these things." Diana smiled as she came over and smoothed his collar.

"You look handsome and distinguished,."

"You mean I look old." Cain said with contrition. "But you my dear look wonderful. Maybe we can seal right away."

Diana laughed" You just don't want to have to put that suit on again."

Cain winked and Diana laughedl. "I do love you ,you scoundrel. But we need to go."

"I suppose...But I rather stay here and play. "Cain said smiling. Diana blushed.

"Let's go."

Tigh arrived early and helped the councilor set up the tables." He deserves this."

"Yes, "Sire Uri said "We never have survived without his force of will. I just hope he understands this is genuine love and appreciation not a ploy."

Tigh smiled" He will know. You changed a lot back to the man you and leader you once were."

"No ,Not yet but I am trying." Uri said "Trying to be a good man."

Commander Tigh looked over at Sire Uri the man had lost several stone in weight. He was leaner and his skin had a healthy glow to it. The past 6 sectars of hard work on the vessels and his new role as the leader of the fleets engineering had changed him. Contentment and pride now showed. Tigh could well remember the fat bloated politician on Carrion. He smiled thinking seeing Sire Uri like this renewed his hope that humanity was worth striving to save.

Commander Poseidon arrived caring a special gift for commander Adama. His finest metal workers had forged this mightily gift. He hoped the Colonial warrior would appreciate it. His men had forged a might Triton. Aries carried a golden bow and six silver tipped arrows. Commander Dane carried a finely designed shield. It would protect against even a blast from a pulsar cannon. Commander Zeus carried a fine throwing tool. It was shaped like a circle and would take the head off any enemy at a thousand metrons. Cain grinned at his gift. More modern then the other he knew Adama would find it amusing. It was a small blaster but it had a charge that would take out a raider. He knew full well that his old friend was himself a lethal weapon. But it amused him to give him the gift they labored to develop as cadets. Each command officer had a gift of war to give. Cain sat back and reflected on the ancient ways. It was to symbolize that the man receiving the Star of Kobol was a warrior without equal.

Over the past Yearns Adama knew he grown cynical and wary. He was however in awe of the spectacle that the people formed. Over the yearns a part of him had grown to resent the Burdon of leadership even as he carried it with dignity and honor. When he finally rejoined the Pegasus the first time he understood adept truth. He was born to lead. To be the guardian of this small surviving branch of humanity. He fought over and over to maintain his role even as some part of him wanted to run away. He had realized while he was fighting Ibis that this was for better or worse his place his time. He smiled as even held his hand as they entered the great hall. Oddly he was at peace. Shocked by the sudden shouts and joy. He looked up. All around him were the people he loved and many more he simple sheared. All were clapping ,cheering and weeping in joy at his return.
When Noah and his fleet had arrived Adama had gained a staunch ally. With Cain's return his position and place was solidified especially once the commander swore an oath to his office. Now for the first time Adama was seeing that his yearns of sacrifice and pain had indeed mattered. HIs people for all their faults did understand his role. They were honoring him as a man and a warrior. He found tears flowing as Noah, Cain and the council came forward to give him this medal. One he thought he did not deserve.

Adama accepted his medal and the gifts. He moved to the podium as pandemonium broke out.

Raising his hand the crowd quieted "Thank you all. But I do not feel worthy of this honor. Instead I will accept it for our entire fallen heroes. The brave men and woman who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The ones who cannot be here but watch over us always. When you see this medal on me salutes not me or the medal but salute the man and woman who have gone on to the next world."

Athena shed a tear knowing he was honoring her father as well as so many others. Apollo felt a new pride in the man he called his father. He stood tall because he like so many knew Adama had more than earned this award. He stood tall through all the trials and led despite personal pain and loses. He recalled the shattered look on his father's face the night they found their home in ruins. The sheer agony. He recalled how his father had wept for a few microns then stood tall. Coming out to face a raging crowd. TO stand tall for all of humanity to force them to have the will to survive. To have faith when most had lost it. Yes his father had earned this award yet he seemed to be more inclined to honor not himself but others. Apollo was proud. Sheba held his hand. Leaning on his shoulder she knew her husband was for a micron remembering his lost wife. She held his hand tight letting him grieve. Apollo turned and kissed her." I always honor her memory but I been blessed Sheba. Having two such wonderful ladies in my life."

"It is alright Apollo I past jealousy. It's right for you to honor her this night. It's what Adama wants."

Once more Apollo marveled at his luck.

Starbuck held onto Cassiopeia who kissed him" See Starbuck he a magnificent man."

"Really?"

"No need to be jealous hotshot. "

"Sorry Cassiopeia. I guess I am like him. I never felt I earned my medal either."

Cassie kissed him" Maybe not then. But every day since you have. You have grown Starbuck. You are a hero now."

He blushed.

Even as they found a brief respite the evil grew. Iblis molded the newest generation of cylons.

"Arise. What are your orders?"

"Destroy all Human!!!"

Lucifer watched as the centurions formed what seemed to be an endless line. He could not believe that with a wave of a hand the equipment needed to produce centurions had appeared. He shivered feeling perhaps he was in the presence of god or maybe the devil. In any case the new centurions were building small raiders and working on 3 new base ships. Soon they be ready to resume the battle against the hated human foe.

Lucifer wondered if final victory over the humans was worth selling ones soul for? Where had that idea come from he was a machine he had no soul...Did he?

"Master we begin to build your ships. Please see if we have the new design correct." A reptilian Cylon said fawning over Iblis. Lucifer would have scowled in disgust had he been able to move his face. This creature was even more repulsive then the Baltar at his worst. He noticed however Iblis seemed to bask in this treatment. He did not trust it or the so called early cylons. No he thought they were being set up.

Lucifer retreated to consider various options. One thing living with Baltar had shown him always have a backup plan. He wondered how his human was doing? Oddly given the situation the only one Lucifer would think to trust in this micron was Baltar which made no sense. Baltar was a traitor to humanity and to the cylons. Yet ... Lucifer considered. He opened his program he never before had looked into why Baltar had turned traitor? Could it did it matter? His processors began to seek answers having a deep feeling the answers might mean the differences in his survival.

TBC...

Edit 30 Oct 2008