Quick record keeping.
Lunalander. You are right and I forgot about that. I am going to incorporate that into the story. Egg laying in such a natural environment is a hard instinct to fight against and as such has caused a lot of problem. That will be addressed. Thank you for that.
AkiraWolf98: The very comment that you addressed is being discussed right now. But at this point it is a matter of trust. Attitudes are about to change, the hard way.
CHAPTER FOUR
INTERLUDE (2)
One year earlier
Battlestar Junis
Star System: unnamed:
Location: 1400 light years from Cyrannus
Position: Five kilometers from unknown target
Raptor Two's supposedly short journey took longer than anyone anticipated. Tracking was unexpectedly difficult and Sundance lost the signal three times because of its extremely tight bandwidth, which made it very difficult to track. In fact, her raptor flew past her target before she saw it. What she saw was a very small, black probe-like object, cylindrical in appearance, about twice the size of a raptor, pumping out an unbelievable amount of power in a very narrow beam directly towards the primary target. Despite the amount of power shunted, the emanations were almost undetectable. Whatever type of energy being used by Target Two being transmitted, it had to be via some type beam as tight as a laser; however, the carrier beam wasn't any form of laser. In fact, her scanners couldn't identify the carrier type but it did confirm that the power signature of both targets were identical. Somehow the small probe was shielding the larger primary target, using its emissions to surround the primary target with some type of stealth protection with a capability advanced enough that one had to trip over it in order to find it. Being so close to Target One was the only reason why she was able to backtrack to the source. Obviously, both objects were protected by the same energy fields indicating that whoever had designed the primary object did not want someone discovering it.
"If there is a base of some kind on that planet, then it may not be in our best interests to poke our noses down there. It's obvious that they want to remain undiscovered. They might be very upset if they discover that we're here, if they haven't discovered us already," he added ore to himself than to his subordinate.
"I think we'd know it if they knew we were here," the Commander answered. What we're seeing here is extremely advanced, and they may be a lot more than we can handle if the unknowns are hostile."
"But it's a great opportunity as well if we can establish relations with whoever is down there," the colonel answered. "Besides, we're two battlestars. We can handle anything hostile that comes our way," she protested, but with little real conviction.
"Say that in front of the Tau'ri," the Commander coldly responded, effectively shattering her already weak argument. "It's not worth the risk. There's a definite possibility that they may attack first and ask questions later and we may not be able to pull our butts out of that ball of fire. I will not endanger my ship or my crew."
"But we don't know if anybody's down there in the first place."
"Colonel, that's exactly the point," the Commander countered. "This has all of the markings of a black Ops and you know it. They're probably using the same technology to hide themselves from us as they use to hide the objects. Merely by saying hello, we may inadvertently be pulled into a fight with these people, that is. All indications are that they don't want to be found. If it's an automated system, it may shoot first kill us all and maybe ask questions later."
"Sir, if I may," added Third-In-Command Lieutenant Colonel Kimei. "We're very far from home base. We've stumble across an advanced, hidden alien object that we can't identify. By our mere presence here, we represent a threat to people hiding the object. It's my suggestion that we get as many close range scans as we can on both objects, get samples if we can, and then get out of here. For all we know these may be Apellai."
Eddlison shook his head. "We can't blame every new unknown we encounter as Apellai and I refuse to believe that they would be way out here. I do agree; I don't like this situation. We're too close and I think I want to avoid a possible conflict. I want us in the main asteroid field as soon as possible. Have the raptors record as much as they can and get out of there."
"Sir, its Tycheon Actual."
"Put them on… Junis Actual."
"We're pushing into the asteroid field," informed Commander Sacca. "We've been analyzing the data and reports and I don't like what I'm seeing. I've placed a probe nearby to watch it."
Eddlison allowed a slight smile. The Commanded had literally echoed and confirmed his own suspicions. "Good and I concur. That's our intention as well."
"I'm redirecting the tanker now. Jumping to the preset coordinates in the asteroid field in five."
"Acknowledged, Commander. Keep the channel open."
"Will do. I recommend you back off will all due haste."
"You've read my mind."
DRADIS tracked the huge lumbering tanker as it began its vector towards a denser section of the asteroid field. Its powerful engines flared for an instant and the heavily armored ship rocketed towards its destination. Escorted by two vipers from the Tycheon, the vessel moved into the field as the Tycheon began its own rotation to follow suit. Seconds later, the battlestar jumped. The tanker, moving through the asteroid field would take another hour to reach the current position of the Tycheon.
"Sundance to Junis Actual. We have a change in the situation. Target Two has cease transmitting. Repeat, Target Two has ceased transmitting."
"Acknowledged. Did you do anything to Target Two to initiate change? Were any scans performed?"
"Negative. We didn't initiate active scans. Passive scans only."
"Understood. Your orders are to move away from Target Two. Minimum safe distance two thousand kilometers and hold. We'll let the probe continue close-in scans."
"I see the probe and it is transmitting telemetry. Retreating two thousand kilometers and holding, Junis Actual."
Sundance began pulling away from Target Two. Target One began emitting huge amounts of energy to the point that it began generating a soft glow around itself.
It took Eddlison several seconds before he stated shouting orders. "Set Condition One, passive mode. Pull our vipers and raptors away from Target One. Elisades, get us away from the object, 180 degrees maximum gee. Status of jump engines?"
"Online," came the quick response.
"Sir," began the DRADIS officer. "Target One is in the clear. We have a solid lock with DRADIS."
"Understood." Too little, too late. Calculate jump to Tycheon's position," the Commander ordered. Running might not be enough.
"Starting calculations, Commander."
"Starting our turn, sir."
Half of the maneuvering jets kicked in, quickly turning the massive Minoan class battlestar on its axis and away from designated Target Two in a matter of seconds. The newest class ship, at a length of one thousand five hundred and two meters and quickly becoming the backbone of the Colonial armed services, was a direct descendent of the old Colombias. Like the old now defunct Colombias, it retained the six-engine configuration and twin jump-drive units.
But unlike its predecessor, the Minoans were highly networked and firewalled. Many of the innovations for weapons and navigational systems were taken directly from captured technologies recovered from destroyed basestars and other Cylon warships. One of the first Minoans to come into the service was the Junis. The design was approved long before first contact with the Terrans. The first three however were rushed into service due to first contact with the tiny, but destructive Apellai frigate. The Colonials suffered a rude and a very frightening awakening as the small Terran warship laid waste to ships several orders on magnitude in size and weight, and was able to escape unscathed much to the shock and embarrassment of the CDF.
The technologies displayed in such a small vessel had the Colonial military and industrial corporations salivating as well as very concerned that the lost colony world could be a credible threat. Instead of winding down due to the near extermination of the Cylon race, military command was given huge amounts of taxpayer cubits and orders to increase and upgrade all ships and weapons system to compensate for and to deal with Terran resistance if it became necessary. President Adar's administration wanted the location and unification with earth badly now that they knew it existed.
Years earlier, it was President Adar's intention to lead the obviously frightened Thirteeners back into the loving arms of their fellow Colonials peacefully. He honestly believed that Earth would gladly want to reunite with their fellow cousins but were skittish due to that unfortunate incident with the Earth ship and their cousins. But he also believed that that could have been smoothed over with direct talks and maybe a bit of intimidation if necessary, a firm hand as I were. This he believed would be for the greater good of all concerned.
The military and industrial complexes had other plans and while the search to hunt down and destroy the remaining Cylons was the primary mission, finding Earth and any of their colonies if any was a very high priority.
With high hopes, the Minoans along with their various sub-classes were rushed into service, but were found to be as useless as warstars when going up against Earth's defenses. After that disastrous battle, deep space Colonial vessels were given orders to search for and bring back technologies that could even the odds or surpass what the Terrans had. The very idea of being subordinate in any way to that single Thirteenth tribe was repugnant. It as naturally assumed that any technologies would have their roots in human invention, likely lost sciences gleaned from the Lords. In the process of searching, the Colonials discovered that humanity had spread out much further that they had possibly imagined and that intelligent alien life really existed not to mention that the galaxy was more dangerous than they had anticipated.
"I want missile tracking systems locked onto designate Target One."
Perris looked alarmed. "Sir, you're not going to shoot at that thing?"
"Of course not," he answered as he gave her a most disapproving stare. "Not unless it endangers the ship. Right now, I want us a safe distance from it. I am out here exploring not trying to repeat history."
"Sir!" the DRADIS officer said pointing at the large screen showing the rapidly receding object. "The asteroids facing the target have changed their trajectory. An inner section of Target One shows movement!"
The Commander's eyes flew to the screen watching intently as an inner tract was indeed moving. It circled three times in quick succession before stopping. A huge chevron locked and began glowing brightly as the tract began moving in reverse. All stealth coming from the object was gone now. No more hiding. It was out there for all to see.
Energy spike," an engineer said just as the power in the first battlestar faded for an instant. Thrusters cut out for a split second.
"What was that?" Perris demanded.
Almost immediately, the lead engineer was on the phone. "There was a momentary drain in our energy generators. Never seen anything like it. What's happening out there pulled power away from us."
"Stop it," the Colonel demanded.
"Sir, I don't even know what caused it in the first place," came the terse response. A second later: "We're working on it, sir. Is his some kind of defense mechanism?"
"We don't know! Keep working!"
The inner track stopped once more and another chevron locked into place causing that chevron to glow brightly. This time the energy drain was more pronounced. Ready-Alert vipers struggled to gain some distance away from the energy-draining device before it was too late. It began turning in the opposite direction. The inner ring moved faster now.
"Get us out of here, full power! Status of jump engines?"
"Sir, it's locking again!"
This time, the entire battlestar wet dark for two seconds before the lights came back on.
"We're losing propulsion! Jump engines are offline. We are at sixty percent power. Something's sucking our emitters dry."
"How far are we from the object?"
"Nine kilometers."
"We need to get away from this thing," his cousin said urgently.
"Propulsion is spotty at best, engines at sixty percent efficiency."
The construct's inner ring began to circle again much to the chagrin of the battlestar's command crew. "How many seconds before it locks on again?"
"If the pattern stays the same, about twenty more seconds!" answered Elisades while her hands flew over the consoles trying to coach every bit of power before she lost it again. Her co-pilot was doing the same thing adding to the ever-increasing nightmare they were trapped in. "Thrusters are back on line. Orientation is completed and we are moving away from the target. Jump engines power system building up. It's really sluggish handling."
The crippled battlestar moved off gaining another three thousand meters before the fifth chevron locked. This time main power across the warship flickered and died. Instantly the inner track began rotating again.
A frightened commander growled at his navigator. There was no need to speak to the engineers, as it would only distract them from their very critical duties.
"Time!"
"Countdown started. "Thirty-six seconds and counting."
"Can we jump before then?" the commander demanded.
"Not a chance, sir. Recalculating coordinates," the navigator said. His hands flew over his control board, the computer calculating jump point coordinates. It was much faster than the older systems but still he knew it wasn't nearly fast enough, not before the alien device cut their power once again.
The commander was fully aware that they had no time to jump. All they could do right now was to run. "Be ready."
"Yes, sir."
At twenty-five seconds full power flickered on. Five seconds later the thrusters kicked in.
"Go, go go!"
The crew of the Junis desperately did their best to get away. By the time the sixth chevron locked, the ship had completely lost power. The seventh chevron lock took away life-support backups and the vessel lost gravity. The crew, unsecured equipment and everything else not tied down began floating and crashing into wall and everything else. Fluids of all descriptions began floating through the hallways. Thirty-eight seconds later power restored itself, gravity kicked in and everyone and everything went crashing.
The seat-belted DRADIS officer looking at visual as it returned to normal let out a muffled curse. "Sir, inner track is still rotating!"
The seventh chevron locked into place cutting off power to the battlestar once more. This time systems throughout the ship shorted.
The cursed thing was building up to kill the all! Eddlison concluded. He had made a terrible mistake by allowing his curiosity to doom his ship. A helpless commander did the only thing he could.
"People, hold on!" he yelled fulling expecting that this would his last order and there wasn't another person on the Junis that did not expect the ship to be destroyed in the next few seconds.
The eighth chevron locked on.
Instead of the ship exploding as everyone fully expected, the Minoan vessel roared back to full power, causing more burnout throughout the ship. However, thrusters kicked in and the ship started heading towards the asteroid field at full burn. A surprised and very pleased crew seeing that they were still alive immediately began attempting to get the ship to safety and away from the object of their impending destruction.
Lieutenant Colonel Kimei was standing behind the DRADIS officer using the high-resolution visual system aimed at the artifact when they saw it. There was a huge bubbling energy field exiting from the 'front' of Target One. Looking at the object from the rear, there was what looked like a cross between a funnel and whirlpool effect of energy erupting from behind. "By the gods! Commander, I'm putting this on the main screen!"
Everyone attention turned to the screen just as the huge ball of bubbling bluish white energy settled into Target One giving the appearance of a pool of water relaxing in the middle of space.
"Damage report!" Eddlison demanded. Systems all over the ship suffered damaged. He had to pull back.
"Jump engines back on line. Power building. We can still jump, sir."
"Jump as soon as possible."
"Sir, we're receiving some type of high space signal emanating from the Target. It's not directed at us but at the planet."
"Record what you can," the commander ordered. "Let the probe do the rest. I want us out of here as soon as possible!"
"Yes, sir! Yes, sir. Twenty seconds and counting…"
Time: Present
Star System Korstev:
Planet Designation-Home II
Tactical games XVII
Senior Shiplord Straha informed the rest of the shiplords of the generous gifts of space killercraft just before he informed them of the bad news that always seemed to follow. The decree ordering the integration of the Rabotev and Hallessi wasn't taken well and the Shiplord factions supporting Straha were shocked that Straha agreed with the fleetlord without as much as a sarcastic hiss. The other factions that always supported Atvar were suspicious because Straha apparently doing the same-fully. All sides knew the rivalry between the two as Straha coveted Atvar's position as Fleetlord.
That was once true, but with the semi-tolerated truce between the two of them growing in strength most of the shiplords realized that Atvar and Straha hated Reffet and his stiff-tailed (the Terrans called the word 'anal' which seem somehow fitting) attitude more than they disliked each other. Furthermore, with the presence of the Terrans and the much hated Colonials so close to Home, the two of them found common ground as they plotted revenge against the once conquers of Home.
Many of the shiplord factions hadn't yet fully understood the implications of the dynamics in play, therefore, many of the shiplords on both sides expected the contest and conflicts between the two leaders to eventually worsen. Instead, the reverse was playing out in front of their surprised eyes-turrets. The lack of political infighting was unusual and confusing to some; after all, the Race were political animals but the amount of changes happening so quickly left many groping in the dark. Events in the Sol system obviously forced both superior males to band together for the mutual survival of the Race, and that somewhat strained unity continued since Home II was established. That was the consensus drawn by most shiplords however, they were understandably nervous of the new change.
At the time of the decree, Flight Leader Teerts was stunned by the generous gifts and had inquired as to why the humans were being so accommodating. Shiplord Straha noted that the Terrans had no need for them and the Race did to supplement the huge numbers of suborbital killercraft that the Race already had. Teerts' regular killercraft wasn't space capable, not in the sense that the Alphas were, however those Race-made killercraft were in the process of being upgraded by the Lizardians using Terran and Tollanian designs. That was yet another indication of how anxious things were both here and at Home. The colonists on Home II found that manufacturing began overtaking standard colonization. Everyone was working.
Many of the parts manufactured by the Race on Home II were not of Race design but used anyway. Scientists were analyzing and experimenting with the parts, unsure and wary of alien designs not been built and tested by the Race. Naturally, everyone approved of this as the term 'trust but verify' became every factory's mantra throughout the Lizardian Empire. For the Race to survive in a very dangerous galaxy full of crazed humans and other things that might well be worse, it needed to develop effective space-borne defenses for their worlds that were so obviously under threat of invasion. Emperor Risson, 37th to bear that name, Ruler of Home II and first in line to the leadership of Home, signed a treaty with Earth that in effect joined Earth with Home II. His intent was to turn this Imperial colony into the beginnings of a fortress enclave for the Lizardians in association with the very people the Race had attempted to conquer in the first place.
When the treaty became public knowledge, Teerts found it difficult believing that such an agreement could even be imagined, let alone approved. The Emperor was most insistent that their two people join together for mutual cooperation and defense and to prove his sincerity, he offered the Terrans every scientific and technological advance the Race had in return for technologies and sciences that would help the Race survive.
The humans of Terra were just as surprised as Teerts was at the time. Ironically, that offer did more to crystallize the fear and desperation that a new unseen age had slithered in more than anything else could have. It officially told the Race that it needed play to catch up and to do so quickly. An agreement that should have normally taken decades to establish at the very least took mere weeks.
Another action or rather inaction that surprised Flight Leader was that the Race had not joined or been asked to join the alliance started by the Terrans yet. Normally that should have taken time (decades to centuries at least) as well as it seemed a logical thing to do considering the dangers. In retrospect, the male could see advantages on both sides of the issue. The more than generous offer had a profound effect on the Terrans and both sides grabbed onto the opportunity both hand and claw. The speed that things were changing were terrifying, as much so as the explosive metal bombs detonated on Home.
Millions had died. Millions were sick, suffering from the effects of radiation poisoning and how the Home-built bomb blew up in the first place was a mystery. Explosive metal bombs built by the Lizardians never had detonators attached to them while on the planet. That was a rule that worked in the thousands of years that the Race had the technology. Only in the safety of space, either on ships or a space station were detonators attached to bombs. Never had they used one in anger not even when conquering the Rabotev and the Hallessi. There was never a need to use them on such primitive people. Tosev III, or Earth as everyone was calling it now, certainly would have been a different situation, one that the male suspected that all of the explosive metal bombs that the Race possessed wouldn't have been enough to conquer, destroy, or Emperor forbid, prevent the decimation of Home by the Terran super bombs and space-based weapons in retaliation.
As a standard precaution, the two nuclear-bomb manufacturing facilities were located on different continents to help endure safety. When the Colonials had attacked and conquered Home–and he still had nightmares thinking about that–they took control of both factories. No enterprising or insane male could have stolen, installed, and then detonated that bomb in the middle of a city where there were very few of the conquest humans present in the first place. Furthermore, the Race never developed such a particularly nasty weapon as the one that blew on Home. The city of Diaez was wrecked beyond repair, millions dead, tens of millions contaminated by a particularly dirty explosive metal bomb, the industrial complex there destroyed. Every male and female at Home suspected that the Colonial humans were responsible but there was no real proof, just conjecture. Either way, the Race demanded revenge and they would get it because the Race never forgot and always honored its promises.
However, vengeance would have to wait for a while. The securities of Home and Home II and the rest of the empire were first priority and no one disagreed with that. And in order to develop security for the people of the Race, a strong military was required. Crazed neighbors or not the Terran humans were willing to help secure both Home, Home II and its empire. Local neighbors were coming together to defend against everyone else. It somehow seemed fitting. In addition, those same neighbors had just made the Empire rich. Several of the Terrans allies expressed strong interest in the naquada and trinium deposits in the asteroid belt. The leadership had to admit that many of their offers were tantalizing. The Race would benefit greatly from what was offered to them.
Fifteen minutes before the fighters reached the targeted area. His right eye-turret scanned the HUD once more while his left swiveled around looking for any signs of Terran activity well known for their remarkable stealth system to ambush members of the Race's fighters. That was one of the first things the space killercraft males learned during their training with the Terrans. His scanners accurately tracked his flight-mates, flying out of visual range some ten kilometers distant.
Teerts, like every other combat pilot of the Race, once believed that he understood the intricacies of aerial combat. The How-To books on aerial combat written by Race experts explained it great detail how to attack, defend, and achieve air superiority. The males were confident that any aerial threat could be overcome by their training on Home. He believed it too, that is until he started fighting mock battles against the Terran aggressor killercraft units. Those training exercises shamed Race squadrons all over Home II. Killercraft pilots were essentially trained to attack targets on the ground. Little emphasis was placed on air-to-air combat tactics. Not in their wildest nightmares did anyone on Home expect any type of target-rich environment where their pilots would have any real need to use their aerial combat skills.
Earth proved the hideous exception as with everything else. Terran killercraft pilots knew how to fight back. Males of the Race shot at Terran aggressors with missiles expecting them to be destroyed. Terrans knew how to evade aggressively and strike back hard. In those early days of training, entire squadrons of Race killer and support craft were declared destroyed without so much as a single loss by the aggressors. By the third day males gathered to devise techniques to stop the slaughter. Twelve days later, the killercraft commander admitted defeat much to his chagrin. The Terran F-22s and F-35s were not quite as good as the Race craft but the pilots were superior in training, experience, and very knowledgeable of aerial combat. Entire squadrons of males gathered in all night sessions trying to develop new ways to counter the Terran pilot's expertise in shooting them down. Nothing worked although their flying skills and response times improved dramatically. Two weeks later, thirty males and surprisingly ten females were chosen to train with the humans in air dominance combat and surveillance tactics. The females excelled in those roles in ways the males couldn't. Soon most females flew AWAC's. The males, initially skeptical, came around quickly as the females demonstrated their skills helping the males stay alive. The Raptors were very useful, and some of the Cylons helped train in the use of those ships and Colonial tactics in space combat.
Those six months were the hardest, most exhilarating months in combat training Teerts and the other males and females ever experienced. Combat skills were observed, evaluated, and critiqued by mean-faced Terran superior officers who screamed loudly at anything less than perfection. Many males were terrified by the Terrans opinions of their combat skills after drills. They were merciless but they were also unquestionably excellent teachers.
"Lizardians, dying was unacceptable," Coronel Alcorn hissed at them. However, if you must die, then die killing your enemies. Better yet, your enemy should die, knowing that you live!"
No wonder Terrans excelled at war. Those were the most frightening words the males ever had the hissed at them. Teerts had no desire to die in fire and neither did the others and so they learned.
"Home was where the Race was," the emperor mused once much to the shock of the males and females across the planet. "The aliens on other worlds call us Lizardians just as the Terrans were called the Tau'ri by the galaxy. Their enemies forced that name onto the Terrans. The name Lizardians is given to us by our neighbors. We are not those cold-blooded creatures. We are hot blooded but we will take this name to be our own and when others hear the name, they will know and respect it because it will mean that the Race is here."
Lizardians. The Race hadn't like the name but it was catching on with the people more and more. The Emperor of Home II proclaimed it and made it official. Thousands of years of imprinted obedience to authority and the Emperor settled the issue.
Teerts almost instinctive ability to fly his craft earned him the number one position in his class in atmospheric combat. Land based missiles, air-to-air, gun-range, it didn't matter. He placed first after the training course was completed. Many other males were envious and, or jealous of his accomplishments. His status was coveted by many males and Teerks worked hard to maintain his ranking. The Terran simply laughed in their strange mannerism saying his abilities probably had something to do with his head feathers.
Excited after completing the first training course, he and the others plunged into the second phase of training. The superior 304s and F-42 air and space superiority killercraft flown by the Terrans were practically untouchable by standard Race killercraft. They were faster, more maneuverable; their weapons had a much greater range. By then the pilots didn't care because that was the point of the training. They worked hard attacking and defending against the advanced fighters, exploiting weakness where possible or trying to escape when required. For two more months, the Race squadron did mock battle. By the time it came for a break it was most welcomed.
During break time, they were introduced to the new Alpha I (Viper VII and VIII space superiority fighters. The first KCs were finished with modifications made specifically for the Race. These were renamed Alphas (to be later renamed again once the Race decided on a name). However, while familiarizing themselves with the new craft for the most part, both Race and Terran pilots spent long hours reviewing, studying and analyzing the flying capabilities and flying styles of both the Colonials and their machines. Thousands of hours of flight combat video were made available from the Sol battle as well as covert video documented in the Cyrannus stars system, without their knowledge, of course, of the Colonials. Terran fighters were better; however, the Colonials had many more years of experience in space combat and the information gathered by the Terrans was proving to be invaluable.
Both sides studied their treasure, carefully implementing those discoveries into their own fighter doctrine while inventing a few unique approaches of their own integrating the advantages seen in their own craft.
A new space combat doctrine was developed and Teerts was again training. If they were going to have to fight the Colonials or anyone else for that matter, then he intended that his flight mates would survive and be victorious. It was well known that Terran killercraft pilots cheated when combat fighting. So the males of the Race developed a counter–cheat first and win. If the Race was to win, then they would have to outfly their enemies, so Teerts prayed nightly that Terran and Race training was superior to Colonial training.
"Sandtrap One to Sandtrap Eye, anything to report?"
"Negative Sandtrap One," a female voice returned. "If it were I would inform you. Scanner returns are negative. Be advised that Terran aggressor forces have cloaking capability. Proceed cautiously."
"Acknowledged," Teerts answered ruefully in English. The Captain Retzis was a very dominate female. Crossing her too much was, in his opinion, not a wise thing to attempt. She and her shipmates were very good at their jobs. But unnecessary conversation during the performance of her job was something she disliked, and most males avoided speaking with her in order to avoid her almost legendary sarcasm.
Terran English was inching its way into the language of the Race like at an alarming rate, like burrowing scheech worms getting under one's scales. Most pilots and many of the military defense forces were picking up and integrating the language quickly. The Terrans and Cylons were learning the language of the Race just as quickly but Terran English had a tendency to dominate everything and worse it appeared to be winning. Was this good or bad? Teerts wondered.
Every male and female of the Race naturally assumed that Terrans and other species would learn the language and be content, but that wasn't happening. Scientific terms in the Terran language were used when no Race equivalent was appropriate. Even the civilians were starting to use Terran words to describe new ideas and concepts and Teerts wondered if they even realized what was really happening.
The wondrous translators used by the Terrans proved very useful, but both sides agreed that actually learning the language was more useful. Relying strictly on such technology long term was more of a handicap in the long run. At least this current generation thought so. In the future, both sides assumed that translators would become the norm everywhere. As evidence of that, those who continually went through the stargate understood languages native to other worlds, or learned it very quickly. The exception to the rule was the goa'uld language for some reason, which was suspect. How the translation system worked, no one knew but it was very likely a built-in feature developed by the Ancients for ease of communication. Scientists were still studying that aspect of the stargate. In the meantime, Terran standard was becoming somewhat the norm.
The military embraced it. The majority of the civilians Lizardian did not. Most of them naturally clung to the old ways and rarely strayed. And it didn't require a genius to see the slow schism developing between the military and the civilians. How would all of these changes would affect the Race? Teerts had no idea and neither did anyone else. Two years earlier, any male worth his salt would have abhorred such changes. Now, he almost looked forward to it and he wasn't the only one. His bifurcated tongue shot out of his mouth on its own accord. He was being contaminated with human ideas, concepts and even some of their mannerism and he didn't know how to stop it even if he wanted too.
The Rabotev Alpha flight trailed five minutes thirty-seven seconds behind. Four minutes twelve seconds ahead was the Korstev VI asteroid field. The asteroid belt was rich in trinium and naquada as well as minerals and heavy metals. The Race was surprised by the abundance–the Terrans were too, because they missed it–and were starting to make good use of it. Home's star system had no asteroid field, therefore asteroid mining was a new, rapidly developing science and the Race needed all of the resources they could find.
"Sensor contact! Be advised that there may be a cruiser in the area. Combat simulation begins in one minute."
"It is cold pellet time," Teerts whispered to himself as he began issuing orders to his flight…
Two months later:
Cyrannus star system
Planet-Picon:
Draeace Piconan Spaceport
VIP Archimedes blue sector
"Good evening everyone, I'm Jansen Sandraes reporting. We're covering live the incoming flight of a Terran civilian carrier, the first of its kind to arrive in the Cyrannus system and will be landing here in just a few moments. It's on the glide path and should land in approximately five minutes. As you can see, here in the VIP room, there are perhaps two hundred people, top executives, engineers, and their families awaiting for the ship that will take them to our space station Makaria. They will then continue to Earth to meet with representatives of their aerospace and stellar star-liner counterparts in what is being described as the first meeting of its kind since the Colonies first discovered Earth. As many of you are aware, the relations between Earth and the Colonies are a curious mix or openness and strain. The conflict and subsequent skirmishes between Earth, the Colonies and a group known as the Tollanian nation have threatened to start an all out.r war. There is a no-fly zone that extends twenty-five light years from Earth specifically aimed at the Colonies. That enforced border is at the center of dispute between the Tollanian and Colonies; however, it does not cover authorized civilian traffic. Despite the tension, diplomatic couriers continually travel to and from Earth.
"The great missionary journey by some of our foremost scholars and religious leaders is being hailed as a glorious successful first step by no other than most holy High Priestess Livia Styomia, the undisputed leader of the Church of Athena. Earth was gracious enough to allow our brave missionaries to travel to their world and now Earth is returning the favor after some delays as the Colonies prepare for their arrival of several Terran religious scholars and researchers.
Several religious groups on Caprica are already protesting their future presence, but most people are excited and curious to hear what they have to say and what their religions are like being monotheist and not being associated with the Cylon version of monotheism as some have assumed. The High Priestess is said to be most excited at their coming and wishes to return to the visitors the same affection and treatments that were given to her missionaries at their stay on Earth. The spiritual leader stated that she looked forward to meeting with them to discuss ways to improve relations between our two radically different spiritual viewpoints as she and the Order seek ways that will ultimately spiritually reunite our two people.
"Most people however seem happy that relations between Earth and the Colonies are improving. Case in point: United Terran Airlines flight 107 scheduled to land in just a few minutes and is being heralded as the first of a series of flights and departures connecting Earth and Makaria territories with the Cyrannus system. The flight has generated lots of excitement among the leaders of industry and our people in general."
The white-haired reported turned to Ronals Herculasi, CEO of Tubur Industries, one of the major manufactures of civilian Star liner ships used commonly throughout the colonies. The short-gray-haired man in his late fifties smiled at the reporter and seemed eager to speak. Next to him was his wife and his eldest son. "Mister Herculasi, thank you for joining us here. Can you tell me why you and your family are traveling to Earth?"
The man smiled in a way that most professionals usually did. "Thank you for having me here. As you know, it's important for my company to remain in the forefront of new technological innovations discovered in our beloved colonies. In order to remain competitive, we must continually seek out new avenues of discovery and invention. The people of Earth feel the same way and we've been invited by several companies situated on Earth to what can be best described as a 'meet and greet', a seminar of sorts to discuss the possibilities of trade and commerce between our two nations. This meeting will be the first in what I hope to be many positive and profitable exchanges between our two nations."
"But, isn't the Earth government determined to keep us from joining their 'alliance' that they've created? It's still in its infancy and there are many who believe that it would be very beneficial if we could join our brothers and sisters at the beginning of this great venture for humanity. We're stronger together than separate which is obvious to everyone except Earth and her colonies. Many people are confused by the Terran's attitude towards us. The conflict between us is over and although our military tried to use nuclear weapons on the planet, an action most Colonials were horrified by, it did not, thank the gods, succeed and Earth stopped us. That battle and the Tollanian incident is past. Many of our people died, however as civilized people should be able to move on and get past our differences. Earth however seem to have different perspectives about this. Sir, what is your opinion concerning this seeming contradictory attitude of the Thirteenth Tribe?"
Herculasi frowned for a moment as he formulated his answer. "As we have discovered, most of our assumptions about them have been proven inaccurate. In fact, there are many things that we don't understand about the Terrans. As similar as they are to us, they are an unknown quantity. Although we are related and they very similar to us in so many ways, their culture is nevertheless different and those difference reflect how they see us as well as how they respond. You mentioned them as being the Thirteenth tribe. That may not be true, as the President has reiterated repeatedly. They certainly don't consider themselves the Thirteenth but we insist that they must be. At this point, does it really matter if they are or not? I think not. That is something for historians and archeological experts to determine. Now, I know that that is a point of contention for many but it is not as important as people seem to think it is. What is more important is for us to understand that whether we agree to their reasoning or not, it exists. The conflict over Earth was not seen by them as a local dispute between colonies. They saw it as an act of war, as much a war as our war with the Cylons. We are blessed that it did not start a war that could have cost the lives of millions, maybe billions of people. It did however have consequences which we are still feeling the effects of right now. There is a need for our people to learn and understand each other so that such wars never happen. I don't understand the underlying politics happening within our government and that of the Terrans but I know that both sides have not cut ties. In my humble way I am trying to mend what little I can by trusting them with the lives of my family and myself."
"Apparently the government agrees with you. Vice-President Willius will be on board the Terran ship heading to Makaria for a goodwill tour of the newly established colonies. There have been reports he is also to participate in talks with Earth allies and an alien species called the Race, in order to apply pressure on the Terrans to allow us to join their alliance, or Federation as some higher government officials are calling it. There are rumors that discussions about unification will be held, but that seems unlikely. Cornel Minas, quorum leader of the Third House of Picon Representatives, is also traveling to Makaria. Both have been vocal opponents of the Terrans. It's been suggested that this may indicate an increase of tensions between our two nations. Will our vice president actually come face to face with actual aliens?"
"I don't know. Those could be rumors. I've heard that there are alien species out there. I am unaware what the vice president intends to do when he arrives at Makaria. There may be aliens in the galaxy but I don't believe they are a threat to us. We've done nothing to them as far as I know but I am not privy to the secrets of the government. I am merely an executive looking out for the best interests of my company and the economic welfare of the Colonies. Personally, I'd like to meet a real alien. My grandkids would love it."
"I understand this will be a shorter trip than the usual journey from Cyrannus to Earth territory. How many months will it take as compared to a journey using one of our diplomatic battlestar couriers- a journey that takes approximately seven month?"
"Before I answer that question, would like to mention a few facts about establishing a colony so far from our territories. First, we have millions of people immigrating to our new colonies. From an economical point of view, this is a boon for us. We need to build new transports, new stations to provide support, and supplies, and Tyllium. We need new Tyllium carriers, miners, and tankers and increased numbers of fuel depots along the way. We will need convoys of construction and engineering transports to take the journey along with security for them. We need support ships and local guardian vessels to protect the travelers from pirates who are on the increase and to help in emergencies. We need supplies for our protectors. We need to contract educational instructors and teachers for the children and college-age youth. We need religious leadership to help us to remember our religious responsibilities and for moral support. We will have construction and engineering transports coming that will need protection. The list is endless. The number of jobs, the numbers of credits needed to ensure success is staggering. We must prepare for this influx and we have to be ready for the huge influx. Already close to ten million people have signed up to leave to the new colonies. Ten million! That is just the tip of the mountain. End estimates range from 200 million to three billion people will trade in their homes and lives here to start anew on those new worlds. I can see us being overwhelmed for decades if we do not prepare. In order to do that we must expand our economic base and trade with newfound partners.
"Now, I've said all of this to get to this point. It will take an average of twelve to fourteen months for a family of newfound colonists to arrive in Makaria sector. This includes waypoints, rest stops, emergencies, as well as critical maintenance if any, crew changes etc. The Terrans can travel from Earth to the Cyrannus system in nineteen hours." He smiled as the reporter's mouth fell open. "What could that jump in technology do for us if we are able to get it? That's the reason why we corporations are going there."
Sandraes smiled. "Thank you very much Mr. and Mrs. Herculasi. We hope you have a safe journey. I am sorry to cut you off but the Terran transport is landing now. We now switch to our outside reporter. Kalos?"
"Jasen, I am outside watching the Terran ship as it is locked onto the glide path. It's a very unusual design as you can see."
For the viewers of this historic event, many gasped as the comparatively small ship headed in for a landing at the spaceport.
"Like I just said, it's a very strange design for a space going ship. I don't know if you can hear it but that is not the normal roar of jet or space engines. Instead, we're hearing a type of humming sound almost musical in nature from the incoming Terran star liner."
"They came in that?" the reporter heard (as did everyone else in earshot). "Gods! We have shuttles bigger than this!"
TBC