Chapter Four: Fraying at the Edges
Four Years Before the Fall:
Caprica City, Caprica, Symington Fleet Air Station:
The Caprica City suburb of Symington was the location of one of the three fleet air stations in the Caprica City area operated by the Colonial Fleet. Out of the three bases, Symington was the largest of the three and it was here where the trial of Lieutenant Colonel Artimus Bowman was scheduled to be held.
Retired Admiral John Kronus had been summoned to Symington for a meeting in the Commandant's Office. It seemed strange that a retired flag officer would allow himself to be summoned on such short notice, yet here he was waiting for the person he was to meet with. Kronus stood at the window watching the activities of the base. There were Vipers being prepped for launch and off in the distance he saw a group of Raptors coming in to land on one of the nearby runways. It had been some time since he was last on a Colonial Fleet installation and while he was now here as a civilian it seemed the base's personnel preferred to treat him as though he were still on active duty.
The door to the room opened and he turned from the window to see that his guest had arrived. He looked slightly older than the last time he they had met but his eyes still held the same fire they had from back in the Cylon War. The retired Fleet Admiral was now wearing the same blue officer uniform that Kronus was wearing. Even though both men were retired from active duty a special amendment had been passed by the Quorum of Twelve that allowed certain distinguished retired flag officers to continue to wear their officer uniforms.
"It's been a while, Jonas; how are Elizabeth and the kids?" Kronus asked.
"They're doing fine, John," Stryker said as he shook hands with Kronus.
"I was supposed to be in Caprica City anyway. I was invited by Bremner University to speak to the class graduating from the law school. I remember when you first had me take over the JAG corps, going from commanding a battlestar task force to heading the Fleet's lawyers seemed a step down at the time."
Stryker was quiet for a moment before saying, "I know at the time you didn't think too highly of my decision but I had every reason for doing that. You had earned your law degree and if it hadn't have been for the Cylons you would have put it to good use on Leonis. Besides, it was time for a reduction of our forces and I didn't want to see you return to civilian life."
Kronus managed to stifle a laugh, "One of the many times when the bureaucrats said they wanted to make the fleet leaner and stronger."
Stryker let out a laugh, "If they took the time to listen to themselves when they said that then the politicians would know just how full of it they sounded."
"I know what you mean. Listen, Admiral, I know you brought me here for a reason and I don't think it's to reminisce about the old days."
"That's something I respect about you, Kronus, you like to get to the point. I don't know if you follow the news but there is a Colonial Fleet officer facing murder charges. His name is Artimus Bowman; he's a Lieutenant Colonel and a Raptor instructor over at Vaught-Hemingway. I want you to defend him."
Kronus was stunned by the request and it took him a moment to get his thoughts together, "I'm retired, sir, I don't see how I could make a difference in this trial. Is it military or civilian?"
"It's a military trial, and while I don't know Colonel Bowman personally I did know his grandfather. He did a favor for me during a mission on Canceron and I want to do the same for him. He called me and asked me to get help for his grandson, and that's why I'm bringing you in to help him."
"That's honorable of you, but why me?"
"Because, Kronus, you're a damn good lawyer and if I'm going to send someone in to fight this battle on behalf of Colonel Bowman, you can bet I'm going to bring the best I have."
Kronus was quiet as he went over everything in his mind and realized that deep down there was no reason for him to deny this request. "Who's the opposing council?"
"Major Lamar Peyton is prosecuting. It seems Admiral Knowles handpicked him for the case," Stryker said.
Present Day:
Olympica, Admiral Kronus' Office:
The door opened and two people entered the room. One of them was Nirmala Patel, a top aide to Governor David Rush, and the other was Major Arthur Wallace. Wallace had arrived from Amasen less than fifteen minutes ago. Patel met him at the shuttle bay where his Raptor had landed. She had quickly informed him that he needed to follow her to meet with Admiral Kronus.
"You move faster than I gave you credit for?" Wallace whispered to her after he had closed the door.
"I thought you were going to do a better job of keeping up," Patel whispered back.
"If you hadn't slowed down I might have gotten lost back there on D-Deck."
"You'll have to forgive me for that," she said before continuing, "I sometimes forget how fast I can walk when I'm on duty. I honestly thought you had kept up with me."
"Let me amend what I just said. You move fast for a woman wearing high heels," Wallace said and the two had to fight back the urge to laugh. Truth was he had no trouble with following behind the attractive Leonisian, in his opinion the woman's choice of wardrobe did her figure justice.
"You do realize we don't want to startle the Admiral; he is sleeping after all," Patel said with a tilt of her head toward the desk where Kronus was sound asleep.
"Well Nirmala, I can call you by 'Nirmala' right?" Wallace asked. She nodded. He continued with, "I think it would do Admiral Kronus worlds of good if we tested his reaction time. As long as he's not carrying a gun we should be fine."
"You do realize you're only inviting trouble don't you?" she asked.
Wallace smiled at her, "That's never stopped me before."
"Remember that if this makes him angry that I was opposed to it."
"Your objection is noted, besides…I would never put a woman in harm's way."
Patel raised an eyebrow at him in disbelief. "I have my suspicions about that."
Wallace walked over and gently shook Kronus by his shoulder, "Admiral Kronus, it's time to wake up."
Kronus mumbled something but it was not much longer until his eyes fluttered opened, "I have to stop dreaming about my last case."
Patel asked, "Your last case?"
Kronus' eyes adjusted and became focused as his the fog of sleep left his mind, "I was dreaming about the last case I tried as a lawyer, it was four years ago on Caprica."
"It was a favor for Admiral Stryker, he asked you to defend an officer by the name of Artimus Bowman," Wallace said.
"Hello Arthur, I see you seem to be doing well in spite of everything. You at least look healthy," Kronus said when he saw Wallace standing off to the side.
"I was fortunate to find the station Admiral Stryker had left for us. He always said the Cylons would return, I think if he's there in the afterlife he's pointing at us and saying he told us so," Wallace said.
Kronus nodded his head, "I'm not saying he wouldn't be entitled to it. Gods the Cylons caught us with our pants down on this one, you'd think we'd have been better prepared for it."
"You can't blame the Fleet completely for this, Adar did all he could to make us vulnerable," Wallace said.
"The Major is right; there was nothing you could have done to have stopped it. If anything you and Admiral Tolan have shown that there is still some fight left in the Colonial Fleet's remnants," Patel added.
"I see you have yourself a cheerleader on your side," Wallace said jokingly and for an instant he thought he could feel the heat of Patel's glare on his back.
"Before Ms. Patel burns a hole in your back I need your help," Kronus said before continuing, "I need you to get close to a reporter by the name of Danya Wright. Someone has leaked highly classified documents to her and we need to find out who did it. She's a reporter who is probably not going to give up her sources easily so take however long you need to get the information."
"I'll be happy to help but the traveling back and forth from Amasen to here is going to be exhausting."
Kronus smiled and nodded to Patel, "Ms. Patel has taken the time to secure you a luxury suite here on the Olympica, and we will provide you with enough credits to buy yourself some more…upscale clothing so you can look like you're someone who could actually afford a luxury suite on the Olympica. You may want to use an alias as well, I'm sure you had plenty from your time with the Ministry of Intelligence."
Wallace smiled, "When I leave this room you can refer to me as 'William Savedge', will there be anyone assisting me or am I going solo?"
Patel stepped forward, "I volunteered to serve as your assistant, that way I can keep tabs on how the operation is going and report your progress to Admiral Kronus."
"I think I'm going to rather enjoy going back to undercover work," Wallace said before turning to Patel with a grin, "So you're my girlfriend, mistress, or anything along those lines?"
"I'm your secretary and that is strictly in a professional sense," Patel said.
"The thought never crossed my mind," Wallace tried to say innocently.
"Of course it didn't. Let's head to your suite and I'll brief you further on Ms. Wright. Admiral, I will see you in about two hours as scheduled," Patel said and she left the room with Wallace behind her once again trying to keep up with her.
Olympica, Dome One:
Five Colonial Fleet officers stood underneath a large oak tree that provided shade against the artificial sun. If they hadn't known they were on the Olympica, it would have been easy to imagine that they were on Caprica, Picon, or any of the twelve colonies. With the Quorum's meeting temporarily on hold, it seemed a great idea for the officers to get away and relax before it resumed. Admiral Naomi Sakura, Rear Admiral Nicholas Tattnall, Rear Admiral Lewis Ware, Commander Jerome Cyprian, and Commander Audra Ortiz had come here to enjoy the scenery and ultimately discuss the events of the last eight months.
"As much of a pain in the ass as he's been since he first came onto my ship, Wallace has more often than not shown good judgment," Cyprian admitted.
"You had to deal with him longer than I did, but I at least had the previous experience with the Ministry of Intelligence," Tattnall said.
"How did that work out for you when you met up with us?" Ortiz asked even though she knew the answer.
"He was different from most of the MoI agents I had dealt with during my mission," Tattnall answered.
"What were you doing working the Ministry of Intelligence?" Ware asked.
"It all started a little over six years ago."
"Hello officers, taking in the lovely sights the dome provides?" a man asked as he and another man walked over to where the officers were sitting.
"This is nothing like what we had back on Amasen," Cyprian said before asking, "Who are you?"
"Forgive me for losing my manners. I'm Grant Carlyle, the Colonial Line representative for the Olympica and this is my assistant, Charles Courtney," Carlyle said as the other man nodded to the group upon hearing his name.
"With the exception of Admiral Sakura this is our first time on the Olympica," Tattnall said.
"I hope you find it to your liking, we put the very best into making her and I hope that comes across," Carlyle said with no small measure of pride.
"If we have any ideas for improving life on this ship believe me you'll be the first one we tell," Cyprian said in a mock-serious tone.
"I would appreciate that…now if you'll excuse me," Carlyle said as he and Courtney turned to leave.
"That was interesting," Ortiz said.
"Glad to see our opinion is so highly valued, do you think we'd actually have anything to add on improving the ship?" Ware asked.
Sakura shook her head, "If it was on how to turn the Olympica into a quality troop ship I could give plenty of ideas but since I don't see that happening anytime soon…I have nothing."
A movement off to the side caught the groups' attention and their heads turned to see Rear Admiral Brannigan coming towards them.
"Rear Admiral Brannigan, what brings you here?" Sakura asked.
"I just received a communiqué from Admiral Kronus," Brannigan began before continuing with, "He wants to cobble together a battlestar task force to carry out hit-and-run attacks against the Cylons."
"I know most of our ships have been damaged, even the Helios could use some time in the dock for repairs," Sakura said.
"He's going to create the task force with the Libran, Stryker, and Gemenon as the battlestars. Admiral Ware's cruiser task force will provide the gunnery support needed to keep the ships safe. The Ark Royal is going to be the primary defense ship for Amasen while the other battlestars are undergoing repairs. Admiral Sakura, you will be able to pick your flagship," Brannigan said.
"Did Kronus give any suggestions as to where he'd like for me to concentrate?" Sakura asked.
Brannigan shook his head, "He has left word that it will be up to your discretion. All he says is that it's important that you keep the Cylons from Amasen, other than that the course of action you take is up to you."
"Let Admiral Kronus know that we'll be ready to leave in three to five days and I'll be flying my flag in the Stryker," Sakura finally said.
"That would prove good for morale, the name 'Stryker' can be a rallying point for the military and the civilians. Regardless, I know what Admiral Kronus would tell you, 'Good hunting Admiral Sakura.'" Brannigan said before saluting her and turning to leave.
"Well this is going to be interesting, I get to call a new ship 'home' for the time being," Sakura said before turning her attention to Cyprian, "Commander Cyprian, it looks like we're going to be working together."
Cyprian smiled, "It will be nice to have the Stryker being used as a proper flagship."
"Indeed it will be, let's get back to our ships and get the wheels turning on this. The sooner we have everything ready the sooner we can start hitting the Cylons," Sakura said as she started making her way to one of the exits. She was going to be on a ship besides the Helios and in command of her own task force. In a way it was exciting but at the same time she felt a bit sad about leaving the ship that she had commanded for the last eight months.
"Who's going to be in charge of the Gemenon?" Sakura asked.
"I believe Commander Minerva is going to be in charge," Tattnall said before adding, "She was my XO on the Libran and she's more than qualified to command a battlestar."
"Sounds like a plan to me, let's break up our little get-together and get to work," Sakura said as she turned around and began walking towards the nearest exit.
Olympica, Aurelia Gilliam's Office:
Aurelia Gilliam was taking a short break from the Quorum meeting in order to meet a person she hoped she could form a mutually beneficial partnership with. The idea had come to her while she was reading the after action reports from the Battle of Ostarsis. She had found a piece of information she hoped to use to her advantage and solidify her status as one of the heavy hitters on the Quorum. She knew from the reports given to her by her Eli Hunter, her Chief-of-Staff, that she had struck a chord with those in the civilian fleet who had become dissatisfied with not only the administration of Governor David Rush but also with the way the Admiralty had prosecuted the war against the Cylons. It had been eight months and they were no closer to a peaceful resolution than they had been when the Colonies fell.
The door opened and in walked the man she had been expecting. She had expected to see him still in his flight suit but instead he wore the blue uniform of a Colonial Fleet officer. She had taken the time to read his dossier and she had an idea as to what she should mention to build a sort of shared kinship. Major Mark 'Archangel' Hunter, the CAG of the battlestar Ark Royal, was a fellow Sagitarron and could be a useful tool in her campaign.
"Major Hunter, it is a pleasure to meet you," Gilliam said as she stood up and offered him a handshake.
"Thank you, Ms. Gilliam," he said as he shook her offered hand before taking a seat.
"I wanted you to know how much I appreciate you taking the time to come and see me on such short notice. I can only imagine how things are for you on the Ark Royal. I take it your air group came out okay," she said as she began the small talk she hoped would put the officer at ease.
"We lost a handful of pilots but they acquitted themselves in the battle," Hunter said matter-of-factly.
"I for one am grateful to hear that! My Chief-of-Staff is Eli Hunter, he's also from Sagittaron. I believe he grew up in Tawa. Your file says you're from a small town called 'Freedom', I've heard of it but I've never been there. Are you two related?"
Hunter shrugged, "There could be a chance but I highly doubt it. If you don't mind my bluntness Ms. Gilliam, I need to get back to my ship to meet with my squadron commanders."
Gilliam kept what she wanted to say at bay and instead said, "We Sagittarons don't have many in the military so it's important that we recognize those that serve to protect us. I have read your file and I'm sorry to say that the Colonial Fleet has shown its usual biases against our people and have not properly recognized your achievements. With that said, I am planning to honor you in three to five days when I can get all of the arrangements made. You can expect to get commended and properly rewarded for all you've done to keep us safe."
Hunter kept his expression neutral, "If the Admiralty signs off on it then I'd be honored, but I want you to know Ms. Gilliam that I am not some pawn you can use to gain more power for yourself. I will not be taken advantage of and used to further whatever agenda you may have. Just so we're clear…"
Gilliam smiled back at him, "Understood perfectly. I know you need to get back to your ship so thank you for meeting with me Major Hunter."
Hunter stood and left the room without saying a word.
Gilliam lit a cigarette and pondered the meeting she had just had with the officer. It could have gone better to be sure but it was a start and that was all she could ask for. She could use him to her advantage and he would probably be none the wiser. In her eyes Viper pilots were just like dogs, if you petted them and provided enough toys to play with then they would be forever loyal.
"You have that look on your face," Eli Hunter said.
"What look would that be?" Gilliam asked.
"The look that says you're plotting something and it is probably going to ruffle some feathers," he said as he took the seat that had been previously occupied by the Viper pilot.
"I was thinking that what we really need is an event to honor the Sagittarons in the fleet. As much as we've been slighted over the years it is only right that we do something that would give us a moment in the sun and give my own little 'Frak you' to the rest of the military," she said with a smile as she the ceremony played out in her mind.
"That may not work; do you think the people would go for it? Not to mention that I doubt Governor Rush would approve it, I'm sure he'd say something about it being divisive."
Gilliam laughed, "I could care less what that man thinks, but to make sure it passes I'll just leave out a few small details until the ceremony takes place."
Olympica, Grand Staircase, B-Deck Landing:
Mark Hunter turned the corner and found himself on the B-Deck Landing of the Olympica's Grand Staircase. He had thought of his meeting with Aurelia Gilliam and there was something about the woman that did not sit well with him. He had a feeling she was up to something but in truth he knew nowhere near enough to deduce what it was, all he was certain of was that she probably intended to use him as some kind of pawn. He put his hands on the rail and looked down; the staircase went from the top deck of the ship all the way down to the bottom of the passenger decks. He could see the passengers either milling about on various parts of staircase or using them to get from one deck to another.
He had seen the videos of the Olympica's construction and he had to admit that the ship lived up to the hype. Here he was in a wood-paneled work of art that was on a level he could not have imagined. It was an interesting contrast in his opinion. The world of the military was not known for its comforts and for the past eight months on the Ark Royal that had been his life. Yet the Olympica was a testament to the luxurious life of the upper echelon of Colonial society.
"You look deep in thought, I wasn't sure if you were still capable of that," a woman's voice said in a decidedly teasing manner.
Hunter turned around to see Captain Alisa Stark walking up to him from behind where he was standing, "I was wondering where you were at."
Stark came up to where he was standing and glanced down to the bottom of the Grand Staircase, "That's a long way down."
"I suppose it is," Hunter said before asking, "How are you enjoying the ship?"
"I found this bar on C-Deck called the 'Icefish Grille' that caught my eye. I may make a point to stop by there and have a drink or two before I have to return to the Ark. How did your meeting with your Quorum rep go?" she asked.
"Truth be told, I trust her about as much as I would trust the Cylons. I know she's up to something but I need more time to figure out what it is," Hunter took one last look down the staircase then said, "Now show me this bar you speak of, I think after all we've been through it's about time we had a few celebratory drinks."
"Couldn't agree with you more CAG," Stark said with a smile as she made her way down the stairs to the C-Deck landing.
Hunter caught up to her and walked at the same pace she was, "Looks like we have to navigate the passenger area before we reach this place."
Stark looked over at him, "The good news is that this should be the last area of cabins we have to navigate before we reach the restaurant section."
"Lead the way since you know where you're going, what do you think of this place?" Hunter said as the pair headed aft through the maze of cabins. It was not as though the rooms had been arranged haphazardly, it was the fact that after every corridor looked the same and the only way to tell you were heading down a different hallway was with the room numbers. Taking a left or a right was not particularly helpful but knowing that the direction they needed to go was aft did make it somewhat easier. Once they reached the end of the cabin area it might be a different story, if all worked out maybe Stark would get to the right door.
"I may not know that well, for all I know I'll take a wrong turn and open a door that leads to a cleaning supply room or something along those lines," Stark said with a chuckle.
"I'll try not to make any jokes about that if you do, after all it's a big ship so it could be easy to get lost," Hunter said diplomatically.
"I thought Amasen was decent enough but it pales in comparison to this ship, it's like a floating metropolis in space. I think they thought of everything when they designed her, suddenly shore leave has become more fun."
Hunter chuckled, "I think our time on Amasen has given us a certain perspective, I think when more people come over here they'll agree that Olympica will spoil them."
The pair exited a set of double doors and walked into a double level area that looked like a cluster of restaurants, bars, and clubs all jammed into one area. Above them a rhythmic bass could be heard from a place named 'Verbeia'. Hunter and Stark looked up and each of them took in the long line that extended from the tinted glass doors that served as the club's entrance.
"You didn't mention that being near the bar," Hunter said.
"It's not, I think we took a wrong turn somewhere in the cabin area. Follow me," Stark said and she headed to the left towards a set of sliding glass doors that led to another part of the restaurant section of the ship.
As the pair passed through the doorway the sounds of the clubs faded away and they were in an area that seemed to provide a quieter dining experience than the area that they had just been in.
"There it is, first round's on me!" Stark said as she pointed to nautical-themed restaurant with 'Icefish Grille' in blue neon lettering above the entrance.
"We have ourselves a couple of officers!" a man's voice called out behind him as he through the door with an entourage.
"Your grasp of the obvious is astounding," Hunter deadpanned.
"It's Leon Delroy!" Stark gasped in excitement as the pyramid player made his way towards them.
"I see I have a fan!" Delroy exclaimed as he shook hands with Hunter and got a hug from Stark.
"I have followed your career since you were drafted by Picon, I thought you were going to lead Gemenon to the Kobol Cup when you signed with them," Stark said.
"You must tell me your name and your silent friend's as well," Delroy said.
"Captain Alisa Stark of the Ark Royal and my usual talkative friend is Major Mark Hunter," Stark said and she was surprised to see Hunter try to not shoot her an irritated look.
"I had hoped for that but the good news is that I've helped to start a pyramid league here on the Olympica. You and your friend should come catch one of our games; you can be guests of mine!"
Hunter finally said, "I remember telling my friend Skeeter that you were perhaps the best pure athlete to play pyramid. Sadly he said that your skill on defense was on par with your relationship skills."
"Ow... okay…how about you come with me and I'll buy you a drink, my way of thanking you for all you've done to keep us safe. I'll even throw in a dance with Captain Alisa for good measure," Delroy said as he threw a charming smile Stark's way.
"Sounds good to me but I have to warn you that I've seen Alisa dance and it's not pretty…" Hunter said and it was then that Stark put an elbow into his rib cage to quiet him.
Olympica Security:
The atmosphere in Karin Briggs' office carried the unmistakable hint of the tension that accompanies a failed mission. In the eyes of those involved with the raid on the freighter Jauron the good that came from the endeavor was negated by what was not accomplished. Dante Solis had evaded capture and there was no idea as to where in the fleet he had gone.
Mitchell Cain, Jessica Jennings, Lyndon Ewing, Rhoda Davis, and Angelique Simone were seated at the conference table with a mix of disbelief and anger at how the raid on Solis' ship had turned out. They had managed to gain a large degree of intel on his operations and now knew most of the people who worked for him but that was less than their stated goal of bringing down Solis.
"Any idea on who The Watcher is?" Simone asked.
"Sounds like a valued spy of his," Cain said as he went over the notes mentioning the operative Solis simply referred to as 'The Watcher', "Solis went to great pains not to name the person in his notes, I think he or she is some sort of observer that reports to him and allows him to stay one step ahead.
"Whoever it is, it's making our job that much harder," Ewing said with a frustrated sigh.
"We'll get whoever this is and bring Solis down once and for all," Cain said with conviction.
"I hate to be the one to tell you this Cain but that sounds like a line straight from a movie script," Davis said and surprisingly everyone at the table laughed.
"Point taken but the fact is we're going to get him and what's left of his group sooner or later. Though I admit I'd rather we did this sooner," Cain said once his laughter had died down.
"Have you thought about our next move?" Jennings asked.
"I'm going to go to Governor Rush and meet with him, then I think Director Briggs and I can strategize our next move," Cain said before adding, "Everyone's dismissed, I want reports turned in before the day is over," Cain said and the group got up and left the room.
"Sorry I was late, I had a meeting with Captain Edwards on the status of my forces," Karin Briggs, the Director of Olympica Security, said as she stood in the doorway to her office.
"What concerns the Olympica's skipper?" Cain asked. Captain Robert Edwards was the senior officer of the Colonial Line and had been tasked with commanding the company's marquee ships. Since the Cylon attack he had done all he could to keep order on the liner.
"He's concerned about Solis and his gang possibly being on the ship and he's hoping that our quest to bring Solis down won't stretch my force too thin," Briggs said as she took a seat at her desk.
"It's not something I would worry about, you still have a fully staffed security force and from what I have heard is that Governor Rush is going to expand on your authority," Cain said as he turned his chair away from the conference table to face her.
A surprised look came over Briggs' face, "How could you have known about that? It wasn't even announced to the press!"
Cain shrugged, "It's been rumored for some time. Besides, it will benefit you to be something besides a group of corporate rent-a-cops."
"It's an interesting situation to be in. For the longest time we were only concerned with stopping vandalism and other types of petty crimes. Then when the attacks happened we were unofficially given more powers to police the ship. Now look at us, Olympica Security is going to become a legitimate police force."
"I'm sure if you need to there are other people in the civilian fleet who were in law enforcement that could be useful to you," Cain said.
"Perhaps, it would be nice to have some extra personnel here," Briggs said as she reached into a nearby mini-fridge and pulled out a bottle of water.
"What was your life like before the attack?" Cain asked.
"I'm surprised you haven't found some way to read my file," she said teasingly.
"I thought about it but then I decided it'd be more fun to actually have a conversation with you. If you lie to me I'll know it."
Briggs raised an eyebrow at him, "I take it that's something you learned with the MoI?"
"Any agent who joins the Ministry of Intelligence is trained at detecting whether or not someone is lying," Cain responded before asking, "So what's your history?"
"I'm thirty-four and I'm originally from Aquaria. I grew up in Fort Hawkins; actually it was Ocmulgee…believe me when I tell you it is not one of the nicer areas of the city."
"Rough area to grow up in, did you spend your whole life there?"
Briggs shook her head, "When I graduated from high school I made it a point to get out of there, I knew all too well that there wasn't much of a future for me if I stayed in Ocmulgee. I had a friend who wanted to move to Caprica City to try to make it as a theater actress and I went with her. I joined the Caprica City Police Department and spent six years there before I took a job with the Colonial Line to work security on their liners."
"I think it was the right decision, you've obviously moved up in the ranks to head Security here on the Olympica."
She smiled, "It is better than what I could have hoped for when I was living in that studio apartment in Caprica City."
Cain gave her a look of intrigue, "I thought you were living in Caprica City with your friend."
"We were but at the time the best we could afford was a one bedroom apartment, and if you're curious about sleeping arrangements…we shared a king-size bed."
Cain held up his hands as though he were trying to defend himself. "I wasn't going to imply anything, honest! So what about family back on Caprica?"
Briggs shook her head. "The career came first for me, and there wasn't a lot of time for me to develop any long-term relationships. I figured with the Olympica posting I might try to find someone and if it was too late for me to have kids, then adoption was a serious option. Let me turn the tables on you, Mr. Secret Agent, what's your story?"
"I'm from Tauron and I'm one year younger than you are. I went to Temnos University in Caprica City and it was there that I was recruited to the MoI," Cain said.
"You're telling me you just walked up to their display table during Career Week and thought, 'You know what, I think a career in the field of covert intelligence is just what I was meant to do!'"
Cain laughed, "My grades put me in the top five percent of my class and that caught the MoI's attention. On top of that the director at the time was a friend of my parents and he got the ball rolling on my recruitment."
"I used to wonder if I should have gone to college, but I was so desperate to get away from my neighborhood…I have to ask, just how many people have you killed?"
Cain's eyes took on a mischievous glint, "A few but believe me they were all bad. Back to you, what was your roommate's name?"
"Jillian Walsh, she did some musicals and whatnot before realizing she was not going to make it in show business. She took a job at Athena Academy teaching drama. We stayed in touch and kept our friendship going, but when I took the job with the Colonial Line my time in Caprica City became less and less," Briggs said and this time there was a trace of regret in her voice.
"I have a meeting with Governor Rush in about an hour. I'm going to grab a bite to eat beforehand, do you want to join me?" Cain asked.
Briggs' first instinct was to decline but decided it would be nice to keep the conversation going, "I think that would be a good idea."
Hospital Ship Solace, Main Dining Room:
"Feels good to be able to walk more," Emily Tolan said as she sat down in a booth.
"You've come a long way since they brought you here," Daphne Sari said as she and Andrea Graystone took seats on the opposite side of the table.
"Just being able to get out of that room was an accomplishment; lately the walls were closing in on me."
"I think most people here can attest to that, you're in the same room day in and day out and it never changes," Andrea said.
"Lacey came by and told me she was heading out to the Athena on the next transport," Emily said.
"Why would she do something like that? I'm sure the brass would give her all the time off she needs," Andrea replied. The confusion in her voice was obvious.
"She said there was going to be some sort of ceremony on the Athena and as a part of the ship's crew she really needed to be there for it. I think she mentioned something about decommissioning."
"She's in shock as much as the rest of us," Sari said.
"You've help up better than I thought you would Em," Andrea admitted.
Emily let out a short laugh. "It hasn't been easy. I've spent so much time trying to convince myself that he's out there somewhere and he's alive and trying to find a way back here to me."
Andrea added, "Listen, I'm worried about you. Going by what Daphne has told me, it seems the whole crew here on the Solace is worried about you."
Emily put a hand up in protest. "I'm fine and I don't see how I can deal with this any differently than I have already."
"You put up these barriers as though you're trying to keep everything bottled up inside and that can't be healthy for you," Sari said.
"Daphne, you knew Scott for almost as long as I did and you served under him as a pilot too, so how are you holding up?" Emily said hoping she could turn the tables.
"When my shift ended and I went to my rack, I pulled the privacy curtain and cried my eyes out. Scott is a good man and it's hard to imagine they make officers like him nowadays. I'm devastated that he may be gone, and I'm not afraid to let people see it."
"I see, and what about you, Andie?" Emily asked her older sister to see what she would say.
"Combine pregnancy hormones with the loss of a man who was really like family to me and you know how I'm doing. Just thinking he may be gone is enough to make my eyes get watery. I'm going through hell even more than I was eight months ago."
Emily took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Tell you what I'll do. The chapel isn't too far from here so I'll go there and sit for a little while to collect my thoughts. When the two of you are done eating you can come find me."
"Are you sure you can make it by yourself?" Andrea asked.
"I'm going to have to, in more ways than one," Emily said as she stood up and walked out of the room. She was a bit disoriented but the grueling hours of physical therapy were paying off for her.
Olympica, Luxury Suite A-52:
"It's official; I am in love with the Olympica!"
Patel took in Wallace's excitement and laughed aloud. "It's what I thought, too; when I first stepped onboard; she really is a wonder of engineering."
"Not to mention the rooms are incredible to look at. I know I'm not big on material things but after spending the last eight months on Amasen I had forgotten what civilian comfort looks like," Wallace said as he took a seat in a nearby chair.
"You're really enjoying this, were you like this when you were with the MoI?"
Wallace shook his head, "I was much worse, I enjoyed the life of being a spy. There was never a dull moment!"
In truth, it was a lie but as far as Patel or anyone else should be concerned, he was proud to have been a part of the Ministry of Intelligence.
"Do I need to have someone bring over any items from the station?"
Wallace was going to request that some clothes and other items be brought over, but he considered the women on the station who probably still had it in for him and thought better of it. "I'll just get what I need from the stores here on the ship."
The phone on the table by the chair began to ring. "Hello?"
"Wallace, this is Admiral Kronus. I've thought our plan over and I want to tweak it a bit."
Wallace simply asked, "How so?"
"You and Miss Patel are going undercover as Mr. Giovanni Ferrari and his sister Augusta. I'll let the two of you work out the finer details of your cover but I think this will work better than 'William Savedge'."
"May I ask why?" Wallace asked, though he was sure he knew the answer.
"Because William Savedge has developed quite a reputation as an arms-dealer throughout the Colonies and was apparently heavily favored by the Erebea for their weapon purchases. That's not exactly the kind of respectable person we need for this operation."
"When you put it like that, there's no way I can argue with you!"
"I think we can work out the finer details tonight and then tomorrow we can put our plan into motion," Patel said as she opened the door to one of the suite's two bedrooms and opened it.
"I'm the MoI officer so that won't be too much of a challenge for me," Wallace said with his usual self-assured confidence.
"I love the confidence, it would be even better to see you back it up," Patel teased as she closed the door.
One Hour, Thirty-Seven Minutes Later:
Battlestar Stryker, Hangar Deck:
The Raptor had been brought from the port flight pod of the Stryker's hangar deck where it would normally have been docked. In the pilot's seat of the craft, Lieutenant Carmelo 'Melo' Conti went through his final checks as he powered the Raptor down.
"Allow me to be the first to welcome you to the Stryker," Townsend said to the two passengers sitting on the rear seat in the Raptor's aft compartment.
"Thank you, Lieutenant, that has to be one of the smoother rides I've had in a Raptor," Admiral Sakura said with a smile. She was glad to see the pilot's face brighten slightly at the compliment.
"You did well, Commander "Chiuske" Shimomura, Sakura's newly-appointed Chief-of-Staff, said. He had arrived on the Helios once the Athena had been officially decommissioned in order to catch the Raptor over to the Stryker.
"Don't worry, Commander, you should be able to get some rest now that we're on our ship," Sakura said as she observed the officer's tired condition.
"Thank you, Admiral; it's been a very tiring past few days. Not to mention losing the Athena…" his voice trailed off as he thought of the ship that he had called home for some time.
"I know that had to have been hard for you but I ultimately think it was for the best," Sakura said though she was certain she would have felt different if it had been the Helios that was slated to be broken up.
The Raptor's hatch opened to reveal the crew of the Stryker standing on the hangar ready for her arrival. She stepped out of the Raptor and as soon as her foot touched the deck she heard the call 'Admiral on deck!' and the crew stiffly came to attention.
"At ease," she called out.
"Admiral, welcome to the Stryker. It's an honor to have you onboard," Cyprian said with a smile as he saluted her.
She returned the salute and shook his hand, "Thank you Commander, it's an honor to have this ship as my flagship."
"Would you care to inspect the crew?" he asked.
She thought it over before shaking her head, "No need to at this time. When my staff and I are settled in then I will conduct an inspection. Instead, I want this ship ready for departure as soon as possible."
Cyprian nodded and then announced, "Crew dismissed, prepare the ship for departure!"
The crew began disperse and it was not long until it was Sakura, Shimomura, and Cyprian standing near the Raptor.
"If you would like I'd be happy to escort you to your quarters," Cyprian said as he motioned to a nearby hatch that led out of the hangar.
"I would appreciate it," Sakura replied and the three entered the hatch and began making their way towards the Admiral's Quarters, the new room she would call home.
"I have to ask, what condition is the admiral's quarters in?" Shimomura asked.
"To be honest with you, we were using it as an extra storage room for the last eight months. However, when word got out that the Stryker was going to serve as a flagship we quickly cleaned it out and cleaned it up," Cyprian said.
"Exactly what were you storing there?" she asked even though she was almost afraid to.
"Just supplies for the living quarters, but I promise the deck gang did an outstanding job of getting the quarters for you and for your staff ready for use," Cyprian reassured her.
"What about the other flag facilities?" she asked.
"Once again we have taken the time to get them ready for your use. That actually wasn't all that hard, the area had been sealed up in the months leading up to the decommissioning so it was just a matter of unsealing it and making sure the equipment still worked."
Shimomura asked, "Why was it necessary to seal the room up?"
Cyprian gave a smile that implied he could not seriously do justice to what he was going to say, "In the days leading up to the Stryker's scheduled decommissioning there were two groups onboard, one from the Jonas Stryker museums on Aquaria and Picon. They were fighting over everything they could get their hands on and it wasn't getting any better for me. I finally had to call in the Marines and read the riot act but the Picon museum wanted the flag facilities for their museum and as such they left orders that the rooms were to be sealed and left as they were."
"How were you able to run the ship with all that craziness going on?" Sakura asked.
"It wasn't easy but I managed to make it happen, I knew going in that it would be different from other decommissioning jobs I've had but I had no idea that I was going to be the ringmaster of a circus."
After several more minutes of navigating the corridors of the battlestar they came to what was known as 'Flag Country', the area of the Stryker where Sakura and her staff would conduct operations for the battle group.
Cyprian entered a code on the keypad at the door marked 'Admiral's Quarters' and turned the handle to open the door, "Admiral Sakura, welcome to your quarters."
Sakura stepped in and she was surprised to find that the room looked spotless and could pass for being a brand new room on a recently commissioned ship, "After what you told me I'd have never thought that the room would look this immaculate. Whoever put the effort into it is bucking for promotion."
"I'll pass that along to Chief Knapp and his gang," Cyprian said before turning his attention to Shimomura, "Commander, if you'd follow me I'll show you to your quarters. I can assure you that as much care has been put into them as there was for Admiral Sakura's."
"Lead the way but something tells me that more attention was given to her accommodations than mine," Shimomura said teasingly.
"That comes with flag rank, you get treated a bit better than your fellow officers," Cyprian replied as he stepped out of the room and made his way down the corridor to the rooms that would house the personnel of Sakura's staff.
"If I may say, you have been surprisingly enthusiastic about all of this," Shimomura said.
Cyprian shrugged, "My world has been turned upside down several times over the last eight months so having to adjust to being the commanding officer of a flagship is just another adjustment I have to make."
"For what it's worth there were several reasons for selecting the Stryker as the task force's flagship. Out of the three battlestars yours is the newest and the one more known in the media just by its name alone," Shimomura said and he wondered if Cyprian had thought of these things.
"Here's to hoping we build a great public persona for the Stryker," Cyprian said as they came to a stop at the door marked 'Chief of Staff's Quarters'.
Solace, Ship's Chapel:
Emily had excused herself from her sister and friends so she could have a moment to herself to reflect on recent events. Having the Cylons destroy everything she knew from her old life was one thing but losing Scott was something all together different. She had always accepted the reality of being a military wife, and if she believed what the rumors, she was facing a reality she had always prayed she would never have to deal with.
She found a seat and looked up towards the chapel's altar. A part of her wanted to light a candle and say a prayer for her husband but she was not feeling quite up to doing that yet. Right now, she was content to be alone with her thoughts.
Reaching into her pocket, she fingered an object that Scott had brought over during one of his visits to her hospital room while she was unconscious. She pulled out a large ring and admired it as the memory of how she received it came back to her.
The ring was white gold with several jewels that made up the logo of the Canceron Hydras. The Tolan family had held a large stake of the team's ownership but the majority of shares were still owned by the team's principal owner. The ownership stake had passed down to Scott's aunt, Lydia Zeresi, and she had given the championship ring to Scott when the Hydras had won the Kobol Cup. When the idea of marriage had come up, Scott had given her the ring to use as an impromptu engagement ring until he could buy her a real one. Even after that, the ring held a sentimental value to her that was impossible to put into actual numbers.
"Mind if I join you?" a man's voice asked off to her side.
She looked and saw an older man in what appeared to be a business suit, "If you feel so inclined. Who are you?"
"George Grieg, I'm the Solace's chaplain, and you are Emily Tolan. We haven't met but it seems most everyone knows who you are," Grieg said as he took a seat beside her.
"My family wasn't so sure if I should come here by myself but I was determined," she said feeling as though she could open up to the man.
"I take it since you awake, they've hovered over you like a Raptor," he commented.
She smiled, "Something like that, and with what happened to Scott it's become even worse. I know they care about me and all, but at times…"
"It seems as though they think you're incapable of being on your own. With all the turmoil in your life right now, I think it helps them to feel useful and in their own way cope with their own pain over what happened to Admiral Tolan."
She gave him an inquisitive look. "Are you also a psychologist of some sort?"
"Before I entered the priesthood I was a psychologist back on Libran."
"What was it that brought you to becoming a priest?"
"I had a crisis of faith after my wife left me and took our kids with her to parts unknown. I ranted and raved and finally when I was at my lowest I picked up the Sacred Scrolls and began to read. From there I found an inner peace I had not experienced before, I felt as though it had been put on my heart to leave my practice and enter the priesthood."
"Gods, all the praying I've done since Scott left for Ostarsis. I've prayed for his safety and then for his return. Now I find I'm praying for him to simply be alive out there because it gives me hope that I'll see him here in this world and not just the next."
"I appreciate that you haven't lost your faith like many have. I think my life was spared so I can combine my old life and my new one to not only give peace to those who seek it but also to explain to them that the Gods have not forsaken them."
"How do you put what we're going through into such a rosy context?" she asked as her curiosity got the better of her.
"This is a trial unlike any other, and when it's all over we will come through it stronger for having endured all the hardship we've had in our lives."
"Right," Emily said before deciding to change the subject, "I want to have a big cry over all this but I can't bring myself to. Every time I think about it, I feel like I need to keep it and be strong, as if my showing people the turmoil that's raging inside me is weakness of some sort."
"In my experience it's not a weakness to show the people who care you what you're feeling. It's not wrong for them to see that you're scared, angry, or any other emotion that you want to show."
"You really think it's that easy?"
"Absolutely, even if you say the truth of the matter is that you're not fine. You cannot start to heal and move on if you won't let anyone in. Your friends and family can't really be there for you if no one is allowed to see what you're feeling."
"I know you're right, but it's going to take time. I think it's going to be a long journey to get back to where I need to be," she said.
Grieg stood up and took her by the hand. "Come with me to the altar; we'll light a candle and say a prayer for Admiral Tolan."
To her surprise, she allowed him to lead her to the altar. "You think doing this is going to instantly make everything better?"
He shrugged. "Probably not, but as that old saying goes, 'Every journey begins with one step.'"
After lighting a candle at the altar, Emily got on her knees and she began to recite a prayer for her husband's safe return, "Lords of Kobol, hear my prayers…"
It was then that a tear began to form in her eyes before gently rolling down her cheek, followed by another, and then another until there was a steady stream coming from both her eyes. It was as though a reservoir was emptied as she began to give in to the emotions she had bottled up. There were no defenses now, and maybe it was the first step in the healing process.
Olympica, Philip Van Horne Executive Suite:
There was a section of Olympica's A-Deck where some of the larger cabins were located. This section was known as the Executive Area and as such the cabin suites bore the title of 'Executive Suites' and were named after influential executives throughout the history of the Colonial Line. In the Philip Van Horne Suite, ceremony was taking place.
Reporters gathered around Governor David Rush, Lieutenant Governor Michael Fowler, and a woman dressed in a fashionable business suit. One of the Olympica's priests was also present and in his hands was a copy of the Sacred Scrolls. They were waiting patiently as a pair of technicians finished putting the assembling a microphone that had been added to the podium. When the signal was given, Rush stepped up to the podium as the reporters began to scribble notes and photographers began to take pictures.
"I want to thank all of you for coming out for this occasion," Rush said to the assembled reporters, "After much discussion with Lieutenant Governor Fowler and the Quorum of Twelve I have decided to create a civilian government.. I have appointed a person to serve as the Mayor of Olympica and I believe that she is more than qualified for this particular job. Allow me to introduce Mayor Gloria Alonzo."
Rush stepped aside and Gloria Alonzo stepped to the podium and began to read from the notes she had prepared, "It was a great honor for me to accept Governor Rush's generous offer to serve as the Mayor of the Olympica. I understand that before the Cylons attacked that it had been suggested in the media that I was the one who actually ran my husband's administration in Caprica City."
The comment drew a few laughs as the reporters who had experience in Caprica City politics understood the reference. Gloria's husband, Hector Alonzo, had been the Mayor of Caprica City in the three years leading up to the fall of the Colonies. It had been said that she had been the one who really called the shots in his administration.
She continued with, "I understand that we are entering into uncharted territory, but after eight months of being on the run from the Cylons I suppose this has become the new normal for us. I hope that my administration will provide an example to the other ships in our fleet. We can show them they can form local governments that will give a voice to those who need someone to speak on their behalf and help take some of the weight off the shoulders of the Quorum. Know that I take my oath of office seriously and will conduct myself with the dignity that one would expect from a position such as this. Thank you."
The priest came over and held up the Sacred Scrolls. Gloria gracefully put her right hand on the book and raised her left hand. Solemnly she repeated the words that bore a strong resemblance to the Presidential Oath of Office.
"Allow me to shake your hand, Madame Mayor," the priest said as he offered his hand for Gloria to shake.
"Thank you," Gloria said as she shook the older man's hand.
"I want to thank all of you for coming out to cover this event," Rush said as he motioned for Gloria to move to the next room.
When she entered the room, Gloria could not help but smile. Waiting for her were her son Chris and her young daughter Louise waiting for her.
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Madame Mayor," Chris said as he walked up and gave his mom a hug. He had come a long way from the petulant young man he had been when they started out as passengers on the Olympica. Now he was very much the image of a Colonial Fleet officer.
Gloria spotted the other Colonial Fleet officer in the room and motioned her over. "How is my military advisor?"
Captain Jamie Hamilton smiled as she heard the title. "I'm surprised you offered me the positing but I'm excited."
"You were one of the few officers I had a history with and when I found out that you didn't have a posting I had to snatch you up before someone else did," Gloria said. She had met Jamie Hamilton when the young woman had been assigned to her husband's staff while he served as president of the civilians. Initially, she thought Jamie was sleeping with her husband; once she discovered that it was untrue, the two women became friends.
"Lacey said she would have loved to have been here but she was needed on the Athena," Chris said with a hint of sadness in his voice.
"She's not like the other girls you used to bring home," Louise said. When she saw the shocked looks on the adults' faces she quickly added, "I heard Mom say that!"
"Well, I guess she was paying more attention to me than I realized…" Gloria said after she got over the initial embarrassment.
"It's not a problem, she actually is different from the girls I used to date," Chris said before adding, "I've been worried about her though. I don't know if the shock of what happened to Admiral Tolan has truly hit her yet."
"I worry about what's going to happen when it does," Hamilton said knowing how she felt when she finally came to grips to the fact that Captain Larsen 'Magic' Banks, her fellow pilot and boyfriend, had been shot down over Ostarsis with no idea as to whether he had survived or not.
"I have to wonder if he's still alive," Gloria said.
"From what I've heard is that there is proof that the Colossus did survive to make it to the Ragan System but after that is where things get iffy," Chris added.
"At least you'll be there for her when it happens. If she gets bereavement leave you should bring her over there to the Olympica; I'd enjoy getting to know her better," Gloria said with a look that implied it was something other than a suggestion.
Olympica, E-Deck, Gemenese Restaurant Nuada:
Quorum delegates Brooke Bowman of Caprica, Marian Sanders of Aquaria, and Alfred Newton of Picon sat in a booth where they hoped they could talk privately.
"Do you think Gilliam has something up her sleeve?" Sanders asked.
"If there's one thing I've come to expect from Aurelia Gilliam is that she is always trying to plan ahead," Newton said.
Brooke shrugged. "I'm sure she has something planned but it's hard to tell. I have to give her credit though; she knows how to play to a crowd."
"She has a flair for the dramatic, but that's about all I'll give her credit for," Sanders said.
"She's convinced she's doing what's best for the fleet but I think sometimes she lets her personal feelings get in the way," Newton said.
"I navigated my way with the teachers' union on Caprica. If I can handle that, then Aurelia Gilliam won't be too much trouble," Brooke said.
"Where did you teach?" Sanders asked.
"Wilson Elementary in Caprica City, I was one of the leaders of the union there. We knew we were courting trouble with Adar when we went on strike, but it was necessary. My husband worried about something happening to me."
Newton nodded his head in agreement. "He had good reason to be worried; Adar has used the military before to put down protests."
"I couldn't allow myself to be intimidated by that, and as the leader of my union I was going to see it through to the end," Brooke said as she remembered the many arguments that her and Artimus had over her involvement. While he tried to be supportive, he could not help but worry about what would happen when Adar brought the big guns to bear on the teachers.
"Now that I think about it, we might as well head back to the conference room and resume the meeting," Sanders said and she was happy to see the other two agree with her.
Several minutes later, they had entered the Jarrell Conference Room.
"I was wondering where the two of you were," Peter Halle said to the three when they were within view.
"We went for a bite to eat, but after dealing with Aurelia we found we didn't exactly have much of an appetite," Sanders said.
"Speaking of Aurelia she hasn't returned yet, I think if she takes much longer I'll send one of my aides to go retrieve her," Halle said, unaware that his comment was causing Brooke, Sanders, and Newton to laugh.
They were about to turn the corner when they felt a large, deafening explosion from inside the conference room. The shockwave from the blast sent the shrapnel-like splinters down the hallway causing further human harm. The four members of the Quorum were thrown to the deck and managed to avoid being injured but the fall to the floor was so violent they were knocked unconscious. All around them was damage unimaginable on a ship such as the Olympica.