Battlestar Galactica
Past, Present, Future
Chapter 40
Paths of the Future
There was a collective gasp at Commander Verga's announcement.
Looks of shock and confusion played across the faces of the four senior officers. It was several moments before anyone could find their voice again.
It was Commander Bannon that spoke up first!
"You can't be serious?" he exclaimed. "You want one of us to take over control of the entire Colonial Warrior Service?"
"That's right old friend!" Verga said with a slight smile. "You are the four most senior officers in the service at this time, outside of a few people even older then myself that have been retired or inactive for decades. And so, according to regulations, one of you will assume the command position upon my retirement."
The four of them cast glances at each other, unsure if this was really happening.
Leonitus leaned back in his seat, his hands resting on his broad chest, fingers interlocked, looking directly at Verga.
Apollo stared at the tabletop, eyes wide, pondering what he'd just heard and what the future might hold now.
Saxton stared blankly straight ahead, not comprehending what was going on.
Bannon leaned forward in his seat, his elbows resting on the table with his chin resting on his interlocked hands.
"So what is the protocol for this situation Commander?" Leonitus asked. "In the Scorpion Fleet, the King holds the highest rank until his death. Obviously, that is not the case here."
"No Commander, it's not, thou that would make this a lot more simple." Verga said. "According to regulations, the next most senior officer, either by rank or seniority is next in line."
"Well then that should make it easy!" Saxton said quickly. "Since were all "Commanders", then that means seniority is the deciding factor, and Commander Bannon is the next senior, right?"
"Actually, it's not that simple Commander." Verga said. "I've done a little research into this, and thou Commander Bannon has the most time in rank amongst you four, he is not the senior officer here. He is in fact, junior to all three of you!"
This brought a chorus of questions from Apollo and Saxton.
Strangely however, neither Leonitus or Bannon even flinched at this.
"Let me explain gentlemen." Verga started. "You see, even thou Bannon has been a Commander longer then the three of you, you all actually hold rank over him, thus, you have seniority!"
"But we're all "Commanders!" Saxton said.
"Ah, yes you are, but, Leonitus and Apollo commanded fleets, thus they hold the rank of "Fleet Commanders". Verga said, "Where Bannon was the commander of a lone Gunstar. That means he holds a somewhat lower rank."
The three officers slowly nodded their heads at this. A "Fleet Commander was of a higher rank then a ship Commander.
But then Saxton asked, "Well that explains why they are here and under consideration, but as for me, I'm the low man on the ladder here. How am I ahead of Commander Bannon?"
"A fair question, and one I am happy to answer." Verga said. "You, Commander Saxton, were a "Base Commander" and there again, a posting of higher importance, thus, a higher rank."
"Well Frak Me!" Saxton exclaimed softly, not realizing he'd spoken aloud.
Everyone laughed at this ….. except Commander Bannon, who hadn't moved since Verga's announcement. He continued staring at the tabletop.
"And so gentlemen, I will ask each of you if you are willing to accept the duties and responsibilities of Commander of the Colonial Service?" Verga said. He turned his gaze first to Commander Leonitus.
"What say you Commander? As the next most senior officer to myself, you are next in line for the post. Will you take over command of all the Colonial Military?
Leonitus had been sitting quietly all this time, leaning back in his chair with his hands folded on his barrel chest, listening to what was happening. He'd been caught off guard by Verga's announcement, but refused to let it show. Decades of rulership as King of the Scorpion people had given him remarkable control of his facial expressions.
So, when Verga ask him directly about taking over the leadership of the Warrior Service, he was as unflinching as ever. He stared calmly at Verga, looking him straight in the eyes, then he leaned forward in his seat and spoke.
"Commander Verga, you honor me with this offer. But as you well know, I am not just a Commander and Warrior, but also a King. A King with a kingdom that I dare say, I have been absent from for far too long. It is for that reason sir, that I must decline!"
Verga sat quietly, nodding his head understandingly.
"I understand Commander. I was pretty sure that would be your response. Your other responsibilities would make for a very slim chance of you accepting, but I had to give you the right to first refusal."
"And I thank you for the consideration Commander." Leonitus said. "But I am needed back on Scorpius. So, as soon as we conclude with these interviews and have your command structure in place, I will be departing."
Verga nodded again.
"Very well then." Verga said, then turned to Apollo.
"Commander Apollo, as the other Fleet Commander here, you are the next in line to head the Colonial Military. What say you to taking over this position?"
Apollo looked at Verga for a moment and then at the other three men in the room. This he thought would be more difficult than he'd anticipated. He cleared his throat and began to speak.
"Commander, I'm honored that you have considered me for this position. I never in a million yahren would have believed I would rise to this level." Apollo started. "But I too must decline."
Verga leaned forward in his seat, a bit of a scowl on his face.
"Why are you turning down this promotion Commander? What reason do you have?"
"Ever since the war with the Centurions ended, I've had it in mind to undertake a couple of ….. missions of high importance."
"High importance?" Verga asked with a raised eyebrow. "And what are these missions Commander?"
"As you all know, forty yahren ago, the Colonial Fifth Fleet was lost at Molocay." Apollo began. "Or so we thought, because two yahren later, shortly after the Holocaust, the Galactica found the Battlestar Pegasus, with Commander Cain still alive and well and kicking the pogees out of the Centurions."
This brought a small round of chuckles from Verga, Leonitus and Saxton. Even Bannon, who had yet to look up from the tabletop, smiled!
"When we joined forces to destroy the Centurion outer capital on Gamoray, Cain attacked three Baseships by himself, firing his missiles at point blank range. From that moment on, we had no contact with him or the Pegasus."
Verga nodded, having heard this from Apollo before.
"And so, it is my intent, to go in search of Commander Cain and the Pegasus."
Verga nodded again, understanding Apollo's want to find Cain.
"You're sealed to Commander Cain's daughter, Sheba, am I right?" Verga asked.
"Yes sir, I am." Apollo said, a little more defensively than he'd intended. "But that has nothing to do with my wanting to search for Cain. I think we owe it to him to find out what happened to him and his people."
"I agree!" Leonitus chimed in. "A true Warrior should have his full story known. This Commander Cain sounds like he was well worthy of having his fate known and his life brought full circle!"
Verga nodded again, thinking that he too would like to know what happened to his old friend and commanding officer.
"Very well then, I will not stand in your way Apollo. The search for Cain is a worthy endeavor." Verga said. "But you said there were "a couple" of missions you wanted to undertake. What is the other mission you have in mind?"
Apollo looked a bit uneasy at that question, but he was bound to disclose his intentions.
"When our homeworlds were decimated by the Centurions and we were forced to abandon them to survive, my father, Commander Adama, focused on the legend of the thirteenth tribe of man. A mythical tribe of people that left Kobal just before the star went nova and destroyed their planet. My father believed in this legend so fiercely, that he used it as the basis for our journey from the Colonies. His goal from the cycle we left was to find this thirteenth tribe and their world. A planet called ….. Earth!"
The others exchanged glances, not sure what to say about this mission Apollo was suggesting.
"I've heard the tells of the thirteenth tribe and have wondered how much validity there was in the stories. I never really delved into the myth however, but knowing your father Apollo, I doubt not that he was as well versed as anyone could have been on the subject. Do you really believe this ….. Earth exists?"
"I've studied my father's journals, read every bit of research he had on the subject, and with the clues and information we gathered in our flight from the Centurions, I believe that the thirteenth tribe of Kobal does in fact exist and that they are out there somewhere. And so, it is my intention to seek out those lost brothers and sisters of man and bring them back into the fold!"
Verga sat quietly for several moments, contemplating what he'd just heard and how the situation was heading down a path he'd not anticipated. After a bit, he simply nodded and said to Apollo, "Like you, I'd like to know what happened to Cain after his headlong charge into three Centurion Baseships. So I say, go find that old war daggit."
Apollo smiled at that.
"As for your wanting to find this …. Earth and the thirteenth tribe, I can only say that I don't know if it's a wild avion chase or not, but if there is a chance, no matter how slime, that the whole fable is true, I hope you find them. May the Lords of Kobal watch over you and your people."
"Thank you sir!"
"How many ships will you be taking with you Apollo?" Leonitus asked.
"I was planning on just taking the Galactica sir. I didn't want to deplete the fleet here in the Colonies anymore then need be."
"A single Battlestar?" Leonitus said a bit surprised. "Certainly you'll need more then that? Support ships, defensive screening vessels, tankers?"
"That would be nice, but the fleet is already somewhat under strength. I'd feel uneasy about asking for more support. Besides, there is no telling how long we'd be away from the Colonies, searching the far reaches of the galaxy. As it is, I'm asking for volunteers only. I'm not going to order anyone to come with us."
"Very commendable Apollo, but not very practical." Leonitus said. "How would you feel about my detaching a battle group to join you? Twenty or so ships for defense and support?"
Apollo's mouth fell agape at the offer, as did the other officers. Even Bannon looked up from his brooding at this.
"That would be amazing, but I couldn't ask your people to follow me into who knows what dangers. And as I said, I have no idea how long we'll be gone! We might be gone for decades!"
"What of it!" Leonitus said matter of factly. "I will ask a few of my ship commanders what they think about exploring new space and perhaps etch their names into history as part of the fleet that finds the mythical thirteenth tribe of man! I don't think it will be that hard a sell. I know of a few of my Commanders that have expressed interest in exploring this space."
Apollo was shocked! He went from not sure he'd even be allowed to take the Galactica on this mission to having an entire battle group at his disposal."
"If you're sure they wouldn't mind, I'd be honored to have them!"
"Not a problem Apollo! And if anyone does balk at it, I'll simply make it a royal command!" Leonitus said with a wry smile!
Everyone laughed at this!
"Well then, with Leonitus going back to Scorpius and Apollo going in search of Cain and ….. Earth, that brings me to you Commander Saxton!
Saxton turned his gaze towards Commander Verga.
"As the commanding officer of the "DreamWorks" base on Caprica, you are the next most senior officer and, since both Commander Leonitus and Commander Apollo have turned down the post, you are the next in line to take over as the commanding officer for the entire Colonial Service." Verga stated, not knowing if he'd be turned down yet again or not. "Will you accept the promotion and all the duties and responsibilities there in?"
Saxton sat quietly for several moments, overwhelmed by the gravity of the situation. After several microns, he spoke.
"When the Cylons, um, I mean Centurions attacked the Colonies, I was just a Major, a wing commander aboard the Battlestar Atlantia. When the "Peace Conference" was announced and the fleet departed, President Adair put almost all of our squadrons of furlon, saying we weren't going to be needed."
Apollo nodded, having heard this from one of the few pilots from the Atlantia that survived that grim and disastrous event.
"When I was sent ashore, I had this sudden realization that I might never get to fly a Viper ever again." Saxton said. "From the time I was a small boy, all I ever wanted to do was fly a Viper! I dreamed of it constantly and worked my astrum off to become a pilot."
"I made my dream come true. I worked my way up the ranks until I'd become a wing commander and was looking forward to a long career as a pilot! Then the Holocaust happened and I was forced by circumstance and necessity to take command of a small band of Warriors and scientists in the DreamWorks base, then an even larger group of civilians that we were able to rescue from the Centurions."
Everyone nodded their heads, knowing what Saxton had done during those first sectars.
"I did what I had to do to keep our people alive and safe, not having time to worry about what I'd lost.
When we first received the messages from your fleet, it was like a miracle had happened and all things were possible again. When we defeated the Centurions, I thought for a moment that I'd be able to do the one thing I always wanted to do ….. pilot a Viper again."
Verga stared at Saxton with a somewhat grim expression on his face.
"Why do I get the feeling you're going to turn down the promotion as well Commander Saxton?"
Saxton's gaze dropped to the table top, and he somewhat sheepishly answered, "You'd be correct Commander. I don't want to command the entire Warrior Service. I've been in over my head since the cycle the Centurions attacked the Colonies. I am not the one to take over sir."
Verga sat dumbfounded.
He had no words for what was happening!
"With all due respect Commander Verga, I have to respectfully decline.
I've been stuck on this rock for almost 40 yahren now, and all I want to do is get back into space!" Saxton said emphatically. He then turned to Apollo and in an almost pleading tone, "Apollo, you're going on your mission to search for Cain and this "Earth" place! Let me join your crew! Let me join one of your squadrons, I'll do whatever it takes. I'll take a demotion to Major, I'll be just another pilot, Please, help me get off of this fraking planet!"
Apollo looked just as shocked as Verga now. He didn't know how to respond! He looked at Verga, who simply threw up his hands and told Apollo, "It's your call Commander! If he doesn't want to stay planetside, none of us have the right to keep him here against his will."
Apollo started nodding his head slowly, not sure how to handle this situation. He finally turned to his old friend and said, "Tell you what Sax, we'll sit down and talk about it once we're done getting the new chain of command in place. I think we can find a spot for you on the Galactica."
Saxton breathed a heavy sigh of relief. He'd dreaded this moment ever since the war ended. He wasn't sure how to get posted to a Viper squadron or if he'd even be allowed to transfer. It was a huge weight off his shoulders, knowing that he'd be able to go back to the one thing he truly loved!
"Thank you Apollo."
Apollo simply nodded.
Verga sat staring at the tabletop, his face a mask of confusion! He'd figured that Leonitus would turn him down in favor of returning to his homeworld and his duties there, but having both Apollo and Saxton turn down the promotion to commander of the Colonial Warrior Services was at the very least … unexpected!
He had one shot left!
"Commander Bannon! My oldest and dearest friend! As you are the last of the senior officers here, I ask you … will you accept the duties and the responsibilities of command for the entire Colonial Service?"
Bannon had not said a word since Verga announced his intentions to pass his duties on to one of the four of them.
In fact, he'd only raised his gaze from the tabletop a few times during the whole proceeding.
Now, with Verga making the offer to him, he turned his gaze towards his old friend and commanding officer all these long yahren.
"Commander Verga, I will gladly accept the duties and responsibilities of the Commander of the Colonial Warrior Services and the Colonial Fleets!"
Verga leaned back in his seat and breathed a heavy sigh of relief.
"Thank the Lords of Kobal!" he said loudly! "I'd almost given up hope that one of you would relieve me and I'd have to turn the service over the Commander Raylac or my wild and crazy nephew, Starbuck!"
This broke the tension in the room and made everyone laugh out loud.
"Not that they are not both fine officers and Commanders, but they are both Viper pilots first and foremost and never seemed to have a full grasp of the tactics and abilities of our capital ships.
I swear, Raylac would try maneuverers in a Gunstar and Battlestar like he did when he flew Vipers."
More laughter followed and Bannon nodded his head knowingly!
"Well, now that I know the Colonial Service is in the best of hands, I can go into retirement with a clear mind and a clean heart!" Verga said. "Now, all of you go and get your rest. We have to finish up those bloody interviews in the morning."
The senior commanders all filed out, congratulating Bannon on his new position.
They all made their way to their respective homes for the night with Bannon accompanying Verga to his residence, making sure the older man made home safely.
They went inside and made themselves comfortable.
"So my old friend, are you ready to take over the entire service?" Verga asked. "It's a big step up from the Phoenix!"
Bannon crossed his arms and rested his chin on his uplifted right hand.
"It'll be a challenge, but I think I'm up to it."
Verga nodded.
"I'm sure you are or I wouldn't have even asked you to take over." Verga said. "I have to admit, I'm glad the others turned me down. I'm sure they would have done an acceptable job, but I think that you were the best choice for this duty."
"Then why did you offer the job to them first?" Bannon asked confusedly.
"Protocol my boy, protocol!" Verga said with a smile. "They are after all, senior to you by regulation, so I was bound to give them right of first refusal."
Bannon nodded. "I see!"
"I was sure that Leonitus would turn the position down. He was going to return to Scorpius sooner or later and would not want to be tied down here." Verga said matter of factly. "And Saxton I knew would not take it. I could see in his eyes he was not up to that level of command. That and he'd mentioned to me before about wanting to get "off this rock" and start flying again, so I was sure he'd bow out, thou not with the vigor he did!"
Again, Bannon nodded.
"Apollo was the only one that I would have assumed would take me up on the offer. There is a lot of his father in him and he is a damn good leader. I was shocked when he said he wanted to go looking for Cain."
"His being sealed to Sheba might have had something to do with that?" Bannon offered.
"Perhaps, I'm sure there was a bit of …. encouragement to that end from her, but I don't see Apollo being that easily persuaded. I think he felt duty bound to find out what happened to Cain, after all, he and Starbuck were the last ones to see the Pegasus."
"And what about this mission to find Earth?" Bannon asked. "Do you believe he can find it, if it even exists?"
Verga leaned back in his seat, his eyes staring off into the distance.
"I don't know." He said after a few microns. "I've heard about this thirteenth tribe story before, but never gave it that much thought. It was just some fairytale I figured. But, if Adama believed in the myth, and Apollo has some sort of proof of the tales validity, how can we deny him the opportunity of at least trying to learn the truth?"
Bannon nodded at this, then noticing the time, rose from his chair, saying he had some work to do before he went to sleep.
Verga too had a few things to do before sleep period, so he bid his old friend farewell and said he'd meet them in the auditorium the next cycle.
With Bannon gone, Verga removed his uniform tunic and hung it on the back of a chair. Then he went into the small galley to get a glass of Gemonese tea. He sat down at the desk in the corner of the main living quarters and began looking at the candidates they would be interviewing in the morning.
He suddenly raised his head and scanned the room.
He had the uneasy feeling that he was not alone and was being watched.
He surveyed the room, but saw no one there. There were a few shadows in the corners, but no one lurked there.
After a moment, he shrugged it off as nothing more than fatigue and went back to the files on the desk.
And still, the feeling persisted.
He glanced around again, unable to shake the feeling, yet not seeing anyone.
"I must be losing my mind!" he mumbled under his breath.
A centar later,, he gave a huge yawn and decided he'd done enough. He turned off the desk light and found his way into the sleeping chamber. He crawled under the blankets and was sound asleep almost instantly.
Verga awoke the next morning to the sounds of loud, insistent knocking at his door.
He rolled out of bed gruffly and made his way to the door. He unlocked it and there stood Commander Bannon, a worried look on his face.
"What in blue blazes is going on here Commander?" Verga said angerly! "Why are you pounding on my door so early?"
Bannon was taken aback for a moment, then said, "Sorry Commander, but it's approaching mid-cycle."
Verga looked perplexed for a moment, then turned to the chronometer on the wall. Sure enough, it was less than fifty centons before mid-cycle.
"By the Lords, I must have been more tired then I thought." Verga said. "Guess I slept right thru my alarm. My apologize Commander."
"No worries Commander." Bannon said with a little concern in his smile. "When you didn't show up for the morning sessions, we went ahead and conducted some of the interviews for the less qualified people."
"Good, good, I'm glad you didn't wait around on me." Verga said, rubbing his head. "How many did you get done?"
"We were able to push twenty seven thru." Bannon said. "Right now, were on meal break, so I figure we can knock out the rest by tomorrow. I wanted come check on you while we on recess."
"My thanks old friend. I can't believe I slept thru my alarm. I've never done that."
"Well, you have been pushing yourself of late!" Bannon offered. "We all have, trying to get the people back to a normal routine, get the government up and running, putting a new Council of the Twelve together, and now sorting thru all the people that will make up the new Warrior Service command structure! I think we're all about ready for some R&R!"
"Without a doubt!" Verga said nodding. He looked down, finally realizing that he was still wearing the uniform he'd worn the cycle before.
"Lords of Kobal, would you look at this mess! Give me a few moments to clean myself up and change into a fresh uniform, then we can head back to the auditorium." Verga said.
Take your time Commander. I gave everyone a long meal break. We have at least a centar!"
Verga was thankful for the extra time. He took a quick sonic shower, shaved, and put on a fresh uniform. When he was done, he felt more like his old self.
He returned to the main living area and found Bannon looking thru the candidate files he'd left on the desk.
Then he remembered that feeling he had!
Of being watched!
He quickly started looking around the room, looking for any trace of someone having been there last night.
He found nothing.
He looked at Bannon, who was watching him curiously.
"Everything okay Commander?" he asked.
"Yes …. Yes, everything is fine." Verga said softly. "I thought I heard something is all."
"What did hear?" Bannon asked.
"It's nothing, are we ready to head back to the auditorium?"
"Whenever you are sir!"
"Let me gather up those files and we can get going." Verga said, his eyes still scanning the room.
Bannon noticed this but said nothing of it, he too gave the room a quick looking over, not seeing or hearing anything amiss, except perhaps the bit of a mess the place was in. Commander Verga was always a very neat and organized person, so seeing his living quarters in a mess was highly unusual.
Verga gathered the files together and tucked them away into a small briefcase. He headed towards the door and followed Bannon out, turning to lock up, and giving the room one more look. The door closed and locked, the two Warriors walking to the waiting lift.
Inside Verga's quarters, in one of the shadowy corners, something seemed the stir slightly, and a soft laugh issued forth from nowhere.
And had anyone been in the room, they may have noticed what looked like two red lights.
They were only there for a micron, then where gone!
