Battlestar Galactica
Past, Present, Future
Chapter Eight
The Dreamworks
It took only twenty centons to make the trip from the ship to the plain looking building that sat inside of a fenced in lot. They had passed many buildings that looked very much like it and no one would even look twice at this particular building except that if you were to look more closely at it, you would see it was a bit different then the others. This one for example, was surrounded by dozens of very small cameras that covered every micrometron of the grounds. They might also notice that the front door was made of tritanium. There were also no windows or any other openings anywhere in the exterior walls of the building. The only thing on the outside of the building other then the door was what looked like a glass plate next to the door.
The crew of the Frigate all gathered around the front of the building, trying to stay out of site. As soon as Saxton and Nader arrived, Ensign Elkin began to explain what he was about to do.
"Okay Major, this is the place." He said.
Saxton looked at the place and wondered if this young officer knew what he was talking about. The look on his face must have belied his thoughts because Elkin gave a slight chuckle and continued.
"I know what you're thinking sir, "Is this guy cracked or something?", well I'm not sir. This is one of the most highly guarded secrets in the colonies, but under the current circumstances, I don't think that matters much anymore."
"What is this place Elkin?" Nader asked.
"C'mon, I'll show you." He said as he placed his left hand on the glass plate. A green light passed over his hand thru the plate, then a small panel next to the plate that had been undetectable before slide open, exposing a computer terminal. A voice came from a small speaker above a keypad.
"Place your left hand on the scanner and look into the retinal scanner."
Elkin placed his hand on the plate again and leaned toward what looked like a small camera. A green light flared to life and panned over Elkin eyes several times while another green light passed over his hand once again.
"Identification confirmed, welcome Ensign Elkin." The voice from the computer said.
With that, the door next to the computer slid open, revealing a short passageway and a large room. Elkin motioned for them to enter. Saxton, Nader and Elkin entered first followed by the rest of the crew. The room was not as large as it looked from the outside, but it was big enough for all of the people to crowd inside. Once everyone was in, Elkin placed his hand on another panel and the door slide shut. Then several more doors began sliding into place, turning the passageway into a solid wall. Elkin then motioned for Saxton and the rest of them to follow him. He arrived at another glass panel, where he placed his hand on the panel and was scanned yet again.
"You sure have a lot of security in this place Ensign." Saxton said. "What is this place?"
Elkin just smiled and said, "Yeah, there is a fair amount of security here sir, but you'll understand why in a few centons."
Saxton exchanged glances with Nader and Sauer but said nothing. He was very curious about this place with the elaborate security system.
A door slid open in front of them, revealing a bank of elevators. Elkin stepped forward and was reaching for the button when the doors to the elevators opened and a group of armed Warriors charged out.
"Nobody move! Stay right where you are and you won't be harmed. If you move we will shot you!" a man wearing the insignia of a Colonial Sergeant yelled as his men spread out and began taking the weapons away from the Frigate crew. Saxton looked over his shoulder and yelled back at his people, "Everyone relax and do what the Sergeant says. Offer no resistance."
The Sergeant turned and stepped up, face to face with the Major. He looked the Major up and down for a moment then said to him, "You don't have clearance for this facility Major, how did you get in here?"
Saxton bristled a little bit at the Sergeants lack of respect and protocol, but said nothing since he had a laser rifle pointed at him. Instead he chose to be more diplomatic.
"We were brought here by an officer that said we would be safe."
The Sergeant cocked his head to the side, as if trying to decide wither or not to believe him.
"And what officer would that be Major?" the sergeant asked.
"That would be me Sergeant Kelso!" came a voice from behind the Sergeant.
The Sergeant turned to find Ensign Elkin standing up against the wall behind him. The Ensign stepped toward the Sergeant and looked him in the eye.
"And you need to show a bit more respect when you address a superior officer, do you understand me Sergeant?" Elkin continued with an air of authority that hadn't been there before.
The Sergeant came to attention and saluted.
"Yes sir!" the Sergeant said loudly.
Then both Elkin and the Sergeant began laughing and clasped wrists. Saxton was totally confused now. What in Sagens name was going on here? Elkin looked at the expression on Saxton's face and began to explain.
"Sorry for the confusion sir, but they were only doing their duty." Elkin said. "This is my father, Sergeant Kelso. He's one of the Warrior security team leaders here."
Saxton looked from Elkin to Kelso and immediately saw the resemblance. Elkin was an exact copy of his father, right down to the steely grey eyes. Kelso stepped forward and saluted the Major.
"Sorry if I ruffled your feathers sir, but we were dispatched to intercept you before we knew Elkin here was with you. The Command Duty Officer didn't run a security check on how you gained entry or he would have seen you were with my boy there."
"I see, and who is this Command Duty Officer?" Saxton asked a bit miffed.
"That would be Lieutenant Prior, oh excuse me, Doctor Prior!" Kelso said sarcastically.
Saxton saw Elkin roll his eyes and shook his head at hearing this.
"Doctor? What is this place? A Life Center or something?" Nader asked.
Kelso glanced at Elkin, then looked at Saxton questioningly and asked, "Do you people have any idea of just where you're at right now?"
Saxton looked the Sergeant in the eye and said somewhat angrily, "No Sergeant, we don't! But I'll tell you something right now. I think it's time that somebody starts explaining just where in Hades we are and why I and my people are being held at laser point!"
The Sergeant met the Majors gaze evenly and said, "With all due respect sir, if you don't know what this place is, then you don't have the clearance or the need to know. As for why you're here, that was a mistake made by a young officer without the proper authorization." Kelso said casting a glare at his son. "And as for your people being held under guard, they will remain as such until I've received orders to the contrary…..sir!"
Not backing down one bit, Saxton stepped so close to the Sergeant that their noses were almost touching.
"Then I suggest Sergeant that you take me to see this Lieutenant Prior or Doctor Prior or whatever he wants to call himself so we can straighten this felgercarb out before things get out of hand, do you read me Sergeant!"
The two men stared at each other for several microns before the Sergeant, without taking his eyes off those of the Major, ordered his second in command to hold everyone there until he had orders as to how they would proceed.
Then the Sergeant stepped aside, never losing eye contact, and motioned for the Major to enter the elevator. The Major continued to stare at the Sergeant for several more microns before he stepped past him and into the elevator. Once onboard, he did an about face and watched as Kelso, Elkin, and two of the Warrior security guards entered behind him. Kelso gave him a quick glare, then turned around and pressed the button to start the elevator on its long trip down to the Command Center.
The decent was a long one. Saxton figured they must be well over three kilometrons below the surface. He wondered what kind of a place it was that would be so far beneath the ground. Some sort of command post for the senior staff in the event of a direct attack on the colonies, such as the one that took place the night before. Only it seems that none of the senior staff made it down there since some Lieutenant was in charge. Saxton's musings were interrupted by the elevator's slowing.
The doors opened on a large, well lit room. Kelso exited the elevator and led the way down thru the room to an office where a man sat behind a desk, watching a bank of monitors. As the group entered, the man slowly turned around in his chair. He was a fairly young man, no more the thirty yahrens of age. He had dark brown hair and brown eyes. The man was of average height and somewhat thin of build. He wore the smock of a scientist with the insignia of a Colonial Lieutenant on the collar. He looked at Saxton with what could only be called disinterest.
"Why are you here?" he asked.
Again, Saxton's temper flared at the lack of respect and protocol afforded a superior officer. This time he would not put up with it.
"I take it you DO know how to address a superior officer when one walks into a room, don't you lieutenant?"
This caught the man totally by surprise. He hadn't expected a man he considered a prisoner to speak to him in such a manner. But he did come to his feet and salute, although a bit sloppily.
Saxton was appalled at what he saw. What kind of a Warrior was this standing before him he wondered? Saxton looked the man over and couldn't believe this man could possibly be a Warrior.
"Are you the duty officer here…..Lieutenant?" he asked gruffly.
"Yes sir, I'm Doctor…..I mean Lieutenant Prior. And who may I ask are you sir? And just what are you doing here?"
"What I'm doing here Lieutenant is trying to find a safe place for over a hundred of our people before the Cylons exterminate them. In case it had escaped your notice down here, the colonies have all but been destroyed! There are Cylons landing on every planet and killing anyone they find. Now, you're going to let those people topside come down here and your going to do it NOW!" Saxton yelled as he got nose to nose with the Lieutenant.
The Lieutenant tried to back away from the enraged officer, but ended up tripping over the chair he had been sitting in, landing hard on his backside. This brought chuckles from Ensign Elkin and the two guards that had accompanied them down to the Command Center. Both Saxton and Sergeant Kelso wheeled around to glare at them, silencing them instantly.
Saxton turned back just as the Lieutenant regained his feet and a bit of his composure. The young officer attempted to put on a show of authority in spite of the fear he felt.
"You can't come in here and just start giving orders Major! You have no authority here!" Prior said with all the command he could muster.
"That might be true under normal circumstances, but right now I have over a hundred people up there with no place to go and a Cylon occupation force landing not more then five kilometrons from here. I was told by Ensign Elkin that this would be a secure place to bring those people until we could formulate some kind of response or counterattack. Now Lieutenant, if you want to go up there and tell those people that they can't come down here and that they have to go find someplace else to hide, then get your ass on one of those elevators and do it! Otherwise, I'm going up there and start bringing them down!" Saxton told him.
Then he turned to Sergeant Kelso and said, "Sergeant, I know you're only following orders, but I'm telling you right now, if you plan on stopping me, you better damn well kill me, because that's the only way you or anyone else is going to do it!"
Kelso stared at the Major for a moment, and Saxton thought for a moment that the Sergeant might just shoot him. Then the Sergeant cast a glance at Lieutenant Prior, who was standing there unsure of how this outsider had seemingly taken control of the situation. Then Kelso looked at his son, who was standing between the two security guards, a slight grin on his face. Their eyes met and Elkin gave his dad a slight nod, telling him it was the right thing to do.
Then Kelso turned his gaze back to Saxton. He saw in his eyes that he had made up his mind.
"Corporeal Macon, return to the surface with the Major and begin bringing those people down. We won't have much time before the Cylons start searching the area, so make hast."
"Yes Sergeant!" the man on Elkin's left said and motioned for Saxton to come with him. "This way sir!"
Saxton nodded to the Corporeal and extended his hand to the Kelso.
"Thanks Sergeant, I know it was a hard decision to make. You did the right thing, you're a good man." Saxton said.
Kelso clasped wrists with the Major and said to him, "There really was no other choice, if we're going to survive, things are going to have to change, including the rules and regulations we live by."
Saxton nodded and left with the Corporeal.
Lieutenant Prior didn't say a word; he just stood there and stared at the Sergeant. He felt totally betrayed. Betrayed by those who were supposed to follow his orders.
Kelso walked over to the Lieutenant and place a fatherly hand on his shoulder.
"I'm sorry Lieutenant, but under the present circumstances, we don't have any choice but to let them in. If we didn't and they were captured, the Cylons could find this place and then we'd really be in trouble. Trust me Lieutenant, it's for the best."
Lieutenant Prior snapped out of the trance he seemed to be putting himself in and focused on the older man before him. He understood why the Sergeant overruled his orders now and had to agree, those people could not be allowed to leave now that they were aware of this location.
"You were right Sergeant, I was wrong to deny them entry. Do me a favor; keep me from making an ass of myself in the future if at all possible." Prior said.
"Will do sir!" Kelso said with a chuckle. Then they both turned to look at Ensign Elkin. The look on their faces told Elkin they were not happy with him.
"Why in the twelve worlds did you bring those people here Elkin?" Kelso asked his son. "You know this facility is the most closely guarded secret in the colonies! What possessed you to do that?"
"I had to; there was no other place to go!" Elkin answered. "When our ship was damaged, all I could think of was coming here. I knew if we made it here, we would be safe."
"Well, the damage is done. All we can do now is make the best of this." Kelso said.
The elevator doors opened and out came the first group from above. Prior, Kelso and Elkin watched as the Warriors and Colonial Security officers filed out of the elevators.
"Where are we supposed to put all of these people?" asked Prior, not realizing how many people there were.
"The only place large enough to house all of them is in the Emergency Command Center housing on level two." Kelso said.
"That's for use by the President, the Council of the Twelve and the Admiralty only!" Prior said. "We can't let these people in there."
"Do you have a better suggestion Lieutenant? If so, you better tell us quick before the whole Control Center is filled with people. Maybe you'd like to put them in the R&D sections?" Kelso said.
Prior turned to Kelso angrily and said, "You know damn well we can't let anyone in there! We can't even let these people know about those sections! I'd rather let them in the E.C.C."
"So would I, so, should I open it up and start ushering them in there before it gets too crowded?" Kelso asked.
Prior knew he was caught between a rock and a hard place. He knew he couldn't let these people find out about the labs, even if it meant turning the E.C.C. into a refugee center. His primary duty was to protect the labs and work areas on the lower levels.
"Alright Sergeant, open up the E.C.C. and start moving them in, but I want our people to be posted outside the entrance to the E.C.C. and at the security elevators down to the lower levels. Is that clear Sergeant?" Prior ordered.
"Yes sir, I'll take care of it, but remember Lieutenant, we only have twenty Warriors down here. Trying to secure this entire facility and keep watch on all these new arrivals is going to be stretching our people pretty thin." Kelso told him. "Maybe we could get some of that Major's people to help with security in the less classified areas?"
Prior thought about it for a moment, he didn't like the idea of outsiders being down there to begin with, but to have them actually helping with security?
After a moment though, he nodded his head and said, "You may be right. Damn I hate this! I'll talk to the Major when he comes back down."
That being said, Kelso moved off to open the Emergency Command Center, or E.C.C. It was constructed over a hundred yahren before as a Command Center to be used in the event of a Cylon attack on Caprica. It was nearly four kilometrons below the surface and spread out in all directions for about a hundred metrons. There were three levels to the Command Center, each with its own purpose.
Level One was the Security level where the on duty security detachment was stationed. All elevators from the surface emptied out on this level where security screenings were conducted on all personnel before they were allowed to enter the rest of the facility.
Level Two was the Emergency Command Center. This was a self contained and self sufficient facility from where the government and military leaders of the colonies could continue to run the planets defenses. It was loaded with every kind of communications, scanning, and weapons control equipment needed to conduct defensive operations of Caprica. There was also a fully stocked and staffed Life Center, three mess halls, two rejuvenation centers, gymnasium and amphitheater. Add to that living space for the President, the Council, the Admiralty and their staffs plus upwards of five thousand fully armed Warriors.
Level Three was dedicated to machinery and storage. This is where the facilities power plant, air conditioners and purifiers, water purifiers and recyclers were kept. Also the food storage units, medical supplies, maintenance equipment and extra clothing were stored. All in all, there was enough to sustain up to ten thousand people for a period of five yahren.
There were three levels below that, but they were a mystery to all but a select few in the facility at that time. Even though all the security personnel knew there were more levels below the machinery level, only two of them knew what was down there, Lieutenant Prior and Sergeant Kelso.
Kelso had just started moving the people from the Control Center when a commotion began near the communications console. He made his way over to where the communications specialist, Corporeal Stukes, was waving franticly for Lieutenant Prior to come over. Kelso and Prior both saw Corporeal Stukes and made their way hurriedly over to him. He seemed to be listening to something intently, a look of intense concentration on his face as he worked the com units controls.
"What is it Stukes? What do you got?" Prior asked after several moments.
Stukes held up a hand, wanting quiet as he continued to listen.
"WELL!" Prior said somewhat perturbed at being put off.
After a few more microns passed, Stukes finally responded.
"I just intercepted a communication between a Cylon patrol and the central command of their invasion forces. I couldn't make out everything, but from what I could gather, this patrol was escorting a large group of humans toward the aerodrome, including a number of Warriors!"
"Warriors! Where are they?" Major Saxton asked excitedly, having walked up unnoticed by anyone.
"From what I could gather sir, their somewhere near the Presidium." Stukes answered.
"The Presidium, that means they'll have to go right by here to get to the aerodrome." Saxton mussed aloud.
"So, what does that have to do with anything?" Prior asked.
"It means that we are going to try and rescue those Warriors from the Cylons." Saxton said.
"Are you crazy? You can't try a rescue with Cylons all over the place. You'll get yourself killed, or worse, you'll lead them back here and get us all killed." Prior protested.
"What would you have me do, just let the Cylons march those people off to termination camps?" Saxton yelled. "What in Hades kind of Warrior are you that you'd stay down here and hide while your brothers and sisters were being taken away to their deaths? How can you call yourself human?"
Prior flinched away as if he had just been struck in the face. He wanted to help them, but his first responsibility was to the protection of this facility and he would not be deterred from that responsibility.
"I have my reasons Major. I wish I could explain them to you, but I can't." was the weak excuse he gave.
"Fine!" Saxton said angrily, "You can just go ahead and stay here, safe and sound in your little hidey hole. I'm going to try and free those people!"
Saxton turned to Captain Sauer, who was standing behind him with Captain Nader and Ensign Brix.
"Sauer, I need you and your people to come with me. Nader, you and the rest of the Warriors stay here and help secure the base."
Both men acknowledged with a simple nod. Then Saxton turned to Kelso.
"Sergeant, I could really use your help with this. I know you've had a good deal of combat experience, especially ambush tactics."
Kelso looked at the Major curiously for a moment wondering how he could have known that. Then he realized it was because he still wore his "Special Ops" badge on his uniform. The Major most likely knew what that meant. Kelso was about to say something, then Lieutenant Prior interrupted.
"The Sergeant is not going anywhere with you Major! He is under MY command and I will not give him permission to go with you."
Saxton had just about had enough of this felgercarb. This sorry excuse for a Warrior was not going to tell him what he could or couldn't do! Not in this lifetime! Saxton stepped around the console and grabbed a handful of Prior's tunic and yanked him so he was nose to nose with the pathetic lieutenant.
"You listen to me you sniveling little snitrad, you don't tell me what I can or can't do here! As a matter of fact, you don't tell anyone what to do here anymore! As of this moment, I am relieving you of command under article seven, section delta four. From now on you will do nothing except that which you are told to do or I'll have you placed under arrest on charges of mutiny! Do you understand me Lieutenant?" Saxton said furiously.
Lieutenant Prior was shaking so bad he could hardly speak, both from anger and from fear. This barbarian of a Warrior had just relieved him of command! It was unbelievable! What was worse was that none of his own men seemed to be coming to his defense, not even Sergeant Kelso.
"Fine! Take command! But know this, there is a lot more to this place then meets the eye. Things you couldn't begin to imagine. I hope you're ready for what you've taken on Major, because if you're not, you may cost humanity its only chance for existence!" Prior said angrily.
Saxton released the Lieutenant, who immediately retreated to the office where he was sitting when they first arrived.
Saxton watched him depart as did everyone else in the room. They all knew that the young man was deeply disturbed, more so then they might realize. Saxton turned to Kelso and asked, "What did he mean by that Sergeant?"
Kelso continued to watch Prior as he sat in the office, staring at the bank of monitors and switched from one view to another.
"Remember topside, when I asked you if you knew where you were?" Kelso asked.
"Yes, yes I do. You told me if I didn't know what this place was, I didn't need to know." Saxton said.
Kelso nodded his head and then turned to look at the Major.
"That's right. But I think that under the current circumstances, it would be a good idea if I told you just where you are and what you've gotten yourself into. Follow me Major!" Kelso said as he headed for the other end of the control center.
Saxton, Sauer, Nader, Brix and Elkin all followed along as the Sergeant lead them to what at first appeared to be a blank wall. Kelso pulled out a small card from his shirt pocket and placed it in a small, nearly undetectable slot in the wall. This opened up a panel with a computer behind it. It was an exact duplicate of the setup they had seen on the surface. Kelso placed his hand on the glass plate next to the computer and the same green light panned over his hand. The now familiar voice came from the computer.
"Place your left hand on the scanner and look into the retinal scanner."
Kelso did as he was prompted and the voice came on again.
"Identification confirmed. Welcome Sergeant Kelso."
Then a portion of the wall slid aside to reveal a bank of elevators. Kelso pressed a button on the wall between two of them and one of the elevators opened up.
"Gentlemen, if you'll step into the elevator, I'll show you what the Lieutenant was talking about." Kelso said.
The five officers and the Sergeant boarded the elevator and began to descend deeper into the bowels of the planet. The ride was a short one compared to the ride from the surface, but Saxton knew they had just gone another two or three hundred metrons deeper below the surface.
"So where is it you're taking us Sergeant?" Nader asked.
Kelso glanced over his shoulder at the Captain and said, "I'm taking you to the most highly guarded secret in the colonies sir."
He led them from the elevators to a doorway leading into a dark room and motioned for them to enter. They did so cautiously as they could not see very well. The Sergeant reached over to the right of the doorway and flipped a toggle, causing the lights to come to life.
What Saxton and the rest saw before them made their breath catch, a gigantic, multileveled complex the likes of which none of them had ever seen before. They walked forward to the railing that ran along the walkway they found themselves on and looked out over a vast expanse. The room below them stretched away into the distance as far as the eye could see, so far in fact that it was impossible to see the other side from their vantage point. It was also extremely deep, going well over five hundred metrons farther down from where they now stood. If the size of this room wasn't overwhelming enough, what it contained would more then make up for that fact.
Below them Saxton and the others could see dozens of spacecraft. They were of all different sizes and configurations, most were unfamiliar to Saxton who thought he was familiar with just about anything that flew.
Saxton turned to Sergeant Kelso and asked, "What is this place Sergeant?"
Kelso, who had been standing off to one side and watching the faces of the officers with him smiled and said, "This Major is the most closely guarded secret in the colonies. This is the Colonial Weapons Research and Development Command, or as we call it……
"The DreamWorks."
The five men exchanged glances as they mulled this over. Saxton had heard rumors about this place, but he thought they were just that, rumors.
"This is the place where every major advance in our weapons or spacecraft has been invented, developed, and tested for the past one hundred and seventy yahren. This is where both the Asp and the Viper fighters were designed and developed as well as every laser weapon used in the past hundred and fifty yahren."
"So this is where the entire Colonial arsenal was built?" Nader asked in awe of what he saw.
"Not built Captain, but developed. The people that work here are among the greatest minds in the colonies. They conceptualized, developed and tested the weapons here, then when they have things ready for production; they send them off to the manufacturing facilities. What you see below, are a number of projects that have been in the works, some of them for yahren."
"Where are all the scientists now?" Saxton asked.
Kelso got a sad expression on his face at that question.
"As far as I know, most are either dead or missing. Only a few of them were in the facility when the attacks started, the rest were off celebrating the so-called "Peace Conference". I haven't seen any of them return since the attacks."
"Major?" Captain Sauer began. "We need to get back topside if we're going to attempt a rescue operation for those people."
Saxton had nearly forgotten about the Warriors being marched off to the aerodrome. He looked at his wrist chrono and figured they had just enough time to give it a try.
"Alright Sauer, you and I will go and perform the rescue, Brix, you and Elkin will set up a security perimeter outside the building on the surface. Nader, you and Sergeant Kelso will remain inside the facility to maintain security here and to monitor the Cylons activity. I also want you to make sure that Lieutenant Prior doesn't do something stupid like trying to lock us out."
"Major, I think I should go with you." Kelso said. "You said it yourself; I have the most experience in this sort of thing."
"You sure you want to go against your CO's orders?" Saxton asked.
"Normally Major I'd stay here and stand my post, but I think the events of the past few centars have changed everything. Lieutenant Prior was at best an arrogant, snobbish, and overindulged young man that only joined the military to get away from his parents. The fact that he's a genius in the field of electronics is what got him assigned here not his command ability. The only reason he was in command in the first place was because he was the lowest ranking Warrior officer and got stuck with the duty."
Saxton nodded, understanding what the Sergeant was saying.
"Okay then, Kelso will come with us too. Nader, it will be up to you to keep Prior from locking us out. You have my consent to do whatever it takes to keep him from interfering with this mission, understand?" Saxton asked.
"Don't worry Sax; I'll keep the boy genius under control. You just be careful out there." Nader said.
Saxton nodded and the six men boarded the elevator back to the security level. They arrived on the security level a few centons later. Lieutenant Prior was still in his office, watching the monitors, not having moved according to Corporeal Macon, who had finished escorting the last of the people down from the surface and was left to watch the Lieutenant by Kelso.
"We need to get him out of that office before we leave Major. He can lockout all access to the facility from there. I'd suggest you have him placed in the brig until we return." Kelso said.
"Good idea Sergeant, I'll have Captain Sauer take care of it." Saxton said.
Sauer had no trouble getting Prior out of the office and down to the brig. He seemed resigned to the fact that he would be spending a good long time in there and made no fuss at all. This worried Sauer.
When told about this, Saxton had Kelso run a quick check over the security systems. It was a good thing that they did, Prior had already set the system to lockout anyone trying to enter without his personal approval. The whole thing was encrypted and irreversible by anyone but Prior, and he was sure not to cooperate.
"So what do we do now? Are we just going to let those people be taken away?" Nader asked.
"Not if I can help it!" Saxton said.
He looked at the map they pulled out of the city and tried to determine where the Cylons and their captives would be.
"I'd say their right about here, near the Caprican Triad stadium. That gives us about forty centons to get to this point here and set up our rescue." Saxton said pointing to the place he thought would be the place to pull off their attempted rescue. "The problem is once we leave the facility, we can't get back in, not with Prior locking out the access system. Any suggestions on how to override the lockout?"
"As far as I know Major, it can't be done." Kelso said. "The Lieutenant is a damn good electronics expert, so he knew just how to do it."
"I could try and force him to unlock it!" Sauer said sternly.
"No, that's not the answer. There has to be some way to get around the lockout."
"This might sound kinda stupid, but why not just block the doors open?" Nader said.
Silence filled the room as they all sat and looked at each other. Of course, the answer was as simple as that. Instead of trying to countermand Prior's lockout, they would simply block the doors open and leave guards at each one. Saxton looked at his friend with a big grin.
"You know something Nader?" He said, "You're not half as dumb as I thought!"
"Thanks pal, you sure know how to make a guy feel good!" he said.
"Okay, now that we have that settled, let's get a move on. We only have about thirty centons left before those Cylons get to the ambush site." Saxton said.
With that, they all began their missions.
It took nearly twenty centons to reach the point where they were going to make there attempt at a rescue. It was a perfect place; the street was littered with rubble from the nearby buildings that had been hit in the bombing by the Cylons. It was a long, narrow stretch of roadway that would provide plenty of cover for them and a fairly clear "Kill Zone" in which to take out the Cylon guards. The only real problem was how to get their people out of the way so they wouldn't get hurt in the firefight that would take place.
"How do propose to get them out of the crossfire Major?" asked Sauer.
Saxton sat for a moment and thought. There had to be a way to let them know without alerting the Cylons what was ahead.
"What about a sign?" asked a young security officer standing nearby.
Sauer was about to say something to the young man, but Saxton stopped him.
"That's not a bad idea, but the Cylons would see it too. It has to be something that only our people would understand."
"I know!" Kelso said excitedly. "I'll need a couple of your jackets and someone to help me."
"What do you have in mind?" Saxton said.
"Just a bit of "Sign Language" Major!" Kelso said with a smile.
"Alright, go ahead." Saxton said as he removed his jacket. Several other Warriors and security officers did the same and handed them to Kelso. The young security officer that mentioned the sign decided to go with Kelso.
"We'll be back in five centons." He said to Saxton.
"Okay, I don't know what you're up too, but good luck." Saxton said.
With that, the two men took off carrying a dozen jackets.
They ran down the street in the direction the Cylons would have to take to get to the aerodrome. They reached a place where the street was very narrow due to the rubble in the street. Kelso looked around and found what he was looking for. He pulled up on a piece of rope that was partially buried under some debris. As it came loose he found it was still connected to the building on the other side of the street, just as he had hoped. On the rope was a banner proclaiming peace and the beginning of a new era for mankind.
At least it was half right!
"Okay, hand me the Major's jacket." He said to the young man.
"Here you go Sergeant." He said.
The Sergeant took the jacket and ran the rope thru one sleeve and out the other, then he handed the end of the rope to the young man.
"You have a name son?" Kelso asked.
"Names Rowser, Corporeal Rowser." He responded.
"Okay Rowser, I'm going to climb up there," Kelso said pointing to a pole that was still standing on the side of the street. "You're going to toss that rope up to me when I get up there, got it"
"Okay!" Rowser said.
Kelso climbed the pole with great ease and motioned for the rope once he hit the top. Rowser tossed it up and Kelso tied it off quickly and slid back down to the ground. He then took a stick and slid the jacket so it was hanging in the middle of the street, about an arms reach above their heads. Then with a large ink marker he took from the DreamWorks, he wrote inside the jacket…….. RESCUE.
Then he told Rowser to place a jacket about every fifty paces or so on one side of the street while he did the same on the other. On each jacket, Kelso wrote a different word. They did this until they reached the area of the ambush, were they put the last few jackets across the street with the word…..NOW, written on them.
With this done, Kelso and Rowser returned to their places under cover.
Saxton asked if they finished.
"Yeah, we left the jackets in plain sight so they'll see them and I wrote a message on them, one word to a jacket, letting them know what was up. By the time they get here, they'll be ready, or at least I hope they will."
"I guess we'll find out soon enough, take a look!" Sauer said as he pointed down the street.
There, the first of the Cylon guards had just rounded the corner and was heading down the street right for them, it's red scanning "eye" moving back and forth in perpetual motion. It walked slowly down the middle of the street turning its head from side to side to increase its "sight" range. It carried a standard Cylon laser rifle while at its waist hung a laser pistol and a large, double edged sword. The Cylon centurion was like most others of its kind, nearly a head taller then the average human male and gleaming brightly with it's highly polish armor plating, it was an impressive and frightening site to behold.
Behind the first Cylon came several more, also carrying laser rifles, but they walked on the edges of the roadway because in between them, struggling to keep going, were throngs of humans! Saxton and the others watched as the Cylon force marched the battered and bloody people down the road. Most looked to be civilians but Saxton could see a number of Warriors among them too. He also noticed that many of them had positioned themselves near the Cylon guards and that they would glance at the jackets lying beside the road as they walked and would rub there left arms, a signal that was commonly used as a signal of understanding among Colonial Warrior's in captivity. Saxton knew that they would be ready to act when the trap was sprung.
Saxton spoke softly into the small com set he was wearing on his head, contacting the other fifteen members of the assault team waiting in ambush.
"All units stand by, looks like our message has been received and understood. Wait for my signal before you move. Stay out of site and no unnecessary movement or talking. Remember, be sure of your targets before you fire and once all the Cylons have been neutralized, move those people out as fast as possible."
A series of clicks let Saxton know his orders had been received and understood. Now all they had to do was wait.
The line of people kept flowing around the corner at the far end of the street. Saxton had already counted over thirty Warriors among the prisoners and all seemed to be in a position to move against the Cylons. Saxton saw among them several Warriors he knew, including the young female Warrior from the P.D.C., Ensign Britt. Also among those he recognized was an older man wearing the dress uniform of a Colonial Commander. It was Commander Laird, the former Commander of the Sixth Colonial Fleet. He retired from active duty over a decade ago after the Sixth Fleet was all but wiped out in the battle for the Narcissus System. He lost over four hundred ships and nearly a five hundred thousand Warriors. He himself survived only because members of his crew were able to carry him to an escape pod and get him off his flagship, the Battlestar Ithica. Gravely injured in the battle, he was retired from full duty and had served as an advisor and part time instructor at the Academy until just recently. Now, here he was being herded along like one of a herd of bovine, having to be supported by an attractive woman that for some reason, Saxton seemed to know but could not place her face. Saxton's thoughts were interrupted by Captain Sauer's hand on his shoulder.
"Their almost in position Major." Sauer said.
Saxton nodded and pressed the switch on his com unit.
"All units stand by. Wait for my signal." He told them.
They watched intently as the Cylons moved forward, still unaware of what was coming. Saxton counted thirty Cylon guards; all were on the outside of the human prisoners making it easier to get clear shots. Everything seemed to be going along just the way it was planned, then all Hades broke lose!
One of the people walking along the outside of the group of humans, a young man of perhaps twenty yahren tried to make a break for it. He started running down one of the side streets in an attempt to get away. The Cylon guard closest to him turned and fired at the young man, barely missing.
At that moment, one of the members of the ambush team pulled up and fired, destroying the Cylon.
From that moment, there was no order to what happened. The members of the ambush team began firing at will, taking down the Cylon guards, while the Warriors among the prisoners began retrieving their weapons and joining in on the battle. Several of the civilians however were caught in the crossfire and were cut down.
Saxton, Sauer and Kelso all joined in the fight, quickly realizing that their carefully laid plans were for naught.
The whole firefight lasted less then a centon, but as the smoke cleared, it became obvious that things had gone seriously awry. Though all the Cylon guards had been dealt with, several members of the ambush team had also been hit, three fatally. There were also about a dozen civilians lying dead and about the same number injured.
This was not how Saxton wanted it to go down. He turned to Sauer and told him to find the man that started firing before the order was given. Sauer nodded and went to find the man. Then he told Kelso to start moving the survivors of the firefight back to the underground base.
He looked at those people that had been injured or killed and a great sadness fell over him. This should not have happened. Then he heard Sauer's voice behind him.
"Major, this is Security Officer Grade Three Albin. He's the one that started this mess." Sauer said with a touch of disgust in his voice. Sauer was angry that one of his men had triggered the firefight.
Saxton walked over to the man, who stood before him at attention, a look of foreboding on his face. Saxton glanced at Sauer, who stood behind the man, anger written all over his face. Then he returned his gaze to the man before him.
"Security Officer Albin, who told you to open fire?" Saxton asked in a very calm voice.
"No one sir!" he replied.
Saxton began to pace slowly in front of the man and asked, "Then why did you open fire? Did you not understand the orders?"
Albin swallowed hard and tried to keep his voice even as he answered.
"I saw the man trying to escape and the Cylon shooting at him. I couldn't just let that guy get blown away, so I fired."
Saxton stopped his pacing and turned to face the young security officer.
"And because you failed to follow orders, there are now over a score of people that have been wounded or killed. We had this ambush set up so as to bring the Cylons into a certain "Kill Zone" where we could take them out quick and clean. By you jumping the gun like that, the Cylons hadn't gotten into position and were able to resist. Those few microns you took from us cost us a lot of lives."
The young man seemed on the verge of tears as Saxton looked toward Sauer.
"Captain Sauer, this is one of your men, as such, I'll leave any disciplinary actions to you." Saxton said.
Sauer nodded and said, "Yes sir, I'll take care of it."
With that, Saxton moved off to help with the injured. Sauer stepped around to face the young security officer, who's expression had relaxed somewhat. One look into Sauer's eyes told him he was far from out of trouble.
"Albin, you might think you just got off easy, but you are so wrong! When I'm done with you, you'll wish the Major had set your punishment, do you read me mister?"
Albin was terrified to think what the Captain had in store for him. All he could do was nod his head. Sauer stepped back from the young man and said, "You better! Now, get your ass moving and help with the wounded."
"Yes sir." Albin said weakly, looking as if he might pass out, and he ran off to help.
Sauer went over to where Saxton and Kelso were looking at the leader of the Cylon guards. Kelso was kneeling down next to the inert form, examining it carefully.
"What's going on?" Sauer asked.
"Kelso thinks the Cylons might have gotten a message off before we blasted them. He's trying to look and see if the leader's internal com unit was active when we shoot it." Saxton told him.
Kelso removed a panel from the back of the Cylon's head and began removing components from it. He pulled out one and examined it closely, then tossed it aside and stood up, wiping his hands on his pant legs.
"What do you think Sergeant? Did he get a message off?" Saxton asked.
"I can't be a hundred percent sure, but I'd say it got off at least a partial message." He told them. "The transmitter was activated but I can't tell if it was able to send more then a micron or two of information before it got zapped."
"Would that be enough time for it to report our location?" Sauer asked.
"I don't know, it would depend on what the processor rate of this particular Cylon is. If it has a standard processor, then probably not, if it has one of the newer one's like we found in a centurion a few sectars ago, then it might have gotten a message off." Kelso said.
"Great! Then let's get these people moving. We may not have a whole lot of time." Saxton said.
Having said that, the three men moved off to try and hurry things along.
Though it took far longer then Saxton would have wished, they were able to get everyone back to the "DreamWorks" without being spotted. The people were ushered into the E.C.C. and given food, water, clean clothing and beds to rest in. The wounded were taken to the Life Center, where a doctor that was among the former prisoners began tending them. Nader and Brix met Saxton, Sauer and Kelso outside the small building on the surface.
"Who's watching Prior?" Saxton asked Nader as they boarded the elevator.
"Ensign Elkin relieved me so I could come up and welcome you home!" Nader said happily.
"I see, and how did the Lieutenant handle being in the brig?" Saxton asked.
"Pretty much as expected, he yelled and screamed bloody murder at first, threatening to have us all brought up on charges and the like, then he settled down and has been fairly quiet." Nader said.
"I wish I knew what to do with him." Saxton said. He looked at Kelso for a moment and asked him, "You said that Prior is an electronics genius earlier. What exactly is his job here? I know it's not the security of the facility."
Kelso chuckled at that.
"No, he's definitely not in security. He was one of the people working in the lower labs. I don't know for sure what project he is on, just that it's one of the bigger ones because they had to bring in more people to help with it."
The elevator opened on the security level. Several of the security officers from Sauer's team were escorting the last of the civilians down to the E.C.C. Saxton asked the senior security officer where the Warriors had been sent. He was told that the Warriors were waiting for him in the senior officer's mess hall. Saxton, Sauer, Nader and Kelso all hopped on the next elevator and descended to the E.C.C. Once there, they made their way to the senior officer's mess, where they found thirty six very tired Warriors seated at the tables, drinking java and eating the first hot meal they probably had in the days.
As Saxton and the others entered, one of the Warriors called them all to attention. Even as exhausted as they were, every last one of them came to their feet smartly. Saxton was filled with pride at seeing these TRUE Warriors.
"Be seated gentlemen, Eat your food and rest. There will be plenty of time for protocol later. Right now I just want to let you all know that for the time being, you're all safe here. Once you've had a chance to rest and get another meal, I'll want to debrief each of you. But, until then, rest!"
"Sir, where are we?" asked a young Ensign. "What is this place?"
Saxton looked at the young man, then at the others who looked at him for an answer. Saxton smiled slightly and said, "For the time being, its home!" Then he turned and left them to their food and thoughts.
Saxton next went to the Life Center to check on the wounded. As he entered, he was surprised by how many people were in there receiving treatment. There must have been thirty people waiting to be seen by the doctor. Most looked to have only minor injuries, cuts and bruises mostly. Saxton made his way into the ward where he saw the lone doctor busy trying to seal a large gash on the leg of one of the Warriors from the group they had rescued. Saxton made his way over to the doctor and watched as he skillfully used the medical instrument to seal the wound and stop the bleeding.
The doctor glanced up at the Major and asked, "Where are you injured Major?"
Saxton was a little surprised by the tone the doctor used, but under the circumstances, he couldn't blame him for being a bit short.
"I'm not injured, I came to ask if….." Saxton started before the doctor cut him off sharply.
"If you're not injured, then get your ass out of here. I don't have the time for chit-chat."
Saxton's temper flared white hot, but he kept his voice even and low.
"I came to ask you doctor if there was anything I could do to help here. I have several men with field med tech experience that could help with the lesser cases."
The doctor raised his eyes from the wound he was working on and said, "Sorry to be so short with you Major, but I've been trying to take care of all these people alone. I'd appreciate any assistance you could send my way, thank you."
Saxton nodded understandingly.
"I'll have them come and lend a hand." He said and turned to leave when he saw in one corner, Commander Laird laying on a bed, the woman that had been helping him along at his side. She now sported bandages on her head and arm. Saxton still couldn't remember where it was he had seen the woman, but knew he had meet her somewhere before. He made his way over to the Commanders bed and looked down on him. He was very pale and had a large bandage on his side. The woman looked up at him and smiled warmly.
"My thanks to you and your men for rescuing us Major. It was a very brave thing you did." She said.
He looked at her and suddenly remembered where it was he had met her. It was at the Academy, just a few sectars ago. Her son was graduating from the Academy and she and her husband were there to see him.
Her husband was Commander Adama!
"It was our pleasure siress. I only wish we could have done it sooner and without so many casualties." He said. "Siress, can ask you a question?"
She looked at him quizzically and nodded consent.
"Are you Commander Adama's wife?" Saxton said softly.
The woman turned her face away from the Major for a moment then she returned her gaze to him.
"Yes Major, Adama is my husband. My name is Illya. And you are….?'
"Major Saxton siress, squadron leader from the Battlestar Atlantia." He answered.
She nodded her head then asked, "If you're from the Atlantia, how is it you are here? I thought you would have left with Adama and the rest of the refugee ships."
"I was trying to save some more of our people by fixing a few more ships. We were able to get four more ships off before the Cylons came back. I took my ship and distracted the Cylons while the other three made good their escape. We crashed back here on Caprica and made our way here to this facility. When we found out about your group being taken to the aerodrome, we decided to ambush the Cylons to get you away from them. And so, here we are. So tell me something siress, why is it that you didn't go with the Galactica?"
She dropped her eyes to the floor and Saxton could tell she was on the verge of tears. He placed a hand gently on her shoulder.
"I couldn't get back in time." She said.
"I'm sure if you had contacted him, he would have waited for you." Saxton said.
"I couldn't do that. If he had waited for me, he would have risked the rest of our people." She said sobbing. "Best he thinks I died."
"You mean he doesn't even know you're alive?" Saxton said.
"No, he doesn't know. I was away from our home when the Cylons attacked. I was visiting with friends in Cardia, celebrating the armistice. Communications were knocked out so we tried to make our way back to Caprica City. We were almost to the city when we came under attack and were forced to land. That's when we were taken prisoner." She told him.
Saxton thought on that for a moment then he was interrupted by Nader's voice.
"Hey Sax, I hate to bother you, but we have some trouble brewing in the main mess hall. I think you better come quick."
Saxton patted Siress Illya on the shoulder and said to her, "I'm sorry that there's nothing I can do to contact the Commander. If you need anything, please feel free to ask."
She looked up at him with a smile and thanked him. Then he left to see what new problems were surfacing.
When he and Nader entered the main mess hall, a crowd had gathered at one end near the passageway leading to the Presidential wing of the facility. Saxton made his way thru the crowd where he found a group of rather richly dressed people arguing with Sergeant Kelso and his men.
Saxton moved up next to Kelso and asked, "Is there a problem here Sergeant?"
Kelso glanced at the Major and said, "Yes sir, it seems these people have a mind to helping themselves to the Presidential wing. I told them it was off limits and they decided to make trouble."
Saxton nodded and stepped up face to face with the man who seemed to be leading the rabble.
"The Sergeant said that area is off limits. By what right do you claim entry into it? Are you the President of the council?" he asked.
The belligerent man took a step back and looked the Major up and down, then asked, "Who are you?"
"I am Major Saxton. Senior officer in this facility and I asked you a question, who are you to try and enter a restricted area when you were denied entry?"
The man looked at him as if he was insane.
"Do you have any idea who I am Major?" he said arrogantly.
"No, I have no idea who you are and frankly I don't really care! All I know is that you and your friends are beginning to get on my nerves. Now answer my question!" Saxton said, his blood starting to rise.
"The man puffed up his chest and in a very self-important voice announced, "I am Sire Cantor, senior advisor to President Adar and this is my staff. We have decided to set up a provisional government here until we can figure out a course of action. As the highest ranking government official here, I order you and these…..men, to stand aside and allow us to enter the Presidential wing."
Saxton cast a glance at Sergeant Kelso, who was about ready to bust the arrogant fool in the mouth with the butt of his laser rifle. Then he glared at the pompous ass before him.
"I see, well let me tell you something Cantor" Saxton began, paying special attention to not using the honorific "Sire" when addressing Cantor. "Since the destruction of the colonies and the deaths of the Council of the Twelve, there is no civilian government. We are under marshal law, which means that the senior military officer present is in command. That officer just happens to be me! So until we have an opportunity to hold open elections, I will decide who can or can't go into the Presidential wing, and since the Sergeant has proposed to place it off limits, I think I'll back his proposal. And, just in case you or anyone else try's to gain entry without my permission, I am giving the Sergeant permission to use whatever force he and his men feel is necessary to keep the area secure. Do you understand me Cantor?"
The man was shocked. Nobody had talked to him like that before. He didn't know how to respond.
"I'd suggest that you and your "staff" go find a place to get some rest. I'll be conducting interviews with all those in this base in the days ahead to find out who we have here and what skills everyone has. Things are going to be kinda chaotic for awhile around here."
Cantor suddenly looked as if someone had pulled a plug out of him and let all of the air out. He muttered something under his breath as he turned away and left, his "staff" following behind him.
"Thanks for the backup Major. That guy was beginning to get on my nerves." Kelso said.
"Not a problem. I'd suggest you place more guards on this area. I don't think this Cantor guy will give up so easy."
"You might be right; I'll increase the guard here and have someone keep an eye on that bunch, just in case!" Kelso said.
Saxton nodded and went off to find a place for himself to catch a bit of sleep.
He was awakened by one of Kelso's men a short time later, a very frightened expression on his face.
"What is it Corporeal?" he asked groggily.
"Sorry to wake you sir, but Captain Nader sent me. There's something coming thru on one of the military channels you'll want to hear."
Saxton nodded his head and got up from the floor where he had been sleeping, and followed the Corporeal to the communications area of the E.C.C. There, a group of Warriors, security officers, and civilians had gathered. Saxton made his way into the room and asked what was going on.
"We picked this up a few centons ago Sax!" Nader said. "It's coming from Scorpia. The signal identification is that of the Scorpion Defense Command. Evidently, their still under attack and giving the Cylons a Hades of a time. We've been able to clear it up some, but the interference is still pretty bad."
Saxton nodded and told the operator, "Let's hear it crewman."
The young woman operating the communications equipment nodded and flipped a toggle on the panel in front of her and then adjusted the volume. What they all heard would haunt them for the rest of their lives!
"This is Commander Alexander of the Scorpion Defense Command, the planet Scorpia is under heavy attack by up to eleven Cylon Baseships. Our defense's are holding for now, but it is only a matter of time before the Cylons are able to penetrate our defense and begin landing invasion troops on our planet. We are putting out this general distress call to anyone who can lend assistance to us." came the calm, professional voice with the thick Scorpion accent. "Lieutenant, transfer batteries one eleven thru one twenty to beta sector, they have heavy incoming fighters. Have batteries one twenty one and one twenty two cover their flank." He yelled to someone out of range of the microphone. Then he continued.
"We have monitored the attacks on the other colonies since they began and were surprised to find so little resistance. Since we received no advanced warning from Caprica, I assume that the rumors are true about some sort of conspiracy and sabotage of the defense networks on other colonies. Only Sagittara and Scorpia are still able to resist the invading Cylons. If there is anyone out there that can hear my voice, PLEASE respond."
Saxton looked at Nader and asked, "Can we make contact with them?"
Nader nodded and said, "Yeah, we can contact them, but not without giving away our position here."
Saxton nodded his head and thought for a moment.
"How long would it take for the Cylons to get a fix on us?"
Nader thought for a moment and said, "Five or six centons I'd guess. Their equipment isn't as good as ours so they might take a bit longer then we would. Why?"
"I want to contact them. I want them to know that their message is being heard and that they are not alone!" Saxton said.
Nader nodded his head, understanding the sentiments of his friend. He worked with the young crewman to set up the link between Caprica and Scorpia. After a few centons it was ready.
"Okay Sax, we're ready. I don't know how long you'll have, but you should get a good four or five centons before they start triangulating on us. I'll monitor their search scans and let you know when to stop." Nader told him.
"Good enough, tell me when." Saxton said, placing a headset on.
Nader checked a few settings on the communications panel and then nodded to Saxton.
"Commander Alexander, this is Major Saxton on Caprica. We hear your transmission."
The voice on the other end came back with a great deal of relief and joy.
"Damn good to hear your voice Major! I was beginning to think we were the only ones left. What is your status Major?"
"We're planetside near the Presidium sir. Our planetary defenses were sabotaged by Picerian traitors who were in league with the Cylons. Piceria was to be spared if they helped the Cylons destroy the rest of the colonies."
"Understood Major, do you have any way to resist there? Can you mount a counterstrike?" the Commander asked.
"Negative sir, I have less then a hundred Warriors and limited weapons. We have taken cover in a facility and are setting up for the Cylon siege. The best we can do here sir is try and save as many of our people as we can to try and preserve our species."
"Understood Major, it sounds like you have a sound plan. I wish you well. I'd like to ask you a favor Major, one Warrior to another."
Saxton looked up at Nader and the others and said, "Anything sir. You name it!"
"There was a slight pause and a number of voices in the back ground. Then the Commander was back.
"Sorry Major, the Cylons seem to be pulling back." He said.
"Are they pulling out sir?" Saxton asked.
"I doubt it Major, most likely their just regrouping for another go at us. Not to worry though, we've beat them back a dozen times already and we'll keep knocking them back as long as they keep coming." He said confidently. "Major, I'd still like you to do me a favor though, if this battle does go bad for us here and you and your people do manage to survive, I'd appreciate it if you let all those that survive this holocaust know what happened here on Scorpia. How we fought the good fight and how we never surrendered. I want the people of the colonies to remember, that we refused to give up and that we died at our posts, doing our duty till the end. Let the people know that Scorpia was never conquered! Would you do this for me Major?"
Saxton had a knot in his throat. He could hear in the mans voice that he didn't expect to survive the day and wanted it known that he and those who served with him had done their duty to the end. He would do all he could to make sure his request would be carried out.
"Commander, you have my word as a Warrior that I'll make sure every man, woman and child that lives from this day forward knows of you and the brave men and women that serve with you this day. Your deeds this day will never be forgotten!" Saxton said with great emotion.
"My thanks Major. Knowing that makes me feel much better." The Commander said. Then something must have happened because the Commander's attention was drawn away for a moment.
"Major, something is going on here. I'm going to leave this link active so you can hear what is going on. Standby!"
"Yes sir." Saxton said as he heard the Commander giving orders and answering questions.
"What are those galmonging Cylons doing now?... Why would they pull out all their fighters?... Did you say the Baseships are moving away from the planet? Dear Lords of Kobol! Their going to launch their missiles!... Alert all batteries to target incoming missiles…. Missiles inbound!... Loose all batteries, fire at will!... Commander, we can't get all of them, some are coming thru!... Dear Lords help us!"
Then there was a series of loud rumblings and the screams of men and women terrified by what was happening around them. Saxton and the others stood transfixed by what they were hearing.
"Commander, ground shifts are occurring planet wide, level nine in some places. There have been multiple missile hits on every continent and in every major city." Someone yelled on the other end of the link.
Nader whispered under his breath, "Level nine ground shifts! Good Lords, nothing can survive that!"
Then Commander Alexander came back on the line.
"Major! We've taken multiple missile hits all over the planet. Ground shifts have reached level nine and are increasing. The whole planet is tearing itself apart! Sagittara has been hit likewise. Their experiencing the same ground shifts. Good Lord, Sagittara has just come apart! It's blown up!... Commander, ground shifts are at level ten…. We're done for Major! This is it! Remember us Major! Remem..."
Before he could finish, a huge rumbling sound drowned out the rest. Then there was nothing but static!
The communications room was dead silent except for the static hiss coming from the speakers. Nader cut the transmission and thus plunged the room into absolute silence. After several microns, Saxton looked at Nader and asked, "Are you picking up anything?"
Nader listened for a moment, then shook his head slowly.
Several of the people started to cry. Saxton looked at the faces of those who stood by and had heard the events as they transpired.
"Those of you here, you have just been witness to one of the bravest stands in human history. It is our duty to let the others know what it was we heard here this day and to be sure that the sacrifice those brave Warriors made is never forgotten." Saxton said somberly. "I think that we should all bow our heads in silent prayer and pray for our fallen brothers and sisters on Scorpia and Sagittara."
All those present bowed their heads and prayed for their fallen comrades.
The next few days were spent conducting interviews with all the people in the underground complex. The events of the past few days had a profound effect on most of the people in the facility, but there was work to be done and work would help everyone from dwelling too much on recent events. Saxton, Nader, Sauer, Kelso, Illya, and a man named Bawel conducted the interviews in the main mess hall. Bawel it turned out had done job placements for companies that needed to find employees but didn't have the resources to do so. He had a keen insight into people and Saxton wanted to take advantage of this skill.
The interviews went fairly smooth, no one caused any problems and there were very few surprises. The only real surprise was finding a man that had been a prisoner in one of the maximum security prisons among the survivors. Saxton remembered the man at the rescue scene trying to save the life of a Warrior that had been shot by a Cylon and then helping with the wounded, even going as far as carrying an older man in his arms when the man could not go on. To Saxton and the others on the panel, this man, Konz, had earned a second chance for freedom with his selfless actions.
That could not be said for Cantor or his people. They had insisted at being the first to be interviewed and then refused to answer many of the questions put to them. Saxton was at one point about to climb over the table and strangle Cantor, but a calm and cool Illya kept him from doing it. Having her on the panel was a definite benefit.
When finally, the last of the interviews was done, they started going over the information. Among the things they had learned was that there were three hundred forty one people in the facility, one hundred ninety six of those female. They also found that there were thirty eight children under the age of fourteen and twenty two seniors over a hundred.
There were now seventy two Warriors and twenty two security officers to provide protection and security to the facility. Also among the refugees were three med techs, an education instructor, four electricians, five cooks, and over a dozen other people with useable skills. The future of their little group appeared to be somewhat brighter.
Bawel and Nader went about designating jobs to the various people while Sauer and Kelso worked out a security rotation for the different areas. Saxton and Illya meanwhile began working on having an election for a civilian government. They both thought it important to try and keep as much of their civilization alive as possible, and having a civilian government would be a big step in that direction.
"First we have to set up the offices to be voted on, then we need to set the rules for voting." Illya said.
"What kind of rules? Each person gets one vote for each office." Saxton said.
"So you wish to let the children vote?" She said with a slight smile.
Saxton laughed at the thought of a six yahren old voting for the new President.
"Okay, you got me on that one, but I think the hardest part we be keeping certain people from bullying others into voting there way!" Saxton said.
"You mean Sire Cantor and his retinue. I've been thinking about them. If they were to gain leadership of our new government, I think things would not be so good for the people." Illya said. "We would have to find someone that could beat them fairly and decisively. Someone like you!"
Saxton was shocked.
"ME! Why me, I'm no politician. I'm a Warrior."
"True, and that's why you would be perfect. Cantor and his cronies are career politicians, and everyone knows that their kind are nothing but two legged vermin"
"Siress! Isn't Adama a politician?" Saxton said before he could stop himself, not wanting to remind her of her loss.
Illya laughed a little sadly and said, "Yes Major, Adama was a politician, but he was a Warrior long before that. I'm sure you would be a fine President."
Saxton thought about it for a moment, then shook his head saying, "I appreciate the vote of confidence, but I have no want to be President. My whole life, all I ever wanted to be was a Warrior and that's what I am."
Illya nodded her head, understanding fully the feelings he had having heard similar words from Adama yahren before. Then Saxton gave her a bit of a shock.
"Why not run yourself Siress?" he said. "The people know Adama and you have done numerous charitable works in the communities on Caprica. You're honest and caring and would look out for the best interest of the people, unlike Cantor."
She started to protest, then stopped. Why not run for President? She had few other skills to offer except those learned in a lifetime of service on different boards of organizations and being wed to Adama, helping him with hundreds of situations dealing with the council. She could do it!
"You're right Major, I should run, after all, someone has to be sure not to let Cantor and his people take charge. I'll do it!"
"Excellent!" Saxton nearly shouted, "We need to start letting the people know about the election and about you. I'll have some people start passing the word about the election. I'll also make sure that Cantor and his cronies don't try and "influence" anyone with their bullying tactics like they tried on Kelso earlier. When do you think we should hold the election?"
"The sooner we hold them, the sooner we can get down to the business of deciding what to do next. I say we hold the election tomorrow." Illya said.
"Tomorrow it is. I'll have Nader and Sauer help set things up in the main mess hall." Saxton said as he stood to leave.
"Major!" Illya said suddenly. "What do you think is going to happen to us? Mankind I mean?"
He thought about it for a moment, then shook his head and said, "I don't really know Siress. I guess we'll find out tomorrow." Then he turned and left.
Word of an election spread quickly thru the base and as expected, Cantor and his people began going from one person to another, trying to insure their votes. Those who didn't know who to vote for or that were leaning the other way were pressured to change their minds, at least until a group of Warriors and security officers began shadowing their every move, then they were forced to stop with the heavy handed methods and try using good old fashioned politics, in other words……they started lying.
In any case, their tactics backfired on them, because after the voting was done and the results tallied, this was done by two priests and Commander Laird, who had made a remarkable recovery. When all was said and done, the final tally was…….Illya received two hundred eighty four votes to Cantor's fourteen.
Cantor was furious, but said he would abide by the vote and would help the new President in whatever capacity she deemed worthy of someone with his experience and skills, hoping to be appointed to a position of power from which he could someday take power from the woman. Cantor knew if he was patient, opportunity would come.
After the election, Illya was very happy. She wished that Adama could see her now, her first election and she won by a greater margin then even he had ever achieved. The celebration lasted only a short time however. There were things that needed to be done and they had to be done now.
"So, madam President, what is it you plan on doing first?" asked Cantor sarcastically. "Will you order a counterstrike against the Cylon invaders or will you try and make peace with them as your predecessor tried to do?"
Saxton rose from his seat, wanting to pound the life out of the pompous ass, but was halted by Illya's hand on his arm. He looked at her and reseated himself, invoking a series of chuckles from Cantor and his followers. Then Illya stood up and looked around the room. She could see everyone waiting for her to answer the question.
She turned her gaze to Cantor, and with a gentle smile said to them, "I would like nothing better then to rid our worlds of the blight that is the Cylon Empire. But with less then four score of Warriors, only a fool would even suggest such a course of action."
This brought howls of laughter directed at Cantor for making the stupid statement. Cantor tried to sink deeper into his chair to hide from the ridicule.
Illya watched him squirm for a moment, her smile never changing, and then began speaking again. This calmed the people's laughter down, much to Cantors relief.
"As for the other suggestion, trying to make peace with the Cylons, we've already learned that the Cylons can't be trusted. The proof is on the surface above. No my friends, resistance and retribution are not options. The war is over, and we lost! The only thing we can do now is survive. Survive as a species so that some day we might be able to regain those things that we've lost these past few days. Survive so that maybe our children, or our children's children can reclaim the surface of Caprica and return it to its former glory. The key here is that first, above all else, we must survive! That is what I'm going to be working toward. The survival of the human race."
"Madam President, my name is Tunnell, I was a cook at the Presidium Club before the attacks and have been assigned duties in the galley. I was wondering what the food and water situation was down here. Is there enough for everyone?"
Illya turned to Saxton, who stood and began to explain their situation.
"Upon coming to this facility several days ago, I was informed by Sergeant Kelso of the base security detachment that this facility has enough food, water, clothing and medical supplies to support over ten thousand people for a period of five yahren. Since we now have less then four hundred people here, we should be able to stretch that for at least twenty five yahren if not more. That's assuming that we don't find more survivors or have a sudden influx of babies born over the next few yahren."
This last statement brought a chorus of laughter from the crowd. Then a woman near the back of the room brought forth a question that was on many peoples minds.
"Madam President, you mentioned earlier something about our children and our children's children. What did you mean by that? Do you expect us to start having children? That may be fine for those who are unwed right now, but what of those among us that are already sealed? Do you expect us to forgo our sealing vows and remarry?"
Illya smiled gently at the woman, knowing that there was no easy way to say what she must.
"My friend, I know how you feel. I too have been separated from my family and am unsure of the future. I can not tell you what to do in this matter, you will each have to make up your own mind on what you will do in regards to past and future relationships. I can tell you this, that if we are to continue as a species, we will have to procreate, and that means we will have to do this from the genie pool we have here in this facility."
"Will you be pitching in to increase the population Madam President?" Cantor asked, smirking.
Illya looked at the smug fool, still smiling as she had been and said, "I, unfortunately am too old the give birth to anymore children, but if I was still able to, then yes, I would be very happy to have another child."
Cantor was feeling even smugger after that answer and decided to press the issue farther.
"So tell us Madam President, who among all these worthy gentlemen would you allow the privilege of sharing your bed?"
A hush fell over the crowd as Cantor laughed at what he thought was a fine joke. Saxton and Sauer both came to their feet in an instant and started toward the pompous fool with blood in their eyes.
"Hold your places gentlemen!" Illya said quickly. This halted the two men before they could reach Cantor, who was suddenly aware that he had been the only one to find humor in his little jest. Seeing the two men heading toward him with murderous intent in their eyes silenced him.
Illya turned her gaze back to Cantor, her smile never wavering, and said, "You are right Cantor, that there are many fine men in this room, and if I were young enough to have a child I would have to chose one of them. But I can tell you one thing I know for sure, that if you were the last man on Caprica and the only way to ensure the survival of the human race was to have a child with you, I'd see our species extinct first before I'd do that."
This brought howls of laughter and applause from the crowd, even the members of Cantors "staff" had moved away from him and were applauding loudly.
Cantor could take no more! He jumped up from his chair and stormed out of the main mess hall, his face nearly as red as the cloak he was wearing. This brought even more cheering and even several comments from those he passed.
Saxton and Sauer looked at each other and smiled. It would seem that their new President was more then capable of handling just about any situation that came her way, even one as disturbing as Cantor. The two of them returned to their seats as Illya continued.
"My apologizes to you all for that mans rude behavior. It is unfortunate that some people seem to think they can say or do whatever they feel like because they have been privileged for most of their lives. I hope we won't have to go thru anything like that again."
There was a general consensus among the people agreeing with that statement.
"Now that we've gotten rid of that bothersome lout, we can take care of a few other matters. As President, it is my great pleasure to tell you that I am naming Major Saxton as the commander of this facility and of all Colonial Forces therein. With this comes a promotion to the rank of Commander, effective immediately."
Saxton was stunned by the announcement. He never expected anything like this. He rose from his seat and accepted the Presidents hand on the honor.
"I thank you Madam President. I will do my very best to protect and defend our people." He said.
"I know you will Commander, as you have done so well in the past. I will leave you to fill your staff and give to them the appropriate promotions. Just leave your list of promotions with my new assistant, Sire Bawel when you have them please." Illya said.
"Yes Madam President, I'll do it right away." Saxton said.
The rest of the day was spent putting together staffs to work on the various things that would be need in the near future. Illya was still in the main mess hall working at one of the tables with several people she had chose to help get the new government up and running when Saxton, Sauer, Nader, and Kelso approached the table. Illya looked up at the group and asked them what they wanted.
"Madam President, there is a matter that requires your immediate attention. Would you please come with us?" Saxton said, a look of grave seriousness on his face.
Not knowing what could be so serious that it would require her four most senior officers to come and get her made her somewhat nervous. She got up from here seat and followed them to a set of huge, ornate double doors where two heavily armed security officers stood on either side of the doors. As the group approached, they came to attention and saluted. Illya knew she was required to return the salute from her many trips the military functions with Adama. The guards then reached for the doors and opened them.
Illya looked inside and saw a magnificently appointed area, with rich furnishings and thick, colorful carpets and art works on the walls. There were several doors along the walls and what looked like a large desk at the far end of the room. She turned to Saxton and asked him, "What is this place Commander?"
Saxton and the others all smiled and Saxton told her, "This is your new quarters Madam President!"
She turned to face him, a look of disbelief on her face.
"My … quarters? You can't be serious Commander?" She said.
"I'm afraid so Madam President. This is not only your personal living area, but it's also your office and working area." He said as he led her into the Presidential wing. He turned to Sergeant Kelso and asked him to explain the layout.
"This area is the main greeting area. This is where those people with business to discuss will be seated until you are ready to see them." Kelso said as he waved his hand to encompass the room.
"Through those doors there are your personal offices, which include your own personal communications system, meeting area, and a dinning area for executive dinners and the like. Through that door is your personal living spaces. You have a living area, full private dinning area, three bed chambers and I believe there is still a hot water soaking vat in the private gymnasium." Kelso said with a smile.
Illya was shocked by the lavishness of the place. She felt as if she was in one of the finest hostelries on Caprica instead of four kilometrons below the surface.
"What do you think Madam President? Are these quarters adequate?" Saxton asked, a huge smile on his face.
Illya turn to face him, her smile nearly as wide as his.
"Oh yes! More then sufficient Commander." She told him, then she asked Sergeant Kelso, "What's behind those doors?" she asked pointing at a group of doors on the opposite wall.
"That area thru there is for the Council of the Twelve and their staffs." He said pointing to one set of doors, then indicating another set, he said, "And thru there are the quarters for your staff. In all, the Presidential wing has room to house over a hundred people."
"I doubt I'll have need of so much space, perhaps we should assign those quarters to other people, those that have been of greatest service in this time of crisis?" she said.
"That is entirely up to you Madam President, but I would be careful who you allowed residence in this area." Saxton advised.
"Yes, I'd have to be prudent about who was placed there but I can't see letting all those rooms go to waste. I'll draft a list of personnel that I believe have earned a place in those rooms. I'll have you and the Sergeant go over the list and we'll contact those persons discretely. Agreed?" she said.
Saxton and Kelso exchanged a glance and a nod and Saxton said, "That sounds like a good plan to us Madam President."
Illya nodded and then turned to face all those present.
"Gentlemen, I want to thank each and every one of you for what you've done in these most trying times. In truth, I would not even be here had it not been for your courage and daring. I owe you four and those that serve you my life, as do most of those in this complex. I can never fully repay that debt, but I will try and do whatever I can to make sure your sacrifice was not in vain." She told them. "I don't know what the future holds for us all, but I can tell you this…… mankind will survive! We will continue on and someday, we will reclaim our home worlds! We will return to the surface and rebuild.
We will have final victory!"
Having said that, the three Warriors and the security officer saluted the new President, and began looking forward to the future!
