Battlestar Galactica

Past, Present, Future.

Chapter 34

Beginning of the End.

Commander Saxton was lying on his bed, taking a break after a grueling thirty centar shift, trying to get his mind wrapped around the events of the past few sectars. Things had been running fairly smoothly for quite some time, no major problems or events to deal with, just as they had been for nearly every other sectar for the past thirty eight yahren. Managing the cycle to cycle operations of the "DreamWorks" had become an almost boring thing. Spending his time settling disputes between people, sending out the regular patrols to search for more survivors and supplies, sending out recon patrols to report on the Cylon activities in and around the ruins of Caprica City. Things had fallen into a boring, yet comfortable routine.

That was until a few sectars ago!

That was when Captain Duggan intercepted the first message about some kind of new threat that the Cylons were dealing in the outer sectors of their ever expanded territories. Multiple attacks on their Baseships and outposts were being reported at an increasing rate. Most recently, there were reports that the Cylon outer capital on Gamoray had been attacked and destroyed by these new foes. Whoever these people were, they had sent the Cylons into a tizzy! Saxton couldn't help but smile at the thought!

It was from that moment on; everything in their little world in the DreamWorks had been turned upside down. They had started to prepare the vast array of ships and weapons there in the Dream Works for battle if need be, or to use as a last ditch effort to escape. The people of the Dream Works had spent yahren training to operate the systems and weapons of those vessels in the event they had to make a run for it. But that was a last resort. Saxton had never really thought it would ever come to that point. But now it looked as if everything they had done …. everything they had worked at for so long …. All the training and planning of the last thirty eight yahren were about to be put into motion.

That was unless they could contact these newcomers, whoever they were, before they moved into the Colonies and tried to retake them! If they could not stop those people from doing that, there would be little to no hope of surviving what the Cylons were going to do. It was a nightmare that they had very little control over. How could they stop the Cylons from destroying the very planet they stood on?

Just then, Saxton's comm unit buzzed.

Reluctantly, he picked it up.

"Saxton here. Go ahead!"

"Commander, its Nader. Doctor Prior and I were able to get into the P.D.C. archives and found a list of every planetary defense missile complex in the Colonies!"

"Are you kidding me?" Saxton said excitedly, sitting up now on the edge of his bed. "That's awesome news Nader. Have you been able to tell if any of them are still functional?"

"Doctor Prior is working on that with a couple of his techs." Nader told him.

"Techs? I thought I made it clear that this was to be kept within the senior staff Nader!" Saxton said sternly.

"Yea, you did, but we needed some expert help from some of the computer tech guys on Prior's staff to get thru the security felgercarb in the system!" Nader replied defensively. "I've briefed them about the secrecy of what they're working on and the need to keep it quiet, besides, they already have top secret clearance. Hell, one of them has an even higher clearance level then I do …. Higher than YOU for that matter!"

"I see." Saxton said with a slight smile. "Okay buddy, but before you make a general announcement of what's going on to the entire base, can you at least consult with me first? I mean, I am supposed to be in charge around here!"

"Really, since when?" Nader said jokingly.

"Watch it Colonel, or I may have to bust you down to a snitrad cadet!"

Nader began to laugh but went silent when he was spoken to excitedly by Doctor Prior, who was in the background. Saxton couldn't hear what he said, but in must have been good news, because Nader let out a loud hoot and holler.

"What's going on Nader? What's all the excitement about?" Saxton asked, hoping for good news.

"Doc Prior and his minions just cracked the last of the security lockouts to the missile complex files and operations systems. He said that almost all of the missile complex's that are still online are showing as intact and fully functional."

"Does that mean what I think it does?" Saxton asked. "Can we use them against the Cylons?"

"That it does boss man! If we can get into the control rooms of those missile complexes, we can give those shiny metal daggits a very rude awakening!"

"That's the best news I've heard in yahren!" Saxton said excitedly, then something hit him. "You said "IF" we can get into the missile control rooms? Does that mean we can't access them?"

"Not as yet Sax, but Prior is working on a way for us to bypass the control room lockouts using my pass code to gain entry to all the sites from here. It's something I could have done from the P.D.C. headquarters in a few microns, but will have to be done from here now."

"We don't have much time left Nader." Saxton reminded him. "Maybe another cycle or two max!"

"I know, were working as fast as we can." Nader said solemnly. "I have an idea that might help us move faster, but it's pretty dangerous!"

"And what's that" he asked, not sure he wanted to hear the answer.

"We go to the old P.D.C. building and try to use the old circuits there!"

"Are you crazy? That place is nothing but a pile of rubble!"

"It was, but one of the patrols several yahren ago reported that the Cylons had cleared away a lot of the rubble and were working on the place. Maybe they were trying to rebuild it, or at least part of it? It's worth having a look!"

"Maybe, but if the Cylons were using it for some purpose, they might still be in there." Saxton reminded him.

"Possible, but since the Cylons are under a general recall, I'm thinking they've all pulled out."

"They could have destroyed everything or left booby-traps! Did you think of that?" Saxton said.

"Under normal circumstances I'd say you were right, but with a general recall underway, those tin cans wouldn't even think of doing anything like that. If they aren't told to do something, they don't do it." Nader said. "I'm willing to bet if I go in there and they did put things back together, I can have all those missile control rooms unlocked and possibly ready to fire in a few centars. What do you say Sax?"

Saxton thought about it for a moment. It was extremely risky at the least. But time was against them.

"Okay Nader, take whoever you need with you and get over to the P.D.C. as quick as you can. And don't let the Cylons see you! Even with a general recall, they won't hesitate killing you!"

"Will do Sax! I'll take Prior, his tech guys, and Rentner with me. And maybe a few of the security people too."

"Sounds good. I'm going to get everyone together in the Control Center conference room as soon as possible. We'll need to map out the locations of those complex's and start sending teams out to activate the missiles for launch if you can't do it from the P.D.C. Contact me as soon as you can gain access."

"You got it Sax. Prior's already sent the location information and how to activate the missiles to the computers in your office in the Control Center. You can bring the maps and everything up from there. We're going to get moving right away. Wish us luck Sax!"

"Best of luck to us all. See ya soon!"

And with that, Saxton tossed the comm unit on the bed and stuffed his feet back into his boots. After quickly squaring himself away, he was out the door and almost running to the Control Room. Using his personal comm unit, he called the Command Duty Officer, Major Elkin, and had him assemble the command staff in the Control Room conference room. He swung by the Presidential wing to tell President Illya himself of their plan. She was excited by the new wrinkle and asked to be included in the discussion. He of course agreed.

Saxton and Illya arrived in the conference room just as the last members of the senior staff arrived. They all took their seats and Saxton began to tell them what was going on.

"About twenty centons ago, Colonel Nader and Doctor Prior were able to crack into the P.D.C. missile command and control computers and gain access to the information we need to use those weapons." Saxton began. "Unfortunately, we do not as yet have the ability to launch the missiles remotely from here. Nader and Prior, along with several others from Prior's staff are on their way to the old P.D.C. building to try and launch them from there or to make it possible to launch them from here. In lieu of that, if they are unable to do this, they will try to gain access to as many of the missile complex control rooms as possible, where we will then dispatch teams to and have them launch the missiles against the Cylon Baseships detailed to destroy the Colonies."

There was a hushed murmuring amongst those present. Saxton silenced them and continued.

"I know most of you have never even seen the missiles of the P.D.C., let alone know how to operate the launch systems, but it is imperative that we all become experts in those procedures immediately, as we are going to be among those that lead the teams to those control centers. Doctor Prior sent me the instructions on how to find the control rooms, how to gain entry, and how to initiate start up and launch the weapons. I'm going to have you all download the maps and instructions to your pads and then we'll start getting teams of volunteers together to head out if Nader can't get things up and running from the P.D.C."

"I thought the P.D.C. was destroyed by those saboteurs during the Holocaust Commander?" said Major Elkin.

"It was, but we have reports that the Cylons have been using it for something the past decade or so and have been doing repairs on the lower levels during that time. We think they were trying to get the planetary defense system back on line for their use. If they did, Nader and Prior might be able to use their systems to operate the missile silos on all the planets."

"And if they can't get the planetary defense systems to work, we fire the missiles manually, right?" Major Britt asked.

"That's correct."

"That will take care of those Baseships around Caprica" Illya started, "But what about those around the other Colonies? Will we be able to defend the other planets from here?"

"Unfortunately no, we'll only be able to strike at those Baseships around Caprica, unless Nader and Prior can get the entire system back online from the old P.D.C. If they can do that, we might be able to launch everything in the Colonies from there."

"And if they can't do it, will the other Colonies send out teams to their missile sites?"

"In the event that Nader and Prior fail, we will attempt to contact the other Colonies and have them try and launch their missiles. Unfortunately, we have had some problems communicating with the other planets. Using the ultra-low frequency bands to avoid detection by the Cylons has also limited our signal strength and range. That is why I've had Major Leia's team working on upgrading our communications system. Major Leia has had several members of her team attempting to reach the other Colonies for the past twenty centars, but to my knowledge, they have had no responses as yet."

"Then they have no idea they are about to be destroyed?" Illya said sadly.

"Not yet Madame President, but when Leia and her team get the communications system upgraded and running, we'll be able to send a much stronger signal to the other Colonies and give them the locations and operating information to use their missiles. And with a little luck, we'll be able to contact those people that have been fighting the Cylons for the past few sectons and let them know what the Cylons are planning. I just hope we have enough time to get everything in place!"

"Last reports from our scout teams say that the Cylons will need another cycle or two to get all their "people" off the surface. Then another few centars to get their Baseships into position." Elkin said.

"I hope that's enough time for us to get things in place." Saxton said.

Just then the intercom in the briefing room buzzed. Saxton answered the call himself.

"Saxton here, go ahead!"

"Commander, Leia here. We just finished getting this comm system together. I think you could contact the Lords of Kobol with this setup sir!"

"Outstanding Major!" Saxton said excitedly. "How long before it's ready for me to broadcast?"

"It's fired up and ready to go now sir!' Leia said happily. "We've done all the testing and it's good to go."

"Fantastic! I'm on my way. Saxton out!"

Saxton turned to look at the others faces. They wore smiles he thought that might have been half the size of the one he had at that moment. Maybe they did have a chance.

"Alright people, time to start putting things into motion. Elkin, start finding anyone that has any experience with missile systems. If you can't find anyone, get any and all Warriors together for this mission. Britt, contact Colonel Nader and let him know that the comm system is up and running. Tell him I'm going to make a call to the other Colonies and send them the information on the missile complex's and to start getting people to them. It's going to take time for them to get people there, but I'll keep him in the know as to when they get there. Rentner, find Command Sergeant Kelso and have him ready his troops. They will need to secure the DreamWorks once we depart. Sauer, you have your people ready to act as escorts for the missile teams. Let's move people! Time is of the essence!"

And so the people of the DreamWorks prepared for what was to be the last battle between mankind and their arch enemy, the Cylons! Elkin put the word out for personnel with any type of experience dealing with missiles or missile systems. He got a surprising number of responses from people that had work in the defense industry before the holocaust, including Commander Laird, the former Commander of the Sixth Colonial Fleet. Seems he was an instructor at the Caprican Military Academy before he retired and his specialty was weapons systems of the Planetary Defense Command. In all, over two hundred people were assembled to be part of the missile teams.

Major Britt made contact with Colonel Nader and was able to report to Commander Saxton that the Cylon had indeed dug down into the P.D.C. and were able to fix or replace most of the equipment needed to fire the Planetary Defense Weapons. Only problem was that they had not finished the job. They still had no way to send the proper signals to the missile silos to launch all the weapons. Doctor Prior and his tech team were working to set up the communications gear to send the signals, but it was going to take some time. Saxton told them to forgo the launch system and just try to get the control rooms open for the missile teams to fire them.

In the Pit, Saxton was about to send the most important message of his life. A message that could very well save the human race.

"Are we ready Leia?" he asked.

Major Leia was at one of the panels, checking the systems for the hundredth time.

"All systems show green Commander. All you have to do is hit the switch and you're on the air!"

"Excellent, how long will I have before the Cylons can get a fix on us?"

"Since they started pulling out of the Colonies, we haven't been using their search equipment. I'd say you can broadcast as long as you need sir. But Duggan will continue monitoring for any signs they are trying to track your signal …. Just in case!"

Saxton smiled a little at that last part and nodded to Duggan, who had a huge grin on his face.

"Alright then, let's do this!"

And so, Commander Saxton sat down at the broadcasting station and flipped the swtch!

"Attention all Colonies! Attention! This is Commander Saxton. I am transmitting from the planet Caprica on all emergency frequencies. If you can hear this transmission and have a way to acknowledge it, please do so now. "

Saxton repeated this message several times without a response. He looked to Major Leia as if to ask if the signal was going out. She checked her panels and nodded to him.

"Your signal is going out clear and strong Commander. Might be that nobody is listening?"

"Damn! Someone has to be listening out there."

He began to repeat the message again when a signal came back to them.

"Commander Saxton, this is Commander Jeb from the Planetary Defense Command on Taura. We read you loud and clear. What is your situation Commander?"

"Good to hear from you Commander. I was beginning to wonder if anyone was left. Our situation is this, the Cylons are pulling all their units out of the Colonies."

"We seen that too Commander. Any idea why?

"Yes, we know exactly why. The Cylons have been at war with what appears to be two fleets of humans and some others we can't identify. They've been beating the Cylons up pretty good, so they're pulling out of the Colonies!"

"So does that mean we've won the war?"

"Not quite. Seems the Cylons aren't going to let us have the Colonies back so easily. They're going to launch a massive strike against all the surviving planets as soon as those two fleets enter the system."

"By the Lords! What can we do?"

"Well, we've got a plan Commander. You said you're from the P.D.C. on Taura, correct?"

"That's right Commander, but I have to tell you, I was only a Lieutenant back then. I don't have any of the launch codes or anything. Our C.O. was killed the night of the Cylon attacks by some saboteurs. Lucky for us we were in the middle of a shift change, so there were twice as many people here to fight them off."

"Are your systems still working there Commander?"

"Yea, they sure are, but we can't activate them because we don't have the codes or clearances. Our C.O. was the only person that was able to activate the defense systems. That's why we couldn't put up a fight before. We've basically just stayed here in the building and hid. The Cylons have left us alone for the most part."

"Okay Commander, here's the deal. We have the information you need to activate your systems and launch your missiles. I'm going to send it to you. Think you and your people can get those systems up and running?"

"Damn right we can! The only thing that's kept us out of the fight was we nothing to fight with! Send me those codes Commander and we'll send those gall-monging Cylons to Hell!"

"You got Commander."

Saxton turned to Leia and told her to send the information to Commander Jeb. A few moments later, he confirmed he'd received it.

"Thanks Commander. With this, we'll be ready to tear those tin cans apart!"

"Good, get your systems fired up and stand by for my signal. We don't want to tip our hand too early. And if you can, try and reach the other Colonies and let them know what's going on and have them contact me. If we can get all the Colonies involved, we might just survive this war."

"Will do Commander. I'll wait for the word. Good luck to you sir!"

"And to you. Saxton out!"

Saxton leaned back in his chair and looked at the others. They were smiling.

"Well, that's one!" he said. "Let's see if we can get the rest of them onboard!"

Over the next three centars, Saxton continued to send out his signal. He was able to get replies from Virgon, Gemini, Leonas, Cancera and Aries. All were able to receive the information to activate and operate the missile silos on their planets. Saxton was surprised how many people, especially Warriors had survived and set up communities underground or in places the Cylons didn't patrol. And more surprising was the number of people willing to take part in this final battle. He felt a great swelling of pride in his fellow humans. It reaffirmed his belief that they would survive!

"We still have had no contact with Pisceria or Aquaria thou." Leia said.

Aquaria is ninety percent covered by their oceans and almost all their cities are underwater. It's quite possible that their land based communications facilities were destroyed. I doubt we'll hear from them." Saxton said shaking his head. "As for Pisceria, I really don't care if they survive or not."

"I understand how you feel commander, but I'm sure most of those on the planet had no idea of the traitors activities." Leia said. "They're humans and should be warned sir."

"Well, keep trying then, but I'm not going to be upset if they don't make it!"

"Commander, new signal coming in." Duggan announced. "Looks like it's coming from Libra."

"Really? It's been almost ten yahren since we heard anything from them." Saxton mused. "Put em thru Major"

"Commander Saxton, this Corporeal Nix. I'm with the survivors here on Libra. My C.O. is not here right now, but I heard your signal. What can I do for you sir?" came a nervous voice of a young man.

"Greetings Corporeal Nix. Who is your commanding officer there and where is he or she?"

"That would be Captain Justine sir. She's out on a patrol. Things here have gotten really weird the past few cycles sir!"

Saxton smiled a bit.

"Let me guess, the Cylons on Libra have are leaving the planet!"

"That's right sir! How did you know?"

"Because they are pulling out from all the Colonies. Listen to me son, I need you to get Captain Justine for me right away. It is vital that I speak to her immediately. Can you do that for me?"

"Yes sir! I'll send out a runner right away sir."

"Good enough. Have her contact me on this frequency as soon as she gets back. Understand!"

"Yes sir."

"Good, I'll be waiting to hear from her. And Corporeal ….."

"Yes sir?"

"Good job!" Saxton out!"

Saxton turned to see Leia snickering.

"What?"

"I think you scared the pogees out of that kid. Probably the first time he's ever dealt with a senior officer."

"Yea, I just hope it's not the last time."

"Ahhh, Commander"

"Yea Frankl, what is it?"

"I just finished setting up the equipment to transmit on Fleet Comline Alpha."

"Well done Lieutenant. Your timing is perfect."

Frankl handed the Commander another headset and a pad with several instructions on it.

"What's this for?" He asked.

"Those are the basic instructions on how to make contact and the list challenges and counter challenges you'll need. Since we don't know who it is out there, we don't know for sure which set you'll need. Every Battlestar had its own set of challenges and counter challenges."

"And what if those aren't Colonial Battlestars out there? Or maybe they don't know the challenges and counter challenges? What then?"

"Frankl thought about it for a moment, and then with a shrug of his shoulders, he said, "I guess you'll just have to wing it sir!"

Saxton stared at the young man for several micros, not sur how to respond, then he started laughing out loud. Major Leia and Captain Duggan looked at each other as if the Commander had lost his mind, then they too began to chuckle.

"Okay Frankl, I'll keep that in mind! Let's see if our friends out there have their ears on!"

Frankl flipped a few switches on the panel he was sitting at and turned to the Commander.

"Okay Commander, just push that blue button on the hand switch and start broadcasting. Try and use the script on the pad sir. According to the manuals, that is the proper protocol.

Saxton nodded and hit the blue button.

"Here goes nothing!" he whispered to himself, than began to speak.

"Any Colonial units, this is Commander Saxton on the planet Caprica. Any Colonial units, this is Commander Saxton on the planet Caprica. Do you read me? Can you hear my signal?"

Saxton waited a few moments, then repeated his call several more times. Still no reply. He looked to Frankl and asked if he was sure everything was working. Frankl made a quick check of the equipment and gave a thumbs up. Everything was working and his signal was going out.

Saxton frowned a bit and started to speak again when there was a strong staticy voice coming thru the speakers. Everyone froze and stared at the speaker.

"Galactica to Commander Saxton. We read you loud and clear. Authenticate Epsilon Delta five one!" the voice said.

Saxton was almost too excited to give the counter challenge. He ran the challenge thru the pad Frankl gave him and it came up with what Saxton hoped was the correct response.

"Saxton to Galactica, authentication is Omega Tao nine zero. Confirm?"

There was a pause of several microns while whoever was on the other end authenticated his response. Then a new voice came on the line. A voice Saxton vaguely remembered from the past.

"Commander Saxton, this is Commander Apollo of the Battlestar Galactica. Praise the Lords of Kobol! We weren't sure we'd find anyone alive back there. What's your situation Commander?"

""Apollo! Damn it's good to hear your voice. We never thought we'd hear from anyone from the fleet again."

"Same here. So how is it you've survived there for so long. How many of you are there? What is going on with the Cylons?"

"I'll explain everything later Apollo. Right now I have to let you know that the Cylons are getting ready to destroy the rest of the Colonies."

"Say again? Did you say they are going to destroy the Colonies?"

"That's right Apollo, only this time they are going to destroy the very planets, not just our cities!"

"Good Lords! Do you know how long before they do it?"

"Soon! Real soon! They started evacuating all their troops off the planets two cycles ago and will need another cycle or so to finish. They plan on attacking the planets once they have everyone off the surface and you come into the system. Their Imperious Leader wants you to witness the destruction of our homeworlds!"

"Well we're not going to let that happen." Apollo said forcefully! "We have a few surprises for our Cylon friends. I think we can hit them before they know were there."

"That's the thing Apollo; they know about your tricks and are ready for them. They are going to use fifty Baseships in orbit around the planets and as soon as they spot you, they are all going to launch everything they have at us! You wouldn't be able to stop every one of their missiles before they wipe us out."

"You might be right. Let me talk to the other Commanders of our fleet and see what we can come up with."

"Okay, but hurry! I don't know how long we have."

"I'll get back to you as soon as I can Sax! I'm glad you're alright pal!"

"You too. I'll be waiting to hear from you. Saxton out!"

The connection was secured. Duggan had been monitoring the communications of the Cylons during the entire time, listening to see if they were detecting their signals. Luckily, they had not picked up anything. That meant they still had a chance.

"So, now we know who has been kicking the pogees out of the Cylons." Leia said. "I hope they can come up with a plan to take out those Baseship before the destroy us!"

"So do I Major." Saxton said, then he turned to Frankl and asked, "Did you happen to get a directional fix on that signal Lieutenant?"

Frankl turned to his panel and punched in a few commands and nodded.

"Yes sir, looks like the Galactica is in the Lambda sector."

Saxton nodded his head slowly.

"What is it Commander?" Leia asked.

"The Galactica's fleet is in the Lambda sector, right? So who is it the Cylons have been fighting in the Beta sector? It couldn't be the Galactica's fleet! They're almost in the exact opposite direction."

"You think there's two different fleets Commander?" Leia asked.

"Makes sense, the Cylons have been getting trashed in two opposite sectors. And some of those space battles Duggan and Frankl have been following the past few sectons we've confirmed they were in the Beta sector and those were in fact, Battlestars involved! Unknown Battlestars, but Battlestars none the less. I'm convinced there are two fleets out there heading this way!"

"If you're right Commander, then we need to get ahold of the other fleet too and let them know what's going on." Duggan said.

"You're right Captain, that we do." Saxton agreed. "We also have to let them know about the Galactica and her fleet, otherwise they might start shooting at each other!"

Saxton turned to Lieutenant Frankl and asked, "Can you send out a signal using Fleet Comline Alpha in a unidirectional beam?"

"I think so Commander! I'll just focus our signal feeds in one direction. Where do you want me to point it sir?"

"Send it straight into sector Beta!" Saxton said with a smile. "That's where those other folks seem to be coming from. Let's hope, whoever they are, they will pick up our signal."

Aboard the Battlestar Genesis, the duty bridge officer, Captain Ireena was monitoring the usual frequencies used by the Centurions to track whatever communications they could. She had heard several communications between the fleet they had meet in the short but decisive battle some five cycles before and someplace in the general direction of the old Cylon homeworld. She had been unable to break the code, but knew it had something to do with a recall order as the fleet had altered its course away from the Colonies and back to their own home space. Commander Verga had ordered her to monitor that frequency and record and decode any messages she found.

As she listened to the empty channel, a light flashed on on her console that had to her knowledge, never had lit up before. She was confused for a moment as to what the light was and why it on now for the first time ever.

"Commander Verga, I have an indicator light on my panel." She called out.

Commander Verga was standing at the rail, looking out the forward view port as his fleet made their way towards the star system that was the home of the Colonies of the human race. He didn't take his eyes off the stars and absently replied, "Which indicator light is that Captain?"

"It's the large red one at the top center of my station sir!"

Verga spun around so quickly, it startled several of the people on the command dais. He almost ran the few steps it took to come up next to Captain Ireena's station. His eyes grew huge when he seen which indicator light it was.

"Step aside Captain. Let me have your station." Verga ordered sternly. "and contact Commander Bannon immediately and let him know to check his board."

Verga placed the headset on and pressed a button on the control panel next to the indicator light. A small panel slide open above the light with a small keypad inside. Verga entered a nine digit code into the keypad and waited. A few microns later, he heard an unfamiliar voice in his headset.

"Any Colonial units, this is Commander Saxton on the planet Caprica. Do you read me?"

Verga was stunned!

"Any Colonial units, this is Commander Saxton on the planet Caprica. Can you hear me? Please acknowledge! Urgent!"

Verga's mind was racing. Could this be a real signal from Caprica? Could there still be humans alive in the Colonies? Who was this, "Commander Saxton?" Was this some sort of trap?

So many thoughts ran thru his mind. Only one way to find out he figured. He flipped the switch to answer.

"Commander Saxton, this is Commander Verga of the Battlestar Genesis. I read you loud and clear. Can you authenticate Gamma Omega five nine?"

There was a somewhat lengthy pause, then the voice came back. "Saxton to Verga, I can authenticate Gamma Omega five nine, but that code does not correlate to a "Battlestar Genesis". I have no record of a Battlestar Genesis existing. Please explain!"

Verga nodded his head. However this person was, he was not a Centurion imitating a human. He continued.

"I think you'll find that authentication code belongs to the Gunstar Titan. The Battlestar Genesis is a next generation ship, unknown to the Colonial service prior to the destruction of the Colonies Commander."

Another lengthy pause.

"I see. Am I to assume you were the commanding officer of the Gunstar Titan then?"

"That I was Commander. I served with Commander Cain in the Fifth Colonial Fleet. I was dispatched by Cain on a special assignment prior to the Battle of Molocay."

"I see. Then I can also assume that you are the one responsible for all the problems the Cylons have been having in Beta Sector?"

Verga smiled at that.

"You'd be correct Commander. We just had another engagement with them a few cycles ago. They retreated almost immediately and started back your way, then changed course and headed back to their own space at top speed. Any idea why?"

"I know exactly why Commander. The Cylon Imperious Leader has ordered all Cylons out of the Colonies. Once they are clear, they're going to wait for you to arrive and then they are going to destroy the remaining planets!"

"By the Lords of Kobol!" Verga said. "How do they plan on doing that Commander?

"Fifty Baseships aligned around the ten remaining planets. They will all launch their entire arsenal of missiles at the planets. Enough to destroy each and every planet."

"Ten planets?" Verga said confused.

"Yes sir. The planets Scorpia and Sagitaria were both destroyed during the holocaust."

Verga shook his head sadly, thinking of all those that perished on those two planets.

"Well Commander, my fleet can be there in about three cycles at present speed. We should be able to take those gall monging Centurions out before they can do you any harm."

"I doubt it Commander. Their orders are to launch as soon as you reach scanner range." Saxton told him. "You'd reach the Colonies just about the time the missiles hit the planets. You're entire fleet would be caught in the blasts."

"I see!" Verga said angrily. "Have you any suggestions on how we can stop this Commander?"

"Well, my staff and I have been working on a couple of things. First thing is to have you and your people hold off for a bit until we can get things organized. We are attempting to activate the planet side missile silos of the P.D.C. to use against the Cylon Baseships. If we can get those operational, we might be able to destroy most, if not all of them. We also have been in contact with another fleet of Colonial warships with the Battlestar Galactica. If we can all get together and work out a plan, combine our resources, we might be able to beat the Cylons once and for all!"

"Agreed! But how can we all come together?" Verga asked.

"The Cylons are not monitoring our communications any longer, so a vid-con is our best bet."

"Good idea, can you set it up from there Commander?"

"Saxton looked over at Major Leia and she gave him a quick nod!

"I believe we can Commander."

"Outstanding! I'll gather my senior staff together. When do you want to try this?"

"Give me about two centars Commander. I'll try and get the Galactica online and get my people together as well."

"Two centars it is! Talk to you soon Commander!"

"Oh, and one more things Commander …. I authenticate Lambda Theta zero six." Saxton said with a slight chuckle.

Verga laughed loudly as the signal ended.

"Captain Ireena, Have the senior staff assemble in the Genesis War Room in one centar. We have our most important battle to plan for."

Saxton turned to Major Leia and Captain Duggan with a smile on his face.

"By the Lords, this might just work." He said. "Leia, get me the Galactica as fast as you can. I want to let them know what we have brewing. And get this setup hooked into the Control Center conference room. I want everyone in on this conversation."

"Yes sir. Do you really think we can win Commander?"

If we have enough time to get things together, we might just come out of this alive!"

With Duggan and Frankl's help, Major Leia was able to set up a video setup in the Control Room conference room that was connected to the Fleet Comline Alpha system that Frankl had put together. It would give them a secure communication line to both the Galactica and the Genesis at the same time. Saxton looked at the chronometer on the wall for the hundredth time, counting down until he was to make contact with the commanders of the two fleets. He knew Commander Verga only thru his reputation. He was one of the best the Colonial service ever had and served under the legendary Commander Cain for many yahren.

The Galactica's commander, Apollo he had known before the holocaust, having been two yahren ahead of him at the Colonial Academy on Caprica. Also his mother, President Illya was there in the DreamWorks, thou she asked him not to tell her son she was there. He was not sure why she had made such a request, but he did acquiesce to her request. And so he waited until it was time.

Finally, it was time!

"Major Leia, can you make the connection to the Galactica and the Genesis please?" Saxton said calmer then he actually was. Leia nodded and ran thru the proper switches to hook up the three parties. It only took a few microns before the face of an older man, well into his second century, with white hair and grey eyes. He wore a dark blue uniform with "Commanders" insignia on it came onto the large screen at the front of the conference room.

Then the screen split and another face appeared. This of a younger man of perhaps seventy yahren, with brown hair and eyes. He too wore the dark blue uniform with the insignia of a Fleet Commander. This was Apollo, son of Commander Adama. Son of President Illya, who was in the commander's personal office watching and listening.

"Greetings gentleman! I'm Commander Saxton. Commanding officer here at the Colonial Weapons Research and Development Command on Caprica."

"The DreamWorks!" the older man whispered.

Saxton looked at the man and nodded.

"The very same sir. We took refuge here during the holocaust after our ship was downed by Cylon fighters. We've stayed here, under the Cylon scanners ever since.

The older man nodded solemnly. Then he introduced himself.

"I ma Commander Verga. Commanding officer of the Battlestar Genesis and the Phantom Base Fleet. I was previously the commanding officer of the Gunstar Titan while with the Colonial Fifth Fleet under Commander Cain."

The mention of Commander Cain caught the attention of many of those in the Galactica's war room, especially Colonel Sheba, Cain's daughter.

"I take it you were able to escape the battle of Molocay then Commander?" Saxton asked.

"Actually Commander, Cain had sent us on a top secret mission to the furthest reaches of the galaxy. We were not with the Fifth Fleet when they met their demise."

"It might be of some comfort Commander Verga for you to know that Cain and the Pegasus survived the Battle of Molocay." Apollo said. "We came across him and the Pegasus about two yahren after they were presumed lost."

"You mean Cain's alive?" Verga said enthusiastically.

"I'm afraid I can't tell you that sir." Apollo told him, looking toward Sheba who was looking down at her hands, deep in her own thoughts. "We lost contact with the Pegasus during a battle with the Cylons at Gamoray. We haven't seen or heard anything from them since."

Verga nodded again.

"Gentleman, I'm sure we'll have plenty of time to catch up on the events of the past forty yahren, but right now we have a more immediate and serious problem to discuss." Saxton said, trying to get everyone back on point. "We need to formulate a plan to keep the Cylons from destroying the Colonies!"

"Agreed. Sorry Commander." Apollo said. "do you have any ideas?"

"Well, all I can tell you now is that we here in the DreamWorks have been working toward getting the Planetary Defense System missile systems back online and operational. If we can get them going, we can launch several hundred missiles at the Cylons. We just don't know if we have the time to get the system operational in time."

"That would be very effective if you could get them working, but like you said, you might not have enough time." Verga said. "Do you have any ships that you can attack with? Perhaps delay the Centurions from launching until our fleets can arrive?"

"Negative Commander." Saxton replied "We have only a few experimental ships available to us and not enough trained personnel to properly operate them, especially in a combat situation. I have less than eight hundred Warriors here and only about a hundred of them with any kind of combat experience. The best we could hope for from our ships is to use them as a last resort to try and make a break for it."

"Hmmmm!" Verga mused. "And you say they will launch their attack as soon as we come within range of their scanners?"

"Correct!" Saxton said.

"We have a new weapon system that would be extremely effective against those Baseships if we could get within four hundred thousand kilometrons, but they would pick us up well before we were in range to employ it!"

"Commander Verga, we might be able to help you with that problem!" Apollo said with a sly grin.

Verga and Saxton both looked at Apollo on their screens with confused expressions.

"And how pray tell could you do that Commander?"

"Let me explain." Apollo said, and for the next centar, the three senior officers discussed and planned. Several others added opinions and options. Before long, they had a brilliant plan that if it was executed properly, would bring a swift and complete end to the Cylon threat!

"Then we are all agreed." Commander Saxton said. "We will commence operations in three centars!"

Both Apollo and Verga nodded agreement.

"Until then gentleman, I bid you farewell and look forward to meeting you both face to face soon after. May the Lords of Kobol bless and protect all that serve you."

"And you commander!" Verga said. His transmission ended.

"I'll see you soon Sax!" Apollo said with a smile. Saxton wanted to tell Apollo that his mother was in the next room, but he couldn't bring himself to break his oath to her. Apollo noticed the look on Saxton's face and asked, "Is there something else Sax?"

Saxton looked up at Apollo's face on the huge screen.

"Na, it will wait till after we get rid of the Cylons. Best of luck to you and yours buddy."

"See ya soon Sax! Galactica out."

"Okay people. You all know what needs to be done. We have less than three centars to have everyone and everything in place. If this goes bad, Major Leia will launch with all the civilians on the Antares. She'll make for the Galactica fleet at best speed."

Everyone nodded.

"And if all goes as planned …. We will be returning to the surface of Caprica! Free of the horrors of the Cylons. Hopefully forever!