Responses to Earlier Comments:
War Sage, thanks for the comments. Yeah, that Six was the planting of a seed. She'll be back, but not for a while. Funny you should mention Bricker...
Chronos1326 - thanks again. I agree with your comment from Ch 34 - they either take the Stiletto warship with them or they don't, but why wouldn't they? I cannot recall if ships can jump out from atmo or not (although they can jump into it), but I wrote it up that they couldn't, which I hope created the plausible danger of taking any but the fastest ships with them. You're right tho - it's a big planet, and if there were dozens of ships in hiding, just waiting for a way to escape, it'd be silly for Cru or Starbuck to say, "Sorry folks, you're not invited."
***All comments are welcome. I'll do my best to respond***
Disclaimer: Please note: I own no part or share in the Battlestar Galactica realm, commercial or otherwise. This story is submitted for entertainment purposes only. Oh, and any similarities to people present or past are purely coincidental.
Reminder: I did not spend time making up non-earth names for BSG things - hip-tied, magnanimous, knickers, etc. They are in there as is. I wanted to avoid introducing new terms, explaining them, and potentially causing confusion if/when they are used later without their explanations.
Ch 36 - Post-Election
"I didn't realize I had so much crap."
~Cru's Journal if he had time to keep one.
Gaius Baltar won the election.
Evvie had talked to the crews and passengers of their small allegiance of ships on many occasions. She encouraged voting for what President Roslin had done, what she could do for them, and what the woman stood for. Evvie encouraged a vote for substance, not popularity. Baltar was flashy and promised much - the prospect of a "New Caprica" colony was attractive beyond measure. On the other hand, Roslin was hip-tied to the dark days of fleeing and escape, the thirst and hunger that had persisted, and more of the same if they did not put down on the newly found, habitable planet. Laura was about tough and painful decisions. It was no wonder she lost.
On day 284, Gaius Baltar was inaugurated President. On the same day, Cloud Nine and several other ships were lost to a nuclear detonation. The tragedy did not stop the president, though. He went to work building his new world, with one particular item involving Bree's Twin.
~~~~~/~~~~~~
Bree's Twin, High Orbit above New Caprica
Conference Room, Cargo Bay
Day 292
4:15 PM, Caprica Time
A large conference room had been constructed in Cargo Bay 3 and was used to discuss the ship's business. All the officers, including Evvie, John, and Devina, and Department Heads like Tanner from Maintenance, Kevin from Passenger Wellness, and the other leaders from Inventory, crops, lodging, Parts and Materials, and Shipping and Receiving, were present.
Cru stood at the head of the table. Evvie stood next to him.
"One of President Baltar's recent executive orders," said Cru to the others, "was to re-flag our ship for Sagittaron."
"What!?"
The room gave a collective shout. Many of the members stood in surprise and anger. Some slammed their fists on the table.
"We don't have all the details yet," Evvie said over the din of heated words, "but we'll know more, soon. We were told to expect the arrival of a delegation, later today."
"We are a military asset," called Tanner loudly over the others. "How can he do this?"
Evvie waved her hands in an attempt to settle the room. "We've always been both a civilian and a military asset."
"And the reality is," added Cru, "It was the Council that saw it done - it was with their agreement."
The room fell silent.
Everyone knew it. The council was supposed to back the people. Re-flagging a ship against the owner's wishes was tantamount to legalized theft by the government. If it could happen to Cru, it could happen to anyone. That alone would have resonated through the fleet if the attention wasn't so laser-focused on the settlement of New Caprica. But, it was much more for Cru and the others. The Saggitaron people were agricultural in their basic construct, which seemed like a good pairing, except they were also steadfast and unbending in their traditions and religious values, to the point of isolationism and exclusion. Few aboard ship would easily integrate with the Saggitarons and the Saggitarons would not likely accept outsiders among their ranks.
"We spoke to Councilor Porter, of Gemenon, this morning," said Evvie. "She said Vice President Zarek has always thought our ship should be Saggitaron because of where it had been registered - regardless of our Caprican owner and operator. She said Zarek was, 'very convincing'. He said Sagittaron was under-represented. Bree's Twin being both military and civilian would go a long way in giving Sagittaron legitimacy. And, a Marine Lieutenant Colonel as the ship's Captain would give them a certain level of implied authority. They all agreed. The vote was near unanimous."
"Umm, who dissented, if I may ask?" It was Kevin, the ship's "Cruise Director".
"Virgon and Picon," said Evvie. "As we might expect."
Virgon had the scholars and Picon often voted pro-military. Evvie also had good relations with them. If any of the councilors might see the problems of a forced re-flagging of Bree's Twin, or any other ship, it would be them.
"And all of that pales compared to our dear Mrs. Hawkins, here," said Cru as he gestured to Evvie. "She is recognized for her leadership, organization skills, and her far-reaching civic works. 'The Sagittaron people would do well to have her'," Cru parroted the Gemenese Councilor, "or so Ms. Potter said."
"'Porter'," corrected Evvie.
"Potter-Porter, it matters little," said Cru with a shrug. "Most of the council has shown a lack of willingness to oppose the president, which makes them mostly useless to us."
Devina frowned. "All of this is bullshit, and that flattery business for our 'dear' Mrs. Hawkins, sounds more like them trying to get some doe-eyed schoolgirl out of her knickers. Mark my words, they want something."
Cru smiled and gave a light laugh. "Devina. they even called her 'magnanimous'."
Devina frowned again. "I have no frakk'n idea what that means - nor do I care - but I'm betting they wanna make her a member of their damn Sagitt-House. Tell me I'm frakk'n wrong."
Devina was a hoot. She had the manners of a troll, at times, and the fine and coarse vocabularic license of a tenured longshoreman.
Evvie smiled and gave an exaggerated clearing of her throat into her hand. "Devina, I am hardly doe-eyed and I confess I do not own a single pair of knickers."
"Ma'am," said Devina, "I didn't mean to imply-"
"It's okay, I know what you meant. But yes, in fact, they want me to serve as Secretary Pro Tem to the Lower Associate Warden, on the Sagittarian House Lower Unity Committee."
"Also known as 'Butt-Kisser to the Ass Warden of the Shluck'," called Trevor D'Cannary with a laugh. 'C'mon Evvie - their Sagittaran, for the gods' sakes."
Evvie nodded with her hand up in acknowledgment. Trevor was blunt, but his point wasn't wrong. "Yes, I know every town and village and thatched-roof hamlet back on Sagittaron had a low-level 'Shluk' Warden, which was the equivalent of…well, not much at all really, even before the attack, but it was a polite gesture to someone who is not Sagittaron by birth - namely, me." Evvie looked down at D'Cannary. "And, Mr. D'Cannary, I'll thank you to remember we've had Saggitarons aboard and have been glad for their advice. Some of their elders have forgotten more about farming than the total of what most of us know. Please have some respect."
"Sure, Evvie," said D'Cannary a little subdued, "old habits, I guess,"
Cru remembered the Saggitarons that had been herded into a loading dock, locked in, and murdered. People didn't like Saggitarons because they were different. Old habits, indeed…
"Either way, I've already turned them down," said Evvie.
"Damn straight, you did," said Devina. "That's my girl."
Evvie gave a smile. "Thank you, Devina, for that shot of confidence. But let's get back to why we asked you all here." She turned to Cru. "Captain?"
"Right," said Cru. "As already noted, Bree's Twin is both a military and civilian asset. Most of the Council of Twelve, the Vice President, and the President want us reflagged. I spoke to Colonel Tigh from the Galactica. I have been ordered not to resist at this time - to accept the change for the good of the people while they figure out legal ways to get it all thrown out."
"So we're Saggitaron now?" said John. "Just like that?"
"Oh no, John," replied Cru. "Colonel Tigh requested that I alone, don't resist it - he said nothing about the rest of you. Admiral Adama has assigned me to the Stiletto as their Executive Officer under Colonel Bricker-"
"Captain!" shouted Tanner in protest.
"...Which effectively gets me out of the way," continued Cru, "so that Mrs. Hawkins, our new Captain, is free to oppose this change with all the ardent resolve of a badger protecting her young."
The room fell silent.
"Congratulations…Captain Hawkins," said John, as the first to break the silence. There was a note of enthusiasm in his comment, which needed a little nurturing. It was Evvie, afterall.
Then, the room broke out into a loud cheer of congratulations and well-wishing. Everyone stood. Many clapped. All wore big smiles for Evvie.
"Congrats," called Tanner. "When do we begin?"
"We begin immediately," said Evvie with a smiling response. "Kevin, you will organize a team to help Colonel Cru pack his effects and move them to the Stilleto."
"Yes, Ma'am!" said Kevin with a big smile. Evvie was by far his favorite aboard ship.
"Try not to be so enthusiastic," said Cru with a laugh.
"No enthusiasm? Me?" said Kevin with another big smile. "Sorry 'Mr. Captain-Retired', that's just not possible."
Evvie continued. "Devina, kindly tell the Saggitaron delegation - whatever thugs our Vice President has seen fit to send over - that they cannot board at this time. They are not welcome."
"Yes Captain," said Devina with a beaming nod. "Yes, Ma'am."
"Mr. Tanner, Jassie, Mackie, and Prudence, we will be reaching out to our friends across the fleet. By this time tomorrow, we will have a Coalition in place, with a drafted charter and a solid playbook of actions. If the Council will not do battle with the President and his Vice President on our behalf, we will do so ourselves."
Another round of cheers ensued and was long in the settling.
"Well, Colonel?" said Evvie turning to Cru.
Cru gave a big smile, held out his hand, and Evvie took it. They shook hands and then pulled each other into an embrace among the renewed cheering and clapping of those around them. They released each other and shook hands again, both beaming with smiles.
"Congratulations," said Cru. "You've earned this."
~~~~~/~~~~~
Letter from Richard Cru to the crew and passengers of Bree's Twin.
Ladies and gentlemen, all passengers and all crew of Bree's Twin, today marks a significant moment in our journey. We have faced countless challenges, navigated through heavy uncertainties, and yet at every turn, we have always emerged stronger and more united.
It is with great pride and confidence that I write this to announce our new captain, Evelyn Hawkins. Evvie has been a beacon of hope, a source of inspiration, and a steadfast leader among us. Her dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to our well-being have not gone unnoticed.
Evvie has proven time and again that she possesses the vision and the heart to lead this long voyage forward. As Captain of Bree's Twin, she can be trusted to guide this ship and all of its inhabitants with wisdom and courage, fostering a spirit of unity and resilience.
To the crew and all those aboard, let us continue to support one another and embrace the future with optimism and determination. With Evelyn Hawkins at the helm, I am confident that this journey will continue to be filled with new opportunities, growth, and success.
Congratulations, Captain Hawkins!
~~~~~/~~~~~
The Sloop of War, Stilleto
Later that evening
Colonel Bricker," said Cru, "Reporting for duty."
Cru stood at attention before the desk of Colonel Bricker. Her office was modest, bereft of design or decoration, all but one item. She had a flowering potted plant in a corner on a pedestal. It was a phalaenopsis orchid, also known as a "moth orchid". It had short wide dark green leaves at its base and a tall curving stem with a cascade of soft purple and white flowers towards the end. It provided the only colors beyond black and gray.
Colonel Bricker rose from her chair and stood at attention across from Cru.
"Lieutenant Colonel Cru, welcome aboard," said Bricker with an official air. She would have been fine with him dropping in and dropping off his orders, but Cru was a Colonial Marine, and out of respect for the service, she matched his formality.
Cru passed his orders and his service record folder over to her with ceremony and she received it in kind.
"Please have a seat."
"Thank you, Sir," said Cru as he sat down in sync with Bricker, neither too fast nor too slow, as tradition demanded.
"I prefer 'Ma'am'," said Bricker as she settled into her chair, and with glasses on, poured over Cru's paperwork.
"Yes, Ma'am," said Cru with a nod. "Duly noted."
Cru had learned a little about Bricker's history. She was a formidable officer in her past, and now. She commanded a small 'corvette' warship named the DonEster. Time and time again, she and others maneuvered their vessels deep into the asteroid belts and went head to head against the private navies of wealthy smugglers. Many were fierce. They were the kind of operations Cru had supported when he was a raptor pilot. He had watched the battles between those small deadly forces and swooped into the fray to pull out wounded pilots and other service members.
Bricker continued, "Major Langly, the man whom you will take over from, has expressed his pleasure at my finally letting him stand down. He longs for soil underfoot, a quiet bunk somewhere, and a stack of books."
"Glad to be of service to your Major," said Cru.
"You can tell him yourself, Colonel, tonight at dinner. We'll all meet, have a good meal, open a bottle…you drink, yes?"
"I do, ma'am."
"Good. We'll meet, toast to better times, and he'll walk you through his duties, starting tomorrow." Bricker held up the documents in her hands, tapped them several times on the desk to get them aligned, and returned them to the folder for filing. "Everything seems in order. Let's get you squared away, Colonel. Major Langly has already moved from his room. I prefer you take it - it's near the bridge, but others may suit you better."
"I'm sure it's fine, Ma'am."
Bricker smiled. "It is. It's bigger than the others and is near the officer's mess hall, which has its perks."
"Sounds good to me," said Cru.
Bricker stood and Cru followed.
"It's good to have you aboard, Cru," said Bricker.
The two colonels; one a "Full-Bird" Colonel and the other a Lieutenant Colonel, shook hands.
This ends Chapter 36
~~~~~/~~~~~
It had to happen. Evvie was gonna get The Twin eventually. She's been running the operations for more than 2 dozen chapters now.
I'm going to spend a little time on Evvie - wish me luck. We all know what's coming next to the skies over New Caprica (Hint: The word rhymes with 'Pylons'). Cru will need to be on a warship when it does.
I like Bricker. Admiral and Commander Adama will be calling the shots from deep in their massive battlestars. Bricker's warship is much smaller and is gonna go neck-deep into the thick of it.