Disclaimer: I never have and never will own the characters, ideas or anything else based on these 2 shows. The TV studios that produced them, do. This story is also free as it is a pet project. Enjoy.
"Talking"
"Thinking"
"Wireless/communication"
"Speaking in a different language"
"Reading a text"
Chapter eleven: The Living legend, Part One
Day 75 since the Colonial exodus, Earth date 9th of April, year 2378, Federation colony New Settlement
The crew switch was made, the quarters swapped as per their plan. Now Adama had taken the now old quarters of Fiona on the Bismarck.
He didn't bother with any decoration. This was only temporary. He hoped. They would depart today. Then a week of constant jumping on the highway would get them back to the Cyrannus cluster.
Bill only had a few uniforms, his medication and a few other hygienic necessities with him. The only real personal items he did take with him were some of the important photos from his past. He displayed them on a shelve in the main room of the quarters. One of Lee's graduation, with him and Zack right besides him. Then one of his late ex-wife. His first viper he got to pilot. Him and Saul getting back into the navy.
He and Fiona made the arrangement to allow Saul and the others back out again, under supervision. They would also keep their secret just that. A secret. Unless they betray them. And Saul would only be the XO of the Galactica during all of this. A Starfleet captain would oversee her with all the modifications still going on there.
The quarter's he was given were one of the larger type. They had their own bathroom, but also a separate sleeping room. The main part had a mix of private study and den type of feeling. And the first thing Bill did was to close all the windows to the outside. It didn't sit well with him. Gave him the feeling of being on a civilian ship.
The cloaks worked. But as Commander Scott feared, they had one small drawback. Not only did no tactical system work while cloaked, but transporters and jump drive were also rendered useless. So they would only really cloak if encountering any Cylon forces.
Once done with his living arrangements, he did a round on the ship, inspecting every deck. This old Earth tradition of inspecting a ship before battle was shared with the Colonials as well.
An hour later, he arrived on the bridge, where Fiona was making the last minute inspections. Commander K'Lir was here, as his XO, by his request. He began respecting a Vulcan's ability to give input not twisted by emotional distress. So he wanted to take advantage of it. He also requested now Captain Hill to be his tactical officer. The rest were filled out by Fiona's recommendations. Lt. Commander Alex Nelson was assigned Chief Engineer for this mission to the Bismarck. She also recommended Captain Shaw for internal security and Bill saw no issues with this. But Captain Thrace, the mission specialist did have an issue. She and Shaw did not get along.
The Vo'kor was staffed by Commander Sek'Ris' needs alone. And while more Vulcan heavy, it was still a mixed crew.
The Ares was now commanded by Captain Hauaman. As Fiona suggested, Colonel Hawks was her XO, Sisko tactical, Lt. Rivers engineering and Lt. Dualla for comm.
And all ships were at around 60% personnel capacity. They wanted to keep some space for any possible evacuations, but would be at the mercy of any civilian transports they could find and salvage.
"Admiral." She both greeted him and gave him the captain's chair.
"Admiral... how does it look?"
"You are stocked, staffed and fuelled."
"Right. Then let's not waste any more time." He saluted her .
She stood at attention. "As the captain of the Starfleet vessel Bismarck, I transfer command to you, Admiral William Adama."
"And I accept the transfer of command. Note it in the log." K'Lir jus nodded and made the note as per protocol requirement.
"I'll be leaving you now. Good luck."
"You too. Get as much done as you can while we're gone. And... be wary of the politicians."
"I will. Challenger. This is Fiona. I'll be returning in a moment." She then made one last look at the bridge and the staff before disappearing in the turbo lift.
Once she was on the Challenger as it and the Crusader were outside the nebula to see them off, the three ships turned to the direction of the highway. They had to take full advantage of it to cower as much ground as possible.
"You're on, Sir." The comm officer said on the Bismarck bridge.
"To all three ships and their crews. I'll keep this speech short. No point in repeating what you already know. We go back fast and quiet. Stick to the schedule, remember your training and keep each other safe. Admiral Adama out. Helm?"
"We got the first jump coordinates from the Ares, Sir. Ready and waiting."
The Ares had for obvious reasons the best navigational capabilities, so she would guide them on this trip.
"Then count us down from five..."
As the jumped away, the Challenger and Crusader returned into the nebula. There they passed on the nebula perimeter the Colonial Hope. She would remain here, only sticking her main sensor array out to keep an eye on things. Major Friloux was given command of her. For a ship made for 300 people, they redesigned the useless accommodations for human standards. So now, she had 100 people on board. And Felix asked to be on the first guard shift of the ship. They would rotate the people in every few days, or the crew could get restless.
Fiona beamed down to the colony again, once the Starfleet ships returned to orbit. Both Billy and Scott were already waiting for her. They both began asking her for her input. "One at a time... Scott?"
"Yes, as you know we did the molecular scan of the vipers and... well, we had an idea."
"Raptors?"
"Huh?"
"Hard to get any more obvious than that. The colonist here, their ancestors took all shuttles from the disabled fleet. So even if we somehow manage to restore them, they have no shuttles. And the Colonial supply of raptors is finite as well. I am all for beginning to scan raptors."
"I was thinking beyond that."
"OK?"
"We made the hybrid raptors, they would make more sense. But now, they have several working shuttles here as well, better than ours. We can make a hybrid raptor version 2.0 and scan that, but after we get it working as intended. And... we could try the same with the vipers."
"Well... try it. But this is of secondary importance. Remember, fixing the large ships and getting that basestar liveable is top priority. Now..." She turned to Billy "What is the political problem now?"
"Ehm... there was an incident involving a Gemeniese couple and an... Andorian hunter... She's in the hospital and they are detained. Porter is playing her drums and Laura could use your help. And so could the governor."
"Great... just fantastic... lead the way."
Day 78 since the Colonial exodus, Earth date 12th of April, year 2378, Federation colony New Settlement
Laura was on her way to the settlement's security complex. Again. This was getting on her nerves. And this time it was not just some Gemenies people who overstepped the settler's hospitality or tolerance to xenophobia. The guards showed her to the cell in question. There was a corridor and on both sides were cells that were currently occupied. The Colonials in the cells saw her and began demanding their release. Apparently the treat of being deported to their ships with a weeklong ban didn't work. Then the month long ban didn't work. So now any upstart or troublemaker would still get banned, but only after cooling off in the detention center in the security complex. But Laura was here for someone else. "Gaius. As if you couldn't embarrass us any more than you already do."
Baltar was in his own private cell, with bars and a small barrier keeping him in. Him and his purple eye. "Laura... thank the gods you came."
"If it were up to me, you'd stay in here for the entire week, but they need this cell for... louder upstarts." She nodded and the guards opened the cell up and he was allowed to leave with her, but now with Colonial security escorting him.
"I think I need to see a doctor..."
"You have a bruised eye. The woman was merciful that she didn't go for anything lower than that."
"It was said that her people are quite passionate."
"They are also at the mercy of a pirate syndicate that still uses slavery. And don't use this excuse again. Next you'll use it for a telepath, blue skinned woman and so on. And don't get me started on how much you annoy the chief engineer of our entire fleet at this time. Starfleet has laws against sexual harassment and don't think your above them. Get your libido in check, or I will! Now... you are banned from this colony for a week. Better get yourself settled in back in the fleet."
He tried to protest, but knew better than to test his luck. He went silently. "Gods... If I didn't need him, I swear..."
She tried to calm down. Some alone time with a drink or two sounded about right. She waved her escorts away, as she didn't need them. Not here. The Federation security was tight now. But they did start using Colonial military, at least at the entrances, both at the hangar, the outside or transporters. And to help the local security with morons that just can't' get it through their heads that the situation is as it is. Some Gemenise don't want to get it. So they basically started a small colony made out of tents and landed ships several clicks from here. As winter is approaching. Not a smart idea.
Her comm unit beeped. She was given one, like all guests of importance were. "Yes?"
"Madam President. Please report to the Yamato with the governor. We have a situation." It was Fiona and it sounded important.
So a few minutes later they arrived in the Yamato's main cargo bay. And Laura saw what the issue was. "So, this is him?"
"Fascinating." The governor remarks.
"Yes, Future man, since I have no better name for you."
The Suliban comm device was active again. Fiona had it monitored all the time, just in case this would happen. So the distorted hologram was back again.
"My name is of no importance. I told you, we'd talk again, once you came here."
"And yet you waited all this time? Until our rescue fleet was outside comm range? Why?"
"They have their destiny, you have yours. And you will need my help one last time. After this, I assure we will not see each other again"
They were all sceptical. Fiona above all. "Then let's hear it."
"The way you are now, you will not get back home. And you are only at one third of this journey."
"I thought we were at the half time part."
"You would be wrong. You need help and experience for what is to come. Fortunately, the person you'll need can be retrieved by me."
"Wait..." She remembered what John told her. "You can't move through time, you can only communicate through it. How do you..."
"If it were anyone else, you would be right. Moving a person from one point in time and space to a completely different one is difficult. For me at least. But intercepting someone who is leaving the Nexus, a place that grants all wishes, including being able to select where and when you go, that is a different matter."
"The Nexus?"
"Explaining this would take too much time and yes, I know, time should not be an issue for someone like me, but it is. Getting him out when he leaves is the easy part. But he has to help a different Starfleet captain too. That is an issue. He has to be at two paces at the same time. Fortunately, the Nexus does allow to create temporal duplicates. I'll have the duplicate go with Picard and the original to come here. And he won't know what is happening, but... it is good that Governor Fabron is here. He will know who that man is... Now, Admiral O'Donnell, it was a pleasure..."
The holographic image began to fluctuate and then completely collapse. In its place a portal appeared. But it was clearly unstable. A man stepped through and a second later, the portal collapsed. He was in uniform. And really confused.
"Where am I? Captain Picard said that we need to go to Veridian three... this... what is this?"
Fiona only knew he was Starfleet, but Governor Fabron almost fell to his knees. "It can't be. It is impossible..." He went closer to inspect him.
"Excuse me, do I know you? And where am I?"
Fiona saw how shocked Fabron was, so she went ahead and stepped close enough to the newcomer that they were only an arm's length apart. "I am Fiona O'Donnell, Starfleet officer. Who are you, if I may ask?"
"Fiona O'Donnell? From the Bismarck? Rank of Commodore? The missing fleet, of course. Am I in the past? Did I overshoot the leaving of the Nexus part...?"
"Sir, just answer the question."
"Oh, right... James Tiberius Kirk, Captain. Starfleet." He extended his hand and she slowly took it. "Now, can you explain what is going on?"
"You first, Captain."
He was the rule breaker, but... he did as ordered. The incident on the Enterprise B, the Nexus, meeting the Enterprise D captain, the whole stick.
So then Fiona told him her story. The Romulan sabotage. The Colonials and Cylons. The Temporal agent.
"The Temporal cold war... I heard Archer had issues with them. Then again, I had several time travel missions that any agent would want to crucify me for... So you say this agent sent a duplicate with Picard?"
"So he claimed."
"Hm... well, who's to say he didn't lie and I'm the duplicate?"
"Good point. You said you were a captain? Which ship?"
"Em, the Enterprise. Actually two Enterprises. I had to blow the first one up."
She stared him in disbelief. "What?"
"Long story. I had to steal it first. A really long story. So, back to here and now... why would this agent get me here?"
"He claimed we would need help and experience if we are to get back to Federation space."
"Oh, well..." He didn't know what help he could be to them here. Him alone anyway. But something was off. He checked his pockets. And got a data crystal out. "I know I didn't have this when the Nexus got me."
Fiona knew this was not a coincidence. Her people took that off of him. "Get it to the colony. And see if it can be tested on the 'problem'."
As those people left again, she asked Kirk to go with them to have a long talk. And she also had to get the governor to pick up his jaw already.
Unknown time, unknown place
A man stepped off the holographic communication device. "So much for that. He went past a console and turned the entice temporal time communication grid off. He needed a break. Only an hour ago, from his point of view, he sent Silik to his death. He will never get used to this. Moving through the well lit corridor, he wanted to go to his sleeping chamber. As he moved past the temporal core that not only masked his location but also provided power for this whole operation, someone addressed him from behind the diagnostic display.
"You know John, I never did say how shocked and impressed I am at the same time."
"Daniels. Would you stop appearing when it suits me the least. How shocked do you think I was that I was my own worst enemy, so to say."
Daniels moved past the console, closer to him. "Yes, Captain Jonathan Archer is Future man... I was basically chasing you all this time."
"I was also President, Admiral, Ambassador... I guess adding time agent is just a formality now. And I also understand why I did all of those things and am doing them now. My younger self was too naive. He needed seasoning. Had I not done the things I did... he did... I will do. I mean, do you ever get accustomed to this? Not getting the phrase right?"
"Not really."
"Well, had I not done the things, my younger self would have failed and the Xindi would have blown the Earth up. Or the Romulans would have conquered it. So on. For your perfect future to happen, some of us have to make evil decisions."
"And that is the main reason why my superiors never informed me that they knew who you were. They needed you, like Starfleet needed Section 31 from time to time. A wolf to protect the sheep."
"I guess I should thank you with pulling Kirk out of the Nexus. Fiona really wasn't wrong. I couldn't have done it myself."
"No problem. It was meant to be. James T. Kirk deserves a second chance. I wish I could give you one as well, John. You and Fiona..."
"Some of us have to sacrifice our dreams for the greater good. At least I get to see this perfect future of yours. The only question I have is if these Colonials are a part of it?"
"These Colonials? No. But the Colonials in general? Yes."
That was a cryptic answer, but John got used to them to not ask any further.
"Before I go to sleep, don't you have more important things to do that watch over me all the time?"
"Believe it or not, we actually won't be seeing each other for a while. One of our agents broke protocol and made a mess of the timeline in the 23rd century."
"What happened?"
"Nothing for you to worry about, we'll have that time branch dealt with soon. A low ranking officer that should have been forgotten by history, that agent altered some events and now a woman by the name of Michael Burnham is really messing things up in a time branch that should have never have happened. And it could interact with the main one, namely us."
"So delete it?"
"Everything. She never existed."
Day 78 since the Colonial exodus, Earth date 12th of April, year 2378, Federation colony New Settlement
Lee was called in with most of the Colonial officers of Major or higher. They weren't told specifics, but that there was a development. Several hours had in fact passed since Fiona had talked with their benefactor. And now something was up. Fiona and Laura had a long talk with Kirk. They needed to exchange stories. And Fiona knew why he was here. He was far more experienced than even her. Combat, deep space exploration, leadership, he ran circles around her and probably most people here. And the people in the colonies, they all stepped aside when he entered the room, giving him all the space he needed. He was for them a walking legend.
"Hasapis... we'll need to send a second expedition... for the disabled fleet."
Most Colonials were still clueless on this matter, but Fiona needed them here to see who she can send. "How?"
"The how is tricky... but remember our benefactor?"
He knew now to not ask any further. "We have an anti-virus?"
"Tested. It works. And... I want your input on who to send. We'll need people that can restore them as fast as possible."
"Yes, but people are needed here as well."
"You of all people always said that while you don't agree with Cain, you do see military needs as more important than I do. Those are military supplies. And then some."
He knew she was right. She was parroting him. "OK, but whom do we send?"
"Two ships at minimum. Mostly engineers ant tactical personnel." She had no choice but to send her best. "Engineers from this colony are best suited, but Scott as well. And some of your people on top of that. The marinestar, the Broadsword. Packed up with military personnel."
"Wait..." He needed to know something. "We still don't know what ships we're talking about."
"You'll get the info after this. We still need to keep it secure."
"Right... well, I can easily assign a Colonel to command the Broadsword. But which ships would be used from your end?"
"Two Poseidon's for sure. Paladin and Crusader perhaps. But the mission officer in command would be someone else. We'll talk about that more in detail as well in private. I asked you all here to see if anyone wants' to volunteer for this. A 5000 light years journey along the highway, further from the colonies than ever... and I'm not pressuring anyone. The one's that want to go, stay in this room after I have a talk with Hasapis. Those that stay will get more details. Now, Commander..." They left the other officers in the briefing room to talk amongst themselves.
In the private office where V'ok was already waiting for them, Hasapis, Fiona and Kirk entered and the door closed behind them.
They all sat down. "So, can I get the details now?"
"Commander Hasapis, meet Captain Kirk. He was transported here by our benefactor. And I should ask you to read his history and accomplishments, before you judge. I think he was sent to us to lead this excursion."
Hasapis was sceptical. "Nothing personal, but not that I don't trust you, Captain, but I don't trust that man."
"Neither does anyone in here. But do know this, Junior, I was flying around saving this galaxy when your grandfather was still wearing his diapers. I've got a second chance. I intend to use it."
Hasapis saw that this was a different breed of officer. Controlled. Fierce. Once arrogant, but no longer. And seasoned. More than him or Adama. "Well, it is not up to me anyway, so I agree. I think we should get the expedition moving as fast as possible."
"Agreed. So we need those ships fuelled, manned and stocked up too. Minister V'ok?"
"Yeah, I'll get it done. The food and fuel part. The personnel part is a combined effort."
" Captain Oladoyinbo can command the Paladin and assemble his staff. Captain Kirk, I can give you a list of possible candidates as well..."
"All I want is three people. A Vulcan science officer. A Colonial officer in any position on the bridge. I have to get to know you people after all. And is Commander Scott related..."
"Yes, she is related to your former chief engineer." V'ok answered his question.
He had a genuine smile. "Then she's on my ship, whichever I get. The Crusader you said?"
"Yes."
"Excellent. If a Scott is on the job, the ship is in good hands. The rest you can fill in."
Day 80 since the Colonial exodus, Earth date 14th of April, year 2378, Federation colony New Settlement
It took two days to get everything ready. And Fiona had a feeling of deja vu. On the Crusader bridge she was giving the final instructions to Kirk. I read your file, just to get some idea of who you really are. Don't be reckless here."
He was testing out the captain's chair. "Don't worry. I'm like that only when there is no other way... Hm."
Scott, who was at the engineering station, got annoyed at him testing everything out. "Sir, please. The chair is in perfect working condition."
"I know, it's just... I miss my old chair."
Lee left the lift and handed Kirk the PADD with the final report. "All checks out on the three ships. We're ready to go."
"Good work, son. I can see we'll get along just fine. Anything else, Admiral?"
"No, just god speed. And good luck."
"You too." As she left the bridge to return to the Challenger again in under a week after sending a taskforce off, Kirk tested the waters. "All stations report." He got a green light everywhere. Including the other ships. "Then... right. we don't use warp. Set the first coordinates and initiate jump, when ready."
A few minutes later, when they made their first jump, Kirk stood up. "This will take a while and I still need to get up to speed. Commander Scott, Major Adama, care to join me in the mess hall for dinner and some private talk?"
"Em, no Sir? No issues."
"Good. Tactical, the bridge is yours."
As they arrived in the mess hall and went for the private room after ordering with the steward. Kirk had his private PADD to get some reading in. "So, Major. As I understand it, your father is the officer in charge of this mess?"
"Em, yes, Sir?"
"Tell me about him and yourself."
"Em, what would you like to know?"
"His character. His tactical approach to problems. Tell you what, I'll go first to give you an idea what I mean." He went on to tell them about some examples of his missions and adventures.
During one particular story, Commander Scott had to interrupt him. "Wait... that's not possible."
Lee was clueless. "What is?"
"He could not have beaten the Kobayashi Maru test. The Vulcans made that test unbeatable."
"Wait..." Lee began putting things together. "You are saying you beat an unbeatable test? Wait, what is the point of such a test anyway?"
"A character test, Lee. What you do when faced with death. A hopeless situation."
"Ah, that does make sense. OK, now I want to know. How did you beat that?"
"Well, son. The test is a cheat. There is no unwinnable scenario in my book. So if the test is a cheat, I returned the favor. I cheated back, by altering the simulation to make it winnable."
"You cheated? Really?" Scott was floored. "And they didn't kick you out?"
He smirked. "No, gave me a commendation for creative thinking. That said, while I still stand with my philosophy, I had to modify it, due to personal loss. I still think that anything can be solved, but sometimes you have to sacrifice to claim victory. And by God, I have lost. My ship and my son."
"Your ship?"
"Your son?"
"A long story for another day. My son and I only started to get along. Hell, I didn't even know that I had a son for most of my life. He was a scientist. He developed a device that is not of importance right now. But Khan stole it after commandeering the Starfleet ship Reliant. While I managed to outsmart him, it cost me my friend Spock. Then Starfleet HQ would do nothing to help bring him back. So I stole my old ship and went anyway."
Lee could hardly believe it. This man was more Starbuck than, well, Starbuck. "If he was already dead..."
"The device my son made, regenerated him. But a greedy Klingon captain wanted it for himself. He murdered my boy and I did the same to his crew, when I lured them on to my ship and blew it up. For years after that, I didn't forget nor forgive the Klingons for what they did. I never knew until it was almost too late, how much venom I had in me."
"Em, excuse me, Sir..."
"It's Jim for my friends, please."
"Ah, fine. Jim. Were you... I mean, weren't you punished?" Scott wanted to know.
"You could say that saving the Earth not long after this made them drop all the charges but one. I got demoted."
"So you were a Commander again?"
"No, a Captain again. I was Admiral before that."
"Wait... so technically you outranked O'Donnell?"
"Well, no. Not at this time. I don't care about being Admiral anymore. Never again. Now, about you two. Commander, what happened after you got rescued..."
An hour and a meal later and they got to know each other some more. "I have to say, your father did well under the circumstances, Major."
"I would agree, Sir."
"So you tell him that. And... I can see it between the two of you. I had plenty of romances in my life. You two have a thing developing. Don't waste it, like I did. Chasing tail is good, for a while. But it get's dull. And since I could never fill the house I left behind on Earth, I tried to fill that empty chair I also left behind. Now, If you'll excite me, I still have some reading to do and then get some rest."
Lee was not done yet. "Sir, I know it's not for me to ask, but can I get a list and description of the ships we'll retrieve."
Kirk asked Scott for her input with just a glance. She shrugged. She had to know as the person in charge to restore them. "Commander, your call."
As they were left alone, there was an awkward silence. And then Kelly gave up. "Fine." She stood up and began dragging him out of the mess hall.
"Wait, what is this..."
"You are getting lucky tonight, Major. And don't complain about it, that's an order."
He didn't know if he should feel lucky, by the way she said it.
Helena Cain was wasting time in the gym on the planet. At least here people didn't know who she was, unless a Colonial stumbled here.
She wanted to remain in shape for the time, when she can return to proper duty, not this dog and pony show she'd been reduced to now, as the president's 'advisor'. She was a glorified paper holder and not much else. Even she knew that Roslin didn't want her in this post, but decided to not argue with Adama and the other Colonial military people. So Helena and Laura made a verbal deal behind closed doors. She stands there when reporters ask questions, doesn't talk, unless it is rehearsed. And in return, Laura and the navy don't throw her out completely.
She didn't care much about aliens and Earth, since the secret came out. What she wanted was her ship and rank back and to get some payback. But what she did agree with was that the Gemenise people were acting counterproductive.
As she was doing weight lifting and ignoring everyone else, a Colonial approached her. He was clearly not here to exercise. "Helena Cain?"
"Who wants' to know?"
"Representative Porter would like to talk with you."
"Would she now?"
"Off the record of course."
"Did she finally muster the courage and come down?"
"This is not about her."
"That means a no."
The man did not like how this was going. "Look. she wants' to talk with you. Perhaps you can even get all that you have lost, back."
"Heh, with her getting the presidency? I hate to say it, but Tom Zarek has a better shot than her and I hate the both of them. Get lost, your pounding sand here."
"You will regret this..."
She dropped a weight on his foot. "Ups. Get the hint. I don't care about her or anyone like her."
As he left, now limping, several women that were observing this, approached her. "What was that about?" They were all from the colony, if the skin colors were not a dead giveaway. At least half of them.
"Colonial politics. I gave him an answer he didn't like. So I made him understand it."
"Ah, good for you. An Earth saying is that politics are a bitch."
"Fits." She stopped and took a drink of water. "So, what do all of you want?"
"We're a training club, so to say. A women exclusive club. And I think someone like you could be part of us. I mean, several Colonials already joined." The supposed leader, a tall Andorian woman explained. "And my friend here told me you have some real issues to work out."
Her friend looked like a normal human woman. "What would she know about it?"
Then she heard a voice in her head. "I'm not human. I'm a Betazoid. So your assumption was wrong about me. And no, I didn't read your mind. Not now, not ever. But your anger and stress are transmitting off of you like a lighthouse in the dark. My empathic ability picked that up, even if I wanted to ignore it. You need help. I'm sure that Lt. Commander Hayashi is good at her job. But we Betazoids kind of have the natural edge at solving such issues."
She broke the link off. The Andorian spoke again. "Whatever you talked about or you just listened to, think about it. We can also see you don't have issues with us none humans. Perhaps we can help you where the others of your people don't want any help."
She picked the weights up again. "No promises. I'll think about it."
The women began returning to their individual training spots. She addressed the Betazoid woman that talked to her telepathically. "Next time, ask for permission verbally. And... we could have really used that skill to sniff out the moles back in the colonies. By the way, why aren't there any of the... em, pointy eared women in your group?"
"There are, but exercise is something they do alone. They have sensitive noses. And we... most of us at least, stink to them if we sweat."
On Cloud Nine, Baltar was killing time the best way he knew. Drinking, smoking or flirting. Or all of the above.
Right now he was reduced to drinking. Barred from the planet for a week. This was not what he wanted. But he really needed to stay focused on the bigger picture. Laura still dictated things to him. And if he ever forgot, he'd get in more trouble than he ever could think off.
Someone sat down beside him at the bar. So far he was the only customer there. "I'll have whatever the good doctor is drinking."
Tom knew how to butter someone's bread. Baltar hated being addressed without his title, so starting with that was an indication he was up to something.
"Representative Zarek. What can I do for you?"
"What? Can't a colleague join you for a drink?"
"Not really in the mood. And in your case, no. Why aren't you plotting with Porter, whatever you two are plotting."
Tom accepted his drink. "She is a liability. One that can't win any election. So I can't have her as my running mate. You..."
"Can't. Or won't. Take your pick."
"Now this is what I don't get. You support her, no questions asked. And I know you didn't get along with her in the past. You were her only way out to make sure I don't become the VP. So what could have changed? It all started when the Earth ships joined the fleet." He pretended to be thinking, but he already had some idea of what was going on. "She has something on you, doesn't she?" Baltar remained silent. Denying things convincingly was one of his greatest strengths. "Well, whatever it is, it has to be big." He finished his drink and paid for it. This fishing expedition was a bust for him. Baltar was out. Or to be more precisely, he could never have been in, it seemed.
On the Galactica, progress was being made. The engineers from the colony made big impact. Since Peter Laird was left in charge of this overhaul, he now worked with engineers that brought equipment on board that was 100 years more advanced than before. But they could not bring any of their reactors on the ship to increase power. They were needed for the colony. If they would be taken in the future, was still in the open. Because until they evacuate everyone as they would be getting ready to depart in the future, they would dismantle what they could in the colony. But that was still in the future.
What Peter did like is that his viper and raptor expertise was once again needed. To make a better hybrid raptor with the new technology as well as a potential new viper was appealing for him. He was not part of the design teams for viper parts in the past, so now he did have the ability to design something new.
Day 81 since the Colonial exodus, Earth date 15th of April, year 2378, Federation / Colonial rescue fleet
The crew of the Ares had only a short time window to get accustomed to their new ship. Ironically, the Colonials found it more like home than the Starfleet people did. It had less amenities and more raw purpose built interior. Mostly ammo magazine stowage, maintenance bays, weapons lockers, security complex and weapons stations. It had only one support science lab and a basic medical bay, but Manor made it work.
And one other thing, that all Starfleet ships had, but the Ares even more pronounced, was the quarters situation. Only high ranking officers got their own quarters. In a similar style as Adama did on the Bismarck. But the Bismarck and Vo'kor Still had more single person accommodations than the Ares, who had many barracks style rooms, with even up to six people per room and only shared shower rooms.
Sisko woke up in his quarters, one of the only four that the inhabitant had for themselves. The ship's interior system woke him up. In an hour, his shift would begin. And he was not alone in the room. "Anastasia. Dee, time to wake up."
He was pushed into the back of his bed by her. He could not get out before she did. "Yeah, I know."
"You have to tell me how you got Gina to not spill the beans on us yet."
"Oh, she doesn't mind. I think the bed assigned to me is used by a marine now. Her marine. They aren't complaining. Are you?"
"Nope, just asking." She finally got up and went to the bathroom. He stayed behind, checking the PADD if any updates were made to the mission. Once she was done, they switched placed. The one thing they all agreed, Starfleet and Colonials alike, was that the early 23rd century uniforms were not something anyone saw as practical. So they recycled them and continued using their own uniforms.
Once they were cleaned and in their respected uniforms, he peaked out. "Clear. Let's go."
They went to the mess hall for breakfast, before their shift would begin. The shift change was in full effect, so the mess hall was packed. They noticed Captain Hauaman by herself. "Ma'am, can we join you?"
"Please. Hawks just left as he had the night shift." Some silence followed. The captain just enjoying her coffee. "By the way, I won't make things complicated. I have no issues with the two of you. Just keep it professional on the job and we'll all get along."
They both paused with their meal. Caught. "When?"
"Michael. You two are easy. Half the crew knows. Only the two of you think we didn't notice yet. In fact, there was a betting pool going o when you two would spend the first night together. I think Ensign Potter won."
Sisko almost lost his appetite. "Guess we weren't half as sneaky as we thought."
"I think the reason is that on a small ship like this it is harder to keep secrets." Dualla remarked back.
"Partially true." The captain corrected her. "But you two weren't the only couple bets were made on. Lee Adama and Scott, Scott breaking Baltar's yaw or balls, Hill and Thrace, Garcia and Shaw, so on. Even me and Hasapis was a bet."
"Oh."
"People were bored."
They continued eating. "Mind me if I ask, but which bet has the highest pot right now?" Sisko asked with no real interest behind it.
"Has to be who punches Baltar." Dee guessed.
"Nope. Too easy. That's a bet anyone would win. Several times in a row. The highest bet right now is either when Baltar quits or Admiral Adama and a redhead happen."
"Wait... redhead?" Sisko asked. "Which redhead?"
"Roslin or O'Donnell."
They both nearly chocked. "What?" Dee was not amused. He was like a father to her since the fall, many felt like this. Not that she would mind this of course.
"Oh, believe me, he knows. And he doesn't care. It's harmless talk. It's..."
The tactical light went up. The ship was now in yellow alert. Or condition two for the Colonials.
"Let's finish this some other time." They all stood up and went for the turbo lift. Once on the bridge, the remaining night shift was relieved, but not before giving them the situation.
"Long range sensors have detected massive radiological signatures. Look's like a few days ago a massive battle took place around 27 light years ahead of us smack in the middle of the highway." The night shift Lieutenant reported. The captain dismissed him.
Sisko and Dee were already at their stations. The Ares was of course the first to spot this as her sensors were superior. "Captain, I suggest we jump there next, cloak and get detailed scans of the situation."
"Contact the Bismarck. Admiral Adama, have your sensors detected the radiological field?"
"Yes. Do you think we should inspect it?"
And they did. After the jump all three ships cloaked and entered the field of ship parts. Over 20 basestars met their end here. And countless raiders, centurions and humanoids.
"Captain... there are survivors. Barely. The ship's sensors detect at least 17 life signs, humanoids." As Sisko reported this, there was an active link to the other ships. They would exchange the information.
"Admiral, should we rescue them... if for nothing else but to have prisoners?"
"Didn't work out well for us last time. Commander K'Lir said that the Bismarck's sensors can't see the difference between Cylon models, not with the level of radiation in the area. Can the Ares do that?"
Sisko tested it. "Yes. Using the biometric data we have on them, I can see the difference. Seven life signs are from models that started this rebellion."
The three commanders talked about this. In the end, the Ares and only the Ares would save them. If there is someone still observing this area, best to not tip their hand all the way.
Sisko was now in the main transporter room. The medical bay and brig were also informed. "We're ready down here, captain."
So as the Ares de-cloaked, they got six survivors on their six person transporter platform. They were all in bad shape. Only a Six was still conscious and breathing heavily. "What... is going..." She passed out.
"Restrain them, then get them to Manor. Get the last one over."
Once done, they re-cloaked and the three ships left the field. After getting some distance, they jumped out. After the jump Adama beamed over before they cloaked again.
In the sickbay, he and Hasapis were inspecting their condition. "Two Two's, a Three, three Sixes and one Eight. Any of them able to talk?"
Manor had his hands full giving them additional fluid as they were heavily dehydrated. "The Six that went KO after we got her. She's in best shape. I can wake her, if you want."
"Do it."
As she woke up and gained some orientation, she recognized Adama. "William Adama. I should be surprised. I thought that Spartacus was talking out of his shiny chrome ass when he said you have some matter transition technology."
"We don't. They do." He meant Hauaman.
"Ah yes, the first Earth. What I want to know is why did you save us?"
"Only if you answer why you kept yourself alive and not just download?"
"No resurrection. We're out of range. Or... the HUB has been shut down already."
That got them curious. "Want to elaborate on that one?"
"The leadership had no way to stop the HUB from allowing Cavil's side to use its effect. We could all use it, or shut it down and deny everyone resurrection. So a decision was made. If Cavil recaptures it, he can destroy us and keep the HUB. If we shut it down, and he recaptures it, he can't restart it, not without the Final Five. So we, as in the rebels, are screwed either way. But this way we screw him as well. Now, why rescue us?"
"We are only passing by. We're getting our people from the colonies and leaving this sector behind us."
"Ah, the rescue fleet. I think my leaders will want to talk to you. They may have some knowledge where a growing number of survivors might be at. And they need your help as well."
"Help? Sorry, I didn't come out here to help your side."
"Our enemy is your enemy. Help us retake the Cylon home world and the tide of war is firmly on our side. Don't and Cavil will win eventually. And then he will focus only on you in his single minded quest for vengeance."
Bill stepped back to talk with Hauaman about this. A few minutes passed as an officer arrived with an active PADD with a 2D star map. He handed it to the Six. "Show us where we can find your people. We can talk more seriously there."
She inspected the map and choose a location. A day's travel from their location. Bill and Sakari took the info and talked in private some more as they left the medical bay. "Thank you."
Once in the hallway, Sakari ordered Sisko to have them moved to the brig, once they are better. Then she and Bill went to her office on the Ares. "You know, I don't get it."
"Get what?"
"Why did you insist on the Bismarck? You had a choice which ship to take and this one is more a Colonial style design."
"I didn't want to appear as if I want the top hardware only because of reasons."
As they arrived, she wanted to pour him a drink, but he refused. He wanted to go to business. They discussed the matter, even opened a link to Sek'Ris to take his input on the matter.
An hour later, after an additional jump, Bill was ready to return to his ship. "By the way, have they figured it out that we know?"
"This morning. I told them. They were shocked."
He smirked lightly. "When I started this journey months ago ,the way she and the president's assistant looked at each other, got me to say that we'd need babies. Still makes me laugh somewhat."
Once he was back on his ship, he gave his PADD with the updates, to his assistant to put into the ship's database. He went to the gym. The wounds may have been healed, but he was not in his best shape yet.
The Bismarck gym was packed as well. As he took his boxing gear out as that was the only thing that was free at the moment, he noticed that while most people were just doing their regular routine, Kara and Shaw were in competitive mode. They were both on a bike and peddling like their life depended on it.
"Need a sparring partner, sir?" He didn't even notice Hill.
"Don't do that. Scaring an old man by sneaking up on him with your superior stealth..." They both got along as Bill was not taking his genetic status seriously and Hill liked that. "Sure, but only I get to hit."
"Like always, Sir."
As some time passed and Bill was getting his workout, he had to ask. "They at it again?"
"Shaw and Starbuck? The last 30 minutes. I always thought that human males are competitive for reasons like status or a mate."
"Oh, females can be worse. Mostly because they aren't as direct as we are. But these two... yeah, I'll probably have to step in at some point. Or there is the risk I'll find one of them dead in the hallway one of these days."
"I think they both want to be top dog here."
"Mhm." Bill agreed with that. "Ambitious, though. You name it. But they are also pissed at each other. Shaw sees Kara as undisciplined and getting away with breaking rules. Kara sees Shaw as a by the book hack and stick in the mud. A recipe for disaster."
Day 82 since the Colonial exodus, Earth date 16th of April, year 2378, second Federation / Colonial rescue fleet
James Kirk was back in the seat. Just not of his ship. But one he saw and visited in the old fleet museum when he was a kid. Starfleet's greatest strength in ship building was reliability. Even after 200 years, most systems on the ship still worked as intended.
This may have been a simple retrieval mission, but he knew all too well how things can go sideways. He was polite and professional. But there was always this nagging feeling like he didn't belong here. Like his age was finally catching up with him. This got him the most when he got a gift from Commander Scott. The people on the colony, before they departed, found an old archive photo of him and his crew. His friends. He knew that Spock might still be around, but he might be the only one.
So now he sat in his quarters, alone, his uniform on the bed, with a drink in his hand. "I miss you guys. And here I am, the last one to hold the torch. Once more unto the breach. Possibly my last adventure. But at least I get to move something again. Yeah, I can already hear you, Bones. Even now, your nagging my ear off with your pessimism."
He put the glass down. No point in hiding in his quarters. "I hear you Spock. You can start living, or start dying. And you know me, I'm not the dying type. I cheated death so often now, death must carry a candle for me."
He did a round across the ship. Seeing the different people do their tasks or just interacting with each other. His Vulcan science officer was in the command center, staying on top of their navigational projections on how to get to their location as fast as possible. He didn't want to bother him.
In the sparring room, he was a training session in progress. Colonials and Starfleet exchanging knowledge. As they noticed him, they all stopped.
"At ease, everyone. I'm not here to interrupt you. Carry on."
Some wanted to, but those from the colony that knew about him, were now in no mood to train. "Em, Sir. We thought that... perhaps you could tell us about your adventures a bit?"
He knew how much they looked up to him. "Only after you all finish this session. Not before. Then I'll tell you how I fought a Gorn and lived to tell the tale. Or how I handled the interstellar Concordium crisis. Or how I escape a Klingon prison planet."
That got them moving again. Lee was outside in the corridor, listening to all of this. "They react to you how we would to Augustus Cain. The two of you would be a deadly combo."
Kirk went outside and closed the door. "Then tomorrow at breakfast, you tell me about my Colonial counterpart. For today I am the story teller for these younglings."
Lee smiled and nodded to that. Then his comm unit beeped. Kirk left his in his quarters. "Adama here."
"Sir, we've detected something strange. Can you alert the captain..."
"He's here with me. We're on our way."
On the bridge, as everyone took their stations, the display showed a radiation spike in a nearby star system. nothing unusual about it, if it were a natural phenomenon.
Kirk, always the curious one, decided to have the three ships made a detour. Once in the system, they detected the radiation emitting from an asteroid field.
"Captain, the intensity is so high that even our shields will fail within the hour, if we go inside." The Vulcan science officer reported. "May I suggest using the long range probes we have. We can sacrifice them."
"Good call. Have the Paladin do the same. Have the Broadsword stay in the back, just in case."
A few minutes passed, but they got the telemetry of the probes. It was in bad shape as the probes were themselves dying while flying through the radiation.
"My god..." Kirk stood up as he saw the first image. "Enhance the image in grid A-6." A ship was now seen. "Can you clean it up?"
The Vulcan did what he could. "Best I can make it, Captain."
Lee didn't recognize it. No one did. "Sir? You've seen this before."
"Yes. A Promellian battleship." No one knew what he was talking about. "I'm not surprised you don't know. This was not common knowledge, even in the 23rd century. Around 900 years ago two races, the Promellians and Menthar destroyed each other. I know this as battle tactics were one of the few academy subject I paid attention to. But this makes no sense. Their war was in the Alpha Quadrant... how..." He turned to the science officer. "The highway?"
"Most probable cause. 900 years ago it must have encompassed a larger area, perhaps even deep into the Alpha Quadrant. The questions we should be asking is this: Why is it here, not how. And why is there so much radiation?"
He zoomed out to the original image. Then they took a look at the others. And in one of them they found something else. Lee responded first. "Cylon basestar. And a modern variant as well."
Scott went over the other data from the scan. "That's not all. Its dead in the water. No power signatures. Just like the battleship. And... the probes, all of them, showed an external power drain."
Kirk began testing his memory. "We can't go in there. Not only because of the radiation. I think the Menthar used traps to disable a ship... Can the scanners determine the origin of the radiation?"
The Vulcan tested it. "No. Not precisely, but they are localized to the asteroids."
"I see. The Menthar must have mined this field. With devices that absorb energy, then when their target is trapped, used their own power to kill them with radiation. Can we determine, based on the radiation density, how long this basestar has been here?"
"Within... three weeks ago."
Lee began wondering. "Captain, I assume we can't go and salvage anything from the two trapped ships?"
"No. We'd be trapped as well and just die. But we can't let that battleship just stay there. Our torpedoed will get drained as well... Major, am I right to assume the Clyons and Colonials still use chemically propelled rockets and engines for their fighters?"
"Em, yes sir?"
"That's the problem and the solution. If anyone comes here, they can pull that ship out with a swarm or raiders. At least in theory. Their engines would still work, its the rest of their system that could be affected, but we have no way of knowing. Commander Scott, can you modify a Colonial raptor with a chemical detonator on a nuclear device?"
"Yes. Yes! Of course. Chemically propelled engines and detonators would not be affected. I'll get right on it."
As she left, he turned to Lee. "Tell the Broadsword to launch every raptor they have. The mission is to scout all the planets in this system and all neighboring systems. There had to have been a base somewhere. Search for any mining operations or possible M class planets."
Lee went to do just that. Within the hour the battleship was gone in a nuclear explosion. As for the base, it was a former M class moon in the same system they were in. But it would not recover back, like it would from a simple nuclear bombardment. The atmosphere was burned away via plasma bombardment. Both sides made sure that their war really did cost them everything.
Day 82 since the Colonial exodus, Earth date 16th of April, year 2378, Federation / Colonial rescue fleet
They jumped into the area where the rescued Cylons said some of their forces might be. He had the lead Six moved in restraints to the Bismarck bridge. And they knew even before jumping that something is going down here.
"Sir, two Cylon fleets are engaged in battle. Heavy battle. 20.000 kilometers ahead of us."
"Show us on the main screen."
The enhanced image showed carnage. No quarter was given by either side.
"The ones with the red markings are ours." The Six said.
"If so, they are losing. Their side has fewer basestars than the other side. Looking at this, they'll either have to retreat soon or be destroyed, as I assume that getting captured is the same as death right now?" Hill analyzed the situation. The Six nodded.
Bill pondered. What to do? Go with their main mission and let them die or not?
"Sir, if we want to act, we'd better do it soon." Hill alerted him to the deteriorating situation out there.
"Deactivate the cloaks. Raise shields and charge all weapons. We're intervening."
As the three ships appeared in space after the shimmering effect of the cloaks faded away, they began accelerating to the battlefield. "Get your people to understand who we are and to let their raiders not get in our way!"
The Six nodded and was allowed to the comm station to input the needed frequency and codes.
"Sir, they know we're here. Cyber hack attempt detected." Hill reported.
"Show me a tactical map of the battle." He got it. "Tell the Ares to break off and engage the enemy central formation. That ship was made to fight, let her fight. The Vo'kor and Bismarck will take their right flank. Let our passive defenses deal with the raiders and missiles, we focus only on the big targets. Execute."
A wing of raiders got in range and opened up. The point defense of the Ares and Bismarck went to work on thinning out their numbers, but the Vo'kor lacked many of such small scale weapons, so she remained dependant on the Bismarck, as the Ares pulled from their formation and accelerated at their central formation.
"Mr. Hill. Don't conserve our ammo this time. Fire at your own discretion."
The Bismarck opened a salvo of torpedoes at the closest basestar with the Vo'kor following this up with their heavy beam weapons on the one behind it. The formation of Cavil forces began breaking up as one of their ships, the one hit by the Bismarck, was broken in two, while the other was now limping away, its sub-light engines and target control crippled. But all basestars within firing range opened up with a swarm of nukes.
Both ships pulled away and did as O'Donnell did when she came up with this tactic. A one second warp jump. The missiles lost their target lock and the two ships would just return and do another pass. If any of the missiles already shot at them would reacquire them, it would run out of fuel before reaching them.
During this, the Ares didn't bother running away only to return again, but she went flying into the swarm. With so many phasers and torpedo launchers at her disposal, she engaged three targets at the same time, unloading a salvo of torpedoes on one, dorsal phasers on a second and ventral phasers on a third target. She managed to destroy one and damage two targets in one pass. But she then turned to fly through the basestar formation to let her aft tubes open fire. She was so fast and small that the Cylons couldn't adapt. They tried. They began doing random jumps, sometimes to avoid getting hit, sometimes to try to box them in.
On the Bismarck, Adama had Hill take over, he got a call. "Admiral Adama. I could say that your punctuality is almost Cylon like." It was a Three.
"Can your forces handle them now that we've broken their formation?"
"I think we can. Most of their raiders are either preoccupied with our raiders or with you. If you can keep them occupied for a minute longer, we can do a multi staged nuclear strike. But you'd better not be there, once we do."
"You let me worry about that. You have 60 seconds."
The surprise factor was worn off. Cavil's forces may have been taken completely off guard, but now he was fighting back. And they were somewhat successful. The Bismarck could handle itself better than the Vo'kor as it was smaller and more maneuverable, but the Ares was in a league of her own. So while the Vulcan cruiser had far superior shields, it was also the biggest and slowest target. It had to use jump tactics to compensate for these shortcomings. But the Cylons were ahead of them in this field and they knew better how to play this game.
"Admiral. I have to pull back. Damage is beginning to bleed through. At this rate, we might lose FTL capabilities."
"You've done all you can, Commander Sek'Ris. Disengage. Either we'll join you soon or call you to return when this is over."
The Vulcan cruiser jumped away to a safe distance from the battlefield. But now the Bismarck had the complete attention of the Cylons that were focused on the three ships. But what had to be done, was done. Several raiders jumped into the formation of the Cavil force. And all had nukes. The Bismarck engaged warp drive and made its escape. The Ares jumped away to the Vo'kor location.
After a few minutes, they regrouped at that spot. "I want a damage report for all three ships within the hour." He eyed the Six. "Now, time to meet your family, as it were."
"Or what's left of them anyway."
Commander Kelly Rose Scott - Jennifer Lawrence (Chief Engineer) (Scotty's distant relative)
Captain Sakari Hauaman - Catherine Bell (Challanger Captain)
Lt. Adrian Garcia - Michael Peña (Computer scientist)
Major Michael David Sisko - John Boyega (MACO Commander) (Benjamin's distant relative)
Lt. Commander Sachiko Hayashi - Kim Tae-hee (Challenger comm officer)
Dr. George Manor - Hugh Laurie (Rank Lt. Commander, Chief Medical Officer of Challenger)
Commander K'Lir - Melinda Clarke (Vulcan and Challenger's XO)
Commander Naomie Evans - Emmanuelle Vaugier (Crusader XO, now acting CO)
Lt. Noah Hill - Timothy Olyphant (Crusader tactical)
Major Jacques Friloux - Casper Van Dien (Champion MACO Commander)
Lt. Commander Alex Nelson - Dean Cain (Crusader Chief Engineer)
Dr. Krisha Kumar - Aarti Mann (Rank Lt., Chief Medical Officer of Crusader)
Commodore Fiona O'Donnell - Lauren Holly (Bismarck CO)
Colonel Alan Walker - Michael Biehn (Bismarck MACO CO)
Lt. Jacob Rivers - Seth MacFarlane (Paladin Chief Engineer) (Ship's acting CO, all higher officers are dead)
Captain Carlos Ramirez - Josh Cruze (Champion Captain, transferred from Intrepid, as Starfleet needed all experienced officers in more capable ships)
Captain Khari Oladoyinbo - Cuba Gooding Jr. (Knight CO)
Commander Sek'Ris - Tom Selleck (Officer of Vulcan Command)
Commander Jerome Hasapis - Bob Gunton (BSG Victory)
Colonel Colin Hawks - Nathan Jones (marinestar commander)
Governor Elliot Fabron - Forest Whitaker
V'ok Miller (Short for V'okoris)- Clancy Brown
Colonials: 112 Civilian ships
One Marinestar, the Broadsword. A Sobek, (Victory), three Adamant, one Valkyre (Morningstar), Pegasus (Mercury class) and Galactica (Jupiter class).
Starfleet: Challenger, Crusader, Paladin, Nightingale (hospital ship), Bismarck, Yamato, Volga, Denarius, Pathfinder, Mississippi, Boston, Oracle, John Brown, Merchant, Concordia, Settler's Dream, Danube, Champion, Knight, Ares, Colonial Hope and Vo'kor.
Destroyed: Marco Polo, Frontier.