Chapter 13 - Meeting the Admirals

Caprica City - Kosta Mansion Secure Meeting Room

Leo was in the secure meeting room he had set up in his home. It had all the same security measures as Louise's office at the company HQ but also included a large Table with a dozen chairs and room for more. He was getting all his paperwork ready for the negotiation that's about to start and he needed to prepare himself for any backlash that might come from revealing some of what he had to those who at the moment outranked him and could put an end to his colonial fleet career.

He had already looked over the scouting data for a habitable system near where they have set up their new home so that the colonials can build their colony there away from the conflict that will start. He has also decided that to make this plan ideal he needed a way to transport the colonial ships there faster than what could be achieved with there current jump drives so has decided to order a dozen more large fleet tenders who can easily hold 2 mars class battlestars and not suffer any drop in speed after they upgrade them with the new generators and hyperdrive.

But this all relied on the hope that they didn't have to leave the colonies early due to prosecution. Leo looked up at the clock and noticed he had only 10 minutes to go before the meeting time and knew his guests would be early and not late. He got up and left the room and walked towards the foyer of his home to be ready to welcome the Admirals to his home. As he got to the foyer his mother and Louise where waiting for him as they would be joining him in there meeting to offer suggestions and to give him a little back up facing the three experienced admirals.

Five minutes before the agreed upon time a black 4 door sedan pulled up the driveway to the house and three older gentlemen dressed in everyday clothing got out and approached the house and knocked on the door. Leo opened the door and welcomed the gentlemen into the house and led them down to the meeting room.

"Gentlemen, I am glad you could make it today. Before we start, would you like any refreshments as once the door is closed the anti-eavesdropping measures engage and make regular trips in and out of the room impossible unless you wish to be lit up like a lighthouse." Leo asked as he sat down.

After they had all ordered and received their drinks from the hired help they sat down and Leo locked the door after the unnecessary people had left and turned on the security. He then went and sat on the opposite side of the table from the admirals in between his mother and Louise.

Leo took a minute while he sipped some water to collect himself and then started the meeting. "I guess we should start with what you want and take it from there." Leo looked at each of them for a few seconds each.

Admiral Corman was the first to talk as he seemed to be leading the meeting on their side. "I guess that's fair as we asked for the meeting. What we want to ask you is what you think will happen to the fleet with Adar in charge and what you think will happen if the cylons come back?"

Leo showed no emotion on his face as he had to play his cards right here as if he said the wrong thing and changed the future so badly he could end up with a very angry ascended coming after him. "Well what i think is that the fleet is in for some bad times and i don't think it will stop at just Adar as i think those born after the war don't know what it was like and now they see the massive budget the fleet have as a unnecessary extravagance that they could put to use for other things. To be honest I don't think it's just Adar as I think that he was just the first to use it to his advantage and getting himself elected president and if he wants a second term he needs to somewhat follow through with his promises to defend the fleet." Leo took a breath and then continued. "Then you have to look at their utter lack of fear when it comes to networks that the older generation has and you can see where it's going to go. You will find the fleet slowly but surely updated with networked computers and program run weapon systems and the like which will lead to less crew and smaller ships or less ships with more weapons. After that i guess you can see exactly what will happen if the cylons come back as you have to think that being machines they would be able to build faster and more fleet units than us, plus they will probably develop technology we haven't even thought of yet as with the computer processors they can use trial and error till they find something that works."

The Admirals didn't look happy with what Leo said and it wasn't because they disagreed with him, quite the opposite they saw the exact same problems in the future. "We agree with everything you just said which is why we're here. We are hoping to be able to talk to you about a joint venture to build a fall back colony away from the cyrannus systems where humans can continue to survive and maybe survive and take back the colonies if the cylons win." Admiral Corman said without holding anything back.

Leo looks at Louise who nods to him and then he does the same to his mother who smiles. He then looked back towards the admirals and said. "I can agree with your idea and we're willing to help but we can't commit 100% of our focus to your plan as we have one of our own that's been in the works since i took over the companies at my coming of age. Before you say anything you should know that the colony where building won't be part of the 12 colonies and will be its own government and society with none of the dividing influence that the 12 colonies has. As the way we look at it there is to much prejudice in the colonies based on what colony you come from and at times that overrides the solitude of being a human."

Leo waited for the outburst from the admirals but none came; they just looked at each other and smiled. This time it was Admiral Cain who commented. "We knew you were up to something and to be honest we agree with you about the prejudices that are now part of what makes up the colonies but we can't forsake what we have spent decades protecting and need to secure its future even if its only one colony far away from here." Cain took a breath then continued. "We will accept that you have already started to build your own fall back but we would still ask for help finding and building a new colony for the survival of the 12 colonies as a people."

Then it was Admiral Nagala who continued. "Leo we know its a lot to ask to divert resources from your own project to help us but we can do things to make it easier for you as well as we have noticed a lot of the older retiree' have been disappearing, then there is the orphanage and retirement home ships you have started and lastly there is the amount of ships you have purchased and then scrapped in quick succession."

Leo was relieved that they didn't blow their tops and arrest him for sedition but was still stunned at the amount they know about what they have been doing. As yes they don't know it all but they know enough to have caused problems if the wrong people found out. "Ok so what is it you want and what are you willing to help with?" Leo asked as he recovered.

Corman was the person who spoke next as he handed Leo a sheet of paper. "Here is what we would like you to help with."

Leo looked at the list on the paper which asked him for information about habitable planets close to wherever Leo sets up shop and also the system needed to have enough resources in the same system or within reasonable jump distance to them. That wasn't so much of a problem as he had reviewed the scouting data from the systems surrounding Altera Prime and they had two habitable planets they could choose that was a reasonable distance from New Altera to not be a bother but close enough to provide support and both systems have plenty of the resources they will need. The rest of the list was just support with building and transporting resources mostly and providing technical support when asked which was pretty easy as New Altera has mostly finished the groundwork of their first city so can spare some specialists.

After looking over the list Leo looked at the Admirals and said. "I can agree with this list and I already figured what this meeting was about and have looked over our scouting data and have 2 systems within a few hundred LY's of where we have decided to place our colony where there is at least 1 habitable planet and plenty of resources. Also just to put your minds at ease we can agree here and now a mutual defense and aid treaty so that whoever you put in charge of the colony that we won't be moving in and taking over." Leo handed them a folder with the details of the scouted out systems.

Corman looked over the scouting data then his head shot up in shock. "How can you scout a system over 50,000 light years away?" When he said that the other 2 Admirals also looked up in shock.

Leo knew this was coming and decided he was going to hold his ground. "Kosta Enterprises have developed a new type of faster than light travel that makes traveling long distances more plausible and possible without having to spend 4-5 years on a ship doing the max of 4 jumps a day. Before you ask i didn't make this new drive public knowledge as by the time it was developed the anti fleet trend had already started and i knew that it would be abused and misappropriated by corrupt government officials so decide for the best to keep it top secret with only certain people who can be trusted knowing about it, especially those staying or operating within the colonies." Leo gave them a minute to process that and continued. "The distance to the systems is what drove me mainly to choose that area as with the best jump drive of the colonies it would take 4-5 years to get there safely and that's with the military vessels not to mention the 10 years it would take the civilian craft. It's also why I'm willing to offer to transport your colonists and also use our upgraded tenders to transport your ships to the system over an extended period."

The three admirals didn't look happy but at the same time understood why. "So you're telling us that you have a new faster mode of travel for distances greater than 200 LY and you kept it hidden." Admiral Nagala asked with a little steel to his voice.

Leo looked him in the eye and answered. "Instead of going on how its my companies tech and that i have no obligation in regards to sharing said technology lets imagine that i shared the tech with the fleet and government then it leaks do you realize how much pandemonium you would have with ships just launching into deep space with no back up or safety net to keep them safe. Then there is the impact on the fleet itself, If you had faster ships who could get to anywhere in the cyrannus system in hours without having to rely on jumping in blind or overtaxing there engines how long would it take the government who's in power to decide that with the faster ships you don't need as many ships to defend the whole of the colonies with your new ability to be anywhere in such a short time frame."

Once they realized what Leo was saying they started seating bullets just thinking about it. "Ok i think i understand why you did what you did and why you wont give us the tech, at least for now."

Leo nodded then thought for a few minutes and came to a decision and because he didn't feel the tingle warning he knew he could get away with it. "Ok what I'm willing to do that may help you with who to choose to lead your colony is this" Leo puts an injection on the table to the confusion of the three admirals.

Nagala was the one to put their confusion into words. "What is that?"

Leo smiles and says. "This is a Gene therapy injection that purifies the human genome and can extend a person's lifespan by up to 100 years."

At that announcement all their chins hit the floor in shock at what he was saying. Louise laughs and says to her father. "I'd close your mouth or you might catch some flies if I were you dad."

Admiral Corman closed his mouth with a snap and blushed ever so slightly at the ribbing he was getting from his own daughter and even though they were just as bad the other admirals snickered at their friends' embarrassment. "So you're telling me if Admiral Cain takes that he will live up to a hundred years more?" He asked just to confirm he heard right.

Louise was the one who replied. "Yes it will make him look younger as well as it improves the state of atrophy that your body's cells are in and makes your organs more efficient and may even improve them for cases like bad eyesight or asthma. We are willing to supply the people going to your colony with this injection as part of our deal to help you as it will make it easier in developing a your colony if those with skills stick around for longer to complete there job's than to only be able to do part of it and then hope the people who come after you think the same way and are willing to complete it for you."

The three older Admirals thought it over and then each of them nodded and commented that it made sense that they didn't want unstable elements to take over in the long run and cause problems between our colonies.

"So we mainly talked about what we are asking for but what do you want in return." Asked Nagala.

Leo replied. "What we mainly need is for you to cover for our people who we are recruiting for our new colony to leave the cyrannus systems without to much attention as we have already using the excuse that where starting a new mining colony a little ways outside cyrannus but with more and more people leaving to this new colony people will start to ask questions, especially when Adar gets into office after i pretty much told him to go fuck himself when he asked us to take loses with all government contracts going forward and to reduce our security firms fleet by 50%."

They all smiled at that as they imagined being the person to do that and seeing Adar's face when he realized he wasn't going to get his way. They then easily agreed to that condition and then spent the next 2 hours hashing out the smaller details for their agreement and the preliminary treaty they would implement between their colonies to go into effect when both have been fully established.

So they all stood up and shook hands before Leo showed them out and confirmed dinner plans with Admiral Corman for later that week before he went back to Picon HQ.

Ascended Plane

Athena and Aries watched the meeting between Leo and the Admirals and were glad he played it the way he did as one it saved more people and two it took some of the pressure off Leo when it comes to hiding everything from the people he admires.

"He did well sister, I think you choose right with him and he will do well leading our descendants in the future." Aries said as he smiled at his sister.

Athena smiled back and said. "I know he will but he is still toeing the line and that is dangerous especially with how we had to force through a change in the ascended laws to keep this plan going." Athens finished with a little worry.

Aries nodded and wanted to lighten the mood so he suggested they go and look at what else is happening out there so they left and came across a meeting between another Admiral and the leader of fleet intelligence. They decided to watch and see what decisions they made.

Unnamed Admirals Office Picon HQ

"Admiral sensor readings along the armistice line are picking up increased radiation spikes from planets that suggest nuclear detonation upwards of the 30 megaton range." The lead officer from fleet intelligence reported.

The unnamed Admiral looked over the sheet of paper holding the readings and sat in silence for a few minutes before asking his question. "Are you sure there are nukes and not just some natural event?"

The officer replied. "Yes sir, I confirm there are nuclear detonations as there are too many spikes in different locations to be anything but. Also our sensors picked up this image from orbit of the closest planet with these readings to the border." He handed the admiral a picture of a ship in orbit of a planet but the picture was too blurry to make out anything properly but given the relative size of the planet the ship was larger than the last known design of base stars.

"This is troubling news, is there anything else I need to know before I report to the fleet admiral." He asked the officer.

"Not at this time sir but i would recommend some sort of stealth scout mission over the line to find out what exactly is happening and what that ship is sir." The officer said in reply.

"I will take it under advisement but I doubt it will happen anytime soon as the only ship we have that can do the job is just completing its testing and won't be mission ready for a few years yet." The admiral shook his head then dismissed the officer and his staff before closing the folder and leaving the room.

What no one noticed was that one of the officer's staff looked a lot like a model five Cylon but not knowing about the humanoid versions no one was none the wiser.

Ascended Plane

Athena and Aries looked on as the meeting happened and just shook their heads as they knew this was the start of the plan which would be used as Cavil's main reason to confirm the Cylon's fears that the colonials will attack them. "This is the start of the end of the colonies and can't do anything about it and knowing that this guy is one of Adar's lackeys in the fleet he will be the main pushing force for this scouting mission across the line. He says the Cylons won't return and preaches it as if it is religion but at the end of the day he is still human and fears about if he is wrong but his greed and power hungry urges over rides his caution and common sense."

Aries nods and replies. "I believe you are right sister but they are still humans and they fear what they don't know or understand. Also there are always the known elements in any society that cause problems just to advance their own agendas and when those are the people running things they are doomed from the start."

Athena agreed as they both left to continue watching the rest of the colonies for interesting events.

Cylon Virtual World

It was a week later when John Cavil entered the Cylon virtual world for a meeting with the leaders of each model. They were meeting because he wanted to know why two high ranking admirals and a retired fleet admiral were meeting with Kosta.

John didn't wait for polite greetings and demanded answers. "So get on with it, why were they there?"

The Leader of the three's reported. "According to my sister placed within the fleet admirals office they were there to discuss more fleet contracts and to head off any fallout from Adar's meeting earlier that week." she didn't smile but you couldn't help but notice the slight upturn of the end of her lips.

John looked at the three with enough venom to kill everyone in the room. "Are you sure that is what the meeting was about as I would be sure if I didn't want to get boxed." He enjoyed the look of fear that passed over her face but she schooled her features quickly enough that it didn't show for long.

The three replied "I can only tell you what's reported to me as I can't ask my sister to dig too deeply without causing her to risk her position and our source of info in the fleet admirals office."

John wasn't happy but he let her have this small victory. He then turned to the five and asked. "Anything to report from fleet intelligence." John knew what was coming next as it was all part of the plan.

The Five looked up and replied. "Yes, the colonial sensor's picked up our test detonations of the higher yield nukes and managed to get a photo of the new base star but it's too blurry to be useful. But the problem is that they want to send a scouting mission across the line to see what's going on but they have no ships ideal to do it in service yet. But reports state the Valkyrie class battlestar they plan to build for short range patrols and scouting missions has just finished testing and the first service ready ships will be put into service in a few years and they plan to use one of them to do the scouting so we have to wait and see what happens." He then paused and got ready for mount Cavil to explode at what he's going to say next. "We also have news about the new Mercury class battlestar that has just finished production for testing and if they succeed they plan to update there fleet with this bigger and more powerful ship."

What he wasn't expecting was the calm reply from Cavil. "It's fine we already have a plan in place for the Mercuries and we will use the new ships as a way to reduce the size of the fleet making any attack by use easier as there will be less units to track down and Wipeout if they have less battlestars and with the CNP to be in place when we attack they will be what the humans call a paper tiger."

With that they discussed some of the smaller issues and ended the meeting and they all left the virtual world and went back to their missions.

TN:- Just to give you guys a heads up I will be posting updates with information on the new Altera system and Leo's fleet assets and will be posting ship speed information as with a little research I have finally decided on what speed different engines will have going forward for the foreseeable future.