Errors-To: bsg-fanfic-bounces-
airys=mirarialpacafarm.com@lists.eyrie.org
X-UIDL: >8Q!!AHg"!?/^!!mI'"!
Chapter Five

Ever since they had launched, Starbuck had felt an aura of
bad feeling that even surpassed what he felt whenever he
launched to take on an incoming attack force of Cylon
fighters.     Michael's revelation that his intended
destination was not the mysterious planet Terra was the
first blow.    The second blow was all this mysterious talk
of an "Eastern Alliance" and the warning that Terra was not
a planet worth visiting.    Could this mean that the long-
sought goal of Earth was nothing that the people of the
Fleet had hoped to find?

Despite his feelings, he decided that now was not the time
to raise them with Apollo, who still seemed singularly
obsessed with his belief that this course of action was the
correct one, and that only positive results would ensue.

"Stand by for first sleep period in the next five centons,"
Apollo said, "No telling how far off that ship's destErrors-To: bsg-fanfic-bounces-
airys=mirarialpacafarm.com@lists.eyrie.org
X-UIDL: >8Q!!AHg"!?/^!!mI'"!
Chapter Five

Ever since they had launched, Starbuck had felt an aura of
bad feeling that even surpassed what he felt whenever he
launched to take on an incoming attack force of Cylon
fighters.     Michael's revelation that his intended
destination was not the mysterious planet Terra was the
first blow.    The second blow was all this mysterious talk
of an "Eastern Alliance" and the warning that Terra was not
a planet worth visiting.    Could this mean that the long-
sought goal of Earth was nothing that the people of the
Fleet had hoped to find?

Despite his feelings, he decided that now was not the time
to raise them with Apollo, who still seemed singularly
obsessed with his belief that this course of action was the
correct one, and that only positive results would ensue.

"Stand by for first sleep period in the next five centons,"
Apollo said, "No telling how far off that ship's destErrors-To: bsg-fanfic-bounces-
airys=mirarialpacafarm.com@lists.eyrie.org
X-UIDL: >8Q!!AHg"!?/^!!mI'"!
Chapter Five

Ever since they had launched, Starbuck had felt an aura of
bad feeling that even surpassed what he felt whenever he
launched to take on an incoming attack force of Cylon
fighters.     Michael's revelation that his intended
destination was not the mysterious planet Terra was the
first blow.    The second blow was all this mysterious talk
of an "Eastern Alliance" and the warning that Terra was not
a planet worth visiting.    Could this mean that the long-
sought goal of Earth was nothing that the people of the
Fleet had hoped to find?

Despite his feelings, he decided that now was not the time
to raise them with Apollo, who still seemed singularly
obsessed with his belief that this course of action was the
correct one, and that only positive results would ensue.

"Stand by for first sleep period in the next five centons,"
Apollo said, "No telling how far off that ship's desthat
guy in front of the main house."

"How are you going to do that?"

"Simple," Apollo grinned at Vector and Hector, "That's where
you two come in.    I want you both to create a little
diversion."

"Apollo," Starbuck said, "Just one question.    What setting
do I put my pistol on?"

Apollo took a breath, "Starbuck, much as I hate to say this,
you'll have to keep it on stun.  I'll explain why later.
Now get going."

"Gotcha," the blonde warrior moved off, keeping himself
crouched low as he made his way toward the other side of the
ranch complex.

"What sort of diversion did you have in mind, Apollo?"
Vector asked.

"One that will really have the others inside anxious to come
out into the open."

************************************************************
***********************************

Starbuck was glad that night had now fallen over Paradeen,
giving him the cover of darkness to make his way down the
slope to the ranch complex below.       He could now see the
figure of Errors-To: bsg-fanfic-bounces-
airys=mirarialpacafarm.com@lists.eyrie.org
X-UIDL: >8Q!!AHg"!?/^!!mI'"!
Chapter Five

Ever since they had launched, Starbuck had felt an aura of
bad feeling that even surpassed what he felt whenever he
launched to take on an incoming attack force of Cylon
fighters.     Michael's revelation that his intended
destination was not the mysterious planet Terra was the
first blow.    The second blow was all this mysterious talk
of an "Eastern Alliance" and the warning that Terra was not
a planet worth visiting.    Could this mean that the long-
sought goal of Earth was nothing that the people of the
Fleet had hoped to find?

Despite his feelings, he decided that now was not the time
to raise them with Apollo, who still seemed singularly
obsessed with his belief that this course of action was the
correct one, and that only positive results would ensue.

"Stand by for first sleep period in the next five centons,"
Apollo said, "No telling how far off that ship's destination
might be."

"Right," Starbuck grumbled, suppressing the urge to vocalize
the doubts going through him.   "You really know how to
volunteer me for a lot of fun things, Apollo.    Remind me
to invite you to my next party."

"Anytime," Apollo cheerily replied, "Now reduce your breathe-
flow to minimum."

Starbuck kept his next retort to himself as he double-
checked the automatic heading one last time before hitting
the switch that would put him into sleep mode for the next
six centars.    Microns later, he was oblivious to all else
around him.

************************************************************
**************************

"As always, Anton was there to rescue him," Sire Geller was
fuming as he sat at a table aboard the Rising Star's Main
Dining Hall, along with Tinia and Domra.    "You shouldn't
have allowed him to speak for the rest of us."

"Regardless of that, we have no choice but to honor the
agreement to take no action for the next few cycles," Tinia
said, "At ination
might be."

"Right," Starbuck grumbled, suppressing the urge to vocalize
the doubts going through him.   "You really know how to
volunteer me for a lot of fun things, Apollo.    Remind me
to invite you to my next party."

"Anytime," Apollo cheerily replied, "Now reduce your breathe-
flow to minimum."

Starbuck kept his next retort to himself as he double-
checked the automatic heading one last time before hitting
the switch that would put him into sleep mode for the next
six centars.    Microns later, he was oblivious to all else
around him.

************************************************************
**************************

"As always, Anton was there to rescue him," Sire Geller was
fuming as he sat at a table aboard the Rising Star's Main
Dining Hall, along with Tinia and Domra.    "You shouldn't
have allowed him to speak for the rest of us."

"Regardless of that, we have no choice but to honor the
agreement to take no action for the next few cycles," Tinia
said, "At ination
might be."

"Right," Starbuck grumbled, suppressing the urge to vocalize
the doubts going through him.   "You really know how to
volunteer me for a lot of fun things, Apollo.    Remind me
to invite you to my next party."

"Anytime," Apollo cheerily replied, "Now reduce your breathe-
flow to minimum."

Starbuck kept his next retort to himself as he double-
checked the automatic heading one last time before hitting
the switch that would put him into sleep mode for the next
six centars.    Microns later, he was oblivious to all else
around him.

************************************************************
**************************

"As always, Anton was there to rescue him," Sire Geller was
fuming as he sat at a table aboard the Rising Star's Main
Dining Hall, along with Tinia and Domra.    "You shouldn't
have allowed him to speak for the rest of us."

"Regardless of that, we have no choice but to honor the
agreement to take no action for the next few cycles," Tinia
said, "At the Alliance guard clearly, and shook his head in
disbelief at the sight of the man wearing his strange
uniform with the sun visor down.     All that served to do
was make his field of vision more limited, especially in
night conditions.

Staying down, Starbuck made his way to the field area that
placed him behind the guard.   Deciding not to waste any
firepower in his laser just yet, he decided to try one other
tactic first, as he came up behind the guard as quietly as
he could, and then brought the butt of his pistol squarely
on the back of the man's neck.     The guard let out a sharp
grunt and collapsed to the ground, his helmet clattering
off.     Starbuck then brought the pistol down on his head
again, and that managed to finally send him into
unconsciousness.

With a satisfied smirk, the blonde warrior made his way
across the complex until he saw the lights of the main
house.   He pressed himself against the back wall, only
occasionally peering around the corner where he could see
ination
might be."

"Right," Starbuck grumbled, suppressing the urge to vocalize
the doubts going through him.   "You really know how to
volunteer me for a lot of fun things, Apollo.    Remind me
to invite you to my next party."

"Anytime," Apollo cheerily replied, "Now reduce your breathe-
flow to minimum."

Starbuck kept his next retort to himself as he double-
checked the automatic heading one last time before hitting
the switch that would put him into sleep mode for the next
six centars.    Microns later, he was oblivious to all else
around him.

************************************************************
**************************

"As always, Anton was there to rescue him," Sire Geller was
fuming as he sat at a table aboard the Rising Star's Main
Dining Hall, along with Tinia and Domra.    "You shouldn't
have allowed him to speak for the rest of us."

"Regardless of that, we have no choice but to honor the
agreement to take no action for the next few cycles," Tinia
said, "At least not until we know whether the mission was a
success or not."

"I don't even think it's relevant at this point whether the
mission succeeds or not," Domra said sourly as he took a sip
from his chalice, "Adama has crossed a line that can not be
tolerated again under any circumstance.    It's time we take
some action to make sure that he can never do this again."

"How?" Tinia asked.

"By revoking the Carillon Resolution which gave him those
sweeping powers and ending the formal state of martial law,"
Domra said.    "The timing works to our advantage.     Cylon
pursuit has become more and more a distant memory to us, and
if we are indeed on the verge of discovering the human
civilization we intend to settle our people in, what
possible reason is there for us to allow Adama the privilege
of being a dictator?"

The other two Council members were silent for an instant as
they briefly digested this.

"It could work," Tinia spoke, "But if we were to do that, we
could not do so in a way tleast not until we know whether the mission was a
success or not."

"I don't even think it's relevant at this point whether the
mission succeeds or not," Domra said sourly as he took a sip
from his chalice, "Adama has crossed a line that can not be
tolerated again under any circumstance.    It's time we take
some action to make sure that he can never do this again."

"How?" Tinia asked.

"By revoking the Carillon Resolution which gave him those
sweeping powers and ending the formal state of martial law,"
Domra said.    "The timing works to our advantage.     Cylon
pursuit has become more and more a distant memory to us, and
if we are indeed on the verge of discovering the human
civilization we intend to settle our people in, what
possible reason is there for us to allow Adama the privilege
of being a dictator?"

The other two Council members were silent for an instant as
they briefly digested this.

"It could work," Tinia spoke, "But if we were to do that, we
could not do so in a way tleast not until we know whether the mission was a
success or not."

"I don't even think it's relevant at this point whether the
mission succeeds or not," Domra said sourly as he took a sip
from his chalice, "Adama has crossed a line that can not be
tolerated again under any circumstance.    It's time we take
some action to make sure that he can never do this again."

"How?" Tinia asked.

"By revoking the Carillon Resolution which gave him those
sweeping powers and ending the formal state of martial law,"
Domra said.    "The timing works to our advantage.     Cylon
pursuit has become more and more a distant memory to us, and
if we are indeed on the verge of discovering the human
civilization we intend to settle our people in, what
possible reason is there for us to allow Adama the privilege
of being a dictator?"

The other two Council members were silent for an instant as
they briefly digested this.

"It could work," Tinia spoke, "But if we were to do that, we
could not do so in a way tone guard still patrolling.    It was time for him to wait.

His eyes then widened in amazement when he saw the
unmistakable forms of Hector and Vector approaching.    Both
of them walking nonchalantly down the road.

"Halt!" the guard pulled out his gun, "Who are you?"

"Who are we?"  Vector said with a trace of indignation,
"Isn't that obvious?    You are only looking at the greatest
song and dance team in the history of Terran civilization."

"Yes!" Hector matched the older robot's tone, "Are you not
familiar with the team of Hector and Vector and how we
packed the greatest audiences in the history of Terra's
National Theater?"

"Vector and Hector, you fool!"

"But the tradition says the junior partner's name always
comes first!"

"What are you talking about?" the guard railed indignantly,
"You come from this complex, do you not?"

"Certainly not!   And when you hear us perform, you'll
finally remember who we really are!" Hector didn't let up.

"Our greatest number went like thileast not until we know whether the mission was a
success or not."

"I don't even think it's relevant at this point whether the
mission succeeds or not," Domra said sourly as he took a sip
from his chalice, "Adama has crossed a line that can not be
tolerated again under any circumstance.    It's time we take
some action to make sure that he can never do this again."

"How?" Tinia asked.

"By revoking the Carillon Resolution which gave him those
sweeping powers and ending the formal state of martial law,"
Domra said.    "The timing works to our advantage.     Cylon
pursuit has become more and more a distant memory to us, and
if we are indeed on the verge of discovering the human
civilization we intend to settle our people in, what
possible reason is there for us to allow Adama the privilege
of being a dictator?"

The other two Council members were silent for an instant as
they briefly digested this.

"It could work," Tinia spoke, "But if we were to do that, we
could not do so in a way that would come across as
humiliating Adama."

"I think I have a solution to that problem," Domra said,
"One that will prevent Adama and his allies from insinuating
that our motives are borne of disrespect or dislike for
him."

"Is that really true with you, Domra?" Geller spoke up.
"Not that I'm in disagreement with your proposal,
but.....I've always had the sense that you've never thought
highly of Adama at all."

The white-haired Council member allowed himself a faint
smirk, "What of it?    It's the greater objective that
counts, doesn't it?"

"Of course," Tinia nodded, "We shall take action on these
steps regardless of what happens with the mission.     And
not even Anton can stop this from happening."

************************************************************
**************************************

Cassiopeia had spent the first centar of the journey making
sure that Michael was securely back in his own life-support
chamber, and then checking the readings on the other four
cohat would come across as
humiliating Adama."

"I think I have a solution to that problem," Domra said,
"One that will prevent Adama and his allies from insinuating
that our motives are borne of disrespect or dislike for
him."

"Is that really true with you, Domra?" Geller spoke up.
"Not that I'm in disagreement with your proposal,
but.....I've always had the sense that you've never thought
highly of Adama at all."

The white-haired Council member allowed himself a faint
smirk, "What of it?    It's the greater objective that
counts, doesn't it?"

"Of course," Tinia nodded, "We shall take action on these
steps regardless of what happens with the mission.     And
not even Anton can stop this from happening."

************************************************************
**************************************

Cassiopeia had spent the first centar of the journey making
sure that Michael was securely back in his own life-support
chamber, and then checking the readings on the other four
cohat would come across as
humiliating Adama."

"I think I have a solution to that problem," Domra said,
"One that will prevent Adama and his allies from insinuating
that our motives are borne of disrespect or dislike for
him."

"Is that really true with you, Domra?" Geller spoke up.
"Not that I'm in disagreement with your proposal,
but.....I've always had the sense that you've never thought
highly of Adama at all."

The white-haired Council member allowed himself a faint
smirk, "What of it?    It's the greater objective that
counts, doesn't it?"

"Of course," Tinia nodded, "We shall take action on these
steps regardless of what happens with the mission.     And
not even Anton can stop this from happening."

************************************************************
**************************************

Cassiopeia had spent the first centar of the journey making
sure that Michael was securely back in his own life-support
chamber, and then checking the readings on the other four
cos," Vector cleared his
voice and began to sing, "We're farmland inspectors, we're
homeland protectors, we see that things run here much better
up!"

"Better up!" Hector chimed in on-key.

"I'm going to shoot you both if you don't shut up and answer
some questions!" the guard pointed his gun at them.

"We haven't gotten to the dance, yet!    Hector, show the
man!"

The younger robot began to go into a flawless dancing motion
that even Starbuck found amazing.     Then, Vector joined
in, and demonstrated an even superior agility.

Oh boy, Starbuck thought with a trace of regret, too bad the
Star Circuit doesn't exist anymore.     As the guard took a
step toward the two robots, they suddenly in the midst of
their dancing movement, parted off to the sides, and the
guard found himself staring now at Apollo pointing a laser
pistol at his face.

"That wasn't very polite of you to not applaud their
efforts," Apollo said with a mocking smile, "Now drop that
gun or you're dead!"

Trembling, that would come across as
humiliating Adama."

"I think I have a solution to that problem," Domra said,
"One that will prevent Adama and his allies from insinuating
that our motives are borne of disrespect or dislike for
him."

"Is that really true with you, Domra?" Geller spoke up.
"Not that I'm in disagreement with your proposal,
but.....I've always had the sense that you've never thought
highly of Adama at all."

The white-haired Council member allowed himself a faint
smirk, "What of it?    It's the greater objective that
counts, doesn't it?"

"Of course," Tinia nodded, "We shall take action on these
steps regardless of what happens with the mission.     And
not even Anton can stop this from happening."

************************************************************
**************************************

Cassiopeia had spent the first centar of the journey making
sure that Michael was securely back in his own life-support
chamber, and then checking the readings on the other four
containing Sarah and the children.     Not feeling in the
mood for sleep at first, she had passed some time trying to
make some sense of the readings on some of the other
computer systems, but still found nothing she could
comprehend.     Finally, she gave up and decided to get some
rest by sitting at the main control console and placing her
head down on the table.    It was not a comfortable position
and it took her another centar before sleep finally overtook
her.

She didn't know how long she had been out before she was
jolted awake by the sound of an unfamiliar male voice
filling the interior.

"Paradeen Control to Lunar shuttle Avian.    We have you on
visual.    Do you read?"

Cassiopeia came upright in her chair and before she could
react to the voice, heard another one, "This is Avian.   We
have you on visual.    All systems operating and on standby
mode."

"Excellent, Avian," the first voice said.   "You are twenty
hours behind your ETA.   What is  your support status?"

"We arntaining Sarah and the children.     Not feeling in the
mood for sleep at first, she had passed some time trying to
make some sense of the readings on some of the other
computer systems, but still found nothing she could
comprehend.     Finally, she gave up and decided to get some
rest by sitting at the main control console and placing her
head down on the table.    It was not a comfortable position
and it took her another centar before sleep finally overtook
her.

She didn't know how long she had been out before she was
jolted awake by the sound of an unfamiliar male voice
filling the interior.

"Paradeen Control to Lunar shuttle Avian.    We have you on
visual.    Do you read?"

Cassiopeia came upright in her chair and before she could
react to the voice, heard another one, "This is Avian.   We
have you on visual.    All systems operating and on standby
mode."

"Excellent, Avian," the first voice said.   "You are twenty
hours behind your ETA.   What is  your support status?"

"We arntaining Sarah and the children.     Not feeling in the
mood for sleep at first, she had passed some time trying to
make some sense of the readings on some of the other
computer systems, but still found nothing she could
comprehend.     Finally, she gave up and decided to get some
rest by sitting at the main control console and placing her
head down on the table.    It was not a comfortable position
and it took her another centar before sleep finally overtook
her.

She didn't know how long she had been out before she was
jolted awake by the sound of an unfamiliar male voice
filling the interior.

"Paradeen Control to Lunar shuttle Avian.    We have you on
visual.    Do you read?"

Cassiopeia came upright in her chair and before she could
react to the voice, heard another one, "This is Avian.   We
have you on visual.    All systems operating and on standby
mode."

"Excellent, Avian," the first voice said.   "You are twenty
hours behind your ETA.   What is  your support status?"

"We arhe guard dropped his weapon.

"Did we do good, Apollo?" Vector asked.

"You were magnificent.   I'm only sorry there wasn't time to
see the whole number."

"What is going on, out here?" the door to the main house
opened, and an indignant Leiter emerged.     As soon as the
commander was out in the open, Starbuck dashed in from
behind the main house and in an instant he'd grabbed the
commander from behind and had his gun pointed at his head.

"Ah, ah," Starbuck grinned, "Don't say a word.   Just one
word makes my finger pull the little trigger here."

"Well done, Starbuck," Apollo grinned.   "This must be their
ugly leader the children spoke about.    How many more still
inside?"

"I'm not talking," Leiter said angrily, feeling nothing but
the greatest sense of humiliation he'd ever known in his
life.

"Oh yes you are," Starbuck tightened his grip on the
commander.   "Now you call them out, now or you're dead!"

Leiter finally knew it was hopeless.   "Sturber!   Suloff!
Get out here ntaining Sarah and the children.     Not feeling in the
mood for sleep at first, she had passed some time trying to
make some sense of the readings on some of the other
computer systems, but still found nothing she could
comprehend.     Finally, she gave up and decided to get some
rest by sitting at the main control console and placing her
head down on the table.    It was not a comfortable position
and it took her another centar before sleep finally overtook
her.

She didn't know how long she had been out before she was
jolted awake by the sound of an unfamiliar male voice
filling the interior.

"Paradeen Control to Lunar shuttle Avian.    We have you on
visual.    Do you read?"

Cassiopeia came upright in her chair and before she could
react to the voice, heard another one, "This is Avian.   We
have you on visual.    All systems operating and on standby
mode."

"Excellent, Avian," the first voice said.   "You are twenty
hours behind your ETA.   What is  your support status?"

"We are within tolerances to rendezvous.    Thank you."

Cassiopeia felt only bewilderment as she fumbled for the
switch that would patch her to the two vipers.    "Starbuck?
Apollo?   Did you hear that?"

"We did," Starbuck answered, "One of those voices came from
inside the shuttle."

"I haven't any idea who that was.    It sounded like some
automatic response on tape."

"Well I think it means we're just about there," Apollo
chimed in, "We've now got a planetoid on visual, and we're
approaching it at a pretty rapid clip."

"Cassiopeia, can you figure out what's going on?"

"No.   I----," she then stopped when she saw Michael's
chamber open.    He took little time coming to and stepping
out.   "Michael's awake now.   Maybe he knows."

"Michael?"  Apollo felt a level of urgency rising in his
voice.   "What's going on?"

"It's nothing, Captain," Michael said calmly as he sat next
to Cassiopeia and activated a switch.   "We're just
adjusting to the atmospheric pressure of Paradeen."

"Pare within tolerances to rendezvous.    Thank you."

Cassiopeia felt only bewilderment as she fumbled for the
switch that would patch her to the two vipers.    "Starbuck?
Apollo?   Did you hear that?"

"We did," Starbuck answered, "One of those voices came from
inside the shuttle."

"I haven't any idea who that was.    It sounded like some
automatic response on tape."

"Well I think it means we're just about there," Apollo
chimed in, "We've now got a planetoid on visual, and we're
approaching it at a pretty rapid clip."

"Cassiopeia, can you figure out what's going on?"

"No.   I----," she then stopped when she saw Michael's
chamber open.    He took little time coming to and stepping
out.   "Michael's awake now.   Maybe he knows."

"Michael?"  Apollo felt a level of urgency rising in his
voice.   "What's going on?"

"It's nothing, Captain," Michael said calmly as he sat next
to Cassiopeia and activated a switch.   "We're just
adjusting to the atmospheric pressure of Paradeen."

"Pare within tolerances to rendezvous.    Thank you."

Cassiopeia felt only bewilderment as she fumbled for the
switch that would patch her to the two vipers.    "Starbuck?
Apollo?   Did you hear that?"

"We did," Starbuck answered, "One of those voices came from
inside the shuttle."

"I haven't any idea who that was.    It sounded like some
automatic response on tape."

"Well I think it means we're just about there," Apollo
chimed in, "We've now got a planetoid on visual, and we're
approaching it at a pretty rapid clip."

"Cassiopeia, can you figure out what's going on?"

"No.   I----," she then stopped when she saw Michael's
chamber open.    He took little time coming to and stepping
out.   "Michael's awake now.   Maybe he knows."

"Michael?"  Apollo felt a level of urgency rising in his
voice.   "What's going on?"

"It's nothing, Captain," Michael said calmly as he sat next
to Cassiopeia and activated a switch.   "We're just
adjusting to the atmospheric pressure of Paradeen."

"Parand drop your weapons!"

A half centon went by and the two remaining Alliance guards
emerged, and reluctantly threw their weapons to the ground.

"Vector, Hector, start getting them secure," Apollo ordered
as he kept waving his pistol.
 Another centon went by and finally Michael and Sarah
stepped outside.

"It's okay," Apollo smiled, "It's all over now."

"Our children?" Sarah asked with concern.

"Cassiopeia's with them.   We'll bring them back as soon as
we make sure these goons are dealt with so they can never
harm you again."

"Thank God," Michael sighed with relief and then glanced at
Sarah, "You said, ダ~our children', right?"

She looked at him and smiled, "I guess I did."

"I like the sound of that."

"So do I."

They came up to Apollo, "You'll like the sound of this too,
Apollo," he said, "There's an Alliance Destroyer parked near
here that has a lot more speed than our shuttle.   Maybe not
as fast as your vipers, but it should get you back to your
home in good shape."
e within tolerances to rendezvous.    Thank you."

Cassiopeia felt only bewilderment as she fumbled for the
switch that would patch her to the two vipers.    "Starbuck?
Apollo?   Did you hear that?"

"We did," Starbuck answered, "One of those voices came from
inside the shuttle."

"I haven't any idea who that was.    It sounded like some
automatic response on tape."

"Well I think it means we're just about there," Apollo
chimed in, "We've now got a planetoid on visual, and we're
approaching it at a pretty rapid clip."

"Cassiopeia, can you figure out what's going on?"

"No.   I----," she then stopped when she saw Michael's
chamber open.    He took little time coming to and stepping
out.   "Michael's awake now.   Maybe he knows."

"Michael?"  Apollo felt a level of urgency rising in his
voice.   "What's going on?"

"It's nothing, Captain," Michael said calmly as he sat next
to Cassiopeia and activated a switch.   "We're just
adjusting to the atmospheric pressure of Paradeen."

"Para what?"

"Paradeen.   That's the name of our destination which you
should be seeing right now."

"Yeah, we've got it.    Who are you in contact with?"

"Those voices are computers from the former base we had
here.   If you'll just follow us down, you'll be safe."

"What former base?" Apollo demanded.

Michael rubbed his eyes, "There isn't anything left on
Paradeen anymore.     Nothing but Sarah's father and a place
for the children."

"Okay," Apollo said, "Why are you telling me this now, and
not when we're down on the surface?"

"I wanted to be honest with you," Michael said, "There are
arrangements to destroy the homing transmitter once we land.
We have no choice on that matter."

"Wait a centon, Michael," Apollo felt an alarm bell going
off, "Are you saying you're going to destroy the information
that can give us the coordinates back to where you came
from?   This....Lunar Seven?"

"That's exactly what I'm saying, Captain."

"Michael, you can't do that!" Apollo protested, "Wea what?"

"Paradeen.   That's the name of our destination which you
should be seeing right now."

"Yeah, we've got it.    Who are you in contact with?"

"Those voices are computers from the former base we had
here.   If you'll just follow us down, you'll be safe."

"What former base?" Apollo demanded.

Michael rubbed his eyes, "There isn't anything left on
Paradeen anymore.     Nothing but Sarah's father and a place
for the children."

"Okay," Apollo said, "Why are you telling me this now, and
not when we're down on the surface?"

"I wanted to be honest with you," Michael said, "There are
arrangements to destroy the homing transmitter once we land.
We have no choice on that matter."

"Wait a centon, Michael," Apollo felt an alarm bell going
off, "Are you saying you're going to destroy the information
that can give us the coordinates back to where you came
from?   This....Lunar Seven?"

"That's exactly what I'm saying, Captain."

"Michael, you can't do that!" Apollo protested, "Wea what?"

"Paradeen.   That's the name of our destination which you
should be seeing right now."

"Yeah, we've got it.    Who are you in contact with?"

"Those voices are computers from the former base we had
here.   If you'll just follow us down, you'll be safe."

"What former base?" Apollo demanded.

Michael rubbed his eyes, "There isn't anything left on
Paradeen anymore.     Nothing but Sarah's father and a place
for the children."

"Okay," Apollo said, "Why are you telling me this now, and
not when we're down on the surface?"

"I wanted to be honest with you," Michael said, "There are
arrangements to destroy the homing transmitter once we land.
We have no choice on that matter."

"Wait a centon, Michael," Apollo felt an alarm bell going
off, "Are you saying you're going to destroy the information
that can give us the coordinates back to where you came
from?   This....Lunar Seven?"

"That's exactly what I'm saying, Captain."

"Michael, you can't do that!" Apollo protested, "We

"You hear that, Apollo?" Starbuck grinned as he shoved
Leiter off to the fenced in area where the livestock were
kept, "Looks like a happy ending for all of us!"

The captain's only reply was a hearty laugh.

Epilogue

It had been a sleepless night for everyone.    Making sure
that Leiter and his four man crew were tied up and secured
inside the Destroyer.    Spending two centars going over the
flight principles of the spacecraft.    Salvaging some
needed parts from their wrecked vipers, and then making sure
the map Starbuck had retrieved from the City Archives was
secure.     As dawn broke, the three Colonials stood in
front of the Destroyer, prepared to enter it and begin their
journey home.      The two adults, three children and the
two robots were there to say goodbye to them.

"Well, Apollo, I guess this is it," Michael said, "Since you
found out that Terra isn't the planet you were looking for,
there isn't much chance of you our your people coming back
here."

"Not necessarila what?"

"Paradeen.   That's the name of our destination which you
should be seeing right now."

"Yeah, we've got it.    Who are you in contact with?"

"Those voices are computers from the former base we had
here.   If you'll just follow us down, you'll be safe."

"What former base?" Apollo demanded.

Michael rubbed his eyes, "There isn't anything left on
Paradeen anymore.     Nothing but Sarah's father and a place
for the children."

"Okay," Apollo said, "Why are you telling me this now, and
not when we're down on the surface?"

"I wanted to be honest with you," Michael said, "There are
arrangements to destroy the homing transmitter once we land.
We have no choice on that matter."

"Wait a centon, Michael," Apollo felt an alarm bell going
off, "Are you saying you're going to destroy the information
that can give us the coordinates back to where you came
from?   This....Lunar Seven?"

"That's exactly what I'm saying, Captain."

"Michael, you can't do that!" Apollo protested, "We need
that information!    It's important we know the course
heading that ultimately leads to Terra!"

"Captain, I'm doing you a favor by not giving you any clues
on how to get to Terra.   You'll thank me for that later.
For now, my first concern is making sure we're not being
tracked and the sooner this homing transmitter that helped
guide this ship to Paradeen is destroyed, the safer all of
us be."

"Tracked by who?"

"The Eastern Alliance," Michael said simply, "I'll be happy
to explain more about them later."

"Cassiopeia, don't let him destroy those coordinates!"

"She can't do anything about it, Captain.   It's all being
done on the surface.     I wouldn't argue this point any
longer, because it's a closed subject.     Signing off for
now."

He switched off the transmitter and began to make his way
toward the other support chambers.

"Michael," Cassiopeia asked with befuddlement, "Just who or
what is this.....Alliance?"

 He smiled mirthlessly and shook his head, "Later."
E need
that information!    It's important we know the course
heading that ultimately leads to Terra!"

"Captain, I'm doing you a favor by not giving you any clues
on how to get to Terra.   You'll thank me for that later.
For now, my first concern is making sure we're not being
tracked and the sooner this homing transmitter that helped
guide this ship to Paradeen is destroyed, the safer all of
us be."

"Tracked by who?"

"The Eastern Alliance," Michael said simply, "I'll be happy
to explain more about them later."

"Cassiopeia, don't let him destroy those coordinates!"

"She can't do anything about it, Captain.   It's all being
done on the surface.     I wouldn't argue this point any
longer, because it's a closed subject.     Signing off for
now."

He switched off the transmitter and began to make his way
toward the other support chambers.

"Michael," Cassiopeia asked with befuddlement, "Just who or
what is this.....Alliance?"

 He smiled mirthlessly and shook his head, "Later."
E need
that information!    It's important we know the course
heading that ultimately leads to Terra!"

"Captain, I'm doing you a favor by not giving you any clues
on how to get to Terra.   You'll thank me for that later.
For now, my first concern is making sure we're not being
tracked and the sooner this homing transmitter that helped
guide this ship to Paradeen is destroyed, the safer all of
us be."

"Tracked by who?"

"The Eastern Alliance," Michael said simply, "I'll be happy
to explain more about them later."

"Cassiopeia, don't let him destroy those coordinates!"

"She can't do anything about it, Captain.   It's all being
done on the surface.     I wouldn't argue this point any
longer, because it's a closed subject.     Signing off for
now."

He switched off the transmitter and began to make his way
toward the other support chambers.

"Michael," Cassiopeia asked with befuddlement, "Just who or
what is this.....Alliance?"

 He smiled mirthlessly and shook his head, "Later."
Ey," Apollo said, "We're not through yet with
your people, Michael.   There are more questions we need
answered, and more details we have to learn before we can
make a final decision whether we should settle our people
here or continue our journey elsewhere."

"Maybe if we were to find out how your planet was settled,
that could help us make our decision," Starbuck added, "But
at the very least, we can make sure that you won't have
anymore trouble from these Alliance creeps again.    You'll
be free to do what you can here on Paradeen."

"Like meeting the other inhabitants who have been in
hiding," Vector spoke up, "Master Russell told us of other
families who live nearby but who have been too afraid to
venture out.    Now it will be safe to make contact with
them and turn Paradeen into the kind of planet it should be
again!"

"And hopefully it will be a start of a new beginning,"
Apollo shook hands with Michael, "Godspeed."

He stopped for only a brief instant to look Sarah in the eye
an need
that information!    It's important we know the course
heading that ultimately leads to Terra!"

"Captain, I'm doing you a favor by not giving you any clues
on how to get to Terra.   You'll thank me for that later.
For now, my first concern is making sure we're not being
tracked and the sooner this homing transmitter that helped
guide this ship to Paradeen is destroyed, the safer all of
us be."

"Tracked by who?"

"The Eastern Alliance," Michael said simply, "I'll be happy
to explain more about them later."

"Cassiopeia, don't let him destroy those coordinates!"

"She can't do anything about it, Captain.   It's all being
done on the surface.     I wouldn't argue this point any
longer, because it's a closed subject.     Signing off for
now."

He switched off the transmitter and began to make his way
toward the other support chambers.

"Michael," Cassiopeia asked with befuddlement, "Just who or
what is this.....Alliance?"

 He smiled mirthlessly and shook his head, "Later."
Errors-To: bsg-fanfic-bounces-
airys=mirarialpacafarm.com@lists.eyrie.org
X-UIDL: n\8!!UT'"!BXL!!K^S"!

The sleek destroyer craft built in the contours suggesting a
predatory animal, was a ship designed to strike terror into
the hearts of those who saw it.    Not because of its mere
firepower capacity, but because inside was the most
ruthlessly efficient crew known to anyone in this part of
space.

The captain of the destroyer, Commandant Leiter, found his
day like most others, beginning with a methodical inspection
to insure that all of those in his command were operating at
nothing less than peak efficiency.     The slightest sign of
weakness or slackening would always bring from him the lash
of the whip on their shoulders, and with it, a punishment on
the record that would all but close their hopes for
advancement in rank.     But in the three years that Leiter
had captained this destroyer, he had never been forced to
use the lash once.     His crew was that efficiently
trained, and anyrrors-To: bsg-fanfic-bounces-
airys=mirarialpacafarm.com@lists.eyrie.org
X-UIDL: n\8!!UT'"!BXL!!K^S"!

The sleek destroyer craft built in the contours suggesting a
predatory animal, was a ship designed to strike terror into
the hearts of those who saw it.    Not because of its mere
firepower capacity, but because inside was the most
ruthlessly efficient crew known to anyone in this part of
space.

The captain of the destroyer, Commandant Leiter, found his
day like most others, beginning with a methodical inspection
to insure that all of those in his command were operating at
nothing less than peak efficiency.     The slightest sign of
weakness or slackening would always bring from him the lash
of the whip on their shoulders, and with it, a punishment on
the record that would all but close their hopes for
advancement in rank.     But in the three years that Leiter
had captained this destroyer, he had never been forced to
use the lash once.     His crew was that efficiently
trained, and anyrrors-To: bsg-fanfic-bounces-
airys=mirarialpacafarm.com@lists.eyrie.org
X-UIDL: n\8!!UT'"!BXL!!K^S"!

The sleek destroyer craft built in the contours suggesting a
predatory animal, was a ship designed to strike terror into
the hearts of those who saw it.    Not because of its mere
firepower capacity, but because inside was the most
ruthlessly efficient crew known to anyone in this part of
space.

The captain of the destroyer, Commandant Leiter, found his
day like most others, beginning with a methodical inspection
to insure that all of those in his command were operating at
nothing less than peak efficiency.     The slightest sign of
weakness or slackening would always bring from him the lash
of the whip on their shoulders, and with it, a punishment on
the record that would all but close their hopes for
advancement in rank.     But in the three years that Leiter
had captained this destroyer, he had never been forced to
use the lash once.     His crew was that efficiently
trained, and anyd communicate the message that he forgave her.    Her
smile and nod of acknowledgment was all he needed to know.

"I know we'll never forget any of you," Cassiopeia said as
she prepared to go up the steps, "Take care.   All of you."

"With Vector and Hector to look after us, we're in good
hands!"  Michael waved, "Goodbye!"

When the three Colonials entered the Destroyer and saw the
grim expressions of the five Alliance prisoners, they found
all of their smug bravado returning.

"Well, well," Starbuck said as he moved to the front of the
compartment and grinned at Leiter, "Looks like you didn't
have a nice night."

"Do not act so smug," Leiter put all the haughtiness he
could into his voice.   "One small victory does not win a
war."

"Well, let's just see you say that when you see the surprise
we've got for you when we get back to our home."  Apollo
chuckled as he joined Starbuck up front and settled next to
him in the pilot's seat.

"Yeah," Starbuck didn't let up, "You might even wanrrors-To: bsg-fanfic-bounces-
airys=mirarialpacafarm.com@lists.eyrie.org
X-UIDL: n\8!!UT'"!BXL!!K^S"!

The sleek destroyer craft built in the contours suggesting a
predatory animal, was a ship designed to strike terror into
the hearts of those who saw it.    Not because of its mere
firepower capacity, but because inside was the most
ruthlessly efficient crew known to anyone in this part of
space.

The captain of the destroyer, Commandant Leiter, found his
day like most others, beginning with a methodical inspection
to insure that all of those in his command were operating at
nothing less than peak efficiency.     The slightest sign of
weakness or slackening would always bring from him the lash
of the whip on their shoulders, and with it, a punishment on
the record that would all but close their hopes for
advancement in rank.     But in the three years that Leiter
had captained this destroyer, he had never been forced to
use the lash once.     His crew was that efficiently
trained, and any weak-minded ones had long since been rooted
out before they ever could have been assigned to his crew.

As he reached the end of the bridge, he saw the rigid figure
of his executive officer standing at attention.    The black
shield of his helmet visor concealing his eyes in accordance
with Alliance regulations.

"Commandant?"

"Yes, Krebs?"

"We have a fix on the shuttle that escaped from Lunar Seven
last month."

"Ah yes," Leiter nodded, "Destroyer Two sent me a report on
that.    A farmer, some children, a young girl.     Not
regarded as important as the one-man craft that escaped at
the same time.    That had the Nationalists best operative
on board."

"The shuttle is within 100,000 kilometers of us, headed for
the planet Paradeen."

Leiter came over to the navigation console, looked at it and
shook his head, "That's too far away to deal with a trifle
like some small children.   Now if it were the other ship,
that would be another matter.     There is a bounty of one
hundred t weak-minded ones had long since been rooted
out before they ever could have been assigned to his crew.

As he reached the end of the bridge, he saw the rigid figure
of his executive officer standing at attention.    The black
shield of his helmet visor concealing his eyes in accordance
with Alliance regulations.

"Commandant?"

"Yes, Krebs?"

"We have a fix on the shuttle that escaped from Lunar Seven
last month."

"Ah yes," Leiter nodded, "Destroyer Two sent me a report on
that.    A farmer, some children, a young girl.     Not
regarded as important as the one-man craft that escaped at
the same time.    That had the Nationalists best operative
on board."

"The shuttle is within 100,000 kilometers of us, headed for
the planet Paradeen."

Leiter came over to the navigation console, looked at it and
shook his head, "That's too far away to deal with a trifle
like some small children.   Now if it were the other ship,
that would be another matter.     There is a bounty of one
hundred t weak-minded ones had long since been rooted
out before they ever could have been assigned to his crew.

As he reached the end of the bridge, he saw the rigid figure
of his executive officer standing at attention.    The black
shield of his helmet visor concealing his eyes in accordance
with Alliance regulations.

"Commandant?"

"Yes, Krebs?"

"We have a fix on the shuttle that escaped from Lunar Seven
last month."

"Ah yes," Leiter nodded, "Destroyer Two sent me a report on
that.    A farmer, some children, a young girl.     Not
regarded as important as the one-man craft that escaped at
the same time.    That had the Nationalists best operative
on board."

"The shuttle is within 100,000 kilometers of us, headed for
the planet Paradeen."

Leiter came over to the navigation console, looked at it and
shook his head, "That's too far away to deal with a trifle
like some small children.   Now if it were the other ship,
that would be another matter.     There is a bounty of one
hundred tt to
switch sides."

Leiter glared at him.    "It is obvious you are not from the
Nationalists and their puny force, and do not think I can be
impressed with bluster from some unknown civilization.   We
are the most advanced military force in the galaxy."

"Oh really?" Starbuck mused, "Sounds like you don't get to
travel as much throughout the galaxy as you think you do.
And if you're the most powerful, then I know we've got
nothing to worry about.    Right, Cass?" he called over to
his girlfriend, who had seated herself in the rear of the
compartment.

"Right," she grinned back at him.

"Okay," Apollo said as he looked at the instruments, "To
business now.    Activate power systems, and.....launch!"

And then, the Alliance Destroyer, with only a slight amount
of sluggishness, lifted off from the surface of Paradeen,
leaving the people below with memories to carry with them
for the rest of their lives.

************************************************************
******************** weak-minded ones had long since been rooted
out before they ever could have been assigned to his crew.

As he reached the end of the bridge, he saw the rigid figure
of his executive officer standing at attention.    The black
shield of his helmet visor concealing his eyes in accordance
with Alliance regulations.

"Commandant?"

"Yes, Krebs?"

"We have a fix on the shuttle that escaped from Lunar Seven
last month."

"Ah yes," Leiter nodded, "Destroyer Two sent me a report on
that.    A farmer, some children, a young girl.     Not
regarded as important as the one-man craft that escaped at
the same time.    That had the Nationalists best operative
on board."

"The shuttle is within 100,000 kilometers of us, headed for
the planet Paradeen."

Leiter came over to the navigation console, looked at it and
shook his head, "That's too far away to deal with a trifle
like some small children.   Now if it were the other ship,
that would be another matter.     There is a bounty of one
hundred thousand credits for the commander that can
personally apprehend this......Colonel Watts, I believe his
name is.    Our Supreme Leader is most anxious to make sure
he doesn't end up anywhere near the vicinity of Terra
anytime soon." he straightened himself, "We'll complete our
normal patrol sweep first, and then come back to deal with
these miscreants on our return trip to Lunar Seven."

"There is one other thing, Commandant," Krebs said, "Two
other ships are accompanying this shuttle.    Neither
however matches the configuration of the one-man craft that
also escaped."

"Oh?" Leiter raised an eyebrow, which only increased the
streak of cruelness in his face.  "What kind of ships?"

"They are difficult to describe.    We have them on visual
telemetry."

The commander came over to the monitor and looked at the
signal that displayed the two viper craft.

"Can you identify them?"

"No sir.   I have never seen flying craft remotely similar
to these.    The Analyzer can not compute their pohousand credits for the commander that can
personally apprehend this......Colonel Watts, I believe his
name is.    Our Supreme Leader is most anxious to make sure
he doesn't end up anywhere near the vicinity of Terra
anytime soon." he straightened himself, "We'll complete our
normal patrol sweep first, and then come back to deal with
these miscreants on our return trip to Lunar Seven."

"There is one other thing, Commandant," Krebs said, "Two
other ships are accompanying this shuttle.    Neither
however matches the configuration of the one-man craft that
also escaped."

"Oh?" Leiter raised an eyebrow, which only increased the
streak of cruelness in his face.  "What kind of ships?"

"They are difficult to describe.    We have them on visual
telemetry."

The commander came over to the monitor and looked at the
signal that displayed the two viper craft.

"Can you identify them?"

"No sir.   I have never seen flying craft remotely similar
to these.    The Analyzer can not compute their pohousand credits for the commander that can
personally apprehend this......Colonel Watts, I believe his
name is.    Our Supreme Leader is most anxious to make sure
he doesn't end up anywhere near the vicinity of Terra
anytime soon." he straightened himself, "We'll complete our
normal patrol sweep first, and then come back to deal with
these miscreants on our return trip to Lunar Seven."

"There is one other thing, Commandant," Krebs said, "Two
other ships are accompanying this shuttle.    Neither
however matches the configuration of the one-man craft that
also escaped."

"Oh?" Leiter raised an eyebrow, which only increased the
streak of cruelness in his face.  "What kind of ships?"

"They are difficult to describe.    We have them on visual
telemetry."

The commander came over to the monitor and looked at the
signal that displayed the two viper craft.

"Can you identify them?"

"No sir.   I have never seen flying craft remotely similar
to these.    The Analyzer can not compute their po*********************

Another restless night had passed for Adama.    And with it,
more determination to stay sequestered in his quarters until
some news arrived.     One glance at his chronometer though,
was enough to tell him that if nothing happened by day's
end, he conceivably faced the greatest political crisis of
his life since the Count Iblis affair.

As he warily rubbed his temples, his video-com suddenly came
on and Athena's eager voice filled the room.

"Father!   We've received a signal from Apollo and Starbuck!
They're on their way back!"

Adama darted his head over, "Are you sure of that?"

"Positive confirmation!    I spoke to them personally!
But there was one curious thing.   They said they weren't
coming back in their vipers because they were damaged.
They're coming back in....something else.    And with
prisoners too."

"What?" this was an unexpected development.   "Did they
explain?"

"No.   They said they'd make a full report as soon as they
arrived.    ETA in ohousand credits for the commander that can
personally apprehend this......Colonel Watts, I believe his
name is.    Our Supreme Leader is most anxious to make sure
he doesn't end up anywhere near the vicinity of Terra
anytime soon." he straightened himself, "We'll complete our
normal patrol sweep first, and then come back to deal with
these miscreants on our return trip to Lunar Seven."

"There is one other thing, Commandant," Krebs said, "Two
other ships are accompanying this shuttle.    Neither
however matches the configuration of the one-man craft that
also escaped."

"Oh?" Leiter raised an eyebrow, which only increased the
streak of cruelness in his face.  "What kind of ships?"

"They are difficult to describe.    We have them on visual
telemetry."

The commander came over to the monitor and looked at the
signal that displayed the two viper craft.

"Can you identify them?"

"No sir.   I have never seen flying craft remotely similar
to these.    The Analyzer can not compute their power
function."

"What are you talking about?" his frown deepened.

"They are not using a source of power familiar to the
computer."

"This is impossible," Leiter shook his head, "If ships like
this are in the Nationalists hands, then this changes
everything!"

Without waiting for a response from the executive officer,
he marched toward the rear of the bridge and the helmsman's
station.   "Plot new course for the planet Paradeen at Star
speed!    And give me an immediate ETA on when we can be
there."

The helmsman nodded and made the computation, "We can be
there in two days, Commandant."

Leiter nodded and then went back to the front of the bridge
to take another look at the two spacecraft that represented
the greatest enigma he'd ever seen in all his years of
service.

************************************************************
******************************************

"I'm beginning to get the feeling this isn't going to turn
out the way we hoped," Starbuck said as he saw thwer
function."

"What are you talking about?" his frown deepened.

"They are not using a source of power familiar to the
computer."

"This is impossible," Leiter shook his head, "If ships like
this are in the Nationalists hands, then this changes
everything!"

Without waiting for a response from the executive officer,
he marched toward the rear of the bridge and the helmsman's
station.   "Plot new course for the planet Paradeen at Star
speed!    And give me an immediate ETA on when we can be
there."

The helmsman nodded and made the computation, "We can be
there in two days, Commandant."

Leiter nodded and then went back to the front of the bridge
to take another look at the two spacecraft that represented
the greatest enigma he'd ever seen in all his years of
service.

************************************************************
******************************************

"I'm beginning to get the feeling this isn't going to turn
out the way we hoped," Starbuck said as he saw thwer
function."

"What are you talking about?" his frown deepened.

"They are not using a source of power familiar to the
computer."

"This is impossible," Leiter shook his head, "If ships like
this are in the Nationalists hands, then this changes
everything!"

Without waiting for a response from the executive officer,
he marched toward the rear of the bridge and the helmsman's
station.   "Plot new course for the planet Paradeen at Star
speed!    And give me an immediate ETA on when we can be
there."

The helmsman nodded and made the computation, "We can be
there in two days, Commandant."

Leiter nodded and then went back to the front of the bridge
to take another look at the two spacecraft that represented
the greatest enigma he'd ever seen in all his years of
service.

************************************************************
******************************************

"I'm beginning to get the feeling this isn't going to turn
out the way we hoped," Starbuck said as he saw thwer
function."

"What are you talking about?" his frown deepened.

"They are not using a source of power familiar to the
computer."

"This is impossible," Leiter shook his head, "If ships like
this are in the Nationalists hands, then this changes
everything!"

Without waiting for a response from the executive officer,
he marched toward the rear of the bridge and the helmsman's
station.   "Plot new course for the planet Paradeen at Star
speed!    And give me an immediate ETA on when we can be
there."

The helmsman nodded and made the computation, "We can be
there in two days, Commandant."

Leiter nodded and then went back to the front of the bridge
to take another look at the two spacecraft that represented
the greatest enigma he'd ever seen in all his years of
service.

************************************************************
******************************************

"I'm beginning to get the feeling this isn't going to turn
out the way we hoped," Starbuck said as he saw thne centar."

"Thank you!"  Adama wished he could reach out and hug his
daughter, "I'll be waiting for them in Alpha Bay when they
arrive."

And then, Adama got up to pay a visit to Boxey's quarters so
he cold tell the little boy his father was coming home.

************************************************************
******************************************

As they drew closer to the battlestar, Apollo had untied
Krebs and at gunpoint forced him to take control of the ship
for the more difficult landing operation.     As soon as the
sight of the Galactica came into view, the executive
officer's jaw fell open in stunned disbelief.

"Commandant," he whispered, "We're heading toward something
bigger than anything I've ever seen."

"Should we let him see it?" Cassiopeia had one of the
Alliance guns trained on Leiter.

"Sure," Starbuck grinned, "Why not?"

Leiter, his hands still tied behind his back, rose and
through the cockpit window could see the battlestar filling
his entire fiee green
form of Paradeen loom closer.   "If Michael doesn't help us
figure out where Terra's course heading is, then how in
Hades can we ever figure out if we've discovered the
Thirteenth Tribe or not?"

"Then we'll just have to change his mind about that," Apollo
was trying not to seethe, "We've shown all kinds of
deference to him up to this point just to get him back on
course to this planet, and now it's time we get something in
return."

"Great, now you're starting to sound just like one of the
Council members."

Apollo cocked his helmet so he could glance over at
Starbuck's viper, "Not funny, Starbuck."

"Who's being funny?" his friend retorted, "You want my
opinion, Apollo, I don't think we're going to get what we
came for out of this."

"We'll see," he checked his chronometer, "We only used up
fifteen centars to get to this place.    That gives us forty-
five centars to work with before we have to leave to catch
up with the Fleet.    Fifteen centars at reduced speed means
onlye green
form of Paradeen loom closer.   "If Michael doesn't help us
figure out where Terra's course heading is, then how in
Hades can we ever figure out if we've discovered the
Thirteenth Tribe or not?"

"Then we'll just have to change his mind about that," Apollo
was trying not to seethe, "We've shown all kinds of
deference to him up to this point just to get him back on
course to this planet, and now it's time we get something in
return."

"Great, now you're starting to sound just like one of the
Council members."

Apollo cocked his helmet so he could glance over at
Starbuck's viper, "Not funny, Starbuck."

"Who's being funny?" his friend retorted, "You want my
opinion, Apollo, I don't think we're going to get what we
came for out of this."

"We'll see," he checked his chronometer, "We only used up
fifteen centars to get to this place.    That gives us forty-
five centars to work with before we have to leave to catch
up with the Fleet.    Fifteen centars at reduced speed means
onlye green
form of Paradeen loom closer.   "If Michael doesn't help us
figure out where Terra's course heading is, then how in
Hades can we ever figure out if we've discovered the
Thirteenth Tribe or not?"

"Then we'll just have to change his mind about that," Apollo
was trying not to seethe, "We've shown all kinds of
deference to him up to this point just to get him back on
course to this planet, and now it's time we get something in
return."

"Great, now you're starting to sound just like one of the
Council members."

Apollo cocked his helmet so he could glance over at
Starbuck's viper, "Not funny, Starbuck."

"Who's being funny?" his friend retorted, "You want my
opinion, Apollo, I don't think we're going to get what we
came for out of this."

"We'll see," he checked his chronometer, "We only used up
fifteen centars to get to this place.    That gives us forty-
five centars to work with before we have to leave to catch
up with the Fleet.    Fifteen centars at reduced speed means
onlye green
form of Paradeen loom closer.   "If Michael doesn't help us
figure out where Terra's course heading is, then how in
Hades can we ever figure out if we've discovered the
Thirteenth Tribe or not?"

"Then we'll just have to change his mind about that," Apollo
was trying not to seethe, "We've shown all kinds of
deference to him up to this point just to get him back on
course to this planet, and now it's time we get something in
return."

"Great, now you're starting to sound just like one of the
Council members."

Apollo cocked his helmet so he could glance over at
Starbuck's viper, "Not funny, Starbuck."

"Who's being funny?" his friend retorted, "You want my
opinion, Apollo, I don't think we're going to get what we
came for out of this."

"We'll see," he checked his chronometer, "We only used up
fifteen centars to get to this place.    That gives us forty-
five centars to work with before we have to leave to catch
up with the Fleet.    Fifteen centars at reduced speed means
onlyld of vision.

"Impossible," he said under his breath.

"Now then," Apollo turned around to face him, enjoying the
look on Leiter's face.   "What was this you were saying
about this invincible Alliance of yours?"

For the first time in his life, Leiter had no answer.

************************************************************
******************************************
Two centars later, Apollo and Starbuck were in Adama's
quarters giving him a complete briefing on what had happened
to them on Paradeen.      The first point they were quick to
bring up was the map Starbuck had found in the Archives.

"There's no room for error on this, Father?" Apollo asked.

Adama shook his head, "None.    There isn't anything
remotely similar in this chart to the descriptions of Earth
in the Book of the Word, the Testament of Arkada, the map in
the Proteus cell and the information you received from
those.....Beings.      It's a lot easier for me to believe
that Terra isn't connected to Earth than it  a two centar return trip at full thrusters."

"Apollo?" Starbuck's tone now grew more serious, "Check your
scanner.   I think I caught a blip on the edge of rear
scan."

Apollo readjusted his instruments, "Looks clear to me."

"It was only there for a micron or two.   I'm not sure,
but......"

"If you're not sure, maybe it wasn't anything at all,"
Apollo said, "We certainly don't have time to investigate
it.    We have to follow them in and get those answers we
need, fast!"

Starbuck felt his protest die on the tip of his tounge as he
reluctantly took position behind Apollo, who was following
the shuttle into the atmosphere of Paradeen.

"Atmosphere checks out to the one-fifth reading we figured
on," Apollo said, "Vegetation looks good.     Scanner reads
signs of industrial settlements that seem.....to be
abandoned."

"Not quite," Starbuck said, "Look below.   That looks like a
functioning aerodrome."

Apollo glanced down and through the cloudless night sky, he
could see the unmi a two centar return trip at full thrusters."

"Apollo?" Starbuck's tone now grew more serious, "Check your
scanner.   I think I caught a blip on the edge of rear
scan."

Apollo readjusted his instruments, "Looks clear to me."

"It was only there for a micron or two.   I'm not sure,
but......"

"If you're not sure, maybe it wasn't anything at all,"
Apollo said, "We certainly don't have time to investigate
it.    We have to follow them in and get those answers we
need, fast!"

Starbuck felt his protest die on the tip of his tounge as he
reluctantly took position behind Apollo, who was following
the shuttle into the atmosphere of Paradeen.

"Atmosphere checks out to the one-fifth reading we figured
on," Apollo said, "Vegetation looks good.     Scanner reads
signs of industrial settlements that seem.....to be
abandoned."

"Not quite," Starbuck said, "Look below.   That looks like a
functioning aerodrome."

Apollo glanced down and through the cloudless night sky, he
could see the unmi a two centar return trip at full thrusters."

"Apollo?" Starbuck's tone now grew more serious, "Check your
scanner.   I think I caught a blip on the edge of rear
scan."

Apollo readjusted his instruments, "Looks clear to me."

"It was only there for a micron or two.   I'm not sure,
but......"

"If you're not sure, maybe it wasn't anything at all,"
Apollo said, "We certainly don't have time to investigate
it.    We have to follow them in and get those answers we
need, fast!"

Starbuck felt his protest die on the tip of his tounge as he
reluctantly took position behind Apollo, who was following
the shuttle into the atmosphere of Paradeen.

"Atmosphere checks out to the one-fifth reading we figured
on," Apollo said, "Vegetation looks good.     Scanner reads
signs of industrial settlements that seem.....to be
abandoned."

"Not quite," Starbuck said, "Look below.   That looks like a
functioning aerodrome."

Apollo glanced down and through the cloudless night sky, he
could see the unmi a two centar return trip at full thrusters."

"Apollo?" Starbuck's tone now grew more serious, "Check your
scanner.   I think I caught a blip on the edge of rear
scan."

Apollo readjusted his instruments, "Looks clear to me."

"It was only there for a micron or two.   I'm not sure,
but......"

"If you're not sure, maybe it wasn't anything at all,"
Apollo said, "We certainly don't have time to investigate
it.    We have to follow them in and get those answers we
need, fast!"

Starbuck felt his protest die on the tip of his tounge as he
reluctantly took position behind Apollo, who was following
the shuttle into the atmosphere of Paradeen.

"Atmosphere checks out to the one-fifth reading we figured
on," Apollo said, "Vegetation looks good.     Scanner reads
signs of industrial settlements that seem.....to be
abandoned."

"Not quite," Starbuck said, "Look below.   That looks like a
functioning aerodrome."

Apollo glanced down and through the cloudless night sky, he
could see the unmiis for me to
believe that the very core of all that we believe in our
holy writings is a fraud."

"So where does that leave us?"  Starbuck asked.   "Will this
matter to the Council?"

"That's the unknown factor to deal with.    They will not
regard this news as a hopeful development, but.....they may
just as easily decide that it makes no difference whether
Terra is Earth or not."  He shook his head, "And that may
prove to be another disastrous path they'll have succeeded
in setting us down upon."

"How?" Apollo asked, "Does it make a difference, in the
final analysis?    Does it matter if the place we lead our
people to is Earth or another human civilization?
Irregardless of whether that human civilization is derived
from the Thirteenth Tribe or not?"

"You're asking good questions, Apollo," Adama said, "But
there is something inside me that tells me that to even
think of deviating from our journey toward the actual planet
called Earth, and which we *know* the Thirteenth tribe
reachedstakble sight of runway lights.     For
only a brief instant, it gave him a mental flashback to life
in the Colonies, when such sights were familiar whenever one
traveled from planet to planet.

"Okay, he's headed in.   I guess we follow."

************************************************************
*****************************************

Five centons later, the two vipers pulled to a stop at the
end of the main runway of the facility.    The shuttle was
already in a parked position by a hangar, and the warriors
could see Michael, Sarah and Cassiopeia standing outside.

"Wonder what they're waiting for," Starbuck said over his
radio one last time before taking off his helmet.     As
soon as he and Apollo dropped to the ground though, they
noticed a vehicle moving across the surface toward them.
In the glare of the lights, Apollo could make out two
figures operating the vehicle, but little else.    As it
drew closer though, he could see pasty-white faces covered
by round helmets, and stakble sight of runway lights.     For
only a brief instant, it gave him a mental flashback to life
in the Colonies, when such sights were familiar whenever one
traveled from planet to planet.

"Okay, he's headed in.   I guess we follow."

************************************************************
*****************************************

Five centons later, the two vipers pulled to a stop at the
end of the main runway of the facility.    The shuttle was
already in a parked position by a hangar, and the warriors
could see Michael, Sarah and Cassiopeia standing outside.

"Wonder what they're waiting for," Starbuck said over his
radio one last time before taking off his helmet.     As
soon as he and Apollo dropped to the ground though, they
noticed a vehicle moving across the surface toward them.
In the glare of the lights, Apollo could make out two
figures operating the vehicle, but little else.    As it
drew closer though, he could see pasty-white faces covered
by round helmets, and stakble sight of runway lights.     For
only a brief instant, it gave him a mental flashback to life
in the Colonies, when such sights were familiar whenever one
traveled from planet to planet.

"Okay, he's headed in.   I guess we follow."

************************************************************
*****************************************

Five centons later, the two vipers pulled to a stop at the
end of the main runway of the facility.    The shuttle was
already in a parked position by a hangar, and the warriors
could see Michael, Sarah and Cassiopeia standing outside.

"Wonder what they're waiting for," Starbuck said over his
radio one last time before taking off his helmet.     As
soon as he and Apollo dropped to the ground though, they
noticed a vehicle moving across the surface toward them.
In the glare of the lights, Apollo could make out two
figures operating the vehicle, but little else.    As it
drew closer though, he could see pasty-white faces covered
by round helmets, and , would amount to the greatest mistake we could make
since the day we agreed to that phony peace treaty with the
Cylons."

"Well that brings up another point," Starbuck noted, "We
can't take for granted the idea that the Cylons have given
up looking for us.     What if the Cylons eventually make
their way to this quadrant and find this Terran
civilization?     It'd be another massacre all over again,
because as ruthless as these Alliance people are, they'd be
no match for half dozen fighters from a baseship, and
neither would the good guys in this war.     Maybe that's
one other reason why we should consider settling.    To save
them from what might inveitably follow in our wake."

"Let's dispense with this question of whether our destiny
lies in this civilization or not for now," Adama held up a
hand, "My more immediate problem is trying to figure out the
nature of what this Alliance is, and the nature of this war
taking place on Terra.     At the very least, the Fleet is
going to have tostakble sight of runway lights.     For
only a brief instant, it gave him a mental flashback to life
in the Colonies, when such sights were familiar whenever one
traveled from planet to planet.

"Okay, he's headed in.   I guess we follow."

************************************************************
*****************************************

Five centons later, the two vipers pulled to a stop at the
end of the main runway of the facility.    The shuttle was
already in a parked position by a hangar, and the warriors
could see Michael, Sarah and Cassiopeia standing outside.

"Wonder what they're waiting for," Starbuck said over his
radio one last time before taking off his helmet.     As
soon as he and Apollo dropped to the ground though, they
noticed a vehicle moving across the surface toward them.
In the glare of the lights, Apollo could make out two
figures operating the vehicle, but little else.    As it
drew closer though, he could see pasty-white faces covered
by round helmets, and his eyes widened.

"Either those two haven't been out in the sun in fifty
yahrens, or else they're not human!" Starbuck said.

"I'm hoping it's the latter," Apollo said as they made their
way over to where Michael, Sarah and Cassiopeia waited.

As the ground vehicle came to a stop, the two figures got
out and Apollo noticed that Michael seemed to be just as
perplexed by the sight of them as he and Starbuck were.

"Hello," the one on the right said brightly.    His voice a
mixture of normal human speech  and a mechanical edge that
to Starbuck would have been halfway between a Cylon
centurion's monotonic drone and that of the more advanced
ones that spoke normally like Baltar's subordinate, Lucifer.

"Hello," Michael had his hands on his hips, "Who are you?"

"I'm Vector!" he then motioned to the one on his right, "And
this is my son."

"Hector!" the other said in a higher pitched voice.

The sound of the voices already made Cassiopeia and Sarah
want to break out laughing.

"All righhis eyes widened.

"Either those two haven't been out in the sun in fifty
yahrens, or else they're not human!" Starbuck said.

"I'm hoping it's the latter," Apollo said as they made their
way over to where Michael, Sarah and Cassiopeia waited.

As the ground vehicle came to a stop, the two figures got
out and Apollo noticed that Michael seemed to be just as
perplexed by the sight of them as he and Starbuck were.

"Hello," the one on the right said brightly.    His voice a
mixture of normal human speech  and a mechanical edge that
to Starbuck would have been halfway between a Cylon
centurion's monotonic drone and that of the more advanced
ones that spoke normally like Baltar's subordinate, Lucifer.

"Hello," Michael had his hands on his hips, "Who are you?"

"I'm Vector!" he then motioned to the one on his right, "And
this is my son."

"Hector!" the other said in a higher pitched voice.

The sound of the voices already made Cassiopeia and Sarah
want to break out laughing.

"All righhis eyes widened.

"Either those two haven't been out in the sun in fifty
yahrens, or else they're not human!" Starbuck said.

"I'm hoping it's the latter," Apollo said as they made their
way over to where Michael, Sarah and Cassiopeia waited.

As the ground vehicle came to a stop, the two figures got
out and Apollo noticed that Michael seemed to be just as
perplexed by the sight of them as he and Starbuck were.

"Hello," the one on the right said brightly.    His voice a
mixture of normal human speech  and a mechanical edge that
to Starbuck would have been halfway between a Cylon
centurion's monotonic drone and that of the more advanced
ones that spoke normally like Baltar's subordinate, Lucifer.

"Hello," Michael had his hands on his hips, "Who are you?"

"I'm Vector!" he then motioned to the one on his right, "And
this is my son."

"Hector!" the other said in a higher pitched voice.

The sound of the voices already made Cassiopeia and Sarah
want to break out laughing.

"All righhis eyes widened.

"Either those two haven't been out in the sun in fifty
yahrens, or else they're not human!" Starbuck said.

"I'm hoping it's the latter," Apollo said as they made their
way over to where Michael, Sarah and Cassiopeia waited.

As the ground vehicle came to a stop, the two figures got
out and Apollo noticed that Michael seemed to be just as
perplexed by the sight of them as he and Starbuck were.

"Hello," the one on the right said brightly.    His voice a
mixture of normal human speech  and a mechanical edge that
to Starbuck would have been halfway between a Cylon
centurion's monotonic drone and that of the more advanced
ones that spoke normally like Baltar's subordinate, Lucifer.

"Hello," Michael had his hands on his hips, "Who are you?"

"I'm Vector!" he then motioned to the one on his right, "And
this is my son."

"Hector!" the other said in a higher pitched voice.

The sound of the voices already made Cassiopeia and Sarah
want to break out laughing.

"All righ continue towards the center of this society
on Terra for the time being until all questions pertaining
to this civilization are dealt with."

The video-com sounded and Adama answered it.      He saw Dr.
Salik's face staring back at him.

"I've been waiting for your call, Dr. Salik," Adama said,
"You had a chance to examine the prisoners?"

"I did," the Chief Medical Officer nodded, "A total contrast
to those other people.    They have no trouble adapting to
our own atmosphere.      And they're also very fit from a
physical standpoint.    Not an ounce of fat or any signs of
an improper diet."

"Very good," Adama nodded, "Inform Colonial Security to
begin processing them for temporary detainment on the Prison
Barge."

"Temporary?" Starbuck asked as Adama shut the vid-com off,
"Kind of lenient, don't you think?"

The Commander shook his head, "One thing we can't do
Starbuck, is keep them detained permanently.    They aren't
guilty of any crimes against Colonial Civilization, and the
ont," Michael said, "You...you work for Sarah's
father?"

"Of course!" Vector said, "All of the information dealing
with your arrival was fully programmed to us long ago.    It
has been our pleasure to serve Master Russell for as long as
we have!"

"Father, look!    The children are much older than we were
led to believe!"  Hector pointed at Apollo and Starbuck, who
were too dubious to be amused.

Vector turned and glared at him, "You half-witted fugitive
from the plastics factory!    Even you can tell that these
are not children.     Didn't I make sure the first thing to
give you was a brain with which to think?"

"But Father, who are they then?"

"Yes, that is a good question.    If they are ones we did
not expect, then----," he suddenly pulled out a small
firearm.

"Ah, ah!" Starbuck protested,   "We're friends.
We....just came along for the ride."

"That's right," Michael spoke up, "They'll be our guests for
the time being.   The children are still inside the shuttle
coming out ot," Michael said, "You...you work for Sarah's
father?"

"Of course!" Vector said, "All of the information dealing
with your arrival was fully programmed to us long ago.    It
has been our pleasure to serve Master Russell for as long as
we have!"

"Father, look!    The children are much older than we were
led to believe!"  Hector pointed at Apollo and Starbuck, who
were too dubious to be amused.

Vector turned and glared at him, "You half-witted fugitive
from the plastics factory!    Even you can tell that these
are not children.     Didn't I make sure the first thing to
give you was a brain with which to think?"

"But Father, who are they then?"

"Yes, that is a good question.    If they are ones we did
not expect, then----," he suddenly pulled out a small
firearm.

"Ah, ah!" Starbuck protested,   "We're friends.
We....just came along for the ride."

"That's right," Michael spoke up, "They'll be our guests for
the time being.   The children are still inside the shuttle
coming out ot," Michael said, "You...you work for Sarah's
father?"

"Of course!" Vector said, "All of the information dealing
with your arrival was fully programmed to us long ago.    It
has been our pleasure to serve Master Russell for as long as
we have!"

"Father, look!    The children are much older than we were
led to believe!"  Hector pointed at Apollo and Starbuck, who
were too dubious to be amused.

Vector turned and glared at him, "You half-witted fugitive
from the plastics factory!    Even you can tell that these
are not children.     Didn't I make sure the first thing to
give you was a brain with which to think?"

"But Father, who are they then?"

"Yes, that is a good question.    If they are ones we did
not expect, then----," he suddenly pulled out a small
firearm.

"Ah, ah!" Starbuck protested,   "We're friends.
We....just came along for the ride."

"That's right," Michael spoke up, "They'll be our guests for
the time being.   The children are still inside the shuttle
coming out ot," Michael said, "You...you work for Sarah's
father?"

"Of course!" Vector said, "All of the information dealing
with your arrival was fully programmed to us long ago.    It
has been our pleasure to serve Master Russell for as long as
we have!"

"Father, look!    The children are much older than we were
led to believe!"  Hector pointed at Apollo and Starbuck, who
were too dubious to be amused.

Vector turned and glared at him, "You half-witted fugitive
from the plastics factory!    Even you can tell that these
are not children.     Didn't I make sure the first thing to
give you was a brain with which to think?"

"But Father, who are they then?"

"Yes, that is a good question.    If they are ones we did
not expect, then----," he suddenly pulled out a small
firearm.

"Ah, ah!" Starbuck protested,   "We're friends.
We....just came along for the ride."

"That's right," Michael spoke up, "They'll be our guests for
the time being.   The children are still inside the shuttle
coming out oly thing I want to do with them is to get whatever
information we need and then find a proper way of releasing
them."

"They don't deserve it," Apollo said, "Not after what they
did to Paradeen.   You should have seen the ruins of that
city.    It was tragic."

"I don't doubt you on that, Apollo.    But if I don't handle
this situation just right, I run a grave risk with some
Council people who will be demanding a full report on this
within a few centars."   He leaned back in his chair, "That
report of Salik's though about their ability to breathe our
air tells us they certainly didn't come from Lunar Seven or
else they would have needed to be put in pressure chambers
right away just like Michael and Sarah."

"So do you think they're from Terra, then?" Starbuck asked.

"I think that most likely," the Commander nodded.

"Well if they are, then they've got to be military foul-
ups."

"Why do you say that?" he raised an eyebrow.

The blonde warrior shrugged, "Well, back in the Colonies f their sleep modes."
"My apologies," Vector bowed and replaced the firearm.

"Vector," Michael said, "Since when did it become normal for
androids like you to be armed?"

"Oh don't be alarmed, Master Michael," Vector said
apologetically, "Master Russell saw to it we be armed once
the hostilities broke out."

"Hostilities?" Sarah asked with concern.   "Where is my
father, anyway?"

"The hostilities are over now," Vector said, "I think we
should get back to the ranch as soon as possible.    The
temperature drops most rapidly at night."

"And my father?" Sarah repeated, "Is he there?"

There was only the faintest hesitation in Vector's voice,
"Yes."

"Good," she brightened, "I'll get the children."

As Sarah went back inside the shuttle, Apollo decided it was
time to press for information.
"This....Paradeen.   Whose colony is it?"

"Why Terra's of course," Hector said indignantly.   "But who
are you not to know that?"

"Be civil, Hector, or I'll break you down into spare parts!"
f their sleep modes."
"My apologies," Vector bowed and replaced the firearm.

"Vector," Michael said, "Since when did it become normal for
androids like you to be armed?"

"Oh don't be alarmed, Master Michael," Vector said
apologetically, "Master Russell saw to it we be armed once
the hostilities broke out."

"Hostilities?" Sarah asked with concern.   "Where is my
father, anyway?"

"The hostilities are over now," Vector said, "I think we
should get back to the ranch as soon as possible.    The
temperature drops most rapidly at night."

"And my father?" Sarah repeated, "Is he there?"

There was only the faintest hesitation in Vector's voice,
"Yes."

"Good," she brightened, "I'll get the children."

As Sarah went back inside the shuttle, Apollo decided it was
time to press for information.
"This....Paradeen.   Whose colony is it?"

"Why Terra's of course," Hector said indignantly.   "But who
are you not to know that?"

"Be civil, Hector, or I'll break you down into spare parts!"
f their sleep modes."
"My apologies," Vector bowed and replaced the firearm.

"Vector," Michael said, "Since when did it become normal for
androids like you to be armed?"

"Oh don't be alarmed, Master Michael," Vector said
apologetically, "Master Russell saw to it we be armed once
the hostilities broke out."

"Hostilities?" Sarah asked with concern.   "Where is my
father, anyway?"

"The hostilities are over now," Vector said, "I think we
should get back to the ranch as soon as possible.    The
temperature drops most rapidly at night."

"And my father?" Sarah repeated, "Is he there?"

There was only the faintest hesitation in Vector's voice,
"Yes."

"Good," she brightened, "I'll get the children."

As Sarah went back inside the shuttle, Apollo decided it was
time to press for information.
"This....Paradeen.   Whose colony is it?"

"Why Terra's of course," Hector said indignantly.   "But who
are you not to know that?"

"Be civil, Hector, or I'll break you down into spare parts!"
f their sleep modes."
"My apologies," Vector bowed and replaced the firearm.

"Vector," Michael said, "Since when did it become normal for
androids like you to be armed?"

"Oh don't be alarmed, Master Michael," Vector said
apologetically, "Master Russell saw to it we be armed once
the hostilities broke out."

"Hostilities?" Sarah asked with concern.   "Where is my
father, anyway?"

"The hostilities are over now," Vector said, "I think we
should get back to the ranch as soon as possible.    The
temperature drops most rapidly at night."

"And my father?" Sarah repeated, "Is he there?"

There was only the faintest hesitation in Vector's voice,
"Yes."

"Good," she brightened, "I'll get the children."

As Sarah went back inside the shuttle, Apollo decided it was
time to press for information.
"This....Paradeen.   Whose colony is it?"

"Why Terra's of course," Hector said indignantly.   "But who
are you not to know that?"

"Be civil, Hector, or I'll break you down into spare parts!"
the
only warriors who caught outpost duty were the one who
stepped on someone's toes."

"As I recall, you're speaking from personal experience on
that, aren't you, Starbuck?" Apollo couldn't resist.

"Well, ah......"

"Never mind," Adama smiled, glad for a little levity to
break the tension, "I know what you mean, Starbuck, but I
think you're wrong."

"So do I," his son concurred, "That Destroyer we flew back
may be small and slow compared to a viper, but even you saw
how all the equipment in there was new.    And new equipment
doesn't go to incompetent warriors."

"If they're competent warriors, Apollo, how'd they let
themselves get fooled by a song and dance decoy from two
robots?"

Adama let out a guffaw, "I don't think I want to hear the
explanation behind that, Starbuck.    But regardless of how
you were able to get the best of them, they show all signs
of being crack warriors.     Probably the equivalent of our
Academy graduates.    And if they're as oppressive and
widespread the older robot scolded.

"But Father, our programming did not deal with guests.    If
that's what they are."

The silvery eyebrows of Vector's white face went up, "For
once you are correct, Hector!   It is good to show such
courage at times such as this.    But we'll sort this all
out, back at the ranch."
The two of them turned and moved back to the ground vehicle
in a shuffling manner that only made them seem more comical
then they already were.     The two warriors found
themselves shaking their heads in disbelief.

"I just had a horrible thought go through my head," Starbuck
said.

"Yeah?" the black-haired captain glanced at him.

"If Wilker had come with us on this trip, he'd be drawing up
plans to copy their circuits to create duplicates for the
Fleet."

Apollo contemplated that for an instant and then nodded,
"You're right, that *is* a horrible thought."
Errors-To: bsg-fanfic-bounces-
airys=mirarialpacafarm.com@lists.eyrie.org
X-UIDL: "p+!!?`U!!@`~!!lL_"!

Two ground vehiclthe older robot scolded.

"But Father, our programming did not deal with guests.    If
that's what they are."

The silvery eyebrows of Vector's white face went up, "For
once you are correct, Hector!   It is good to show such
courage at times such as this.    But we'll sort this all
out, back at the ranch."
The two of them turned and moved back to the ground vehicle
in a shuffling manner that only made them seem more comical
then they already were.     The two warriors found
themselves shaking their heads in disbelief.

"I just had a horrible thought go through my head," Starbuck
said.

"Yeah?" the black-haired captain glanced at him.

"If Wilker had come with us on this trip, he'd be drawing up
plans to copy their circuits to create duplicates for the
Fleet."

Apollo contemplated that for an instant and then nodded,
"You're right, that *is* a horrible thought."
Errors-To: bsg-fanfic-bounces-
airys=mirarialpacafarm.com@lists.eyrie.org
X-UIDL: "p+!!?`U!!@`~!!lL_"!

Two ground vehiclthe older robot scolded.

"But Father, our programming did not deal with guests.    If
that's what they are."

The silvery eyebrows of Vector's white face went up, "For
once you are correct, Hector!   It is good to show such
courage at times such as this.    But we'll sort this all
out, back at the ranch."
The two of them turned and moved back to the ground vehicle
in a shuffling manner that only made them seem more comical
then they already were.     The two warriors found
themselves shaking their heads in disbelief.

"I just had a horrible thought go through my head," Starbuck
said.

"Yeah?" the black-haired captain glanced at him.

"If Wilker had come with us on this trip, he'd be drawing up
plans to copy their circuits to create duplicates for the
Fleet."

Apollo contemplated that for an instant and then nodded,
"You're right, that *is* a horrible thought."
Errors-To: bsg-fanfic-bounces-
airys=mirarialpacafarm.com@lists.eyrie.org
X-UIDL: "p+!!?`U!!@`~!!lL_"!

Two ground vehiclthe older robot scolded.

"But Father, our programming did not deal with guests.    If
that's what they are."

The silvery eyebrows of Vector's white face went up, "For
once you are correct, Hector!   It is good to show such
courage at times such as this.    But we'll sort this all
out, back at the ranch."
The two of them turned and moved back to the ground vehicle
in a shuffling manner that only made them seem more comical
then they already were.     The two warriors found
themselves shaking their heads in disbelief.

"I just had a horrible thought go through my head," Starbuck
said.

"Yeah?" the black-haired captain glanced at him.

"If Wilker had come with us on this trip, he'd be drawing up
plans to copy their circuits to create duplicates for the
Fleet."

Apollo contemplated that for an instant and then nodded,
"You're right, that *is* a horrible thought."
Errors-To: bsg-fanfic-bounces-
airys=mirarialpacafarm.com@lists.eyrie.org
X-UIDL: "p+!!?`U!!@`~!!lL_"!

Two ground vehiclas they appear, their best warriors would be on
the frontier.    Where they could act on their own
initiative to further the goals of the Alliance."

"Okay," Starbuck shrugged, "But where does that leave us in
terms of dealing with them?  Are we going to go in with guns
blazing and all squadrons at the ready to get the Alliance
to surrender and repent of the error of their ways?"

"It's tempting," Adama conceded, "But.....I'm not prepared
to do that at this time.   I need more information from
them, and more information as we get closer to Terra.
Tomorrow, I intend to talk to this.....Commandant Leiter
personally and see what I can get out of him."   He rose and
smiled, "In the meantime, the two of you get some well-
earned rest.    You've earned it after all you've been
through."

"That's one order I'll gladly take," Starbuck grinned, "Come
on, Apollo.   Buy you a drink in the Club."

Apollo seemed reluctant to leave at first, but finally gave
in and followed his friend out.   Leaving hes, each manned by one of the robots, took
them on a journey that lasted ten centons before coming to a
stop in front of a well-lit complex consisting of several
one-story buildings.      Apollo placed a guess that this
kind of agro-dwelling would have correlated to that of a
rich Caprican sometime in the fifth or early sixth
millennia, nearly one thousand yahrens ago.

The three children were the first to jump out of the ground
vehicle.    The older girl seemed the most delighted, "Is
this our new home?"

"Yes," Sarah smiled brightly and then motioned to the two
smaller children, "Let's see what your grandfather has
waiting for us!"

"Miss Sarah!" Vector called out.   But she and the three
children had disappeared inside the main building, with
Cassiopeia behind them.

"It looks nice," Apollo was impressed.    In another time,
before the Destruction, this would have been the ideal kind
of place to find escape from the bustle of Caprica City.
"Sarah's father built this?"

"Master Russes, each manned by one of the robots, took
them on a journey that lasted ten centons before coming to a
stop in front of a well-lit complex consisting of several
one-story buildings.      Apollo placed a guess that this
kind of agro-dwelling would have correlated to that of a
rich Caprican sometime in the fifth or early sixth
millennia, nearly one thousand yahrens ago.

The three children were the first to jump out of the ground
vehicle.    The older girl seemed the most delighted, "Is
this our new home?"

"Yes," Sarah smiled brightly and then motioned to the two
smaller children, "Let's see what your grandfather has
waiting for us!"

"Miss Sarah!" Vector called out.   But she and the three
children had disappeared inside the main building, with
Cassiopeia behind them.

"It looks nice," Apollo was impressed.    In another time,
before the Destruction, this would have been the ideal kind
of place to find escape from the bustle of Caprica City.
"Sarah's father built this?"

"Master Russes, each manned by one of the robots, took
them on a journey that lasted ten centons before coming to a
stop in front of a well-lit complex consisting of several
one-story buildings.      Apollo placed a guess that this
kind of agro-dwelling would have correlated to that of a
rich Caprican sometime in the fifth or early sixth
millennia, nearly one thousand yahrens ago.

The three children were the first to jump out of the ground
vehicle.    The older girl seemed the most delighted, "Is
this our new home?"

"Yes," Sarah smiled brightly and then motioned to the two
smaller children, "Let's see what your grandfather has
waiting for us!"

"Miss Sarah!" Vector called out.   But she and the three
children had disappeared inside the main building, with
Cassiopeia behind them.

"It looks nice," Apollo was impressed.    In another time,
before the Destruction, this would have been the ideal kind
of place to find escape from the bustle of Caprica City.
"Sarah's father built this?"

"Master Russes, each manned by one of the robots, took
them on a journey that lasted ten centons before coming to a
stop in front of a well-lit complex consisting of several
one-story buildings.      Apollo placed a guess that this
kind of agro-dwelling would have correlated to that of a
rich Caprican sometime in the fifth or early sixth
millennia, nearly one thousand yahrens ago.

The three children were the first to jump out of the ground
vehicle.    The older girl seemed the most delighted, "Is
this our new home?"

"Yes," Sarah smiled brightly and then motioned to the two
smaller children, "Let's see what your grandfather has
waiting for us!"

"Miss Sarah!" Vector called out.   But she and the three
children had disappeared inside the main building, with
Cassiopeia behind them.

"It looks nice," Apollo was impressed.    In another time,
before the Destruction, this would have been the ideal kind
of place to find escape from the bustle of Caprica City.
"Sarah's father built this?"

"Master Russis father alone
to digest all of this information and assemble it for his
pending presentation to the Council.

************************************************************
*****************************************
At that particular moment though, nine members of the
Council had no interest in what Adama was going to report to
them.    They had already made up their minds on a matter of
great importance to them, and at this point nothing was
going to change their thinking on it.

"The votes are in," Siress Tinia said with an edge of
triumph.   "By a vote of nine to two, the Council declares
the Carillon Statute granting sweeping powers to Commander
Adama under a state of Martial Law to be revoked from this
day forward, and that on all matters not pertaining to the
military security of the Fleet, Council authority is hereby
restored.

An angry Sire Anton rose from his chair.  "I consider this
meeting and this vote to be a disgraceful demonstration of
cowardice," the elderly sire hadn't bell started it.     My father and I finished
it," Hector said.

"Oh?" Apollo found the robot's comment odd.     But before
he could follow up, Sarah had dashed out of the house with a
look of concern on her face.

"Michael, I can't find my father!"

Michael turned to the two robots with a raised eyebrow, "Why
isn't he here, Vector?"

Uneasy looks seemed to come over their faces.   "Father-,"
Hector began, "Maybe we should----,"

"Yes," Vector sighed, "It would be heartless to keep evading
the matter forever.    Miss Sarah....he is....over there."
He motioned to a fenced area some fifty feet from the main
house.

Sarah dashed over, and already everyone else knew what it
meant.     She entered the fenced area and collapsed in sobs
as she saw what even Apollo knew was a gravestone marker.
Inscribed on it was the name: "JOHN RUSSELL TOWER."

"Damn it all!" she screamed, "Why does this madness go on?
Nothing but endless death?    No freedom to just enjoy
life!"

Michael placed a hand oell started it.     My father and I finished
it," Hector said.

"Oh?" Apollo found the robot's comment odd.     But before
he could follow up, Sarah had dashed out of the house with a
look of concern on her face.

"Michael, I can't find my father!"

Michael turned to the two robots with a raised eyebrow, "Why
isn't he here, Vector?"

Uneasy looks seemed to come over their faces.   "Father-,"
Hector began, "Maybe we should----,"

"Yes," Vector sighed, "It would be heartless to keep evading
the matter forever.    Miss Sarah....he is....over there."
He motioned to a fenced area some fifty feet from the main
house.

Sarah dashed over, and already everyone else knew what it
meant.     She entered the fenced area and collapsed in sobs
as she saw what even Apollo knew was a gravestone marker.
Inscribed on it was the name: "JOHN RUSSELL TOWER."

"Damn it all!" she screamed, "Why does this madness go on?
Nothing but endless death?    No freedom to just enjoy
life!"

Michael placed a hand oell started it.     My father and I finished
it," Hector said.

"Oh?" Apollo found the robot's comment odd.     But before
he could follow up, Sarah had dashed out of the house with a
look of concern on her face.

"Michael, I can't find my father!"

Michael turned to the two robots with a raised eyebrow, "Why
isn't he here, Vector?"

Uneasy looks seemed to come over their faces.   "Father-,"
Hector began, "Maybe we should----,"

"Yes," Vector sighed, "It would be heartless to keep evading
the matter forever.    Miss Sarah....he is....over there."
He motioned to a fenced area some fifty feet from the main
house.

Sarah dashed over, and already everyone else knew what it
meant.     She entered the fenced area and collapsed in sobs
as she saw what even Apollo knew was a gravestone marker.
Inscribed on it was the name: "JOHN RUSSELL TOWER."

"Damn it all!" she screamed, "Why does this madness go on?
Nothing but endless death?    No freedom to just enjoy
life!"

Michael placed a hand oell started it.     My father and I finished
it," Hector said.

"Oh?" Apollo found the robot's comment odd.     But before
he could follow up, Sarah had dashed out of the house with a
look of concern on her face.

"Michael, I can't find my father!"

Michael turned to the two robots with a raised eyebrow, "Why
isn't he here, Vector?"

Uneasy looks seemed to come over their faces.   "Father-,"
Hector began, "Maybe we should----,"

"Yes," Vector sighed, "It would be heartless to keep evading
the matter forever.    Miss Sarah....he is....over there."
He motioned to a fenced area some fifty feet from the main
house.

Sarah dashed over, and already everyone else knew what it
meant.     She entered the fenced area and collapsed in sobs
as she saw what even Apollo knew was a gravestone marker.
Inscribed on it was the name: "JOHN RUSSELL TOWER."

"Damn it all!" she screamed, "Why does this madness go on?
Nothing but endless death?    No freedom to just enjoy
life!"

Michael placed a hand oeen this angry since
the memorable night when he had challenged Count Ibilis
following the surrender of Baltar.   "To do this behind
Adama's back, after our word was given to him to wait for
the results of this mission, is even more disgraceful than
anything Adama is justly guilty of."

"Sire Anton," Domra said coldly, "You saw firsthand how
Adama treated us disgracefully only days ago by defying our
duly elected edict.     To let this go unpunished is to
guarantee our very existence as a body, and insure that we
are one step closer to a permanent dictatorship.     While
Adama has no such instincts, he creates a precedent that
will surely enable his succssessor to become one, and we
must not allow that."

"You're not interested in the future, Domra," Anton stared
piercingly at him, "You're only interested in the present,
and increasing power for yourselves.    I had hoped that
when Sire Uri resigned from this body that we were rid of
such opportunists forever.    I seem to have assumed
wrn her shoulder, but she seemed
oblivious to his touch.    Still sobbing, she bolted to her
feet and dashed back into the main house.

"You should have been more direct, Vector," Michael could
think of nothing else to say.

"We are both sorry, Master Michael," the older robot said,
"It's just....we are programmed to make life happier and
easier for those we serve.    Dealing with such....pain is
another thing entirely."

"Of course."

"In spite of this....unfortunate circumstance, I am sure we
can provide for Sarah and her children, a happy life."

"A little lonely, maybe," Hector said.

"Hush up, Hector!" he turned back to Michael, "He's just
sore because I didn't build him any brothers or sisters."

Michael rolled his eyes slightly.

"Actually it would have been nicer if you'd built me a
woman."

"If I'd wanted to build a woman, do you think I'd build one
for you before building one for myself?"

"All right, all right!" Michael threw up his arms in
exasperation. "Will the two on her shoulder, but she seemed
oblivious to his touch.    Still sobbing, she bolted to her
feet and dashed back into the main house.

"You should have been more direct, Vector," Michael could
think of nothing else to say.

"We are both sorry, Master Michael," the older robot said,
"It's just....we are programmed to make life happier and
easier for those we serve.    Dealing with such....pain is
another thing entirely."

"Of course."

"In spite of this....unfortunate circumstance, I am sure we
can provide for Sarah and her children, a happy life."

"A little lonely, maybe," Hector said.

"Hush up, Hector!" he turned back to Michael, "He's just
sore because I didn't build him any brothers or sisters."

Michael rolled his eyes slightly.

"Actually it would have been nicer if you'd built me a
woman."

"If I'd wanted to build a woman, do you think I'd build one
for you before building one for myself?"

"All right, all right!" Michael threw up his arms in
exasperation. "Will the two on her shoulder, but she seemed
oblivious to his touch.    Still sobbing, she bolted to her
feet and dashed back into the main house.

"You should have been more direct, Vector," Michael could
think of nothing else to say.

"We are both sorry, Master Michael," the older robot said,
"It's just....we are programmed to make life happier and
easier for those we serve.    Dealing with such....pain is
another thing entirely."

"Of course."

"In spite of this....unfortunate circumstance, I am sure we
can provide for Sarah and her children, a happy life."

"A little lonely, maybe," Hector said.

"Hush up, Hector!" he turned back to Michael, "He's just
sore because I didn't build him any brothers or sisters."

Michael rolled his eyes slightly.

"Actually it would have been nicer if you'd built me a
woman."

"If I'd wanted to build a woman, do you think I'd build one
for you before building one for myself?"

"All right, all right!" Michael threw up his arms in
exasperation. "Will the two on her shoulder, but she seemed
oblivious to his touch.    Still sobbing, she bolted to her
feet and dashed back into the main house.

"You should have been more direct, Vector," Michael could
think of nothing else to say.

"We are both sorry, Master Michael," the older robot said,
"It's just....we are programmed to make life happier and
easier for those we serve.    Dealing with such....pain is
another thing entirely."

"Of course."

"In spite of this....unfortunate circumstance, I am sure we
can provide for Sarah and her children, a happy life."

"A little lonely, maybe," Hector said.

"Hush up, Hector!" he turned back to Michael, "He's just
sore because I didn't build him any brothers or sisters."

Michael rolled his eyes slightly.

"Actually it would have been nicer if you'd built me a
woman."

"If I'd wanted to build a woman, do you think I'd build one
for you before building one for myself?"

"All right, all right!" Michael threw up his arms in
exasperation. "Will the two oongly."

And with that, the one-time Presidential aide then stormed
out of the Council room.     No sooner was he gone then did
the man who had cast the other dissenting vote also rise
from his chair.

"I may not find myself willing to speak as harshly as my
colleague, Sire Anton has done," young Sire Antipas said,
"But I must find myself following his example at this time.
I believe that there are too many dangerous questions raised
by taking this action at such a grave moment in our journey,
and that until a full report is given, this extraordinary
action should not have been taken.     Until further notice,
I will not be attending any sessions of the Council as my
statement of protest over this decision."

And with that, the young Councilman who had replaced Uri on
the body after the incident at Carillon, also left the
chamber.

"We are fortunate that the rest of us are of one voice on
this subject," Tinia said, "We will permit Adama to make his
report, and then see what his new attif you knock it off?"

Thank you, Apollo and Starbuck both said to themselves.

"My apologies, Master Michael," Vector bowed humbly, "As I
said.....we are not suitably programmed to deal
with....tragedy."

"Of course," he mumbled.

"In the meantime, it's best we all retreat inside before you
humans freeze to death.   Come!"

The three men followed the two robots inside and
immediately, Apollo was impressed by the spacious comfort
that existed inside.     The three children were all happily
moving about from room to room, as Cassiopeia unsuccessfully
tried to keep them in tow.

"Come on children, that's enough," Michael said forcefully,
which immediately got them to stop running.   "Cassiopeia,
get them something to eat.   Maybe that'll calm them down."

"I'll help you, Cass," Starbuck followed them out into the
next room, the compartment door closing behind them.

Michael looked over and could see Sarah sitting passively on
the edge of the bed in her living quarters.    He thought off you knock it off?"

Thank you, Apollo and Starbuck both said to themselves.

"My apologies, Master Michael," Vector bowed humbly, "As I
said.....we are not suitably programmed to deal
with....tragedy."

"Of course," he mumbled.

"In the meantime, it's best we all retreat inside before you
humans freeze to death.   Come!"

The three men followed the two robots inside and
immediately, Apollo was impressed by the spacious comfort
that existed inside.     The three children were all happily
moving about from room to room, as Cassiopeia unsuccessfully
tried to keep them in tow.

"Come on children, that's enough," Michael said forcefully,
which immediately got them to stop running.   "Cassiopeia,
get them something to eat.   Maybe that'll calm them down."

"I'll help you, Cass," Starbuck followed them out into the
next room, the compartment door closing behind them.

Michael looked over and could see Sarah sitting passively on
the edge of the bed in her living quarters.    He thought off you knock it off?"

Thank you, Apollo and Starbuck both said to themselves.

"My apologies, Master Michael," Vector bowed humbly, "As I
said.....we are not suitably programmed to deal
with....tragedy."

"Of course," he mumbled.

"In the meantime, it's best we all retreat inside before you
humans freeze to death.   Come!"

The three men followed the two robots inside and
immediately, Apollo was impressed by the spacious comfort
that existed inside.     The three children were all happily
moving about from room to room, as Cassiopeia unsuccessfully
tried to keep them in tow.

"Come on children, that's enough," Michael said forcefully,
which immediately got them to stop running.   "Cassiopeia,
get them something to eat.   Maybe that'll calm them down."

"I'll help you, Cass," Starbuck followed them out into the
next room, the compartment door closing behind them.

Michael looked over and could see Sarah sitting passively on
the edge of the bed in her living quarters.    He thought off you knock it off?"

Thank you, Apollo and Starbuck both said to themselves.

"My apologies, Master Michael," Vector bowed humbly, "As I
said.....we are not suitably programmed to deal
with....tragedy."

"Of course," he mumbled.

"In the meantime, it's best we all retreat inside before you
humans freeze to death.   Come!"

The three men followed the two robots inside and
immediately, Apollo was impressed by the spacious comfort
that existed inside.     The three children were all happily
moving about from room to room, as Cassiopeia unsuccessfully
tried to keep them in tow.

"Come on children, that's enough," Michael said forcefully,
which immediately got them to stop running.   "Cassiopeia,
get them something to eat.   Maybe that'll calm them down."

"I'll help you, Cass," Starbuck followed them out into the
next room, the compartment door closing behind them.

Michael looked over and could see Sarah sitting passively on
the edge of the bed in her living quarters.    He thought oftude is in the face of
that information.     If the signs indicate that Adama is
willing to work in a spirit of cooperation with us, then I
will not hesitate to suggest that we keep the result of this
vote.....unimplemented for the time being.    However,
should Adama indicate that he intends to continue acting in
the reckless manner similar to his conduct of last sectan,
then, and only then, should we feel compelled to use this
resolution we have now approved against him.    Are we
agreed on that?"

All of the heads at the table nodded in approval.

"Very well.    The Council now stands adjourned until
further notice."

(To Be Continued In-"Battlestar Galactica: Baltar's Escape)


moving over there first, but decided to stay in the living
room.

"I ah....must apologize for the children.   They've been
asleep since the beginning of the journey and probably will
be up all night."

"Look, I've got a son myself and I know all about how
precocious kids can get," Apollo said, "Just let them do
what they want for now."

"Oh, I didn't know you had children, Apollo," Michael said
as he sat down in a comfortable looking chair.

"Just one son.   He'll be seven pretty soon."

"I see," Michael nodded, "You plan on having more?"

Apollo now wished the subject hadn't come up.   "Ah....not
right now." he said delicately as he sat down across from
Michael and then looked up at Hector so he could change the
subject, "Ah....Hector?    Is there anything to drink?     I
could really use one."

"Of course.    I will see to it!"   The younger robot began
to move toward the compartment where Starbuck, Cassiopeia
and the children had disappeared.

"Ah, ah, Hector!   First things f
moving over there first, but decided to stay in the living
room.

"I ah....must apologize for the children.   They've been
asleep since the beginning of the journey and probably will
be up all night."

"Look, I've got a son myself and I know all about how
precocious kids can get," Apollo said, "Just let them do
what they want for now."

"Oh, I didn't know you had children, Apollo," Michael said
as he sat down in a comfortable looking chair.

"Just one son.   He'll be seven pretty soon."

"I see," Michael nodded, "You plan on having more?"

Apollo now wished the subject hadn't come up.   "Ah....not
right now." he said delicately as he sat down across from
Michael and then looked up at Hector so he could change the
subject, "Ah....Hector?    Is there anything to drink?     I
could really use one."

"Of course.    I will see to it!"   The younger robot began
to move toward the compartment where Starbuck, Cassiopeia
and the children had disappeared.

"Ah, ah, Hector!   First things f
moving over there first, but decided to stay in the living
room.

"I ah....must apologize for the children.   They've been
asleep since the beginning of the journey and probably will
be up all night."

"Look, I've got a son myself and I know all about how
precocious kids can get," Apollo said, "Just let them do
what they want for now."

"Oh, I didn't know you had children, Apollo," Michael said
as he sat down in a comfortable looking chair.

"Just one son.   He'll be seven pretty soon."

"I see," Michael nodded, "You plan on having more?"

Apollo now wished the subject hadn't come up.   "Ah....not
right now." he said delicately as he sat down across from
Michael and then looked up at Hector so he could change the
subject, "Ah....Hector?    Is there anything to drink?     I
could really use one."

"Of course.    I will see to it!"   The younger robot began
to move toward the compartment where Starbuck, Cassiopeia
and the children had disappeared.

"Ah, ah, Hector!   First things f
moving over there first, but decided to stay in the living
room.

"I ah....must apologize for the children.   They've been
asleep since the beginning of the journey and probably will
be up all night."

"Look, I've got a son myself and I know all about how
precocious kids can get," Apollo said, "Just let them do
what they want for now."

"Oh, I didn't know you had children, Apollo," Michael said
as he sat down in a comfortable looking chair.

"Just one son.   He'll be seven pretty soon."

"I see," Michael nodded, "You plan on having more?"

Apollo now wished the subject hadn't come up.   "Ah....not
right now." he said delicately as he sat down across from
Michael and then looked up at Hector so he could change the
subject, "Ah....Hector?    Is there anything to drink?     I
could really use one."

"Of course.    I will see to it!"   The younger robot began
to move toward the compartment where Starbuck, Cassiopeia
and the children had disappeared.

"Ah, ah, Hector!   First things f