BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: THE NEXT GENERATION The surviving MAIN characters are IMMORTAL!!! They cannot be killed, but they CAN be temporarily disabled/comatose, if you get my meaning. Crossovers are permitted, but BE CAREFUL!!! Remember that the Galactica cannot ever find Earth so that we can keep adding stories. Also, this takes place 17 yahrens after the original BG series, and of course, ignoring BG80. E-mail me at jchin01@kepler.poly.edu Well, Here we go... #10 There are those who believe that life here began out there, far across the universe, with tribes of humans who may have been the forefathers of the Egyptians, or the Toltecs, or the Mayans. That they may have been the architects of the great pyramids, or the lost civilizations of Lemuria or Atlantis. Some believe that there may yet be brothers of man who even now fight to survive, somewhere beyond the heavens. BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: THE NEXT GENERATION THE LASER BOLE MURDER Written by Joe Chin Based on Battlestar Galactica Created by Glen A. Larson Three vipers emerged from the green basestar Adama, and then headed for the Galactica. As they approached the port side landing bay, they slowed down. *Furlon Squadron requesting clearance to land,* said Toria's voice. After a response of Rigel's laughter... *Clearance to land granted, Ensign. Enjoy your furlon.* In the landing bay, Boxey, Saul, Diana, and Mojo watched the vipers come to a full stop. Landing bay crewmen were moving three lifts to the side of each viper as one of the cockpits opened. Upon seeing the four of them awaiting, the pilot, clearly a woman by the shape of her form, quickly jumped out of her viper, removed her helmet, and tossed it into the cockpit. She ran down towards the nose of the viper, and jumped off the front. After squatting down as she landed on the deck to relieve some of the pressure of that landing, she ran right into Boxey's arms. "I've missed you, Boxey," whispered Toria into Boxey's ear. "I've missed you too, Toria." Tannia also jumped out of the cockpit when her canopy was open. She walked down the nose of the viper, sat on it, and used her arms and hands to lower herself to the deck. "Taking care of your new wingmate?" asked Saul. "More like, Toria is taking care of me," answered Tannia. The entire group laughed. Kritter was only slightly more gracious and patient. He waited until the lift was beside his viper before climbing out. Then he tossed his helmet into the cockpit, and ran down the lift to the group. The seven of them walked out. "In time, I may be ready, but not right now," said Apollo. He was in his quarters with Acting President Gaylin. "Well, Apollo, it's just too bad, because election results show that you ARE the most popular Caprican in the fleet. You were voted for, Apollo. You won the elections. And, you did not even run for it." He stopped to take a drink from the cup he was holding in his hand. "Besides, think about it, Apollo. I am telling you this not only as your friend, but as your former teacher from your academy days." "And you were my favorite teacher, Gaylin." "Well, think about this, Apollo... How often in the history of the Colonies does the President of the Council of Twelve also act as the Council's shuttle pilot? You can be part of that history, too." They both laughed. "Well, when I am ready for it, and if I AM elected then, I'll be your copilot, or you can be MY copilot." Apollo's attempts to hold back his laughter caused his words to be slightly slurred. Again, they both laughed. "Apollo, did you know that Tinnia was elected President again?" "Yes, and I voted for her," said Apollo. "Wasn't she acting president when my father died?" "She was elected President immediately after, as the only surviving member of the Council of Twelve since leaving the colonies." "I heard that she completely resigned from the Council after that first meeting." "Well, Apollo, don't go spreading this around, because the populace of the fleet believes her to be a strong woman. She resigned because it hurt too much without your father on the Quorum with her." "I heard that it was health reasons." "That was what WE led I-F-B to believe, Apollo. Tinnia really LOVED your father. But she also did not want everyone to know that because it would have started a lot of felgercarb and false rumors of a scandal within the Council of Twelve amongst the fleet." In the officer's club, Mojo, Boxey, and Kritter moved one of the tables next to another so that it was one double-table. They sat at the double-table, and someone brought them drinks. As the drinks were being placed in front of each of the Colonial warriors, Boxey noticed that at the table next to them, a pair of uniformed Council Security men sat. "Are you all right, Boxey?" asked Toria. She noticed his foreboding look. Boxey signaled with his head, and Toria took a quick look. As the attendant placed the last drink, the older security officer stood in front of the attendant, blocking his path, saying, "I want another mug of grog. And make it QUICK." The younger man said, "Reese, you've had enough." He turned to the attendant, and said, "Bring him a mushie or two." He gave the attendant a cubit. The older man turned around, saying, "I am your superior officer. You don't tell ME when I had enough." "Sir, I am only trying to help you. Too much grog can be deadly." Diana and Tannia stifled their giggles. All of a sudden, Reese turned around, saying, "I see that Commander Apollo is so desperate that he has been recruiting Borelian Nomen for his Colonial Warriors. That's what he GETS..." He walked over and stood behind Boxey. "... for recruiting his adopted son..." He moved behind Toria. "... and his harlot... instead of my friend, Les..." gesturing to the younger security officer. "...here." "He would have made a good Colonial warrior," said Boxey, trying to be diplomatic. "But with other personal responsibilities..." The younger security officer, said, "Reese, I had a family to take care of. That was why I did not complete my training. Don't blame THEM." "-I- am your SUPERIOR, Les," Reese growled angrily. "Don't tell ME what to do and what NOT to do." He went to Mojo, and said, "And the Quorum of Twelve has even voted to recruit your father as part of the Council of Twelve. I think that it is time to do away with the present one and bring in a whole new Quorum. And do away with the Borelian Nomen in the fleet." Les said to him, "Reese, it's the grog. As a matter of fact, you said that you MET Chancellor Maga, and you said that you liked him." "That's because I am afraid of him. But I am not afraid of his son, who seems to have stepped low enough according to Borelian Nomen standards to actually take orders from the 'Son of Apollo.'" Reese grabbed Mojo by the arm, and tried to pull him out of the seat that he was sitting in. Mojo waved his arm, and Reese went flying over the table behind him. Mojo got up, and said to Les, "I'm Sorry, Sir. I reacted without thinking." Les nodded his understanding to Mojo, saying, "It's HIS fault, Ensign." With that, he ran behind the counter, saying, "I need security in the Officer's Club. No... make that a few full-fledged Colonial warriors... With ranks of Lieutenant of higher." Reese got up, and Les got to him, holding him back from attacking Mojo. "Calm down, Reese," said Les, trying to calm him down. Then Apollo and Gaylin showed up. "What the frak is going on here?" demanded Gaylin. Reese said, "That Borelian Nomen threw me across the officer's club. I want him arrested." "You provoked him," said Diana. "If you did not try yanking him out of his chair the way you did-" "That's right... Take the enemy's side. I guess that you are afraid of these Borelian Nomen." Reese shook out of Les' hold, saying, "Unhand me. I am the superior officer. I've got to teach that Borelian Nomen a lesson." Apollo stepped in front of him, saying, "And I am THE superior officer here. AT EASE! THAT'S A DIRECT ORDER, OFFICER REESE." Reese turned, and walked out of the officer's club. "I'm sorry, Apollo," apologized Gaylin. "It's not your fault that Reese got out of hand, Gaylin." "In a way, it is. He insisted that I be accompanied by council security to the Galactica, and I relented. If I did not relent, none of this would have happened." Apollo placed his hand on Gaylin's shoulder. Apollo reported to the bridge of the Galactica. Athena said to him, "Gaylin wanted to talk to you over the comline before he launched. Apollo said, "Gaylin, I'm here." *Apollo... I cannot find Reese, and I cannot wait for him.* "When we locate him, I'll have him sent over to the Rising Star." *Thank you, Apollo.* Gaylin piloted the shuttle, and looked back at Les, who was holding his wrist. "Are you all right, Les?" asked Gaylin. "Yes, I'm fine, Sire." "I mean, you're holding your wrist, and it does not take a med-tech to see that you are in pain." "I must have hurt myself while... I was trying to calm Reese down, Sire." "Well, have one of the med-techs aboard the Rising Star take a look at it after we land." "I'll be all right." "That's an order, Les." "Yes, Sire. And thank you." Cassiopeia left the life center with Starbuck. "So, how was your cycle, Cass?" asked Starbuck. "It was pretty quiet, but- WAARRHHH!!" Starbuck caught her by her elbow as she tripped and almost fell. They both looked to see what the obstruction was to see an arm sticking out of a half-closed door. They got the door opened, and it was a headless body. Apollo reported to the Life center. "Thank you for coming, Commander," she said to him. She showed him the body, and said, "That was Officer Reese." "Where did you find him?" he asked. "How was he killed?" "By a Borelian Nomen laser bole," answered Cassiopeia. "And he was found at the doorway of Mojo's quarters. The laser bole went from the back of his neck to the front." "How could you tell that?" "Well, A laser bole separates while it is thrown," explained Starbuck. "The laser pushes each of the two halves further and further apart, weakening its strength, until the laser bole is completely discharged." "Until the two halves of the laser bole lands and stops moving," finished Apollo. "Right," continued Cassiopeia." And judging from the cauterizing from the beam's energy, the beam was at its weakest towards the front compared with the back of his neck, which was the strongest." "But a Borelian Nomen, if he was TRULY a Nomen of the Code," said Apollo. "Would not do that. He'd distract him, and make him SEE who he was being killed by." "We also found the two halves to a discharged laser bole, Apollo," said Starbuck. "I tell you AS A NOMEN OF THE CODE that I did not do it, Commander," Mojo growled angrily at Apollo. They were in Apollo's quarters, and Boxey and Toria were both with them. "I believe you, Mojo, but other humans will not believe you, so I have to place you in custody." Gaylin and Solon walked in, along with Maga. Maga said to Mojo, "If you did it, don't lie. It may be a dishonor to just murder someone without declaring a blood trail without my or Bora's approval. Or to just sneak up on him so that he does not see who his killer is. But you know that it is a GRAVE dishonor to yourself, and the house for lying along with it. If you DID do it, then tell the truth, and accept your punishment like a true Nomen of the Code." "Father, I tell you as a Nomen of the Code that I am NOT lying." "Ensign," said Solon. "My name is Solon, and I have taken on the job of Chief Opposer because no one else was able to do it." "I understand, Sire," said Mojo. "But I did not do it." "Listen, Ensign," said Solon. "Personally, I believe you. Borelian Nomen hold honor above all else, whether it be anger, or any emotion. This honor, is what makes you a strong people, a good people. But- not too many will believe you. I mean, it was done by one of YOUR laser boles." "I know that, Sir," cried Mojo. "But someone must have stolen the laser bole, and when he or she ran into him, used the laser bole from my sash and threw it at him, and perhaps dragged his body and carried his head to my quarters." "Mojo, I think that maybe, you should try saying that it was self defense, and let this all go. I mean, based on what I have heard, Reese wanted to harm you." Mojo jumped up. "You mean... LIE? And dishonor myself and my House?" He balled his hands into fists, and said, "I DON'T LIKE being accused of something I did not do, Sire. And if you all were not my friends, I would have PELTED you all." Apollo spoke, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Mojo, NO ONE... likes to be accused of doing a wrong that he or she did not do. SOMEONE... wanted YOU accused of this, and we'll get this figured out. I promise you." "How very true, Commander," said Solon. "I would like to be his defender," said Apollo. Solon turned to him, and said, "But Commander... you don't have much experience as a defender, other than when you were Starbuck's defender. And that was seventeen, maybe eighteen yahrens ago. Besides, you had some involvement. Also, as Commander, you claim that you do not have the time to be on the Quorum of TRwelve." Solon paused. "Well, it is really not up to me. You were the one who made Officer Reese calm down, but that was it. Just so you know, you cannot be the judge this case because of that incident. Siress Tinnia will preside over the tribunal." "I am not sure if I could be a good judge over the tribunal, Sire, but-" "Well, I admire your loyalty towards your warriors, Commander," argued Solon, "But I think that a real defender should defend his innocence." "Commander Apollo is an honorable man," said Mojo. "I have faith in him." "I am sorry, Mojo," said Boxey, "but I must place you under arrest, for terminating a human life." Mojo slowly removed his laser bole sashes. "I will go with you peacefully, my friend." Mojo and Boxey both walked out together, along with Toria following behind them. "I am sure that... premeditated... is not the issue here, Commander. From the evidence, I am sure that it would have been self defense. But LYING about it is the issue here, which upgrades it to just plain murder. Not premeditated though." "Mojo would not lie, Sire, not with me, or his father around. We are BOTH here." They walked down the corridors of the Galactica silently. "Am I being taken to the prison barge?" asked Mojo. "No, to the Galactica brig," said Boxey. "You'll be safer there." "Why is that?" "Because much of the old hatreds still exist throughout the fleet, and especially aboard the prison barge, and against Borelian Nomen. Also, there is much hatred between most of the prisoners and Colonial warriors. You, my friend, are both. But- if you ARE proven guilty, then you spend your sentence aboard the prison barge." "A logical precaution," said Mojo. "But I have one request." "Name it." "Please give my laser bole sashes to my father. Keep in mind that a Nomen carries a total of nine laser boles. That means, there should be a total of eight, since I seemed to have lost one of them, and it has been taken in as evidence." "It will be done, Mojo." They walked in silence, and then Boxey turned in front of him, stopping in his path. "I can get you declared innocent without any problem, Mojo." "How?" "By saying that you were with me and Toria the entire time. Then-" "You mean, LIE!?" Mojo was surprised and it was evident that Boxey angered him. "Well, you were with us MOST of the time, except until you went to the simulation room to wait for me. We can say that we went with you and started up the equipment together. And verify your claim that there was nothing unusual." "NO!" cried Mojo. They all stopped dead in their tracks. "Mojo, calm down," cooed Toria. He took a deep breath, and exhaled. "Box, DON'T dishonor yourself or your family for me. Even if I DO get proven guilty, it will not be forever. Because the truth WILL be out eventually. And I WILL be cleared." They resumed walking again. "But that may take YAHRENS." "Tell the truth, Box. That's how to help me. Don't be dishonorable." "Well, SOMEONE has been dishonorable. Sometimes a dishonorable act is what it takes to achieve a GREATER honor in a time like this." "ONLY in war, Box. WE Borelian Nomen are NOT at war with your people. Also, just because someone has been dishonorable, you do NOT respond to it with another dishonorable deed." They got to the brig, and Mojo walked into the cell. "Tell, me, Mojo, is there ANYTHING that you have not told my father or Sire Solon? Perhaps something that you did not want them to know or something that you just FORGOT to say?" "No... I told them EVERYTHING I know." "Well, my father and I will be back, even if it is just to talk." Back in Apollo's quarters, Apollo and Maga sat. Boxey and Toria walked in. Boxey handed Mojo's laser bole sashes to Maga. "Mojo asked me to give you his laser bole sashes, Chancellor." "Thank you," he said to Boxey, and then he gave them to Apollo. "What do YOU think, Apollo? Do you think that my son would perform such a dishonorable act?" "I believe that Mojo is innocent, Maga," responded Apollo. "And I say, with respect, that for a father to believe that his own son can perform such a dishonorable act, there IS trouble in the House." Maga just grunted. "Well, if you believe that he is innocent, why is he being held prisoner?" "Because it is Colonial law," explained Apollo. "WHEN... he is proven innocent of all charges... And I mean, 'WHEN,' he will be set free. Also, Maga, I may need your help to prove his innocence." "I just want the truth, Apollo. I will do whatever I can to help find it." "This tribunal is convened," said Tinnia. Beside her sat two other people on either side of her. "The case against Borelian Nomen, Ensign Mojo, of Blue Squadron, will now commence. Sire Solon?" "I'd like to call the Commander to the stand," said Solon. He was wearing his usual Councillor's garments, as was Tinnia at the front. "I protest," protested Apollo. "I am Ensign Mojo's defender." "Permission to approach the tribunal, Sire?" requested Solon. She nodded. Both, Solon and Apollo walked up to her. Then Solon said, "As President Gaylin had testified, Apollo was the one who ordered the late Officer Reese to calm down." "Apollo..." said Tinnia, gesturing to the witness area. Apollo nodded, and then went and sat down in the witness chair there. "Commander," started Solon. "What did you see when you and Sire Gaylin went into the officer's club?" "Officer Les was trying to calm Officer Reese down, and was holding him back from attacking the warriors at the table." "What happened?" "Well, from the beginning, Gaylin and I were having a drink in my quarters when I was called to the Officer's Club by bridge personnel. As Captain Athena can testify, she told me that Officer Les called for Colonial warriors of ranks of Lieutenant or higher to get to the Officer's Club. So, Gaylin and I got there as fast as we could." "Go on..." "Well, Officer Reese was struggling, telling Officer Les that HE was the superior officer, and to let him go so that he could, in his own words, 'teach that Borelian Nomen a lesson.'" "Thank you, Commander," Solon said. "That all I have for this witness. So, there was motive," pointed out Solon. "There was friction between Ensign Mojo and Officer Reese." Tinnia asked, "Do YOU have anything to add, Commander?" "Not at this time." "Thank you, Commander; you are dismissed for now." Apollo and Boxey went to the brig area, and the Colonial warrior standing by the door asked him, "Can I help you Commander?" He nodded to Boxey, saying "Sergeant?" "We came to see Mojo," responded Apollo. The Colonial warrior led them to his cell, and opened it, and Apollo and Boxey went in. The cell door slid closed behind them. Mojo was sitting, watching the scanner in the room, and Apollo and Boxey sat with him. On the screen was two reporters. *Commander Apollo and Chancellor Maga are great friends, and Mojo is Maga's son. Furthermore, Siress Tinnia, who is overseeing the tribunal was a close friend of Commander Apollo's father, the late Commander Adama. Will favoritism prevail here? It is yet to be seen.* *Well actually,* said the other reporter, *Siress Tinnia is a fair minded person. Because of her relationship with Commander Apollo's father, and from what you point out, it may work AGAINST Ensign Mojo.* Boxey said, "How dishonorable can they get?" "Well, they ARE telling the truth," said Mojo forebodingly. Apollo said to Mojo, "Boxey and Toria told me about what he was willing to do for you, Mojo." "What do you mean?" he asked. "He told me that he was going to lie and say that you were with him and Toria the whole time and... Well, I must say... for you to refuse that kind of help, you do have honor." "Does my father know about it?" "No." "Well, if you tell him, it may bring you shame in view of other Nomen." "I was going to have Boxey tell the tribunal about what you said, because based on what he said that you told him, it will establish your credibility if you need to tell the tribunal anything." "Commander," said Mojo. "Let that be a secret between us. I do not want to see the House of Adama shamed in view of my people." "It was not like I actually did it, Mojo," objected Boxey. "Besides, I agree with my father. It will help you if we need to establish your credibility. I mean, not all of my people believe in your- 'word as a Nomen of the Code.'" "I call Ensign Mojo," announced Solon. Mojo went up, and the young lady stopped him, saying, "Raise your right hand, Ensign." "What for?" Tinnia, hearing this, explained it to him. "Mojo, What you are doing is taking an oath to tell ONLY the truth. It is Colonial tradition to raise your right hand out like this." Tinnia put up her right hand even with her right ear. "And then take the oath to tell the truth." Mojo nodded to her in acknowledgement. Then he raised his right hand, saying, "I give my word as a Nomen of the Code that I will tell the truth... the whole truth." That brought a few gasps and sighs of surprise from everyone. "Is that the oath?" asked Tinnia. Apollo said, "When a Nomen gives his 'word as a Nomen of the Code,' it means that he has ALL intention of carrying out that promise." Tinnia nodded, although her face showed some doubt, and looking at Mojo, held her hand out to the witness place. Mojo went there and sat down. Solon asked him, "Where were you at the time that Officer Reese was murdered?" "I was in the simulation room, waiting for Sergeant Boxey. We always practice our viper flying together. at the end of our cycles." "Can anyone confirm that?" "Well, I am not sure, because Sergeant Boxey, Ensign Saul, and Ensign Diana went with Ensign Toria and Ensign Kritter to the launch bay. I was there alone. But I activated the power to the simulation vipers while I was waiting for Sergeant Boxey. I believe that several of the Galactica crew can confirm that." "Let me ask you this." Solon walked up to Mojo. "You activated the simulation vipers, walked out, perhaps to go to your quarters, and encountered Officer Reese there. You snuck up behind him, and threw a laser bole and killed him." Mojo stood up, yelling, "NO!" "Calm down, Ensign," cooed Solon. "I was only asking." Mojo sat down, containing his anger. Solon walked over to his table, and picked up a laser bole. He handed it to Mojo, saying, "Take a look at it. You know what it is, right?" "A laser bole," responded Mojo. "MY laser bole. The one that I found missing off one of my sashes." "It is also the laser bole that killed Officer Reese," pointed out Solon. "I am aware of that, Sire, but I was not the one who threw it at him." Solon snatched the laser bole out of Mojo's hand. From the sudden movement of Solon's snatching, he accidentally activated it. Solon stood there, frozen with fear. "THROW IT BEFORE IT REACHES CRITICAL MASS SIRE!" cried Mojo in fear. Solon threw it straight up, and the two halves separated, joined by its laser, and started falling down, straight for Solon. Mojo jumped out of the chair, and jumped on Solon. The two of the rolled into a tangle of arms and legs out of the path of the discharging laser bole. Solon struggled to get himself out of Mojo's grasp. When they were both up, Solon angrily said, "I want Ensign Mojo charged with assault." Apollo yelled, "OBJECTION! Ensign Mojo just saved the Chief Opposer's life." Tinnia said, "I agree with the Commander. Your witness just saved you from being cut into two pieces, Sire." *I am here, LIVE, with Chancellor Maga, right here on I-F-B....* Maga was seated on the right, facing the center, and a woman I.F.B. correspondent on the left was sitting facing Maga. Mojo was back in his cell, with Boxey and Apollo sitting on either side of him, watching the I.F.B. report. *Tell me, Chancellor* said the woman, *What did Ensign Mojo mean when he 'gave his word as a Nomen of the Code?'" *It means that the Nomen making that oath will DIE dishonorably,* responded Maga, *before breaking that oath.* *Die dishonorably?* asked the correspondent. "Well," said Boxey. "Because of this, Mojo, more people will know about Borelian Nomen traditions." "Yeah," said Apollo. "Listen to my father's words. The Chancellor is a wise man." *... understands the Nomen nature, just like his father, Commander Adama.* *How do you feel about Commander Adama?* *Well, he died honorably... In the line of duty. But his death, I know, saddened Colonists and ALL Nomen. But it was his son, Apollo who showed me and others that friendship between Borelian Nomen and Colonial citizens is possible.* "How did he do that?" *Well, it started with a ball room fight on one of your ships between Colonial Warriors and Borelian Nomen. I at first blamed the humans for it, but after watching the events recorded by a hidden camera, I discovered that it was... my own people with the illusion of gaining honor through dishonorable acts that started the fighting. Also, what fascinated me was that the daughter of Commander Cain... a Colonial WOMAN!... took down several Borelian Nomen all by herself! Then I found out that she was Colonel Apollo's mate.* The correspondent's eyes were somewhat bulging as Maga told the story. She then interrupted him with, *It is a fascinating story, Chancellor, but we are running out of time.* *Well, some of the things that brought peace was that Colonel Apollo assigned his warriors to clean up and restore the room, and I did the same thing with MY people involved in the brawl. Together, Apollo and I helped... working together... It inspired our people to also work together. THAT... was when I saw that peace between our people was possible.* *Well, it was a fascinating story, Chancellor. But we must look at one main point that took place in the tribunal. It seems that the accused saved his Chief Opposer from a possible death.* Apollo, Mojo, and Boxey watched in silence as the scene on the screen changed to Sire Solon yanking the laser bole out of Mojo's hand and activating it. *THROW IT BEFORE IT REACHES CRITICAL MASS SIRE!* cried Mojo in fear. Solon threw it straight up, and the two halves separated, joined by its laser, and started falling down, straight for Solon. Mojo jumped out of the chair, and jumped on Solon. The two of the rolled into a tangle of arms and legs out of the path of the discharging laser bole. The scene changed to Mojo with Apollo beside him. An unseen person said, *I am walking beside the accused right now and his defender. Apparently, the accused has saved his Chief Opposer from getting himself severely injured or killed. As Siress Tinnia put it, 'He saved him from being cut into two pieces.' Ensign, why did you save him?* *It was the honorable thing to do,* responded Mojo. *This is probably the first time in Colonial history that a Chief Opposer's life has been saved by the accused in the courtroom.* The scene changed to Sire Solon, walking. *I saw the recording of it after. Without thinking I snatched the laser bole from the Ensign's hand, which I found out later on, accidentally activated it. I was so full of fear that I could not even move!* Solon's eyes were wide. *And it still scares me. But- the Ensign's cries to throw it shook me out of it, and I threw it. The first place I could think of was up, where it would not harm anyone. Little did I know that it was about to land on me. All of a sudden, I was attacked, unaware that the Ensign was actually trying to save me from my own... recklessness.* Solon winked to the camera. *If you're watching, Ensign, thank you.* Another correspondent came on. *Was it staged to make the Ensign look good?* She asked. Then she answered her own question. *Sire Solon would not participate in something like that. And I doubt that Commander Apollo would risk facing Siress Tinnia's wrath if she found out that it WAS just a show. She seems to be a fair overseer, but I think that she would convict the person he was defending right on the spot if she found out that it was just a show.* Tinnia was on the screen. *I doubt that it was just a show because too much control over emotions was lost to be just merely an act. And I know that Sire Solon would not play along in something like that.* The scanner was turned off. "I miss the practice at the end of our cycles, Mojo," said Boxey. "I have learned a lot from you." "I do, too, Box," responded Mojo. "But there is nothing like a REAL battle." Aboard the Adama, Sheba put the brown cape onto Toria, and Toria fixed the chain that held it in place on the front of her neck. "Thank you, Colonel," she said. "Go get'em," said Sheba. "Remember. Tell the truth... And nothing but." A lone viper flew in space, heading for the Rising Star. "I call Ensign Toria," said Solon. Everyone looked around. "Ensign Toria has just landed in the landing bay," someone pointed out. Toria ran into the room. Tinnia said, "I should have you charged with contempt for your lateness, Young Lady." "I'm sorry, Siress, but the flight corporal left me waiting for a good fifteen centons before granting me landing clearance." "Turn around," demanded Tinnia. Toria turned as Tinnia stared at her in anger. "Well, if you had launched and arrived earlier," Tinnia said. "I should charge you with contempt, and Colonel Sheba for allowing you to take so long to make it over here." Boxey and Mojo was in the cell together. "Where is your father, Box?" asked Mojo. "I'm not sure." Apollo was on the bridge of the Galactica, with Starbuck standing behind him, talking to Sheba on the screen. "Siress Tinnia was upset with Toria's tardiness today, Colonel." *My apologies, Commander, but-" She stopped and thought. "Besides it was the crew of the Rising Star that made Toria wait out there. She launched from the Adama early enough, but the flight corporal of the Rising Star made her wait out there burning off fuel. Toria was smart in uploading the communications between herself and the Rising Star to the Adama.* "Well, the tribunal started at oh nine hundred. Toria walked into the tribunal at oh nine oh six." *And she LAUNCHED from the Adama twenty centons before that. And it only TOOK her a centon to reach the Rising Star. WHY did they make her wait out there, burning off fuel in her viper like that? They made her stand by for twenty centons!* "I want a recording of the communications. Do you have a recording of it?" Apollo and Mojo had just walked up to their places as Tinnia walked up to the bench. Everyone stood, except Apollo and Mojo, who were already standing. Tinnia started, "First that young ensign, and now you too, Commander?" "My apologies, Siress," said Apollo. "We had to wait outside in my shuttle before we got permission to land." Tinnia's face showed annoyance as she turned to Solon. "Sire Solon?" "I have no more witnesses, Siress," said Solon. "Commander?" "Siress, there is something that I must discuss with you, if I may." "All right, Commander, approach, And you better not be merely wasting our time." Apollo approached, and handed her a small object. "Siress, it was beyond Ensign Toria's control of why she was late. I ask you to listen to this before charging anyone with contempt for her tardiness." Tinnia put it aside, saying, "I will listen to this later, but I am NOT charging her or you or anyone with contempt. Things DO happen, Apollo. Now, call your first witness." "I call Chancellor Maga." "I must protest, Siress," protested Solon. "I do not see the need for the Chancellor to speak to the court." "Siress, may we both approach the tribunal?" She nodded. Both, Solon and Apollo approached her. Apollo explained. "I need to establish a foundation about Nomen nature. It may not seem clear right now, but I hope to establish a foundation to prove Ensign Mojo's innocence." "I withdraw my protest," said Solon. "Chancellor?" called Tinnia. Maga stepped up, and sat down. "Chancellor," started Apollo. "Are you a Nomen of the Code?" "Yes I am," he boasted. "Tell me about a blood trail." "What does a Nomen's blood trail have to do with this?" asked Solon. "I want to hear this, Sire," said Tinnia. "But I hope, for YOUR sake, Commander, that you are not just merely wasting the tribunal's time." Apollo nodded to her, and then Maga started. "Well, before a blood trail is implemented, it must be approved by myself, as Chancellor, or by Bora, my right hand." "Has a blood trail been requested for Officer Reese?" "No. But my son would NEVER go on a blood trail without speaking to me first. And if there was a blood trail, I would have sent two more Borelian Nomen under his command." "I request that all that the Chancellor said be erased from the tribunal logs after the word, 'No,'" said Solon. "Yes," said Tinnia. "I agree with that." "But-" pointed Apollo, "but I ask that the part about 'And if there was a blood trail,' remain." Tinnia nodded to him. Apollo then asked, "If a Nomen wanted to kill someone, what would be the proper way of accomplishing this?" "The hunted must see the eyes of his hunter." "Tell me, Chancellor Maga. Is Ensign Mojo a Nomen of the Code?" "Yes." Apollo then pointed out, "Officer Reese never saw the eyes of his killer. As shown in the medical reports, the laser bole went from Officer Reese's back... to the front, meaning that Officer Reese NEVER saw the eyes of his killer. Further, the Chancellor has just pointed out that Ensign Mojo IS a Nomen of the Code." "And, what was Ensign Mojo's words to you when you asked him, 'did you do it?'" "YOU asked him, Commander, and his exact words to YOU were, 'I tell you AS A NOMEN OF THE CODE that I did not do it, Commander.' And yes, he did repeat himself to me as well." "As a Nomen of the Code," repeated Apollo. "What does a Nomen mean when he says that?" "That he is being completely truthful. That is the best way I can explain it." "No more questions," said Apollo. "Chancellor," Solon started. "Is it possible for a Nomen to lie and swear to it as a... Nomen of the Code?" "Yes, but-" "And is it POSSIBLE for a Nomen to just throw his activated laser bole at his... I believe your term is, 'jackal?'" "Yes, but-" "That is all." "But-" Maga still wanted to say more. Tinnia could actually feel Maga's rising anger. "Chancellor Maga, finish what you wanted to say." Maga looked at her, his face showing thanks. "But if a Nomen swears to a lie as a Nomen of the Code, he loses his Nomen rank. His House... His family is dishonored. And if Mojo swore that an intentional lie was the truth, then I have been dishonored, and must accept my dishonor as a true Nomen. And there is a lot to lose for the House of Maga. Mojo is VERY aware of that. Also, a Nomen is supposed to DO something to make the jackal look at his hunter before throwing the laser bole." "Thank you, Chancellor." Apollo said to Mojo, "I think that Sire Solon has just ruined your credibility." "Don't DO it, Commander," cried Mojo. "You risk your honor in the eyes of my people if you do." "I will take that risk, my friend," said Apollo. With that, he said, "I call Sergeant Boxey." As Boxey walked up, Apollo said to him, "You are still under oath to tell the truth, Sergeant." "Yes, Commander," he responded. Boxey sat down. "You are Ensign Mojo's arresting officer, are you not?" "Yes, Sir." "And are you Mojo's friend?" "Yes, Sir. Mojo is my wingmate." "And while you were taking him to his holding cell, what did you ask him?" "I offered to lie to this tribunal and say that he was with me and Toria the entire time." People throughout groaned at that answer. "And what was Ensign Mojo's answer?" "He refused, saying that I can best help him by telling the truth." "Thank you." "I have no questions," said Solon. Tinnia nodded to Boxey, and Boxey got up and went back to the back of the room. "You probably dishonored yourself and your family in the eyes of my people," said Mojo. "Mojo, Sire Solon had destroyed your credibility," explained Apollo. "I needed to reestablish it." Boxey sat with them, silently. "Giving up your family honor to save one man's is no small price, Apollo, but..." Mojo trailed off. Maga showed outside of the cell door, accompanied by a Colonial warrior. "I will speak with you, Apollo," said Maga. Apollo approached the doorway. "Alone." Apollo nodded to the Colonial warrior, and the warrior opened the door. Apollo walked out, and the door closed behind him. "Your son giving up your family honor for one man is no small favor, Apollo," said Maga. "Have my son or I lost honor in view of your people?" "Did your son actually lie under oath?" "No." "You answered both of your own questions, my friend. Talking about it and doing it are two different things. You proven that my son has honor, and I thank you for that." "Did you doubt it?" "No, but I did have to face the possibility." "He was bent over when the laser bole struck him. It was as if he was trying to duck," Cassiopeia said to Apollo, Boxey and Toria. They were back in the Life Center aboard the Galactica. Starbuck was there, too. He pointed out, "Well, from the way the two halves of the laser bole were laying there on the deck, it looks like someone climbed the UP wall to get Officer Reese, or the Nomen was three times Mojo's height." Apollo added, "Or, someone threw it straight up, and Reese ducked to avoid getting hit by it, but that was his fatal error." Toria said, "That's it!" "What?" responded everyone. "He must have tossed the laser bole and tried catching it, like I've seen some of the younger cadets do with their cubits..." "What do you mean?" asked Apollo. "I know what she means," said Boxey. He reached into his pouch, and pulled out a cubit. Then he said, "Like this." He tossed the cubit straight up, and then caught it. "Would that not activate a laser bole?" "I believe it would," said Apollo. "So, either Reese or Les may have grabbed the laser bole off Mojo's sash..." Toria went to explain. "But the force of taking that laser bole would have activated it," pointed out Boxey. "Mojo would have been the one to have gotten struck by that laser bole, and Reese would have been the man charged... And with the other six of us seeing the whole thing, along with Officer Les, convicted." "Maybe not, if you do it carefully," said Apollo. "I got to talk to Maga again." With that, Apollo walked out, followed by Boxey. Once out of the Life Center, Apollo and Boxey both went in two opposite directions. Tinnia put the small object that Apollo had given her earlier into her equipment, and then listened. *Launch control handed to you, Ensign,* said Aurora's voice. *Good luck.* *Launch,* commanded Sheba. After a centon of silence, Toria's voice said, *Ensign Toria of Silver Spar Squadron to Rising Star, requesting clearance to land.* After a another centon of silence, Toria exasperatingly said, *Rising Star, this is Ensign Toria of Silver Star Squadron. Respond.* *This is Rising Star,* responded a man's voice. *Landing clearance will be granted in a centon.* *All right, but I have sixteen centons to get to that tribunal. And keep in mind that every micron that I am out here I am burning fuel that can better be utilized for the fleet.* *Understood, Ensign. We're making clearance for you as fast as we can.* After another centon of silence, Tinnia pushed a button. Then after a few microns, the audio resumed. *Ensign Toria of Silver Spar Squadron to Rising Star. You said, 'a centon.' It has been fifteen centons. And I have to get to that tribunal at oh nine hundred. Don't make me late.* *Stand by, Ensign.* Tinnia gave a slight chuckle as she heard Toria grumble, and then her frown immediately returned. After pushing another button, Toria's voice exclaimed, *I now have ONE centon to get to the tribunal. Will you grant me clearance to land or should I land without clearance?* *Stand by, Ensign.* *Just so you know, I am out here in a fighter. Don't tempt me to use my lasers.* After more silence, Tinnia pressed the button. *I am now LATE for the tribunal. I will bring charges against you if I am charged with contempt. This Colonial warrior will NOT go down alone. Now, am I cleared to land or do I land anyway with my lasers blasting and then press charges?* *Clearance to land granted Ensign. Our apologies for the delay.* *Thank you.* Tinnia hit another button. Apollo was pacing back and forth in the officer's club. Finally, Maga walked in, saying, "You needed my help Apollo?" "Oh, Maga, thank you for coming." The two of them looked at each other in silence. Finally, Apollo asked, "Is it possible to take a laser bole off the sash without activating it?" "Difficult," responded Maga. "But not impossible." "Can I try it with you? I mean, removing a laser bole off your sash without activating it." "Do you have something to discharge the laser through, or are you going to hold a charging laser bole until it explodes from reaching beyond critical mass, and terminates you along with it?" Apollo pointed his finger towards his right side. Boxey was with Mojo in his cell. "We have a new theory, Mojo, we think." Mojo looked at Boxey, surprised. "Mojo, is it possible to remove a laser bole off a sash without activating it?" "It is difficult, but it can be done." "I also have a thought. When a Borelian Nomen uses his laser bole, does he not retrieve it?" "A Nomen would retrieve the two pieces of his laser bole after using it, if possible. Very seldom would a Nomen not try to retrieve it, like when we were in the command center of that basestar when we took it. But- we did retrieve the laser boles when it was all over. And we WERE retrieving other Nomens' laser boles every chance we had." "That laser bole was just left there at the murder scene in two pieces." "If it was a Borelian Nomen of the Code that murdered Officer Reese, the laser bole would not have been left laying there as you described it." The door opened, and Tinnia stepped out. She stopped, and yawned, and then pressed the button on the door next to the one that she stepped out of. "Come in," she heard faintly through the door. Tinnia walked in to see Gaylin sitting behind a scanner screen. "Mister President, I would like you to take command of the Rising Star until oh ten hundred." "Why?" asked Gaylin. "Was there a problem?" "Well, yes. I almost charged a witness at the tribunal for contempt because of lateness. I just heard evidence in my quarters last cycle that it was the crew of the Rising Star that caused her to be late by leaving her out there, waiting for landing clearance for TWENTY centons. They actually left the witness flying around the landing bays, burning precious fuel... I have a recording of the communications between the witness and the flight officer." "All right, but I haven't really commanded a ship like this, you know." "As President of the Council of Twelve, you have the authority to take command. Just take it from now until the tribunal starts, all right?" Gaylin nodded to her. With that, Gaylin and Tinnia walked out of his personal quarters together. Solon walked in and took his place, looking surprised at seeing all of the people already there. He turned to Apollo, saying, "You got here before me for a change." "Things went smoother with landing," responded Apollo. Behind the two parties near the back, Les was seated. In another area closer to the front, Maga, Boxey, Toria, Kritter, Diana, and Saul sat. Boxey kept awkwardly taking quick looks at Maga sitting next to him. Maga turned to Boxey, saying, "Thank you for trying to help my House keep our honor." Boxey nodded to Maga, knowing exactly what he meant. It was a very different reaction from what he expected. Tinnia walked in, the room went silent, and everyone stood up. Apollo looked at his time piece. The readout read, "0900." Tinnia looked around the room, seeming pleased. "Your trips here from the other ships of the fleet went more smoothly, I see," she announced to the court room. "Be seated. And, Commander Apollo, call your next witness." "I need to call Chancellor Maga back to the stand, in light of new evidence." Tinnia looked at Solon, saying, "Any protest, Sire?" "The Commander already explained it to me," responded Solon. Maga stepped up, and sat in the witness chair. "I have two questions, Chancellor. First, what happens to the laser bole after a Borelian Nomen uses it to kill the... 'jackal?'" "First, he retrieves the two pieces of the discharged bole." "Even if there is a chance of getting caught?" "Yes. If a Nomen of the Code committed that termination, he would have retrieved the laser bole. Not leave it laying around discharged like pieces of garbage." "I also want to try something, if I may," said Apollo as he went to Maga's side. Apollo bent over, and then he gently moved back, holding a laser bole in his hand. "So, it is possible that someone removed the laser bole off Mojo, and then later used it to kill Officer Reese." Impressed moans of surprise echoed throughout the room. Apollo handed the inactive laser bole back to Maga saying, "Thank you, Chancellor." Tinnia asked Maga, "So, Chancellor, whoever killed Officer Reese most likely was NOT a Borelian Nomen, is that correct?" "You are correct, Siress," responded Maga. "Thank you, Chancellor," said Tinnia. She nodded to him, and Maga got up and went back to where he came from. "I call Officer Les to the stand," said Apollo. Les walked up, and sat down at the witness area. Apollo stood beside Mojo, who was sitting, "Where were you at twenty-two hours the cycle that Officer Reese died?" "I was in the shuttle, waiting for President Gaylin and Officer Reese." Apollo looked around the room, as if looking for someone or something. "I can bring President Gaylin in here, and he will testify that you and he both walked into the shuttle together." "But Gaylin took command of this ship," pointed out Les. Tinnia said, "We can have him come here temporarily since everyone is already here." She nodded to Apollo. "I ask you again, where were you at twenty-two hours the cycle that Officer Reese died?" "I went to the turboflush first." That brought laughter from the entire room. Even Siress Tinnia gave a slight chuckle. Les's face flushed red from embarrassment. Les continued. "Then I joined President Gaylin as he walked towards the shuttle when I was done there." "All right, Officer," said Apollo. "Where did you go after you and I met in the Officer's Club and Reese had run out?" "I went to look for Officer Reese." "With Ensign Mojo's laser bole?" "No. I did not even go NEAR the Ensign. How could I... as you had just shown the court, picked off one of his laser boles?" Les was clearly getting nervous. "All right," said Apollo. He picked up an object off the table that he and Mojo were at. "I have a security surveillance recording. I enter THIS into evidence. The only way to get to Mojo's quarters is by going past the weapons locker." "All right," cried Les. "I followed Officer Reese there. One of the Galactica crew told me that he Reese asked where 'the Borelian Nomen's quarters were,' and then he directed me there when I asked if he had seen Officer Reese. I saw him there with the laser bole in his hand. He was probably going to use it on the Ensign when he went to his quarters; I am not sure. As the attendant at the Officer's club can point out, he had too much grog. The attendant was afraid of him, and so was I. "When the six Colonial warriors came in, we were both relieved, because we both knew that they would help if Reese went crazy when the attendant would refuse to give him more grog. As someone had said earlier in the tribunal, Reese attacked Mojo, so that must have been when he managed to get the laser bole off Mojo. I don't know how he could have kept it from activating in his groggy state." Tinnia stared ahead, listening to Les rambling on. Solon, too, listened intensely. "But when I got to him," continued Les. "He pointed to the door and said that behind that door is the Borelian Nomen's quarters. He told me that he wanted to wait for 'the Borelian Nomen.' He held out the laser bole out to me, saying, 'Want to see?' I was about to take it, but he snatched it away from me, and accidentally activated it. Looking around quickly for a target that its laser would not do too much damage to, I saw the beam on the ceiling, and then tried to knock the laser bole out of his hand. He held onto the charging laser bole, and it only went part way up. Then as he watched it start coming back down, he pushed me so hard, that he almost fell over. I went banging into the wall and landed on the floor, but as he was trying to keep his balance, the laser bole..." Les trailed off, weeping. He tried to go on. "The laser... cut... cut..." Apollo went over to him, gently saying, "I think that we can all see what happened from there." He put his hand on Les's shoulder, and Les put an arm around him for support. Apollo felt awkward as the security officer wept and pretty much hung onto him around his waist with his one arm and covering his face with his other hand. Out of nowhere, Gaylin came up, saying, "I think that accounts for what happened to his arm. Probably when Reese pushed him out of the laser bole's path, he probably hurt himself." Solon announced, "I move to dismiss the charges against Ensign Mojo." Tinnia quickly announced, "Tribunal is finished." Then she ran over to Les. Les was going through convulsions. Tinnia then announced, "We need a med-tech." Diana was there, and she ran over. Together, Tinnia and Diana slowly led Les out of the room. Solon went to Mojo, saying, "I owe you my life it seems, Ensign. And my apologies." "I only did what honor demanded of me, and you were only doing the job assigned to you, Sire." Mojo held his right hand out to him. Solon and Mojo shook, holding each other's wrists, looking at each other intensely eyes to eyes. Boxey and Toria came running over. Mojo's eyes lit up when he saw them. "You see, Box," said Mojo, "the truth came out, and you did not have to dishonor the House of Adama for me. And it did not take yahrens to find the truth as you said that it may." They both laughed, Mojo's laughter being heard above the ambient noise of the people in the room talking. In the launch bay, Mojo, Toria, and Boxey were walking towards their vipers. An I.F.B. newswoman stopped them, saying, "How do you feel, Ensign Mojo?" "I am happy that I can be with my friends," he answered, "With my and my family's honor intact." "What are you going to do now?" "Continue serving on the Galactica under Commander Apollo, my father's good friend." "I hear that you are the best viper pilot in the fleet," she said. Boxey answered. "Where I would blow ONE Cylon out of the sky, he would pulverize the pogees out of two of them." "Thank you, Sergeant Boxey," she said, and then moved on. They approached Tinnia, Solon, Apollo, Diana, Gaylin, and Maga. Maga was holding a large pouch-like bag in his hand. Mojo then asked, "Is it true?" "What?" asked Apollo. "Officer Reese said that the Colonial Council was going to let my father join it." "Yes, Ensign," answered Gaylin. Maga reached into the large pouch, and pulled out two sashes with laser boles on them. He gave one to Apollo. After putting the empty bag down, he put the one he had back onto Mojo. Apollo followed suit with the other one, from his other side. "Serve my friend well, Mojo," said Maga. "I will, Father." "What has happened to Officer Les?" asked Boxey. Diana said, "He is undergoing treatment. The reason he did not tell us about it earlier was because he was going through denial. But from what we know, it was a tragic accident that killed Reese, as he saved Les's life." Tinnia said, "He is being treated by the life station staff aboard the Rising Star. He will be fine." "How is his family?" asked Boxey. "They were worried about him," said Tinnia. "I spoke to Les's wife myself. And now that they know the whole story..." She trailed off as another thought threw off her present train of thought. "Oh, I almost forgot. Les's older son wants to meet you, Ensign Mojo. And your father. He wants to know what Borelian Nomen are like." "I would be honored, Siress," responded Maga. "Me, too," said Mojo. Solon held out a laser bole to him, saying, "I believe that this is yours, Ensign." "Thank you, Sire Solon," said Mojo as he accepted the laser bole, and put it back on his sash. Sheba met Toria, Tannia and Kritter assembled in the launch bay aboard the Adama. "Problem, Commander?" asked Toria. "No, I am also taking furlon," answered Sheba. "To make sure that a superior officer is around if problems arise again?" "No, I'm going to spend time with my husband and my children," said Sheba. "Captain Bojay will be interim commander of the basestar during my furlon." Each of them climbed into a viper, and the cockpits closed. *Furlon Squadron requesting launch clearance,* said Toria into her helmetcom. The answer was several people giggling and laughing on the comm system. *Launch control handed to you...* said Aurora's voice. * ... Furlon Squadron.* More laughter. Four vipers emerged from the green basestar Adama, and then headed for the Galactica. As they approached the port side landing bay, they slowed down. *This is Furlon Squadron Group leader, requesting clearance to land,* said Sheba's voice. *Tee-hee-hee-hee!* Sheba liked the sound of 'Furlon Squadron,' and had to use it and laugh. After a response of Rigel's laughter... *Clearance to land granted, Colonel. Enjoy your furlon... All of you.* *Thank you, Rigel,* said Sheba. In the landing bay, Apollo, Troy, Hera, Boxey, Saul, Diana, and Mojo watched the vipers come to a full stop. Landing bay crewmen were moving four lifts to the side of each viper as one of the cockpits opened. Upon seeing the seven of them waiting, the pilot, clearly a woman by the shape of her form, quickly jumped out of her viper, removed her helmet, and tossed it into the cockpit. She ran down towards the nose of the viper, and jumped off the front. After squatting down as she landed on the deck to relieve some of the pressure of that landing, she ran right into Boxey's arms. "I've missed you, Boxey," whispered Toria into Boxey's ear. "I've missed you too, Toria." Apollo looked up, sighing from what he saw. Tannia also jumped out of the cockpit when her canopy was open. She walked down the nose of the viper, sat on it, and used her arms to lower herself to the deck. "It was great for our commanders to give us another furlon after all the excitement," asked Saul. "Yeah," answered Tannia. Kritter was only slightly more gracious and patient. He waited until the lift was beside his viper before climbing out. Then he tossed his helmet into the cockpit, and ran down the lift to the group. Sheba climbed out of her viper, but instead of using the lift, she climbed onto the deck on the other side, and ran to Apollo. "Furlon Squadron?" asked Apollo. They all laughed. Sheba and Apollo let go of each other, and she squatted down to Troy and Hera, using each arm to give both of them a hug. "Behaving for your father?" she asked. "Yes, Mother," responded Troy. "They have been behaving," said Apollo. "They seem more well-behaved than some of our Colonial warriors," he said, looking at Toria, Tannia, and then Kritter. The entire group walked out. After a generation of fleeing from Cylon treachery, the last battlestar, Galactica, leads a ragtag fugitive fleet on a long and lonely quest. A shining planet known as Earth.