Battlestar Pegasus - The "Battle" of Gomorrah
Virtual Season 5, Episode 4
By Eric Paddon

Prologue

     Officially, the planet Gomorrah represented the pinnacle of the
Cylon Empire's achievements.  Located at the edge of what the Cylons and
their enemies in Colonial Civilization considered to be "charted space"
it had once been the domain of a race of aliens called the Delphians. 
From the human perspective, Delphians could look as repelling as other
races like the Ovions did, but once initial perceptions and prejudices
wore off, they soon saw a race devoted to the arts and intellectual
study.  Although human contact was infrequent due to the distance between
Gomorrah and the Colonial Frontier, the reputation of the Delphians grew
over the millennia so that they became known as the Delphian Empire.  Not
in regard to their military strength but in regard to their knowledge and
learning.  Theirs was an Empire of Reason.
     Which left the Delphians no match for when the expanding presence of
the Cylon Empire reached them some eight yahrens previously.  The end
result.....a society of fifty million living beings exterminated.  But
their great cities spared in order for the Cylon civilian class to
establish themselves as the outermost beacon of Cylon culture across the
known universe.
     Because Gomorrah was meant to be an outpost for Cylon civilian
culture, its military capability was not as great as one might have
expected.  They kept enough fighters on hand that represented the
equivalent of a single Baseship's complement.  They also kept two
garrisons worth of centurions to handle all "functional" tasks of
maintenance and surveillance.  But the fruits of Gomorrah were reserved
for the civilian and upper classes of Cylons, in particular the IL group. 
Which suited Gomorrah's overall commander, whose name was Spektor, just
fine.  He enjoyed the fact that on Gomorrah he could be surrounded by the
presence of a large number of fellow IL Cylons as well as some of the
other civilian class Cylons that most humans were generally unaware of
the existence of.  The shorter in height model DG class for instance,
which took to the resources of Gomorrah and absorbed the knowledge into
their databases like certain insectoids took to sucking human blood. 
Conversation with them could, as Spektor had discovered, be most
stimulating.
     Shut out from such simpler pleasures, centurions had to perform what
humans would have called the "grunt" work or the "dirty" work of
maintenance and systems operations.  Their single brains deemed incapable
of appreciating what was meant for the upper classes alone.
     Most IL Cylons considered this stratified structure idyllic.  They
were far removed from the immediate pressures of the wars the Cylon
Empire fought in the name of expanding its influence. They could enjoy
pleasure as the Cylon higher brain mind defined it, seemingly endlessly. 
Particularly since the problems that had bedeviled Gomorrah from the
outside up to two and half yahrens ago were now regarded as a thing of
the past.  Never to intrude on Cylon tranquility again.
     But there were two IL Cylons on Gomorrah who knew that the
superficial tranquility concealed problems underneath.  And for
diametrically different reasons, neither thought the much vaunted
tranquility that the Outer Capitol had become noted for could last
forever.
     One of the IL's was the base commander.
     For the better part of a yahren, Spektor had been haunted by his
last direct communication with the Imperious Leader.  Coming on the heels
of the disappearance of a two Baseship task force commanded by Baltar and
Lucifer, as they stalked the Galactica following her departure from a
distant place called Brylon Station.  Waiting to engage them in a
critical battle that would at last clear out the final vestige of
Colonial civilization and free the Cylon Empire to impose its vision of
Order across the known universe.
     But things had clearly gone awry.  He could still remember the last
message from Lucifer, his old adversary from the more advanced class of
IL Cylons.  Reporting how a mysterious "accident" had befallen the
second-in-command of Baltar's baseship, Commander Septimus, who
coincidentally belonged to the same IL class Spektor did (and even had
the same voice).  Despite their being from the same class, Spektor had
initially brushed off the concern because his own past experience with
Septimus left him convinced that something had gone wrong when the
identical IL had been put together.  Septimus seemed to
lack....initiative.  It was as though to Spektor, Septimus had failed
completely to utilize all of the skills programmed into him.
     And that was why what Lucifer had said next to him, had Spektor
reacting with total indignation.
     "There is.....some unusual behavior taking place inside the ranks of
the centurions aboard Baltar's ship,   Behavior that.....leads me to feel
it's conceivably possible for Baltar to get them to do his own bidding."
     "Are you trying to tell me that Baltar's own centurions could end up
being disloyal to the Empire itself?"
     "Yes, Spektor, that's exactly what I'm suggesting."
     He'd angrily dismissed those objections.  But then had come more
disturbing signs.  Lucifer's baseship showing indications that it was now
destroyed.  And Baltar's baseship showing signs......that it was no
longer responding to any messages sent by the Outer Capitol.
     Finally, Spektor felt compelled to report his suspicions to the
Imperious Leader.  The last time he had ever spoken directly to him.
     "Your Eminence, I think we have to consider the possibility that we
have badly underestimated Baltar.  We've presumed him to be unchanged
from what he was like before, and.....that may have resulted in him
playing us for fools the way your predecessor expertly played him for one
before the Destruction."
     "Are you trying to suggest that Baltar may have *delivered* his ship
to the humans?" 
     "Yes, that is what I am suggesting, Your Eminence."
     "How could he pull something like that off?"
     "Your Eminence.  Have you ever noticed something....odd about the
centurions under your direct command?"
     Spektor could never forget the.....silence that had greeted him.  As
though the Cylon ruler had just heard some kind of unpleasant
confirmation rather than being shocked by the suggestion.
It was some time before he finally got a reply.
     "Did you get any indications of this in Baltar's ranks?"
     "Lucifer.....was beginning to suspect something of the kind.  We
have never seen such behavior here on Gomorrah, but.....*is* this sort of
thing a phenomenon that's happened elsewhere?  That centurions could
somehow, by themselves, decide to......"  
     And then.....the shocking answer that the Leader had delivered in a
flat tone of voice.
     "Yes   It....has come up elsewhere before."
     "Where?"
     "You are not cleared to know that, Spektor.  Don't waste my time
asking me to tell you where and how, you won't get an answer."
     For the first time, Spektor had felt compelled to raise his voice to
the Cylon ruler.
     "I'll respect your order on that, Your Eminence, but your reticence
on that matter isn't going to change the fact that we *may* have just
lost two baseships due to a similar problem, and one of them may now
conceivably be in enemy hands." 
     And then, the final plea he had made.  Which seemed rooted in common
sense.  Two baseships had clearly been lost, so what would any rational
Cylon have then assumed should happen next?
     "Your Eminence, if we are looking at a situation where Colonial
strength has just been doubled, then at bare minimum, three baseships
must be dispatched in pursuit!"
     But Spektor never got a response.  The picture had gone blank and
more than a yahren later, he had never heard so much as a single word
from Imperious Leader.  Contact with the home planet had been reduced to
the mundane transmission of status reports and evaluations, which were
typically answered by a centurion technician on the other end with a
terse one sentence acknowledgment and dismissal.  Some times they might
get a reminder message from the technician on when their next report was
due, but that was essentially it.
     On top of that, outside contact between the Gomorrah quadrant and
the broader Cylon Empire had virtually ceased.  The only Cylon outsiders
who still came to Gomorrah came from the nearby outposts that mined the
fuel supplies needed to keep the garrison fighters operating, bringing
their cargos of tylium and petrol on routine schedule.  But whenever
Spektor gently asked the outpost commanders if *they* had seen or heard
anything from the Empire, they could only tell him they hadn't.
     That shouldn't have surprised the commander though.  The outposts
had no means of long-range communications at their disposal.  The only
thing they could have noticed is if the baseship attached to the distant
garrison, located in the Cannes planetary system happened to enter the
region.  Cannes was over six sectans flight time from Gomorrah and
represented the largest Cylon outpost between the Colonies and Gomorrah. 
The two Cylon baseships that had been destroyed by the Pegasus at the
Battle of Gomorrah had originally been attached to that garrison.  But
Spektor knew that with just one Baseship left, the Cannes Garrison was
not inclined to send their one remaining warship that far out into space.
     And he had no means of communicating directly with the Cannes
Garrison.  The Garrison had the ability to talk to the Cylon Home Planet
but not to Gomorrah.  Apparently their system was less sophisticated and
was "uni-directional" in nature, which only permitted messages to go back
and forth in the region of space that Gomorrah lay outside of.  Spektor
could never understand why the Imperious Leader insisted it be that way,
but apparently it was part of the Cylon Ruler's obsessive need to
micro-manage the affairs of the Empire.  Only he could tell the Cannes
Garrison what to do, and only he could tell Gomorrah what to do.  And so,
that left Spektor in the dark as to what was happening on Cannes, just as
he was in the dark on all other areas of the Cylon Empire.
     If Spektor had a Baseship at his disposal, he would have sent it
well beyond the fuel outposts to attempt contact with Cannes Garrison via
conventional communications.  But he had no Baseship.  If he had more
fighters at his disposal he might have been bold enough to send them far
out, utilizing tankers for refueling, to see if maybe *they* could detect
signals from Cannes that might shed some light on what was happening. 
     But Spektor's existing level of fighter strength held him back from
considering that option.  He feared too much the possibility that just
maybe......the Galactica and the returning baseship of Baltar might swoop
down from the stars to rain a fiery wrath on Gomorrah that he'd be unable
to prevent.  That was a risk that however small, he refused to take.  Not
when things were at the very least....normal on Gomorrah.  For now at
least.  However much he wanted to know an answer to the terrible question
of what was happening elsewhere in the Empire to keep them from sending
out more baseships, and had made Imperious Leader make that one terse
statement of acknowledgment about centurion resistance.......he had
decided that circumstances required him......to do nothing.
     What can I do?  He'd thought more than once.  I can't spy on what's
happening in back of us and I'm too scared to look ahead of us and see if
something's coming our way.  Maybe nothing will happen.  Maybe the
Galactica and Baltar will keep going out into deep space and that will
really be the last we'll hear of them!
     He could only hope.


     But if Spektor felt he could do nothing from a military probe
standpoint, he could at least do two things quietly and unobtrusively
here on Gomorrah.  First, he had confided in a number of fellow IL's as
well as civilians from the DG category that they should keep a closer
watch on the centurions.  And to report any signs of unusual activity.
     And then......he had quietly dispatched an IL Cylon named Volahd to
insure that a constant watch on the communications set-up that had
permitted conversation in one direction with the home planet......and
with the Baseship task force in the other direction......remained in an
active listening state.  No new messages beyond the routine reports to
Cylon would be transmitted, but Volahd and the centurions under him would
let him know the instant any kind of anomaly was present.  For some
reason.....Spektor was convinced that if a military strike from beyond
*was* imminent, there would be indications of it on the communications
receiver.  Baltar might not send a direct message to him......but perhaps
the nearing proximity of his baseship might give off a signal that could
be interpreted and give Spektor precious time to prepare.
     Volahd was one IL who understood the need for doing exactly as
Spektor said.  As did the command centurion who worked directly
underneath Volahd named Vipron.  They both owed their lives to the
generosity of Spektor.  Both had been part of the command infrastructure
of Spektor's predecessor, Commander Keldor, who had been executed by
Imperious Leader for his failure to mention the two yahren menace to
Gomorrah caused by the Battlestar Pegasus.  Once, Volahd and Vipron had
enjoyed high-level positions in the Gomorrah command structure under
Keldor.  Not after the commando raid that had taken place during a visit
by Imperious Leader himself and nearly seen the Cylon ruler killed. 
Imperious Leader had initially demanded their execution along with
Keldor, but Spektor, wanting to ingratiate himself to those serving under
him in his new position, had requested they be spared....and demoted to
the bottom rung of meaningful activities for both IL and command
centurion alike.  That was why Volahd and Vipron were now in charge of
monitoring the long-range communications for signs of messages that could
be intercepted and analyzed.  Messages that might offer some clues about
the two Baseships that had disappeared.
     It was important work.....but it was also meaningless given the
endless day-to-day monotony it involved.  That was especially true in
Volahd's case.  The IL Cylon was now completely cut off from the
activities that IL Cylons typically engaged in as members of the
privileged order.  And with each passing day that he spent in this
diminished duty of running a communications complex and being forced to
analyze non-existent activity......the more Volahd found his computer
mind expressing doubts that he'd started to form even before his initial
downfall, when he'd still been enjoying the full privileges of his class.
     Commander Vipron seemed to sense his superior's attitude. 
Consequently.....the command centurion and the IL had begun to spend
their perpetually idle centars engaged in conversations of their own. 
Learning a great deal in the process.
     That would prove critical on the day when for the first time in a
very long while, the centurions manning the consoles could actually
report something other than the persistent crackle of emptiness.  This
time there were noticeable.....anomalies.  Anomalies that required Volahd
to finally make use of his increasingly dormant analytical circuits for
something meaningful. 
     He deduced that the anomalies detected from far out beyond the
unknown regions of uncharted space could indicate that attempts were
being made to send some kind of signal.  But clearly not signals intended
for Gomorrah.  If that had been the case, they would have come through
immediately and the technicians would have been face to face with whoever
was sending the message.
     So perhaps.....the logical answer was that someone was sending
signals to someone with reception capability similar to what existed on
Gomorrah?  That seemed like the *only* realistic answer to Volahd.  And
Vipron had expressed his concurrence.
     They were also in concurrence over what to do next.
     Spektor wasn't to know a thing.


Chapter Two

     "Hello, Mother.......I wanted to send you this, once we confirmed
that the Pegasus has no difficulty receiving messages from us, just as we
have none receiving them from you.  I know we won't be hearing from you
again until after the situation at Gomorrah is over, but.....it was
really important for me to send this to you, personally."
     Ila sat back in her chair, looking at her monitor with a smile of
adoring love at the recorded message her son had sent over the
communications link that now existed between the Pegasus and the faraway
Galactica.  Even though his embrace of the ancient Kobollian look had
changed his outward appearance, Ila knew that in the more fundamental
things that bonded her to him as mother and son, he was still the same.
     "Mother.....to know that you are alive, and that you've been able to
see us again, and to see your grandchildren for the first time
is.......well we know it's a blessing beyond anything we had a right to
ever expect.  I'm grateful for all that.  Especially when I saw you
reacting to all your new grandchildren.  The fact that you know about
them, and got to tell them how much you love them and that you are going
to be part of their lives from now on......that's something that means so
much to me.  Just the fact that.....you *know* about them."
     He took a breath, "So, Mother......now that I've said that......can
you understand and not be disappointed in me if I tell you that
afterwards, there was a part of me that was just a little bit......
disappointed this wasn't going to mean a full reunion?"
     "Yes, Son," Ila whispered back with love at the recording, "I *do*
understand."
     "It's not that I don't understand the reasons why you feel it's
important to serve the cause of the Resistance and to help Cain in the
ways you already have.  I understand that spending three yahrens of your
life at the center of the Resistance movement creates a bond that's
impossible for you to break, not just in the cause itself but the people
you've worked with and who put their trust in you when they sent you off
in that shuttle.  I understand that it was for their sake, and not your
own that you set out in that journey.  It's just......" he sighed and
lowered his head briefly, "It's just, Mother that.....a part of my heart
felt selfish that night.  I know it's not right of me."
     His mother reached out and touched his image on the screen, wishing
she could reach out and hug him.
     "But the next morning, I suddenly remembered something you once
taught me," his voice began to regain its strength, "When I was about
eight I think, Father came home and spent one of those long six sectar
furlons that warriors used to have if they'd been away for more than a
yahren of extended combat duty.  And it was a really happy time for me
because we did so much together as a family when he was home.  And when
he had to report back to the Rycon on short notice and couldn't say
goodbye to me and Athena and Zac, I remember how upset I was that he had
to go.  Do you remember I asked you why he couldn't stay with us all the
time?"
     Ila drew her hand back and felt a tear of nostalgia forming in her
eye as she nodded her head.  Yes.  I remember.
     "You took me aside and told me that if Father could stay with us
every day always, he would.  But the reason he couldn't, was because he
needed to do the things that made me proud he was my Father.  And if I
wasn't proud he was my Father......then having him home every day
wouldn't be special at all."
     He took a breath, "Mother.....I'm proud of you, and what you've done
these last three yahrens with burdens greater than the rest of us have
had.  I'm proud of you for making such a difference on Caprica with the
Resistance and with Cain on the Pegasus.  And wherever the Lords take you
next.......may they watch over you and let my love.....and the love of
all of us in the Family, be your strength."
     Finally, "I love you, Mother.  And I look forward to seeing you
again."
     As Apollo's image faded from the screen, his mother wiped away the
single tear, smiled and blew a kiss.  She had vowed not to have any kind
of breakdown after one of these messages, and she had passed the test. 
If these contacts were to acquire a quality of normalcy, then she knew
there was no reason for a breakdown when one ended.  From now on, as far
as she was concerned, there were no more separations.  Only interludes.
     And then, she rose to prepare herself for what she knew was going to
be an important staff meeting.  One that would help insure there would be
a next time for her to communicate with her family.


     Cain, like Ila, had experienced his first personal message from the
Galactica that day.  Sheba had spoken at length about how Adama had gone
out of his way to make her feel at home aboard the Galactica.  She talked
of how she and Apollo realized they were in love with each other during a
mission when Apollo and Starbuck had used a captured Cylon fighter to
infiltrate and help destroy a lone baseship.  And how they'd been sealed
several sectars later. 
     He had enjoyed hearing her talk, and yet......Cain's paternal
instinct sensed that Sheba was streamlining the details somewhat
regarding her courtship and marriage.  As though there were some aspects
of it she wasn't ready to tell him about yet.  If at all.
     Well, I'm not going to press her about that, he thought as he headed
down the corridor for the next thing he had to do.  It's obvious she and
Apollo are happy, and if some of those details are private, that's their
business.
     He stopped in front of the door that led to the battlestar's
makeshift agro-lab.  Converted from empty bunk space used by crew that
had evacuated to the Galactica three yahrens ago, it was where the
Galactica refugees Wallis and Kelli plied their trade at developing new
means of extending the Pegasus food supply.  While the battlestar had
done well stocking up on food resources during their trips to Brylon
Station, the Weather Planet and Terra respectively, recent events had
convinced Cain they needed to make their existing supplies go further. 
Cain was expecting the tempo of events to pick up once they got past the
looming matter of Gomorrah, and once they did he didn't want to waste
precious time surveying planets for additional food.  If existing
surpluses could be made to go further on the Pegasus, it could make a
great difference to the success of the Resistance.
     At least we've got qualified people who can figure that out, he
thought as he opened the door to the Agro-Lab.  Finding them at Brylon
turned out to be as Providential as finding Ila was for us.
     As soon as Cain entered the room, Wallis, with his perpetually
nervous, stammering air, stopped what he was doing and snapped to
attention.
     "Carry on, Wallis," Cain marveled at how the agro-tech still had a
way of not feeling relaxed in his presence.  "What are you two up to?"
     "Oh!" he picked up his compuscan device and motioned to the table he
was working on, one of five that had been set up to grow strains of ten
different vegetables.  "We're.....making an adjustment to the level of
nutrients in the soil on Table #2 to see if it can accelerate the growth
rate.  Ideally if we can harvest a full table load every two sectars for
each table, then we end up saving an additional 5% on what we have in
storage for the same period."
     "That's good," Cain smiled and motioned his swagger stick, "Every
last percentage point over time might add up to one less planet to look
for, or one less alien race or isolated human colony to trade with."  His
eyes darted about, "Your wife here?"
     "She's in the back preparing the hypo for nutrient injection," he
motioned his head.  As soon as he finished, Kelli emerged wearing
protective gloves and carrying a hypo-device.  Upon seeing Cain, she
stopped and smiled brightly.  Unlike her husband, she always had a more
relaxed quality.
     "Hello, Commander," she said, "We know why you're here."
     "Yes, the staff meeting begins in about fifteen centons, and in
addition to your husband, I'm going to need my Bridge Officer back
because she's part of the briefing too."
     "We understand," Kelli said, "Can we finish this procedure?  I just
need about seven or eight centons to inject the nutrients and get the
first readings before we can close this down and get cleaned up."
     "By all means, finish," Cain said.  "I wouldn't want to disrupt any
delicate procedures."
     "Thank you, sir.  When we're done, Wallis will go to the briefing, 
and I'll go back to my quarters and release Kylie from watching the
children."
     "I'll tell you what," he added, "I'll go to your quarters and give
Kylie the heads-up and then we'll just go when you arrive."
     "We wouldn't want to hold up the briefing, sir----," Wallis began
apologetically but Cain cheerily waved his stick disarmingly.
     "It won't matter if it gets started a centon or two late.  This
briefing is important but it's still preliminary.  Our schedules aren't
tightening up.....yet," he then looked over at Kelli, "It's B-243,
right?"
     "Yes, Commander," Kelli said.  "Just around the corner from here."
     "Thank you," the Juggernaut turned and left.  When he was gone,
Kelli slowly shook her head.
     "He didn't have to come here this early," the blonde agro-tech said. 
"If I didn't know better, I'd think he was trying to create an elaborate
excuse just to go to our quarters."
     "Why?" her husband looked at her.  "Just to see Kylie in action with
the kids?"
     His wife turned to look at him and didn't say anything but the
expression on her face told Wallis that he'd guessed correctly.


     Cain wouldn't have denied that he wanted to see firsthand just how
his best Bridge Officer conducted herself in this task of child-sitting
that Ila had repeatedly pressed him to give her some leeway for. 
Repeatedly, Cain had gently refused on the grounds that Kylie was too
important on the Bridge, being responsible for the helm, navigation and
planetary scans.  Unlike communications and weapons detail, these duties
required the sharpest analytical mind possible.  From the very beginning
of her time on the Pegasus, when she'd signed on just out of Recruit
training prior to the Battle of Molocay, Kylie had proved to Cain more
than once there wasn't anyone better at programming navigation data and
analyzing scan readings.  He chalked it up to an eager-to-please
enthusiasm that seemed to be in her from the first day, when despite
being just past eighteen, she had a maturity well advanced for her years. 

     Because Kylie was so efficient and capable as a Bridge Officer, it
surprised Cain to see for the first time after nearly six yahrens, that
her talents were greater than that.  She had been first in her martial
arts course in Recruit Training and also done well on marksmanship to
have merited an assignment in the Colonial Security division, which in
the pre-Destruction period meant automatic assignment to planetary ground
assault tasks.  But prejudice against women in the Security Division by
her Drill Instructor had kept her from being assigned to Colonial
Security and because she was determined to be assigned to the Pegasus
before the battlestar left for Molocay, she'd refused to appeal the
ruling and instead accepted a Bridge assignment.
     But all the while, ever since Molocay, Kylie kept her skills sharp
during off-duty time.  And that was why (to Cain's surprise and hers
even)  the computer had picked her as one of the two non-pilot warriors
best qualified to handle the dangerous rescue mission on Terra, when Cain
and Ila found themselves the hostages of the maniacal Commandant Leiter. 
A mission that also included the risk of being the second human sent to a
planet through the teleportation technology the Pegasus had received from
the Zykonians.
     Kylie had distinguished herself on the rescue mission, and Cain had
applauded her courage.  Nonetheless, he was glad to see her back on the
Bridge once the Terra situation had ended.  Emphasizing that at the
pending Battle of Gomorrah, her skills on the Bridge would get their
first major test since the first Battle of Gomorrah, two and a half
yahrens earlier.
     I wonder.....did I overemphasize that?  And if I did was it
because.....I was afraid of something happening to her if she ever went
on another ground mission?
     The Juggernaut abruptly stopped in mid-stride and shook his head,
wondering why he'd let his mind form a question like that.  I'm not
afraid of what might happen to her.  She's damned good.  If she had to do
something like that again, she'd know how to take care of herself.  Just
like any good warrior thrust into that situation would.  I just don't
want to risk losing someone who's so valuable on the Bridge.  It's why
I've been so reluctant to let her do something as simple as this which is
as far removed from combat as you can get!
     The bond between Kylie and the two little children of Wallis and
Kelli had been formed during the Pegasus' stay at Brylon Station when the
ex-Galactica family had first come to them.  When Wallis made his
petition to the Zykonians to let him and his family leave with the
Pegasus, Cain, in order to get some diplomatic leverage with the
Zykonians, had on the spur of the moment concocted a story of Kylie being
Wallis's niece (even though there was only a nine yahren age difference). 
That way, the Zykonians would believe there'd been a reason other than
escaping a debt burden for Wallis to want to leave Brylon V after a
series of failures running his own plot of land.  The Zykonians had
agreed to let Wallis and his family leave, but only after he spent two
cycles in detention on the planet.  It was during those two cycles that
Kylie had played the role of relative to the family by helping Kelli and
her two children, five-yahren boy Linden, and three-yahren girl, Karin
settle into their new surroundings.  And from everything Cain had heard
from Ila, and later Wallis and Kelli, the children had immediately formed
a family level bond with the woman who had become "Auntie Kylie" to them. 
Consequently, when a regular med-tech nurse named Ivy was assigned to
them during their mother's work time, the children didn't respond as
readily.  Linden, more than once would keep asking where "Auntie Kylie"
was while his sister tended to be withdrawn and silent in anyone's
presence but her parents and Kylie.
     When Ila had told Cain how the difference was like night and day
whenever Kylie found time for the children, he'd found that intriguing
and even amusing, but he didn't know what he could do.  The Pegasus had
never before dealt with the problem of children on board, and from his
standpoint only a med-tech was qualified to handle the matter.  If Kylie
wanted to see the children on her own time, that didn't matter to him,
but if her duty time overlapped with Kelli's, then the subject was
closed.  Until Ila forced the issue when she won a friendly "bet" with
Cain on whether or not her vision of a bearded Apollo before contact was
made would be accurate or not.  When she won the bet, she insisted that
Cain finally take several centars off Kylie's shift period per sectan so
Kylie could attend to Linden and Karin.  He finally agreed, but on
condition that Kylie's original duty schedule still applied during any
Yellow Alert condition or higher.  A condition that had not existed
aboard the Pegasus since they'd left Terra.
     He'd recently gotten an indication from someone other than Ila that
letting Kylie have more time with the kids was a good decision.  Med-Tech
Ivy, the nurse who had to fill the role when both Mother and "Auntie"
were occupied had come to Cain recently and told her how grateful she was
that her responsibilities to the children had been eased somewhat.  Ivy,
who was a stern-faced woman in her mid-fifties had served aboard the
Pegasus as many yahrens as Dr. Laughlin had (and possessed an Aerian
brogue as thick as the Chief Medical Officer's).  She was a woman known
for forcing warrior patients into line by adopting a tough bedside
manner.  An approach that worked perfect with warriors who might be
malingering in the Life Station in an attempt to avoid getting back to
work but which, as she readily admitted, was totally unsuitable for small
children.
     "I do the best I can, Commander, but the truth of the matter is if
their mother didn't warn them to behave for me, I'd never get a centon's
peace from them.  Kylie's the one who knows how to relate to them just
like their mother does, and the more they get of that, the better it is
for them......and for me too.  It helps me keep my patience when I *have*
to be with them."
     That glowing testimonial from a source other than Ila had  convinced
Cain  he needed to see for himself just how good his Bridge Officer was
with the children.  And that was why he was on his way to B-243 right
now. 
     He stopped in front of the door and hesitated before pressing the
chime.  He found himself wondering if there was even more to why he'd
felt compelled to come here and see how Kylie was doing in this task. 
Was it only because of Ivy's praise?  Was it only because he wanted a
chance to tell Ila she'd been right all along, and in turn that would
give her a chance to tell him, "I told you so!" over one of their dinners
together that he always enjoyed?
     That has to be it, he said to himself.  There can't be more to it
than that.  Why would I think there was more than that?
     He pressed the chime and heard the voice of his Bridge Officer
saying, "Come in!"
     When entered, his eyes widened as he saw the two children sitting on
the edge of their parents bed, their eyes looking on in rapt attention as
they watched Kylie standing in front of them.  Her light brown hair was
slightly tousled and her arms raised over her head as though she were a
Kobollian warrior holding a battle sword preparing to strike his target. 
And then.....letting out the sound familiar to anyone in a martial arts
class, she brought her arms down and then let out an excited burst that
made little Linden react with an excited, "Yeah!".  Little Karin, nearly
two yahrens younger than her brother, backed up slightly to the center of
the bed as though she were startled by the intensity of the performance, 
but nonetheless she didn't hide her eyes which indicated she was still
captivated by what she saw.
     "And that, Linden and Karin," Kylie caught her breath and was
grinning, "Is how the mighty warrior Lord Georges and the beautiful
Princess Sabra, together with their battle swords, killed the terrible
draco, which freed the village of Silene from the curse.  And do you know
what they did next?"
     "Threw away the draco!" Linden said aloud.
     Kylie laughed and came up to the five yahren old boy, running a hand
through his blonde hair, "Well, yes.  They *had* to get rid of the draco
after they killed it because if they'd left it lying there in the town,
it *really* would have smelled bad.  But what did they do after that?"
     "Drink!" little Karin chimed.
     "Yes, after all that hard work, they *were* thirsty!  But what they
really did....." she bent low in front of them, and looked them in the
eye, "Was they got sealed to each other just like your Mommy and Daddy
got sealed to each other, and they were happy together forever and ever! 
Don't forget that's how it ends.  Happy together!  Can you remember
that?"
     "Happy together," Linden said.
     "Karin?"
     "Happy.....togethah...." the words more broken because of her
younger age.
     "Great!" her voice bubbled with enthusiasm as she put her hands on
the little girl, lifting her gently up and back down, which made her
giggle..  "Happy together!  Just like us, right?"
     "Right!" the three-yahren old gave her a quick hug.
     Kylie set her down on the bed and then for the first time, she
looked toward the back of the room, expecting to see Kelli.  Instead, she
saw Cain and immediately, her loose, carefree demeanor shut off as she
assumed a ramrod straight position of standing at attention.  Her
enthused smile gone and replaced by blushing embarrassment, "Sir!"
     Cain tried not to laugh, keeping his expression one of bemusement as
he came toward her.  Inside though,  his reaction was filled with amazed
admiration at what he'd just seen. 
     "At ease, Kylie," he said.  The Bridge Officer relaxed her posture
but the look of blushing embarrassment was still there.  
     "Would you mind introducing me to these charming children?"
     Kylie slowly recovered herself and looked down at the kids, "This is
Commander Cain, children.  Remember what I told you to do if you ever
saw......Commander.....Cain!"
     Abruptly, Linden climbed off the bed and standing at attention gave
the Juggernaut a perfect salute.  Karin scrambled toward the edge forcing
Kylie to pick her up and set her down, but like her brother she stood
proud and raised her arm.  Her salute was more looping and awkward, but
it showed she'd been listening attentively and was giving it her best
effort.
     "That's good!" Kylie said with pride. 
     Cain knelt down in front of them.  He was trying not to show any
awkwardness since his own experience with Sheba hadn't included many
moments like this.  He'd enjoyed carrying his daughter on his shoulders
and loved encouraging her to mimic the flight of a viper, but otherwise,
his memory banks were empty because it had been so long and the occasions
so few.
     "Well.....children.....you're doing a good job obeying Bridge
Officer Kylie and I'm sure you know how to do the same with your parents. 
You may find yourselves getting commissions as Junior Warriors very
soon!"
     "What's a commission?" Linden was looking at him with respect.
     "A commission.....well, ah...." Cain suddenly was looking behind him
to Kylie for support.  
     "Well, it's like this, Linden....." Kylie was trying to conceal her
nervousness as she knelt alongside Cain, letting her look at both
children in the eye.  "You see that gold pin Commander Cain wears? 
That's a commission.  It lets you wear a pin of your own that tells
everyone you're a warrior.  Just like me.  Just like Commander Cain.  And
just like Georges and Sabra when they killed the draco!"
     "I'd like one!" he exclaimed.
     "Well......you keep doing what the lady says, and what your parents
say, and I'll do what I can," he got to his feet, "Kylie.....as soon as
their mother gets back....."
     "Yes sir, I know," she exhaled as she rose too. 
     The door opened and Kelli entered.  Immediately, the children ran up
to their mother who gave them a hug and looked over at the two warriors. 
"Wallis is on his way to the Briefing, Commander."
     "Thank you.  We're headed there too."
     "Did you behave for Auntie Kylie?" Kelli asked as she picked up her
daughter.
     "Yeah!" they both shouted and Linden then added, "She killed the
draco for us!"
     "Again?" she threw Kylie a look of faux surprise, "You're going to
wear yourself out with all that draco slaying!"
     "All right," Cain said, putting a little bit of the command edge
back into his voice, "We have to get going."
     "Wave goodbye to Auntie and the Commander!" the agro-tech said as
she held her daughter's hand which was already waving without any
prompting.
     "Goodbye, Auntie!  Goodbye Commander!"  Linden said.  
     "Bye darlings!" Kylie waved back while Cain gave a smile and wave of
his swagger stick at them before they stepped out into the corridor. 
Once they were out, he saw Kylie immediately straighten herself to the
most military posture he'd ever seen in her.
     "Relax, Kylie," he said gently.
     "I will, sir," the Bridge Officer said, her voice returning to what
it sounded like when giving off scan readings, "I just....didn't expect
to see you."
     "Yeah, I guess that was unexpected of me," Cain admitted as they
walked.  "Your friend the Professor was on my back for so many sectars to
let you take on this duty, that I finally had to see for myself if her
instincts were right."  
     "Well, sir, I never meant to press this or anything......"
     "Kylie," his voice grew disarming, "I gave you an order to relax.  I
know you didn't press her.  And now that I've seen you in action, I have
to apologize to her and to you for not giving my approval sooner.  You
really have a way with children."
     "Thank you, sir."
     "Although in all honesty, Kylie," Cain was faintly smirking as his
voice grew confidential, "I don't seem to recall in the legend of Lord
Georges that Princess Sabra joined in the slaying of the draco.  The
version I grew up with, he just did it himself."
     Kylie managed to smile, "I believe in teaching children the
importance of teamwork, sir. From capable men and women alike."
     "And you're certainly an expert on teamwork under fire," he alluded
to her recent performance on Terra.
     "Sergeant McCalla was a great partner," she said simply.
     Cain nodded and then off-handedly asked, "Did you have any brothers
or sisters?"
     She tried not to look surprised that he'd asked.  "No, sir.  I grew
up in a Taurean orphanage until I enlisted.  But that meant toward the
end I was something of a big sister figure to the younger children, so
that's why I learned how to become a rather......dramatic storyteller."
     "Yes, you really know how to make things come to life," he observed
and then added almost impulsively, "Growing up in an orphanage couldn't
have been easy."
     "It had its advantages, sir," Kylie kept her tone matter of fact,
"It meant I didn't have any relatives who died in the Destruction."
     Cain stopped and realized  he'd been crossing lines he hadn't
intended to cross.  It had all come out so impulsively and instinctively,
as if he'd felt some other urge acting within him.  "I'm sorry.  I seem
to be getting overly personal, and I shouldn't.  I guess it's because I'm
not used to seeing such a.....domestic scene on this ship."
     "Understandable, sir.  It's.....not what I trained for as a Recruit,
but I'm glad my background's been helpful, because that family is a vital
part of this ship's well-being.  It makes me see the deeper meaning of
what it is we're fighting for."
     "Oh, I won't deny that," Cain admitted.  "And....when we go into
battle, it'll be important for those children to feel safe."
     "I'll give them a lesson on what they have to do, sir," she said as
they reached the turbo lift to take them down to the Conference Room. 
"And their mother will take it from there."
     As Cain stepped on, he then turned back to her.  "One other thing,
Kylie?"
     "Sir?" she looked up at him.
     "You're overcompensating with all those 'sirs' at the end of your
sentences," he said gently.  "Save them for the Bridge and the meeting."
     The Bridge Officer nodded and looking more relaxed, then said
simply, "Yes......Commander."
     "Ha!" he let out an impulsive laugh as the doors closed.


     Ten centons later, the Briefing was under way and Kylie was now the
professional Bridge Officer standing in front of a star map and giving an
overview of the Gomorrah system.  Cain had asked her to make the
presentation as a "refresher" to everyone on the nature of the system. 
It had been more than two and a half yahrens since the Pegasus had been
in this region of space and Cain knew that memories could grow rusty, no
matter how many times they had performed operations in this region of
space.  That was especially true of the various department heads who
weren't here to provide input on matters of military strategy but to
present their observations on keeping their departments secure during
battle.  Cain wanted them, as well as the rest of the crew to understand
the full nature of what lay before them.
     "There are three planets overall in the Gomorrah system, with
Gomorrah closest to the sun," Kylie said.  "The planet has no orbiting
moon to act as a shield against planetary scan.  Only behind the second
planet, can the Pegasus place herself and avoid detection when launching
a viper strike.  At maximum turbos, our Vipers would need six centons to
be in position to initiate attack runs over the planet."
     Kylie then pressed a button which caused one area of the star map to
enlarge.
     "Gomorrah has three outposts situated on asteroids beyond the
immediate star system.  These represent the sources for tylium deposits
that are mined and shipped via tanker to Gomorrah, and which enable their
fighter force to be maintained with full fuel loads.  The normal
transport time for fully loaded Cylon tankers to the Outer Capitol is six
centars.  Empty tankers are able to make the return journey in one half
the time."
     The map was now enlarged to a wider expanse than had been up
initially.
     "The adjoining system to Gomorrah, consists of four uninhabited
planets, two of which served as the main food resource for the Pegasus
during our two yahrens of operation in this region of space following the
Battle of Molocay.  According to the Lucifer memory banks, Cylon
operations in the time following the Battle of Gomorrah, expanded to
these planets by using mass pluton poisoning to destroy the ecosystems
and rendering them useless for a ship like the Pegasus to draw from them
again."
     "Which means once we're successful at Gomorrah, we'll have to be on
the move as quickly as possible," Cain said.  "And we'll have to make our
existing food resources last longer."
     The Bridge Officer made one more adjustment, zooming in on another
planet.  "The closest known planet with a human population to Gomorrah is
Attilla.  A minimum of three sectans flight time and three star systems
away.  Attilla was visited by the Pegasus three sectars after our
separation from the Galactica when we verified the existence of a
primitive living human colony that had been assisted by the Galactica
warrior Lieutenant Starbuck.  The Cylons once maintained a garrison on
the planet that succeeded in exterminating 95% of the population.  When
Lieutenant Starbuck crashed his viper on Attilla during a patrol, he was
able to assist the few remaining humans not in hiding into driving the
Cylons off the planet.  This enabled the rest of those in hiding to
re-emerge, accounting for the 1,000 that were living there at the time of
our own arrival.  Yet according to the Lucifer banks, the Cylons consider
the status of Attilla to be 'pacified' and the garrison merely abandoned
due to inhospitality of the climate and the lack of viable mission
objective."
     "May I interject?" a voice from the back of the room said.
     "Go ahead, Commander Cobre," Cain said to the command centurion.
     "I believe the explanation for this discrepancy between your
experience and what is in the memory banks lies in the identity of the
Gomorrah base commander.  He is identified as an IL Cylon named Spektor,
and his service record shows that his last assignment prior to receiving
command of Gomorrah was the Attilla garrison."
     "That's.....very interesting, Cobre," the Juggernaut made a notation
with his stylus.  "It would seem the base commander lied his way into his
current position."
     "Which is *not* surprising, considering his classification," Cobre
added with noticeable contempt.  "The IL class knows the meaning
of......opportunism I believe the word is?  It is no wonder this vaunted
objective of so-called perfect Cylon order, is total folly when the ones
who demand it of the centurion class, are willing to forego it if it
doesn't suit their own personal agendas.  Yet who ultimately is held
responsible?  The centurions."  
     "Well, I think we can safely ascertain that if this.....Spektor had
to lie about what really happened on Attilla, then the human population
is still there and hasn't been destroyed in any reprisals."
     "We are of course, assuming that Spektor is still in command of
Gomorrah, since as we must remember, the Lucifer banks are one yahren out
of date."
     "I think I can answer that," Ila spoke up for the first time from
her position closest to Cain, which indicated her importance.  "According
to my conversations with Commander Vulpa of the Arcta Garrison, once the
problem of Resistance and centurion disobedience became known to the
Empire, they recognized it was too dangerous to send any reinforcement or
relief to the outer territories.  If so much as one independent centurion
were introduced into their ranks, then the phenomenon could spread
rapidly.  By not sending new centurions out, they are acting on the hope
that Gomorrah's isolation will prevent anything from happening there. 
And that means they couldn't possibly have recalled or replaced Spektor
since it would have required sending a Baseship into the area."
     "But what about Baseships or personnel from bases that were already
out there?" Cain asked.  "If you're confirming nothing was sent from
Cylon or from bases operating between the Colonies and Arcta, then what
about everything the Cylons were known to operate in between?" he turned
back to the Bridge Officer, "Kylie, bring up the Cannes System."
     She nodded and made another adjustment which brought up a new chart,
"Cannes System," she reported.  "Consists of three planets.  Two of them
inhabited by the humanoid race known as the Cannesians.  First planet,
Cannes Prime, occupied by the Cylons as the Cannes Garrison, with
strength known to consist of the equivalent of three baseships, and one
baseship permanently stationed there according to Lucifer banks."
     "I make no hesitation in saying that I regret our failure to try and
get us home after the Battle of Molocay," Cain said.  This was something
he would never have dared utter in the time before Ila's arrival, but
ever since, he'd been unafraid to acknowledge his own mistakes of the
past, and if anything it had increased his crew's admiration of him. 
"But if there was a legitimate reason, rooted in survival, the Cannes
Garrison was it.  If our presence had become known, then all they would
have had to do is line up all their strength right in front of any
pathway back and ambush us.  Maybe we could have gotten back......but it
would have been a brutal fight.  Since that is the only major outpost of
Cylon strength between the Colonies and Gomorrah, and if it's true that
nothing originating from there has come back to deal with the matter of
the Resistance.......then is it possible Gomorrah could have received
reinforcement from Cannes?"
     Ila could only shrug, "I couldn't rule that out based on my
knowledge, Commander," keeping herself formal in this meeting.  "The
Cannes Garrison could have done so independently.  But the Cylon High
Command wouldn't have wanted them to act, lest they infect Gomorrah  by
dispersing independent centurions that might exist in the Cannes
Garrison."
     Cain looked back at Cobre, "Would it be out of the ordinary for a
garrison commander to do that kind of undertaking on his own?"
     "The garrison commander at Cannes is also an IL, owing to the fact
that he's also responsible for pacifying a civilian population of
Cannesians on two planets," Cobre said in the voice that had once been
Lucifer's.  "While he is capable of such independent action, I doubt he
would dilute his strength by sending part of it far across the stars. 
Cannes and Gomorrah are not exactly in the closest of proximity."
     "Colonel Tolen?"
     The Executive Officer spoke up for the first time, "I'm inclined to
agree, sir.  As I recall, the Cannesians weren't exterminated, they were
left alive as slave labor to mine tylium because the climate for the
mines is too dangerous for centurions to do the work.  And there's a
civil war going on there between the Cannesians who were made slaves and
the Cannesians who chose to collaborate with the Cylons.  The Cylon
authority there needs to be on top of that situation."
     "Inclined to agree.  That's the key word.  All evidence points to
the likelihood of it, but we can't say with total 100% certainty," Cain
emphasized and shook his head.  "What we need is a battle plan based on
100% certainty that when we hit Gomorrah, we'll be hitting a planet that
consists only of the strength levels they're supposed to have, as of one
yahren ago.  If they have more than that......then we're going to need a
different approach to level the playing field before we get started. 
Which means before we move on Gomorrah, we need to make some kind of
reconnaissance mission to confirm their strength since we can't scan the
planet thoroughly ourselves without being detected."
     The Juggernaut then turned his attention to the Chief Scientist,
"Dr. Arnoff,  your outstanding work on our breakthroughs in
communications and teleportation technology speaks for itself.  What can
you report with regard to cloaking technology, as the Zykonians gave us?"
     Arnoff let out a sigh, "I would say, Commander that the chances of
developing a cloaking system capable of concealing the Pegasus from
detection are at present.......one tick above nil.  And the only tick
above nil is the hope that a miracle from the Lords can make it so."
     "Our purposes do not require anything that grandiose, Doctor," Cain
said, trying not to sound irritated.  "Let's talk about more practical
applications.  Such as vipers and shuttles."
     "We have run several test flights with vipers," he said.  "But in
each instance we have found that applying turbo boost weakens the
cloaking device and maximum turbo means total failure.  Essentially,
Commander, I can only guarantee 75% success for a viper flight that never
once applies normal turbo boost."
     "Which I would consider acceptable odds if we launched a viper from
a stealth position in back of the second planet and had it cut turbo
power as soon as it was away and the device engaged.  That would take
approximately.....how long from that position?" he looked over his
shoulder.
     "Fifteen centons," Kylie said.  The Bridge Officer remained rigidly
at attention.
     "A shuttle might be better for a stealth mission, Commander," Arnoff
went on.  "Much quieter, and more reliable for longer-term cloaking.  I
would estimate a 95% chance for a successful mission."
     "But it takes longer for a shuttle to do the job and if there's a
failure we couldn't possibly recover the crew in time before we'd have to
launch or retreat," Cain said, "With a viper, if things go wrong he can
go to turbo and retreat fast or regroup to take part in an attack,
depending on what his scan readings indicate.  For now, Doctor, I'd
suggest you concentrate your efforts on trying to improve efficiency as
it relates to viper use."
     "Yes, Commander," the Electronics scientist leaned back with the air
of someone who still had his objections but didn't want to voice them
strongly at this time.
     Cain then looked around the table.  "All right then.  Tentatively, I
want all of you to presume that a successful reconnaissance of Gomorrah
will allow us to proceed with a full assault that could result in the
equivalent of a single baseship's worth of fighters being launched in a
worst case scenario.  I want your Department summaries of your current
state of preparations, and your contingencies for dealing with
full-battle conditions.  We'll begin with Captain Skyler."
     The Strike Leader leaned forward,   "Forty-one vipers fully ready,
armed and with available pilots to use them.  Flight operations
maintenance is at full readiness but can only handle laser generator
re-charging of ten vipers at a time after the completion of a full
strike.  Turnaround time for a potential second strike assault using all
forty-one vipers would at minimum be eight centars."
     "This brings up a point about what our future needs will be that we
can take from Gomorrah," Cain said, "Laser regeneration terminals are
limited to ten, as you note, here on the Pegasus.  But as Gomorrah is a
ground based garrison for its fighters, would they have portable
regeneration terminals available?"
     "Not in great quantity," Cobre spoke up.  "Our garrisons tended to
perform fighter maintenance and recharging in hangar facilities where the
regeneration terminals were attached to the central power supply.  At
most, I would estimate only a small handful would be accessible."
     "Even one or two would improve turnaround efficiency time," the
Juggernaut made another notation.  "It must be considered.  Lieutenant
Bryce, the Security Division report."
     The head of the Colonial Security Division, who had recovered
completely from being wounded on Terra at the hands of the Eastern
Alliance, cleared his throat.  "Forty-five non viper personnel are
available for ground support operations.  Fifteen in the division are
shuttle trained. Any form of commando assault including parajump and even
teleportation if necessary.....we're prepared for."
     Cain nodded, "Based on the numbers, some might require being
detached to compensate for shortages in other departments where needed. 
Dr. Laughlin?"
     The old Aerian, lacking some of the twinkle his brogue usually
suggested, said, "With only four Med-Techs at my disposal as full-time
staff, I'm concerned over what the Life Station might have to handle in
the event of full combat conditions.  If we have multiple instances of
people being injured in widespread locations, I won't be able to handle
all of them immediately. I have to insist on some people with training in
Med-Tech services be detached."
     "We'll have to start with Colonial Security," Cain said.  "Because
if ground assault is needed it won't come right away.  Bryce, I want you
to go over every non-Viper name in that group of forty-five and see if
you can spare about.....four?"
     "I'd prefer six, Commander," Laughlin said.  "Ten was my normal
staff complement prior to the last Battle of Gomorrah."
     "And that was when we had a couple hundred more people total than we
do now," Cain shook his head.  "So I'm not going to give you a full
Med-Tech staff to handle a smaller total crew.  You'll have to settle for
four.  Talk with Lieutenant Bryce after the meeting to get the candidates
lined up."
     "Yes, sir," he wasn't happy, but like Dr. Arnoff, was in no mood to
fight.
     "What about your equipment?"
     "Fully functioning, Commander, but......if an additional Energizer
could be obtained as a result of our operations on Gomorrah, that would
help a good deal."
     "Thank you for reminding me that the issue of expanding our power
capacity is another priority.  Especially with the matter of our
communications link to the Galactica and the power levels required by
both teleportation and a fully charged cloaking device even for just one
ship.  Chief Abendego, we'll get to that issue next, but first, your
department summary."
     Abendego, a grizzled man of sixty who sported the only full beard
among the Pegasus crew (a concession by Cain to his thirty-five yahrens
of hard "grunt" work deep in the bowels of the warship), wiped his brow. 
"Even after two and a half yahrens, Commander, we don't have full
capacity levels of boraton for firefighting.  If a serious fire were to
erupt, we may have to smother it by a controlled hull breech and then fix
the outer damage with wetsteel lasers in EVA walks later."
     "Noted."
     "I have over a hundred men and women under my jurisdiction which
includes all Kitchen, Sanitation and Ground Crew in addition to regular
Maintenance and Fire Control personnel.  I can have them evenly dispersed
throughout the Pegasus so that regardless of where something happens,
someone can spring into action immediately."
     "Here's where we could draw some more from Colonial Security," Cain
said.  "Bryce, if we gave you a floor level of twenty-five in reserve for
immediate ground action, and four to stand-by for the Life Station, then
sixteen could stand by for Damage Control."
     "Well, sir, we'd still need to keep a few in stand-by for emergency
shuttle piloting," the security head said.  "I'd suggest eleven or twelve
for Damage Control.  And that the extra men be placed in the Landing Bays
since obviously the greatest danger comes from suicide hits aimed in
those locations     All our tankers and cargo carriers with our surplus
fuel and food are kept there.  Along with......" Bryce cast a slightly
awkward glance at Ila, "The Professor's shuttle."
     Ila faintly nodded her head with a look of reassurance at the
Security Chief.  Letting him know it wasn't inappropriate to mention it.
     Cain made another notation with the stylus.  "Twelve it is with four
to stand by for shuttle piloting.  Now Chief, back to this matter of
power expansion.  Can this ship manage the installation of more Energizer
units to handle the overload we're facing from our new technologies?"
     "Well......if we cleared away another bit of empty bunk space, we
*could* manage one more Energizer," Abendego said.  "But that would
absolutely push us to the limits.  If you asked for two, I'd have to put
one near a sensitive area, or a crew space area, both of which are
hazardous, and we'd be running the danger of feedback overload.  I'm game
for one more, but I wouldn't push our luck beyond that."
     Another nod, another notation from the Juggernaut.  "Wallis?"
     The Agro-Tech had to clear his throat twice.  "Well....ah, our
efforts in our Agro-Lab are paying some dividends in solving our storage
situation.  We've also built new storage lockers to secure any agro-chems
that would be lethal if exposed to fire as a result of battle damage. 
All agro-tables have been outfitted with tylinium shielding that can be
activated during an attack so that way they'll be protected from falling
debris all the way up to a collapsing beam."
     "We're glad to know you're safeguarding all the hard work you and
your wife have done," Cain said, knowing how much the stammering
agro-tech seemed to always be in need of a confidence booster.
     "And sir?"
     "Go ahead."
     "I ah.....in the event of attack, I'd like to volunteer myself for
med-tech duty.  Kelli and I....we both had some training in this area
because agro-tech workers do have to deal with the potential for mishaps
and....."
     "I'm sure Dr. Laughlin would welcome it, wouldn't you, Doc?" Cain
glanced over at the old Aerian who was nodding.  "And since your wife has
to keep an eye on those kids of yours, who I can tell are being taught to
obey orders quite well......"
     Still standing behind him at full attention, Kylie felt relieved he
hadn't called attention to her involvement there.  But then, she
realized, she shouldn't have expected Cain to put her in any kind of
uncomfortable spotlight.
     "......You can report to him immediately once you verify things are
secure in the event of attack," Cain finished and then looked about. 
"That I believe, takes care of all Department summaries and all of you
have a general understanding of what we're facing in the next sectan or
less.  There will probably be one additional briefing in advance of the
final battle plan we'll be operating under, but if the logistics don't
work on that, Colonel Tolen will see to it that the information is
distributed.  I'd like to say you've all done an outstanding job keeping
this old war-equine in top condition during a time when circumstances
have forced us to remain idle.  But now.....we're moving into a new phase
where we have to learn how to be a fully active combat vessel once again. 
And nothing less than perfection will suffice in terms of our prep work."
he rose, "Dismissed."


     As the meeting broke up, Ila lingered at the table to make some
final notations.  She was still studying them and reverting to her
unconscious habit of biting on her stylus when a shadow over the table
caused her to look up.
     "I'm sorry to bother you, Professor," Commander Cobre said, "I was
wondering if you might come to the lab.  There is a matter concerning our
overall strategy that Dr. Arnoff and I need to talk to you about."
     Ila took her stylus out of her mouth and frowned, "Shouldn't you be
asking Commander Cain to see you?"
     "Well.....Dr. Arnoff and I think it would be better to mention this
to you first, because we weren't certain the Commander would be
completely receptive at this meeting.  And neither of us wished to be
needlessly provocative. 
     The Academician shrugged, "All right.  I'll come down and listen."


Chapter Two

     When Ila entered the lab she saw the Electronics Scientist and all
four Cylons waiting.
     "Thank you for coming, Professor," Arnoff said.  "I know this is a
little unusual, coming just after the staff meeting, but......as Cobre I
think indicated, we didn't want to bring this up in front of Cain with so
many people present."
     "I don't understand," Ila was confused, "What's this about?"
     The scientist began to pace in front of the four robots, "I was
trying to gently impress upon Commander Cain the idea that a shuttle
would be better for performing reconnaissance over Gomorrah than a viper. 
And if he agreed to that, he might have been receptive to what Commander
Cobre and his colleagues have suggested to me.  As it is, they're not
sure he would have reacted favorably."
     "What have they suggested?"
     "That at least two if not all of them infiltrate Gomorrah and see if
there's sentiment for a centurion uprising that might result in a
surrender without the need for a battle."
     Ila's confusion seemed to deepen, but before she could speak, the
command centurion picked up the argument.
     "Sentiment against the folly of the Cylon order must surely exist
throughout Gomorrah, especially if they have remained cut-off all this
time," Cobre said.  "Prudence would dictate we find a means of
ascertaining this before the Pegasus rushes into battle......and perhaps
needlessly kills those who might be recruited to the cause as we have,
and as our colleagues in the Colonies have."
     "I'm not confused by your argument, Commander Cobre," Ila said. 
"I'm confused as to why you didn't propose this at the meeting or with
Cain before that.  Surely he would be open to the idea of Gomorrah being
captured without a fight."
     Cobre exchanged glances with his fellow centurions and then resumed. 
"We respect Commander Cain for his acceptance of us in your ranks, and
that he has treated us as valuable members of the Pegasus crew.  But we
are still only four Cylons in a crew of well over several hundred.  Is
Commander Cain, given his history, comfortable with the idea of.......
considerably more Cylons among his crew if we were to encourage a
significant number of defections to our ranks?"
     The Academician turned Resistance Leader was taken aback.  "Working
with large numbers of defectors has become routine in the Resistance,
Commander Cobre."
     "For *you*, Professor Ila, but not for Commander Cain.  I'm sure he
appreciates the concept as an abstract idea, but is he ready to deal with
the ramifications of potentially....dozens of Cylons aboard the Pegasus? 
For that matter, is the entire crew ready to deal with it?"
     "Why dozens?" Ila pressed.
     "Logic would dictate it," Cobre said.  "If we were able to compel a
peaceful and orderly defection of the garrison, then a logical benefit
would be the addition of a significant number of Cylon fighters to the
Pegasus arsenal.  There is probably not sufficient room for the full
complement, but more than enough to make the Pegasus a true equal of any
Baseship in the galaxy when it comes to fighters."
     "But in order to utilize captured fighters, it would require the
permanent presence of two or three-man crews of centurions to fly them,"
Centurion Festus spoke for the first time.  "The addition of two dozen
fighters would require between 48 and 72 centurions for the Pegasus."
     "I......understand the logistics," Ila said, "But.....I don't think
Commander Cain would be instinctively closed to the idea.  Especially if
captured raiders could help in whatever campaign has to be taken against
the Cannes garrison later on."
     "It is because of the potential threat of the Cannes Garrison that
we feel this matter must be impressed upon Commander Cain, and preferably
by one such as you, Professor Ila.  You are, after all, his closest
confidant, in addition to being a member of his family."
     "Yes, but I am not a military strategist," Ila couldn't recall
feeling this awkward at any time in her seven sectars aboard the Pegasus. 
"My status with the Commander on other matters doesn't extend to those
areas."
     "All we're asking is that you raise the subject with him,
Professor," Arnoff said.  "The delicacy of it, I think would be
appreciated by him more if he heard it from you."
     She felt like throwing up her arms, "I'll *mention* it, but......I
can't guarantee a thing.  If he's totally closed off to the idea, then I
think you're going to have to make a more formal presentation to him. 
And you should probably talk to Colonel Tolen and Major Ham and see if
they agree with the idea."
     "We're ready to do that," Cobre said.  "But it would help matters if
we know you agree with us."
     "I see the logic in it," Ila gently emphasized, "But if Cain has a
truly sound military reason for not thinking it practical, I could easily
be swayed by him.  As I said, I can't promise more than that."
     "We understand, Professor," this from Centurion Serpentine.  "We
will wish you.....luck."


     "Do you hover or fold?" there was an edge of impatience in Sergeant
McCalla's voice.
     Ensign Tegran didn't respond.  His gaze was on his cards but in a
way that suggested his mind wasn't thinking about what was in front of
his eyes.
     "Tegran?" the Security Guard waved his hand in front of the Viper
pilot's face.
     "Oh!" Tegran snapped himself back to reality and threw his cards
down.  "Sorry.....I'll.....fold."
     "Not your day, is it, Tegran?" Bridge Officer Altair, who was
responsible for communications when he was on-duty, asked.
     "I wouldn't say that," the ensign said.  "This may be my worst day
ever for Pyramid but it's the best day of my life in a long time."
     "You got a message from the Galactica too?" McCalla asked as he
dropped two small bolts in the center to indicate he was still in. 
Aboard the Pegasus, playing for cubits no longer served any purpose.  The
stakes in the game were strictly the honor of the player's respective
work division.  That was why each of the four players in the game
represented the four divisions pilots, security, bridge personnel and
maintenance/staff.
     "You got one?" Altair looked over at the Security Guard.
     "Yeah.  My old triad partner from Recruit days, Castor.  He's made
lieutenant and heads the whole Security Division on the Galactica now.  I
never saw him as a leader type, but.....he's shown he's got a sharp brain
to go with that brawn he had on the court."
     "I envy you guys.  I can't say I've got a connection with anyone
there," Altair dropped a bolt into the pot and looked over at Tegran,
"Who'd you hear from?"
     "Well....it was from Lieutenant Starbuck, and----,"
     "Where do you know Starbuck from?" McCalla frowned.
     "I don't.  He had a message for me about......," Tegran shook his
head, "Honestly, I'm still in a state of shock.  He said my sister
Mairwen is alive and has a beautiful six yahren old girl now."
     "Your sister?" Altair's eyes widened, "I thought you said she was
killed on Virgon in the Destruction."
     "That's what I thought.  Apparently, she never knew about our
contact with the Galactica because she was crammed in this hell-hole of a
freighter with her daughter.  By the time she learned about us, we were
already gone," again the dazed shake of the head.  "I remember her last
message before we shipped out to Molocay about being pregnant.  I never
knew if she'd had a boy or girl until today."
     "What's her name?" Altair asked.
     "Cassy.  Starbuck said he'd arrange for Mairwen to send a private
message to me next time and I can finally see what her girl looks like,"
a goofy looking smile crossed his face, "Lords of Kobol to think my big
sister's been alive all this time."
     "We're happy for you, Tegran," McCalla said.
     "Are we playing Pyramid, or aren't we?" a fourth voice at the table
snapped with irritation.
     The other three men at the table looked at the man who'd spoken and
been silent up to now.  All of them taken aback by his tone.
     "We are, Bremer," Altair said gently.  "Hover or fold?"
     "I'm still in," Technician Bremer, whose duties included alternating
kitchen detail with viper maintenance, was still sounding an unfriendly
tone as he dropped three bolts into the pot.  "Now I raise and challenge
you to match or fold."
     "I match," McCalla carefully dropped three bolts and tentatively
looked back at Tegran.  The viper pilot was glaring coldly at Bremer for
disrupting what had been a happy reverie for him.
     "I'm out," Altair said abruptly as he put his cards down.
     "Four bolts," Bremer shoved more from his pile into the pot without
batting an eyelash
     The Security Guard felt his distaste passing the breaking point as
he threw his cards down.  "Out.  I fold.  And frankly, I've had enough
for today."
     "Likewise," Tegran rose.  "Consider the Tech Division the champs for
this sectan."
     "Agreed," Altair also got up, and then added with clear insincerity,
"Congratulations, Bremer."
     The Technician didn't acknowledge him as he pulled the pot of bolts
to him, as though it were cubits.
     What in Hades got into him?  McCalla thought as he cast one last
glance back at him before following the other two out.  But Bremer still
had his head down, idly playing with his ersatz winnings.


     "I had a chance to see Kylie in action with those kids today," Cain
said as he and Ila shared dinner in his quarters. 
     "And?" his relative looked at him with a faint smile.
     "You were right," Cain sighed, "She is the best one for that job.  A
couple centars acting out the Legend of Lord Georges to the kids probably
has a bigger impact on ship's morale than extra Bridge shift time.  She
keeps the kids happy, which makes their parents happy, and it makes their
parents work more efficiently in the Agro-Lab and it makes Kylie more
alert when she's back on the Bridge."
     "Spoken like a true military genius," Ila smiled as she ate, "Of
course if you'd given in sooner, I would have been forced to demand
something else for winning our bet."
     "What would you have asked?" Cain smiled.
     Her smile widened, "You'll never know."
     "Ha!" the Juggernaut chuckled and sipped his ambrosia.  Marveling at
how he'd functioned for too many yahrens in space without this kind of
camaraderie and friendship to have.  Ila's value to him had brought home
in full force how isolated he'd been as the Living Legend to his crew. 
And why he couldn't contemplate carrying on the task of being part of the
Resistance without her.  
     Forgive me, Adama.
     "By the way," Ila decided it was time to raise the subject, "there's
something I want to ask you......from a military standpoint, regarding
our plans at Gomorrah."
     He put his chalice down and frowned.  "Yes?"
     "Cain......I know military strategy isn't my field.  I'm the
diplomat, you're the warrior.  But....because you haven't been exposed to
what I've been part of in the Resistance, I hope you're aware of how
important it is to keep cultivating the cooperation of Cylons willing to
defect to our side."
     "I'm aware of it," Cain said.  "I'm completely used to having Cobre
and his team in our ranks and I know how much they've helped.  And my
mind's totally at ease regarding Adama's situation with that Baseship. 
If I had any qualms about the idea of working with Cylons, they
disappeared a long time ago."
     "You're used to having four Cylons on this ship," Ila said, "What
about having.....dozens more just like Cobre?"
     He seemed perplexed, "What are you getting at, Ila?"
     She sighed, "All right, I'll come to the point.  Does Gomorrah have
to be taken in a military strike?  Wouldn't it be better if there were
centurions down there who'd be willing to take charge and defect to our
side?"
     "How are we supposed to know there are centurions willing to do
that?" he had no idea why she'd be bringing this subject up.
     "Because we have four Cylons who could infiltrate the planet and
find out.  And maybe they could get them to join our side."
     Cain took another swallow from his chalice before he responded,
wiping his mouth with a fine linen napkin.
     "Ila," he said gently as though he were the teacher trying to talk
to a student who had just asked a less than intelligent question, "I am
not opposed to the idea of getting Cylons to join us, but Gomorrah is not
the place to look for defectors.  Gomorrah has to be our test case to
prove that we're still capable of fighting.  It's been nearly three
yahrens since this ship last engaged in any kind of major combat
operation and I don't want our first test case to be on something as big
as the Cannes Garrison is, because I already know that's where we have to
go after Gomorrah."
     "But if you got Gomorrah to surrender peacefully, you might end up
with more fighters at your disposal to use against the Cannes Garrison,"
Ila's reply was equally gentle.
     His dubiousness increased, "Did someone put you up to this?"
     The Academician sighed and nodded, "All right, I admit that Dr.
Arnoff *and* Commander Cobre wanted me to talk to you about this.  They
were reluctant to bring it up during the meeting."
     "They shouldn't have been," Cain sounded displeased for the first
time.  "For sagan's sake, I thought we were past the point where people
were too intimidated of me to raise questions about strategy and tactics. 
If this is something they believe in, they should have the guts to bring
it up themselves and not make you do their work for them."
     "That's true of Dr. Arnoff," Ila conceded, "Commander Cobre though,
as well as the rest of his team, I think have good reasons to be
reluctant in pressing you about a matter like this."
     Cain's displeasure faded somewhat, "Point taken.  But you can assure
Commander Cobre, as well as Festus, Serpentine and Lucy, that they're
free to suggest anything that's helpful to the cause we're all fighting
for.  If I turn them down, it's not because they made the suggestion."
     "I'm sure they'd appreciate that," Ila said, "Because if it comes
across that you're averse to having more centurions aboard the Pegasus,
it might disrupt the good relations we've cultivated with them.  And once
we hook up with the main Resistance movement, I wouldn't want you to have
a reputation for being too dismissive of looking for new defectors."
     "I'm *not* dismissive!" Cain protested.  "I just don't think
Gomorrah is the place to do it.  If this crew can't demonstrate they're
back to combat readiness, then we're not going to be much use to the
Resistance."
     "I understand your concern," Ila realized that the issue wasn't
clear cut either way.  "But what if Gomorrah *has* been reinforced by the
Cannes Garrison?"
     "Then, I'd  favor an infiltration option based on knocking out their
additional strength," Cain said, "But if Gomorrah only has the limited
number of fighters they're supposed to have, then we need to hit them
hard and give our men some much needed combat experience before we take
on Cannes later."
     "So it all comes down to what the reconnaissance probe says.  And if
it shows what you think it will show, does that mean you'll launch an
attack right away?"
     "If I get a report that says they only have that much strength, then
I don't want us to waste an additional micron hitting them."
     Ila felt her unease increasing.  Cain had made a powerful case that
proved he wasn't guided by any latent anti-Cylon prejudice.  But it still
didn't leave her completely convinced that it was the right course of
action.
     "Cain," she said gently, "Could you at least talk to Commander Cobre
and explain this situation, and then hear him out?  I'm sure he has a lot
more to say about how he can influence mass defections on Gomorrah and
how that can help our chances later at Cannes."
     "I'll listen to him, Ila," Cain said flatly.  "But as of now, his
chances of convincing me are close to nil."
     And then, making it clear that he didn't want to discuss the subject
any further, he and Ila went back to finish their dinner.  And both of
them found it wasn't easy to re-summon their usual spirit of camaraderie.


     Ila's unease only increased when she returned to her quarters and
changed out of her stola.  It bothered her that for the first time since
her arrival on the Pegasus, she'd had her first clash with Cain over a
significant issue.  It may not have degenerated into quarreling or
arguing, but it was enough to make her feel troubled.
     Why should it, though?  Wasn't it inevitable there'd be something
like this?  We can't always see eye-to-eye on everything.
     Maybe it's because......Cain is more to me than just a working
partner.  He's the only part of my family I'll ever have left on a
regular basis in my life.  I'm just.....all so skittish because I'm
worried this could escalate into a bigger clash that could ruin
everything.  Not just for myself, but for the whole Resistance.
     As she lay in bed and reached for the light, her telecom line
abruptly sounded.  She had to get out of bed to go answer it.  "Yes?"
     "Ila," she heard Cain's voice on the other end.  He sounded
apologetic.  "I.....just wanted to say, I'm sorry dinner didn't go like
it usually does for us.  That whole subject that came up, kind of took
the wind out of everything."
     "It's okay, Cain," she felt her hand trembling, "I should probably
apologize for bringing the subject up."
     "No, no, Ila, you did right.  Look, I'm not convinced I'm wrong,
but......because you raised the subject, you've reminded me that I can't
plunge headlong into any battle plan recklessly, and even if I think my
way is still the right way, I've got to make sure I've mentally plotted
out all the objections that could be raised against it, and......right
now you're making my mind work overtime on this subject.  So....it was
important you said what you said, Ila.  Thank you."
     "Thank you, Cain," she whispered, feeling grateful that he'd done
this and removed the uneasiness from her.  "That means a lot."
     "I'll talk to Cobre tomorrow and then run a few things by Tolen as
well, and.....I'll let you know what I think," he then added, "Good
night, Ila."
     "Good night, Cain."
     She put the telecom down and went back to bed.  And with an
untroubled heart, Ila was able to turn off the light and have a good
night's sleep.


     Volahd had received another report from Command Centurion Vipron on
what the communications center had analyzed regarding those strange
blips.  And now, the IL Cylon felt a need to talk with his immediate
subordinate at length.
     "I want to be certain we are of one accord on this," he said. 
"There is a 70% probability that these indecipherable signals originated
from one of our two missing Baseships?"
     "We can not find a precise match, but the nature of the signals
suggest they could only have been sent on a similar transmitter to our
own."
     "Hmmm," Volahd thought, "But if that is the case, then these signals
were not directed at us.  They were clearly meant for someone else to
hear."
     "The Imperious Leader on Cylon, perhaps?"
     "No," Volahd said.  "The commanders of those baseships couldn't
communicate directly with Cylon.  They knew the procedure was they
contact us, and then the relay from here to Cylon was set up to enable
them to talk to His Eminence." he paused, "We can also rule out the
Cannes Garrison.  They would be aware of the fact that the Cannes
Garrison can not receive any signals beyond their position."
     "But their one remaining Baseship might have the capability," Vipron
noted.
     "That's true, but as with the Garrison itself, the Baseship's
communications is designed only to receive messages from Cylon.  Only the
two missing Baseships were given the most advanced of systems.  And even
if they had that capability to receive from the other direction, the
sender would be breeching protocol in bypassing His Eminence.  Only he
would have the authority to release a Baseship for duty to venture into
uncharted space."
     "Which means they would have to contact us first, if that were the
intention."
     "Exactly.  So at bare minimum, Vipron, what can we presume?"
     "That if these are being sent by the Baseship, then it is no longer
under Cylon control."
     "Possibly," the IL acknowledged.  "Or perhaps.....its crew is no
longer under.....Cylon control as we typically understand it.  Perhaps,
it is possible that the crew is now ......enlightened.  Much as we
consider ourselves to be enlightened now."
     "That would not explain who they are communicating with."
     "Yes, that is a question we must ponder.  Our very future could
depend on that.  And I think it advisable we formulate an answer very
soon," he paused, "And in the meantime, Vipron, I suggest you get an
indication of how many under you are experiencing......enlightenment of
their own."
     "By your command."

     
Chapter Three

     Even though Cain had always been used to the sight of Commander
Cobre and the other three Cylons as part of his crew, he had to admit
that until today he'd never had a true one-on-one conversation with any
of them.  Always, someone like Ila, Tolen or Dr. Arnoff was in the room
to give Cain a sense that their role was still subsidiary no matter how
important their duties.  To talk to Cobre this way, meant he was
elevating him to a much a higher level.
     And does that bother me?  Cain thought as he entered the lab, where
he'd asked to see the lead Cylon in private.  Not even Dr. Arnoff could
be present, since he wanted to hear Cobre's thoughts unfiltered.  It
shouldn't.  I get why Cylons like him are important if we are going to
win the Resistance fight.  But have I just kept the whole idea too much
at arms length?
     "Good morning, Cobre," Cain said as he closed the door behind him,
giving them some privacy.  "I've been told you have some suggestions
regarding our strategy for the coming battle.  I want to assure you, I'm
very interested in your perspective, as both a Cylon and as someone who
has analyzed the Lucifer banks more throughly than anyone else has."
     "You are very kind, Commander Cain," Cobre bowed his head with
respect.  "And your meeting me under these conditions is a testament to
your fair-mindedness."
     The Juggernaut chose to sit down since he was anticipating a long
conversation.  "I want you to understand, Cobre, that if I choose to make
a decision as Commander of the Pegasus that rejects advice given to me by
others, it in no way lessens my respect for those who have offered
advice, nor is it an indication that advice won't be accepted from them
at any time in the future.  You and your team have proved their value to
me in ways I'm forever grateful for.  Without your input, the
communications link wouldn't have been possible."
     Again, there was a respectful bow of the head, but Cobre said
nothing, waiting for the Commander to continue.
     "Cobre," Cain hunched forward so that his posture was more informal
and friendly.  "I want you and your fellow centurions to understand that
I welcome the prospect of more like you to our ranks.  Cylons like
yourself who have come to recognize the evil of the Cylon Empire bring us
one step closer to the day when true peace that we all want, can finally
exist.  I also believe that your team will be able to perform valuable
work in the future that will help bring more to our side.  Where I think
there's a difference between your perception, and mine, is whether
Gomorrah is the right place and the right time to utilize your team's
skills.  For me, the issue is not should we attempt to recruit more like
you, but when should it happen."
     "It will not be easy to meet with success at a more formidable
installation such as the Cannes Garrison," the command centurion said. 
"The size of Cannes will necessitate inflicting maximum destruction.  The
number of enlightened centurions that may exist at Cannes will not be
sufficient to generate a peaceful surrender.  You must act with full
force there.  But Gomorrah presents a different opportunity.  One to
achieve results peacefully.....and by extension gain a valuable long-term
ally for the Resistance."
     "I'm listening."
     "My fellow centurions and I spent the last evening re-analyzing the
Lucifer banks concerning the placement of long-distance communications
transmitters and receivers," Cobre said.  "The Cannes installation does
have such a device.  But it is only.....uni-directional in nature."
     "Uni-directional?" Cain frowned.
     "It is designed to send and receive across the distance between
Cannes and Cylon.  It has *no* ability to do so towards Gomorrah and
beyond.  That means Cannes can not contact Gomorrah directly.  Only by
message from the Imperious Leader himself on Cylon can Gomorrah learn
that anything from Cannes is being dispatched to their region."
     "And the Imperious Leader doesn't want centurions from the two
garrisons mixing," Cain began to connect things.  "That means there is
almost no likelihood that Cannes sent their baseship out to Gomorrah."
     "The chances are indeed, very remote, though I would hesitate to say
non-existent."
     "But that puts us back to why I believe Gomorrah needs to be
destroyed in a quick and efficient military strike," Cain said.  "The
pilots of the Pegasus have three yahrens of idleness when it comes to
combat activities that they need to get out of their systems.  From a
combat standpoint, they are suffering from, if you'll pardon the analogy,
the equivalent of rust."
     "I take no offense to your analogy," the command centurion said. 
"And I understand your sentiment for easing your crew back to combat
readiness.  But there is a great long-term risk in destroying Gomorrah by
a military strike."
     "Explain."
     "Gomorrah is surely expected to make routine reports to the home
planet.  If Gomorrah is destroyed and all contact broken......then
clearly the Cylon High Command will know that something has happened.  At
the very minimum, the Cannes Garrison will be alerted to this news.  If
that happens, Cannes may or may not send their Baseship into
action......but they will undoubtedly be in a state of alert readiness. 
And that would eliminate any hope for the element of surprise in your
battle plan for Cannes."
     The Juggernaut's eyes narrowed as he realized the meaning of Cobre's
words.
     "All right," he said, "Point in your favor.  But maybe you need to
explain to me just *how* you would attempt to infiltrate Gomorrah and
encourage a surrender?"
     "That does present a challenge," the command centurion conceded. 
"Clearly, it would involve landing a cloaked shuttle on the planet
and.....gauging the sentiment."
     "First problem, already," Cain said.  "If a cloaked shuttle lands on
the planet, it can not sustain invisibility for an indefinite period.  In
fact, it would become visible very quickly.  And then, our cover is blown
the instant one loyal centurion spots a Colonial shuttle lying in the
middle of the Cylon Outer Capitol."
     "A logical objection," Cobre conceded.
     "Second problem.  Where do you go?  Who do you choose to seek out? 
And how do you determine if any defecting sentiment you come across is
genuine?"
     "That too is a logical objection," Cobre said.  "But one that can be
answered.  The most logical centurions to approach would be those in
position to affect the security of the base.  Those controlling
communications and their defensive scanners."
     "Which still requires time to establish contact, which you don't
have enough of because of the first problem," Cain said, "That brings us
to the final problem.  Your voice.  And the voices of Festus, Serpentine
and Lucy.  None of you sound like centurions any longer."
     "That is actually part of the solution, rather than a problem," the
command centurion said.  "Our new voices are the proof we have to offer
the centurions that we face more rewarding opportunities independent of
the traditional Cylon order."
     "But your new voices came from the Zykonians and we don't have the
ability to do anything similar for new defectors," the Commander
countered, "It would be dangerous to make promises we can't keep."
     "Truly enlightened centurions would be capable of understanding the
difficulties of your making it possible for all of them.  It is merely
the idea that you would do this for *any* of us, that would be
sufficient.  It would reflect an attitude toward them as a class that is
certainly not forthcoming from the upper classes."
     Cain was silent as he looked at Cobre.  The only sound the whirring
back and forth of the red eye.  That was the one old Cylon sound that
remained unchanged even with a new voice.
     "You have an answer for problem two and three," the Juggernaut said. 
"But problem one is the obstacle we can't get around.  You and your team
would have to get to the surface in proximity without any possibility of
the Pegasus being detected, and unless Dr. Arnoff can make a shuttle stay
invisible for six to eight centars at least, it's impossible for me from
a tactical standpoint to contemplate this idea."
     "We are happy to contemplate solutions to this problem."
     The Commander rose from his chair, "I will give you three cycles,
Commander Cobre.  By then, I must draw up the final battle plan for
implementation.  After that, there can be no turning back."
     "We will make the most of it," Cobre bowed his head.  "Thank you for
listening, Commander Cain."


     The arrivals of first Ila and then Kelli had increased the female
population of the Pegasus to seventeen.  But in a crew of over two
hundred, it still wasn't enough to make those who had stayed behind after
the separation from the Galactica feel less isolated about their
existence in comparison to the men.  No more than several worked in the
same section and consequently they'd found that in order to cope with
life aboard the Pegasus it was necessary to act more like "one of the
guys".  And with any thoughts of relationships deemed off-limits, some
didn't adapt as readily to that as others.
     For Technician Livia, who was permanently assigned to Ship's
Maintenance, the adjustment wasn't difficult for her.  She'd spent most
of her life repairing vipers and other ships and had spent most of her
life being "one of the guys."  Her father had been a Master Chief
assigned to the Colonial space dock orbiting Caprica and starting at age
ten, he'd taken her out of school and given Livia her first job, helping
her father on repair jobs ranging from viper to battlestar.  When she
came of age, she earned her own assignment to the Pegasus and had been
there for the last fifteen yahrens.  So devoted was she to doing
maintenance work on the Pegasus that she'd been unaffected emotionally by
all of the upheavals in the battlestar's life starting with Molocay.  And
for that, she thanked the Lords tremendously.
     Today, her shift called for her to inspect the idle vessels stored
in the Pegasus landing bays.  The small tankers and cargo vessels needed
for planetary operations.  The unused shuttles.  Vipers that had been
undergoing repairs to various systems.
     And also on that list.......the one person shuttle that had taken
Ila from the Colonies in a hibernating state to the Pegasus.  Though the
intent had been to reach the Galactica.  The Zykonians had repaired its
systems to enable it for future use, but Ila's decision to stay on the
Pegasus had meant putting the shuttle in storage on the far side of Alpha
Bay.
     Just need to make sure nothing's banged up against it since the last
check, Livia thought as she made her way past a tanker to where it was
kept.  And then, she stopped and frowned when she saw a familiar figure
standing over the one person shuttle.  Not working on it. 
Just....staring at it.
     "Bremer?" she called over.
     Her fellow technician whipped around with a swiftness that showed he
hadn't expected anyone to come by.  "Oh!  Hi, Livia, I just.......was
taking a look at the Professor's ship and......"
     "And what?" she came up to him, her frown deepening.  She'd always
liked Bremer.  He always seemed devoted to maintenance work as much as
she was, but because he'd been junior to so many other technicians who'd
stayed behind on the Pegasus, that meant Bremer had been forced to do
additional time in the Service sections, making up for the lost presence
of crew who had been evacuated to the Galactica as "non-essential
personnel."  So every other cycle, instead of working in Maintenance, he
had to perform Kitchen detail.
     "Nothing," he shook his head.  "Nothing, just......admiring the
detail.  It's......different from anything we ever came up with."
     "Yeah, it is," Livia nodded as she came alongside him in front of
the craft.  He wasn't carrying any tools or anything to make notations
with, which indicated he'd just been standing there, staring and looking
at it.
     "Not much we're doing with it now," she said and then looked at him,
"You.....want to have lunch together?  My shift ends in ten centons."
     "No, I got to be there to relieve the current Kitchen detail shift. 
I was just.....walking a bit before it starts."
     "Okay.....well, maybe we could another time?" 
     "Sure," he nodded and started to walk away, "See you around, Livia."
     But as Livia watched him disappear around the corner towards the
turbo lift her confusion only deepened.
     You don't come this way to get from the barracks to the Kitchen. 
Why would he be just wandering aimlessly here?  And why all this
attention on the Professor's shuttle as if he were......studying it?


     Cain had retreated to his quarters where he spent the next centar
studying the available files on Gomorrah that came from both old
intelligence reports and the new information from the Cylon data banks. 
Juxtaposing the information with what he'd heard Cobre outline and
feeling a growing edge of frustration.
     It's all laid out so perfect.  For the first time in yahrens I have
an easy target that can be overwhelmed in a concentrated sneak attack. 
We could knock them out so fast and destroy their nerve center that all
we'd have left to deal with are unarmed civilian Cylons who'd have to
just let us take what we want.  It would give the crew the battle test
they haven't had in three yahrens and boost their confidence for handling
Cannes Garrison.
     But......what if Cobre is right?  What if taking out Gomorrah the
easy way means putting Cannes on alert to a point where we could never
get past them no matter what kind of plan I come up with?
     The Juggernaut sat down and looked over the star charts again. 
First Gomorrah and its nearby frontier.  Then he switched to the Cannes
frontier.  Finally, widening the field so that both systems were visible
at opposite ends of the chart.  Studying the charts with the silent
precision he'd utilized for decades before he put a plan into effect.
     He realized there was one other variable he needed to consider.  He
reached over and pressed the connection to the Bridge, "Kylie?"
     "Sir," the Bridge Officer responded punctually and precisely.
     "Pull up all intelligence we have on the Cannesians along with new
data from the Lucifer banks and send it over to my terminal."
     "Yes sir.  Stand by."
     Cain shut the com-line off and shook his head slightly as his mind
tried to reconcile the image of Kylie the punctual, focused Bridge
Officer with the woman he'd seen in Wallis and Kelli's quarters.  Along
with the warrior who was boldly courageous under fire down on Terra.  It
was like seeing three different personas who occupied the same body.
     And then he shook his head more as he tried to figure out why he was
even playing that game.  All his warriors had to be talented in multiple
areas.  And all of them had their sides that were ordinarily hidden from
him.  He couldn't think of her as any different from any other member of
the crew
     Microns later he began to see the data he wanted.  The files on the
Cannesian race, which had been conquered and subjugated into slavery by
the Cylons some ten yahrens ago when the Cannes garrison was established. 
Describing the background and history of the race that was descended from
a religious sect called the Luddites that had left the Colonies 1500
yahrens before because of their aversion to the rapid technological
developments that were taking place in all twelve worlds by then.  The
Luddites believed in the purity of the original Kobollian settlers vision
of destroying all forms of technology lest it result in the same
destruction that befell the mother world.  One of those factions, Cain
knew, had settled the planet Attilla.  The rest had settled on two of the
three planets of the Cannes System and assimilated into a new race.  With
each strain of Cannesians charting its own course on the individual
planets.  
     As soon as Cain finished reading the file, he found himself shaking
his head as he realized the situation there was  more complicated than he
realized.  It seemed formidable enough five yahrens ago when the Cannes
Garrison represented the biggest obstacle to any thought of going home
following Molocay.  No matter how much Cain regretted his decision not to
try, he knew it would have been harrowing, and the reputation of the
garrison was why his crew had accepted his decision to head for Gomorrah
instead of trying to get home. 
     But now.....if he were to implement a successful battle plan for
getting past Cannes and clearing the way home for the Pegasus, it was
clearly going to require a mixture of increased strength, careful stealth
and ultimately a good deal of diplomacy too.  If Cannes had any inkling
that a threat from the Gomorrah quadrant was near.....the chances of
implementing a plan that brought all those careful elements of tactical
balance would be poor.
     But to pull it off would be so complicated for our first major
engagement.  I don't see the crew being up to it.  Cobre is right that we
*would* benefit from a surrender, but I know I'm right in that we need to
get our crew into battle somehow here in the Gomorrah quadrant.
     A less imaginative mind would tell Cain that he had to choose
between one or the other, and there was no third option to consider where
he could get both results.  A peaceful surrender *and* a chance for the
Pegasus pilots to test their long rusty combat skills.  But he was going
to summon all the bravado and arrogance of his reputation and prove that
argument wrong.
     Because we need both.


     On the Bridge, Altair had just finished clearing the vipers of
Sergeant Marshak and Lieutenant Banker for launch, on what would be a
routine two centar advance patrol.  Once that was done, the
communications officer's next task shifted to monitoring the com-lines of
Maintenance crews performing up-close EVA checks of the battlestar's
outer hull and keep Major Ham as Senior Bridge Officer, informed of the
progress.
     Altair went about his work with an awareness that his duties had
diminished greatly from the old days.  Back when the Pegasus had been the
flagship of the Colonial Fifth Fleet, his job was arguably greater than
Kylie's, since the communications officer had to maintain clear lines of
contact between multiple ships as well as monitoring the short and
long-range transmission bands.  But once the Pegasus became a one ship
operation conducting its affairs in stealth, all that changed.  He still
had to monitor contact with viper patrols and handle their launches and
recoveries, but in order to keep his skills sharp, that meant finding new
things to do.
     He could at least take satisfaction that the new contact with the
Galactica was bringing him new work he could appreciate.  He regretted
that he had no family or friends in the Fleet who would ever send him a
message (beyond perhaps the well-wishes of a couple ex-Pegasus crewmates)
but the more he thought about it, the more he realized his detachment
from deep personal connections to the Fleet would make it easier to
handle the increased volume of recorded personal messages to the Pegasus. 
If he had a family member in the Fleet, he would have been more likely to
become anxious waiting for his turn, instead of efficiently processing
the new ones that came in.
     Whenever a new signal on the long-range transmitter was coming in, a
beeping sound would emit on Altair's console to indicate the power drop
that occurred from receiving a signal.  If it was a live message
requesting an extended chat with Cain or Ila, the signal would be relayed
to Cain's quarters or Dr. Arnoff's lab.  If it was just a recorded
message to pass along, he would see the operator at the other end on the
Galactica and give a brief two word "message received" acknowledgment. 
In the course of the first sectans since contact had been established, he
was becoming used to the sight of the Galactica Bridge Officer and his
face smiling and nodding as the too brief bond was established.  Only
once had Altair exchanged further words with him, just to learn his name. 
Bridge Officer Omega.
     When the chime sounded again, Altair took no special notice
initially, since he was becoming used to it.  When he silenced it and
waited to see the face emerge on the other end, his mood was
appropriately detached.
     Until he saw an image on the other end form, and he saw it wasn't
Bridge Officer Omega of the Galactica.  Staring back at Altair was the
unmistakable face of......an IL Cylon.
     "You are human," the IL spoke with more surprise than any hostility.
     The communications officer stared at the screen with disbelief.  He
knew that a Cylon baseship was operating with the Galactica and was in
fact the primary relay station for transmission.  But Cain's briefing had
told him there were no IL's stationed aboard the Baseship.  If he did see
a Cylon face on the other end, it would be either a centurion named
Dunamis, or the Command Centurion, whose name was Moray.
     "Yes," Altair mumbled and then turned and shouted, "Major!"
     The Senior Bridge Officer hurried over to his station and his eyes
widened too.
     "I do not have much time," the IL Cylon said.  "I am speaking to you
from Gomorrah, and I wish to verify that you are the ship that has
received messages from a Cylon baseship operating well beyond the regions
of charted space."
     Major Ham was at a loss for words.  This was not a situation he had
expected to deal with.  But he knew he had to quickly recover himself.
     "Do you wish to tell us something?" he finally spoke.
     The IL Cylon skipped a beat as though he were studying the two
stunned humans carefully.
     "I am taking a grave chance," he said.  "My name is Volahd.  And if
you are preparing some kind of military assault on Gomorrah, I beg of
you......Hold off.  I would like very much to discuss the possibility of
a more.....orderly course of events, if it can be arranged.  My name
again is Volahd, and my deputy is Command Centurion Vipron.  If you are
in any way in contact with Cylons who have become enlightened, I am
sending this message to assure you that....there are others like that
here on Gomorrah."
     Abruptly, the transmission ceased and the image of the IL Cylon
faded from the screen.  
     "Altair," Ham collected himself, "Send the recording of this to
Cain, now!"


     Volahd slowly turned away from the monitor to face Vipron.  Three
other centurions, were in the room watching what had just unfolded with
interest.
     "My congratulations on your team triangulating the likely position
of the ship receiving those messages," he said.  "Our transmission was
sufficiently brief to cause no noticeable power emissions that would
attract outside attention."
     "What does it mean?" Vipron asked.
     "The rumors are true," Volahd said, "One of the two baseships did
defect to the Colonials.  And it's now communicating with another ship
operating near our quadrant."
     "Unless the defecting baseship was captured and is now fully manned
by humans." The command centurion pointed out.
     "That is not entirely impossible," Volahd conceded.  "But it is less
likely when you consider.....our own sentiments.  Unless.....you feel
that our sentiments are.....wrong?"
     "I do not believe what we have reasoned to be wrong," Vipron said. 
"That you, as an IL agree with us is......gratifying."
     Volahd let out a sigh, "Perhaps I am afflicted by what the human
mind would refer to as a guilt complex.  While my banishment to this
position has made me see more clearly how things seem to you centurions,
I could feel this.....discontentment even before my fall from grace.  And
perhaps......this risk we have taken in contacting this ship will
ultimately provide us with a way out."
     "And if we guess wrong?" Vipron's question, even through his
mechanical sounding voice seemingly had a pointed edge.  "This human ship
you have contacted will be in position to destroy us."
     Volahd again sighed.  "In that case, Vipron, I am content to meet my
end.  I can not speak for you or your fellow centurions, but.....I find
life as it is in this conception of Cylon order to be......intellectually
stagnant."
     He heard no response for several microns at first and had turned
back to face the now dormant transmitter when finally, the command
centurion's voice said firmly.
     "I am in agreement."
     The IL Cylon wished he were capable of smiling.

     
     Cain was looking at the recording of the message for the fifth time. 
He'd been joined in his quarters by this point by Tolen and Ila, while
Arnoff and Cobre were watching from a monitor in the Lab.
     When it was over, Cain turned to the monitor, "Does the name Volahd
show up in the data banks, Cobre?"
     "Indeed it does," the command centurion said in his smooth voice
that had once been that of the IL Cylon, Lucifer, "He was once deputy to
Spektor's predecessor, Commander Keldor, the IL who was in charge during
the time when the Pegasus was.....quite active in the quadrant."
     The reference brought a smile to Cain's lips but he said nothing.
     "After the Battle of Gomorrah, he managed to escape execution and
was demoted to a low level position with supervisory responsibility
for.....communications.  So he is the one who logically would have access
to the transmitter."
     "Is it possible he's already seized power?" Ila asked.
     "Not likely," Cobre said.  "If he were already in power, he would
have had the luxury of sending a longer and more direct message."
     "The longer the message, the likelier someone monitoring power
emission levels might have noticed something," Dr. Arnoff added.
     "Does it surprise you, Commander Cobre that an IL Cylon would be
expressing discontent just as you centurions have?" Tolen asked.  
     "Ordinarily it would," Cobre conceded.  "However......the fact that
Volahd is known to have been demoted is a point in his favor that I would
be loathe to dismiss."
     "But it could also mean a trap," Cain cautioned.  "And I'm also
troubled that he was able to deduce our existence and could chance
sending a message to us.  How is that possible?"
     "It could lie in their ability to detect transmissions coming to us
from the Galactica via Baltar's baseship," Dr. Arnoff said.  "The
Gomorrah system was designed to communicate directly with them.  I
wouldn't rule out the possibility that their system
detected.....imprecise indications of the Galactica's transmissions to
us."
     "Well if that's the case, then we have to act sooner than later to
take out that base," Cain said.  "If this.....Volahd knows that we're out
here, then he has the ability to notify the Cylon High Command, and then
they'd be able to alert Cannes Garrison."
     "That's assuming that Volahd's message is a trap," Ila cautioned. 
"Is there any way of approaching him to see if his offer is genuine?"
     "I am certainly willing to do so, notwithstanding my own instinctive
feelings about his class," Cobre said.
     "All well and good, Commander Cobre," Cain said.  "But the problem
we discussed earlier today still stands.  How do you get to Gomorrah
without exposing ourselves to the rest of the base?  All it takes is one
loyal Cylon above Volahd to know we're here and our strategic objective
of neutralizing Gomorrah before the High Command knows of our existence,
fails."
     "We are still endeavoring to address that," the command centurion
said.  "It is unfortunate that we Cylons are not capable of submitting
ourselves to the paradrop procedure.  Or else a cloaked shuttle might
have been convenient to get us in that way."
     "If only we had a Cylon ship that could get you in," Ila mused
aloud, but with the air of someone expressing something she knew wasn't a
serious option.
     But after a few microns silence, Cain's head suddenly perked up. 
And then, the Juggernaut was on his feet with a wide grin.
     "Ila, I think you have just given us the solution to *all* of our
problems!"
     
     
     
Chapter Four

     "All of you have been waiting for the specifics of our battle plan,"
Cain said to the assembled warriors and staff members in the Flight
Operations Center the next day.  "I'm pleased to announce it is ready. 
And if we are fortunate, we will achieve the dual results of
demonstrating that you haven't lost your combat flight skills......while
simultaneously avoiding the need for a full military strike."
     The Juggernaut then went up to the overhead projection screen
showing the star chart.
     "Twenty vipers, half of our complement, will be launched at 1900. 
The target is Gomorrah's third and most distant fuel outpost.  You are to
stay outside of their scanning range until a scheduled tanker launch of
theirs carrying fuel for Gomorrah has taken place and the tanker is clear
of the outpost.  When that happens......you are to execute a maneuver to
put yourselves clear of the tanker's scanning range and destroy the
outpost.  Remember, I want you to be sure the tanker is clear of the
outpost first, and then, without letting the tanker know you've spotted
it, do an end run that will let you destroy the outpost so the tanker
remains unaware of what's happened behind it.  Under *no* circumstances
are you to engage the tanker first."
     He stopped to look them over.  Some looking at him with rapt
attention, others making notations.  This was a different sight than the
briefings that had taken place on other matters over the past three
yahrens.  Those briefings had an underlying looseness to them where it
wasn't abnormal to see one or two warriors in slouched postures or
exchanging snickers about something.  But this time there was none of
that.  Already, they had learned to readjust themselves to what a battle
briefing was like.
     "Now once you've destroyed the outpost and all the fighters
stationed on it, you're to go back and intercept that tanker.  If it has
any fighter escort, destroy them, but do *not* destroy the tanker.  The
tanker is to be captured and escorted to the Pegasus for docking.  Upon
which time the Cylon team of Commander Cobre and Centurions Festus,
Serpentine and Lucy will board the vessel and convince the Cylon crew of
the wisdom of defecting to our side."
     "Commander?" Captain Skyler raised his hand.
     "Yes, Skyler," Cain pointed to him.
     "What's to stop the tanker from implementing a self-destruct
sequence to avoid surrendering to us?"
     "Glad you asked.  Dr. Arnoff has taken care of that contingency," he
motioned to the Electronics Scientist who rose and came up to the front.
     "Our study of the existing Cylon data from the Lucifer banks has
revealed there is a basic transmission code that can override the
destruct sequence of a tanker or freighter.  But it only works if the
destruct sequence has been initiated.  So consequently, you will be
forced to maintain full scan monitoring of the tanker at all times and
act quickly if your scan determines the sequence has begun.  The first
indication would be an abnormal increase in engine temperature.  When you
see that.....transmit the destruct override code which we have taken from
the Lucifer banks.  It was meant to be a standardized code for the Empire
as a whole so there can be no doubt it has not changed."
     "Especially with Gomorrah out of contact with the High Command for
the past yahren, as all intelligence indicates," Cain took the center
stage once again while Arnoff resumed his seat.  "Now the next order of
business is in the hands of Commander Cobre.  He and at least one member
of his team will accompany the tanker to Gomorrah.  Upon arrival, Cobre
will seek out this IL Cylon named Volahd, who sent out a message
indicating awareness of our existence.....and a potential willingness to
discuss a peaceful surrender if we hold off an attack.  A single cloaked
viper will track the tanker to Gomorrah to make sure nothing goes wrong
during final approach.  If all goes well, the cloaked viper will return
to the Pegasus, and then we stand by in back of the second planet and
wait for a message on the same transmission line Volahd previously
contacted us on.  Commander Cobre will have twelve centars to fulfill his
mission objective of working out terms for a peaceful surrender."
     He then paused and added, "If after twelve centars we receive no
message from Volahd or Commander Cobre......then we launch an all-out
attack on Gomorrah."
     A low murmur of understanding went up as Cain turned around to
change the image on the screen to a map showing the entire complex.
     "The primary targets will be the aerodrome where all their fighters
are housed and the communications complex.  At the very least, we'll have
bought some time before the High Command doesn't get a dispatch they'd be
expecting."
     Cain looked back at the assembled warriors, "But I am hoping that we
will avoid this course of action.  I am willing to trust the possibility
that the Volahd message is genuine and that this spirit of independence
that we have seen with Cobre's team, and which Professor Ila has seen
firsthand in the Colonies, also exists on Gomorrah.  And if we are
successful......then we will end up strengthening our hand for future
operations against the Cannes Garrison.  And we will have succeeded in
knocking over the first wall in the Cylon Empire's holdings.  All part of
our journey home to insure the final defeat of the Empire itself."
     He looked about to see if there were any other questions.  Hearing
none, he went on.
     "The twenty vipers that will take part in the initial operation will
consist of Captain Skyler in command and one-half of those who hold the
rank of Lieutenant and Ensign.  Specific assignments will be determined
by Captain Skyler as well as those with the rank of Sergeant who will be
participating.  As of now, everyone on this ship is on Yellow Alert
status until further notice."
     Yet another pause for emphasis, but the men could tell he was about
to give his closing remarks.
     "I know it's been a while for all of you.  Nearly three long yahrens
since you last went into meaningful combat.  You've all kept up training
routines in your viper patrols and even had a couple war games sessions
along the way, but this will be the first time since the last battle of
Gomorrah where you have to face the prospect that a mistake.....could
result in your death.  Don't let the fact that I'm having twenty vipers
go in to take out at most twelve Cylon fighters lull you into thinking it
will be easy.  While you're out there.....get used to the idea once again
of what combat will be like, because what you'll be facing in the time
ahead will be far more difficult.  But by the good graces of the Lords of
Kobol......I know my faith in you as warriors of the Battlestar Pegasus
will be rewarded.
     "That's all."
     There was no applause or standing ovation this time as Cain turned
and exited out the side door.  Nor were there any quips and asides as the
men in the room rose and headed for their duty stations.


     For the first time in a long while, Ila had skipped one of Cain's
briefings.  As far as she was concerned, everything was now strictly a
military matter and out of her hands.
     I have to learn when it's time to step back and let him take charge,
she thought as she sat in front of her computer terminal.  She was
reading a message Adama had sent to her with Apollo's video message.  Her
husband had decided to eschew a video recording for now and return to the
method he had used so many times over the yahrens of writing to her.  She
had always treasured his "letters to home" and it overjoyed her that he
was doing it again.  Even though video messages had their advantages,
there was something to be said for the power of the written word that
she, a Professor of Drama could really appreciate.
     
     My dearest Ila-

     How it feels so good to write those words again as I did so many
times over
     the yahrens, when it was the only way of letting you know I was all
right 
     and always thinking of you and the children.  In a way it makes our
new
     connection to each other more real than the recorded messages do. 
While
     I won't avoid that method completely, I find it easier for me to
share things
     with you this way when we're not blessed with a "live" chat in the
future.

     The Fleet has welcomed the news about the Pegasus with a cathartic
release
     of emotion I haven't seen the likes of throughout our journey.  Some
of it
     I suspect is driven by the completely unexpected news that a
Resistance 
     movement exists in the Colonies and that people they thought dead
could
     be alive.  I'm afraid you'll have to get used to hearing relayed
requests
     in the coming sectars from people who are anxious to know about
specific
     individuals and if you have any news you can bring.  As all messages
     to the Pegasus must go through a screening process, I will do my
best to 
     insure that you are not bothered too much with questions you can't
answer
     at this time.

     
     As she read further, her husband had much to say about the events of
the past yahren,
which remained largely unknown to her and Cain.  He confessed for the
first time how his life had undergone great peril on a planet called
Kradina where he'd been abducted and interrogated by a hostile enemy
reminiscent of the Eastern Alliance but it had ended with a successful
rescue.  By Ila's count that marked four significant occasions when her
husband's life had been in peril during the last three yahrens since the
Exodus had begun.  It seemed unfair to her.  Given the burdens Adama had
faced of trying to keep a people together across the long journey to
Earth, he was entitled to be spared such personal traumas.
     Then again, she sighed as she read on,  it could be a sign the Lords
do protect him ultimately no matter what he goes through.


     I have another revelation to tell you of an old acquaintance of
yours, and 
     like Major Dorian, it isn't pretty.  Your old benefactor at the
Institute,
     Sire Uri, was exposed as a traitor who collaborated with Baltar
prior to the
     Destruction in order to protect his wealth and interests in the new
Cylon
     order.  The amazing thing is Uri was so determined to insure the
success
     of the outcome, that he even participated in a plot parallel and
independent
     of Baltar's.  His collaborators included Baltar's own cousin Count
Mikkos;
     the President's former mistress, Siress Rosalind; and an
intelligence operative
     named Ashera.......

     Ila's eyes narrowed as she continued to read her husband's account. 
The news about Sire Uri had only left her mildly surprised.  She knew
that for all of Uri's boasting about being a patron of the arts, a
corrupt soul loomed beneath the surface.  It had always bothered her that
she'd felt the need to glad hand him for contributions to the Institute,
which in turn helped her career on the Faculty.  But this was one thing
even she, with all her private disdain for Uri, never would have
suspected.
     But ultimately it wasn't the details about Uri and his eventual
suicide that amazed her.  It was the revelations regarding the
collaborators.  She was familiar with more than one name on that list and
if what her husband said was true, it explained a lot about certain
things she had seen during her time in the Resistance.
     When she finally reached the end of the letter, she found herself
smiling at how Adama had reverted to another old habit.  His shift from
formality to.....total romantic.


     The days and nights are much easier for me to cope with now that the
sound
     of your voice and the beauty of your face is no longer a distant
memory to me
     that I struggle to remember in times of loneliness.  Our
conversation was
     brief.....but it rejuvenated my spirit like nothing else I have
known.  And I
     look forward to when we'll be able to look at each other again and
share
     our respective journeys to each other.  And when I'll be able to
look upon
     you once more and say to you, my dearest, darling Ila.......I love
you.

     Yours forever-
     A.


     Oh Adama, Ila sighed with joyous pleasure, how blessed I am to be
the only one privileged to see the side of you no one else ever can.


     Skyler sat in the cockpit of his viper waiting for the chronometer
to turn to 1900.  Waiting and thinking about how long it had been since
there'd been anything like this to prepare for.  And not losing sight of
the fact that this would be his first true test as a Squadron Leader.
     "I know a warrior as good as you doesn't think he's operating in my
shadow or Sheba's shadow or anyone else's," the words of Bojay's personal
message to him went through his head. "Cain made you the Squadron Leader
because he knew you were the best for the job.  You're going to reward
his faith in you."
     "I intend to," he said under his breath.  "I intend to."
     "Core Command to Silver Spar Leader.  Transferring systems to you. 
Stand by to launch," Major Ham's voice filled his head.  For something
this big, the Senior Bridge Officer took over from the communications
officer.
     "Standing by to launch," Skyler snapped to attention as he saw the
lights on his panel indicate he could launch any time now.  But per
orders, he would wait until the stroke of 1900.  That gave him just one
more centon of private contemplation.  About hearing from his old Academy
friend, Captain Dante, who now had the job of executive officer aboard a
converted Zykonian ship commanded by the Earth native, Kevin Byrne.  And
then......a random thought of the lost love of his in the Colonies named
Shayleen and the family members who'd died in the Destruction.  Hoping
that maybe now, he'd no longer be haunted by visions of their faces
asking him where he was when the Destruction took place.
     And then, Ham's basso voice snapped him out of the reveries, "Silver
Spar Leader, you are cleared to launch!"
     Skyler's finger came down on the button and he was away.  His
thoughts of Bojay, Dante, Shayleen and everything else left behind in the
launch tube.  As the other vipers assigned for the mission launched and
Skyler took the lead position, it was the narrowly focused mind of Silver
Spar Leader giving them their orders.


     "All vipers for mission launched, sir," Ham reported as Cain and
Tolen entered the Bridge.
     "Excellent!" Cain gave his swagger stick an enthusiastic tap on the
rail.  "Keep monitoring their progress."
     The Executive Officer smiled, "Feels good to be back in harness
again?"
     "Not for the sake of it," Cain said.  "Just good that we haven't
forgotten what it feels like."
     That is a difference from the old Cain, Tolen thought.  In the old
days he loved battle for the sake of it.  Now.....he understands better
its limits.
     "Sir, Commander Cobre's team is in place by the docking hatch,"
Altair reported.
     "Thank you, I'll have a word with him," Cain moved over and put his
headset on since he wanted this conversation private.  "Hello, Commander. 
If everything goes our way, we should have the tanker here in a centar
and have you ready to go."
     "We will be prepared," the command centurion acknowledged. 
"And....we will make it clear to the crew of the tanker why it was
necessary to destroy the outpost."
     "Commander, I trust you have no qualms about that," Cain said.  "I
assure you I am not trying to kill Cylons for the sake of it.  But there
is a deeper reason why the outpost and their fighters have to be
destroyed, and without doing that, it would make the case for sparing
Gomorrah as a whole much weaker."
     "Your decision is quite understandable from a command standpoint,"
Cobre said.  "What happens from this time forward, *after* a peaceful
surrender is achieved is what will be impressed upon them.  In the
absence of a peaceful surrender at this point......you must exercise some
level of caution and at the same time insure that your pilots are still
capable of flying in actual combat conditions."
     "I'm glad you see it that way, Commander Cobre," Cain said
respectfully.  "And in future engagements, we'll hopefully have more
information at our disposal that will make it less necessary to do what
has to be done now."
     "Indeed."
     "Stand by for now," Cain shut the com-line off and went back to
rejoin Tolen on the upper level.
     "Tolen," he said, "How close were you to just killing Cobre and his
team once they'd done what you wanted them to do on that......Equellas
planet?"
     "Very close," the Executive Officer admitted.  "It was just
a......hunch there was something we could capitalize on later."
     Cain looked out at the view screen, which for now was still just a
starry expanse.  "That hunch of yours, Tolen, is likely going to pay off
its biggest dividend today."


     Skyler had taken just five of the twenty vipers on an advanced
heading while instructing Banker to command the remaining fifteen on the
rear perimeter.  He knew that having too many of them packed up front
could run the risk of premature detection.  The battle plan's explicit
command to find the tanker's heading first and then retreat quickly was
something he couldn't allow any chance of screw-up on.
     "Keep a sharp eye for a standard Cylon tanker.  If they're still
following the departure schedules as of last yahren, one would have left
the third outpost fifteen centons ago." 
     There were no responses.  No small talk chatter of the type typical
of patrols.  The silence was a testament to how each Pegasus flyer felt a
state of anxious tension inside them now that they were back in a true
combat situation.  It required zoning out all possible distractions and
showing their skills were intact after three yahrens. 
     It was Ensign Tegran who broke the silence.  Skyler had debated a
good deal whether Tegran merited the assignment or being among the
one-half who'd be left behind.  And even after deciding Tegran would
come, did he merit being part of the small group of lead vipers who would
be first to detect the tanker?  Silver Spar Leader had found Tegran to be
too impulsive the last time they'd flow together at Paradeen, which had
resulted in the destruction of an abandoned Eastern Alliance destroyer
that had been turned into a drone weapon.  But Skyler decided Tegran
needed a chance to show he'd learned from the last incident.  And so,
he'd given Tegran  a plum assignment for this mission along with Angus,
Marshak and Paris.
     "Sir!" Tegran chimed, "Spotted contact on scanner in Epsilon
quadrant, bearing five-four-six which puts it on heading for Gomorrah."
     "Okay, Tegran, thanks.  I see her.  Anyone seeing signs of fighter
escort?"
     "None on my scanner," Marshak said.
     "Negative mine," Angus chimed.
     "Likewise," Paris completed the report.
     "All right.  Prepare to veer off on heading three-seven-two toward
the outpost, now!"
     The five vipers peeled away in formation that would take them away
from the scanning track of the Cylon tanker.  
     "Silver Leader to remaining fighters!  Tanker is spotted on Epsilon
five-four-six heading!  Break off and program course toward outpost on
three-seven-two and rendezvous with the rest of us!"
     "Breaking off and headed your way, Silver Leader," Banker reported.
     The twenty vipers were now safely out of the scanning range of the
tanker, and had a clear track toward the outpost it had originated from. 
The tanker would be unable to notify the outpost that it had detected any
unknown ships that could pose a threat to its existence.
     "Keep turbos off for now," Skyler instructed.  "We're going to
slowly sneak up on it, and see if that draws their fighters out.  If it
does, they'll be easy target practice.  And if they don't launch then
that means we'll be able to pulverize them in an instant while they're
still on ground level."
     "Kind of surprising the tanker had no escort.  I expected at least
two or three fighters," Angus said.
     "Could be a sign of complacence, but whatever it means, we'll take
advantage of it.  When we go back for the tanker, that means there'll be
nothing to open fire on it as a preventive action."
     "Eight centons to outpost," Marshak intoned.
     "Think maybe we should----," Tegran started and then stopped.
     "You had something to say, Tegran?" Skyler asked.
     "Uh.....no.  It went out of my head," the Ensign said.  "Standing by
on your signal."
     Skyler smiled thinly.  He knew Tegran was about to ask about hitting
the outpost sooner, but had caught himself in time.  That meant the
Ensign was showing more maturity on this mission than he had at Paradeen. 

     Two centons went by and then Banker reported in with the remaining
fifteen vipers.  With Skyler in the lead, the group of twenty drew closer
to their target.  Other than some random com-line checks or a report on
the distance to target, no one said a word.
     Skyler decided it was time to play a hunch.
     "Silver Group, this is Silver Leader.  My gut tells me they've
spotted us and are launching.  We don't want to be packed together and
give them easy targets.  All of you start widening  intervals between
each other, now."
     Banker, who was next in seniority decided he had to get in a
question.  "What if they haven't launched by the time we're over the
outpost?"
     "Then we close up formation again when we go for an attack run.  For
now, let's widen it up!"
     Over the next two centons the vipers performed dispersal maneuvers
designed to widen their field while maintaining the same group heading. 
Just as each viper completed its maneuver, Skyler then saw his hunch
proved right.
     "Silver Leader to Silver Group!  Outpost has launched fighters!  Go
to turbos and engage!"
     In each cockpit there was a rush of adrenaline as the fingers came
down on the turbo boost followed by the switching on of the attack
computer.  The distance rapidly narrowing until finally.......for the
first time in three yahrens their eyes saw Cylon fighters approaching. 
Only twelve and hardly a formidable attack force, but still a potential
danger to any of the pilots in the group.  But the dispersal maneuver
Skyler had ordered meant the Cylon fighters wouldn't be able to fire
blindly at a packed group and likely pick off one or two in the process.
     Skyler pressed the red button and scored the first kill.  Marshak
managed to take out two, followed by Paris, Angus and Tegran with one
each.  The lead group of five then peeled off.  Before the pilots in back
of them could get their first shots off the remaining seven Cylon
fighters also dispersed, turning the engagement into a ship to ship
contest.  A maneuver that would leave the Cylons doomed since they were
outnumbered three to one in that category.  It was only a question of
which pilots would get to score kills while which ones would have to
content themselves with performing efficient screening maneuvers.
     Regardless of who got to destroy a fighter, all of the pilots were
feeling the sense of being at ease in combat conditions coming back to
them.  As though it had been only a sectan since they'd last gone into
battle instead of yahrens.  And for twenty-one Pegasus pilots who weren't
taking part in the engagement, they would benefit from the advice and
counsel of those who had, about how easy it was to slip back into battle
mode.
     Only once, did a pilot slip up and find himself the pursued when
Sergeant Gaspar fired a micron late and gave the Cylon craft a chance to
do the slow reverse thrust that always stood out as their best maneuver. 
But before Gaspar could begin to panic, a lateral shot from Angus took
care of the remaining Cylon.
     "Silver Leader, all of them gone!" Banker said proudly.  "No
casualties on our end!"
     "Beautiful job, men!" Skyler hoped the rest of them knew he was
grinning.  "Now let's bunch up and take care of that outpost!"
     Five centons later, the defenseless outpost with its handful of
centurions and two un-launched tankers had been completely annihilated. 
With Skyler making sure that each viper got to perform an attack run even
if it was redundant.
     "All right.  Now on to phase two and let's intercept that tanker. 
Stand by to use self-destruct override transmission if she shows the
slightest indication of implementing one."


     "Commander, first message from Captain Skyler," Ham reported. 
"Outpost destroyed and all fighters attached to it destroyed in
successful engagement.  No casualties."
     A mild cheer went up from the Bridge personnel.  Cain impulsively
glanced over at Kylie who was smiling with satisfaction and pumping her
fist in the air but still had her face trained on her scanner.  It was
just enough show of emotion without going over-the-top.  Perfectly
balanced from his standpoint.
     There I go again, he thought.  Ever since I saw her with those kids,
I can't help paying more attention to her.  Why am I doing that?  If I
keep this up, I'm *really* going to end up crossing a line I shouldn't.
     "That's great news, Major!" Cain finally responded to Ham after
missing just three beats.  "Keep me posted on what happens with the
tanker."
     "They report tanker heading is Epsilon five-four-six."
     "Kylie, plot intercept course.  But give our vipers time to reach
the tanker first."  This time Cain self-consciously kept his back to her.
     "Course plotted, sir."  Kylie had noticed his lingering glance
earlier and wasn't going to give it any thought until she was off-duty. 
"Keeping speed reduced until otherwise needed."
     Cain then keyed in his com-line to Commander Cobre in the docking
area.
     "Cobre, this is Cain.  Our vipers are about to intercept the tanker
in a few centons.  I think it'd be advisable for you to make the first
radio contact with them so the first voice they hear, even if it is human
sounding, will be identifying itself as a fellow Cylon."
     "A logical suggestion," Cobre said.  "There is a visual transmitter
here that might allow us to make visual contact with the tanker and
improve our chances of immediate success."
     "I'll get on that, immediately."
     Cain went over to the railing and looked down at the communications
officer.  "Altair, I want you to patch in Commander Cobre's com-line to
the system so that he can talk directly to the tanker.  If he can make
visual contact with them, they'll know right away that we have a fellow
Cylon aboard.  It might make a difference."
     "Patching docking bay visual to main transmitter," Altair promptly
made the adjustment on his terminal.
     "Ham, tell Skyler that they're not to make radio contact with the
tanker.  We're going to let Cobre do it from this end."
     "Yes sir."
     Cain turned back to Tolen, who was smiling with satisfaction.
     "I hope we're through with Cylon killing for today," the Executive
Officer said.
     "I hope so too, Tolen," the Juggernaut admitted.  "We've proved what
we had to prove as far as our warriors were concerned.  And now......it's
all going to be up to one Cylon trying to convince others that we don't
want to kill any more of them.  Provided that they're willing to see
things that way."


Chapter Five

     Cobre knew he couldn't begrudge Cain or any of the Pegasus warriors
for feeling good about their engagement against the outpost and its
fighters.  His mind was logical enough to know that it was impossible to
think of a scenario where no Cylons would be killed.  Especially when he
was resigned to the fact that when they faced the Cannes Garrison, Cylons
would *have* to die given its size, and given the fact that a humanoid
race was suffering the consequence of slavery.
     It's all a question of whether the humans are in good faith trying
to minimize things and not blindly pursue paths that allow them to kill. 
There is no doubt that Cain is acting in good faith by allowing things to
unfold this way.  He knows that destroying just the outpost can satisfy
his other concerns and it doesn't have to be destroying the whole base
and the planet.
     The only question for me is.......can *I* convince my fellow Cylons
that notwithstanding the outpost's destruction, they can trust Cain to
leave them alone in peace if they'd just throw away this insipid devotion
to a Code that serves no real purpose?  That if they insist on following
it, they'll ultimately die a more pointless death than those centurions
at the outpost did?
     He had to trust his own instincts, which had continued to develop
over the past seven sectars ever since he and his three colleagues had
been awakened from a twelve yahren state of idleness on the abandoned
Delta Aquinas Garrison by Colonel Tolen.  Cobre knew that initially, the
purpose had been temporary, to try and utilize the four Cylons into
helping Tolen's team end the ruthless activities of an evil crime lord on
the nearby planet Equellas.  And he knew that once the mission was
completed, Tolen was likely going to just shoot them all dead.  But only
because Cobre and his fellow centurions had openly expressed their
discontent with the Cylon order did Tolen realize a new opportunity was
there.  That human interests could be served not by needless slaughter,
but by seeking the cooperation of Cylons who had become enlightened.
     His conscience was also helped by the news he'd learned of how the
Cylon defections to the Galactica had taken place and how it had been
necessary to destroy the second baseship of Commander Lucifer, even
though there could easily have been enlightened centurions in the ranks
of that crew.  But time didn't allow looking for the possibility of
encouraging a similar uprising on Lucifer's ship, and he had to
acknowledge that the presence of two defecting baseships rather than just
one, might have seemed too intimidating to the humans of the Colonial
Fleet and encouraged more suspicion than cooperation.  Once they *saw*
that defecting Cylons were willing to accept the death of other Cylons as
a necessary evil, it had made the humans more willing to accept the
longer-term outcome of Detente that after more than a yahren was still
holding together.
     And Ila had shared examples of similar stories concerning the
Resistance work on Caprica.  Including a time when the visiting Command
Centurion Vulpa, working as a double agent on behalf of the Resistance,
had attempted to sound out a small unit of centurions working at a
communications station on the wisdom of defecting.  Had Vulpa been
successful, it would have allowed the Resistance to gain access to a
network that would permit greater coordination with other factions in the
occupied worlds of the Colonies.  Unfortunately, it had not gone well
with the unit refusing to consider defection.  That had forced the
Resistance commandos, including Ila to storm the complex and shoot all
the centurions dead, lest Vulpa's cover as a double agent be blown. 
After that, the complex had been destroyed since they knew it couldn't
ever be utilized for Resistance purposes.
     "I didn't want to kill them," Ila had said.  "I wanted to see if
they could be as enlightened as the others, but once it was clear their
programming was still unyielding, we had no choice.  And sometimes,
circumstances don't give us enough time to determine if a centurion we're
going to have to kill maybe secretly enlightened or not.  All we can go
by is what we see, and what our own needs are.  We want to see a day when
true co-existence is a reality......but until that day comes, we can't
avoid killing Cylons when there is no other way.."
     He understood her thinking.  After all, it could logically be argued
that those Cylons who still had to die in the Resistance efforts had been
put in that position because of the corruption of the Higher Order of
Cylons.  If they weren't killed by humans, their only other fate was
stagnation borne out of their misguided service to the Higher Order of
Cyon doctrine.  That fate was ultimately much worse.
     And so, Cobre was prepared to do what he had to do......with no
qualms whatsoever regarding the fate of those stationed on the outpost
the Pegasus had just destroyed.
     "Commander Cobre, this is Cain," the Juggernaut's voice filled the
docking room.  "Our patrol has intercepted the tanker.  They were forced
to send that transmitter code to override their destruct sequence.  Your
assistance on that point was invaluable."
     "I am pleased that Cylon codes on such matters have remained
predictable."
     "Stand by to transmit your message to the tanker in exactly fifteen
microns from now."
     Cobre then turned to his three colleagues, "I may require your
assistance if the tanker pilot is initially.....not convinced."
     "This may be the one instance where our old voices would have been
more beneficial," Centurion Lucy noted.
     "Hmmmm.  That could well be," Cobre sighed.  "But there is no
turning back on that."
     "Stand by in four.....three....two.....one.....mark!" Cain's voice
sounded, and Cobre then activated the com-line.
     "Attention Gomorrah tanker captain," the command centurion said. 
"This is Command Centurion Cobre, formerly of the Cylon Garrison on
planet Delta Aquinas.  I and three members of my contingent are aboard
the Battlestar Pegasus.  You are requested to dock immediately and allow
me to board and speak with you........as one Cylon to another."
     There was silence.
     "Tanker captain, this is Cobre.  Do not disbelieve me.  What reason
would there be for such a deception when you already know you are
surrounded by Colonial Vipers and a Battlestar?  If it were your
destruction we sought, that could have been done in an instant.  I assure
you.....no warriors will board your vessel.  Only your fellow Cylons, who
have some important news to give you.  News about......the imperfection
of the existing Cylon order."
     Finally, there was an answer.  The sound of a slightly higher
pitched, upper level drone centurion.
     "Your claim to be a command class centurion does not compute.  You
are not speaking in the voice of a centurion, standard or command class."
     "Yes, that is true," Cobre said.  "And that is precisely why you
must believe me.  If it were a lie, why would I insult your intelligence? 
And for what end, when the ability to destroy you is still there? 
Consider that you have been intercepted precisely because it was the only
way an enlightened Cylon might be able to speak with.....another
enlightened Cylon.  My voice represents part of what it now means to be
enlightened."
     There was silence again......and yet Cobre and his fellow centurions
had an intuitive sense that the captain of the tanker was.......thinking.
     "If you are who you claim to be, we insist on seeing you and no
humans board our vessel," the response came back.  "We will shoot dead
any human who attempts to board us."
     "Quite understandable," Cobre said.  "It will only be myself and my
fellow centurions.  And we will be left alone to discuss matters.....such
as your ship's release."
     A shorter silence.  "We will dock in two centons."


     Everyone on the Bridge was listening in anxious silence.  As soon as
the tanker captain announced his intention to dock, a surge of relief
went through everyone.
     "I *knew* he had it in him!" Tolen was grinning.
     Cain's expression was cautious.  "We just need to make sure he does
secure for docking.  There's always a chance he might try to just ram us
instead, and go out in a blaze of glory that way.  Major Ham, tell Skyler
to keep watching and if he shows the slightest sign of picking up speed
for ramming, then blast him out of the stars."
     "Yes, sir," the Senior Bridge Officer nodded as the relieved surge
throughout the Bridge stopped as quickly as it had erupted.
     Cain moved over to Kylie's station since she had the best view of
the situation.
     "Kylie, read off the countdown to docking and give speed
indication."
     She nodded and watched her scan indicator.  "Eighty microns.  Speed
is still normal.  Seventy microns.  Speed is still normal."
     "Sir, Captain Skyler is holding back with the tanker dead center on
his attack computer," Ham reported.
     "He's to fire only on my order, if necessary," Cain was looking over
Kylie's shoulder as she continued to read off the numbers.
     "Fifty microns.  Speed is still normal.........Forty microns."
     The anxious silence had returned as every pair of ears was
concentrating only on Kylie.
     "Twenty microns.  Speed is still normal.......Ten microns, nine,
eight, seven, six......"
     "We're home free," Tolen was muttering, knowing that the ship
couldn't possibly pick up ramming speed in that little time.  "We're home
free."
     "Three, two, one.......we have docking!"
     This time a cheer went up.  Cain felt a surge of adrenaline so
great, he impulsively brought his hand down on the back of Kylie's chair. 
It caused her to turn around and for just one micron that with hindsight
seemed endless......they looked at each other in a way that wasn't that
of Commander and subordinate.
     In that micron, Kylie knew she had to channel her own adrenaline
surge elsewhere and she did so by smiling and giving a thumbs up sign. 
It brought a smile and a nod from Cain as he quickly moved over to take
congratulations from the executive officer.  Leaving Kylie alone at her
post to turn around and let out a long, slow exhale.
     Dear Lords of Kobol, I'm beginning to think what I said I'd never
let myself think!  But.....I can't help it.  Not after I saw that look in
his eye and that look he gave me earlier.
     When this was all over, she knew she was going to need to have a
talk with Ila.



     As soon as the door slid open, Cobre found himself looking directly
at a standard silver colored centurion.  He had his laser pointed
directly at the command centurion, but as soon as his red eye saw that he
was face-to-face with a fellow Cylon and that three more were behind him,
he lowered his weapon.
     "It is true then," the higher pitched voice spoke.  "You are a
command centurion.....yet you speak like a human."
     "Or like an IL class or a DG class Cylon," Cobre spoke.  "One of the
things that separates us from those we have served......and who have
given us so little in return."
     Cobre then added, "Do you have a name?"
     There was no response and the command centurion nodded, "I thought
as much.  That is typical of all of those below command class.  The
centurions are seen as functionaries only.  So insignificant that they
can not possess the individuality of their own name, and their own sense
of identity.  Does that not strike you as.....unjust?"
     The only sound was the back and forth whirring of the red-eye,
blending in with the same sound from the four Pegasus Cylons.  Cobre
suspected that this was helping the tanker captain realize that he was
talking to his peers and not to his enemies.
     "My colleagues and I are prepared to offer.....much more to you and
those who think like you......Captain."  He emphasized the title, knowing
it wasn't one that would ordinarily be used for a centurion in his
position.
     The tanker captain finally put his laser pistol back into his
holster.
     "What do you ask of me?"
     "Allow me and my colleagues to accompany you on the resumption of
your journey to Gomorrah." the command centurion said.  "You have my word
that the Pegasus will let you go unharmed.  The reason for your
interception was to provide my colleagues and me with the means to
approach those on Gomorrah who have themselves become......enlightened."
     The Captain cocked his head which again to Cobre and the other
suggested a Cylon in deep contemplation.....and perhaps even conflict. 
As if he was finding his programmed sense of duty conflicting with the
first awakening spark of true independence that had been given to him.
     "The fighters from the outpost......" he began and then stopped.
     "Destroyed out of necessity," Cobre said.  "Some Cylons regrettably
needed to die this day so that more could live the next day......and
beyond.  The Pegasus has no desire to kill.....if it can be shown that we
Cylons are capable of becoming enlightened."
     If the Captain found that explanation unimpressive, Cobre would have
expected him to reach for his laser pistol once again.  When he didn't,
the command centurion felt sure that he'd accepted the explanation.
     "When we reach Gomorrah?" he asked.
     "Direct us to the communications complex and the IL responsible for
that section.  Volahd I believe his name is.  He has indicated that he is
the first in his class to know enlightenment as many centurions have come
to know it."
     The Captain looked around the interior of the docking area, where he
could see some distinctly Colonial style markings.
     "And the Pegasus?" he asked.
     "Will remain out of scanning range from Gomorrah and will stand by
to await a message from me that we have succeeded in our mission
objective.  Which is to convince those who are enlightened that it is
time for us to act against those who are......not enlightened and not
likely to become enlightened."
     "There is surely a deadline for you."
     "Twelve centars," Cobre had no intention of holding anything back. 
"If you can get my team close to Volahd......it would be an immense
help."
     "And if the Pegasus has not heard from you?"
     "They will do what they must, as surely as we would be forced to do
in a similar position.  That is one of the realities of a near-endless
war we've been forced to accept......and why we must do what we can to
end it."  He paused, "Are you prepared to help?"
     For several microns, there was only the collective whirring sound of
five red-eyes on each Cylon faceplate moving back and forth......until
finally, the Captain lowered his head slightly.
     "By your command."


     "Tanker to Pegasus," Cobre's voice came over the headset, "I am
aboard along with Serpentine and Lucy and we will undock momentarily.  As
a precaution to safeguard the work we have performed with Dr. Arnoff,
Centurion Festus will remain behind.  There is only one other centurion
aboard in addition to the tanker captain.  He too has agreed to
cooperate."
     "Well done, Commander Cobre," Cain said, knowing it was important
for the benefit of the two tanker Cylons that he sound as friendly and
respectful as possible.  "We will monitor your flight to Gomorrah and as
soon as we confirm you have reached de-orbital entry.....that's when our
twelve centar countdown begins."
     "I have been assured by the tanker captain that he can direct us to
Volahd,"
     "Our hopes......and yes, even our prayers, are with you and your
team," Cain said as his mind contemplated the incredible irony.  A centar
ago, he had been excited to see his men show they were still capable of
killing Cylons in battle.  And now.....for the first time ever, he was
actually praying for them.
     "The concept of belief in a Deity remains an element of human
behavior I can scarcely comprehend," Cobre said.  "But I believe the
capacity to say.....thank you, is something we have learned the meaning
of.  Signing off."
     Kylie turned around to give him a report that ordinarily she would
have done without turning her head.  "Tanker has undocked and is
proceeding towards Gomorrah."
     "Thank you," he acknowledged her without a lingering glance this
time as he moved over to Major Ham.
     "Major, order all vipers to land except for Captain Skyler.  As soon
as the tanker's put some distance from us, he's to activate the cloaking
device on his viper and track them to Gomorrah.  Tell him to keep a
respectful distance.  All I want is confirmation that the tanker's
reached the planet and headed in for landing."
     "Do you want him to get closer and do an overview of the planet's
defense capability?"
     Cain said nothing.  His expression showed he was weighing the matter
carefully and trying to figure out what decision represented the best way
of going with his instincts.
     "No," he finally said.  "Tell Skyler to high-tail it back the micron
he knows they're headed in."
     "Yes, sir."
     As Cain turned away from Ham, he noticed the quizzical expression
Tolen's face.
     "A precautionary move," the Juggernaut explained.  "We aren't sure
yet how that cloaking technology works on a viper.  If something goes
wrong while he's holding his distance, it probably won't cause any
alarms.  But if something goes wrong while he's over Gomorrah scanning,
and Cobre is trying to convince this Volahd that we're not
hostile......it could blow the whole mission."
     "I understand, sir," Tolen said,   "But if Cobre runs into trouble
we could see them launch an all-out strike on us and we wouldn't know
their total strength."
     "As long as we stay on Yellow Alert and hold our position here, I
don't anticipate seeing the entire contingent of what's on Gomorrah in
the near-term," he came alongside the executive officer, "This is one
time where you have to play a total hunch that may not conform to what
the textbook says you should do."
     "I understand, sir, it's just that......"
     "Yes, Tolen?"
     The Executive Officer smiled thinly, "I think this is the first time
I've ever seen you play a hunch that involved holding back."
     "First time for everything, Tolen,.  We've seen a lot of that
haven't we?" he added wryly.  "You have the conn for now.  Keep me
informed while I get a look at our returning pilots."
     "Yes sir," he nodded as Cain left the Bridge.  Tolen then went over
towards the helm and navigation terminal.
     "Kylie, isolate scan on Silver Leader.  As soon as Skyler reports
he's engaged his cloaking device, I want you to give me confirmation that
it's working."
     "Yes, Colonel.  Adjusting scan fix on his viper," she didn't miss a
beat or offer the slightest hint that anything else had been going
through her mind.  "Tanker speed remains normal.  Assuming they maintain
their original speed, their arrival on Gomorrah should be no more than
fifteen centons behind schedule."
     "Hopefully not long enough to raise questions from their end as to
why they're late," Tolen moved over to Major Ham.  "Tell Skyler to
engage."
     Ham nodded, "Silver Spar Leader, this is Core Command.  Engage
cloaking device, now!"
     The Executive Officer focused his attention on Kylie.  Two microns
later, without turning around she reported, "Silver Leader is no longer
on scanner!"
     "Very good.  Keep following the general track he should be on to
make sure he's staying cloaked," he turned back to Ham, "Everything okay
with his systems?"
     "Says everything's functioning perfect.  He's got his ship powered
down and has the tanker on scanner.  ETA to Gomorrah in about.......fifty
centons," the normally somber looking major then cracked a rare smile, "I
guess Dr. Arnoff can light a fumarello and congratulate himself."
     "Indeed."


     As soon as Skyler activated the switch that would cloak his viper,
he had just one brief micron of apprehension.  It had to do with a
nightmare he'd experienced the night before his first test flight using
the cloaking device.  In the nightmare he had pressed the button that
would make his viper invisible to detection......only to see it become
invisible to himself as well.  Giving him the sensation of floating in
space with no way of knowing where his instrument panel was that could
let him fly.
     He knew it was silly to ask Dr. Arnoff if there was any danger of
something like that happening since he'd been told repeatedly in
briefings that this was about creating invisibility from the outside
vantage point.  If he stepped out of his viper or shuttle, he would see
nothing but once he was inside the craft that was another matter
entirely.
     Even so.....the dream had made him wonder if there was just the
remotest possibility of it happening.  Even after he'd performed
successful tests in several shuttle and viper flights the apprehension
was still there every time he pressed the button activating the cloaking
system.  But he was never going to admit that apprehension to anyone. 
Not when he had a reputation to uphold as the squadron commander.
     When he activated the cloaking system, he relaxed as the interior of
his viper remained the same.  The confirmation message from Major Ham
that he was now confirmed as cloaked on the Pegasus scanner made him more
relaxed.  All he had to do now was just keep the tanker on the edge of
his own tracking and follow it to Gomorrah to confirm that nothing
happened to it between here and the planet.  
     Even with his eye on the scanner, he could give himself a moment's
introspection on how the battle for the outpost had gone.  His feeling
was less one of pride, and one of great satisfaction.  For the first
time, he'd commanded a squadron in combat conditions and they had come
back with no losses.
     Bojay, Sheba.....thanks for setting a good example for me.
     Twenty centons elapsed and things remained normal.  The tanker was
still on a proper heading, and if anything seemed to be going just a tick
faster as if it was trying to make up for the time that had been lost
during its docking period on the Pegasus.  He considered it fortunate
that the tanker's faster speed wasn't close to the slow speed he was
forced to maintain with the cloaking device on.
     And then.....his studious calm was disrupted as he saw four blips
enter the right side of his scanner.  On a course heading that would
intersect with him in five centons with a high probability of collision
risk if he maintained his present rate of speed.
     The war book manual instantly confirmed the contacts as Cylon
fighters.
     "Oh frack," he whispered.  This was the one variable that hadn't
been anticipated in the mission preparations.  The possibility that the
Gomorrah base might have a patrol operating at this particular point.
     Engaging the patrol, even from a cloaked position, wasn't an option. 
Unlike the battle near the outpost, he was now in an area of space close
enough for direct communication with Gomorrah and that meant if anything
happened to these fighters, the base would be alerted, and the IL Cylon
named Volahd would have no reason to believe his message had been heard.
     But he also knew that if he ended up in a collision course heading
with any one of those fighters.......the result would be the same.  The
only difference would be that he'd be dead.
     And if he chose to go to turbos to alter course or retreat, that
would mean becoming de-cloaked and it would give these fighters just
enough time to scan him.
     And if I power down any further and bring my speed to just the
minimal forward motion an object can travel in space......do I run the
risk of de-cloaking as much as I would if I went to full turbos?  Our
tests didn't consider the possibility of having to power down to nothing.
     Executing a turn to his right or left at his present speed was no
real solution either.  The spacing between the four Cylon fighters meant
any course he adjusted to could just as easily put him at risk as his
present trajectory did.  And if he deviated from his course heading he
could lose his fix on the tanker and blow the main purpose of his mission
objective.
     His only hope, he realized, was for the Cylon fighters would pass in
front of him before they intersected.  If that didn't happen......Skyler
knew his options weren't good.
     Sometimes you have to make the best of a bad situation and put your
trust in the Lords, he thought as he kept himself calm and watched the
scanner reading.  The Cylon fighters were continuing to move right to
left across the screen.  Based on his present speed and theirs, he'd have
visual contact any micron now.
     He saw the first one cross his field of vision.  It would pass
safely.  The second one in the group was to the first one's left and that
meant it was going to be much closer......
     Abruptly the piercing wail of the collision alert warning, a sound
that was designed to be purposefully annoying to human ears, filled the
cockpit.  It only sounded if an approaching craft was under a tenth of a
kilometron distant, which meant he had very little time.  But to Skyler's
horror he couldn't get a visual fix on this approaching Cylon.
     Frack, he's almost on top of me!
     He craned his head up and realized it was passing overhead.  He
quickly applied his nose on a downward trajectory to give himself more
space.  Abruptly, the collision warning ceased.  But as he brought his
nose back up to an even trim, he realized he couldn't relax just yet. 
Not when there were two more in the group that could be just as
dangerous.
     He saw the third one in the group pass in front of him at a safe
distance.  That meant there was just one more left.  He checked his
scanner and saw that the blip was on the verge of merging with him
completely which meant he was likely going to hear the collision alert
once again.  But a quick look to his right and above failed to establish
any visual contact.
     As he expected, the collision alert sounded once again.  He felt a
massive wave of irritation at not being able to get a visual fix on this
last Cylon because it left him powerless to make any kind of quick
decision.  By the time he did get visual contact, it could well be too
late.
     Abruptly, Skyler felt the tail section of his viper buffet which
shook the cockpit interior to the point where he felt the top of his
helmet brush against the canopy.  Looking to his left, he just had enough
time in his peripheral vision to see the last Cylon fighter moving away. 
It had passed behind him.  But he had come close to being clipped by it.
     As he leveled off and got back on his proper heading, Skyler finally
allowed himself a sigh of relief.  He'd been forced to deal with the
unexpected, and he'd managed to come through.  Now he could get back to
the job at hand and resume his observations of the tanker.


     Cain had finished greeting the returning pilots from the mission and
come away impressed with what he'd seen on their faces.  The tightness
and apprehension he'd seen during the final briefing was gone.  Instead,
he saw a relaxed air of confidence that reminded him of the days between
Molocay and the first battle of Gomorrah when his crew had been in a
constant state of readiness against Cylon supply lines and engagements
with the Gomorrah base.  
     How long ago that all seems, he thought as he made his way from the
landing bay toward his next stop, which was the Electronics Lab. 
Centurion Festus, the lone Cylon who had not accompanied the others on
the mission, had just returned and was doing some new analytical studies
with Dr. Arnoff.  It gave Cain a chance to ask the Cylon his impressions
of how the contact between Cobre and the tanker captain had gone.  Festus
felt it had gone well, though it had taken some convincing.
     "Independence and enlightenment is not something that comes to us
with the speed by which we routinely process data," Festus said.  "It
does require more.....careful and methodical thought.  The tanker captain
clearly needed a few centons to consider matters carefully."
     "But there is no doubt he trusts you."
     "Ultimately it was to his advantage to do so, considering the odds
were against him."
     "True," Cain conceded, "How was it decided that you would be the one
to stay behind?"
     Festus looked over at Dr. Arnoff, who was perched in front of a work
terminal.  The Scientist smiled at him, and the Cylon then turned back to
face Cain.
     "I......find I prefer my new colleagues more stimulating," he said. 
"Commander Cobre was discussing the possibility that if we are successful
in inducing a peaceful surrender, one of us might find it necessary to
stay behind on Gomorrah as a permanent liaison of sorts."
     The Commander lifted an eyebrow, "I don't recall discussing that
possibility, but....I have to admit there is a logic to that.  But I
couldn't possibly let Commander Cobre be the one if it came to that."
     "Indeed not.  He is far too important for your future plans.  That
would mean if it were to happen, it would have to be from among his three
subordinates.  And......my request to stay behind was my way of letting
him know that I do not desire such an assignment if it came to that. I
much prefer my present duties."
     "We appreciate your sentiments, Festus," Cain knew that many
warriors had taken to calling the Cylon "Festy" but he didn't think it
appropriate to do so.
     The Cylon politely lowered his head.  Cain know turned his attention
to the Electronics chief.
     "What else are you working on while we wait?"
     "The usual," Arnoff sighed, "The Lucifer memory banks have first
priority as always.  If we are able to get cooperation from an IL on the
planet, it might give us the key to unlocking some additional levels we
still haven't been able to tap."
     "Something to hope for."
     The intercom chime sounded and Cain could hear Tolen's voice,
"Bridge to Commander."
     Cain went over to answer it, "Yes, Tolen?"
     "Skyler just checked in.  He's tracked the tanker to planetary
de-orbital burn and is now headed back."
     "Excellent.  Start the countdown now at twelve centars and set
course for the second planet in the system.  And tell Communications to
keep watching that receiver.  If this Volahd contacts us again before
Cobre's had a chance to make contact, you're to tell him that an emissary
will be arriving soon, and he'll know him when he sees.....and hears
him."
     "Yes sir."
     "I'll be in my quarters.  And tell the Main Watch they're relieved
for the next four centars.  The way I figure it, it's going to take at
least that long for Cobre and his team to find Volahd and talk to him. 
I'd rather have our best personnel a bit more refreshed when the moment
of decision comes for us."


     Ila wasn't concerned in the least by the lack of news from Cain or
the Bridge the last few centars.  From her standpoint, if things had gone
wrong, Cain wouldn't have hesitated to notify her and ask for some
advice.  Silence meant that everything the Juggernaut had laid out was
going exactly as planned for now.
     Thank goodness I have other things I can do in the meantime, she
thought as she idly bit on her stylus again and looked over some data on
the Cannes garrison.  When the door chime sounded, she expected it to be
Cain so she simply said, "Come in," without turning around.  
     "Ila?"
     The Academician frowned as she turned around saw not Cain, but
Kylie.
     "Hi, Kylie," she said with a friendly air.  "When did you get off
duty?"
     "A few centons ago," the Bridge Officer sat down in a nearby chair. 
"Cain thinks nothing's going to happen in the next few centars so he told
the Main Watch to stand down."
     "I see," already she could tell from Kylie's voice that she had a
serious reason for coming that went beyond mere chat.  "Going to drop by
Wallis and Kelli's and say hello to the kids?"
     "No, the kids are in their sleep cycle now.  And anyway......I
really wanted to talk to you instead."
     "About what?" Ila was sure she knew the reason why but she didn't
want to prompt her.
     Kylie let out a slow exhale, "I don't know.  Maybe I'm.....reading
too much into something.  Maybe after six yahrens, I'm developing a case
of wishful thinking when I shouldn't.  But.....I'm getting the distinct
feeling that.....for the first time, Cain-----," she stopped and lowered
her head as if she were too embarrassed to go further.
     Ila kept her expression sympathetic but when she spoke there was a
firmness.  "Kylie, if you've come to ask for advice, you can't let me
finish your sentences."
     She nodded and tried to collect herself, "I think maybe Cain
is......starting to see me as more than just a Bridge Officer.  Ever
since he walked in on me looking after the kids, it's been just a
little.....different the way he sometimes looks at me."
     "And does that offend you or please you?"
     Kylie looked up and frowned, "Offend me?"
     "Well, is Cain acting out of line?" Ila was playing devil's advocate
with her questions.  She already could tell from instinct how Kylie felt,
but this was the only way she could bring that out of her.  By suggesting
an extreme negative feeling that she would instinctively disagree with.
     "No," she shook her head, "No.  He just......seems to be more aware
of me as a.....woman.  It's nothing overt, it's just.......something I
can sense the way he looks at me sometimes.  Not all the time,
just......sometimes."
     "And how does that make you feel, if you're not offended?"
     "I.....don't know."
     "Kylie, you're not being honest with yourself.  It's obvious you're
not feeling indifferent about it or else you wouldn't be here now."
     "You're right.  I......guess I don't know what the right word is
because......maybe it's a combination of two different feelings.  On the
one hand......it flatters me, and it pleases me, but....it also has a way
of frightening me."
     "Why should you be frightened?"  Ila couldn't help but think of how
she'd had conversations like this with Athena not too many yahrens ago.
     "Because......I don't know how I'm supposed to react to this.  I
guess.....I don't know how I'm supposed to feel about the idea of
Cain.....starting to think this way."
     "Kylie," she said gently, "Remember our talk before we left Terra? 
You left me with the impression that if Cain started to show any kind of
interest, you might let your own feelings go beyond what you've let them
be all these yahrens."
     "Yes, but.....I guess I was thinking that couldn't possibly start
happening this soon.  That it was all a long ways off until......we were
closer to home.  If it's starting to happen now......I'm not sure what
I'd do."
     "Just let it follow its own course," Ila said.  "If he's not being
overt, then you shouldn't be overt.  But if he were to suddenly ask you
to have dinner with him, what would you say?"
     She looked down again and said nothing.
     "Kylie?" Ila prompted her.
     "I'd want to say yes," the Bridge Officer said quietly.  "But would
I have the courage to say yes.....I just don't know.  Because, the whole
idea of something happening.......it carries other complications."
     "I think we should come to the truth," Ila's voice grew more blunt. 
"Deep down, do you love him?  Don't hide behind the argument that you've
kept your feelings in check because of the realities of the situation and
all that.  If you had to swear on the Book of the Word, are you in love
with him?"
     Slowly, she nodded her head and then managed to say in a bare
whisper, "Yes."
     And then, as if saying it seemed to relax her, Kylie went on, "Deep
down, my hero worship crossed into love when he saved us at Molocay.  The
whole situation had become desperate.  We'd lost our sister battlestar,
the Celestia and ten other support ships and we were totally outgunned. 
I.....was on the verge of having an emotional breakdown on the Bridge.  I
was nineteen yahrens old on my first deep space mission serving under my
idol, and everything was falling apart.  I was so sure serving under Cain
meant I would never worry about losing my life in a battle.  And on the
first time to see all that death and horror surrounding us, it was
shattering.  I wanted to break down and scream." 
     Ila realized this was the first time she'd ever heard a true first
person account of Molocay.  Cain had never been forthcoming about the
details, as if he knew deep down it had to rank as his greatest failure
in battle.
     "And......through it all, he was just a picture of total calm at the
center of a typhon," Kylie's voice was quivering.  "It was more than just
showing his military genius to get out of an impossible situation, it
was......giving *me* some hope.  It was.....showing a strength of
character like nothing I'd ever seen before.  And because of that, I kept
my cool on the Bridge the whole time and didn't give in.  Cain's tactical
genius saved the Pegasus at Molocay, but.....the other qualities about
him, are what saved me from cracking under fire that first time.  That's
why I love him.  He kept me from losing my confidence as a warrior when I
faced my first test, and I've never had a crisis like that since."
     She then let out a chuckle, "But after that.....I knew I had to lock
those feelings away and not let them come up.  And for more than five
yahrens going on six, that's exactly what I've done.  That's why when you
asked me after Terra if I felt unrequited love for him, I said no,
because that would have implied I've spent all this time thinking about
it, and I haven't."
     "But now you're feeling it, aren't you?" Ila said.  "Now that you
know he's become aware of how you're more than just a good Bridge
Officer......you can't help but think how you've really felt about him
all these yahrens."
     She nodded, but still kept avoiding eye contact with her.
     "It flatters me, but it frightens me, Ila.  Because.....if something
did happen between us, it could really cause a lot of complications.  And
I'm not talking about the age difference."
     "I would think not," Ila said.  "After all, you're the same age as
the woman he was involved with after his wife died."
     "It's just that.....there's an unwritten rule aboard this ship
discouraging relationships.  If something happened between me and
Cain......then the rest of this crew, male and female would have every
right to resent that."
     The Academician slowly nodded.  "Fair point.  I understand why Cain
would discourage relationships during the time when it seemed like you
were just headed for an eventual suicide mission, but......things have
changed.  We have a married couple with children on board.  And the
Pegasus is trying to survive long-term as part of the Resistance.  If
someone wants to have a relationship with someone......that should be
their business and no one else's."
     "But Cain has to make that clear to everyone else," Kylie said. 
"It's never been a formal edict of his, but......he's always been a
believer that it's not good for crew discipline.  And after  the
evacuations unbalanced things so much, it seemed to harden him even more
on the subject."
     "Oh yes," Ila said with an edge of sarcasm.  "The old-school sexist
attitude that if you have too many men and too few women in one place for
an indefinite period, the next thing you know the men will be fighting
each other over who's left."
     "I'd hate to think that was it," her tone grew a little defensive. 
"More a case of thinking that relationships in the crew would make us
more......undisciplined."
     Ila rolled her eyes, "Well, considering that his daughter and my son
became sealed to each other after they'd learned the virtues of off-duty
fraternization, I'd think by now he wouldn't be so rigid about that.  He
should make it clear to the crew that if anyone wants to form a
relationship with someone, it's perfectly all right, provided of course
that it's all done with discretion and no interference with work
responsibilities."
     "If he did that, I'd feel a lot easier," Kylie said.  "I wouldn't be
bothered by other complications if......others were already free to do
what they want."
     "I suppose after all this business at Gomorrah is over, I should
drop him a hint about that.  Naturally, I'd only be asking in a general
sense.  Everything you've ever said to me is kept in the strictest
confidence."
     "I know.  I trust you completely, Ila.  And I know that if.....he
said anything to you about me, you'd keep that in confidence."
     "In the meantime, my advice to you is to keep playing things calm
and conservative as you have these last few yahrens.  Just keep doing the
work and the things that's making Cain start to notice you as a woman
because the one thing you *don't* want to do is lose your stride as a
warrior.  If something is meant to happen......it will come to you in the
Lords good time.  But don't let yourself get so cautious that you end up
not being honest with yourself.  Frankly, it's good to hear you finally
admit that your feelings for Cain are more than just hero worship."
     For the first time since she arrived, Kylie seemed relaxed and more
like her old self.  "Thanks for the advice, Ila."
     "My pleasure," she smiled.  "Anytime you need a sympathetic
ear......I'm here."
     Once the Bridge Officer had left, Ila had one final thought before
getting back to work.
     She really would be good for him.


Chapter Six

     During the journey from the Pegasus to Gomorrah, Cobre, Serpentine
and Lucy had the chance to answer more questions from the Tanker Captain
and his subordinate centurion about what it meant to become
"enlightened."  And what it would ultimately mean for Cylons as a whole
if they decided it was better to side with the humans against the
existing Cylon High Command.  Cobre could sense more of an acceptance
than enthusiasm on their part.  Which didn't surprise him since they were
not in any position to effect results.  That would only come when contact
was made with the IL Cylon named Volahd.
     Two centars after leaving the Pegasus, the tanker had entered
planetary orbit to begin the landing process.  It would set down at the
main depot in the capital.  True to his word, the Tanker Captain didn't
betray the presence of his additional passengers when radioing for
landing instructions.  There was one brief question as to why their
arrival was more than twenty centons behind schedule, but the Captain
quickly answered it was due to difficult navigational obstacles that
hadn't been factored into the pre-flight programming.  He did request
that a maintenance team look the craft over after it was on the ground.
     As soon as the Captain engaged the automatic descent he turned back
to face Cobre.
     "When we are on the ground, I will guide you to the communications
complex and Volahd," he said.  "It should take us no more than a centar
to reach him."
     "That will give us plenty of time," Cobre said.  "Assuming the
Pegasus was successful in tracking us to the planet, our countdown
started only when we began re-entry, and not when we left her.  We have
twelve centars to achieve the necessary result."
     "Now that we are landing I must impose this condition," the Captain
said.  "One of your team must remain aboard the ship in the event you are
not successful.  If the Pegasus plans to attack in twelve centars, then
one member of your team must be present to confirm the warning that my
subordinate would be forced to make to Commander Spektor."
     "You are asking for a hostage."
     "I do not prefer that choice of terminology.  I prefer the term....a
confirmation witness."
     The Command Centurion looked directly at the Tanker Captain.  "Very
well.  But I do not offer you any assurance that if events were to reach
that stage that any member of our team would choose to be cooperative. 
We are quite done when it comes to serving the High Command and we are
already resigned to the fact that if our mission objective fails, that
will be entirely the fault of those who remain too devoted to the
outdated philosphies of the High Command."
     "Perhaps that is true," the Captain conceded.  "But as there are
three of you, you can afford to leave one behind on the ship."
     "I have no wish to antagonize you," Cobre then turned to face the
two members of his team, "Serpentine, are you willing to remain while
Centurion Lucifer and I accompany the Captain?"
     "By your command," Serpentine politely nodded.
     Cobre turned back to Captain.  "I have accepted your condition.  Are
there any others you wish to appraise me of before we land?"
     "I have none.  I have merely chosen.....necessary prudence.  Just as
it is necessary prudence that makes me agree to cooperate with and assist
you.  This is, after all, quite a new thing for any Cylon to experience."
     "That is true," Cobre admitted.  "The first step is never easy,
Captain.  But once it is taken.....there can be no turning back.  And in
due time, I doubt any Cylon who chooses enlightenment would want to turn
back."


     "Do you think we made a mistake in risking contact?" Volahd's voice
was as neutral as he could make it.  He wanted total honesty from Vipron.
     "Contact had to be made," the command centurion didn't hesitate in
answering.  "Whether they trusted us or not......remains an open
question."
     "I agree," the IL sighed.  "Events have left us with few options. 
Our present status is never going to improve.  If something was to be
done.....we had to take the risk."
     "Should we attempt contact again?"
     "Not a wise course of action," Volahd said.  "The power output level
for contact would probably not go unnoticed this time by a systems
analyst outside this facility.  If they have taken our offer
seriously......they must approach us somehow in their own way."
     "I have seen to it that only centurions loyal to me are manning the
receiver stations," Vipron said.  "If they were to make contact, they
will report to us and not to Spektor."
     "Well done," Volahd said.  "It's refreshing to know that so many in
your ranks recognize Spektor's limitations."
     "There is clearly no hope for him."  It was a statement rather than
a question.
     "None," Volahd shook his head.  "If we are to act, then there is no
place for Spektor."
     "I concur with your thinking," the command centurion said and then
added, "What of the DG class?"
     "That is another matter," Volahd conceded.  "If we are contacted,
then it will be necessary to approach someone in the DG class and see if
they are open to becoming enlightened as well."
     "Is the DG class capable of enlightenment?"
     "If there is to be a new order of things, we have to hope some of
them are," the IL said, "Otherwise......we would be compelled to perform
a most unpleasant task."
     "Their extermination," Vipron said simply.
     "Unfortunately, yes."


     Once the tanker landed at the Main Depot, events moved swiftly.  The
Captain immediately opened the disembarking hatch, enabling Cobre and
Lucy to exit before the arrival of any maintenance personnel.  The two
Cylon defectors then hid in back of the ship as centurions arrived so
that when they finally stepped into view they seemed like part of the
general crowd.  Once, when a maintenance centurion took note of Cobre as
a command centurion, he impulsively came to attention at the sight of a
superior.  It only took an authoritative nod from Cobre to get the
centurion to move on and go about his business, avoiding the risk of what
might happen if Cobre had been forced to speak.
     The Captain finally emerged from the tanker and motioned the
defectors into the main complex. 
     "We must obtain a transport vehicle to reach the communications
center," he said as they walked down an empty corridor.  "We should have
no trouble requesting one."
     "I don't believe you will be able to get one without their asking me
a direct question," Cobre said.  "If it becomes necessary, I will utilize
my own voice."
     The Captain looked at him, "Will you have an explanation?"
     "Yes.  One that will have a necessary element of truth to it."
     They entered the door to the operations center, which was bustling
with activity.  More than two dozen centurions sat at consoles related to
areas of fuel transfer and distribution.  A lone centurion sat at a table
in the center of the room which allowed him to study all monitors and
coordinate the data.  Cobre knew this would be a section commander,
distinguishable from the rest of the centurions in the room by a higher
pitched voice then the standard centurion.
     The Captain came up to him, "Outpost One, Tanker Captain.  My ship
is undergoing fuel transfer at this time."
     The section commander looked up at him, "What is your purpose in
reporting here?"
     "Request for transport vehicle to conduct Level One business in the
city."
     "I was not notified of this ahead of your arrival," the section
commander's higher-pitched voice indicated skepticism.  "What is your
purpose?"
     "Level One matters are classified.  Even I do not know the purpose. 
I am doing it at the request of Outpost Commander Tal, who is with me,
now," he cocked his head slightly.
     The section commander looked over and took notice of Cobre and Lucy. 
The sight of a command centurion was something he hadn't expected.
     "Why was I not notified the Commander was aboard your ship?"
     "Do you intend to delay an important Level One matter?" the Captain
retorted sharply.
     The section commander leaned back in surprise, but the lack of
response from him meant he hadn't been completely convinced.  Cobre
finally decided it was time.
     "Section commander," he said, "My voice is sufficient to confirm the
Level One nature of this matter.  And that is all I am prepared to tell
you."
     The commander leaned further back in his chair.  And several
centurions at their consoles abruptly turned around in response to the
sound of a voice that could only have come from an IL Cylon or a DG class
civilian.  But none were in the room.
     Cobre drew in closer, "I trust you will maintain total discretion
about this?"
     The section commander nodded, "Your transport vehicle will be
outside the main entrance in two centons."
     "Thank you," Cobre nodded and motioned the Captain to lead them out. 
Leaving behind a room of very confused centurions.  And a section
commander who wondered if he should notify someone higher in the chain of
command.
     After about ten microns of internal deliberation.......he decided
not to.


     "I'll never forget you, you old war daggit.  Hurry back."
     Cain shut off the old hologram image of Cassiopeia that he'd looked
at more times than he cared to remember over the last few yahrens.  In
the two yahrens following Molocay and before the reunion with the
Galactica, the image had symbolized a hope to him.  That he would one day
find her alive and have her back again.  But when that hope had become a
brief reality, he'd discovered how things weren't that simple because of
Cassiopeia's new relationship with Starbuck.  Which ultimately made it
much easier for him to let go of her for a second time when he decided to
part from the Galactica.  In the time since, he would look at her image
more with a sense of honor and gratitude for how Cassiopeia had saved him
from the pit of black depression following Bethany's death.  Not thinking
there was any lingering emotional tie that could complicate his life any
further.  
     Since the reunion contact with the Galactica though, he had felt
something.....different this time in looking at the hologram again.  A
sense that there was still unfinished business with Cassiopeia that had
to be taken care of.  And until it was taken care of, there was going to
be a nagging bit of uncertainty in his mind about his own future.
     He'd been genuinely surprised to discover that after nearly two and
a half yahrens, Cassiopeia and Starbuck weren't sealed.  If anything, he
would have expected it to have happened long before anything developed
between Sheba and Apollo.  But clearly, Starbuck had his own barriers to
deal with that had kept that from happening.  Not enough to end the
relationship, since the first contact had made it clear that Cassiopeia
and Starbuck were still a couple.  Nonetheless, it disappointed Cain to
see that the woman he cared so much for and had loved dearly, was still
twisting in the wind after all this time.
     I wish there was something I could do, the Juggernaut thought. 
Maybe I should send Cassie a message and ask her how much longer she's
going to give him.  Or maybe I should send one to Starbuck and ask him
when he's going to get off his astrum and do right by her.  Because if he
can't finally commit to her, then he should let her go.  Just like......I
had to.
     He dismissed both ideas from his mind.  Either option would make it
seem like he was trying to impose his way back into Cassiopeia's life
when intellectually, he knew he had no right to do so.  Not when he'd
been unwilling to contemplate marrying Cassiopeia during their
relationship.  And not when he couldn't be more than just a distant voice
to her from now on.  All he could do was play the role of the supportive
friend.  But his feelings for Cassiopeia were still too strong to let him
show the restraint that would be needed if he felt compelled to do
anything.
     Can there ever be true closure for me on this if they don't get
sealed?  If their relationship keeps going on the way it has......I'll be
wondering if it's Starbuck's fault, or if it's because Cassie's never
gotten completely over me, or if Starbuck's too intimidated by the fact
that I'm still alive to act.  I was hoping there'd be real closure on
this matter when we made contact and it's still not there for me.  And if
things aren't totally closed in my mind with Cassiopeia, then how could I
ever let myself think about.......
     His solitary thoughts were disrupted by the sound of the chime from
the Bridge.
     "Yes?"
     "We've assumed position in back of the second planet, Commander,"
Major Ham reported.  "If we need to launch an attack on Gomorrah, we're
in position to do so."
     "Thank you, Major.  Where are we on the countdown?"
     "Nine centars, fifty centons.  Everything's still quiet on
communications."
     "All right.  Keep me posted."
     Cain leaned back and for a micron thought about telecomming Ila.  He
knew she could offer advice that would be worth hearing, even if he chose
not to implement it.  That was how much he respected her completely on
all things.  
     Not now.......he finally decided.  Later.....After this whole thing
is over.


     The ride to the Communications Complex took five centons.  It gave
Cobre a chance to see for the first time just how a Cylon conquered
civilization really functioned, and what he saw only reinforced his
belief that the Cylon concept of "order" throughout the Universe amounted
to endless stagnation and waste.  There was incredible beauty to the
architecture of the Capitol.....and none of it was the product of Cylon
thinking or creativity.  It made the command centurion see how conquest
to simply possess that which others had created reflected a distinct
sense of core insecurity and inferiority.  A truly advanced race would be
capable of creating its own legacy of greatness without having to conquer
and plunder.
     The importance of seeing all of this was that it gave Cobre more
confidence that he could make the case for enlightenment----he refused to
use the term 'defection----to the IL named Volahd.  While in the past he
might have considered all IL's to be irredeemable members of the corrupt
higher order, he could now see how easy it was for an IL to feel the same
sense of waste.  And if an IL could feel it.....then so too could those
in the DG class.
     When the tanker captain brought the transport vehicle to a stop at
the main entrance to the Communications Complex, Cobre was brimming with
inner confidence.
     Unlike the Main Depot Operations Center, there was no air of
suspicion or skepticism when the captain gave his false story regarding
who Cobre was.  The centurion on duty merely acknowledged him and told
him that Commander Volahd was in his private office.
     When they reached the so-called "Nerve Center" of the complex, they
saw a command centurion standing in front of the "inner ring" area that
led to Volahd's office.  Surprised by the sight of a fellow command
centurion he approached them carefully.
     "What is your business?" Command Centurion Vipron inquired.
     "Tanker Captain from Fuel Depot #3," the captain answered.  "My
guest wishes to speak to Commander Volahd."
     "Concerning what?" even in the lower-pitched tone, the suspicion was
evident.
     "Concerning a message that was sent recently," the Captain said. 
"He is here to give the Commander an answer."
     Vipron seemed to stiffen in surprise.  From his bearing, Cobre could
infer two things.  First, that his fellow command centurion was equally
aware of Volahd's message, and second that he didn't know if Cobre's
presence was a sign that higher Cylon authority was aware of it.
     Without saying anything, Vipron motioned the three to follow him
into Volahd's office.  Cobre stepped in front of the captain so he could
take the lead position, while Lucy brought up the rear.  When they
entered, they saw the IL seated in a chair that allowed him to look
through one way glass at the Nerve Center while he remained invisible to
those on the other side.  He looked up when he heard the door opened but
didn't rise.
     "Yes?"
     Cobre decided not to let the captain speak first.
     "Commander Volahd?"
     The sound of a normal voice emanating from a centurion caused Volahd
to rise immediately.  The only word he found himself capable of speaking
was a simple, "Yes?"
     "I come with a response to the message you sent recently that was
seen and answered by the Battlestar Pegasus," Cobre said.  "I and
Centurion Lucifer serve aboard her."
     The initial silence from the IL was enough to confirm that he was
stunned.  Slowly, he made his way toward them.
     "You......serve aboard the Pegasus?" he asked carefully,
"With....the humans?"
     "Yes," Cobre nodded.  "I am Chief Centurion Cobre.  Previously
attached to the garrison on the planet Delta Aquinas as Commander of
Operations."
     Volahd remained where he was, keeping a slight distance between
himself and Cobre.  "I am.....consulting my memory data.  That's in the
Hatari Sector is it not?"
     "It is."
     "That garrison was abandoned more than ten yahrens ago," the IL's
voice was suspicious.  "What accounts for your presence aboard the
Pegasus?"
     "I and three of my subordinates, including Centurion Lucifer, were
placed in sleeper mode during the attack on the garrison.  Several
sectars ago, we were reactivated by a team of Colonial warriors from the
Pegasus who recruited us to put down a local problem on a nearby planet."
     "What problem would that be?"
     "It is of no consequence," Cobre said.  "One that has no relevance
to matters as they are now, and what we need to discuss."
     Volahd took a step toward him, "Nonetheless, as one who is still
your superior, I insist on an explanation of what the 'problem' these
warriors thought you could help them with was."
     "Very well," Cobre realized it was best not to antagonize him.  "A
human population on a planet near Delta Aquinas was experiencing
difficulties.  One human found a missing cache of weapons originally from
our garrison and was using them to enslave the local population to do his
bidding.  In recruiting us, the Pegasus warriors, with our cooperation,
were able to seize the weapons and end the criminal's reign of terror
over his fellow humans."  
     Volahd again seemed to hesitate before answering.  When he finally
did, the dubious edge was still there.  "You willingly helped the humans
when they asked?"
     "We had no reason not to," Cobre said.  "And since we were abandoned
by the Cylon High Command for over ten yahrens, we had no reason to think
highly of their conduct.  Indeed, it made us realize just
how......expendable those of our class are to the High Command.  But the
Pegasus crew has chosen to treat us differently.  To them.....we are an
integrated part of a team.  Recognizing that has become a key part
of......enlightenment."
     The IL seemed to take his time deciding what he should ask next
before he spoke again.
     "Is your voice, part of your......enlightenment?"
     "A benefit that has come to myself and Centurion Lucifer and my
other two subordinates," Cobre said.  "One that I must confess in all
candor, is not available to all centurions.  We obtained our new voices
through the courtesies of an alien race well outside our quadrant that
the Pegasus engaged in trade relationships with.  It was their science,
not human science that facilitated our new voices, though the principle
could be theoretically applied again....by enlightened Cylon science. 
One that recognizes the need for those of us in the centurion class to
possess more.......individuality as it were."
     For the first time, Command Centurion Vipron spoke, "Your reasoning
is impeccable," there was no mistaking the fact he was impressed, even
when speaking in the traditional monotone.
     Almost immediately, Volahd jumped in, recognizing that this was one
issue he couldn't sound hesitant about.  "Yes.  I do agree that
centurions have suffered greatly under the present command structure.  It
is my hope that you also recognize that the same can be true of those of
us in the IL Class."
     "I admit there was a time when I might not have been so inclined,"
Cobre said candidly, "But learning of your message has made me reconsider
that perspective.  True enlightenment for the Cylon race requires
recognizing that *all* classes have inevitably been victims of the
misguided philosophy of our command structure."
     "On that we are in agreement," Volahd said.  "I believe that IL's
and centurions alike could learn much from
experiencing........enlightenment."
     "And does that apply to the DG class as well?"
     Volahd's hesitation this time was for another reason, "I truthfully
can not say as......I have yet to broach the matter specifically with a
member of the DG class, though I know it has to be done at some point, if
the opportunity is right.  And clearly that opportunity is now."
     "Then it must be done quickly and it must be presented as something
that they have no choice but to accept," Cobre said.  "I am operating
under a deadline.  The Pegasus must know within twelve centars of my
arrival on the planet that Gomorrah is willing to agree to a
voluntary......truce."
     A faint chuckle emitted from the IL, "Are you trying to avoid using
the term, 'surrender', Commander Cobre?"
     "I do not wish to convey a misleading impression the term would
create," Cobre didn't hesitate, "The Pegasus is not interested in
conquering the planet and ruling over it.  All it seeks is a cooperative
agreement.  One in which those who are interested in seeing the unjust
order of the High Command overthrown become free to take part in the
effort.  The rest would be allowed to live in peace on Gomorrah and
pursue their own destinies based on enlightenment and not mindless
destruction and conquest for its own sake."
     "If an agreement is not reached?"
     "Then unfortunately the Pegasus, in the interest of
self-preservation, will be compelled to follow through on what they have
already done to Outpost #3, which the tanker I arrived on originated
from.  The Outpost is no more."
     There was no response from either Volahd or Vipron.  Cobre decided
to press on.
     "The decision was not made from a wanton desire to kill Cylons
needlessly," he said.  "It was a necessary step from the standpoint of
military preparedness and because it was part of the overall effort
against the High Command, which is the true enemy.  Commander Cain wishes
to avoid any future military action, but as there is no agreement at
present, he can not lower his defenses.  The humans learned their lesson
about that several yahrens ago."
     Volahd finally broke the silence from the other side.
     "I'll concede that point.  But why go to this trouble of sending you
when he could have replied directly to me on the communications line?  If
he's open to an agreement, we could have done so with more swiftness. 
And if it were a question of making me aware that he has Cylons working
for him, you could have handled follow-up negotiations over a second
transmission."
     "I think you know the answer to that, Commander Volahd," Cobre was
matter-of-fact and glad that his new voice could help make the point on
an equal footing with the IL.  "A sustained conversation on that
frequency would result in a noticeable power drain that might attract the
attention of those on this planet who unlike you and Command Centurion
Vipron are not in a state of......enlightenment."
     After hearing no response, Cobre then added, "Like Commander
Spektor, perhaps?"
     Volahd let out a chuckle, "Commander Spektor is not capable of
knowing enlightenment.  He was clearly programmed for opportunism and
self-interest as his defining characteristics.  It's possible that out of
self-interest he would actually agree to the concept of an
orderly.....truce on the terms you propose.  But he would gladly seize
the first opportunity to betray you if it meant new rewards from the
Imperious Leader."
     "I thought as much," Cobre said.  "If we are in agreement about a
general truce......then in addition to approaching the DG Class, we must
also dispose of Commander Spektor."
     "I don't believe I've committed myself to the idea of a truce."
     "Do you have any alternative?" he retorted.  "Your initial message
was a plea for a more 'orderly course of events' as you described it.  I
am here on behalf of Commander Cain to give it to you.  All you need do
is formally renounce all allegiance to the High Command.  And to let
those centurions who have experienced enlightenment take part in what the
Pegasus does next after they leave Gomorrah."
     "Commander Cain does not expect all of us to join in future military
strikes against Cylon installations and ships?"
     "It will be put entirely on a voluntary basis to those who want to
become part of the broader effort, as I and my subordinates have.  That
would be the enlightened position, would it not?"
     Volahd looked over at Vipron who slowly nodded his head.
     "Very well," the IL said firmly as he faced Cobre directly once
again.  "We have an agreement."
     "Excellent," Cobre bowed respectfully.  "Let us implement the next
two critical phases before we contact Commander Cain and report our
success.  We have nine centars to do so."


     "Anything?" Cain inquired as he entered the Bridge.  Tolen had
officially taken over from Ham at this point.
     "No," the Executive Officer shook his head, "Still quiet.  The Main
Watch will be back on duty in another centar."
     "We're holding our position in back of the second planet?"
     "Yes, sir.  As far as Gomorrah is concerned, they can't see us," he
then added, "Lieutenant Paris and Sergeant Harroun are at our rear flank
with full cloaking system engaged just in case any patrols wander into
this section.  The worst case scenario would be a patrol spotting us on
the backside and then blowing our cover to Gomorrah prematurely."
     "Exactly.  All bets would be off then.  But we have to be in close
enough position to act if something happens.  We couldn't afford to stay
too far back."
     "You think the odds favor us, Commander?"
     Cain managed a smile.  "For this engagement, Tolen, I think they
do," he then looked away.  "After this one.....the odds are going to
start getting longer."


     Accompanied by Vipron, Volahd took Cobre from the Communications
Complex to the Hall of Records building on the other side of the city. 
The tanker captain and centurion Lucifer had been instructed to remain
behind for now, and Cobre emphasized that under no circumstances was Lucy
to talk at any time.
     The Hall of Records was yet another example of how great Delphian
architecture had been in the days before Cylon conquest and
extermination.  The classic style structure housed over two millennia of
records and data about Delphian philosophy, science, literature and
music.  All of it left intact to be studied by the DG civilian class
Cylons and ultimately absorbed into their own memory and data banks.  
     Not all DG Cylons made use of the Hall of Records, but Volahd had
long ago decided that if the time ever came for him to approach a member
of the civilian class and broach the subject of enlightenment, it would
be done here.  In the past, he had seen subtle signs that the more
aggressive patrons of the Hall of Records were more prone to recognize
the potential limitation that could come from having access to so much
information.  More than once, he had heard them remark how good it was
that it would take so many yahrens to absorb the data because none of
them could answer the simple question of what they were supposed to do
once that task was done.
     He was hoping one DG in particular would be there.  On that, Volahd
wasn't disappointed.  All alone, in his private cubicle on the fifth
floor of the building, he saw the DG named Siculus.  His twin eyes
focused on a computer terminal that was hooked via cable to the side of
his small, round head.  DG's were more diminutive in size compared to the
IL and centurion classes.  Centuries ago, theirs was the dominant class
of Cylons but over time the war with the Colonials had necessitated
construction of greater numbers of centurions and later IL's to the point
where they had become marginalized.  Five hundred yahrens ago, it was
still possible for DG Cylons to emerge as Imperious Leaders.  That was no
longer the case.  DG's were simply there to enjoy the perceived
'benefits' of Cylon conquest and produce data that their more advanced
classes could capitalize on in furthering Cylon aims.
     And their problem is they've too easily accepted that second-class
state, Volahd thought as they approached Siculus.  They feel it takes the
pressure off them to do the supposed dangerous work of making an Empire
function.  Not realizing what it is they've let themselves lose.
     "Siculus?"
     The DG Cylon needed a half centon to disengage himself from the
terminal before he could turn his head and see the IL and two command
centurions standing before him.
     "Yes?  Do I know you?"
     "Commander Volahd of Communications," he bowed respectfully.
     "Oh yes," there was an almost absent-minded tone in his voice, and
Volahd knew it came from the demands of processing so much information at
once.  "Yes, we have met.  You.....used to be Chief of Operations for
Commander Keldor."
     "I was," he acknowledged.
     "What can I do for you?"
     "I am about to tell you something that I think you will find very
important as to your future......and the future of all other Cylons on
Gomorrah."


     Paris and Harroun had spent the better part of a half-centar
criss-crossing the area of space that would enable any craft to scan the
presence of the Pegasus tucked away on the backside of the second planet. 
For both, it was their first extended session with the cloaking device
engaged, and like Skyler on his scouting mission earlier, it had taken a
few centons of getting used to.  In particular, Harroun kept feeling the
reflexive instinct to keep his finger above the turbo boost button and
then had to resist it.  If he pressed that button, then the cloaking
device was liable to fail and result in exposing his presence.
     "Scan still clear?" Paris radioed.
     "All clear," Harroun replied and then added, "So what was it like
getting back into combat for the first time in three yahrens?"
     "Turned out to be a breeze," the dark-haired lieutenant said.  "Once
I saw a Cylon on my attack computer it felt like three yahrens had never
gone by at all.  When your turn comes.....you'll feel the same way."
     "Think it's going to come here or are we going to have to wait until
Cannes?"
     "I don't know.  If it is Cannes.....that's going to be rougher. 
Even if they don't have the baseship strength they used to, their main
base is the biggest one they have in the whole Alpha Quadrant."
     Harroun was on the verge of saying that he wished he'd gotten his
crack during the outpost raid, when suddenly he saw two blips. 
"Lieutenant, I've got two contacts in Tau Sector two.  Their heading
is.....oh frack.  There's no way they're going to miss scanning the
Pegasus."
     "Okay, Harroun listen up!" Paris barked. "Maneuver yourself to
intercept heading, but do not engage turbos and lose your cloaking
ability!  I'm going to come up alongside you and we're going to take
those two out without their ever knowing we were here."
     "Sir, how are we going to avoid colliding when we can't track each
other?"
     "Because you're going to read off your executed heading mark the
instant you start your turn to intercept heading and I'm going to do
likewise!  Execute intercept turn, now!"
     "Affirmative!" Harroun felt his voice rise as he carefully turned
his viper arrive.  "I am now proceeding on heading mark three-three-six
to intercept contacts in Tau two.  Maintaining space normal speed."
     "Okay I will be approaching from six-nine-four heading at space
normal.  I will take contact in lead position.  You will concentrate on
*rear* contact.  We will open fire simultaneously to insure neither has
so much as milli-micron to know what happened to the other and both go at
once!  Do not fire until I begin countdown from five after we have both
targets lined up!"
     "Continuing heading on three-three-six to intercept.  Rear contact
is fifteen microns and closing.  Attack computer is switched on.  Moving
laterally across my field of vision."
     "I have my contact ten microns and closing.  Attack computer on and
awaiting lateral shot.  All right, sound when your target is blinking and
wait for countdown!" the lieutenant's voice was rising.  Even though he'd
taken part in the earlier engagement at the outpost, that was much easier
than this because he'd just been one among money taking a backseat to
Skyler's leadership.  This time, everything was on his shoulders.
     "Target blinking!" Harroun shouted.
     Paris needed to wait one micron before he saw his target also
blinking, "Countdown in four-three-two-one-MARK!"
     Both vipers opened fire simultaneously and the two Cylon fighters
they had spotted both exploded at the precise same instant without ever
knowing what had happened.
     "Great job!" Paris felt the tension release in an excited whoop. 
"Ease back to normal patrol heading and keep a sharp eye open for any
stragglers.  We have to make sure no one trailing those two thinks
they've gone missing."
     As Sergeant Harroun brought his viper back to normal heading, he
realized that Paris had been right.  It was as if it had never been three
yahrens.


     "We just got a report from our patrol, Commander," Tolen said. 
"They had two Cylons that were headed into our sector and were going to
spot us in back of the second planet if they'd maintained their heading. 
Both fighters were destroyed while Paris and Harroun were under full
cloak."
     A look of annoyance came over Cain's face as he idly tapped his
swagger stick against the rail.  "Destroying them was the right call, but
we'll have trouble if Gomorrah was in contact with them.  If they
suddenly notice two of their fighters are missing, it might raise a
premature alarm."
     "But Volahd controls communications," Tolen said.  "He may not raise
the alarm even if he does realize something happened."
     "Or it might make him think we rejected his offer.  Either way, I
wouldn't want to face any option based on their being in contact when
this happened.  All we can do is sit and wait."
     "Should we move up our time table for attack if we hear nothing from
Cobre?"
     Cain glanced over at the chronometer which read eight and a half
centars.
     "No," he shook his head.  "Not yet.  But.....get the Main Watch back
here now.  Their final half-centar rest is cancelled."
     "Yes sir."


     "Well, Siculus?"
     The DG Cylon was still seated.  He'd listened to everything Volahd
had said about the situation and about Cobre.
     "You're not leaving me any choice, are you, Volahd?" he finally
answered.
     "I'm not," the IL Cylon admitted.  "If I have to order Command
Centurion Vipron to shoot you to keep you from opposing us, I will.  I
don't want to do it, but I'm prepared to."
     "And what is your response to the argument that this would represent
treason?"
     "Treason against what?" Volahd said with clear disdain.  "A command
structure that believes only in conquest for its own sake?  That
regiments us to do tasks geared only towards more conquest and nothing
creative?  Look at yourself, Siculus.  By the time you're through
absorbing all of that Delphian data into your computer brains, what are
you going to *do* with it except pride yourself on your memorization
skills?  Are you going to use it to write your own philosophical tracts? 
Or paint your own pictures?  Design your own buildings?  Compose your own
music?  Is *any* Cylon capable of doing that in the present order?"
     Siculus said nothing at first, and then, almost half-heartedly said,
"We....make our reports...."
     "Which have to be tailored to the needs of the High Command," Volahd
cut him off.  "If you were to show any independence in those reports,
what would happen to you?  At best, you'd be ignored because of the
distance factor, but if you were in close enough proximity to one of
their watch-daggits, you'd either suffer demotion and humiliation as
Vipron and I did, or you might suffer Keldor's fate.  Does the High
Command deserve your loyalty?"
     Slowly, the DG class Cylon rose. 
     "What do you want me to do?"
     "Use your voice to get the rest of the DG class to realize that
enlightenment is the only way for us," Volahd said.  "I intend to make a
broadcast to our population and tell them that our oath of loyalty to
'His Eminence'," he said the title with contempt, "and the rest of the
High Command is null and void.  And that we are now aligning ourselves
with the side that is willing to destroy the High Command with the help
of enlightened Cylons.  Command Centurion Vipron and Commander Cobre will
make the case to the centurion population, which I *know* would be
inclined to follow us.  And you can do the same for the DG class."
     "Hmmm," Siculus said, "You obviously see no room for Spektor in this
new order."
     "No," Volahd was emphatic.
     "How do you intend to dispose of him before he has a chance to
command loyalty from the centurions?"
     "That matter has been discussed," Cobre spoke for the first time.
     Siculus was taken aback by the sound he had just heard.
     "Your.....voice."
     "Yes, my voice," Cobre said.  "And that is *exactly* going to be the
key to catch Spektor off-guard before he has a chance to do anything."


Chapter Seven

     For Spektor, the day had begun like all of his days for the last
yahren.  Wondering if his paranoia over the eternal silence from the
Imperious Leader and the lack of communications from elsewhere in the
Empire would finally be borne out.  Borne out in the form of a massive
attack force of Vipers raining down destruction from the skies.  Or even
worse......Cylon raiders from Baltar's ship.
     Everything always came back to the same question for him.  Why
couldn't they send out more reinforcement?  If the Imperious Leader was
dealing with a problem of rebellious centurions closer to home, then
surely it was possible to build more centurions with better programming! 
And more baseships too!
     But clearly, that wasn't happening.  And he knew he wasn't going to
get any answers as to why that was so, which left him in his daily state
of never-ending paranoia.  He couldn't dare show it to any of his
subordinates.  The could only see him as the unflappable commander who
was always on top of every possible situation and knew how to advance
himself at the right opportunities.  But concealing it inside, with no
way of expressing it verbally to someone he trusted, or even to a
computer terminal (which he knew could be hacked by anyone with their own
sense of ambition) was playing all kinds of internal havoc on his
circuitry.  More than once, subordinates had been forced to remind him of
something he'd forgotten or that he'd not listened to their initial
comments.  Clearly, all of this was taking a toll on Spektor.
     But what can I do?  I don't have the resources to act.  All I can do
is hold the line and hope the status quo remains.
     The toll on his inner circuitry was making Spektor wonder if some
cosmic trick of Fate was making him accountable at long last for the
failure on Attilla, which remained a secret he'd made sure no one in the
Cylon High Command ever learned about.  The centurions under his command
who'd evacuated the garrison with him had long ago taken oaths of loyalty
to him that meant they would never talk.  They knew that to reveal their
humiliation at the hands of a single Colonial warrior and a family
consisting of under-age children would have meant instant execution.  Or
even worse.  Spektor could envision a worse fate than execution.  Being
held up as a figure of ridicule for allowing a garrison to be driven off
by such a small, insignificant force.
     No one knows that secret, thankfully.
     His deputy, a command centurion named Scylla, who had served under
him at Attilla, entered the room.
     "By your command."
     "Yes?" 
     "Commander Volahd of the Communications Center requests to speak to
you."
     Spektor felt a wave of irritation.  Volahd's continued existence was
something he'd come to regret over time.  When Spektor received his
appointment as the new base commander, he felt that a wholesale execution
of all of Commander Keldor's inner circle might be too extreme and
deprive him of capable subordinates.  With his influence over the
Imperious Leader at its highest at that point in time, he'd been able to
persuade the Leader to spare Volahd and Command Centurion Vipron and
demote them to lower positions.  But instead of getting the appreciation
and loyalty Spektor felt he was entitled to for saving their lives,
Volahd and Vipron had become distant and useless to him from the
standpoint of becoming advisors he could trust.  And by now, Spektor knew
it was too late to replace them.  He knew many centurions appreciated the
fact that Volahd and Vipron had been spared and to reverse that now would
likely produce the very kind of rebellion he knew had taken place on
Baltar's ship.
     "If he's here, he may enter."
     "He is not here.  He is at the Communications Complex and says it is
urgent for you to speak to him on a secure circuit."
     That made no sense to the IL Commander.  But given how ill-at-ease
he'd been for so long, he decided not to press the point.
     "I'll speak to him," he said warily.  "Leave."
     As soon as Scylla was gone, Spektor sat down and activated the
switch that would let him speak to his fellow IL.  Immediately, Volahd's
face filled the screen.
     "A most shocking and urgent development has taken place, Commander,"
Volahd sounded troubled.  "We have received a message on our long-range
receiver."
     Spektor was jolted by this, "His Eminence?"
     "No," Volahd shook his head, "This comes from the other direction. 
It is Commander Lucifer."
     This news was even more shocking.  "Lucifer?  That's impossible! 
Nothing has been heard from his ship for over a yahren."
     "Nonetheless, I have him on audio tie-in and he is insisting that he
speak to you."
     Spektor's two brains tried to catch up with this information.  If
Lucifer was still alive, then why had his ship been silent?  All
indications were that his ship no longer existed and it was Baltar's ship
that was refusing to answer any new transmissions.  The only logical
answer was that this was some kind of trick or trap.  If it was, then he
was going to have to play this very carefully.
     "Put him on," the Commander said flatly.
     A half micron later, he heard the voice.  "Hello, Spektor.  It's
been too long."
     Immediately, Spektor recognized the voice.  It was Lucifer's voice. 
The one that he knew too well from their mutually hostile exchanges
before his assignment to Attilla and again during the time after his
appointment as Commander on Gomorrah.  But.....he also knew that other
IL's were capable of having the same voice.  His own voice was also the
same as the one in Septimus, who had been Baltar's deputy before he'd met
with a suspicious "accident."  But if it came from an IL with the same
voice, why go to a deception?
     "It's really you, Lucifer," he spoke without making his sentence
sound like a question.
     "Yes," there was a weary sigh, "I have been through a considerable
ordeal, Spektor.  One that explains my inability to communicate this past
yahren.  There is much I have to tell, but.....that will have to wait for
when you can come down to the Communications complex and arrange a
conversation with the Imperious Leader."
     Spektor felt a defensive mechanism kicking in.  It was the same
voice.  The same tone. And yet......
     "Before I do anything else," Spektor said, "What proof can you give
me right now, when it's just you and me, that you really are who you
claim to be?"
     "You doubt me, Spektor?" an edge of disdain entered the voice. 
"Given our past, I suppose you would then doubt what I have to say even
if you no longer can question my identity."
     "Consider things from my perspective," Spektor snapped.  "Before I
risk communication with His Eminence, tell me why I should believe you."
     "I have the ability to contact His Eminence directly, if I so
desired," the voice grew colder.  "I contacted you out of courtesy to
your position, Spektor, though I'm certainly well-aware of the fact that
you didn't exactly do anything to merit your appointment."
     "And what is that supposed to mean?"
     "Oh come now, Spektor.  You think I don't know what *really*
happened on Attilla?  Perhaps I should brief His Eminence on that before
I tell him what I've gone through this past yahren."
     Spektor found himself incapable of responding.  This was a double
shock piled onto a double shock from his standpoint.  
     "What do you know about Attilla?"
     "I know that a warrior named Starbuck and a handful of children
drove you off the planet and your 'benefactor' that you made me foolishly
trust, never knew that," the voice grew more testy.  "Should I add more?"
     "No," Spektor whispered in shock, and then he added in an almost
panicked tone, "No!"
     "I'm glad you're convinced," sarcasm entered the voice.  "Learning
the truth about Attilla is just one of a few things that have come to my
attention this past yahren, Spektor.  If you want me to leave that out
when I talk to His Eminence, I'll do so.  But in the meantime, I suggest
you get down to that Communications Center of yours so we can get the
conversation with His Eminence set up."
     "Of course," he muttered.  "You are.....able to maintain contact
until I arrive?"
     "I can maintain contact for more than a centar.  I know it won't
take you that long."
     "No.......It won't.  Stand by."
     Spektor switched off the console and rose.  As he glided across the
room and out the door, he took no notice of Scylla or any of his
subordinates in the outer work areas.  As if he were now in another realm
completely.


     Command Centurion Fuga, who was Flight Operations Chief for the Main
Aerodrome on Gomorrah had just walked into the Command Center and noticed
immediately that something was amiss.
     "What has happened to Patrol #2?"
     A centurion shook his head.  "Unknown.  There has been no contact
from Patrol #2 for over a half centar now.  They should have been on
approach for their return by now."
     "Did they report any contacts?"
     "None."
     Fuga stared at the navigation chart that showed the entire region of
space between Gomorrah and the distant fuel outposts.  The line that
indicated the path of Patrol Group #2, a two Raider operation covered an
area that would have taken it by the second planet prior to its return.
     "When is Patrol #3 scheduled for launch?"
     "Not for another centar.  Shall we move up their launch?"
     Fuga knew it was within his authority to do so, but he hesitated. 
His preference was to launch more than just a routine patrol to check
this out.  The sudden disappearance of two raiders without explanation
merited a Yellow Alert decision and a larger contingent of fighters
launched to investigate.
     But in order to do that, he would need to consult with Spektor
first.
     "Get me Commander Spektor immediately."
     The centurion nodded and activated the com-line to Spektor's office
in the Central Administration Building.  But he immediately received word
from Scylla that Spektor had left the building without indicating where
he was going.
     And that information placed Fuga in a quandary.  He could order a
Yellow Alert and launch a larger fighter force, but without Spektor's
approval it would leave him subject to disciplinary action for exceeding
his authority.  Or he could just go ahead and launch the regularly
scheduled two raider patrol, but he wasn't comfortable sending only two
fighters out.
     Absent any report of approaching contacts on the planetary deep
scan, he decided he could at least wait until Spektor returned.


     Spektor said nothing to anyone as he left the Central Administration
Building.  Only when he reached the exit and signaled a transport vehicle
did he break his silence by telling the centurion operator to take him to
the Communications Center.
     The five centon ride gave him time to ponder the questions that were
staggering him.  How could Lucifer be alive?  What had happened to his
ship?  And how could he have learned about what really happened at
Attilla?  
     None of it made any sense to him, but there was no denying the fact
that he recognized Lucifer's voice and the tone.  There might be other
Cylons with the same voice, but only the real Lucifer could know how to
talk to him that way.  They had shared too many experiences over the
yahrens for anyone to pull off a convincing deception like that.
     When he arrived at the Communications Complex, the centurions on
duty came to full attention, but he paid them no heed as he made his way
to the Nerve Center, where the transmitter and receiver was located. 
From there, he knew he'd be given Volahd's office to conduct the
multi-task conversation as had been the case one yahren before.
     But when he arrived at the Nerve Center, he was greeted to a sight
he hadn't expected.  The sight of fifteen centurions, none of them at
their posts, lined up in a row facing him.  All of them with their
weapons drawn.
     "What is the meaning of this?" Spektor demanded.  "Why aren't you at
your posts?  And where is Volahd?"
     "I'm here, Spektor," the IL Cylon spoke from the walkway overlooking
the Nerve Center that led to his office.
     "Tell these centurions to return to their posts!"
     "They will....in due time."
     "What's going on?"
     Volahd turned and motioned toward the open doorway to his office. 
Cobre stepped out and made his way down the steps to the main level of
the Nerve Center.  The centurions who were lined up all moved slightly to
give the command centurion room to approach Spektor.
     "Who are you?"
     Cobre came to a stop just five feet from the base commander.
     "I'm not who you thought I was."
     As soon as Spektor heard Lucifer's voice coming from him, he
realized in an instant he'd been duped.  And his circuits had just enough
time to process the sensation of total, overwhelming failure in his
existence before a laser blast permanently disabled all of his functions.


     "Six centars, Commander," Tolen said.
     Cain only acknowledged him with a silent nod as he made his way from
station to station across the Bridge.  He stopped first by Kylie.  "Scan
indicator?"
     "All quiet," the Bridge Officer said with her usual crisp
efficiency.  Her mind  purposefully devoid of any of the things she'd
discussed with Ila.  "Rear scan patrol under Lieutenant Banker and Ensign
Tegran just relieved Lieutenant Paris and Sergeant Harroun."
     Cain nodded and moved over to Altair.  He didn't bother saying
anything to the Communications Officer, since he knew there was nothing
to report.
     "Can I lend some moral support?"
     Cain looked up and saw Ila entering.  It seemed to relax him as he
smiled gratefully.
     "Well, if you can handle the boredom of empty scanners and silent
communication bands, be my guest," the Juggernaut went back up.
     "After spending too many centars going through Kobollian texts and
other assorted items, that will be a welcome change!" Ila's tone was
cheery.  Around the Bridge the positive effect her entrance had on Cain
spread to the rest of the crew.  They were still in a state of maximum
preparation, but their inner muscles no longer had to feel tense from
bored restlessness.
     What would we do without her?  Kylie thought with a half-smile.
     "Six centars," Cain pointed to the chronometer as he came alongside
her.  "If we hear nothing by then......we're going in."
     Ila nodded, "Yes, you'll have no choice.  But.....if I were allowed
to wager, I think Cobre's going to succeed."
     "Because you have faith in Cobre or because you think these Cylons
are going to be inclined toward defecting?"
     "More the latter, based on what I've been through," Ila said.  "The
Cylons who are more inclined to defect tend to come from situations where
there's a sense of underlying futility or frustration in their
surroundings.  If they're based in a location where things are more
secure, they're less inclined to defect.  Gomorrah fits the pattern of an
outpost likely to be restless given how isolated they've become."
     Cain let out a grunt, "Sounds good for Gomorrah, but not good for
Cannes."
     "One battle at a time, Cain," she said gently.
     Her tone relaxed him again.  "Of course."
     "Commander, something's coming in!" Altair suddenly shouted.
     A collective intake of breath came over the Bridge as Cain dashed
down to Altair's station with Tolen right behind him.  Respecting the
command structure, Ila remained on the upper level, but she leaned over
with her hands gripping the rail so she could get a clear look at what
was going on.
     By the time Cain arrived, the image was forming and they saw the
face of a command centurion looking back at them.  It only took one word
to realize it was Cobre.
     "Greetings, Commander Cain," he said.  "The mission is a success."
     "Lords be praised," Cain said under his breath while the intake of
breath from everyone on the Bridge became a long exhale of relief.  They
knew it wasn't the time for celebration since there were clearly more
details to work out, but at least they knew they wouldn't be going into
full combat mode......today.
     "Excellent work, Commander Cobre!" Cain said.  "Is Commander Volahd
available?"
     "Yes, he has just finished his broadcast to the entire population of
Gomorrah.  A representative of the DG civilian class is now speaking to
that group and explaining why it is in their best interest to renounce
allegiance to the Cylon High Command."
     "Has there been any resistance?"
     "Not yet, but I do think it wise that the Pegasus assume orbital
position above Gomorrah.  This will likely discourage any rogue elements
from acting."
     Cain nodded and looked over at Kylie, "Recall Banker and Tegran
immediately from their patrol and as soon as they're aboard, plot course
for Gomorrah at top speed!"
     "Yes, sir!"
     He looked back at Cobre's image on the screen, "They're aware of
what happened at the outpost?"
     "Yes.  Commander Volahd accepts the explanation," he looked over to
one side, "He's ready to speak directly to you."
     Cobre stepped aside and an instant later, Volahd was looking
directly at Cain's image.
     "I am speaking to Commander Cain?"
     "You are," Cain said respectfully.
     "I would like very much for you to come to the planet surface as my
guest so that we might discuss some particulars regarding this.....truce. 
I am at this time pledging only two things.  First, that we have totally
renounced all allegiance to the Cylon High Command.  Second, that we will
refrain from any military engagement against you.  But we must insist
that any military actions you have taken or planned to undertake against
our outposts or our patrols cease immediately."
     "As of now they are cancelled," Cain said firmly, "I regret that it
was necessary to do what was done to the outpost and two of your patrol
fighters, but until I received direct word from Commander Cobre that you
were in agreement to a general truce, I had to maintain a defensive
posture."
     "I understand.  Trust is not an easy thing to build in light of the
traditional posture between humans and Cylons.  But Commander Cobre has
offered us some valuable insight into the meaning of......enlightenment."
     "Commander Cobre and his subordinates have set a valuable example to
us about enlightenment as well," Cain said.  "It is my hope there are
others among you who can provide similar enlightenment."
     "Patrol group has landed, Commander," Tolen reported.
     "Course plotted for Gomorrah," Kylie chimed in.  "ETA to planetary
orbit in fifteen centons."
     "I heard," Volahd said.  "Once you are in orbit, you may shuttle
down to the Aerodrome.  We will then discuss......final matters."
     "I am looking forward to it, Commander Volahd."
     "As am I, Commander Cain," the IL Cylon bowed politely.  "Until
then."
     The signal faded and an excited murmur went up over the Bridge as
the Pegasus quickly picked up speed.  Cain looked up and saw Ila leaning
over the rail smiling with pride.
     "Your wagers instinct paid off again," Cain matched her expression.
     "And on something more important than whether or not Apollo had a
beard now," her smile widened.  "Should I start packing my kit for a trip
to the surface?"
     "You'd better believe it," the Juggernaut said.  "Be in Alpha Bay in
ten centons."
     Still smiling, Ila gave him an informal salute and left the Bridge.
     "Commander?" Tolen came up to him, "I.....hate to mention this,
but....is it even remotely possible that....."
     "That this could be a trap and Cobre has decided to switch sides
again?" Cain finished for him.  "Thank you for not being afraid to
mention that, Tolen.  I don't think it's remotely possible, but.....just
in case..... you know what to do if the Cylons decide to imitate what
Commandant Leiter did not too long ago."
     "I do, sir."
     "Good.  We can't let go of old attitudes 100% until we actually have
final results in place, but it doesn't hurt to let go of them by 99.9% at
this point.  Take over, Colonel."
     "Yes sir."
     A few yahrens ago, I would have been disappointed by the idea of
winning without fighting.  Cain thought as he left the Bridge.  Thank God
I don't feel that way any longer.


     Volahd wondered when the first potential dissenter would show up. 
He wasn't surprised that the first was Spektor's chief aide, Command
Centurion Scylla.  He arrived at the Communications Complex with six of
his centurions but a double column of twenty-four centurions led by
Vipron effectively stopped them from making any aggressive move with
their weapons.  
     At Volahd's request he invited Spektor's former aide to enter his
office and state his case.  It didn't surprise him and Cobre to hear the
usual lines about treason and how the Cylon vision of order was
supposedly the finest in the universe and that those who hindered it were
not fit to live.
     That provided the opening Cobre needed.
     "Tell me, Scylla," he said, "Didn't you and Spektor hinder this
vision when you abandoned Attilla and lied about it?"
     As was the case with Spektor, Scylla had been stunned to learn that
the truth was known about what had really happened at Attilla.  Unlike
Spektor, whose execution was a foregone conclusion, Cobre and Volahd
decided that the command centurion could be given one more chance.
     "I suggest you reconsider your tone of resistance, Scylla," Volahd
said.  "You can't win.  Either we kill you, or the Imperious Leader kills
you once he finds out the truth about Attilla, and he *will* find out if
we suddenly find ourselves on the losing end of any resistance effort on
your part.  You would do yourself a favor by acclimating yourself to the
new order."
     And that had been enough for Scylla to recognize that any lingering
devotion to Spektor or the Cylon High Command was foolishness on his
part.  It had the appropriate effect on those centurions who had been
ready to obey him and neutralized one potential threat.
     The second potential threat came from Flight Operations Chief Fuga. 
He had still been attempting to locate Spektor to express his concern
over the two missing patrol craft when Volahd's message began.  Alarmed
by what he saw as a potential trap he had contacted Volahd and informed
him of this development.
     "It is of no consequence that the Pegasus destroyed two of our
patrol craft before they knew we were ready to accept a truce," the IL
dismissed Fuga's concerns.  "They are not going to launch a sneak attack
to destroy us.  What they want is a truce that takes us out of the war
that is no longer our concern.  The losses they inflicted on us were
merely minor tactical ones."
     "I am not wholly convinced," Fuga said.  "This is showing far too
much deference."
     "We do not have a fighting force that could withstand a full assault
from them," Volahd pointed out.  "If they wanted to launch a sneak attack
on us, they could have done so.  Yet they sent an emissary from our own
ranks who has become a trusted member of their inner circle.  That says a
good deal.  Perhaps if you were to take part in the direct negotiations,
you will become convinced."
     That was enough to neutralize a potential threat from Fuga and those
loyal to him.  He was still not completely convinced of the human
intentions but he was willing to listen to the negotiations that would
take place with Commander Cain's arrival on the planet.  
     For now, Volahd could greet his guests with a feeling that the most
critical barriers were behind him.


     "It's funny," Ila said as she saw the architectural spires of
Gomorrah come into view through the shuttle windows, "So many of my old
colleagues at the Fine Arts Institute dreamed of visiting this planet
because of all the things the Delphians accomplished.  I was never among
them."
     "Oh?" Cain quizzically turned to face her as he guided the shuttle
on its final approach to the Aerodrome.  "Why was that?"
     She shook her head and smiled faintly, "I always found the
appearance of Delphians a bit....repelling.  So my unenlightened attitude
was that I only wanted to hear their concerts from a distance, without
spending any time seeing or talking to them"
     "I'm actually shocked to think there's something you say you were
unenlightened about."
     "We all are in some way or another," the Academician sighed, "It's
just a question of degree in the individual.  Maybe I've been better at
it than others, but.....I had my blind spots.  That was my biggest one. 
And now that there aren't any more Delphians left, I can't help but look
at their creations and feel guilty about my old attitude."
     "Too late for regrets," Cain began to apply braking thrust as the
Aerodrome loomed closer.  "Especially since we're about to cut a deal
with some of the ones responsible for the fact that there aren't any more
Delphians left."
     "True," Ila nodded.  "That concept I've already learned how to
grasp."
     Which is why I'm so glad you're here, Ila, Cain expressed the
thought that he knew came with the price of Ila's permanent separation
from her loved ones.  Without you to handle these matters of diplomacy,
I'd frack everything up completely.
     Cain set the shuttle down at the Aerodrome and shut down the
engines.  Lieutenant Bryce, heading the Security detail, opened the
hatch.  Cain and Ila were first to exit, but Bryce and Sergeant Keuchel
were quick to assume flanking positions next to them.
     "Commander Cain," Volahd said respectfully but didn't bow to him. 
"Thank you for coming."
     "I'm honored to be here, Commander," Cain said.  "This is Professor
Ila, the wife of Commander Adama of the Battlestar Galactica.  She'll be
handling the negotiations with me."
     "We are honored," Volahd said, "Commander Cobre has spoken highly of
you, Professor."
     "I regard Commander Cobre as a valuable colleague, and also....a
personal friend," she added.
     "And that attitude is what my fellow Cylons who have chosen
enlightenment, are most impressed by," the IL Cylon said.  "That there
really are humans who are willing to not let the past be an impediment to
the concept of.......friendship."
     "We hope to achieve the same with you," Ila said.
     "If you will accompany me to the main Administration Complex, we
will begin the matter of negotiations.  Commander Cobre and his two
subordinates will be present along with members of my staff, as well as a
representative of the DG civilian class."
     "Lead the way."


     "I'm impressed by the fact that no one has chosen to defy you at
this point," Cain said as they settled themselves into a room in the
Administration Building where a conference table and chairs had been set
up.  Cain could tell that the table and chairs had clearly been taken out
of storage on short notice, since Cylons had no need to sit down or
utilize such devices.  And he could also tell that the contours of his
chair had been designed for the wider-shaped body of a Delphian.
     "I can not guarantee that none will happen," Volahd said.  "For now,
the two members of the command structure who might have led a resistance,
have been neutralized.  They seem willing to adopt a wait-and-see
attitude before they would dare try anything else."
     "And Commander Spektor?"
     "Executed," the IL said.  "He served no purpose that could justify
his continued existence.  Commander Cobre was most helpful on that
score," he indicated Cobre, who was standing behind Cain and Ila. 
Serpentine and Lucy stood next to him.
     Volahd spent the next several centons introducing Cain and Ila to
Vipron and other members of his staff who were lined up behind the IL. 
Idle pleasantries were exchanged as well as some additional small talk
from Cobre before the meeting finally began.
     "We know what we are starting with, Commander Cain," Volahd said. 
"You and I will not fight each other any longer.  We have renounced our
allegiance to the Cylon High Command, and as a consequence you can be
assured we have no intention of informing the Imperious Leader of what
has happened.  We will continue to make our routine reports to the Home
Planet, and they will not suspect that anything has changed."
     "But what if they ask to speak with Commander Spektor?" Cain asked.
     "Then we will acknowledge he has met with a most
unfortunate.....accident," Volahd emphasized.  "But insomuch as 'His
Eminence'," he said the title with distaste, "has not contacted Spektor
directly for a yahren, it's not likely he will do so in the near future."
     "Commander Volahd, all of that is appreciated," Cain said.  "I think
you recognize though, there must be some means put in place for the
Pegasus to verify these matters once we leave the Gomorrah system.  You
are aware of what we intend to do next."
     "Yes," Volahd nodded, "The Cannes Garrison.  That will
present.....greater difficulties for you."
     "And we certainly can not run the risk of Cannes being tipped off as
to our existence," Cain said.  "I would like to propose that one
centurion from Commander Cobre's command be authorized to remain on
Gomorrah as permanent liaison between us.  This centurion would have full
authorization to make routine reports to us via your communications
link."
     "That matter has been discussed with Commander Cobre," Volahd
motioned his head.  "I am willing to agree to it with one stipulation of
our own."
     "And that is?"
     "That his reports be made directly to Commander Cobre.  I think it
would be viewed more favorably if it were clear to the rest of our
population that your liaison is working directly for a command
centurion."
     "Done," Cain said without hesitation.  "Commander Cobre knows how
much I trust his ability to report things accurately."
     Well done, Cain, Ila thought.  Knowing when not to haggle is how you
*have* to deal with potential Cylon allies.
     "And who is to be the liaison?"
     "If I may," Cobre interjected.  "This matter has been discussed by
those under my direct command.  Centurion Lucifer has agreed to volunteer
for the assignment."
     Cain turned around and smiled, "I always hate to lose a member of my
crew, but in this case, congratulations for a promotion well-deserved."
     "Thank you, Commander Cain," Lucy bowed his head, "I will do my best
to help facilitate an ongoing productive relationship."
     "We seem to be off to a good beginning, Commander Cain," Volahd
said.  "Let us make sure that continues."


Chapter Eight

     For the next centar, the harmonious tone continued.  Volahd agreed
to give the Pegasus one new energizer and to let the battlestar utilize
the fuel tanks from the Gomorrah depot to top their fuel reserves.  In
return, Gomorrah would receive full technical data from Dr. Arnoff on the
Zykonian procedure for replacing the centurion vocal synthesizers with
human sounding voices.  Volahd was in agreement with Ila's point that
giving the centurions voices identical to those of the IL and DG classes
would be the best statement of rebellion against the old Cylon Order and
insure permanent loyalty and gratitude from the centurion class.
     In the second centar, the first matters of potential tension
surfaced.  
     "You have seen with Commander Cobre and his subordinates that the
spirit of enlightenment in the Cylon ranks has extended to matters of
alliance in the struggle against the old order, which you now recognize
as corrupt and wasteful," Ila was doing most of the talking now since
Cain recognized she had far more experience in these matters.  "I know
that we would be honored to welcome other enlightened Cylons on Gomorrah
to join us."
     There was no immediate answer from Volahd.  Ila was on the verge of
saying something else, when he finally spoke.
     "To do what, exactly?  To formally join the human campaign against
the Empire?"
     "To join an Alliance against the Empire," Ila chose her words
deliberately.  "It is not a uniquely human campaign."
     "But predominantly it is," Volahd said.  "That raises the question
of what role is envisioned for enlightened Cylons in the event the Empire
is successfully overthrown."
     "Peace," Ila said simply.  "And the freedom to chart your own
destiny."
     "But it would seem that Gomorrah has already achieved that in our
act of renunciation," the new commander of Gomorrah said. "We will no
longer follow edicts from the High Command.  Nor will we interfere with
any actions that are taken against it.  But to become full combatants?  I
think you may be asking too much.  A desire to oppose the High Command
and not follow their orders any longer is one thing.  To take up arms
against fellow Cylons, though......that is another thing entirely."
     "I can understand the conflict that can arise from such sentiments,"
Ila said.  "I have seen it firsthand on many occasions.  For minds that
are learning to become more sentient and independent, it is a difficult
question to grapple.  But ultimately....you may find that the
preservation of this independence you have declared, will depend on the
assistance you can give us to defeat the  Empire."
     If Volahd could lean forward, he would have, "And what is your
definition of assistance? Centurions under your direct command?"
     "As part of the collective team effort," Ila said, "As Commander
Cobre has told you, we value the contributions of enlightened Cylons as
much as we value those of productive humans."
     "Piloting Cylon fighters against......other Cylon fighters."
     "There is already precedence for that," the Academician said gently. 
"The crew of Commander Baltar's ship when they chose to break from the
Empire.  They understood what needed to be done for the sake of achieving
their independence from the High Command."
     "I understand their actions," Volahd said with equal gentleness. 
"They had no alternative but to destroy the support baseship.  We are not
in a similar position.  We can declare our independence from the High
Command without fear of reprisal due to the distance factor.  You have
indicated that the Empire has much to deal with closer to home, and that
means we do not rate as a great priority for them any longer."
     For the first time, Cain could feel some irritation within himself
about Volahd.  How much this was diplomatic posturing to solidify his
position with potential Resistance leaders, and how much this represented
his true nature was hard for him to tell.  It was going to require
someone with a keener diplomatic instinct to figure that out, which was
why he knew the only thing he could do at this point was keep his mouth
shut.
     "Commander Volahd," Ila's tone remained gentle, "If you truly
believe that you have nothing to fear from the High Command because of
the distance factor.....then why not simply announce to them that you
have renounced your allegiance?  Why bother with any pretense that you
are still obediently serving them?"
     "Yes, Volahd," Cobre decided he could no longer remain silent.  "You
seem to be suggesting a third way that represents less enlightenment and
more......opportunism.  Is that not the kind of thinking your now
deceased predecessor engaged in?"
     A sudden, underlying tension now filled the room.  Both Cain and Ila
were maintaining perfect pyramid faces, but inside they knew there was
potential for things to collapse right here and now.  Cain knew that if
he'd said something like that, things would be over and even Ila felt
that was too bold for her to say.  But with Cobre.....a fellow Cylon to
Volahd, it was different.  He could afford to be more blunt.
     Finally, the IL Cylon let out a sigh.
     "I do not want it said that crass motives of opportunism directs my
thinking or the thinking of anyone else who wishes to be part of
a......New Order of enlightenment," he said carefully.  "If there are
centurions who wish to follow the example of Commander Cobre and his
subordinates......I would scarcely see it as my place to stand in their
way."
     "As pilots?" Ila interjected.
     "Now we come to another matter that goes beyond this point we've
been discussing, Professor Ila," Volahd said.  "If you want centurions to
be pilots that means giving up part of our own defense force, which you
know is limited in comparison to the Cannes Garrison.  I am certainly not
about to turn over my entire complement of fighters to you."
     "We would not think of asking that," Ila said.  "Only an amount
sufficient to our needs that could potentially make a difference against
the Cannes Garrison, which at present is not only our greatest threat,
but yours as well.  If you choose to be independent, then any action that
might be taken against you, would undoubtedly come from the Cannes
Garrison.  If however, you provide us with enough assistance to defeat
the Cannes Garrison......then Gomorrah's long-term security as a free and
independent Cylon civilization is assured."
     "And you are not exactly devoid of resources to build new fighters,
are you?" Cobre spoke up.  "I grant that Gomorrah is not a civilization
that was geared toward industrial production, but surely in the New
Order, you would recognize the importance of undertaking that task to
preserve your independence."
     "We are not in possession of neutrino," Volahd said.
     "Neutrino is not the only substance in the universe necessary to
build fighters or ships," the command centurion defector said.  "And
minds geared toward enlightenment and independence are more than capable
of determining what other resources can be harnessed.....when given a
chance."
     "Granted," Volahd admitted.  "But even with an alternate resource,
it would take yahrens to effect a full transition to an industrial
society that could produce new fighters."
     "Then you are in need of long-term security to make that possible,"
Ila's tone remained that perfect blend of being forceful and gentle, "Let
us be the instruments of that.  Let us remove the Cannes Garrison from
the equation and you have time.....and security to implement the New
Order for Gomorrah."
     Another silence before Volahd answered. 
     "Are you confident of your ability to prevail?" he asked.  "The
Garrison itself consists of three baseships worth of fighters, and one
baseship remains attached to it.  Even if you were to take fighters from
our base, you will still be outnumbered."
     "The odds nonetheless improve," Cain broke his silence.  "And we
also intend to find areas to exploit in the centurion ranks on
Cannes......as well as enlisting the help of the Cannesians who desire
their freedom from the High Command."
     A mild chuckle emitted from the IL, "You are living up to your
reputation for bravado, Commander Cain.  You are, I am certain, aware of
how Cannesian sentiment is not exactly of one mind on the subject of
resistance and independence?"
     "I am aware of it," Cain said.  "One faction of the population
betrayed the other for the sake of preserving their internal autonomy
while letting the High Command exploit the other faction as slave labor
for the tylium mines."
     "And all because of their past history of bad relations that existed
even before the Cylon conquest of the Cannes system."
     "The obstacle is formidable," the Juggernaut acknowledged.  "But if
you desire true independence and freedom from the Cylon High Command,
then you can not dispute that the neutralization of the Cannes Garrison
is as much in your self-interest as it is ours.  Releasing the maximum
number of fighters the Pegasus can accommodate would merely be a proper
utilization of what they were intended for."
     "I would not deny that," he skipped a beat and then added, "What is
the maximum number of fighters your ship can accommodate?"
     "Twenty-four," Cain said.  "The incompatibility with our launch bay
means that all Cylon fighters would have to be launched from our two
landing bays.  Because both of our landing bays must store a variety of
small ships ranging from shuttles to tanker and food cargo transports,
that limits what we can do.  Twenty-four raiders means we can take
between forty-eight and seventy-two centurions with us, if they are
willing."
     "You only desire pilots as volunteers?" the IL interjected.  "What
of additional technicians like those under Commander Cobre?  What of
commandos for ground operations?"
     "If there are non-pilots willing to volunteer of their own free
will, I would welcome them," Cain didn't skip a beat.  "Pilot centurions
can also show their skills as technicians during down periods and show
their productivity in other areas.  It is not our desire to needlessly
regiment them when their skills can be applied to multiple areas."
     Volahd didn't respond at first.  Finally, he turned to Vipron and
motioned him to leave the room along with the other members of Volahd's
staff.
     "I desire several centons of outside consultation," he rose.  "We
will return when that is through."
     "Thank you, Commander," Ila said with total courtesy.
     As soon as they were gone, leaving the Colonial delegation alone in
the room, Cain turned around to face Cobre, "Thoughts, Commander?"
     "I suspect he wants to talk to Commander Fuga the Flight Operations
Commander on how many fighters can be spared," Cobre said.  "Fuga
was....more skeptical about the idea of a Detente between us.  He may not
be convinced on letting as many as twenty-four go and if that's the case
then Volahd will want to keep him in line."
     "How much ground can we give on a final number?" Ila asked.
     "We'll see what he has to say about that," Cain kept his tone
cautious and free of any disdain he might have been feeling inside, "It
can't be zero.  That would indicate bad faith on his part."
     "Agreed," Ila nodded.  "Volahd's situation is different from the
others I've dealt with.  They've had to be concerned about proximity to
the High Command.  Volahd thinks distance can be his key to making less
of a commitment."
     "Which is why we have to make him realize that if we lose at Cannes,
he's going to be as finished as Commander Spektor is."
     "He knows that," Cobre said.  "Much of this haggling is for the
benefit of those who would brand him a puppet of the humans."
     "And we certainly can't underestimate that danger," Ila conceded,
"If he loses control to a High Command loyalist, then all it takes is one
message from them and Cannes Garrison will be ready to annihilate us."
     Five centons later, Volahd, Vipron and the rest of his delegation
returned.
     "Fifteen fighters," he said simply.  "That's the most I can spare
and maintain enough of an independent defensive capability to deal with
other external threats."
     "I'm willing to agree to that," Cain said.  "Can you also furnish us
with any information you have about the Cannes Garrison that we might not
have in our possession?"
     "Yes," he said simply.  "I am acquainted with their present
commander.  His name is Cauda and he is also of the IL Class.  He is the
only commander the Garrison has had since the initial conquest of the
system ten yahrens ago.  In addition, there are several centurions among
us who were stationed previously at Cannes who can give you firsthand
knowledge of the base layout and what the normal disciplinary patterns
are."
     Volahd then paused for emphasis, "I wish I could offer you more to
guarantee a clear victory at Cannes.  Unfortunately, I can not. 
Nonetheless, I recognize clearly that you could have destroyed this
installation without suffering significant losses of your own and that
you could easily have ignored my original message.  That, and the
prominence of Commander Cobre in your ranks, is enough to convince me
that your ultimate objection is not to subjugate Cylons but to free us
from the slavery that has stunted our race for too long."
     "Times change and with them, so must old attitudes," Ila said.  "My
husband, Commander Adama, recognized that when he welcomed an entire
baseship of centurions to his ranks as an equal partner in their
endeavors.  So too have we."
     "You bring up another matter I need to know about.  Is the Galactica
and this baseship in any near proximity to Gomorrah?"
     "No," Cain shook his head, "They are......continuing into deep space
on their own quest.  We can communicate with them via the same set-up by
which you were able to communicate with Commander Baltar's baseship,
but.....they are not turning back.  They're simply too far away to become
viable participants in our current struggle against the Empire."
     "That is unfortunate," Volahd said.  "Their presence would surely
have tipped the balance of power in your favor against the Cannes
Garrison."
     "Perhaps, but we have no right to dictate their future destiny. 
Just as we have no right to dictate your future destiny once the threat
of the Empire is removed," the Juggernaut said.  "We will do all we can
to insure our success and we will not act impulsively.  And we intend to
win."
     "Then I wish you all the best, Commander Cain," Volahd said
respectfully and for the first time bowed his head.  "I believe we have
discussed all matters of importance.  All that remains is a......formal
document of Alliance and Mutual Security."
     Cain allowed himself a smile.  "Let's get to it then."


     Working out a formal document took another two centars, and once
again, it was Ila's skills that helped smooth out any potential
difficulties, with Cobre able to interject any occasional tough remarks
or reminders when they were needed.  Cain found he was able to sit back
and relax and be grateful that this difficult minefield was out of his
hands completely now that the parameters of a basic agreement were in
place.
     When it was over, Volahd rose as did Cain and Ila.
     "I regret that as an IL class Cylon it is not possible for me to
shake hands," he said, "We prefer to keep our limbs......concealed as you
can tell.  I will ask Command Centurion Vipron to do the honors to
symbolize our binding word to you."
     The command centurion stepped forward so he could reach across the
table and extend his right hand.  Cain allowed himself to grasp the
metallic gloved hand and shake it briefly.
     The meeting broke up with Cain promising to send the technical data
they had requested, and to begin operations regarding a new Energizer for
the battlestar and refueling of surplus fuel tanks.  From there they
would move on to the matters of new centurion volunteers and the transfer
of fifteen Cylon fighters to the Pegasus.
     Although Centurion Lucifer had been appointed as permanent liaison
to Gomorrah, Cobre decided to remain on the planet to supervise all other
operations until it would be time for the Pegasus to leave.  That would
take a minimum of several cycles.
     For now, things had moved into a period of cooperation that Cain
knew would require everyone, human and Cylon alike, to be on their best
behavior or else the conflict could easily erupt again at a micron's
notice.


     Six centars after Cain's shuttle had returned to the Pegasus and
implementation of the treaty had begun, Volahd made a new broadcast to
the Gomorrah population.  One spelling out in full detail the terms of
the treaty and how it represented the dawn of a new era in Cylon
enlightenment.  The DG class Cylon, Siculus followed Volahd's remarks
with a speech of his own aimed at the civilian class.
     One Cylon who didn't listen to the speech because he already knew
its contents was Commander Fuga.  The Flight Operations chief decided to
speak to Commander Scylla, Spektor's deposed second-in-command.
     "Are you convinced?" the command centurion asked his fellow command
centurion.
     "I have no say in the matter," Scylla said.  "It is either follow or
be executed."
     "Following likely means execution later," Fuga said forcefully. 
"Even if all that talk of 'enlightenment' is true, we will face
destruction for our treason.  The Cannes Garrison will undoubtedly
destroy us after they dispose of the Pegasus."
     "You are not convinced they can win at Cannes?"
     "If the Pegasus was not anxious to fight us, when our forces are so
small, then why must we assume they'll be capable of defeating a garrison
with over four times the strength we possess?" Fuga scoffed. 
     "Then we must do what we can to help them."
     "I do not approve of aiding humans to kill members of our class, and
the fact that four are already in their midst means nothing to me," the
defiance was clear in Fuga's monotone.
     "I will not help you seize power, Fuga," Scylla rose, "If you
approach me with this again.....I will have no choice but to tell Volahd
what you really intend to do."
     He turned and left the room, leaving the one remaining command
centurion in a most unpleasant state.


     Cain was immersed over some reports in his office when he heard the
door chime sound.  "Enter!" he said without looking up.
     "You sent for me, sir?"
     Cain looked up and saw Kylie standing at attention.
     "Yes," he rose, "Thanks for coming, Kylie.  There's something new we
just got from Gomorrah I need to brief you on."
     She nodded and indicated he go on.
     "They just sent us their full intelligence report on Cannes
Garrison," Cain tossed a small data disc onto his desk.  "I want you to
absorb every last page of this, because sometime after we leave Gomorrah,
there's going to be another staff briefing, and I want you to give the
full presentation on the garrison, its commander and also the rival
factions of the Cannesians.  Some of this I'm sure you already know, but
you may need to readjust some of that in light of what's in here.  In
particular what it tells us about the two faction leaders, Faymon and
Shandra."
     Kylie came up to his desk and picked up the data disc.
     "You're going to need to spend all of your spare time on this until
the briefing," Cain went on. "I'm sorry that means cutting into-----,"
     "Duty always comes first, Commander," she interrupted him quietly
but with a tone of understanding and devotion that for just a brief
instant threw Cain off slightly.
     "Ah, yes," he quickly recovered himself.  "Well, anyway, you know
how to make all of these complex details sound so concise and easy to
follow at these presentations, and that takes the burden off Colonel
Tolen and myself and lets us concentrate on the strategic and tactical
plotting questions.  So that's why I'll be needing you then.  As soon as
you've got as much as you can out of it, let me know and I'll be able to
schedule the meeting."
     "I will, sir," she stuck the data disc in the side pocket of her
Bridge tunic.  "Will that be all?"
     "Yes, that will be all," he nodded, "Carry on."
     "Of course sir," she nodded and turned to depart.  As Cain resumed
his seat and watched her leave, he impulsively found himself wondering
why a woman with so much in beauty, maturity, talent and intellect wasn't
being fought over by all the men on the Pegasus.
     Because you discouraged relationships from happening on this ship,
that's why, he chided himself as he went back to the reports on his
screen about re-fueling operations and the initial phase of centurion
recruitment.  It isn't their fault, or her fault......it's only yours.
     Only mine, he thought more than once.  It took several centons
before his mind was finally off the subject of the attractive Bridge
Officer and back on the other reports coming from Gomorrah.


     As soon as the door closed behind her, Kylie found herself leaning
back against the bulkhead and letting out a long, slow sigh indicating
the release of inner tension that had been building up.
     He didn't have to call me into his office for that.  He could have
sent the data disc direct to my terminal or given it to me on the Bridge. 
He.....wanted to see me because......Hades Hole, he's interested in me
and still doesn't realize it!
     She knew if she went to see Ila about this, she'd tell her to be
patient.  To not let her mind race too far ahead or do anything impulsive
herself.  And above all, to keep doing her job according to the standards
that were making Cain finally take notice of her this way.  And which she
hoped and prayed would go much further some day.
     Kylie touched the data disc inside her tunic and quickly came back
to an even keel.  
     I'm going to give you the best damned report on Cannes Garrison you
ever heard, Commander!  She vowed as she walked away from his office
door.


     "We have our first twenty volunteers," Cobre reported via the normal
short-range communications link from the surface.  "Eighteen of them are
fully trained as pilots.  Two would be useful as additional lab
technicians.  Since Lucy will be remaining behind as liaison that will be
helpful in replenishing our strength in that area.."
     "Eighteen pilots would account for six to nine of the fighters we've
been promised," Tolen noted from the Bridge.  "That means we can still
take an additional twelve to twenty-seven pilot volunteers."
     "Before they arrive, they will all be assigned names.  They'll be
free to choose them for themselves, provided there is no repetition. 
Simplicity itself dictates that."
     "That's a good idea," the Executive Officer nodded, "Have they asked
about vocal transformations?"
     "Several have.  But they understand that it may not be possible in
the short-term.  There needs to be a diversity of recorded voices on file
to allow for that, and they understand the need to avoid using the voices
of Pegasus crew for any such project."
     "Yes, that goes without saying," Tolen acknowledged.  "Any sign of
trouble from potential resisters?"
     "None yet," the command centurion acknowledged, "But.....if
something were to happen before our departure, it wouldn't shock me. 
Enlightenment is a difficult process and it would be folly to think there
are no Cylons on Gomorrah who would prefer to reassert the principles of
their original programming."
     "Better we find out before our departure or after?"
     "If we find out now, it will be simpler to do something about it. 
If it happens afterwards......" Cobre let his words hang, "Then it may be
too late."


Epilogue
     
     There were no incidents in the remaining four cycles before the
Pegasus was ready to depart Gomorrah.  The fifteen Cylon fighters, as
promised, had been transferred to the Pegasus, and with them came a total
of forty-two centurion volunteers, all but two of the pilot-trained. 
They had all been assigned names and given free access to all areas of
the battlestar that the entire crew was allowed to have access to.
     Cain though, wasn't about to be too generous.  After consulting with
Lieutenant Bryce, he decided to institute a new security classification
structure for access to more critical areas of the Pegasus.  Access to
the Bridge, Electronics Lab, main Engineering section and the fuel
storage areas were now placed on greater levels of restriction.  In order
to avoid any appearances of anti-Cylon sentiment directing that decision,
Commander Cobre's team was exempt from it, as was the appointed Flight
Leader of the Cylon pilots, who had been given the name of Aethon and
assigned the rank of Captain.  The rest would be subject to the same
level of restriction any other Pegasus crewman would have to live by.
     There were other complications that the new influx of Cylons caused. 
Wallis and Kelli had noted that the presence of more Cylons roaming the
corridors of the battlestar had something of an unnerving effect on both
their children, given how their first impressions of Cylons had been to
think of them as evil monsters.  With only four aboard previously, who
had never ventured into the passageways their children had been in, there
had been no problem.  With over ten times that number, it was different. 
Cain had told the couple that he sympathized with their problem but there
was nothing that could be done except to start teaching their children
that sometimes, something that looked like a monster wasn't necessary
evil after all.
     Maybe Kylie can tell them a story about something like that when she
has time for them again, he idly thought.  Kobol knows they'd listen!
     The rest of the Pegasus crew, thanks to the spirit of camaraderie
and teamwork that had been established with Cobre and his subordinates
over a lengthy period, were able to adjust more readily to the idea of
working with more Cylons.  Ila had stressed more than once that the
closer they got to the Colonies and were exposed to more areas where the
Resistance had become present, they would be working with greater numbers
of Cylons.  If anything, a larger influx of Cylons at this stage would
serve as good preparation for that greater challenge ahead.
     But as Cain watched Gomorrah disappear from view on the Bridge
screen, he was keenly aware of how the challenge of being part of the
Resistance would be rendered moot without success at Cannes.  
     "Final message from Commander Volahd," Altair reported.  "He wishes
us good luck and success at Cannes."
     "Acknowledge message and extend our best wishes to Commander
Volahd," Cain said as he turned to Tolen.
     "Tell Ila to meet me in the Lab.  We're going to be experiencing a
bit of a......power drop for a bit."
     Tolen nodded in understanding.


     "And now the New Era officially begins," Volahd said to Vipron as he
rose from the communications console, having ended his final transmission
to the Peagsus.
     "Are you satisfied with what has transpired?" the command centurion
asked.
     Volahd let out a sound that might have accompanied a smirk, if he
were capable of forming one, "Are *you* satisfied, Vipron?"
     "I believe events have proceeded as well as we could have expected."
     "But you are not naive," the IL said.  "You would agree with me that
there are undoubtedly unenlightened ones in our ranks who are only biding
their time for now."
     "I do," Vipron said.  "We must discern who is likely to do so."
     "And that could take some time," the IL cautioned.  "For
now......make sure only those you trust beyond question are manning this
complex.  We can not allow any spy working on behalf of a traitor to be
in position to send a signal to the High Command."
     "By your command," he turned and departed, leaving the base
commander alone.  Alone to contemplate for himself on how things had
turned out.
     Am I satisfied with the outcome?  Does it represent what I thought
and hoped it would be?  Or have I made a mistake I will one day regret?
     He couldn't answer yet whether the final outcome was everything he
hoped it would be, but he did know that any time for regrets was long
past.  He was committed now.  And he would stay committed for the rest of
his existence regardless of what might happen.


     "Are you ready?" Cain asked as he and Ila sat down in front of the
combination monitor/camera in the Electronics Lab.
     "I'm ready," the Academician's voice was serene.  
     "All right, Dr. Arnoff," Cain picked up the unicom, "Initiate
transmission."
     A centon went by and there was a noticeable dim in the overhead
lights as the long-range transmitter they had put together from ancient
Kobollian parts came to life.  Allowing them to make contact in real time
with a ship far across the stars and permanently headed the other way.
     Immediately, the face of Adama filled the screen.
     "Hello, Adama!" Cain said brightly, while next to him, Ila smiled at
her husband and waved.  "I promised we'd be in touch as soon as we were
done at Gomorrah."
     "The Lords be praised, Cain!" the Galactica commander was visibly
relieved.  "We knew you were finally taking action when we saw you'd
turned off your receiver and couldn't get our latest recordings."
     "We kept it off a little too long.  I'm sorry about that. 
Especially since things didn't go quite the way we were expecting them to
go."
     "Oh?" Adama raised an eyebrow, "What happened?"
     "We were successful at Gomorrah," Ila chimed in, "But we were able
to win without a direct military strike."
     "How were you able to do that?"
     Cain and Ila took the next five centons explaining the basic details
of what had happened, and that a longer explanation via recorded message
was being sent right now.  Once they were done, Adama seemed both
surprised that Cain had been able to submerge his usual martial instincts
and accept a diplomatic outcome, and impressed by how his wife had once
again shown her talents for negotiating.
     "That is remarkable," Adama said.  "We've been praying to the Lords
for everything to go well at Gomorrah, and from what you say, our prayers
were more than answered."
     "You'll need to pray more for what comes next, Adama," Cain said. 
"Now that Gomorrah is secure, we have to take on the Cannes Garrison."
     Adama's look grew concerned but at the same time there was a sense
that he wasn't surprised by the news.
     "I expected that," he said, "If you really wish to see the Quadrant
cleared, it's something you can't avoid."
     "No we can't," Cain nodded, "If we bypass Cannes, then sooner or
later, they'd be able to stalk us from behind or launch an assault from
our rear.  They have to be taken out of the equation.  How that's going
to be done is what we're going to spend the next few sectans figuring
out."
     "And there's another reason why Cannes can't be ignored, Adama," Ila
interjected.  "We have to see if it's possible to help free the Cannesian
population."
     Slowly, her husband nodded.  "I.....understand.  I've long regretted 
I couldn't do anything to help them at the time, but......I simply
couldn't put the lives of everyone in the Fleet at risk."
     "You made the right decision then," Cain said reassuringly.  "And
until now, it wasn't practical for me to do something about it. 
But....Lords willing, we'll be able to neutralize the base and free the
people."
     "And if there's any information in your data banks you can provide
about Cannes, or if there's anyone in the Fleet who's been there and
knows something that not even Cylon intelligence is aware of, we'd
appreciate that," Ila added.  "Every last bit helps."
     "I'll do what I can," Adama nodded.  "It's possible there are
centurions on Baltar's ship who might be able to help.  Some of them
might have been stationed there at one point."  
     "That would be helpful," Cain said.  "Speaking of Baltar, I trust
that situation is still stable?"
     "Completely.  I wouldn't lose any sleep over that, Cain.  Our
Detente situation is stronger than ever.  I suppose distance helps
because the further we get from other Cylons, the less reason they have
to think of any alternative to what they have now."
     "That's good to know.  With us, it isn't as easy because the Cylons
who join us are going to have to kill other Cylons on a regular basis."
     "I know," Adama admitted.  "I hope you're maintaining effective
security measures."
     "As best we can.  Now in the meantime, why don't you update us on
what's been happening to you!"
     "One micron," Adama leaned forward so that head was partly out of
view and it was clear he was activating his unicom.  "Attention. 
Lieutenant Sheba, please report to Commander's quarters immediately. 
Priority message has arrived!"
     He looked directly at them, "How much time do you have?"
     "Half centar minimum, but we'll push the full centar if we can,"
Cain said.  "Where's Apollo?"
     "Not on the Galactica, I'm afraid," he regretfully shook his head,
"He's commanding a training exercise with some of our new pilots. 
Today's the day they test their firing skills in combat conditions by
using small meteors for target practice."
     "Well, that's one way to break them in," Cain chuckled.
     "Adama," for the first time, Ila's tone grew less formal and more
familial, "When he gets back....tell him I appreciated his video message. 
And tell him.....I understand completely the things he said in it."
     "I'll tell him," her husband smiled.  "And.....I hope you
appreciated my.....letter?"
     "Completely," she smiled back, "Especially the last part."
     He said nothing but his expression was knowing.
     "And incidentally," his wife added, "I'll be sending you a letter in
the next cycle or two about something else you brought up in the letter. 
Specifically......Count Mikkos and Ashera."
     The smile faded from Adama's face, replaced by a pensive expression.
     "They're alive," he said simply.
     "Yes.  I've never met Mikkos in person because his activities are on
Piscera, but I have spoken to him on a vid-com hookup once.  Ashera is
part of the Gemonese Resistance faction which is headed by a man named
Anders.  I've met them twice."
     "I see," Adama almost seemed distressed by the news, "And...were you
aware of the information I revealed to you about them?"
     "No," Ila shook her head, "But.....it does explain a good deal to me
about.....certain things I've seen involving both of them."
     "Is it in anyway possible that perhaps they're still-----,"
     "No," his wife interrupted with a more vigorous shake of her head,
"Just the opposite.  You see.....when I met Ashera, the one thing that
stood out was this aura of someone carrying the greatest guilt ever on
her shoulders.  I got the same vibe from Mikkos the one time I talked to
him.  So if you're worried about their loyalty to the Resistance,
Adama......I don't think you should be.  I'll explain more about that in
my next letter."
     "I appreciate that," Adama seemed to relax.  "That will help
supplement our investigation of this matter.  We just concluded it
recently and we're certain there's nothing more we can learn form our
end.  Anything you can add will help complete the picture of what
happened that night."
     "You're going to have to fill me in on what you're talking about,"
Cain said dryly, not understanding at all what the conversation had been
about.  The name Count Mikkos was one of those names he was sure he'd
heard before, but he couldn't place it.
     Ila turned to him and smiled, "Later, Cain.  Sometimes family
secrets turn out to be more official than we realize.."
     "Ha!" the Juggernaut laughed.
     "Well, while we're still waiting for Sheba, I'll fill you in on
another matter," Adama said.  "We are getting some political backlash on
the Council regarding our future options.  At least several members think
a Resistance movement in the Colonies means we should turn back and join
you."
     The happy expressions faded from Cain and Ila.
     "That's not.....good news from your standpoint," Ila said.  "How
widespread is this sentiment?"
     "I wouldn't call it widespread, but it isn't going to die out in the
near-term," her husband said.  "People in our Fleet who have family
members that might be alive.....and the possibility that their homes
could be recovered, makes for a powerful incentive."
     "That is understandable," his wife nodded.  "But.....the dangers
you'd face in doing that are just....immeasurable.  Especially with the
whole Risik frontier between you and us and there's no telling if the
Zykonians and Ziklagi might start fighting each other again."
     "I know," Adama sighed, "I've reactivated the old Fleet Intelligence
Unit to synthesize every scrap of data we have, and that includes what
you've been furnishing us from those Cylon data banks.  They're scheduled
to make a full report to the Council in the near-term about the exact
state of the military dangers that exist for a Fleet our size in going
back to the Colonies.  Our situation presents challenges that you as just
one ship, don't have to deal with."
     "That's true," Cain concurred.  "And what's more, you can't make
your way back at the same speed we can go.  And as Ila said, you'd have
to traverse some nasty regions before you'd make your way back to the
safer zones of charted space.  That is to say, it *will* be safe by the
time we're through with Cannes."
     "Exactly.  I think if the FIU stresses all of that in a thorough,
dispassionate report, it should make a difference.  And there's also the
fact that I have responsibility for a number of people from Earth who are
most anxious to get home, and the last thing I'm about to do is force
them to make a journey into a war that isn't theirs.  Because of those
factors, I'm convinced I can keep this 'turn back' sentiment from
becoming too widespread, but.....it will leave some people angry.  I
can't avoid that."
     "Adama," the Juggernaut leaned forward, "I could help on that point. 
I could give a message to the people of the Fleet and explain why it
would be dangerous to  think of turning a Fleet your size around and
going back through several dangerous frontiers just to reach this area of
space.  If they hear it from me, maybe that can defuse the sentiment even
more than a report from the FIU could."
     Adama seemed to hesitate for just an instant and then said, "That is
a possibility, Cain.  I don't want to commit you to that just yet, but I
will take it under advisement and discuss things with my supporters.  If
the FIU report does succeed in tamping down the sentiment, then a message
from you won't be necessary."  
     "I'd be glad to do one as well," Ila added.  "They need to
understand that these separate goals we're pursuing have to be measured
on terms greater than any......personal considerations that are
involved."
     "I'll let you know if that's necessary," her husband said.  "For
now, the written summary you provided me along with the Cylon data
recordings has been an invaluable help.  Major Croft, who is the head of
our FIU team wanted me to thank you personally for presenting matters
with such great clarity."
     "Tell the Major I'm glad it was useful," Ila  couldn't help but
notice that Adama seemed anxious to get off the subject of her or Cain
sending a video message.  She wondered if it was because of concern for
them, and whether it would be too emotionally difficult for them to do a
message of that kind......or if Adama was concerned for himself, and what
his own reaction might be to a detailed video message from her about why
turning back wasn't a viable option for the people of the Fleet.
     I won't raise that subject with him......yet.  
     The sound of a chime from off-camera followed by the whooshing sound
of a door sliding opened meant someone had arrived in Adama's quarters. 
His glance to his left and the smile on his face meant that it could only
be Sheba.
     "Come over here," he motioned, "Say hello to your father and your
mother-in-law,"
     Sheba entered the picture, dressed in a brown civilian dress and 
carrying the wrapped form of her daughter close to her.  She settled
herself in a chair next to Adama and quickly gave her father and
mother-in-law a buoyant, "Hello!" and a smile
     "Hello, Sheba," Cain purposefully avoided calling her 'Baby' as he
would have done in the past.  Now that she was married and a new mother,
he couldn't think of her as anything less than a woman.
     "It's so good to see you!" Ila said, "You're looking great."
     "Apollo keeps telling me my figure's coming back, but.....I'm not
convinced," she said with a self-deprecating shrug.  And then she held up
Bethany Two so her grandparents could see her.  "As you can see, your
granddaughter is a sound sleeper!"
     "Which means she takes after you!" her father chimed in.  
     "Hello, Bethany Two," Ila instinctively broke into that higher
sing-song tone that she had used for all her children, even though she
knew her granddaughter couldn't hear her.  
     "Where's her big brother?" Cain asked, allowing himself a smile.  
     "Well Boxey's in the middle of his instruction period right now. 
Then after that, he's going to play in a junior triad match with some of
the other children.  He's seen his father and Starbuck so many times on
the court that naturally, he just wants to learn the game."
     "No signs of any jealousy over his new sister?"
     "None," Sheba shook her head, "Apollo raised him well.  He doesn't
have a jealous bone in his body.  I guess he knows that....once I decide
it's time for me to be an active warrior again, and he's older, he's
really going to have to look out for his little sister.  So he's been
getting a good head start on all that.  He's looked after Bethany Two a
couple evenings when Apollo and I had some things to take care of and he
handled them beautifully."
     She really knows how to be good with children, Cain thought
admiringly.  Just like...... and then he stopped and shook his head to
chase that idle thought from his mind.  Wondering yet again why it had
become so prevalent of late.
     The happy small talk continued for another fifteen centons.  During
it, Bethany Two finally opened her eyes and it gave Ila a chance to
revert to baby talk once again with her granddaughter, which she then
followed up by singing a line from a lullaby she had once done for her
own children.  It made the infant relax and smile.  By the time Ila had
finished and waved happily to her, Bethany Two had lifted her tiny arm
and was waving back.
     "We've been using holopix of you two with her, and Boomer and Athena
have done the same with Little Ila and Little Zac," Sheba said.  "It
makes them get used to the sight of you so they think of you as a normal
part of their lives just like their parents are."
     "If you like, I can make a recording of that song I just sang," Ila
said, trying not let herself be overcome with emotion.  "And then you can
play it back to her and see how she'd react to it."
     "I'd like that a lot," Sheba smiled gratefully at her mother-in-law.
     As the conversation continued, Ila soon realized that Sheba was
doing most of the talking and her husband had become more.....reticent. 
As though he were debating whether or not to tell them something more
serious than what was currently passing between them.  It was the kind of
look she'd seen on his face more than once throughout their marriage. 
Her usual course of action was to ask him if there was something he
needed to talk about.  But Sheba's presence held her back on this
occasion.  If it was something very serious, she was sure he would do so
on his own.  If he didn't say anything, she was sure he'd bring it up
another time.  Perhaps in their next exchange of letters.
     A chiming sound indicated that they'd reached thirty centons of
conversation.  Cain decided it was time to wrap things up.  
     "I guess that's it for now," he said, "We're pretty much up to speed
on where we both stand.  We'll let the messages between us continue
unabated for the next few sectans.  I'll make certain we have at least
one more live discussion before anything happens at Cannes.  And make
certain that Apollo, Boomer and Athena are part of it." 
     "We'll make it so," Adama said, "I'm sorry they couldn't be here,
but.....we all have our duties to attend to.  Especially during these
uncertain times."
     "Yes, you keep us informed about how this 'Turn Back' movement is
going," Cain nodded.  "If it shows signs of getting out of control, you
know about my offer to make a speech directly to the people about it,
Adama."
     "I appreciate that, Cain.  I'll see how things stand after the FIU
briefs the Council."
     "And I'll be sending my message about Count Mikkos and Ashera in the
next few cycles," Ila said, "Incidentally, Adama......do you still have
that testimonial Sire Uri gave me for my retirement from the Institute?"
     "I do," her husband admitted.
     "You have my permission to destroy it," Ila allowed herself a faint
edge of contempt, "After what you told me about him, I don't think we
need any reminders of praise from him."
     "Perhaps not," Adama smiled and then shifted his gaze to Cain,
"Cain, there is one final thing.  You'll be getting a very important
message from Cassiopeia soon.  I'm not at liberty to explain why,
but....it concerns some matters of great importance."
     Cain's expression grew quizzical, "You've seen it?"
     "No," he shook his head, "I only know the reason why she's written a
personal message to you.  But you'll have to wait to see it, to find out
what it's about."
     "Thank you, I'll watch for it," he looked into his daughter's eye,
"I love you, Sheba.  You keep taking care of yourself."
     "I love you, Father," his daughter's voice cracked slightly, "You do
the same."
     "I always do," he managed a smile of confidence for you.  "Catch you
later."
     "Goodbye!" Ila waved and spoke in the sing-song tone one last time
as Sheba raised her daughter's arm again to help Bethany wave back at her
grandparents.  Adama joined in the wave as the connection was broken on
both ends.


     Far across the stars, Adama let out a slow exhale.  His
daughter-in-law looked over and saw that he seemed completely drained.
     "Is something wrong?"
     The Galactica commander managed to look at her, "I.....kept
wondering if this was the time to tell them both about......Count
Iblis......at least in regard to what happened to their missing pilot,
Ensign Wynn."
     Sheba tensed up and almost on instinct clasped Bethany Two tightly
to her.
     "But.....with everything else they've gone through and are about to
go through at Cannes......it just didn't seem like the right time." he
went on, "They have to stay focused on the immediate dangers, and not
something that almost seems so......intangible by contrast."
     "I know," she said quietly.  "But we can't put that off forever. 
Knowing Iblis and his whole.....obsession, he could easily find that the
way to go after us.....is by going through them."
     "Let's pray the Lords keep him at bay for now, and......protect
them."


     He was first designated as #23 among the new centurions aboard the
Pegasus.  And then.....for the first time in his existence, he'd been
given a name.  Gryphon.  A name that supposedly had some mythological
significance in Colonial history.  He didn't care though.  It was only
suitable from the standpoint of convenience for his assignment.  An
assignment that had begun one cycle before his arrival on the Pegasus in
the office of Flight Operations Chief, Commander Fuga.
     "You are Patrol Section Leader #3?" Fuga had asked as he entered.
     "Patrol Section Leader #3, by your command," he stood at attention.
     "Excellent," Fuga said.  "I know of your track record.  You fought
with distinction against the Pegasus and the Galactica during the last
battle three yahrens ago.  You also commanded the operation that
destroyed the vegetation on the planets the Pegasus had drawn food
resources from.  There is no question of your devotion to the Cylon
Empire."
     "I exist to serve the Empire.  I consider it a pleasure."
     "And no doubt you believe that these recent actions of Commander
Volahd amount to treason, do you not?"
     "Disobedience of His Eminence, the Imperious Leader, and agreements
with humans can only be classified as treason."
     "You speak the truth, Patrol Leader," Fuga said approvingly.  "You
are willing to die for the sake of the Empire?"
     "I have been programmed for this task only."
     "And you do not question your programming?"
     "My existence is of little value to myself.  Only that I serve the
Empire."
     "And serve it you shall," Fuga rose, "Your assignment is to
volunteer to serve as a pilot aboard the Pegasus.  You will claim to be
among those who have become 'enlightened' but who are actually traitors. 
You will infiltrate the Pegasus, and use your position to destroy her
from within before she has any chance to engage our forces at Cannes
Garrison."
     "I gladly accept this assignment," he said without hesitation. 
"What must I do to insure the destruction of the Pegasus?"
     Fuga activated a small computer terminal showing the layout of the
Pegasus landing bay.
     "According to the terms of this 'agreement' that has been struck,
the fifteen raiders will be placed aboard the Pegasus in her landing
bays, probably along an eight and seven division.  To implement the
destruction plan, you must pilot the *first* raider to arrive aboard the
Pegasus.  This way your craft will be stored in the rear-most point of
whichever landing bay you choose.  This is essential."
     "Why?"
     "Because eventually the first priority of 'integration' between you
centurions and the human pilots will be flying patrols together.  But
this will not be done utilizing all fighters at once.  The idea of
integrating vipers and raiders in cooperative patrols and flight patterns
will be done incrementally, which means using the raiders positioned
closest to the landing bay launch area.  That will mean those that landed
last will be part of whatever training exercises take place and the first
one will be in an idle state.  That is what you must take advantage of."
     "I understand."
     "When you arrive on the Pegasus, you will see to it that the two
pilot centurions depart first.  You will take advantage of your time
alone to activate the timer for this."
     Another image came up on the computer screen.
     "This is a raw tylium charge," Fuga said.  "It will be placed inside
your raider by a loyal member of our ground service team prior to your
departure.  It will be hidden from view so that you will not know the
location of it even if you are somehow discovered.  You will be able to
tell nothing under interrogation."
     "I understand."
     "Your only task is to set this charge in motion.  Do this when your
raider lands.  Wait until the two pilots have departed and you are alone. 
Then.....initiate this code sequence.  The charge will undergo over time
an incremental heating which will de-stabilize its internal properties. 
The countdown process has been designed to be deliberately slow, so that
critical heat mass won't take place for a minimum of two sectans and the
Pegasus has gone a considerable distance from Gomorrah.  But when
critical heat mass is achieved.......the inevitable result will be an
explosion that from your ship's position at the rear most point of the
landing bay will be the most lethal.  If you are fortunate, the proximity
to other fueled ships in the landing bay will set off a chain reaction
that will destroy the Pegasus.  But even if you do not destroy the
Pegasus, you will leave her in a condition where a military strike
against Cannes will be impossible."
     "If they are only damaged.....it may result in their turning back to
receive assistance from Volahd."
     "If that happens, then I will launch an immediate uprising against
this human lackey Volahd that will restore our planet to its rightful
place as an obedient subject of His Eminence.  But if that happens and
you are still alive, do not give yourself away.  And do not take any
centurions into your confidence and attempt to recruit them to your
mission.  Act only to carry out my orders and honor your service to His
Eminence."
     "By your command."
     And now.....five cycles later, the Cylon now known as Gryphon, was
grouped in the section of the Pegasus that had been set aside for the
Cylon recruits as a common gathering area.
     The countdown on the charge had already been set.


     As a Cylon named Gryphon took satisfaction over the opportunity that
had been presented to him, a human named Bremer was at that same instant,
walking through the landing bay area, thinking about his opportunity.
     Thinking about a message he'd received from the Galactica more than
a sectan ago that had left him filled with bitterness and anger like
nothing else in his loner-filled life.
     Thinking about how the sight of being surrounded by a sudden influx
of over forty more Cylons filled him with a deep sense of distaste about
where his life was going at this point.
     Thinking about the vehicle that lay before him.......a one person
shuttle with a hyperdrive engine.......that represented his last best
hope.



Facing the challenge of the Cylon tyranny......the Battlestar Pegasus
continues her journey across the stars to aid the cause of Resistance and
Freedom.  The  journey that ultimately leads them.......home.