BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: THE NEXT GENERATION The surviving MAIN characters are IMMORTAL!!! They cannot be killed, but they CAN be temporarily disabled/comatose, if you get my meaning. Crossovers are permitted, but BE CAREFUL!!! Remember that the Galactica cannot ever find Earth so that we can keep adding stories. Also, this takes place 17 yahrens after the original BG series, and of course, ignoring BG80. E-mail me at jchin01@kepler.poly.edu Well, Here we go... #14 There are those who believe that life here began out there, far across the universe, with tribes of humans who may have been the forefathers of the Egyptians, or the Toltecs, or the Mayans. That they may have been the architects of the great pyramids, or the lost civilizations of Lemuria or Atlantis. Some believe that there may yet be brothers of man who even now fight to survive, somewhere beyond the heavens. BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: THE NEXT GENERATION Written by Joe Chin Based on Battlestar Galactica Created by Glen A. Larson Four vipers streaked through space. "It is strange that husband and wife would be sent out on the same patrol," remarked Captain Boomer. "Well, we ARE the two pilots of Silver Spar Squadron that was assigned this patrol shift, captain," remarked Ensign Toria. "Well, we better turn around and return to the Galactica and the Adama," remarked Boomer. "Even if Commander Apollo and Colonels Starbuck and Sheba would be more forgiving about returning late from patrol with ME leading, it is not a good example because of my being Captain." "I agree," said Sergeant Boxey. "It was an honor going on patrol with you, Captain Boomer," remarked Ensign Tannia. "The honor was mine," responded Boomer as the four vipers made a U-turn. "With Ensign Mojo taking Commander Apollo to the Groof to deliver something to Chancellor Maga personally, I decided to take this patrol myself and let Captain Jolly be exec pro-tem for Colonel Starbuck so I can be one of our former student's wingmate." "But Starbuck was the one who taught me most of what I know," protested Boxey. "And so did I. You took his techniques, integrated it with mine and your father's, and even threw in a few tactics of your own to become a fine pilot and Colonial warrior, Boxey. Even if some of your techniques do seem somewhat-" Boomer had to pause to find the right word without being insulting. "Original." "Thank you, Boomer." They approached the fleet, to find the Colonial Basestar Adama missing. "Hey, where's the Adama?" asked Tannia. "Oh, Colonel Sheba probably talked Commander Apollo into allowing her to transport him and Mojo to the Groof with it," speculated Boomer. "So that they could spend a few centons together. Meanwhile, Silver Spar Squadron, you are welcome to land on the Galactica, and Toria can have a few centons with Boxey, and we can ALL try the concoction that Boxey and Mojo came up with." "Thank you, Sir." "I think that you'll like it, Boomer," said Boxey. "The fleet also seems a lot smaller," pointed out Toria. "You're right, Toria," pointed out Boomer. "Recon patrols requesting landing clearance," he said. "You are all cleared to land, Captain," said Aa's voice. The four vipers passed the front of the viper bay towards the rear, made a U-turn and went in. Boomer switched to unicom, and said, "Rigel must be on a centon of a furlon." It was probably one of those rare occasions that Aa handled flight corporal responsibilities to allow Rigel to leave her post for a centon or two. "It is the first time that happened while I was on patrol," remarked Boxey. "Boxey," threw back Boomer. "I think that it is your VERY first time, considering who helped you get back to the Galactica." Tannia, Boxey, Toria and Boomer walked towards the lift. "We've better report your presence on the Galactica to Colonel Starbuck," said Boomer, referring to Toria and Tannia. "I'm sure he will understand." They walked onto the bridge to find Apollo and Omega up at the command deck. Apollo came down the stairs to meet the four pilots. "Apollo?" started Boomer, surprised. "I thought that Starbuck would be here on the bridge." "Boomer... Toria..." acknowledged Apollo. He glanced at Tannia, and he ended up staring at Boxey, as if he was seeing a ghost. "Apollo? You all right?" asked Boomer. It seemed that Apollo did not hear Boomer. "Apollo, if you are not feeling well, perhaps you should let Starbuck be commander pro-tem so that..." All of a sudden, a very familiar voice behind him said, "Starbuck? I have been wondering what in Hades happened to Starbuck." Boomer, Boxey Toria and Tannia swung their heads around quickly to see whose voice that was, and found themselves staring right at Commander Tigh. The Adama was at the rear of the fleet beside the Groof. On the other end, two vipers were approaching the Galactica. "The fleet seems to be much larger than when we left," pointed out Toria. "Oh, they probably decided to spread out some," said Boomer. At this time, they approached the landing bay. "Recon patrols requesting landing clearance," he said. "You are cleared to land, Recon patrol," responded Rigel. "Who in Hades was that?" asked Toria. "Aa probably had to leave her post for a centon or two," speculated Boomer. Apollo got back onto the bridge, saying, "I'm back, Starbuck." "Does that mean that I can go for a centon or two and try that new drink?" "If Jolly does not mind." "Go on, Starbuck," said Jolly, "I'll wait until you return. It is a mix of Borellian blood grog and Ambrosa." "Doctor Cassiopeia said that it is safe," said Apollo, "Just so you know." Starbuck looked back at him. "You took the fun out of THAT one, Apollo." They all laughed as Starbuck went down the stairs of the command center. "I owe you one, Jolly," said Starbuck as he and Apollo passed each other at the bottom of the stairway of the command deck. "ENJOY THAT DRINK," Jolly yelled across the bridge to Starbuck. Starbuck waved back to acknowledge Jolly's comment as he left the bridge. Boomer and Toria got to the bridge of the Galactica to find Apollo and Jolly standing up there, with Omega at the station there. Apollo stepped away, and came down the stairs, asking, Boomer? What happened to Boxey and Tannia?" "What?" asked Boomer. It was clear that Boomer was disorientated. "Boxey died five yahrens ago, Colonel," he pointed out. "And who is... Tannia?" "Colonel??" asked Jolly as he and Apollo turned to look at each other. Boomer took a closer look at Apollo and saw Commander's pins on his collar. "Hey, Boomer," said a voice from behind him. "You must try that new drink that was just conjured up." Boomer quickly turned around, uttering, "Starbuck?" "Are you all right, Boomer?" asked Starbuck. He started looking down at himself, scanning his front. he looked back at Boomer, saying, "You seem to be looking at me as if you've seen a ghost." "I am... all right, Colonel," replied Boomer. "I think that somehow... Ensign Toria and I... returned to the wrong Galactica." Apollo and Starbuck looked at each other, and back at Boomer. They noticed Toria's Blue Squadron insignia instead of that of Silver Spar Squadron. They looked back at each other with surprised looks on their faces. "Come with me, you four," ordered Tigh to the four viper pilots. "You, too, Colonel." Tigh turned around and walked across the bridge as Boomer, Boxey, Toria and Tannia followed, with Apollo closely behind. Tigh sat behind the table in the small room, and the other five sat in whatever was available. "It seems to me that you four somehow, returned to the wrong Galactica. I wonder what may have happened to OUR Captain Boomer and Colonel Apollo's wife." "Apollo's wife??" asked Boxey. "Colonel Sheba is in command of-" "No," said Tigh. "In OUR universe, Sheba died seventeen yahrens ago." "If the Boomer that you speak of is anything like me," remarked Boomer, "He would probably never want to leave." "And if the Apollo is anything like me," said Apollo, staring at Boxey, "He is probably so worried about his son that it is making him crazy." "But I thought that it was a dream," said Starbuck. "Except this time, I was able to remember every detail of it as if it really happened. I never understood how I went to sleep in my own quarters and woke up in the Commander's chambers." "And I thought that it was just an elaborate story that you told me," added Apollo, directing his comment towards Starbuck. "I also wondered how you ended up in there without anyone seeing you go in there." "Well, Sir," said Boomer. "We ARE real, and it DID happen." He looked over at Starbuck. "The last time I saw Starbuck, he and Commander Tigh went into the Commander's chambers, like this one, and decided to rest leaving us with orders that if anything major should come up, we were to call them immediately. When Commander Tigh woke up, Starbuck was gone." "I woke up in this very same room," added Starbuck. "Right where YOU are sitting, Boomer." Boomer looked down at his chair. His eyes wandered back and forth between Starbuck and Apollo. He said, "I never thought that I would ever see commander's rank pins on you, Apollo. You look good with them." "Thank you, Boomer," responded Apollo. "But I am worried about our other two pilots, Boxey and Tannia." "Boxey..." started Boomer, "would probably have scared the pogees out of our colonel." His attention turned to the window. He looked alarmed as he watched this green Cylon basestar approach. "There is a Cylon basestar approaching!" he cried out. Starbuck looked out the window, to see what Boomer was looking at. "It is one of ours," he said. "A Cylon basestar?" "Yes," pointed out Apollo. "We took it over from the Cylons, and named it the Colonial Basestar Adama, in honor of my father." "If your Commander Adama was anything like ours, he would not have been pleased with that Cylon construct named after him," commented Boomer. "No, I doubt he would," agreed Apollo. "It was the choice of the Council of Twelve." "So, who is in command of it?" "My wife," said Apollo. As if on cue, the door alarm sounded. "ENTER," yelled Apollo so that whoever was on the other side could hear him. The door opened up, and in walked Sheba, Cassiopeia, Troy, Dillon, Hera and Pandora. Boomer looked at Sheba, and a look of terror appeared on his face. Apollo walked over to Sheba, and said, "Boomer and Toria, let me introduce you to Colonel Sheba, my wife." "What is THIS all about, Apollo?" asked Sheba. "And where is Boxey and Tannia?" "Well," Starbuck answered. "It is a long story, Sheba." No one seemed to notice the look on Toria's face, a failing attempt to hide her jealousy. "Well, let's get to the Rising Star," said Apollo. "Boomer and Toria, you're welcome to join us for a meal." The two nodded to Apollo, and started filing out of the room onto the bridge. "So, tell me, Boom-Boom," remarked Starbuck. "How did CORA work out on your vipers?" "It has helped save many of our pilots, and it works good," answered Boomer, "aside from a few annoying problems." "You mean that you have do this to every viper?" asked Tigh. "Yes, Sir," said Boomer, who was sitting in front of a computer terminal. "Well, Colonel Starbuck went by your design specifications," pointed out Apollo. "It was Doctor Wilker's," corrected Boomer. "You, Omega and I made all of the modifications that made it 'third generation' CORA." Boomer leaned his finger on a key on the keyboard in front of him, and the lines on the screen were scrolling up. Tigh and Apollo stood behind Boomer as he typed away at the keyboard. "It seems that your Doctor Wilker has a strange sense of humor," explained Apollo. "At first, CORA's mushy personality was funny to the male viper pilots, and the women were annoyed about it, but we are thankful for the enhancement that saves lives. But after awhile, it was not funny anymore, and the women pilots were being driven crazy by it." "I know what you mean, Apollo," said Boomer. "It DOES get annoying after a while, like hearing the same joke over, and over again." He pushed down a key, and the characters to the right of the cursor sort of got absorbed by the cursor itself. "The first few times, it's funny, but after a while, it is downright annoying." "Boomer, you might want to take a quick furlon and go down to the Life Center," said Apollo, "Just to be sure." In the Life Center, Cassiopeia said, "All four of you are in good health. I guess that I really take care of you in your universe." "Me, and Boomer, yes," said Boxey. "Well, what about YOU two?" Cassiopeia asked Toria and Tannia. "Your former chief assistant, Doctor Joycelyn takes care of us," responded Toria. "Ensign Tannia and I, we were transferred to another base ship." "Joycelyn?" Cassiopeia had to think. "I heard that name..." She trailed off in thought. "But I thought that it was the chief life station officer that takes care of all the people on the ship." Boxey cut in. "She became the chief life station officer aboard the baseship that we boarded and took over from the Cylons." "Took over??" Cassiopeia was impressed, but it was clear that she did not believe them. "Well," continued Boxey. "It was my wingmate's idea." Cassiopeia stared at the three of them in disbelief. "His wingmate is a Borellian Nomen named Mojo," said Toria. "Son of Maga, no doubt," said Colonel Apollo from beside the entrance to the Life Center. "Father," said Boxey as he turned around. Apollo laid his eyes on Boxey, his eyes beginning to look watery. "The last time he was referred to 'father' was several yahrens ago," said Cassiopeia. "Starbuck told us," said Toria. She looked over at Boxey. Boxey moved closer to her, and put his arm around her. Apollo saw that, and opened his mouth to say something, but abruptly stopped. "What's wrong, Comman- I mean, uh, Colonel?" asked Tannia. Apollo stayed silent, not wanting to say anything. Cassiopeia spoke. "Colonel Apollo married Ensign Toria in our universe." That said, Boxey and Toria immediately backed away from each other, looking at Apollo, surprised. "In our universe," said Toria, "Apollo got sealed to Sheba." "And had two children," finished Apollo. "The older boy, was named Troy, after my grandfather. I don't recall the daughter's name." "Helen," said Boxey. "Boxey," started Apollo. "Can we talk alone?" "Sure," said Boxey. With that, they both went into one of the small rooms on the Life Station. Boxey and Apollo sat down in a chair. "Boxey," started Apollo. "I never thought that I would ever call anyone by that name again. As a matter of fact, I never thought that I would ever see you again." Boxey stared back at Apollo. "You probably know more than Starbuck knew, being part of the family," said Apollo. "So, tell me, what is Sheba like? And I would like to know more about the two younger children that -I- never had?" "Apollo was pretty sad when Captain Sheba got herself blown out of the sky while taking out the flank missile launchers on one of the basestars," explained Boomer. They were all gathered around a large table, with plates of food in front of everyone. "After Apollo took them out of the one of the basestars," continued Boomer, "he tried to get to the other one to finish the job that Sheba could not complete, but it was too late. The Pegasus was destroyed with all personnel on board." "But I was severely injured when Blue Squadron escorted the non-essential personnel and other injured to the fleet," said Sheba. She scooped a small mouthful of food into her mouth. "Well," said Starbuck to Sheba, "I guess that it means that you would have been dead without me." "And my father, and Boxey," said Apollo. "And we would not be heading to Earth." "And my father," said Sheba, "dead, along with everyone on the Pegasus. At least here, we don't know what had happened to the Pegasus, but it has been speculated that he took of at light speed upon the destruction of the two basestars." "We still are not sure if that was what happened to the Pegasus," said Apollo, acknowledging Sheba's attempt to be optimistic. "But there was no trace of the Pegasus' debris. Only that of the Cylon basestars. I scanned it myself in my viper." "I did too," said Starbuck. "And I read the same thing. Debris from Cylon basestars. But no battlestar debris, Pegasus or otherwise." He took a mouthful of food. "Our sensors are not sophisticated enough to determine which battlestar it was," said Apollo. He the scraped the last of the contents of his plate into a pile, scooped it up, and put it in his mouth. "We did not need to, with only the Galactica and the Pegasus present," said Starbuck. "And we knew where the Galactica was, and that it was in one piece by Gomoray." With that, he gathered the bits of food on his plate into a pile, picked up the plate and scraped it into his mouth. He looked at Apollo. "You feeling all right, buddy?" he asked. Cassiopeia commented. "Looks like the commander has better head straight for the Life Center when we return to the Galactica." "Cassiopeia," said Apollo, "I am all right. I just had to make myself eat in order to make sure-" "Well, Apollo, I'll give you something to make you feel better," she said. "I think that I've better take some of that myself when we get back to the Galactica." "I'm just concerned about Boxey, and our warriors," said Apollo. "None of you have hardly touched your food," commented Tigh. He was in the Officer's Club dining with Boomer, Toria, Tannia, Boxey, and Apollo. "I guess that..." started Boomer. "I am not that hungry, Sir." "I quite understand, Boomer," Tigh responded. "But you must have SOME, so that you have the energy to cope with your and our problems." "Tell me," said Apollo, "What would I have done as the commander of your Galactica?" "He would probably send out the same patrol again and again until he got his people back, hoping that YOUR Boomer and Toria would also end up back where they belong." "But they are usually strict on sending out the same patrols again and again," said Toria. "I think that in this case," pointed out Boxey, "Apollo and Sheba would make an exception." "I know I would keep sending out the same patrol again if I was the commander in a situation like this," said Apollo. "Well," said Boomer. "Boxey and I know OUR Apollo better than any of us." "How about YOU, Tannia?" asked Boxey. "What do you think?" "I cannot say," she said. "Most of my training was done by Sheba and Starbuck, but I did not have too much contact with Commander Apollo." "Why not?" asked Apollo. "Because, as I only met him when I was a little girl, and Sheba and Starbuck were the ones who I spent most of my time training with. after I became a Colonial Warrior, I was assigned to Silver Spar Squadron, on the Galactica for only a very short while. The next thing I knew, I was eing transferred to the Adama along with my squadron." "The Adama?" asked Tigh, with a funny look on his face. "A long story," said Toria. "Apparently, Commander Apollo and the Borellian Nomen got this crazy idea to take over a Cylon basestar that was patrolling the area," explained Boomer. "Oh, right," said Tigh. "I heard that you and the Colonial Warriors in your universe have been working together with the Borellian Nomen, from what Starbuck said." "My regular wingmate is a Borellian Nomen," pointed out Boxey. "As you said before," said Apollo. "But his father is in the brig with Bora and Taba." "What happened?" asked Toria. "Maga was the mastermind of the- what I believe they call a blood trail. They killed one of our Civilians on the Rising Star, a man named Chameleon, and was sentenced for a thirty year prison term." explained Apollo. "That was almost twenty yahrens ago." "Their sentence is really more than that," said Boxey, "Because they have lost their honor by getting captured." "Without a good reason," added Toria. "They were captured," stated Tannia. "That is reason enough to lose their honor." "Not quite," said Boxey. "Occasionally, Borellian Nomen allow themselves to get captured by the enemy so that they can insure a victory for their fellow Nomen." Boomer interrupted, saying, "We were led to believe that he was Starbuck's father about seventeen yahrens ago. But Starbuck ended up protecting him. It is a somewhat long story about the three Borellian Nomen." "I only know of Mojo because he occasionally comes to the Galactica to visit his father in the brig," continued Apollo, "but his father keeps telling him that he has to... 'start his own house.'" "I'd like to see this Mojo," said Boxey. "I don't think you do, Boxey," said Tigh. "We are not friendly with Nomen here like you are in your universe." "Aren't they part of the fleet?" asked Toria. "Yes, but they are adamant about being left alone," said Apollo. "And they usually keep to themselves. Tell me, how did you manage to open up talks with the Borellian Nomen?" "It started with Commander Adama, probably about twenty yahrens ago when they went on that blood trail to hunt down Chameleon," explained Boomer. "They had a high respect for him. Being on the Council of Twelve... Commander of the Galactica... Commander of the entire fleet... He made a deal with Maga to end the blood trail, and reduced his, Bora's and Taba's prison sentence. But they also got away." Apollo listened, interested in what Boomer was talking about. "Soon after Commander Adama died about ten yahrens ago," continued Boomer, "they caught up with us in a ship that they stole from the people who helped them escape. About five yahrens ago... there was a fight on the Rising Star involving Borellian Nomen and Colonial Warriors." "Was that where... I believe that Sheba managed-" Apollo's comment turned into a question. "To take down two Borellian Nomen who tried to attack her?" "Yes," said Boxey. "Starbuck told me," said Apollo. He changed the subject. "How IS that Starbuck, anyway?" "He is doing all right," said Boomer. "There was a trace of honesterene in your bloodstream when I examined you after you seemed to have appeared in Apollo's office," said Cassiopeia. "But we were having minor problems with the equipment at the time." They were all climbing out of the shuttle in the Adama's landing bay. "He was given a high double dose," said Boomer. "Enough to completely affect several Borellian Nomen." A viper came to a full stop as they were walking. "That must be Boxey's wingmate," said Starbuck. The cockpit opened, and a tall man with two laser bole sashes climbed out of the viper as the landing bay crew were wheeling a canopy over to the viper. The tall warrior ran down the front of the viper, and jumped off, landing on his feet. He ran over to the crowd as he removed his helmet. Boomer and Toria saw that this tall, undisciplined viper pilot was a Borellian Nomen as soon as his helmet was removed. They pulled out their holstered pistols, and pointed it at Mojo, who stopped dead still in his tracks. "Boomer, Toria, put those away," ordered Apollo. "That is a Borellian Nomen," said Boomer. "He is one of my warriors," countered Apollo. "And he is my son's wingmate." Boomer and Toria nervously relaxed, and apprehensively holstered their pistols. Mojo spoke. "I heard that Box and his wife's wingmate are missing," he said to Apollo. "What are we doing to find them?" "Mojo," said Apollo. "We have a lot of explaining to do." He said to Boomer, "Boomer and Toria." Apollo was taking care of introductions. "This is Ensign Mojo of Blue Squadron, my son's wingmate." Boomer nervously nodded to the Borellian Nomen standing in front of them. A lone viper went into a freighter labeled GROOF. This Groof had some armaments, but was not heavily armed like the Groof in Boxey's, Boomer's, Toria's and Tannia's rightful time and place. To the pilot flying the viper, it seemed very strange heading for a minimally-armed Groof. The viper came to a full stop in the landing bay. The human pilot climbed out, removed his helmet, and tossed it into the cockpit. Boxey walked from the landing bay into the hallway. "He did WHAT!?" asked Tigh. It was clear that he was upset. "He went to the Borellian Nomen ship, Commander," said Toria. "He must be trying to get himself killed," said Tigh. "He has served as a Borellian Nomen for a few cycles, aboard their ship, Commander," pointed out Toria. "And his wingmate on Blue Squadron is a Borellian Nomen, as Captain Boomer pointed out earlier." "He WHAT?!" asked Tigh, again surprised, but he seemed somewhat calmer. "He served as a Borellian Nomen on their ship," repeated Tannia. "And he has earned their respect. If a Colonial warrior can go onto a ship full of Borellian Nomen and come back to talk about it, he can." "Well, I am afraid that he will have to face disciplinary action when he returns," said Apollo. "disobeying direct orders, and going to where he was not supposed to go. I never knew that I would have to do something like that to my own son." "Apollo, you probably never thought that you would ever see him again," commented Boomer. "Father, will we ever see Boxey again?" asked Troy. Apollo and Sheba went into their personal quarters on the Galactica, along with Starbuck, Cassiopeia, Boomer, and Aa. Rigel was with the four children, Troy, Hera, Dillon and Pandora. "He'll be back soon, Troy," said Starbuck, still his optimistic self after all these yahrens. "You're not Boomer," commented Hera. She was staring at Boomer. "My name is Boomer," said Boomer, "But you are right. I am not the Boomer that you know. He is with Boxey right now." "And where is Toria?" asked Hera. "She is on the other ship," said Sheba. She knew that she was being truthful when she said 'the other ship,' meaning the other Galactica, but she left it as was, allowing the children to think that she meant the Adama. Even , Toria was on the Adama. Boomer looked at Sheba. Toria was in her quarters aboard the Adama, looking around. She saw the picture of herself and Boxey getting sealed on the table. She picked it up and stared at it. "Things would have been so much better if you were still alive, Boxey," said Toria to the picture. "I hope that you did not mind me getting sealed to your father." Boxey got to a closed door with a Borellian Nomen standing in front of it. That Borellian Nomen was Vorta. "What do you want, Colonial?" asked the Nomen. "I am here to talk to Mojo, Vorta," said Boxey. "Who are you? And how do you know who I am?" growled Vorta. "That is no concern of yours," responded Boxey, standing close and face to face with to Vorta. "Are you challenging me or will you let me pass?" He yanked a laser bole off Vorta's sash activating it. Vorta saw Boxey holding a charging laser bole in his hand, ready to throw it. He kicked the bole out of Boxey's hand, and the bole was hurled aside, separating with the laser beam between them. It crashed into a wall and exploded. Vorta pushed Boxey back, and scooted over to retrieve the two pieces of his laser bole. That was Boxey's chance. As soon as he stopped stumbling back, he pushed the button beside the door and opened it. he ran through into the large room. Vorta got in there before the doors closed. Next to Boxey was a weapons rack. Boxey grabbed a poe, and started swinging it around, showing Vorta some of the skills he had obtained. He and Vorta walked around in a circle around each other, and as soon as Vorta was near the weapons rack, he reached behind him and grabbed himself a short pole. He used his two hands and twisted it, and the two ends shot out, turning the short pole into a long staff. "This poe has never failed me yet, Vorta," said Boxey, "Just as Noma's wife had never failed him." "You TALK like a Borellian Nomen, Colonial," commended Vorta, "And you move like one, but can you FIGHT like one!?" With that, he ran towards Boxey and swung at Boxey with his staff. Boxey deflected the blow with one end of the sharp poe blade, but the blow was so strong that the other end accidentally sliced one of Vorta's laser bole sashes. "Not bad," said Vorta as he used one hand to remove the two pieces of the sliced sash, placing them onto the weapons rack. "For a Colonial that is." He ran at Boxey, ready to swing at him again. Boxey fell sideways, blocking the blow of the staff, and used his foot to trip Vorta. Vorta's staff went flying in front of him as he let go of it to use his hands to break his fall. He fell forwards, catching himself on his hands, and slid forwards. "You let go of your weapon, Vorta," said Boxey. Vorta picked himself up, and grabbed the staff off the deck. It was clear that Vorta was angry. With his staff in his hands, he went towards Boxey. He lifted the pole, ready to take another swing. Boxey swung his weapon as hard as he could, and knocked the long pole out of Vorta's hands. The pole went upwards, came down, making a lot of noise as it bounced a bit before settling on the deck behind Boxey. Vorta started backing up, ready to try to use his hands and feet if Boxey tried to make his next move. Moving aside, Boxey said to him, "Retrieve your weapon, Vorta. It is not very honorable to strike down an unarmed man." Vorta apprehensively moved to where his pole landed, and retrieved it. Again, with his staff in his hands, he moved towards Boxey. He lifted the pole, ready to take another swing. "VORTA!" Both were distracted at that yell. They both looked over to see Mojo standing there with two other Borellian Nomen, by another doorway on the opposite side of where they entered the room. Vorta took another step towards Boxey, ready to attack him. Boxey, meanwhile, stood his ground waiting for Vorta to make his move. "Vorta, stop," commanded Mojo. Vorta looked at Mojo. "But this Colonial P'tui has intruded on our ship," he said. "He does not belong here." "Leave us," said Mojo. At that, Vorta twisted the middle of the staff, and the two ends got sucked in. He walked over to the weapons rack, and put the staff in place, grabbed the two pieces of his laser bole sash and started walking out. He stopped in front of Boxey, saying, "You should have killed me when you had your chance, Colonial." With that, he left. "What are you doing here?" demanded Mojo. "I came to see you, Mojo." "What for?" "Well, if you have a few centons, I want to talk to you about a few things." "The only reason that I will listen to you, Colonial, is because you fight like a Borellian Nomen, even if it your skills are not very good." "What do you mean?" challenged Boxey. "I mean, I managed to take his weapon away twice." "You were just lucky, Colonial," responded Mojo. "I could tell by your movements. Who taught you?" "It is a long story..." Boomer and Toria climbed out of their vipers, and saw Apollo and Mojo waiting for them. "Still did not work," said Boomer. Toria looked at Mojo, fascinated. "Tell me, Ensign Mojo, how did you manage to become Boxey's wingmate?" "Well, it was part of an exchange," explained Apollo. "Mojo was assigned to carry out duties on the Galactica, basically so that he can learn what he can about us, and the way we do things. He and Boxey were good friends almost as soon as they met, so it was natural to assign them to each other." "Box also served aboard our ship," said Mojo. "And he proved himself quite honorable." A viper and a shuttle headed for the Galactica. "Groof Shuttle and fighter escort requesting permission to land," said Boxey's voice. "Permission granted," responded Apollo's voice, "And the Commander is waiting for you, Boxey." It was clear that Apollo sounded displeased. Tigh stood in the landing bay as two landing bay crewmen pushed platforms to the viper and shuttle. Simultaneously, the platforms were in place, and the cockpit to the viper and side hatch to the shuttle opened, and the pilots stepped out. The man coming out of the shuttle was Mojo. The viper pilot removed his helmet, and handed to the landing bay crewman, and the two approached Tigh. "Commander..." addressed Mojo. Tigh nodded to him. he turned to Boxey. "Colonel Apollo had told you that the Borellian Nomen ship was off limits, Sergeant. And you disobeyed orders." "Sir," responded Boxey. "I did what I had to do to-" "Commander Dye," interrupted Mojo, "Based on what he told me, he had EVERY right to come and pay me a visit. I am willing to make an exception if you are. Meanwhile, his idea seems like a good one. It will not be easy for me and my people, but ..." Mojo trailed off. "Well, if my people can help in fending off the Cylon p'tui, it will be an honor. We have not had a good fight for many yahrens." "Your people probably haven't had a good fight ever since you fled the Colonies," said Boxey. They started walking. "By the way, Mojo, my name is Tigh, not Dye." "But do you know how to handle a viper?" Apollo asked. Assembled in the war room was Apollo, Tigh, Boxey, Tannia and Mojo. "My father can," said Mojo, "And he taught me yahrens ago, but I haven't flown in a good while, until I piloted the shuttle to get here." "Do ANY of your people know how to fly one?" asked Tigh. "My people learn fast, Commander Tigh," said Mojo, emphasizing the 'T' sound. "But there are some Nomen who can handle a fighter plane in combat." "At the present, most of the battles with the Cylons are in fighters," pointed out Tigh. "Well, the sergeant here told me about HIS universe. My people took over a basestar. I would be honored to take over a basestar. With all of the of the people on the ships in the fleet, and so few ships, a large ship like that would make a GREAT addition to the fleet." "It is too risky," said Tigh. "It would mean forfeiting too many lives," added Apollo. "But my people can hold out longer than yours," said Mojo. "Besides, I am sure that a second battleship would be a great asset to help out in the protection of the fleet. Besides, for a Borellian Nomen, dying in battle is one of the greatest honor." "He's right about that," said Apollo. "We CAN use an extra battlestar, even if it is a Cylon basestar. And a ship that size would be able to help reduce the overcrowding, and it would provide extra reinforcements against the Cylons." He turned to Mojo, and said, "Thank you for offering your help, but it would be wrong of us to have your people dying for us." "Colonel," addressed Mojo, "adding protection to the fleet by capturing a Cylon basestar also adds to the protection and survival of my people." Tigh pondered. "A massive undertaking like that would forfeit many lives, as you pointed out, Apollo. First, how many ships can make it onto that basestar before they get destroyed by the Cylon fighters and the basestar's defensive laser turrets?" "That is where vipers come in," said Boxey. "Fight our way past the Cylon fighters, blow a few of their laser turrets, land inside the basestar, and get out of the vipers and shuttles, start killing Cylons. That is what we pretty much did in our universe." "We had that Eastern Alliance destroyer," reminded Tannia. "And Commander Apollo also took as many Colonial warriors as he could fit into that Cylon fighter that was sitting in the Galactica landing bay," added Toria." "But we have two Cylon fuel tankers as part of the fleet," said Mojo, "One that my people had used to escape what Chancellor Adama had called, 'the holocaust.' And one that your people managed to capture. My people can use both of them to get aboard the Cylon basestar. I believe that there is some defensive weaponry on them." "How fast can those tankers go?" asked Apollo. "Those Cylon tankers can go light-speed," said Mojo. Apollo and Tigh looked at each other. "So that must be how they can keep their basestars all the way out here," exclaimed Tigh. "And, these Cylons would not fire upon the tankers," pointed out Boxey, "They would think that it was their own ships delivering fuel and supplies." "Well, that is an idea," said Apollo. Two vipers were flying in space. "Well, Toria, we must turn around," said Boomer's voice. "OK, Captain," she said. The vipers made a U-turn, and fired their turbos. They approached the fleet, the Galactica being the closest ship to them. From behind the Galactica, the green basestar slowed down beside it. "It did not work this time either, Boomer," cried Toria. "This is not the last time we're going to try," assured Boomer. "Colonel Apollo is probably worried sick about you. And I'm sure that COMMANDER Apollo is worried about Boxey." Two vipers were flying in space. "How is your viper flying, Toria?" asked Boomer. "It's like my own viper," responded Toria. "I guess that downloading the programs from our vipers, and uploading into their vipers, and your modifications to the programming, worked." "Yeah, Toria," said Boomer. "My viper is doing nicely, too." Suddenly, both C.O.R.A. units spoke up. "There is a Cylon basestar far ahead of the fleet. It just came out of light speed." "I heard that, Boomer," said Toria. The two vipers made a fast U-turn, and fired off their turbos. "Well, get back quickly and warn the Galactica," said Boomer. "I just hope that we do not find ourselves back on our Galactica without Boxey and Tannia. I'm sending our findings to the fleet." "So am I," said Toria." The two vipers headed towards the fleet. Only a few ships and the Galactica were visible. "We should launch again, Captain," said Toria to Boomer. "Your vipers are in the process of being refueled, Toria," pointed out Sheba. "Patience, Ensign," said Boomer.7 "I don't think that you really want to leave, do you?" asked Toria. Boomer looked at Toria. "I mean, I look around, and I see that this is a happier time and place," explained Toria. "But I have a husband that as you put it, is probably worried sick about me. And Apollo, here, is probably worried sick about his son." "We will launch again as soon as our vipers are refueled," said Boomer. A gold Cylon Centurion walked into the control center. "Anything since coming out of light speed" "Nothing at all on the sensors" responded one of the Centurions. "Keep watch on those sensors" said the gold Centurion. "By your command" "Colonial Warriors... Our job will be to protect the ships boarding the Cylon basestar," explained Colonel Apollo. "If our reports on the interior of a basestar are correct-" Apollo indicated the point between the twin hulls of a large computer-generated picture of a basestar. "The launching and landing bays of the basestar are here in this area." The picture grew in size, showing the point between the two hulls, and Apollo pointed with his finger. "The landing bays are right here, here... all around the basestar." The war room was filled with Borellian Nomen and Colonial warriors. Tigh was standing there beside Boomer and Toria. In another area of the room were Boxey and Tannia, and beside them was Mojo and Vorta. "Furthermore," continued Apollo. "Those two Cylon tankers must get into the basestar and land in the landing bays as fast as they can, without crashing, of course. Our vipers will act as if they are chasing them, but do make sure that if you fire your lasers, do NOT hit any of them." Apollo stopped for a few microns. "Mojo, do you have anything to say?" Mojo got up, and said, "It is a good cycle to die!" The other Nomen in the war room repeated the chant. Tigh rolled his eyes at that. "Sergeant," Mojo addressed Boxey. "I understand that you have accomplished the task of capturing a basestar in the past. What are we to expect?" Boxey stepped up, and said, "We just went past the fighters that the Cylons launched, and landed in their landing bays," explained Boxey. " we just went through the entire ship, killing every Cylon that we saw. The toughest was the command center, because the I.L. series Cylon commander was the hardest to kill." The picture on the large screen changed to that of one of the landing bays of the basestar. The view was as if going in. "It was actually Maga and Bora that led the assault," Boxey said to Mojo and Tigh. The commander and young leader pro-tem of the Nomen looked at each other. "Commander Apollo had also recruited the help of several prisoners from the prison barge to help us," Boxey continued. Mojo looked back and forth at Tigh and Boxey. "Boxey, we have no prison barge," stated Tigh. "But we do have a brig on the Galactica, and that is where Mojo's father is." Boxey and Mojo went through the prison area with Tigh. Finally, they approached the cell that they wanted. "Father!" yelled Mojo. "Why are you here again, Mojo," badgered Maga from his cell. Bora and Taba stayed in the background. "Father, we need your help," said Mojo. "Maga," addressed Boxey. "I come to give you a chance at glory in battle, and a chance to gain your honor back." Maga looked at Boxey. "Ah, a young Colonial warrior has risen from a warrior's death to offer me a chance at glory in battle?" asked a fascinated Maga. Bora and Taba looked on, also fascinated from behind Maga. "We also offer you freedom, Maga," said Tigh. "You'll be free from being locked up like a caged jackal," said Boxey. "And you are being offered the glory of a good battle that will be told for yahrens. And we extend that offer to Bora and Taba. All you have to do is TAKE IT!" Maga looked Boxey in the eye through the transparent tylinium door, and said, "I'll take it." "Great, Maga. Mojo will fill you in." Tigh put his key card into the slot beside the cell door, and Mojo went in. He turned to Boxey. With that, Tigh stepped away, with Boxey following him. "I have to tell you something, something that- that I do not want anyone to know, Boxey," said Tigh quietly. Boxey looked at the Commander, waiting to hear what he had to say. "I am Commander Tigh, from your universe," explained Tigh. "The last I remember was pushing the Emperor of that planet aside as a Cylon fighter was flying towards us firing its lasers. The next thing I knew, I was lying on the floor in my quarters!" "Well, you died," said Boxey. "So I heard from Starbuck. The Tigh who had commanded this Galactica in this universe and I must have switched places with me as I pushed Emperor Wong away from the path of that Cylon fighter." "Why are you telling me this?" asked Boxey. It was also clear that Boxey did not believe a word that Tigh was saying. "Because I needed someone to tell it to, and as you know, I have been considered a part of your family by your grandfather, Adama. I tried to take Adama's place as your grandfather, but..." Tigh trailed off. "Well, I was not there to see you get those sergeant's pins, but congratulations." "Thank you," responded Boxey. It was clear that he was still had doubts. "From someone who did not know how to get back to the Galactica when you launched in a viper for the first time in your life," Tigh paused. "You really did well." "Starbuck told you that, I'm sure." "Yes he did." Tigh cut Boxey off. "But he did NOT tell us that Rigel was the one who got you back to the Galactica by telling you to turn on the CORA unit. Or that I had to correct your pronunciation of her rank... Lieu-tenant, not Loo-tenant. I'm sure that Starbuck, or anyone else except for you and me, did not know about that." Boxey was surprised. When Tigh corrected him, the two of them were alone, so no one would have known except for himself, and Tigh. Finally, Boxey had a question. "What happened to Rigel on this Galactica anyway?" "I don't know, Boxey. There is no record of anyone by that name in the Galactica's computers." "Well, I supposed that I never launched in into space in a viper in this universe either." "Well, Boxey, in this universe, you never knew Commander Adama, other than what Apollo told you about him." Tigh got back on track to try to prove himself. "And Starbuck told us that Sheba took down TWO Borellian Nomen. He did not tell us that she took down a Borellian Nomen before those two, meaning that she actually defeated THREE Borellian Nomen. That was how Chancellor Maga told the story. He says that 'Apollo's mate took down three Borellian Nomen all by herself.'" "I am surprised that you did not say anything to Starbuck when he was here." "I did not get a chance to. Besides, I did not want to give myself away to Colonel Apollo or the crew of this Galactica." "So, what do we want to do?" "I don't know, Boxey." "Can you still fly a viper?" "Yes, but if you're thinking what I think you're thinking, I must say this.I think that I am here for a reason." "So, you don't want to take my place in my viper?" asked Boxey. "If I did, what would probably happen is that Boomer, Toria and Tannia may make it back to our universe, but I would not. And it may leave you stranded here permanently, like me, and with me." "Do you have anything that I should tell anybody?" "No, I don't, but anyway, I just want to say congratulations for making it to sergeant." He placed a hand on Boxey's shoulder. "Commander Tigh, I think that Apollo would want you back." "Based on what you, and earlier, Starbuck have told me, I think that Apollo has done very well as a commander. He has, after all, took a nuisance of the fleet, that being the Nomen, and made great friends out of them," explained Tigh. "I mean, the Nomen would only deal with him. And now that he has made commander, he even has the Borellian Nomen to turn to if he needed additional help beyond Colonial warriors, something that -I- could have not accomplished. And here you are, from our universe, leading these people in this universe, to accomplish something that I could not have done, and it is something that I would have never went for. Besides, I think that Apollo, here, needs me a lot more than your father, if you understand what I am trying to say." "I think I do, Commander." With that, Apollo walked up, saying, "What's going on, Commander?" "Apollo," addressed Tigh. "We're just getting some volunteers from the brig." As if on cue, Maga, Bora, and Taba followed Mojo up to the three, saying, "Let's get this under way." Two vipers were out in space again. "Boomer, why are we on patrol again?" asked Toria. "I thought that we were going to launch with the rest of the squadrons." "Because we need to make sure that basestar does not get too close to the Galactica and the fleet." "Well, I hope that we don't end up going back to our Galactica without Boxey and Tannia." "Well, that basestar seems to be just sitting there," said Boomer, "As if it is waiting for something," added Toria. "Well, let's turn around." With that, the two vipers veered off, and fired their turbos. "You're clear to launch," said Rigel's voice. A pair of vipers flashed through the launch tubes, and into space. "Do you think that it's going to work this time?" asked Toria. "I don't know, Toria." Their C.O.R.A. units interrupted them. "There is a Cylon basestar up ahead." "Hey! That's a Cylon basestar! And it is NOT the Adama." "Let's get back and warn the Galactica." ordered Boomer. The two vipers veered off very fast, and fired their turbos, heading back into the direction they came from. The Cylon tankers were in the landing bay being boarded by Borellian Nomen. Meanwhile, Maga, Mojo, Taba, Bora and Boxey were watching Nomen entering the tanker. "You seem like a Borellian Nomen," Maga said to Boxey. "You seem to talk like one, and my son here tells me that you fight like one. I would like to learn more about you, Colonial." "It is a long story, Maga." responded Boxey. "But I have told my story to Mojo." With that, Taba, Bora, and Mojo followed the last man into the tanker. Maga was the last one in. Boxey ran over to his viper. At the same time, Tannia was about to get into the viper next to his. "Boxey?? Is that you?" Both, Tannia and Boxey looked to see Toria standing there. The look on her face was as if she was seeing a ghost. Finally, her attention turned to Tannia. "WHO- are YOU?" said Toria to Tannia. She took another look at her. "Silver Spar Squadron?" "It is a long story, Toria," said Boxey. "Yes, this is your wingmate, Ensign Tannia of Silver Spar Squadron." Boxey made it obvious that he noticed her Blue Squadron insignia. "I just met Starbuck again, and Sheba is also alive, and in command of a Cylon basestar captured by Colonial warriors and Borellian Nomen! And they even have a Borellian Nomen serving as a Colonial warrior!" "Mojo, right?" Boxey got things back to business at hand. "We're about to go out on another campaign, Toria." "Yes!" exclaimed Toria. "But Boomer's and my vipers are both in the process of being upgraded. Colonel Apollo's orders." "Good," responded Boxey. "It is vital to your survival. But where I am from, Mojo happens to be my wingmate, Toria. We are all about to go out on a mission, and since you and MY Toria have switched places, let me explain-" Toria and Boomer made their way to the bridge of the Galactica. Rigel was at her station, and Starbuck was on the command deck beside Apollo, and Omega was at his station. "Oh, no," said Toria. "I just hope that you and I can get themselves prepared for things as fast as we can," said Boomer. "Commander Apollo," yelled Toria as they both moved faster towards the command deck. "Any sign of Boxey or Tannia?" They were the first two thoughts that came to her mind. "Not yet," responded Starbuck. "Aa, get me Sheba on a comline," said Apollo. He looked down at Boomer and Toria, noting that it was Toria of Silver Spar Squadron and not of Blue Squadron. "I'll ask Colonel Sheba." Starbuck, too, noted that it was Toria of Silver Spar Squadron and not Toria of Blue Squadron. He ran down to take a closer look. "I hope that Boxey and Tannia are all right," said Boomer. "We were about to try and take over a Cylon basestar to add to their fleet." "Yeah, Commander Tigh, I'm ready for it," said Boomer. He walked up the canopy and was about to get into his viper. "Remember, Captain," said Tigh, holding a flight helmet under his arm. "Those Cylon tankers are ours. Fire at them, but make sure that you MISS. We do NOT need to lose our Borellian Nomen friends out there." "I quite understand, Commander." Boomer was in his viper. "And welcome back." "Thank you, Commander." At that, Tigh handed Boomer his helmet. Boomer put it on his head, and Tigh and Boomer exchanged a 'thumbs up.' Toria stared at Boxey. "I get to meet you again, and we hardly have time to talk. I sometimes wonder if getting sealed to Apollo was right." "Toria, under the circumstances that you were in, yes. I'm sure that, if your Boxey was anything like me, he would be happy for both, you and Apollo." Boxey got things back on track. "Now remember, Toria. Those Cylon tankers are ours. Those aboard it are on our side. Fire at them, as I explained, but make sure that your lasers miss them." "I will, Boxey. And good luck." They both gave each other a 'thumbs up,' and ran to their vipers. From the battlestar, two Cylon tankers launched, one from each landing bay. As the two tankers moved forwards, hordes of vipers launched from both viper bays. The two tankers moved towards the basestar. From the distance behind them, a horde of vipers approached, and started firing, all the lasers missing the two tankers. From the basestar's bays, Cylon fighters began to launch. Boxey and Tannia flew side-by-side with Toria. The three vipers fired at a landing bay, preventing anymore Cylon fighters to launch from that one. The trio veered away. Inside the basestar, Mojo, Vorta and Taba made it to the command center, and started throwing laser boles at the gold Cylon Centurion sitting on the throne. Maga, Bora and several other Nomen made it in as well, as well as several Centurions. Several laser rounds hit one of the Nomen in the back. He was shot many times, killing him. Maga and Bora turned around, and bellowing loud growls, picked up two of the Centurions, and threw them at the gold Cylon, who managed to get off his throne. Taking advantage of the downed gold Cylon and two of his lackeys in a piled heap of mechanical arms and legs, Vorta lifted two laser boles off his sashes, and ran towards them. He jumped in the air, doing a somersault. While he was flying upside down, he reached 'up' in respect to his instantaneous position, and planted the two charging laser boles, one on each of the gold Cylon's shoulders. Mojo, too, followed suit, planting one laser bole onto one of the other Cylon Centurion's back of its neck. Taba also followed suit with the other Centurion. Vorta managed to land on his feet, but at the same time, he landed face first into the wall, and bounced back to find himself sitting on the deck. Mojo ended up landing flat on his back right beside Vorta. Taba landed on his side, and managed to spring right up onto his feet. By that time, Vorta and Mojo were both on their feet already. The gold Cylon reached and grabbed the laser bole that Taba had planted, and threw it towards the trio. All three younger Nomen jumped aside to avoid it. The laser bole separated, with its laser beam between the two crystals, and smashed against the wall. Taba managed to retrieve the two piece of his laser bole, and placed it back onto his sash. "GET OUT!" screamed Mojo as the laser boles charged closer to critical mass. Maga and Bora threw the other two Centurions into the pile, and the three laser boles reached its critical mass and exploded, throwing up mechanical arms and legs and a gold Cylon Centurion head. Finally, a Borellian Nomen came in, limping, saying, "Chancellor, we have the control center of this ship all secure. Also, we've closed off all the landing bays. No more fighters can launch or return." Mojo took a deep breath, and said, "Very Good. Now we must go to every deck and all areas of this basestar, and destroy every Cylon P'tui we find. Report to Colonel Apollo of our success." With that, the six of them ran out of the command center. "We're getting the recall order from the Galactica," pointed out Boomer to all of the pilots. "They have received word from the Borellian Nomen that they have successfully taken over the basestar." The squadrons of vipers headed towards the Galactica, returning home. The two trailing vipers were Tannia and Boxey, from the other side of the basestar. Boxey and Tannia looked at each other, and exchanged a 'thumbs up.' they looked at the Cylon basestar, and it was green. "The Adama!" exclaimed Tannia with glee. "The rest of recon patrol requesting clearance to land," said Boxey into his comm system. "Recon patrol, you're clear to land, and welcome back." That was Sheba's voice. "Looks like we're home," said Boxey. Sheba, Kritter and Diana met Boxey and Tannia in the landing bay. The two of them climbed out of their vipers, tossed their helmets into their cockpits, and ran down to the nose of the vipers. they leapt off, squatting down as they landed on the deck to alleviate the pressure on their legs and feet. "I see we have two people who are glad to be back," claimed Sheba, her eyes rolling at Boxey's and Tannia's actions. Kritter and Diana giggled. "Yes, Sheba," responded Boxey. "Did Toria and Boomer make it back?" "Yes, they did," answered Sheba. A loud cacophony came from behind Tannia and Boxey. They turned around to see that a daggit had just landed. The hatch underneath it opened. Toria and Mojo leapt right onto the deck. The duo ran up to Boxey and Tannia. Boxey looked at Toria, as if he was trying to find something about her. "What's wrong, Boxey?" asked Toria. "Are you my wife or Apollo's?" Boxey asked with half a smile. "Yours, of course." The two of them walked into each other and embraced. A ladder was lowered from the bottom of the daggit. Boomer and Apollo climbed down out of the modified Cylon fighter craft. "So, did they succeed?" asked Boomer. "That was the last we heard," answered Boxey. "We had gotten the recall order from the Galactica," explained Boxey, "And suddenly, instead of a being beside the Cylon basestar that the Nomen boarded, we were flying beside the Adama." Mojo cut into the conversation. "Box, what was I like over there? Was I more honorable?" "Mojo, you two seemed to be the exact same person," answered Boxey, "Except because of your family's past, you did not have the honor there that you have here. But I think that I scared him into respecting me, since supposedly, I had died in battle back there." "Well, Toria," said Sheba, looking at Toria. "It's good to have you back. The Toria from the other Galactica seemed to have an extreme hatred towards me. We had to keep watch over her." "Sheba, I have no ill will towards you. You were the one who made me into what I am now." "I had plenty of help from Starbuck," said Sheba. "Well, according to Starbuck," said Apollo. "the Toria from that other universe was trained by me. And there was no Starbuck or Sheba to help out." He changed the subject. "Let's go have dinner and welcome our people back. I'm hungry." "You seem to be very quiet, Boxey," said Apollo. "Is there something bothering you?" He picked up s small morsel with his utensil, and put it into his mouth. On each side of him were Sheba, and Starbuck and Boomer sat on the other side of Starbuck. "Yeah, it's like you're not even here, Boxey," added Starbuck. "I'm all right," said Boxey. "Just have a lot on my mind." With him were Toria and Tannia on one side, and Mojo on the other. Boxey sat across from Apollo. "It's understandable," said Starbuck. "After what you've been through. But look at it this way. It seems that we gave them better chances at survival. I mean, I gave them a working CORA unit that they installed into their vipers. You, Boomer, Toria and Tannia gave them the means of relieving overcrowding on that fleet and augmenting their defensive capabilities. It seems that you gave them an even better chance of survival." "That's true," acknowledged Boxey. "You know, I would not be surprised if those ships of lights had something to do with all this," said Apollo. "You mean, John?" asked Starbuck. "You mean, the advanced race that gave us the coordinated to Earth?" asked Sheba. "That's precisely who I mean," said Apollo. After a generation of fleeing from Cylon treachery, the last battlestar, Galactica, leads a ragtag fugitive fleet on a long and lonely quest. A shining planet known as Earth.