Battlestar Galactica: Colonies V. Lemeshik et al
Virtual Season 4, Episode 7
By Matt Wiser
December 1, 2017


FROM THE ADAMA JOURNALS:

     This is a seminal event, both in the history of our Fleet, since fleeing the Colonies, and in our civilization as a whole. Once more, we have encountered proof of the existence of Earth, in the persons of more than fifty of her citizens, rescued from slavery by a hostile alien power. While the effect on our people is yet to be fully assessed, so far all responses have been positive. I am pleased that the ugly, almost racist sentiments, so recently exhibited by Sires Elegabalus and Galerius, seem to have been excised from our body politic permanently. Even some of our more dour members of the Council are looking forward eagerly to the seating of our Earth kin at the Council table.
     True, much remains to be done, and to learn. For their part, the newly liberated prisoners are still recovering, both physically and mentally, from many long yahrens of brutal captivity, including forced labor, starvation, torture, and even rape, at the hands of their Risik captors. Every facility we can offer with be made available to them, in this struggle, as we work to assess the skills and aptitudes of our new travelers, with an eye towards their eventual assimilation into our population. One among them, apparently a cleric of one of earth's religious subsets, seems eager to explore the beliefs of our culture, and I confess I am looking forward to such discussions with him, once time and such permits.
     Many of the former slaves are, or were, of military occupations, some of officer rank, and this gave to many the cohesion that allowed them to survive their captivity, so far from home. Some have already expressed an interest in offering their services to us, in some capacity, once they are fully themselves once more. However, they all prefer to maintain their standing in their own military services, just as Captain Byrne, Commander Allen, and Sergeant Wagner do. Though our societies are separated by a huge gulf, both in distance and in technology, I as yet see no reason why some form of retraining could not be employed. After all, every Human being needs to have a sense of purpose, and our newly-found brethren are no different. Once the assessments are made, and possibilities suggested, I look forward to seeing, and aiding, what transpires in this regard.
     Our Cylon allies, in the operation just past, comported themselves well, and seem to be continuing to develop, as individuals. Both reports from Lieutenant Starbuck, still serving as liaison officer aboard the BaseShip, and the observations of others, show a subtle, but growing tendency to independent thought, and even to the rendering of opinions. It is as if the Cylon brain contains yet to be seen potentialities, that perhaps even their designers were unaware of. My sole concern, for the moment, is how our Earth brothers, once they know the full story, will feel about the presence of those, who so recently, were bent upon the obliteration of every Human in the Universe.
     So much to look forward to, yet so much need for caution. I continue to pray that I find my way.


     Commander Adama put down his microphone, and after checking his terminal, headed for the Bridge. He had enjoyed a rare lunch with both Apollo and Athena, and all had shared the added joy of Athena bringing the twins. Having them brought a much-needed lightness to his heart, and they were a reminder of hope for the future, but also a reminder of their continued flight across the stars, and it would be hard to explain to them as they grew older that "home" for them was the Galactica, until they finally found Earth, and were able to hopefully settle there. One thing that had grown up in the Fleet, without any official encouragement, was teaching children about their real homes, so far away, and to never forget what had been lost. Adama understood such sentiments, and had encouraged Boomer and Athena to do the same. And, he also knew, that the children of the Earthers, so recently rescued from Risik captivity, would grow up with only secondhand knowledge of their ancestral home, until they actually got there.  But their parents and the other Earthers would do what Captain Byrne had done with his daughter, and teach them as much as possible about what Jena Byrne called "Our real home." 
     Those thoughts were still on his mind as he came onto the Bridge, and found Colonel Tigh on watch. "Colonel,"
     "Commander," Tigh nodded to his CO. "All scans still clear. No signs of any Risik activity." 
     Adama nodded, then went to the Plot Board. Ne'Chak was still on the board, but was receding with each passing centar. "It's been five days since the raid, Colonel. I take it the estimated position of any reaction or pursuit force  would still be off the board?"
     "Yes, sir," Tigh replied. "The next set of patrols launches in two centars." 
     "Very good, Colonel." 
     Just then, Captain Kevin Byrne, USN, came onto the Bridge. He had come over from Constellation to have another round of debriefings with the rescued prisoners, and to check on their overall condition. "Commander?" He said, saluting.
     "Captain," Adama nodded. "I see you're back." 
     "Yes, sir," Byrne nodded. "I've talked with the civilians, and they all tell pretty much the same story: abducted near military or other strategic targets, Not only were they interrogated about those targets, but also about their communities, local culture, customs and so on. I got the feeling from talking to several of them that the Risik might have been interested in infiltrating agents to Earth."
     Adama was surprised. "Are you sure, Captain?" 
     "Sir, remember what Salik said after we found the Derelict with Sergeant Wagner? He said that the Risik could pass for Humans. If they have the relevant language or cultural training, then, yes, it's possible. It's also possible they could use abductees. That colony would be a source of agents-willing or otherwise." 
     Adama paused for a centon, digesting Byrne's theory. "It does fit, Captain. Based on what we know of these people." 
     "Yes, sir," Byrne nodded. "And I doubt any human agents would be trusted with any Risik equipment. Because if they went to the authorities, and handed over something that is clearly manufactured beyond Earth, the military and intelligence agencies would start paying a lot more official interest in the subject of alien visitors than they do-or did, when I left." 
     Adama and Tigh nodded. They remembered Byrne telling them that the whole subject of such visitors was highly classified, and that in many countries, not just his own, the subject was treated with ridicule, at least in public. But....."It certainly would, Captain. I'll have Doctor Wilker run a search in the Risik files. See if there are any references to such agents." 
     "Commander, this is something that would be kept highly classified. Only the ship's captain, and maybe his Executive Officer, would know. But if there is something..." Byrne said. 
     "Then Wilker and Pliny will find it," Adama finished. 
     "Of course, any such agents might not even be aware they are agents, Commander." Adama's look bade him continue. "Many UFO abductees report missing time. Gaps in memory, and so forth. It is entirely possible some may have been abducted and returned, their minds subjected to hypnotic conditioning. Totally unaware they have been programmed to act on the Risik's behalf, and leading their regular lives, until activated."
     "How?" asked Tigh.
     "It could be as simple as a code word, or phrase. The phone...uh, telecom rings, and the voice on the other end says whatever. Then, they go off and do whatever they were programmed to do. There were projects like that, during our own Cold War. Agents implanted by our enemies, their minds so controlled they were themselves unaware they were agents. If the Russians could pull that off, with the technology of the 60s and 70s, the Risik would have no problems whatsoever."
     "That is...disturbing," said Tigh.
     "Very," Adama noted. Then he turned to more pressing business. "Now, as for Scarface? We'll be talking to him later today." 
     "Commander, I'll be there. Sergeant Wagner and Petty Officer Clemens as well. They may be able to pick up his body language. And sir, I'd suggest holding off indicting him for a few more days."
     Tigh heard that. "Why, Captain?" 
     "Commander, Colonel, it's this: Right now, we can interrogate him as long as we want. When the indictment gets served, he's probably going to have his legal representative present. His legal right, after all. But, I've got a list of questions that I want answers to, and if we could hold off for a few more days, then I can get what I want," Byrne said. "Hopefully." 
     "What kind of questions?" Adama asked. 
     "Sir, how long have they been abducting people? Why did they leave in the first place? When did they decide to return to Earth? How many people has he.....interrogated? Has he been to the abductee colony? Things like that," Byrne pointed out. "I'd hate to maroon him without knowing any of that."
     "Sensible, Captain," Adama nodded. In Byrne's place, he'd want the same. And so would Fleet Intelligence. "I'll talk to Sire Solon and see how far he's come along. If he's not yet ready, we have time. If he's ready, I'll ask him to delay for two or three days."
     "Thank you, Commander," Byrne said. "I need to be in Life Center. Captain Ashby and Lieutenant Sanderson are on my interview list for today, along with several others."
     "Very good," Adama said. "Hopefully, Doctor Salik will clear them, and they can recount their experiences at the situation meeting."
     "Yes, sir." 
     "I'll bring Sire Pelias with me...be at the Security Ward at 1500," Adama said. 
     "I'll be there, Commander, and both Sergeant Wagner and Petty Officer Clemens as well. They know him better than any one of us."
     "That they do, Captain. We'll have the situation meeting at 1600." 
     "Yes, sir," Byrne nodded. 
     "And Captain?" Adama asked as Byrne turned to leave. 
     "Sir?" 
     "Don't worry about IFB. I'll make sure they are still on a leash." 
     Byrne let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you, sir." 


     In Life Center, Staff Sergeant Lauren Wagner was talking with Doctor Salik. "Doc, you're sure?"
    "I'm sure, Sergeant. I want to keep them for at least one more day. Not everyone's stomach has adjusted to a proper diet," Salik replied. "About a third of them, in fact."
     Oh, great, she thought. It was probably like this when the Vietnam POWs were released. "They want to leave together, you know." 
     "I do, Sergeant," Salik replied. "At least one more day. And if everyone's settled down to normal, the day after tomorrow, they can move to their new ships, if their billets are ready.." 
     Then Linda Donahue, the one remaining pregnant woman came. "Doc," she nodded. "And Sergeant." 
     "Linda," Lauren said. "How's it feel,  knowing you're having triplets?"
     "It's a little weird, but I'm glad to be having them under these circumstances," Linda said. "Sure beats the alternative." 
     "From what I saw of that place, even if it wasn't for very long?" Lauren replied. "It does."
     Linda nodded. "So I'm going to have three space kids....something to tell my, well....grandnieces and nephews...." She fell silent for a moment. "God, it's been forty years since...." 
     "It has," Lauren said, putting her hand on a shoulder. "But...hey, it's still home, and they're still family." 
     Captain Byrne then came into Life Center. "I heard, Sergeant. No matter how long we've been gone, or what kind of relatives we've got waiting, it's just that. Home and family." 
     "Sir," Wagner said, saluting. "At least we have that."
     "And how are you, Linda?" Byrne asked. "And the three....future shipmates?" 
     "Just about to give her a checkup," Salik nodded. "If you'll excuse us, Captain?" 
     Linda smiled and followed Salik into an exam room, while Byrne and Wagner talked outside. "Well, Sergeant?" 
     "Everyone's getting better with each day, sir. But Salik will give you the official word: day after tomorrow is when they're being released," Wagner said. 
     "How come?" 
     "About one third of them are still having trouble getting used to a normal diet." 
     Byrne recalled talking with a  former POW from Vietnam and a great uncle from World War II, and he had been told that was a common experience. "Well, Sergeant, they're not the first, and they won't be the last." He looked around. "And where's Jen?" 
     "Over there," Wagner said, pointing to an open cabin door. There, Jen was helping Marta, Fredrik, and their baby. "She's great with kids, it turns out. And sir, may I make a suggestion?" 
     "Go ahead, Sergeant," Byrne nodded. 
     "If we've got the space aboard ship, why not have a kids' playroom?" Wagner asked. "The civilians we've already got aboard have had two births already, and with the kids we're going to be having aboard..."
     "Good call, Sergeant," Byrne said. "I'll let Mr. Dilley know." Dilley was the Constellation's Damage-Control Officer, and he'd gotten the extra space aboard ship ready. "And Petty Officer Clemens?" 
     "Here, sir," Petty Officer Jessica Clemens said, coming out of a ward where some of her friends were staying. "Just catching up, and, well..."
     "I don't blame you a bit, Petty Officer," Byrne said. "You missed them, and they missed you." 
     "Yes, sir," she replied with a smile. 
     "Good," Byrne nodded. "And have you told them about Lydia?" He was referring to Siress Lydia, and her deceit in leaking Clemens' presence in the Fleet to IFB, and it had taken Commander Adama's intervention to prevent Clemens from having to worry about the jackals in IFB following her around. 
     "Yes, sir. And Captain Ashby passed the word to give her the polite minimum at any kind of reception or party that's held for us." Captain Ian Ashby of the British Army was the senior ranking military officer among the rescued prisoners, and they still looked to him for leadership and advice. Until they went to either Constellation or Adelaide.  "And avoid her otherwise."
     "I'll talk to him shortly, but that's a good call on his part," Byrne said. "One other thing: be at the Security Ward at 1500."
     "Sir?" Wagner asked. 
     "We're interrogating Scarface for the first time," Byrne said. "And you two are the only ones available who know him better than anyone." 
     The two women looked at each other. "Sir, it'll be a pleasure," Wagner said. "We had a brief chat the night of the raid. When I reintroduced myself. And gave him a kick in the shoulder when he said we had no right to get the prisoners out."
     Cassie then came in. "Captain, everyone," she smiled. 
     "Hi, Cassie," Byrne said. "Got a question for you. Can Captain Ashby and Lieutenant Sanderson come to the Situation Brief today? Or are they, uh, on hold?" 
     "You know about some of them still getting used to a normal diet?" 
     "The Sergeant told me," Byrne nodded. 
     "Wait a micron, and I'll check." She went to a terminal and called up their charts. "Both are clear."
     "Thanks, Cassie," Byrne said. "And the Sergeant will bring them back." 
     "I will," Wagner said. 
     "Okay, I need to talk with both of them," Byrne said. "Meet me in the Security Ward at 1500, as I said. Both of you," he told Wagner and Clemens.
     "Yes, sir," they replied. 


     The chrono flew by fast, and soon, Wagner and Clemens headed over to the Security Ward, where Corporal Tobias, who had been with Team Three on the raid, was on duty. "Corporal," Wagner said. 
     "Sergeant," Tobias replied. "You here to see someone?" 
     "We are, but we're waiting on Commander Adama and a couple of others," she said. "You went into the torture shed, right?" 
     "I did," Tobias nodded. "Killed one of the guards, and...Lords, what they were doing to those two people...how are they doing now?' 
     "They're coming along fine," Lauren said. "If there's a party for all of them, I know they'll be shaking your hand and thanking you." 
     "All in a day's work, Ma'am." 
     "Sergeant, Petty Officer," Captain Byrne said, entering, and the two women saluted. "I just had a good talk with Captain Ashby and Lieutenant Sanderson. They'll be glad to tell their stories at the situation meeting." 
     "Sir, that's good to hear," Clemens said. "And they can tell how they managed to stand up to Scarface and get away with it-among other things." 
     "From what they said, it was just standing firm, and telling the truth, even if he didn't like it," Byrne said. "Still...those occasions were counted on two hands." 
     "That they were," Clemens said. "But they took their share of lumps, sir. More than most because we looked up to them." 
     Byrne nodded. "They did tell me that."
     "Sire," Tobias said as Sire Pelias came in. 
     "Captain," Pelias nodded. "And ladies," he added with a smile. "This will be interesting. Someone you want to throw out the airlock, and yet..."
     "Unless Solon can find something capital to charge him with," Wagner said. "But I'd rather maroon him than execute him. Shoving him out an airlock would be too quick."
     "That's....understandable," said Pelias. "And you, Petty Officer?" 
     "Sire, both of us want him dead. So does everyone back there," Clemens said, pointing to the main ward area. "But we don't want him getting off easy, either."
     "I've said it before, but...I don't blame either one of you, or the others, for having such sentiments," Pelias nodded. "But where he is likely headed? It certainly won't be easy. 
     "Yes, Sire," Clemens nodded. "Just as long as he doesn't escape his due."
     "Agreed, Sire," Adama said as he arrived. "In the ideal world, a fitting punishment would be locking him in a compartment with his victims, and giving each of them a metal bar to break every bone in his body.....but we'll have to settle for the real world, and marooning him." 
     "That'll have to do, Commander," Byrne said. "Sir, is there anything from Sire Solon?"
     "Yes," Adama replied. "He won't have the indictments ready for another two or three days. So we have some more time to conduct our interrogations. And he indicated one thing: we may not have enough on the Governor." 
     Clemens was surprised. "Commander? Why?" 
     "Unfortunately, Petty Officer," Adama said. "None of the women have said that he, well, 'inspected' them. And we don't have anything in our law codes that covers Command Responsibility." 
     Byrne nodded, "Well, Commander, that's just great." While both Wagner and Clemens were clearly disappointed. 
     "He's still checking, though. Getting him as an Accessory after the fact is still possible. He won't know for another two or three days."
     "So there's still a chance of getting him?" Wagner asked. 
     "There is, Sergeant," Adama said. "We'll know for sure then." He gestured to the Security Ward. "Shall we?"
     "Commander," Tobias said. "Which one will you be seeing today?" 
     Adama nodded as he signed in. "The Commandant, Tsernavia. Or Scarface."
     "Yes, sir," Tobias replied. "Sergeant, I'll need your sidearm." 
     Wagner nodded as she handed over her weapon. 
     Tobias nodded and opened the door into the ward. They followed him to the end of the corridor, where Scarface was sitting in a cell, wearing some Colonial civilian clothes. "Sir, I'll be right outside if you need anything." 
     "Thank you, Corporal," Adama said as the cell door opened, and the lone occupant glared at the group as they went in. "Commandant..." 
     "And you are?" Scarface asked, an icy tone to his voice. As if they were still on his turf.  
     "I am Commander Adama, the Commanding Officer of the Galactica, and the Commander of the Colonial Fleet," Adama replied, still trying to be as diplomatic as possible. 
     "I see..." Scarface said. "Fancy words for it. As far as I am concerned? You are still Te'rean." 
     "You are not the first to say that, but you are mistaken," Adama nodded. "This is Sire Pelias, from our council."
     Pelias gave only the slightest nod, but still trying to be polite, despite everything he'd heard about the man. 
     "And here is someone actually from Earth," Adama said, nodding at Captain Byrne.
     "What?" Scarface asked, a confused expression on his face. 
     "Captain Kevin Byrne, United States Navy," Byrne said. He got into Scarface's face. "Planet Earth."
     "How is that possible?" Scarface looked at Byrne, studying him closely. 
     "Right now, we're asking the questions, and you're doing the answering. Which is something new to you, I bet," said Byrne.
     "And you are familiar with these two ladies," Adama said, gesturing to Wagner and Clemens.
     Scarface glared at Wagner. "The insolent.....woman and I have met previously," he spat.
     "I'd watch that, Commandant....." Wagner said, letting the title fall from her lips. "The last time I saw you? The night of the raid,  I had an assault rifle pointed in your face. The only reason you're here and not in Hell? You never gave me a reason that night to pull the trigger." 
     "What..."
     "That is correct," Pelias said. "You are alive, even though she wants you dead. With a passion, I might add. So I would tell her what she wants to know.....Commandant."
     "But," Byrne continued. "As we say on Earth, 'business before pleasure." 
     "Indeed," Adama said. "And you are no doubt familiar with Petty Officer Clemens here," he nodded in Clemens' direction.
     Scarface looked at her, and he was quite dumbfounded. "How...."
     Clemens smiled, then got into her former captor's face. "After you sold me to Lemeshik, I was his slave for a year. Then his ship got into a battle with these people.  They boarded the ship and rescued me. I told them everything......My Lord....." She smiled, and that smile looked to everyone else as a smile dripping poison. "They found the location of the camp in that ship's computer. And the rest...." 
     Scarface glared at them and stood up. "You had no right-"
     Byrne rolled his eyes. Were they all like this? He wondered. Then he turned to Commander Adama. "Commander, I believe the Sergeant can set him straight?" 
     "I believe so, Captain," Adama agreed. "Sergeant?" 
     "It'll be a pleasure, sir," Wagner said. Then she got into the Commandant's face. "SIT DOWN AND SHUT UP! You come across as a hypocrite, wailing about rights. Don't you dare talk to me about rights! WHAT ABOUT MY RIGHTS, YOU BASTARD?" OR HERS?" She said, pointing at Clemens. "Or the fifty-eight others? Or all the others you abducted? Or the one who died during the raid? You had no right to take any of us!" 
     Scarface glared at her. He couldn't believe that this....insolent woman, who he'd been looking forward to breaking, was now in his face. Oh, the gods could be so cruel at times. "You are beneath us. Your people are nothing but dirt under our heels!" 
     "That's not going to help you any," Wagner said. "Because when we're finished with you, you're going into court. A human court. And you're going to have to answer for your crimes." she paused, seeing Adama and Byrne nod. "And I doubt very much they'll listen to your 'Earth people are beneath us' garbage." She nodded at them. "Commander."
     "The Sergeant is correct," Pelias said. "It is very unlikely that the Tribunal will consider the reasoning you just presented." 
     Scarface looked at them. "What do you mean?" 
     "It's very simple," Adama said. "Our laws allow for the prosecution of those who commit crimes against humans, anywhere, in our courts. And if convicted of kidnapping, torture, slavery, rape and termination? The penalties can be severe." 
     For the first time, his resolve seemed to crack, Wagner thought. About time. "Want to know how severe? Life on a prison barge, in a cell a little smaller than this one. Or marooning, at the court's discretion."
     "Marooning?" Scarface asked, sweat starting to form on his forehead. 
     "Think about it...." Clemens said. "You, and if you're lucky, one or two others of your ilk, on some planet where the plant and animal life is very nasty, and the animals would just as soon have you for lunch as look at you. And all you have is a homemade spear." She glared at him with total contempt. "Think about it.....My Lord." And she let the title he'd forced her and the others to use drop from her lips, almost as an afterthought. 
     "So," Byrne said. "Care to start talking?" 
     He sat down on the bunk, and seemed to be resigned to whatever came next. "Very well," Scarface nodded. "What do you wish to discuss?" 
     Byrne took a deep breath. "How long were your people on Earth?" 
     The ex-Commandant looked at him. "Te'rea was ours for oh, two thousand of your years. We were surprised that the higher animals living there were so similar to us. After capturing some, and running tests, we discovered their DNA to be about eighty percent of ours. And so we began domesticating them, civilizing them, and..."
     "Interbreeding with them," Wagner spat. And her stomach wanted to do more than spit. 
     "Yes. The historical data banks tell that the female slaves found it a great honor to be chosen to bear the offspring of the Gods," Scarface said, his voice calm, as if he was ordering a meal in a cafe. Clearly, the idea of being a god was appealing to him. 
     Byrne nodded. More verification of what had been found on the Derelict. "And why did you leave Earth?" 
     "There was great tension within the Empire. Factions sprouting like weeds in a garden, and various elements of the military aligning themselves with those factions. Te'rea, and a number of other worlds, were abandoned, after we destroyed what could not be taken with us."
     "You didn't want your....children, so to speak, using your technology?" Pelias asked. 
     "No. The faction that was on Te'rea did not want anyone else to use their facilities or equipment," Scarface replied. "Doubly so, since after we left, several ships arrived from an unknown region, and landed on the world. The Fleet Commander for the area requested permission to intervene, but it was denied. Shortly thereafter, we were, shall we say, otherwise occupied."
     "I see. Then your Great Civil War began. A war that devastated your Empire." 
     "And your technology regressed, I presume?" Adama added. 
     Scarface nodded. "You presume correctly, Commander. Yes. We are still two to three hundred years behind where we were then." He wasn't happy that these....Te'reans had penetrated their historical database. They'd found out way too much. "Had the war with the Ke'zar not interrupted, and Te'rea been civilized, we would be much closer." 
     "On that subject," Byrne said. "When did you decide to return to Earth?" 
     Scarface looked at him. "About twenty years prior to the war. But taking.....specimens from Te'rea began earlier, in the time of the local conflict called the Second World War." 
     Wagner glared at him. "And you took ships and aircraft from the oceans. Because a missing ship or aircraft in wartime could be attributed to enemy action, mechanical failure, bad weather, and so on." 
     "Yes, and we moved on to land masses as well, preferably rural or remote areas, but other, more densely populated ones as well. And large inland lakes or seas." 
     Byrne scowled. Did they take Flight 19? He'd have to ask Wilker if there was any reference to that infamous disappearance. Or Amelia Earhart? "How many did you take from Earth?" 
     "Oh, at least two or three thousand. I personally handled about a thousand in the ten Earth years prior to the war with the Ke'zar starting." 
     Byrne, Wagner and Clemens looked at each other. "And the prison colony?" Bryne asked. 
     "Ah. No one who was taken to the Homeworld could be allowed to return to Te'rea. So the colony was set aside for them. I would have preferred a more structured environment for them-"
     Clemens glared at her former captor. "Camps, you mean," she spat. 
     "Yes," Scarface said. "But my recommendation was not acted upon, and the Supreme Leader at the time wanted it to be a model for what we had in mind for Te'rea. The slaves are allowed to be self-sufficient in food, have their own settlements with a measure of self-government, even to worship the false gods of Te'rea. As long as they respect and obey their masters." 
     "I've got news for you, buster. When these people rescued me, they found a document that said the Ke'zar took that place. And liberated the people there. Who weren't sorry to see your kind leave," Clemens snarled back. 
     Scarface glared at her. "Ingrates. After all we have done for them!"
     "And if that planet is on our way home?" Byrne said. "We're taking them with us." 
     "You have no right-"
     "Look at you," Wagner hissed. "Bloody hypocrite. Wailing about rights when you had no concern at all for mine, hers," she pointed at Clemens, "or anyone else's." 
     "Commander," Byrne whispered to Adama. "We ought to let him think about all this for a day. Then come back and see if he's more...conversational."
     "I agree, Captain," Adama said. "Commandant, we shall be back in a day or so. Then perhaps we can have a more...engaging discussion."
     "Commander...." Scarface replied."If that is what you wish. But how is it possible that you are not from Te'rea? You are all the same inferior race!" 
     Adama looked at him. "It is a long story, but a condensed version is this: a considerable distance from here, is a world called Kobol. It is the mother world of all humans, and the thirteen tribes who lived there achieved a level of technology even more advanced than our own. Until they discovered the world was dying, and they fled the planet. Twelve of them colonized a system of twelve worlds and three suns, and after starting anew, developed a civilization well in advance of yours. Science and engineering, arts and culture  beyond what you can imagine." 
     "And," Pelias added. "We did not subjugate alien races. Instead, we traded with many, had wars with a few, and we felt that nothing could go wrong. Until we encountered a foe so ruthless, so merciless, so determined that it could not be bargained with, or negotiated with. The war that ensued lasted for a millennium. Until it ended in a single day with the utter destruction of our civilization." 
     "Out of a population of twenty billion, there are only seventy thousand survivors in this Fleet," Adama finished. 
     "So...you seek Te'rea, and want to settle there." Scarface growled. 
     "That is correct," replied Pelias. "With the cooperation of the authorities there," he nodded, gesturing to Byrne.
     "And," Byrne added. "We'll make sure we can defend ourselves. Guess what else? We might decide to come looking for you." 
     Scarface glaed at him. "You are joking."
     "I'm not, chump. If you ever come back to Earth, we'll blow your fleet out of the sky. Then we'll come after you for sure." 
     "I do not believe you. The Scrolls have said-"
     "Sergeant?" Byrne nodded. 
     "Right now, we can care less about what your worthless scrolls say! If you think that we would've welcomed your invasion with open arms, you're sadly mistaken. We have a saying in one part of my country: 'Live free or die.' That means we have no use at all for jack-booted thugs. No matter if they're Communist, Fascist, or...Alien. We would've fought you with everything at our disposal, from nuclear weapons all the way down to waging a guerrilla war. And we would've made your invasion and occupation so costly that you would have had to eventually leave. How's that?" 
     "This is unbelievable," Scarface said. "Mere strutting. Your people could never withstand us." 
     "Believe it. If you're ever rescued by your people? Tell them what I just told you." Wagner hissed. "And when it's time to go to court? I'll be there. Telling the Tribunal everything you did to me. And we have the video of it. From start to finish." She saw his eyes widen. "That's right. My examination and torture session. All of it." 
     "Not just her," Byrne added. "Everything you did in that torture shed? We've got all of those as well." 
     "That's not all," Pelias said. "Your man Lemeshik? Everything he did to the Petty Officer aboard his ship is also in our possession. He liked to record his...kinky side. It's better than a confession. You'll be in court together." 
     Scarface glared at them all. Then he focused on Petty Officer Clemens. "What are you looking at, you bitch?" 
     Clemens smiled, then got into her former captor's face. "Just wondering how it feels for you, now that you're a prisoner. It's not a happy feeling, is it? Now that you're the one locked up." 
     He glared at her, but said nothing.
     Adama nodded to Tobias, who opened the cell door. As the group filed out, Scarface stood. "Commander. Whatever you have done at Ne'Chak? The Risik State and People will never, ever forget."
     Everyone looked at each other, then Adama said, "Commandant? We certainly hope so." 
     There was a confused expression on his face, then Scarface asked. "What do you mean?" 
     "It's simple...." Byrne said. "Maybe one day, your 'Supreme Leader' and that cabal around him will realize one thing." 
     "And that is?" Scarface asked, contempt for all of them dripping from his lips. 
     "You messed with the wrong people." Then the group filed out. 

     In the reception area, Adama asked the group. "Comments?" 
     "Commander," Pelias said. "I have never seen someone so...remorseless. The two Il Fadim Councilmen, and Baltar, come very close, though. However, Baltar didn't have a religious motive."
     "I'll agree with you, Sire," Adama nodded as Wagner picked up her sidearm. "Captain?"
     "He's a total sociopath, Commander," Byrne said. "He's convinced that he's done nothing wrong. And he can't fathom the pain and suffering he and his government caused. Just like our friend Lemeshik," he continued, nodding in the direction of Lemeshik's cell. "And he had the sanction of his government to do what he did." 
     Adama nodded. "That he did, Captain. I'll have Wilker and Pliny start searching for any documents that contain actual orders. Though his Protector-"
     "Sir?" Clemens asked.
     "His defense lawyer," Wagner said. 
     "Oh, I see." 
     "Different terminology, same person," Adama smiled. "Defense Counsel. But yes, his Protector could argue that he was only following his orders." 
     "That won't help him, Commander,"  Byrne said."I've talked about this with Sire Solon. You'd have to allow it as a defense, but it won't be effective." 
     "Sir, there's something else," Wagner said. "He didn't just obey orders from home. This animal enjoyed what he did. When he was finished with me, but before they put me on ice? He was laughing, saying 'How well they squirm,' things like that. He and his kind got off on our pain and suffering." 
     Clemens nodded. "Same thing, Commander. Every time I was in that torture shed? He was enjoying every moment of what he did. And if it was at a formation for Roll Call and chose someone as, well, an example? Same thing."
     "Totally sadistic, in other words?" Pelias asked. 
     Clemens nodded. "He is, Sire. So were the Chief Guard and several others. At least he and the other sick ones got their due in the raid." 
     'They did," Wagner said. "The Chief Guard got his. Too bad he shot Ron before that, though." 
     Heads nodded. They recalled the after-action review, when Wagner mentioned one of the prisoners, Ron Mathews, being shot by a guard in a watch tower and fatally wounded. After the tower had been taken out, the guard had been thrown from the tower, only to still be able to raise a weapon as Wagner, Castor, and several others approached. And it was Wagner who shot him to pieces. "Unfortunate, but at least he got his reward," Pelias commented. 
     "I'll have to agree with you, Sire," Adama said. "Now, I spoke to Sire Solon before coming over here. We have three days before the indictments will be ready to be served. After that, the Tribunal will be convened." 
     "So who's going to defend them?" Byrne asked. "If I was a lawyer back in JAG, I wouldn't want to touch these people. Unless I was ordered to." 
     "Nor would I, Commander," Pelias added. "So, who will act as Protector in this matter?" 
     "Protector?" Clemens asked. 
     "Defense lawyer," Wagner told her roomie and friend. "Remember?" 
     "Oh." 
     Adama nodded. "It will likely be Sire Memnon, in this case." He looked at the Petty Officer. "He is one of our sharpest legal minds, even with his advanced age, and is totally devoted to the law." 
     "He's willing to defend these creeps, Commander?" 
     "He is, Petty Officer," Adama said. "Even as Captain Byrne has said, 'the worst of the worst' are still entitled to an adequate defense." 
     Byrne nodded. "Think Nuremberg, Petty Officer. Even the Nazis who were tried there were given a full defense, and the prosecution had to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt." 
     "I see, sir. Even if the case is open-and-shut," Clemens said. She'd never been in a court before, not even for jury duty, before joining the Navy. 
     "Yes," Adama said. "It may be galling to many, but that is how it is done. It is tempting, but we cannot abandon those values that make us civilized." 
     Wagner nodded. "Even out here. Just like with those Il Fadim crazies." She paused for a centon. "So who's leading the prosecution?" 
     "Sire Solon said that he would be the Opposer in this matter," the Commander replied. 
     "Opposer?" Clemens asked Wagner. "Prosecutor?"
     "Prosecutor," Lauren nodded. 
     "Got you." 
     "Yes. A case of this magnitude is something that he would handle personally," Adama said. "He will cover everyone in the indictment, but will only need a dozen or so as witnesses."
     "That's a relief, Commander," Byrne said. "For some, reliving what happened to them, so soon after it's over? It may be too much." 
     "He understands that, Captain, and will be respectful of those concerns," Adama reassured Byrne. "In any event, there is more than enough evidence for all, and it will be his phase that will take the  most time. With only two or three witnesses for the protection, that phase may not be but a day. Hopefully," Adama said. "But, Sire Memnon will know some legal maneuvers, and though he won't be able to prevent the outcome, he will prolong the proceedings as best he can.  His legal obligation as a Protector means that he will look at every opportunity to act on behalf of his clients." 
     "Just like any good lawyer back home," Byrne noted. 
     "Exactly," Adama said. Then he looked at the chrono. "It's 1540. Almost time to be getting to the Ward Room. I'll see you all in twenty centons."
     "Sir," Byrne said, saluting, as Wagner and Clemens did the same. 
     After Adama and Pelias left, Byrne Wagner, and Clemens were talking. 
     "Sir, we'd best be getting over there," Wagner said. 
     "Right, Sergeant. Let's get Captain Ashby and Lieutenant Sanderson," Byrne said. 
     "One thing about having them there sir," Clemens smiled. 
     "What's that, Petty Officer?" 
     She looked at her CO. "Sir, the trip to the Ward Room and back? They'll appreciate just how big this ship is." 
     "That they will, Petty Officer. Let's go get them, and get on over." 

     Captain Byrne, Sergeant Wagner, and Petty Officer Clemens escorted  both Captain Ashby and Lieutenant Sanderson to the Ward Room, and for the two ex-prisoners, the trip was an eye-opener. "This ship, well...she's bloody well huge!" Captain Ashby remarked, and Sanderson nodded. 
     "That she is, sir," Wagner said. "And every time I come aboard, it's still an impressive sight."
     Sanderson looked around. "How in God's name did they ever build something like this? And they built how many?" 
     "Ma'am, you got me," Clemens said. "But they built quite a few of these ships." 
     "That they did, but it's still a mighty impressive sight," Wagner said. 
     "Always, Sergeant," Byrne said. "And like I told the Sergeant and the Petty Officer, "When we get home, there's going to be a call to build more of these. No matter how long it takes and a lot of black budget." 
     "After the fight between the Air Force and the Navy over who operates them," Wagner added. 
     "And who wins that fight, Sergeant?" Sanderson asked. As a Marine, she knew where she'd place her bets. And anything that cut the blue-suiters down to size was a good thing, in her opinion. 
     Wagner nodded. Towards Byrne and Clemens."Ma'am, in this case, I defer to the Navy."
     Sanderson laughed. "Well, sir," she said to Byrne, 'There's one blue-suiter around with a dose of common sense." 
     "A few days before the raid, I told her the same thing," Bryne nodded.
     As they neared the Ward Room, Ashby asked Captain Byrne, "How big a crew? I mean, sir, a ship this big..."
     "That's what I thought myself," Byrne replied. "There's a lot of automation, and a good deal of redundancy. But the habitable spaces only take up about forty percent of the ship. Crew size? About 3,000." 
     The two ex-prisoners were surprised. "That small? You'd think it'd be ten times that," Ashby said. 
     "So did I, but that's what it is. And there's also two or three hundred civilians aboard." 
     Ashby and Sanderson looked at each other. "Civilians?" 
     "Yes, sir," Clemens said. "Almost all of 'em are military dependents." 
     "Civilians? On a warship?" Sanderson asked. 
     "Ma'am, they pretty much had no choice," Wagner said. "After they fled their home planets, space was short, and some ships had to be abandoned. Those people had to go somewhere. And some crew found out that family members did survive, and they got moved aboard." 
     The two shook their heads in disbelief. Then the group arrived at the Ward Room. When they entered, they found Sire Pelias already there, with Sire Xaviar and Siress Tinia, "Ah, Captain," Pelias said. "I see you've brought a couple of guests." 
     "Sire," Byrne nodded. "I did, You know Captain Ashby and Lieutenant Sanderson by now/" 
     "I do," Pelias nodded back. "May I introduce two of my colleagues? Sire Xaviar?" 
     Ashby saw the Sire put out his hand. "Sire, Captain Ian Ashby, of the British Army." 
     "Captain," Xaviar nodded. "Pleased to meet you. It's always a pleasure to meet someone new from Earth." 
     "And Lieutenant Sanderson here," Ashby said, nodding to the Marine officer. 
     "Sire..." Sanderson said. 
     "Lieutenant," Xaviar nodded. "And this is Siress Tinia," He said, smiling. 
     "Siress.." 
     "A pleasure," Tinia said. "The Petty Officer has told us much about you and your friends." 
     "She has?" Sanderson asked, then she turned and saw Clemens blush slightly. "Well..that's to be expected. She told you what went on in that....place?" 
     "She did," Tinia replied. "And didn't spare details." 
     "We're glad she didn't." replied Sanderson. "Captain?" She indicated Captain Ashby. 
     "Siress," Ashby said. 
     "A pleasure, again," Tinia said. "I take it you've all heard of Pelias' offer to represent you?" 
     Ashby nodded. "Yes, we've been informed. And Siress? It's probably the best thing for now. We all need to get settled in, get used to just being free, find out what we'll all be doing, and so on. There's plenty of time to come up with something else." 
     "As I told them, Siress," Byrne added. "We've got a lot of that." 
     "Certainly," Tinia said. "And how is everyone doing?"
     "Fine, Siress," Ashby said. "Some are doing better than others, but overall..."
     "Everyone wants to get settled in and just be...normal, or normal as can be," Sanderson added. 
     "A not unreasonable desire," Xaviar said. "And then there is the....Tribunal that will be taking place." 
     "Sire," Ashby replied. "Like I told Captain Byrne; just say the word and we'll all be there." 
     "He'll only need a dozen or so to actually testify," Byrne said. "But everyone's case will be in the indictment. Including Sergeant Wagner." He nodded in Wagner's direction. 
     Sanderson nodded. "She wasn't there, thank God. But she was just as much a victim of him as anyone there." 
     Then both Major Croft and Captain Apollo came into the Ward Room. "Major," Byrne said. "And Captain." He introduced them to the two ex-prisoners. "I believe Major Croft has already met you." 
     "We have," said Ashby. "Night of the raid. When he and Wagner there," he nodded at Sergeant Wagner, "kicked down the door to the men's barracks." 
     "Sorry for the rude awakening," Croft said. "But we were running out of time, because everything in the compound had to be done before things went down in orbit." 
     Ashby and Sanderson nodded. Captain Byrne and Sergeant Wagner had briefed everyone about the raid, and had even shown gun-camera video from Vipers as well as both the Galactica and Constellation. "No offense, Major, but I think the SAS would have cut your time in half."
     Croft smiled. He'd been told about the SAS by both Captain Byrne and Commander Allen, and that they were considered by many to be the best Special Forces unit on Earth. They were on his list of units to contact and exchange data when they got to Earth. "Well, Captain, maybe when we get to Earth, we can run an assault exercise and see who is the best, period." 
     "They'll take you up on that," Ashby grinned. 
     Then Commander Allen came on via a monitor, and he exchanged the usual pleasantries. He was pleased that Ashby would be coming aboard Adelaide, and that being in charge of the ship's landing and boarding detail might be a suitable assignment. And that included being in charge of the ship's only Landram. 
     After that, came Baltar, Moray, and Orion, and the two ex-prisoners were polite, exchanging correct pleasantries with Baltar. Afterwards, Sanderon turned to Byrne. "Sir, he's the one who..."
     Byrne nodded. "He is, and everyone in this Fleet wants him dead. That line has 70,000 people in it, so it's a mighty long one. But as long as he stays on that Base Ship, no one can touch him." 
     "And no one wants to take a chance on killing him if he did leave, because no one wants to find out how his crew would react." Ashby said. 
     "Exactly, Captain," Byrne replied. "The detente has worked so far. Everyone lives up to their end of the deal, so no one wants to rock the boat."
     Then both Salik and Wilker came in, and Byrne introduced the Chief Scientist. "He may be eccentric, but he gets the job done. His people were the ones who cracked the Risik computers, and found their navigation charts. That helped us plan the rescue mission." 
     "Thank you, Doctor," Ashby said. "For whatever you did to help." 
     "You're welcome," Wilker said. "Though we're still busy. There's quite a lot of Risik material to still go through and examine, and not just for the Tribunal." 
     "Everything they know about Earth?" Sanderson asked. 
     "Yes, and also, Earth's neighbors," Wilker replied. "Their material shows that Earth has a number of neighboring solar systems with their own intelligent civilizations, at varying stages of development. How many yet, we still don't know."
     Both Ashby and Sanderson were surprised. "You mean Earth has...neighbors?" Ashby asked. 
     "Yes, and the Ke'zar are only one of them," Wilker said. "We'll put together some kind of information packet for all of you, so that you'll understand." 
     Pelias overheard that. "An excellent idea, Doctor," 
     The scientist nodded. "Thank you, Sire."
     Then Commander Adama, Colonel Tigh, and Academician Sarah entered. "Everyone," Adama said. "I see two of our new travelers are with us," he observed. "For their benefit, this is Colonel Tigh, the Galactica's Executive Officer," 
     Ashby and Sanderson nodded. "Colonel," Ashby said. 
     "And may I introduce Academician Sarah? She is a former university professor, and her specialty is in alien cultures. Her insight in such matters has proven useful in dealing with the Risik."
     Ashby and Sanderson gave polite nods, and she returned them.
     "Shall we?" Adama motioning everyone to sit, and all found a seat. "Before we get started, I think we can all agree that an evening that our Earth brethren can enjoy is in order. That will come after the Tribunal, but it will help us to get to know them, and vice versa."
     "Commander," Ashby said. "We can all use something like that. After so long..."
     "Precisely my sentiments," Pelias said. "Once the Tribunal is concluded, and the children's status is taken care of. On the Rising Star, I gather?" 
     "What's that?" Sanderson asked Wagner, and Ashby asked Byrne the same question. 
     "Think the QE2 meets Club Med, but aboard a starship," Wagner whispered back, and Sanderson's eyes got big. 
     "Indeed, Sire," Adama said. "Now, let's get going. It has been five days since the raid, and while any pursuit force has not arrived at Ne'Chak, as yet, we're still on alert. We may encounter Risik vessels that, though not aware of what has transpired, would sound the alarm if they get away. I would prefer to evade if at all possible, but we will engage, if necessary." He looked around the table and heads nodded. "Baltar?" 
     "Agreed, Adama," Baltar replied. "Even if one of their Cruisers evades one of our patrols, we'll still be able to see them long before they see us." 
     "Exactly, " Adama nodded. "So, let's get on with it. Doctor Salik, you may begin." 
     The CMO stood up to give his presentation. "Commander, everyone. Most of the rescued prisoners are cleared for normal eating, but seventeen are still having trouble. Hopefully, the day after tomorrow, all will be cleared for release, and able to move to their new billets." 
     "And the children?' Tinia asked. 
     "Doing very well, Siress, both the newborns, and there was a baby boy born five days prior to the raid, and the boy born just after their arrival on Galactica, and the toddlers. They're all in very good shape, given the circumstances." 
     Hearing that, Clemens smiled. Her friend Denise had told her that when working in the camp kitchen, she had managed to get the mothers some extra food for themselves and their babies. At considerable risk to herself in the process, but Denise was lucky, and hadn't been caught. 
     "The wounded trooper, Doctor?" Xaviar asked. 
     "Released and returned to duty," Salik reported, and Croft nodded agreement. Hadrian was back with the Team and going back into the usual routine. 
     "Very good, Doctor," Adama said. "Is that all for now?" 
     "It is, Commander." Salik replied, sitting back down. 
     "Thank you," Adama said. "Now, Doctor Wilker, I believe, has some new information for us?"
     "I do, Commander," Wilker said. He stood, and called up a holographic display. "We've gotten more of both the Commandant's own files, electronic and otherwise, and also the Governor's personal computer. As for the latter, we've found this: it's an electronic correspondence between the Governor and the Commandant, where the Governor says that the...price that the Commandant was asking was a bit beyond his means, and that he would go to the Corrective Camp to find what he was looking for." 
     Ashby and Sanderson looked at the display, then turned to either Byrne or Wagner. "How-" Sanderson asked Wagner, and Ashby did the same. 
     "Ma'am, I know, it's like a movie come to life. You get used to it, that's all." 
     Then Byrne broke in. "Doc, you're saying that the Governor was trying to get a slave from the camp for himself? But the price was too much for his wallet?" 
     "Yes, Captain," Wilker said. "That's pretty much it." 
     "The Commandant was trying to sell some of us to local big shots?" Clemens asked, her voice incredulous. So it wasn't just Lemeshik who wanted a Human slave, and now she wanted the Governor's head as well as both of her former captors. Preferably in the mouth of some nasty jungle animal.  
     "It would appear so, Petty Officer," Adama said. He looked around the table, and on the monitors, and everyone was clearly disgusted by what they'd heard. "Doctor," he said to Wilker. "Get that document to Sire Solon. He may find it of considerable use." 
     "Yes, Commander," Wilker replied.  "Now, we've found this in the Commandant's own files. It's a memo from him to the duty officers on each guard shift, the Sergeant of the Guard for each shift, and the Chief Guard. It states that in the event of a prisoner trying to escape, lethal means may be used to prevent such escapes."
     Allen spoke up from the Adelaide. "So he's telling his guards that anyone trying to escape can be shot, in other words?" 
     "That's exactly it, Commander," Wilker said. 
     "Commander," Wagner said. "Back home, that's what we call manslaughter at the very least. And at most? Murder. He may not have pulled the trigger on Ron, that's the prisoner who was shot and later died, but he gave the order." 
     Croft added, "Commander, I may not be an Opposer or Protector, but that does make him liable for that one death, doesn't it?" 
     "It would appear so," Adama agreed. "Get that document to Solon's office as well, Doctor." 
     "Yes, Commander," replied Wilker. "We've also found memos from the, well, Mayor of the town, and the District Administrator, thanking the Commandant for prisoner work details in town and out in the district. As Petty Officer Clemens said previously, the 'dirty jobs'; garbage pickup at the school and at Government House, street-sweeping, roadside litter pickup, that sort of thing." 
     "Adama," Baltar said from the Base Ship. "Nothing about these people surprises me now. They recorded everything they did. Not even our own bureaucrats were this.....active."
     "The Colonial Bureau of Internal Revenue would come close," Apollo said. The last mail he'd gotten from someone other than family prior to departing for Cimtar was a notice of audit from that government agency. It wasn't until after Gamoray that he'd actually opened it, and then threw it into a recycling bin. 
     "That they would," Adama agreed. "Anything else? 
     "We're checking for any references to possible Risik Agents on Earth," Wilker reported. "So far, nothing from either the material on the Derelict, or from Lemeshik's vessel. But we're still checking." 
     "The captains may not have been cleared," Apollo wondered aloud. 
     "Maybe," Byrne nodded. "But, they had to have had some kind of protocol to extract an agent if necessary. Every intelligence agency has to have those kinds of procedures." 
     Heads nodded. "You mean abductees, sir?" Wagner asked her CO. 
    "They wouldn't extract one of those, unless that person had been totally converted to their cause, Sergeant. I'm talking one of their own, who may have had cosmetic surgery to look more human, and had the relevant language and cultural training to blend in." 
     "Good Lord," Sanderson muttered. "Is that possible?"
     "It's quite possible," Salik replied. 
     Allen added, "And they might have abductees willing to give them the language instruction and cultural training. Especially if someone broke and never got over it, and just did whatever the Risik asked."
     "Or," said Wagner. "Someone who's bought their junk about 'civilizing' Earth and all that nonsense." 
     Starbuck, on the Base Ship, added, "Could be someone who'd been totally brainwashed." 
     "All are possibilities," Academician Sarah said, speaking for the first time. 
     "They have to have a protocol for extracting an agent," Apollo ventured. "Unless they were told to commit suicide if they were compromised. After destroying whatever off-world technology they had." 
     "If such material is in the Risik data, Commander," Wilker said. "We'll find it." 
     "Do so, Doctor," Adama said. "What else do you have for us?" 
     "We found this," Wilker replied. He called up another document. "This one, from the Commandant's office. He was apparently under consideration to be replaced."
     "Replaced?" Captain Ashby asked. "What for?"
     "Apparently, Captain," Wilker said. "Someone felt that since he was doing such a good job running that camp, he deserved a promotion. The head of their Security Service, someone we've identified as Eikhe, asked the Commandant if he wanted to be in charge of all camps for their own 'Enemies of the Order.' All camps of the strictest regime, the document says."
     The Earthers all looked at each other. "What was his reply?' Byrne asked. 
     "There wasn't one. He may not have gotten around to replying, as it was still sitting on his desk," Wilker said. 
     "Those 'strict regime' camps are what the Governor's mistress, Melnea, told us about. People go in, and they're worked to death," Wagner said.
     "After what he did to us?' Sanderson added. "He'd be a natural to run something like that. And he'd probably get one for himself, not just the whole thing." 
     Adama nodded. "Almost certainly," he said. "Anything else?"
     "Just this, sir," the Chief Scientist said as he called up another document. "This was from Lemeshik's files. It mentions a race we've encountered previously. The Ziklagi." 
     Heads perked up at that. "And what do the Risik say about the Ziklagi?" Tigh asked. 
     "Not an immediate threat, due to 'ongoing civil war and political turmoil,' the report says," replied Wilker. If he noticed Sarah fidgeting slightly, he didn't notice. "However, there has been no...official contact, just reports from traders and such." 
     Wagner nodded. "That fits with what that smuggler we caught says. They're probably far enough away not to worry, but...they might be asking traders who leave their territory to keep their eyes and ears open." 
     "And such, Doc?" Allen asked. "What do you mean by that?" 
     "Covert missions into Ziklagi space, Commander Allen," Wilker said. "Deep reconnaissance missions to gather intelligence." 
     "And what would the Ziklagi think of the Risik, Sarah?" Adama asked. 
     Sarah, aka Niizaka, the Ziklagi exile, paused for a moment. "They would consider the Risik a challenge, but one that would not give them much pause, Commander." She went on. "If, that is, there was not a civil war. Since there is....even if it ended tomorrow, there will be considerable time needed to rebuild, and to finish the necessary...purges." Something about the way she said the word made Wagner's skin crawl. "Along with the....cleansing of rebellious elements.." 
     "So the Risik-and anyone else in the area, has a bit of what we call 'breathing room?'" Allen asked. 
     "Yes, Commander Allen," Sarah replied. "One could say that." 
     "I see," Adama said. "Doctor, is that it for now?" He asked Wilker.
     The scientist nodded. "It is for now, Commander," he said, sitting back down.
     "Thank you, Doctor," Adama said. "Apollo, Orion?" He asked his fighter leaders.
     "Nothing to report, Commander," Apollo said. "No contact with any Risik vessels at all." 
     "Nor have any transmissions of any kind been detected," Orion added. "Either on standard frequencies, or on Gamma frequencies, Commander." 
     "Excellent," Adama said. "And no sign of any remote probes or beacons of any sort?"
     "None, Commander," Orion said. "Nothing at all." 
     "That won't last forever," Tigh said. He called up a navigation display. "There's three systems within patrol range of our course coming up over the next several days."
     "And any one of them could have a surprise waiting," Xaviar nodded. 
     Adama nodded back. "Exactly, Sire. As for Ne'Chak? How long until their reaction force arrives? Best estimate, Colonel, if you would."
     "Another day, maybe two," Tigh replied. "It depends on how long it took them to organize and dispatch such a force." 
     Pelias looked at the display, then at the two ex-prisoners, who were trying to push their jaws back into place, it seemed. All of this technology was very new to them, and he'd seen it before, with Captain Byrne and the others. "And apart from that decoy course to a Brown Dwarf, they have no idea where we've gone or where we're headed?"
     "Lacking any further information, Sire," Adama said. "It's a reasonable assumption." 
     "What the Sire says is quite logical," Moray added. 
     "It is indeed, Command Centurion," Adama said. "They'll have a very hard time picking up our trail, and I have no intention of making things easy for them."
     Heads nodded at that. And hopefully, when the Risik entered the last system the Fleet had stayed in, they'd find the "presents' left behind, in the form of a number of Cylon mines. And find those presents very unexpectedly....
     "Of course, Commander," Xaviar said. "Colonel, how about our fuel resources?"
     Tigh nodded. "Our stocks are still quite adequate, Sire. However, it is possible we may need to refuel before leaving Risik space entirely.
     "We'll know before then if we do need to find a fuel source, Sire," Adama said. "As we approach the fringe of Risik territory, finding systems with no guardians-whether it's a cruiser or simply a remote probe, will be easier. One of the reasons we stocked up prior to the raid was just for this reason." 
     "The less we have to stay in Risik space, the better," Baltar pointed out. Though it galled everyone else to do so, heads nodded agreement, for he was right. 
     "Exactly so, Baltar," Adama said, ever the diplomat when the occasion called for it. "Now, before we discuss the future, I believe it's time we heard from our two new travelers. Captain Ashby? Since you were the senior military officer there, and were the spokesman to the camp staff for the prisoners, you may go first, if you wish." 
     Ashby nodded, and turned to Captain Byrne. "Sir-"
     "Don't worry," Byrne reassured him. "You'll be fine. And when they ask questions? If there's something you don't want to go into, just say so. They'll understand." 
     "Yes, sir," Ashby said. "If you say so." 
     Byrne grinned. "Just be yourself, Captain."
     "Sir," Ashby said, then he stood. "Commander, everyone, " 
     "Captain," Adama said. "We've all met, so please, tell us your story." 
     "Yes, sir," Ashby said. "I had just returned to my unit's home station in Germany-" and he saw as Captain Byrne used his pad to call up a map, showing Western Europe, and where Ashby's unit, the UK 1st Armoured Division, had been stationed in West Germany as part of Britain's commitment to NATO. Byrne briefly explained the division of Germany and the two East-West alliances, before the end of the Cold War.  Ashby then continued, "From the conflict we call the Persian Gulf War, and when I returned from the war, I was reassigned to another regiment. Anyway, I had spent an evening off-base talking with a  friend who had been in another part of the division during the war, and was returning to my base when all of a sudden, my vehicle's lights, engine, everything just went out. I got out to see what the problem was, and off in the distance, over a nearby village, there was this white light. It approached me, and all I could make out was that it was a disc-shaped object, and very little else, the light was so blinding. Then I felt myself passing out." 
     "How did they knock you-and the others-out?" Apollo asked. 
     Ashby looked at Apollo. With his beard, he'd be a fit for a Royal Navy officer. "I don't know, and to be honest, none of us know. All I know is that it wasn't a gas. A brief sense of dizziness, then nothing." 
     "The scout ships weren't fitted with gas dispensers, at least that's what we found," Tigh said. "And those were the ships they used in the abductions." 
     "Doctor?" Adama nodded at Wilker. 
     "There are a number of possibilities, Commander. A sonic weapon of some sort is likely." 
     "No one described hearing any sound, Doc," Wagner said. "I didn't."
     "Neither did I," Clemens added. "Or Denise."
     Wilker nodded. "A sonic weapon, at a frequency beyond the range of human hearing, but still able to overwhelm a person, is quite possible. We've got the manuals for those scout ships, but with everything that's happened since, we haven't had time to go into them. The same goes for their abduction protocols. We know what they did after taking someone, but not how they went about it-from their viewpoint." 
     "When the Tribunal is finished, Doctor, that is your next task," Adama told his Chief Scientist. "How these abductions were carried out is something not only for our benefit, but for when we get to Earth. The authorities there will want this information." 
     "Yes, Commander," Wilker said, making notes on his pad.
     "Please, Captain, go ahead," Adama nodded. 
     "Yes, sir," Ashby said. "Next thing I know, I'm strapped to a table, and these....these men, were examining me. They gave me a full medical examination, then they asked me questions about two bases. One my own, and one that I had only visited once." 
     "What kind of base, Captain?" Xaviar asked. 
     'Sire, isn't it?" Ashby said. Seeing Xaviar nod, he continued. "It was for a unit called the 50th Missile Regiment of the Royal Artillery. They had American-made missiles called Lance. And they had only one mission: the delivery of tactical nuclear warheads." 
     "Something our Risik friends were very interested in," Byrne said. "All it would take to wreck a landing zone would be a tactical warhead or two and it would be easy to mop up any survivors." 
     "Even with their technology?" Croft asked. 
     Byrne nodded. "A couple of hundred-kiloton warheads on a landing zone would ruin anyone's day, Major. There's references in their planning material to their own armor and hover-craft borne infantry, and they'd want o get those forces off of the LZ and headed to their objectives. Get a low-to-medium kiloton warhead or two, or three, and that ruins that particular unit."
     Ashby nodded. "My regiment-the 3rd Royal Tank Regiment, would have been fighting there. And if we had to use the weapons if they survived the Risik attack on the base? We would have." 
     "I see," Croft said. "Better to go down fighting with everything you have, then." 
     "Major, that's about it," Ashby said. "Anyway, I told them I knew nothing about that base, and they weren't happy hearing that. It got a bit painful, but I stuck to my story. One of them puts a mask over my face, and the next thing I know, I'm waking up, they give me this vile-tasting stuff to drink, and shove a robe at me and tell me to put it on. I did, and they cuffed my hands and led me off the ship. And that's when I knew I was on another planet."
     "All those ships, sir?" Clemens said. 
     "Yes," Ashby smiled. "Looked like London's Heathrow Airport on a busy day, only these were spacecraft. Taking off and landing, and it was a busy place, wherever it was. And it must have been high noon, because that sun was so bright. They walked me off the ship, put me in a vehicle and drove me to the prison, and that's where I met Scarface for the first time."
     "They didn't make you wait?" Allen asked. "They did with the Petty Officer." 
     "Probably because I was an officer, Commander, and not from the enlisted ranks or a civilian," Ashby said. "He didn't waste any time, either. He asked me if I would answer his questions about those bases, and that I would be punished if I did not. Needless to say, I wasn't in any mood to answer, and when I told him no, he smiled. Then he got started......and I've been told that you know his methods, thanks to Petty Officer Clemens." 
     "We have, Captain," Tinia said. "No need to go into similar unpleasant details. But it was a very painful experience, I would gather." 
     "It was, Siress," Ashby nodded. "And when I passed out, they injected me with something so they could go on. Eventually, though, everyone has their breaking point, and I reached mine. I told them I would answer, and he brought someone in with a portable computer. They showed me imagery of my base, and that of the 50th, and I just told them what I knew. Then they gave me the robe back, and took me to a cell. After they shoved me in, I heard voices, human voices, and we talked under the cell doors. Except for Anna Popava, the Russian nurse, and an Israeli Army sergeant, everyone there was a civilian-until Petty Officer Clemens arrived. These people needed leadership, and I realized that I had to fill that responsibility." 
     Adama nodded. "And all of your fellow ex-prisoners respect you for that. No need to go into detail, Captain about your time on their home planet-we're familiar with that, from Petty Officer Clemens again, and leaving there and arriving at Ne'Chak and the camp. What we're most curious about is how you-and Lieutenant Sanderson-were able to defy Scarface and get away with it." 
     "Commander, it wasn't long after we got there that the rainy season began, and people started getting sick, colds, or whatever, and the two of us asked to see him. We told him that people were getting sick, and that if we were going to be working the rain, we needed some kind of rain gear. Even if it was a thin poncho of some kind." 
     "And the Commandant didn't like that, I presume?' Baltar asked. 
     Knowing what Baltar had done, Ashby kept his cool, but nodded. "That would be a fair assumption. He uprbraided us for our insolence, reminded us of our status and where we were, and threw us out. But a few days later, a supply vehicle arrived, and everyone got a thin raincoat. The thinnest one you can think of, but it was something." 
     "They didn't want anyone dying on them-yet," Sanderson said. 
     "Quite," Ashby said. "Another time was after we'd been there for how long? A hundred and eighty days or so, right?" 
     "About that," Sanderson agreed. 
     "Well, Commander, we had been working for at least that long with no time off. So the two of us, Sanderson and myself, asked to see the Commandant. We told him that everyone was getting worn down, and that we needed time off work every once in a while. His reaction was the same, but I don't know if it was the camp doctor who told him, but a few days later, at evening roll call, he told us that from then on, we would work for nine days, and get the tenth day off." 
     "Another small victory," Apollo noted. 
     "Yes, Captain," Ashby nodded. "But few and far between. I'll leave Lieutenant Sanderson to recount getting things more...comfortable for the pregnant women and then their babies. But there was one thing that happened after Petty Officer Clemens was taken from the camp: we formed an escape committee." 
     "Did you come up with any ideas?' Adama wanted to know. 
     "No, sir. Everything was still very preliminary. Even whether or not we'd actually try. But before the raid, I told the other members that any escape had to involve getting everyone out. How? We hadn't gotten that far yet, just that realization."
     "And go where?" asked Tigh. 
     "Just someplace where the Risik wouldn't dare follow. Someplace remote or rugged. We didn't have a map, and that's what we were hoping Denise-that's the Petty Officer's friend again-would come in. She worked in the Commandant's office on a regular basis, and she was going to steal a map. Then we'd know where we were, and hopefully, where to go. Now it's a moot point....but we felt we had to try something. Even if we didn't go, it was a way of resisting them," Ashby said. "But, Major Croft and the Sergeant there," he pointed to Croft and Wagner, "had other plans." 
     "All in a day's work, Captain," Croft said, and Wagner nodded. 
     "Apart from that....Commander, that's it. All we want now is to get home." Ashby said, sitting back down. 
     Adama gave a pleasant nod. "And all of you will," he said. "Now, Lieutenant Sanderson? We'd like to hear your story."
     The female Marine looked at Captain Byrne, then Sergeant Wagner, who said, "Ma'am, just follow the Captain's lead. Captain Byrne did this, so did Commander Allen, I did, Petty Officer Clemens did as well. You'll be fine." 
     "Just be yourself, Lieutenant," Byrne added. 
     "And Ma'am?'" Clemens said. "If you think you're nervous? I was when I had to do this. And I never had to get up and talk in front of big shots before." 
     "If you all say so," Sanderson said. "Never had to debrief in front of the Joint Chiefs before." She gulped, took a drink of water, then stood up. "Commander, everyone, I'm First Lieutenant Amelia Sanderson, United States Marine Corps. First of all, I'm not a combat officer. I' worked in a transportation unit." She paused. "And yes, like Captain Ashby, and both the Sergeant and the Petty Officer, I'm a veteran of the Persian Gulf War. I was based at Camp Pendleton, California, and near there is where I was abducted."   
     Byrne nodded, and called up a map of Southern California on his pad, and it came up on the holographic display, zooming in on the Marine base. "Home of the First Marine Division." 
     "Yes, sir. Anyway, I was on a solo hike off-base, in the Cleveland National Forest, east of the base. I had just planned to be gone overnight, and I had told my CO where I would be if I was late coming back for whatever reason. I had a couple days' leave, and wanted to unwind.. I was in my campsite, having just eaten, and was watching the stars, when what I thought was a meteor came into view. Then it stopped, and came down. As it got lower in altitude, I could make out the outline of a disc shape, but the light was so bright, I couldn't make out any other detail. It got closer, and like Captain Ashby and the others, I felt dizzy, then I passed out. Next thing I know, I'm on that ship, strapped to a table..."
     Heads nodded around the Ward Room table and on the monitors. It was, by now, a familiar story. "After the medical exam, what did they want to know?" Allen asked from Adelaide. 
     "Sir, they wanted to know not just about Camp Pendleton, but two places I've never been to, and couldn't tell them very much. One was March Air Force Base, northeast of Camp Pendleton, and the other was, well...San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant, right next to the base." 
     Apollo nodded. "The air base, I could understand, but why a nuclear power station?" 
     "The Risik plans emphasize creating as much confusion and disruption as possible prior to the attack," Byrne replied. "Knocking out a good portion of Southern California's electrical power grid does that pretty well. Though they'd have to be careful as to how they did it. The last thing they want is the reactors hit, and spewing radioactive material."  
     "How many reactors?" Pelias asked. 
     Sanderson nodded. "Two, Sire." 
    "And is this on their target list?" Adama asked Byrne. 
    "It is, Commander. They want the nuclear material at the power plant secured as soon as possible." 
    "Logical," Moray commented from the Base Ship. 
    "It is, Command Centurion," Adama said. "Please, Lieutenant, go on." 
    "Yes, Sir," Sanderson replied. "The interrogator on the ship used some kind of electrical prod, like what we use with livestock. He used it on several places, and it hurt,  but I kept telling him no. He gave up, and the examiner came in with a mask. I passed out, and the next thing I know..."
     "You're on another planet," Xaviar said. It wasn't a question. 
     Sanderson nodded. "They gave me this robe to wear, cuffed my hands in front, and walked me out of the ship. It was in the middle of the night, but that....base was busy. Ships taking off and landing, and there were two moons in the sky. They walked me to a vehicle, and they took me to the prison. Didn't take long until I met Scarface." 
     "They didn't make you wait because you were an officer," Starbuck asked over the com from the Base Ship. 
     "That's right. He told me to answer his questions, and I said no. I kept to my name, rank, and number, and he smiled. Didn't know any better, but when he smiled, very bad things usually followed." 
     Pelias looked at her with a solemn expression. "And they did." 
    "They did," she replied, rubbing her wrists as she did. "Sorry...torture cuffs. They can be ratcheted down almost to the bone, and if you try moving your wrists, they can shred your skin. After a while, I don't know how long, I reached my breaking point, and said I'd talk. They brought in a guy with a portable computer, and he called up imagery of the base." 
     Tigh nodded."How did they respond when you told them you knew nothing about the air base or the power plant?" 
     "Sir, they had some kind of monitor, and whenever I said something, there were these peaks and valleys on the screen," Sanderson replied. "They were pretty interested in that. Then they asked me about Pendleton, and well, sir, I told them pretty much everything I knew." 
     Byrne looked at her. "Not your fault, Lieutenant. You reached your breaking point. No one holds out forever." 
     "I know, sir," she replied. "But what was that monitor?" 
     Wilker recognized it immediately. "A stress analyzer." 
     "What's that, Doc?" Wagner asked. 
     "It's a form of lie detection. It measures the stress in someone's voice. They were probably using it to make sure she  wasn't lying," the scientist said. 
     "If she was...." Pelias wondered aloud. 
     "She would've gotten another round," Byrne finished. "As 'punishment' for lying." 
     "In all likelihood," Adama said. "Captain Ashby, Petty Officer? Either of you recall a similar device?" 
     "No, Commander," Ashby replied. "I was trying to maintain eye contact with Scarface." 
     "I don't either, Commander," Clemens said. "More like, I was trying to concentrate on  where it didn't hurt." 
     Adama nodded. "Perfectly understandable, both of you. And then, Lieutenant, they threw you in a cell?" 
     "Yes, sir. In the other cell block, and I had a cell next to Captain Zhukov, the Russian officer. We talked under the cell door, and I found out he had no training in prisoner-of-war survival. I told him I did, and though it's not as much as a pilot or aircrew member like Captain Byrne or Petty Officer Clemens gets, it was some training, and he deferred to me when it came to how to resist." 
     "Interesting," Xaviar said. "Well, when you got into the camp, how did you convince Scarface to, shall we say, accommodate,  the pregnant women, and later on, their children?" 
     "Sire, it was a challenge, but I basically told him that if he wanted those women to have their babies, they needed easier work details, then time off when it was time to have the baby, and have time off after the baby was born to care for the child. I could tell he was angry, just by his body language. He threw me out of his office, told me to get back to work, and so on. But a few days later, he had us clear out Barracks Three for the couples. And the pregnant women got the easier work details, and the time off. And he allowed Anna, the Soviet nurse, to run the nursery for the children while their mothers were working."
     "I see," Adama said. "But those occasions were few and far between?" 
     "Yes, sir. And everyone there has the scars to prove it when Scarface decided you needed to be....punished." 
     "I realize this may be difficult...Were you one of those that was....inspected? By that Lemeshik officer?" Xaviar asked. 
     "Yes, sire. Along with Petty Officer Clemens, obviously, and four others," Sanderson replied, trying to forget the hour or so that they had been degraded and humiliated, before the five who hadn't been chosen were told to get dressed and back to work. "And we never saw her again. There were a couple who said that they'd seen her when he came back to the camp one day, but I thought it was just wishful thinking. Now I know different."
     Allen spoke up. "Did you hope somebody would come and get you eventually? Some of them had lost hope, I got from talking to some of the others."
     "Yes, sir," Sanderson said. "I didn't care who, just as long as they were an enemy of the Risik, and took us from that place. Most everyone felt that someone, some day, would come for us. About a quarter had lost hope, but most of us, well, hoped someone would come." 
     "And someone did," Croft said firmly.
     "Yes," she replied with a smile. "Thank you, Major, and you, Sergeant," Sanderson nodded at Wagner.
     "Just another day on the job, Lieutenant," Croft said, while Wagner nodded agreement. 
     "Other than that, Commander, that's it," Sanderson said, sitting back down.
     "Thank you, Lieutenant," Adama said. "Now, there are a few other issues we need to discuss before we adjourn." 
     "Commander?" Apollo asked. 
     "First, Apollo, Orion, continue with the double patrols. The fewer chances of any Risik ships sneaking up on us, the better. And the more warning we have, the more likely we can get the Fleet onto an evasive course," Adama said.
     Xaviar looked at Adama "Evasive, Commander? Why avoid a fight if it's only one or two ships?" 
    "Yes, Sire, evasive. If we destroy every ship we encounter, it eventually gives them our location at that time, and they'll be able to plot our course. I do not want to engage unless there's no other choice. If they're chasing shadows instead of definite contacts, our chances of evasion increase greatly. And I don't want them able to plot our course under any circumstances."
     "And if we have to engage," Tigh added. "Better one or two ships, instead, of say, a dozen." 
     "I see, Commander," Xaviar said, chastened. "Being flush with success can bring unintended and unwanted consequences." 
     "It can, Sire," Adama nodded. "Right out of the Academy's basic leadership course." 
     "I remember now, Commander," Xaviar nodded. "It has been a while." 
     "Sometimes we forget," Adama smiled. "And frankly, I do not want to kill any more of them unless it's absolutely necessary. We're not at war with them, and that is not our purpose here." He paused for a few microns. "Is that understood?" 
     Heads nodded, both around the table and on the monitors. 
     "Very good. Apollo, Orion? As I said: maintain the double patrols, and the same Rules of Engagement are in effect." 
     "Yes, Commander," Apollo said.
     "By your command," Orion added. 
     "Colonel," Adama nodded at his Exec. "I want regular status updates on the fuel and fresh water supply. Let's see if we can avoid replenishment until we get clear of what the Risik consider to be their territory."
     Tigh made a note on his pad. "Of course, Commander." 
     "And once we're clear?" Byrne asked. 
     "We'll find new sources of fuel and water, and also a suitable location to....maroon anyone so sentenced," Adama replied. 
     Hearing that, Wagner turned to Sanderson, and Clemens was listening intently. "Hopefully, Ma'am, some nasty jungle world, or a barely hospitable desert." 
     The Marine officer nodded. 
     "And the Tribunal, Commander?" Tinia asked. 
     "Siress, the indictments will be ready to be served in three days," Adama replied. "Sire Solon has so informed me. Then we will set a date for Tribunal, and our Earth brethren, as they like to say, 'get their day in court.'." 
     "And these three....people get the punishment they deserve," Pelias said. 
     "One hopes, Sire," Adama said. "And there is a Council session in five days. Your resolution?"
     Pelias looked at Xaviar and Tinia, and both nodded. They were already co-sponsors, along with Pelias.  "All prepared and ready to present, Commander. The children's status will be formalized, and they will be recognized as dual nationals. Not just those rescued, but those who will follow," Pelias nodded in Byrne's direction, and he saw Byrne still fidgeting. Everyone knew why-for in four sectans, one of the rescued women would be giving birth to triplets.
     On his ship. 
     "Excellent, Sire," Adama said.  "Have you spoken with any other members?" 
     "Two or three," Pelias said. "I believe I can get four more members to also co-sponsor the resolution. Sire Anton and Sire Chan, as councilors emeriti, have also indicated their support." 
     "Very good, Sire," said Adama. "That makes it a majority in favor. Now, one other thing: IFB." 
     "What's that?" Ashby asked Captain Byrne. 
     "Their news and entertainment service," Byrne replied. "Their entertainment and sports shows are OK, but news? Think the worst of your Tabloid newspapers." 
     "Like The Sun or Mirror, but with a TV channel?" 
     "Right." 
     Ashby shook his head. "That'd be too kind," he snarled. 
     Adama nodded. "I've reminded Heller, that's the head of IFB, by the way, that whether or not any of you want to give interviews to them is your choice, not theirs. May I suggest that the two of you watch the interviews that Captain Byrne, Commander Allen, Sergeant Wagner, and Captain Byrne's daughter gave to them?  Then you can decide for yourselves as to whether or not you wish to grant interviews."
     "Thanks, Commander," Ashby replied. "We'll do that, and probably have a meeting tomorrow to decide. But any interviews, I can tell you now, will wait until after this Tribunal is over." 
     Heads nodded. "Understandable, Captain," Adama said. "As for Heller? I'll notify him. In fact, I'll put this under Military Security until the Tribunal is concluded. It will be hard enough testifying as it is. You won't have to worry about any camera crews bothering you." 
     Both Ashby and Sanderson gave out sighs of relief. "Thank you, Commander," Ashby said. 
     "You're quite welcome," Adama replied. "Anything else?" Heads shook no. "Baltar?" 
     "Nothing on this end, Adama," Baltar replied. 
     "Very good. If that's it, we're adjourned for now." 


     After Adama stood, the others got up as well. Pelias, Xaviar, and Tinia came over to talk to Byrne and the other Earthers. "Well done," Pelias said. "Hopefully, we can hear from some of the others, and in a similar setting." 
     "Nothing formal, like a Council Meeting," Tinia added. "Though at the upcoming session, they may want to hear from both Captain Ashby and Lieutenant Sanderson." 
     Hearing that, both gulped. This had been rough enough. "Uh...Sire, talking here was nervous enough," said Ashby. 
     "Don't worry," Xaviar said. "You won't have to worry about any....hostile members. I take it Captain Byrne has told you about the Il Fadim unpleasantness, and the two Councilmen who were involved?" 
     Both Ashby and Sanderson nodded. "He has, Sire," Sanderson replied. "And what happened afterward.." She glanced at Sergeant Wagner.  
     "Hopefully," Wagner said. "Either the criminal element marooned with them did them in, or they've had run-ins with some dangerous wildlife." 
     "One can hope," Byrne added. 
     "And a friend of mine on Constellation said that the last thing anyone in this part of the galaxy needs is a culture descended from those crazies," Wagner said. 
     "I don't think anyone would disagree with that, Sergeant," Xaviar said, and the others nodded agreement. "Though no one here is fond of animal cruelty, hopefully those lizard-type beasts took care of them." 
     "Here's hoping," Byrne nodded. Then he noticed Salik hanging back. "I think the Doc knows what I might have had in mind." 
     "Sir?" Petty Officer Clemens asked. 
     "I was hoping to get Captain Ashby and Lieutenant Sanderson over to the Officers' Club for a drink or two. But I guess that'll have to wait."
     Salik came by after he'd overheard that. "They're still in-patients, Captain," he reminded them all. 
     "And no doubt he's familiar with the antics of the 'Usual Suspects,'" Pelias joked. "Apollo, Starbuck, Sheba, Boomer, and a few others." 
     The CMO said nothing, but the smile on his face said it all. 
     "I figured as much," Byrne said. "Okay, Sergeant, Petty Officer?" He nodded at Wagner and Clemens. "You two escort the Captain and Lieutenant back to Life Center. I'll see the two of you at the Officers' Club." 
     "Oh, well," Ashby nodded. "After this long without a drink, what's a couple more days?" 
     "Remember, the doc always outranks you," Byrne said. "Even here." He glanced at Salik, who simply nodded. "Sergeant?" 
     "Yes, sir," Wagner said. She and Clemens started Ashby and Sanderson on the trip back to Life Center. 
     After they left, Byrne and Pelias looked at Salik. "How'd you guess, Doc?" Byrne asked. 
     "Having been around fighter pilots long enough," Salik replied cheerfully, "One gets used to their....antics." 
     "Figures," Byrne said. Then Salik left, and no doubt he was making sure Ashby and Sanderson didn't have any....detours that took them by the Officers' Club. "Well, Sire, after they get to either Constellation or Adelaide, then there's this Tribunal....."
     Pelias nodded. "It will be difficult for some, I would expect. But Sire Solon will understand. But if many are willing to testify....."
     "Then both Scarface and Lemeshik are finished. And let's hope the Governor joins them." 
     "I have no problem with that, Captain," Pelias said. "But if not..."
     "He can still be of use, Sire," Byrne said. "We can use him to carry a message back to his 'Supreme Leader.'" 
     "And what would you say?" asked the Sire. He was intrigued by the idea. 
     "Simple, Sire. 'Stay away from Earth, forget any ideas you have about going back,' and so on. 'And we'll be waiting for you if you do return. And make you regret it,'" Byrne said.
     "They may not listen," Pelias pointed out. "After Ne'chak...."
     "Their problem, Sire. But at least we can say we tried," Byrne replied, and Pelias nodded understanding. "Well, that's for later. Right now, Sire, I need a drink." 
     "Of course, Captain." 


     On the way back to Life Center, Wagner and Clemens were able to show Captain Ashby and Lieutenant Sanderson around. "My God, I still can't believe how big this ship is," Ashby said. "And with a relatively small crew at that." 
     "Yes, sir," Wagner replied. "And she's over five hundred years old, from what Commander Adama told us, but she's been refitted over the years, and wasn't that long ago, before they found me, that she was virtually rebuilt." 
     "How?" Sandeson asked. "They do it on the run?" 
     "No, Ma'am," said Wagner. "They had a battle with those Ziklagi aliens, and she was pretty badly damaged. Another alien race, who didn't like the Ziklagi that much, came to their aid, took her to a space station, and they rebuilt the Galactica to virtually brand-new condition. For a price, of course, but it beat the alternative." 
     "I'll bet," Ashby nodded. As they walked back to Life Center, they passed a compartment and heard children's voices. "Kids?" 
     "Yes, sir," Clemens said. "There's a number of kids between five and twelve, they said. All dependents of crew. That's their school, I think. They've also got a child-care center for the really young ones, and the equivalent of a high school for teenagers." 
     Both Ashby and Sanderson shook their heads. "Kids on a warship, but given what happened," Sanderson noted. "Like you said, they had no choice." 
     "Yes, Ma'am," Wagner said. "She's also got the usual facilities: recreation rooms, an observation deck, Commissary or PX, gym, everything the crew would need on a normal deployment. Because prior to their Holocaust, a deployment might last between six and ten months, our time." She looked at her roomie. "Kind of like how the U.S. Navy does it with a carrier group or a submarine."
     "And the firepower to boot," Clemens added. "They blew away a Risik ship that showed up a couple  days after they found me with almost no trouble at all." 
     Both officers nodded. That engagement had been included in the gun-camera video that Captain Byrne had shown everyone. "Still, when we get home, people are going to freak out when this ship gets into orbit," Sanderson nodded. "Not to mention the rest of this Fleet." 
     "Quite, Leftenant," Ashby replied.  "And then what?"
     "Then, sir," Wagner said. "we take it from there. Nobody's thought of something like this, unless you were a screenwriter or a sci-fi author." 
     "You're right about that, Sergeant," Ashby said. "It feels like you're in a movie. Like Star Wars, or such." 
     "Yes, sir," Clemens said. "But just imagine the effects budget!" 
     After a few more Centons, they came back to Life Center. "Here we are," Wagner said. They went in, and found Cassie waiting for them. "Cassie," 
     "Sergeant," Cassie smiled. "You brought them back. And I assume straight back?" 
     Wagner nodded. "We did, Cassie. Salik hung back after the meeting broke up. He wanted to make sure we didn't have a....detour to the Officer's Club. Which is what Captain Byrne had in mind." 
     "He did," Clemens admitted. "But Salik...he's too smart."
     Cassie had a laugh. "After being around Viper pilots since we fled the Colonies? He's gotten used to the antics of the likes of Apollo, Sheba, Starbuck, Boomer, and a few others."
     "Which is what I said to Captain Byrne," Salik said as he came into Life Center. "I followed you the whole way." 
     Wagner and Clemens shook their heads. But then again, it was deja vu all over again, as their own post-release time came back. "Oh, well...." Clemens said. 
     "What's a couple more days?" Ashby admitted. "It'll come soon enough." 
     "It will, Captain. But when I say so." Salik grinned. 
     "Doctors, Flight Surgeons, or whatever," Ashby nodded. "These things transcend distance, it seems." 
     "They do, Captain," Salik nodded politely. 
     The two officers shrugged. "Oh, well." Sanderson nodded. 
     "Just like the two of you," Salik reminded Wagner and Clemens. "Can't wait to slip the leash." 
     The two looked at each other. "Guilty," Wagner admitted. 
     Salik nodded. "It's only natural," he admitted himself. "A couple more days, then they're free and clear." 
     "Okay, Doc," Wagner said. "We'll see you later," she said to Ashby and Sanderson. 
     "Will do, Sergeant." Ashby said. "Thanks again." Then he and Sanderson headed to their respective wards. 
     "Let's go back," Wagner said to Clemens. "Thanks, Doc," she said to Sailk. "And you, Cassie." 
     "Anytime," Salik replied, and Cassie smiled. 
     The two left Life Center and headed back to the Officer's Club. "He remind you of anyone?" Clemens asked her roomie. 
     "Yeah," Wagner admitted. "The Flight Surgeon in the 120th back in Great Falls. He was just as gruff as Salik is, but he's just as dedicated to the pilots." 
     "Not in my squadron," Clemens said. "Our flight surgeon? He had the personality of a country doctor. He wanted to be one when his Navy hitch was up."
     Wagner smiled. "Come on. We've been busy the last couple of days. And a good beer is what we both need." 
     "Then lead the way, roomie." 

     Outside the Officer's Club, Captain Byrne was waiting for the Sergeant and the Petty Officer to come back from Life Center. While he was waiting, Sheba came up to him. "Lieutenant." 
     "Captain," Sheba nodded politely. "Waiting on the Sergeant and Petty Officer?"
     "You could say that," Byrne replied. "Seems like you're always missing out on a briefing." 
     Sheba smiled. "Either I'm on patrol, or I've got squadron paperwork, or whatever," she replied. "But Apollo fills me in." 
     "That's good," Byrne noted her slight grin at the double-entendre. "I was wondering though: what would your father think of all this?" 
     "The detente?" Sheba asked. "Frankly, I don't know," she admitted. "Hopefully, we'd encounter a patrol from the Pegasus, and they'd see us flying with Raiders, and then contact them. Just as Apollo and Starbuck ran into me and Bojay." 
     Byrne nodded at that. He'd read the after-action report, and both Apollo and Sheba had told him how they'd met. And she had Apollo locked up and ready to shoot......"Having you and Apollo explain things before he arrived might be a good idea." 
     "That's what we've thought," Sheba said. "Hearing it from the two of us....and then there's how he'd react to the Risik." 
     "Just what would he have done?" Byrne asked. This was an interesting exercise. He'd read how Adama and Cain had very different command styles, and finding out how Cain would've handled the Risik would be interesting. With no Pegasus, Sheba was the next best person to ask. 
     "He'd probably want to go off on some kind of diversion," Sheba said after thinking for a centon. "Either another nearby base, or maybe the big prize." 
     "The capital." said Byrne. It wasn't a question. "Go in quick, inflict as much damage as he could, then get out." 
     "And force the Risik to chase him instead of the Fleet," Sheba nodded. "Or he'd stay at Ne'Chak and just charge their Fleet Anchorage." 
     Just like Patton or Bull Halsey,  Byrne thought. "I ought to loan you one of my movies. It's about an American General who would remind you of your father. It's called Patton." 
     "I'd like that, Captain." Sheba said. Just then Wagner and Clemens arrived. "And here they are." 
     "Sir," Wagner said. "and Lieutenant," she nodded. "Mission accomplished." 
     "You did get Captain Ashby and Lieutenant Sanderson to Life Center?" Byrne asked. 
     "Yes, sir," Wagner said. "Though Salik followed us back." 
     "Every step of the way, Clemens added. "He made sure we didn't take any detours." 
     "That's Salik," Sheba replied. "He may be gruff, and put you on a leash when he thinks you need one, but when it comes to taking care of you? There's nobody better in the Fleet.  He saved the Commander's life, when we took those suicide hits after Gamoray, and I'll trust him with my life." 
     "At least he's no Frank Burns," Wagner said. "Which is good to know." Seeing Sheba raise an eyebrow, Wagner explained the M*A*S*H character, and the likely real-world counterparts.
     Sheba laughed. "Even in the middle of a war, there was humor. We had a vid-show kind of like that,  a while back. But IFB doesn't show it, and it may be lost for good." 
     Nodding, the Earthers followed Sheba into the Officers' Club. "Your new usual, Lady Sheba?" Freeman called as she came up to the bar. 
     Sheba just smiled, and Freeman drew a mug for her. To the Earthers, it looked like mineral water. To Byrne, that wasn't unusual; he'd heard of a USAF pilot who won a Medal of Honor in Vietnam who drank nothing stronger than iced tea. 
     "And what'll it be for you, Captain?" 
     "Three beers, Freeman," Byrne said. "On my tab." 
     "Comin' right up," the ex-Proteus prisoner said. "I was hopin' you'd be bringin' two new customers." 
     "How'd you know?" Wagner asked. 
     "Like I said earlier, Lassie, " Freeman grinned. "You pick up a lot in this job." 
     "Figures," Clemens said. "People blab." 
     Sheba took a sip of her drink, but before she could go over to Apollo, who was busy talking with Boomer and Croft, Byrne took her aside. "Sheba...how long have you been pregnant?" 
     "Captain, I..." she stammered, then in a low voice asked, "How did you know?"
     "Lieutenant, I learned from Genisis, Jen's mother. It was easy to figure out. You're being extra careful in your flying, your uniform's starting to show it, and your switch to mineral water. Along with a  few other things.  It's a dead giveaway," Byrne said. "How long? A Sectar or so?" 
     "About that," Sheba admitted. "I just didn't want to, well, tell anyone, with this Risik business..." 
     Byrne nodded understanding. "I understand, but right now, you've got a higher responsibility than just you being Blue Squadron Exec. You need to tell Apollo, Salik, and more importantly, Commander Adama. That's his grandchild you're carrying. And what would your father say? It's his grandchild as well," Byrne pointed out. 
     Sheba looked at him, but she knew that Byrne was right. "He'd probably ground me himself." 
     "There you go, then. Just smile, nod, give Apollo and the Commander the good news, have Salik check you out, and take whatever non-flying assignment they give you. After your maternity leave's over and it's time to requalify, you'll ace it." Byrne looked at her. "No pilot likes to be grounded, but of all the reasons, this is the best."
     Sheba nodded, and gave him a hug. "Thanks for the advice, Captain." Then she went over to where Apollo was still talking with Boomer and Croft. 
     "Sheba, what's up with you and Captain Byrne?" Apollo asked. 
     "I was asking him for some advice...." she replied. "Apollo...I really don't know how to say this, but..."
     "But what?" 
     She grinned at her husband. "I'm pregnant!" 
     Apollo's jaw dropped as Boomer and Croft slapped him on the back. "P...p..pre...pregnant?" 
     "Pregnant," Sheba said proudly. "We need to see Salik, get me checked out, and then tell the Commander." 
     Boomer slapped Apollo on the back again. "Congratulations, buddy! There's no better feeling than being a father." 
     "Leda and I never had the chance," Croft said. "But hey, congratulations, Apollo." 
     "Thanks," Apollo stammered. The shock of the news was still setting in. "I, uh...we have to tell Boxey." 
     "He'll be glad to have a baby brother or sister," Sheba smiled. "Come on, let's go see Salik." And she dragged Apollo behind her on the way to Life Center. 
     Wagner and Clemens watched in amazement. They saw that Captain Byrne wasn't surprised in the slightest. "Is he still in shock?" Clemens asked. 
     "He'll snap out of it," Byrne said. "I did, when Jen's mom told me she was preggers.....his voice trailed off, that memory coming back. "Well, how soon until Starbuck or someone else starts a baby pool?" 
     "He's on the Base Ship, sir," Wagner pointed out. "But when he does...."
     Freeman smiled. "Knowin' Starbuck, he'll probably take bets from Baltar, even." 
     "Just like the M*A*S*H episode when Potter's grandchild was due. At least there's no Father Mulcahy to have inside information." 
     "Cassie and Salik will know," Clemens said. "But they'll keep their mouths shut." 
     "They will," Byrne said. "Wasn't like this when I was coming up in the Navy. Not that many female aircrew or enlisted crew in the squadrons in the '90s. When I was CAG, though...on the '02-'03 Constellation cruise that went to Iraq, every squadron had female air and ground crew, and five hundred women were part of the crew. It didn't mean that I had to like it, though." 
     For Wagner and Clemens, this was something that they hadn't known about their Captain. They looked at each other. "Sir?" Wagner asked. 
     "When I was at Annapolis, there weren't that many women in my company, even though about ten percent of the class were female. At flight school? There were only three. And the law against women in combat hadn't been tossed when I first went on a carrier cruise." He took a drink out of his beer glass. "When the law was changed? I asked my roommates on the carrier what they thought of it. They didn't like it at all." 
     "If it's not broken, don't fix it," Clemens said.  She recognized that feeling at once. When she reported to her squadron prior to deploying for the Gulf War, there were some in the unit who didn't think female crew or pilots-even in a non-combat squadron-was a good idea. Those attitudes had shut up after Desert Storm. "Sir, at boot, they told us, if somebody with scrambled egg on their hat and stars on the shoulder tells you how it's going to be..."
     "And at Annapolis," Byrne nodded. "Basics of Leadership, in your Freshman  or Plebe year. You say 'Aye, aye, sir,' click your heels, and do your best to carry out that order. Even if you don't like it. Bull Halsey and Patton got orders they didn't like, back in WW II, but they did their best to carry them out." 
     "Or Cain," Boomer said. He'd overheard the conversation. "He had a reputation as, what's the term? A Maverick?" 
     "That's about it," Byrne nodded. "He did things his way, right?'
     Boomer nodded back. "You got it. He and Commander Adama had an argument about going for Gamoray, and he even blew up two Cylon tankers we were supposed to capture instead to force the issue.. He wanted that base. Commander Adama relieved him, until Baltar's task force  showed up and decided things." 
     The Earthers nodded. They'd all read about Gamoray, the destruction of two base ships, and the Pegasus being MIA afterwards. "But like I was saying," Byrne said. "A lot of people in the Navy felt letting women go to sea and go into combat aviation was a bad idea. And I was one of 'em. The Navy's had to change-and so has the Air Force, Sergeant," he nodded at Wagner, "and the other services-"
     "But it doesn't change the way you feel, sir," Wagner said. Even in her Air Guard unit, there'd been a few old-fashioned sergeants and senior officers who felt the same way Byrne did. 
     "That's right, Sergeant, and no offense to you two, but call me old-fashioned, stubborn, pig-headed sexist, or whatever, I thought it just was a bad idea. And I could only tell close friends how I felt-" 
     "Because it would've affected your career," Clemens finished, "Uh, sir." 
     "Yep," Byrne admitted. "But no choice. I was thinking of going public with my views and resigning when I came home from the Iraq cruise, but NASA called.....When Congress-that's our legislative branch, and our President tell the military 'This is how it's going to be from now on', the military does what it's told." 
     "Just like us," Boomer said. "If it's any consolation, Captain, we went thorough the exact same things you're describing. Eight hundred yahrens ago." 
     Byrne nodded. "There's a difference: you people had no choice because the Cylons can build whole armies and Fleets on assembly lines, and you couldn't stop that. Every time you blew up a ship or blasted a base, they just built more. With us, it was because our political leadership and our legislators thought it was a good idea. I just wish that the politicians had stayed out and let the military decide these things. The military shouldn't be used for social engineering." 
     "Not how things work," Boomer nodded sympathetically. "With us or with you." 
     "No," Byrne agreed. "One more, Freeman," 
     "Comin' up, Captain," the barkeep nodded. 
     "Well, sir, changing the subject," Clemens said. "I haven't told anyone else this, even the Sergeant, but...before I was abducted, I applied for Aviation Officer Candidate School. Before I joined the Navy, I had two years of college, and they told me that after getting my commission and wings, the Navy would pay for the remaining two years of college." 
     "Well, I'll be, Petty Officer," Byrne said as Freeman brought his second beer. "We might have crossed paths that way. What'd your CO think?" 
     "My aircraft commander? Lieutenant Williams thought I had it in me not just to be an officer, but an aviator. She endorsed my application and so did the squadron CO," Clemens said wistfully. "But the Risik had other plans....."
     "Wait a...." Byrne said, then stopped. He thought for a centon. "There is-or was, an astronaut named Suni Williams at NASA: two trips to the ISS, more EVA time than any other female astronaut, a Navy Captain..."
     "Suni Williams? That's her!" Clemens exclaimed. "So Lieutenant Williams became an astronaut? She was my aircraft commander!" 
     "Well I'll be damned," Byrne said, and he saw Wagner slap her roommate on the back. "She was still with NASA when I left on the Mars mission." He looked at Clemens. "If she hadn't come down with a nasty case of bronchitis, she would've flown instead of Genesis. She was on the backup crew....when Suni got sick, they put Gen in her place." 
     "Small universe," Clemens said, nodding at Boomer. "One more thing to hate the Risik for." She looked at Wagner, then at her CO. "We all had plans for the future, career goals, meeting someone, having a family, and they took all that away from us! And for what? Because 'the gods' told them it was all right?" 
     "Easy," Wagner said, hugging her roomie. "I was studying for the Sergeant's exam in the Sheriff's Department when they grabbed me. Forty yahrens in a tube...." She thought for a centon. "I probably would've gotten married, had a couple of kids, retired, bought a ranch...." Then she drained her beer and motioned for a refill. "At least there's one good thing I know about the scum who took me." 
     Croft came up for a refill. He'd overheard her as well. "What's that, Sergeant?" 
     She nodded thanks at Freeman for the refill. "They're dead. And I know they're dead." 
     The commando leader looked at her. "At least there's the bright side." 
     "What's that, Major?" Byrne asked. 
     "Scarface, Lemeshik, the Governor? We won't be wasting food, water, and oxygen on them for much longer. Won't be long until the Tribunal," Croft reminded everyone. 
     "And they feed some starving wildlife," Clemens said. 
     "Hear, hear," Byrne said. He raised his beer glass. "Here's to that." 
     Three beer glasses and two mugs came together. Clink. 
     "What do you guys have against wildlife?" Boomer asked deadpan. 

     "Pregnant?" Commander Adama asked Sheba. She and Apollo had gone to his office after seeing Salik. A quick exam with scans had proven it, and Sheba's pregnancy was normal and healthy. Of course, she had been immediately grounded until her maternity leave expired, but she took it in stride, if not too happily. Then she and Apollo had gone to see the Commander, and they had asked that Athena join them as well. 
     "Pregnant," Sheba smiled at her commanding officer and father-in-law. "One sectar down, eight to go." 
     Adama smiled as Athena hugged her sister-in-law. "If only your father, and Ila, were here," he said. Then he got up and gave Sheba a hug. "And the bond between our two families gets stronger. Do you know if it's a boy or girl?" 
     "Too early to tell yet," Sheba said, glancing at Apollo. "Boxey should be getting out of Instructional Period soon, and we'll tell him at dinner that he's getting a baby brother or sister. But I hope it will be a girl, Commander. Though my father, if he was here, would want to have a grandson." 
     Adama nodded. "Before we celebrate, I assume you've considered who will take Sheba's place as Blue Squadron's Executive Officer?" 
     "Yes, Father," Apollo said. "I thought about Jolly, but he's not screened for command yet. I was thinking of Dietra. She fills in for Starbuck as Red Squadron's Exec when he's off as Liaison Officer on the Base Ship." 
     "I'll leave it to you and Boomer to make those arrangements," Adama said. "Though Jolly could use the experience. And Sheba's temporary assignment?" 
     "She'll be the full-time training officer," Apollo said, and Sheba nodded confirmation. "Not just new cadets, but anyone who needs to requalify." 
     Adama nodded approval. It was probably the best possible TDY duty for her. "And it means you can keep up with simulator time, so when it's your own turn to requalify, you won't have a problem." 
     "Captain Byrne said pretty much the same thing, Commander," Sheba replied. 
     "You told him?"
     "I didn't need to. He put things together on his own, because he saw the same signs with Jena's mother, when it came to pregnancy. I was just waiting for the right moment to tell Apollo, but..."
     Athena grinned. "It's kind of hard to hide, especially if someone knows what to look for. Speaking from experience..."
     "Boomer caught on fast, didn't he?" Sheba asked. 
     "He did. And when we found out it would be twins..." 
     "Which made it doubly joyous," Adama finished. He went and poured four glasses of water from a carafe on his office table, and everyone took a glass. "To the new parents, and their new child." 

 
     The  next morning, during a working breakfast with Adama, Sire Pelias and Siress Tinia, where the upcoming Council session was discussed, it had come up that though the Council should hear from the rescued Earthers. A less formal setting would likely be preferable from their standpoint, Pelias indicated.  Adama understood, and thought that perhaps a teleconference from either Constellation or Adelaide would be best, though several would be back on board  Galactica to testify at the upcoming Tribunal. There was still time to sort the issue out, and after some other, more minor business, had been concluded, Adama left for the Bridge. When he arrived, Colonel Tigh was waiting, as usual. 
     "Good Morning, Commander," the XO said. "The morning sitrep is ready." 
     "Good Morning, Tigh," Adama nodded as he logged in. "Let's have it." 
     "No sign of any Risik vessels or transmissions, the patrols report," Tigh said as Omega came over with a pad. "The first patrol will return in thirty centons, and the next set will launch in forty-five." 
     Adama nodded as Omega came up with a pad. The overnight Bridge report. Adama studied it, then signed it with a stylus. "Thank you, Omega," he said. "What else?" 
     "Doctor Wilker has some additional information that he has relayed to Sire Solon," Tigh reported. "It concerns the Governor. Or, one might say, the ex-Governor." 
     Adama raised his eyebrow. "Does it, now?' What does Wilker have on him?" 
     "He indicated that the Governor did request prisoners to do cleanup and other, what Lieutenant Sanderson or Petty Officer Clemens would call 'dirty jobs' at Government House. Extremely menial. The exact details will be available at the next situation briefing." 
     "Hmm," Adama said as Athena came up with another pad. "That means we can get the Governor as well. Three for three, as Captain Byrne or Sergeant Wagner would say. What else?" 
     "Fuel and water inventories are still adequate, barring any accidents," Tigh said. "And it should be pointed out that three systems will be within patrol range within the next two days." 
     Adama nodded as he scanned the pad, then signed it and returned it to his daughter. "Thank you, Athena,"  He went over to her station. "Call up the alien data on those systems, please." 
     "Father," she said, typing in the request. The stats on the three systems came up. "The first one, it's a Red Giant, with two gas giants and their moons, and an asteroid belt. No life forms, according to the Risik data." 
     "Still a place for someone to hide," Tigh commented. "Just like Cimtar."
     "Quite," Adama noted. "We'll have to check it out, just to be safe. The other two?" 
     "The second star is a K2V Orange main sequence star," Athena reported. Seven planets, including one that we'd classify as a Garden World." 
     "A suitable colony world," Adama said.  "Though the biosphere may be different. Recall the world where we found Sergeant Wagner." The others nodded. "Any Risik notes on that subject?" 
     Athena nodded. "It says here 'Flagged by Ministry of Colonies for further exploration and environmental studies. No indigenous intelligent life noted." 
     "Hmm, a long-term goal, apparently," Adama commented. "The final system?" 
     "That one's an M2V main sequence star, but the planet in its life zone is tidally locked. Only cursory information listed. And it's at the extreme edge of our scanner range." 
     Adama nodded again. They would check all three out, to be safe, and it was a pity that the garden world would have to be bypassed. Though likely to hold resources that they could use, the need to get out of Risik space as soon as possible prevented any exploitation by the Fleet. "Thank you, Athena." 
     "Father," she replied. 
     "Anything else?" Adama asked his Exec. 
     "Today is the first day possible that any Risik reaction force can arrive at Ne'Chak," Tigh reported. "The system is now well back in our wake that we can barely pick up the star on scanners." 
     Adama nodded, then went to the Plot Board. "I wonder: what is my opposite number thinking now? I imagine he's wondering who we are, where we came from, where we may be headed, and," he turned to Tigh. "will we be back?' 
     "There is that, Commander," replied the XO. "In his boots, I'd be thinking the same." 
     Adama nodded again. "There's one thing we could have included in the raid plan, if we'd thought of it. We could have just as easily left some mines at Ne'Chak, just as we had at the system we left." 
     "A lost opportunity, Commander, but we did leave a lot of debris behind," Tigh reminded his CO. "The debris could play the role of mines, especially if a ship hits debris at appreciable speed...." Several high-profile shipping accidents in the Colonies, where ships had hit space debris, came to Tigh's mind.
     "It will, Tigh," Adama said. "Anything else?" 
     "Doctor Salik reports that the number of rescued prisoners still on a restricted diet is down to a dozen. He's hopeful that all will be cleared for release tomorrow." 
     "Hopefully," Adama said. And those former prisoners would move to Constellation or Adelaide, and start the next stage of their trip home. "Is that it for now?" 
     "It is, Commander," Tigh said. 
     "Thank you, Colonel," Adama said. He then went back to the Plot Board and stared at the Chak system. Let's hope you're in a world of trouble, whoever you are, Adama thought of his opposite number, whoever he was. And the more trouble, the better.

     Unknown to Commander Adama, at that very moment, Admiral Triligan paced the bridge of his flagship, a Strike Cruiser whose name, if translated, would be Valiant. His battle group had entered the Chak System and moved cautiously into orbit around Ne'Chak, only to find an extensive amount of debris, and one of his exploratory cruisers had not been cautious enough, and had found a large piece of debris the hard way, by colliding with it, and suffering extensive damage to the bow. The Admiral fumed, but the fact that the idiot of a Captain had been killed in the collision spared him the need to have him executed for negligence. That ship was now limping back to the Capital, with another exploratory cruiser in support. Now down two cruisers, he had put his battle group in orbit, and launched scout ships to survey the planet. After receiving their report, the troop ship that had accompanied his battle group had landed a pacification force  to restore order, as there was considerable panic among the civilian population, many of whom had fled the capital city, fearing a second attack was coming, as well as to deal with the inmates of the Corrective Camp, who had rebelled and were now at large. The Admiral had ordered that they be considered as Rebels in Arms Against the State, and treated accordingly. Which meant that  they were to be killed on sight. 
     Now, with State Security and Star Force Security now investigating the attack, he had some preliminary answers. A pair of small contacts had been detected a tenar before the alien capital ships had appeared on scanners, and the defenses had hardly any time to react. The scanner logs from the command center had been replayed in detail, and the Admiral was now convinced that the two contacts had been assault craft, inserting an assault force to attack the Te'rean Slave Camp, and free those there. He was interrupted, though, by Ulrikh, the judge sent by Eikhe, the Director of State Security, to judge those arrested by either security force. "Yes?" 
     "Admiral, I have completed the initial investigation." 
     "And what have you found?" 
     "The assault against the camp was executed with lethal precision. The only survivor known was a guard who happened to play dead after his barracks was hit by rockets and high-powered grenades. The attackers knew where to go, exactly where to go, and were in and out in twenty-five tenarri, his estimate. Though he is unsure, given that he was playing dead and did not wish to reveal himself to the attackers, for obvious reasons,' Ulrikh reported. "It was suggested that he be charged with cowardice before the enemy, but I felt that would be unwise." 
     The Admiral was slightly surprised to hear this from the State's Chief Judge. Ulrikh had a habit of  convicting over ninety-nine percent of his cases, and hearing from him that clemency was deserved was a surprise. He made a mental note of this, for future reference.  "And what else have you discovered?" 
     Ulrikh showed him some imagery of several empty rocket tubes on the ground. "These. They are our ordnance. How these, these....Te'reans obtained these is yet to be determined.." Ulrikh looked at the images, then the Admiral. "Some of these are older models, and the inventory numbers on those match numbers lost many years ago. We are still checking, though." 
     "Star Force Security has these?" Triligan asked. He perused the images, showing the expended rocket tubes. Someone wanted to disguise their origin, but who? Te'reans, perhaps? He still had no hard information. 
     "Of course, Admiral," Ulrikh said. "These Te'reans destroyed the Commandant's office and quarters, VIP quarters, Interrogation Building, and the prisoners' barracks before departing. With surgical precision, I should add. Why, I do not know." 
     The Admiral nodded. "I will talk with one of our Special Assault Team leaders. They train for operations of this sort, and he would know what to do if he was tasked with this assault. His insights will be useful in this matter." He glanced at the overhead imagery of the camp. 
     Just then, Admiral Triligan's intelligence officer came in. "My Lords?" 
     "Yes?" Triligan regarded him. "Your report?" 
     "Our troops have captured the leader of the revolt at the Corrective Camp," the intelligence officer reported. "Along with a hundred or so of his followers. Sixty more were killed in battle with our troops." 
     "Pardon me, Admiral, but my presence will be needed on the planet. The rebels will need to be judged. A prompt public trial, followed by a public execution, will show the citizens that we are looking out for them, even with the Governor being missing," Ulrikh reminded the Admiral. 
     "On that subject, Lord Ulrikh," the intelligence man replied. "The aides to the Governor say that he was at the Slave Camp." 
     "What was he doing there?" the Admiral wanted to know. 
     "He was attending a private dinner with the Commandant. Both of whom are nowhere to be found, and their bodies have not been found as well." 
     "I may not be a military man, Admiral," Ulrikh said. "But that does lead to the possibility that the attackers had orders to capture them if possible. If they were Te'rean, or their lackeys, both men would be very valuable sources of information about a great many subjects." 
     Triligan's intelligence man nodded. "Star Force Intelligence believes that to be so as well, My Lords." 
     "Anything else?" Triligan asked. 
     "No further information on the capital ships. Some debris is being recovered, for analysis to determine the weaponry used. And a preliminary search along their departure trajectory has found nothing." 
     "Very well," the Admiral said. "Report when you have new information."
     "We will, Admiral," the intelligence officer said. 
     "You're already late with it," Triligan said, a menacing tone to his voice. "Dismissed." 
     The intelligence officer bowed and left, leaving the Admiral and the Judge to discuss matters. While the Bridge Crew went about their duties in silence. 
     "This sounds like the attackers had inside information," Ulrikh said. "The targeting here was not indiscriminate, but quite the opposite." 
     "Yes, they knew exactly what to attack, and what to avoid," agreed Triligan. He turned to his flag aide. "Have intelligence begin a search to discover if there are any missing ships in this sector. Military or civilian, it doesn't matter. Go back as far as you can in this. These attackers may have captured a ship or two in order to obtain the intelligence they needed." 
     "Yes, Admiral," the aide replied. 
     "It is what you would have done?" Ulrikh asked.
     "Precisely," Triligan said. "Also, get the scanner logs for twenty days prior to the attack. Have our intelligence specialists examine them for anything unusual." 
     "Yes, Admiral," the aide replied. He went off to relay the order. 
     "Speaking of the scanners," Ulrikh said. "The entire duty shift at the command center at the time of the attack has been arrested, apart from the officer who detected the unidentified contacts. They will pay the penalty for their Dereliction of Duty and Failure to Defend the Risik State and People." 
     The Admiral sighed. This was normally a matter for Star Force Security, but the Supreme Leader's orders had been precise: Ulrikh was in charge of the investigation, and would report to Eikhe, the head of State Security. "That is your responsibility," Triligan said."However if I may make a suggestion? Spare a few of the rebels. Our attackers here had information, and our deviant citizens are, if nothing else, clever. They may have had this uprising planned long ago. Or perhaps they were incited to rebel.." 
     "An excellent suggestion, Admiral," Ulrikh nodded. "Yes, a few of the rebels will be spared for interrogation by Star Force Intelligence. If, however, they reveal nothing of use to us, they shall face the supreme penalty." 
     The Admiral nodded. "As for our efforts in space? I have sent out scouts along the last known trajectory of the attackers, and we will be conducting reconnaissance of several nearby systems, in order to determine if they were used by the attackers." 
     "The Te'reans, you mean." 
     "I am not ready to reach that conclusion," Triligan reminded the judge. "If we can determine conclusively that it was them, then I shall report that to the Supreme Leader, as well as finding and destroying them." 
     "For your sake, Admiral, I hope so," Ulrikh reminded him. 
     "For all of our sakes, My dear Ulrikh," Admiral Triligan reminded him. 

     
     Aboard Constellation, Captain Byrne was talking with several of his department heads about the new arrivals who would be coming aboard ship in the next day or so. Not just the newcomers' living arrangements, but also the duties that the military personnel among them would be assigned. "Mr. Dante, we've got mostly civilians, but several of the newcomers are military personnel, or have prior military experience, so we'll need to see what duties aboard ship are compatible, but, as we discussed earlier, we'll see about retraining." 
     "Of course, Captain," Dante replied. 
     "One of them is what we call a Marine, or, essentially, amphibious assault troops. Though she's not a combat officer, she's a natural to be officer-in-charge of any landing or boarding parties." 
     "What was she on Earth?" Dante asked. 
     "A transportation officer. She worked in divisional supply convoys," Byrne replied. "Though she did say that when she was in our Gulf War, her unit did come under hostile fire, and she and several Marines under her command returned it. She'll be the officer-in-charge, while Sergeant Wagner will be the senior NCO. We'll draw people as needed from Security and the squadrons, and if I have to accompany a landing party? You come along, Mr. Malik," the Captain nodded, recognizing Zohrloch sensibilities.
     "Of course, Captain," Malik said. It was a point of honor to him that he accompany his captain on such occasions, and he was pleased that the Captain recognized that. 
     "See that she's trained on our Landram, Mr. Dante, and I have three things for you, Mr. Dilley." Byrne said, turning to his Damage-Control Officer. 
     "Sir?" 
     "First, get the new arrivals trained in shipboard firefighting and first aid-you'll be working with Dr. Rena on the latter,"
     "Yes, sir," Dilley replied. He'd done the same when the civilians first came aboard, and he saw Dr. Rena nod. 
     "Second, some training in basic damage-control procedures," Byrne said, and he saw Dilley nod. "And the third, Mr. Dilley? There is one of Krylon's old smuggling compartments close to where they'll be billeted, correct?" Byrne asked. 
     "Yes, sir," Dilley replied. "We haven't started using it for storage, as we talked about earlier, but why do you ask?" 
     Byrne looked at his DCO. "Sergeant Wagner made the suggestion, Mr. Dilley. I want that compartment converted into a children's playroom and child-care center. Dr. Rena, it'll be under your department."
     "An interesting suggestion, Captain," Dr. Rena commented. "We've had two births already, and with half a dozen small children who came aboard with their parents, having a place where the children have space, to, well,just try and be children. It can only be a good thing. And their parents can socialize." 
     "Exactly," Byrne said. "One of the ex-prisoners who's coming aboard ran the nursery in that....place. I imagine she'll want to keep working with kids. She is a military nurse, and was the only human medic there. See to it that she's trained on Colonial equipment, Doctor." 
     "Yes, sir," Dr. Rena said. "As for the others? Doctor Salik has sent me their records, and we'll be ready for the babies that are due." 
     Hearing that, Byrne winced for what must have been the hundredth time. "Of course, Doctor. Just have everything ready." 
     "Yes, Captain," Dr. Rena replied, and Dilley nodded. 
     "Now, they should be here tomorrow, but if not? The following day, in all likelihood. Anything else?" 
     "What about the others?" Dante asked. "As in other shipboard duties?" 
     "We'll wait on that, Mr. Dante," Byrne replied. "Right now, getting them all settled in, and for them, getting used to being free, is more important. Keep in mind that they're only five days removed from an environment where they were told what to do, when to do it, and how to do it, or else they were tortured for fun.  Getting them settled in is our priority at the moment. Then there's this Tribunal coming up." 
     "Understood, sir," Dante replied. "There's plenty of time." 
     "There is that, Mr. Dante," Byrne said. "Anything else?" Heads shook no at that. "All right, that's it for now. Dismissed." 
     After his department heads had left, Byrne shook his head. Children. Too bad they didn't mention this at Annapolis. He made a few notes on his pad, then went to his computer. He called up the navigation data, and found the Chak system far enough in their wake that the star was barely visible. Byrne knew that today was the earliest that a reaction force could arrive there, and he thought for a moment about the force commander. Hope you had the surprise of a lifetime when you found what we left behind, Byrne thought. And you'll be chasing shadows, if we play this right. After his talk with Sheba, he was wishing that Pegasus was around to pay the Capital a visit. He smiled at both of the thoughts, then headed for the Bridge. 
  
     In Life Center, Sergeant Wagner was talking with Cassie. "Day after tomorrow?" 
     "Afraid so, Sergeant," Cassie said. "There's a dozen whose stomachs are still, well, touchy. Doctor Salik doesn't want to take any chances, and make sure they can handle a normal diet." 
     "Just like with me, or the Petty Officer," Wagner said. She was recalling her own first efforts at solid food after her time in stasis.
     Cassie smiled. "Right you are. Better safe than sorry." 
     Lauren nodded, and looked into an open cabin, where Catherine and Michael were busy with their new baby, and Jen was giving them a hand. "Looks like Jen's picked up baby-sitting skills she never knew she had." 
     "She has," Cassie said. "She'll be a wonderful mother, when the time comes. You never had children, did you?" 
     Lauren shook her head. "No, but my boyfriend and I were trying. Maybe I'll meet someone here, and, well....you know." 
     "I know what you mean," Cassie replied. She handed Lauren a cup of java and took one for herself. "What are you doing when you get home?" 
     "I've told a few people: look up any family I have left and see if my boyfriend's still alive, though he's likely an old-age pensioner by now. Get my military back pay, build a house someplace, and just sit back and relax. And get some guard animals to keep the news media away," Lauren said, and having a laugh at the last part. 
     "Your counterparts to IFB," Cassie joked. "They can be pretty obnoxious, Captain Byrne said once." 
     "IFB's the worst of the bunch," Lauren said. "I was on R&R with a friend from Constellation, and she took me to some Triad matches. During the intermission, an IFB crew came over to us. They only asked three or four questions, but it was three or four too many. In your face and pretty damned rude." 
     "I remember seeing you," Cassie said. "I could tell by the expression on your face you weren't happy to see them." 
     "Believe me, I wasn't," Lauren replied. "I told some of the guys on Croft's team about it, and they said if I'd thrown the reporter and the cameraman into the arena, and the next two teams trampled them into the deck plates?" 
     "Yeah?" 
     Lauren grinned. "They said people would've been cheering." 
     Hearing that, Cassie let out a laugh. "And those cheers would've been all over the Fleet, Couldn't happen to a more deserving bunch. Though we do have strict laws about hazardous waste disposal ." The two laughed, then the telecom buzzed. "Excuse me." She picked it up. "Life Center, Dr. Cassiopeia. What? Yes, sir, she's right here." Cassie handed Lauren the telecom. "It's for you. Commander Adama." 
     "From the top? What'd I do?" Puzzled, Lauren took the telecom. "Yes, sir? Yes, sir, we can be there as soon as possible. Sir, what's this about? Oh, him.....Yes, sir, we'll be right there. Yes, sir." Then she handed the telecom back to Cassie. "Well, that's interesting. The Commander wants to see me and the Petty Officer. Right now." 
     "What?" Cassie asked. 
     "It's about the ex-Governor," Lauren said. She went over to a ward where Jessica was talking with some of her friends. And they were laughing. Captain Byrne had told her about how one found humor in the most unlikely of places, and that had even included the Hanoi Hilton. "Hey, Jessica." 
     "Lauren," Jessica said. "Just talking about old times. And how we were able to get a few laughs at the guards' expense in that hellhole." 
     "I'd like to hear that, but it'll have to wait," Lauren said. "Commander Adama wants to see the both of us. Right now." 
     Jessica got up. "What's up?" 
     "He didn't say exactly, but it's about the ex-Governor." 
     "That scumbag?" Denise asked. "All those times he had us working around Government House doing menial jobs.....hope you guys can nail him." 
     "Or give him a swirly," Jessica quipped. 
     "So do I," Lauren said. "Let's go." 
     Jessica nodded, and got up. "See you guys later." Then she and Lauren left Life Center and headed for Commander Adama's office. 
     It didn't take long for the two of them to get there, and Wagner pressed the door chime. "Enter," Adama's voice came, and the two went into the Commander's Office. 
    "Reporting as ordered, Commander," Wagner said as the two saluted. 
     "Sergeant, Petty Officer,' Adama said. "Please, be seated. Normally, I'd let Captain Byrne handle something like this, but shipboard duties aboard Constellation will keep him there the rest of the day. So it falls to the two of you." He handed Wagner a folder. "Have a look at this. Wilker's people found this in the Governor's personal computer." 
     Wagner opened the folder and had a look. There were two documents, one in the alien script, the other the translation. She read the latter and scowled. "Commander? Is this translation right?" 
     "Doctor Wilker assures me that it is, Sergeant," Adama said. 
     "What is it?" Clemens asked. 
     "It's a letter from the Governor to Scarface, asking him for prisoner work details to work around Government House. For sweeping sidewalks, litter pickup, garbage collection, cleaning the head, that sort of thing," Wagner said, a hint of contempt dripping from her voice. 
     Clemens wasn't surprised. She had worked her share of those details. "There had to have been a reply, because we worked there. I did my share of details at that place." 
     "There is, along with something else," Adama said. 
     Lauren read the second document, the reply from the Commandant, granting the Governor's request. Her fury at the man, already high, grew as she read the paper. Then she found the third document. It was a letter to the Commandant again, thanking him for the prison details and the "exemplary work" the prisoners had performed. "Sir, I'm no lawyer, but this means we can nail him. He's requesting and using slave labor. And he's thanking the Commandant for their use." 
     "The bastard," Clemens hissed. "Uh, sir." 
     "No apology necessary, Petty Officer," Adama said. "And yes, we can get him for that, Sire Solon has told me. As well as being an accessory to all the kidnappings. Except for yours, Sergeant." 
     "Commander, I'd like to have another go at him. Just the two of us, and maybe we can get him to crack," Wagner asked. 
     "I thought you would," Adama said. "Maybe seeing this material might penetrate his front, and we'd get some more answers. We have two more days before the indictments are served, if you'll recall." 
     Wagner nodded. "Yes, sir. There's something else: didn't Sub-Commander Morovik say that Lemeshik was bending, if not breaking, a couple of regulations to have the Petty Officer on his ship?"
     Adama looked at her. "He did allude to that, Sergeant. What are you getting at?" 
     "Sir, what I'm getting at is this: It couldn't have just been greed that got the Commandant to sell the Petty Officer to Lemeshik. With his....family and their, well, enterprises, chances are, they've got something on the Commandant, something that Scarface would want kept secret."
     "Petty Officer?" Adama asked. "You know the both of them better than anyone else." 
     "Yes, sir. It's possible," Clemens said. "If Lemeshik's family found out something on Scarface? He'd use it somehow. Even if it meant paying the Commandant's price." 
     "Like what, Petty Officer? Gambling debts, perhaps?" 
     "He doesn't strike me as the gambling type, sir," Wagner said. "Did they have card games at those, uh....banquets?" she asked her roomie. 
     "They did," Clemens replied. "Like our poker, or your pyramid, Commander, You think he could be owing people money for that?" 
     "It's possible," said Wagner. "Or he's involved in black-market activity, like say, selling camp supplies on the black market, or discovering his supply officer is doing so, and looking the other way, in exchange for a cut of the proceeds."
     "Embezzling camp funds is another possibility," Adama noted. "Or he may have ties to a political faction that he wants kept quiet." 
     "Commander, anything's possible," Wagner said. "Sir, have they finished cracking all of Lemeshik's files? 
     "I haven't asked recently, but let's ask Doctor Wilker, shall we?" Adama went to his telecom. "Bridge, Commander Adama." 
     "Omega here, Commander," the voice over the telecom answered. 
     "Get me Doctor Wilker, please. And feed this to my quarters." 
     "Right away, sir." 
     In a few microns, the connection was made, and the Chief Scientist's face appeared on a wall monitor. "Commander?" 
     "Doctor," Adama nodded. "How goes things today?" 
     "We're just about finished with the work on the material Sire Solon will need for the Tribunal," Wilker reported. "And we're starting work on that abduction manual." 
     "Very good, Doctor. Is Technician Hummer available?" 
     "He is, sir." 
     "Good. I have a job for him. There are files on Lemeshik's personal computer that you haven't been able to go after yet, correct?" 
     "Yes, sir," Wilker replied. "With all this other work that's come up, we haven't had a chance to. May I ask what you're looking for?" 
     Adama nodded. "Anything and everything on Tsernavia, aka Scarface, the Commandant. There's a chance that Lemeshik and his crime family may have had something on him. Something he may have wanted kept hidden." 
     "We'll get to it right away," Wilker replied. "I'll let you know once we have something." 
     "Thank you, Doctor. And once this Tribunal is completed? You and your people will have earned that sectan's rest I promised. And you'll get it." 
    "We're looking forward to that, Commander," Wilker said. "I'll report when Hummer's done his work." 
     "Thank you, Doctor." With that, Adama cut the connection. "And we're off. If there is something there, Hummer will find it." 
     "He usually does, sir," Wagner said. "And soon....we'll have all three in court."
     "We will," Adama said. "Now, I suggest that you two go and have that talk with the former Governor. You can have that folder for now, and report to me on the Bridge when you've finished." 
     "Yes, sir," Wagner said, and she and Clemens saluted. 


     In Wilker's lab, Hummer went right to work. Lemeshik's files were encrypted, but with his skills, and the decrypting programs available to him, the files were child's play. In a matter of centons, he was in, and began searching. As he did so, he marveled at what he was finding. Information on a number of military officers, religious officials-to include a number of priests and high priests, and what appeared to be various planetary governors or other officials. It would take a while to scan for everything on the  Commandant, but Hummer was patient, and knew that what he was looking for, and thus the Commander, would be found. One bit, though not about the Commandant, caught his eye. The name Eikhe had come up, and a search of the alien database found that Eikhe was head of their General Security Department, or in other words, the Risik's secret police organization. "Hmm...Doc?" 
     "What is it, Technician?" Wilker said as he came over. 
     "Nothing yet on the Commandant, but take a look at this. They've got something on the guy who runs their secret police. Seems he thinks the 'Supreme Leader' may be terminally ill, and he's trying to gather support to get the job." 
     "The whole crime family has this?" Wilker asked. 
     "Looks like it, Doc," Hummer replied. "Okay...here we go. Tesernavia. The Commandant. Seems he's got some money problems. And a supply officer who's involved in the black market." 
     "He'll do whatever it takes to keep those under wraps," Wilker said. "Anything else?" 
     "Nothing yet," the tech shook his head. 
     "Keep looking, and print out what you have for the Commander. Add the stuff on the secret police chief as well. Any information on their government leaders helps, the Commander said earlier." 
     "Will do, Doc." 

     
     At that moment, Apollo and Brie were out on patrol, with Orion and his wingmate. The Cylon Strike Leader, to Apollo's surprise, had asked why Sheba wasn't flying, and it took a little explaining of the concept of pregnancy, but Orion had finally understood that in order to protect the child Sheba was "constructing", she was off flight status. That taken care of, the pilots settled down to another patrol. 
     "So, Apollo," Brie asked. "Do you want a boy or a girl?" 
     "Sheba wants a girl, but I don't know just yet. Boxey wants a baby brother, though." 
     In her cockpit, Brie grinned. An only child herself, it had hurt her that her mother hadn't been able to have another child, after her father's early death, and all her childhood, she had wanted a sibling. But she was happy for her exec, and glad to have Dietra, an old friend from the Battle of Kobol, coming over to fill Sheba's boots. Though Jolly was also a good friend, she was glad to be flying with her old classmate  again. "I don't blame him." 
     "Neither do I," Apollo said. "I wasn't happy at first when Athena was born, and glad to have Zac." For a centon, memories of happy times with his little brother came back. Then a call from Brie broke his reverie. "What is it?" 
     "Scanner contact, X-plus 25,000. It's a ship, right at the edge of scanner range." 
     "I've got it. Orion?" 
     "I have it as well, Captain," Orion replied. "It is too far away to scan for identification." 
     "Let's take a look. Scan for an ID as soon as you can. If it's Risik, remember the Rules of Engagement." 
     "By your command, Captain," said Orion. The four-ship then turned and headed for the contact. In a matter of centons, they were in effective scanner range. "Contact identified. It is a Risik Exploratory Cruiser."
     "Confirmed, Apollo," Brie said. "He's on a course that won't intercept the Fleet, but he'll get close." 
     "Close enough to worry?" Apollo asked. He had the contact on his scanners as well. "I'll call it in. Blue Leader to Galactica." 
     "Galactica here, Blue Leader," Rigel's voice came over the com.
     "We've got a bad guy on scans, and he might get close to the Fleet."
     "Copy, Blue Leader," Rigel replied. "Will notify the Commander." Then she turned to Commander Adama's station. "Commander? Blue Leader's patrol has a contact. Confirmed as a Risik Exploratory Cruiser." 
     Adama's eyebrow came up. "Omega, transfer that data to my console, please." 
     "Transferring, Commander," Omega said, and the data came on one of the monitors. 
     Tigh came over as Adama watched the contact. "Where's he coming from, and more important, where's he headed?" 
     "Two very good questions, Colonel," Adama said. He turned to Athena. "Plot his approach vector, please." 
     Athena nodded, "Yes, Commander." She typed in the request, and it didn't take long for the alien's estimated course to come up. "He's coming from the Red Giant system." 
     "He must be on a patrol," Tigh mused. 
     "I'm thinking the same thing as well," Adama said. "Athena, his departure vector?" 
     "The ship's headed for a G8V Yellow main-sequence star, 6.8 light-yahrens away. It's one we bypassed en route to Chak." She typed in a request for further information. "Garden world, but..."
     "But what?" 
     "It says here, 'Incompatible biosphere. No intelligent indigenous life forms detected. Water is fit for consumption, but plant and animal life is not." 
     Tigh nodded. "Just like the world we found Sergeant Wagner at, Commander." 
     "Yes, it is," Adama noted. "Colonel, launch Red Squadron's alert flight, and have Baltar launch his alert flight. They'll take over monitoring the Risik ship until he clears our scanner range."
     "Yes, Commander," Tigh said. He relayed the order, and Boomer and Dietra's ships shot down their launch tubes, and two Raiders flew out from the Base Ship. They then set course to rendezvous with Apollo and Orion's patrol. "Alert fighters launched, Commander." 
     "Very well," Adama said. He put on a headset. "Apollo, Orion, have you scanned the ship for human life signs?" 
     "We have, Commander,' Apollo replied. "Negative for humans." 
     "Confirmed, Commander," Orion added. 
     "That's a relief," Adama said. "The alert fighters from Galactica and the Base Ship have launched, and are en route to you. When they arrive, turn over monitoring of the Risik to them, and resume your patrol." 
     "Understood, Galactica," Apollo replied. 
     "By your command," Orion said. 
     A few centons later, Boomer led the alert force to the rendezvous, and after a quick exchange over the com, Apollo's patrol went back onto their original heading. Boomer's fighters tracked the Risik ship until it was clear of the Fleet's scanners, then they turned and headed back to the Fleet. 
     "Well, Commander," Tigh said. "That's that." 
     "For now," Adama reminded his Exec. "It may not be so easy next time. If he was on a course towards the Fleet, we may have had to engage him. And I don't want to do that unless it's absolutely necessary." 


     While that was going on, Sergeant Wagner and Petty Officer Clemens headed to the Brig. Their destination was the isolation area, where the ex-Governor, Raduztak, was being housed. The two went to the guard station, where Corporal Stamaris was on duty. "Corporal," Wagner nodded. 
     "Sergeant," Stamaris said. "And this must be Petty Officer Clemens." 
     "It is," Wagner said as she signed in. "We're here to see the ex-governor." 
     "Just sign in, Ma'am, and I'll need your sidearm," Stamaris replied. 
     She nodded, and handed the Mark-23 over. As she did so, Stamaris whistled. "You like?" 
     "Do I? Stamaris asked. "You bet. But Lords....this was state-of-the art, a couple thousand yahrens ago." 
     "It still works, and before you ask, yes, I've killed with it. That Il Fadim Castor and I found on Galactica. He took three shots, and any one of the three would've been fatal. And I used it on the raid." 
     "I'll take your and Castor's word for it, Ma'am," Stamaris said. He put the weapon aside, and opened the door to the isolation area. They went to the cell housing the ex-Governor. "I'll be right here, Ma'am, if you two need anything."
     "Thanks," Wagner said. She and Clemens went to the cell door, and as it opened, they found Raduztak sitting on the bunk.
     Raduztak sneered at them as they entered. "So...the Te'rean bitches honor me with their presence."
     "I'd watch my mouth, Governor, though you may not be having that title for much longer," Wagner said. "It turns out you may be in a heap of trouble." 
     "What are you talking about? The last time you were here, you said that if I had not mistreated the slaves, I would not have anything to worry about." 
     Wagner got into his face. "That was before the Colonials' computer techs cracked your personal
computer," she said with an evil-looking smile. "They found these." She pulled the documents out of the folder she had in her hand.  
     "What nonsense are you-"Raduztak glared at her.
     "It's a letter from you to Commandant Tsernavia," Wagner said, shoving the document into his hands. "Asking for work details from the slave camp." 
     "Where-"
     "It's from your own computer, like I said," Wagner snarled. "The second document is his reply to you, and the third? It's a letter from you to him, thanking him for the work details and praising the work the prisoners did." She got into his face. "You were procuring and using slave labor, Governor." Wagner let the title fall from her lips. "And our Colonial friends have some pretty strict laws about that." 
     "Life in prison, or marooning," Clemens said, speaking for the first time.
     "And you probably saw her," Wagner added. "Scrubbing toilets, sweeping the sidewalk, or picking up garbage. All because your worthless toilet-paper scrolls said it was all right." 
     "You are Te'rean. And as with any other lesser race, we can treat you in any manner we see fit. One day, you will bow to your masters," sneered Raduztak. "It is written in the scrolls, and the priests have decreed it to be so." 
     "That was several thousand years ago," Wagner reminded him. "A lot's changed since. And for sure, when we get to Earth, we'll make sure that we can defend ourselves. And if that bastard of a 'Supreme Leader' and his cabal of lackeys decide to return to Earth? It'll be the last trip your Fleet makes." 
     Raduztak stared at her. "You are joking."
     "Oh yeah. Ha-ha.," Wagner said. "And chances are, we'll decide to finish the job the Ke'zar started. And make sure you never, ever threaten Earth or our neighbors ever again."
     "Of all the....mere boasting."
     "It's not. Your worthless scrolls or lying priests haven't foreseen the Galactica or the Base Ship. And, if I were you, I'd be glad that the charges of accessory to kidnapping and slavery aren't capital. Because I'd love to see the likes of you shoved out an airlock," Wagner hissed. 
     "Too bad," Clemens said. "Hope he likes jungle or desert.."
     "So...Wagner added. "We'll be back tomorrow. And you'd better tell us what we want to know about Lemeshik, Tsernavia, and some of your superiors, like the Supreme Leader." 
     "I have nothing more to say to you," Raduztak said.
     "In that case, I'd be thinking about something else, then," Wagner told him. "What I'll be saying in court." 
     "I will speak the truth," Raduztak said with pride.
     "Then I'd be thinking about something else, If I were you," Clemens said. She got into his face. "I'd be remembering my hostile-environment survival training." 
     "She's right," Wagner said. "Stamaris? We're through here." 
     Raduztak stared at them. "In that case, I regret nothing." 
     "Your choice," replied Wagner. "But think about it. Because we'll be back tomorrow, and have some questions about Lemeshik, Tsernavia, and your superiors. And I'd be blaming those two for your predicament." 
     "What nonsense are you talking about?" Raduztak asked as Stamaris opened the cell door, and Wagner gathered her materials. 
     "Fate can be cruel, or kind. If Tsernavia hadn't sold her to Lemeshik," Wagner nodded at Clemens. "None of this would've happened. And you'd still have your nice, cushy job." 
     He stared at them as they left. And Clemens had the last word. "Have a nice day." 
     After they left the isolation unit, Wagner picked up her sidearm. "You do know I'm right about that." 
     "You are," Clemens said with a shudder. "If he hadn't sold me...."
     "Try not to think about it. What's done is done. Now, let's see about nailing all three to the wall." 
     Hearing that, Stamaris looked at both of them. "What?"
     "Figure of speech," Wagner explained. "One meaning is that they're all going to be convicted, and there's nothing they can do about it." 
     "I see, Ma'am," Stamaris said. "I was on standby for a CSAR Team, but thank the Lords, we didn't get called. But I've heard plenty from guys who went to the camp....that place was nasty, they said."
     "More than that," Clemens said. "Be glad you weren't there." 
     "I'll take your word for it," Stamaris nodded. "Need anything else?" 
     "No thanks, Corporal," Wagner said. She turned to Clemens "Let's go. The Commander's waiting."
     "To the Bridge?" Clemens was incredulous. "Never been there." 
     "First time for everything," Wagner said. "Come on." 

     The two went up to the Bridge, and when they got there,  Clemens was surprised. "My God.....looks like a movie set." 
     "That's what I thought, the first time I was here. You get used to it, that's all," Wagner replied. She looked around for Commander Adama, and found him at the Plot Board with Colonel Tigh. "Commander? Reporting as ordered, sir," she said, and both saluted. 
     "Sergeant, Petty Officer," Adama said. "How did things go with the ex-Governor?" 
     "Commander," Wagner said. "He's the same. Stubborn, and convinced that he's done nothing wrong." 
     "And sir," Clemens said. "He's convinced that their priests and scrolls give sanction to everything they do. He's not cynical, like that smuggler captain." 
     "Not a surprise, given how far Ne'Chak is from their Capital. He'd have to be totally dedicated to their regime in order to be appointed to the position, and to keep it," Adama said. "Anything else?" 
     "Sir, he was surprised that we've broken his computer. It's probably arrogance, but I think the thought that someone might crack his encryption never occurred to him," Wagner said. "And there's one other thing."
     Adama nodded. "And that is?" 
     "Sir, there's a chance, a slim one, but there's a chance he might, as we say on Earth, flip, if he thinks that Lemeshik and Scarface are to blame for his predicament, and he might either want to testify, or cut a deal. But, sir, I'd advise against it. He'd have to give us something really important on those two, or something on their Supreme Leader or other top officials, before I'd even consider a deal." And two chances of that, she knew. Slim and none.
     "And why is that, Sergeant?" Tigh asked. 
     "Sir, he was procuring and using slave labor. The only difference between him and Lemeshik? He didn't pay. He got the use of prisoners from the camp as part of his official duties," said Wagner. "In my mind, they're all equally guilty." 
     "I agree," Adama said. "It would take a great deal of information from him to get a deal, and I share your doubts about him turning on the other two. And what did you mean about blaming them?" 
     "Sir, I told him that if Scarface hadn't sold the Petty Officer to Lemeshik, none of this would've happened, and he'd still have his cushy job. I hate to say this, but..."
     "You're quite right," Adama admitted. "If he does turn, it's up to Sire Solon to decide if a deal is to be made. But there's enough evidence against them all to convict." He turned to Clemens. "Petty Officer? I'd like to hear your thoughts." 
     "Sir," Clemens said. "I saw him when I was on work details to Government House: scrubbing toilets, picking up garbage, sweeping the sidewalk, that sort of thing. But they wouldn't let us into the residence." 
     "Why's that?" Adama asked. 
     "I could show you...Sir, do you have a pad and a stylus?" 
     Athena came up with one. "Here you go." 
     "Thank you, Ma'am," Clemens said. She then drew a building that was an upside-down T. "Sir, it's this: The length of the T? That's the office area. You name the government agency? They had offices there. But the base of the T? The residence portion is there. He had a two-floor residence all to himself. And they didn't want any of us going in there." 
     "Why would that be?" Athena asked. She'd been paying attention to the conversation. 
     "Probably because he had Melnea, his own slave," Wagner said. "They wouldn't want the prisoners seeing that they could-and did-enslave their own people. And guess who cleans the Governor's suite?" 
     "She does,' Clemens said. "No guess there." 
     "And it maintains their image of 'the Chosen Race' lording it over everyone else," Wagner spat. "Uh, sir."
     Adama smiled. "No apologies necessary, Sergeant. The question does remain, though: will he cooperate in the future?" 
     "Sir, I doubt it. He might tell us what kind of a....man the Supreme Leader is, if he's met him, and so on, but he'd be pretty proud of that. And in all likelihood, he won't give us anything more basic than that. If we can get him to believe that Lemeshik and Scarface are to blame for where he is now? He might open up. I'd emphasize might, sir." 
     "We'll know tomorrow," Adama said. "And we'll talk to Scarface one more time, before the indictments are served. Then a date will be set for Tribunal, and things will flow from there." 
     "Yes, sir, " Wagner said.
     "Anything else?" Adama asked. Both shook their heads. "Very well, that'll be all. Good work, both of you." 
     "Thank you, sir," both Wagner and Clemens replied. 
     "Dismissed." 
     Both saluted and left the Bridge. After they left, Tigh turned to his CO. "Are all of the Risik like that? The ones in authority, anyway?" 
     "Unfortunately, Tigh, they are," Adama said. "Unlike the smuggler, who has reason to be cynical, their senior officers and government officials have to be totally dedicated to the regime." He shook his head. "At least we've bought ourselves a great deal of security from them by taking out the shipyards and stardocks, and we've also done any local non-spacefaring races a favor. They won't have to worry about the Risik paying them an unfriendly visit anytime soon." 
     "There is that, Commander." 

     After leaving the Bridge, Wagner and Clemens went for lunch, and they decided to hit the Crew Mess. They ate, then went back to Life Center, and they found Jen helping another one of the couples; Natalie and Josh, and their baby boy. "Hey, Jen," Lauren said. "You've got diaper duty down pat." 
     "Nothing wrong with learning early," Jen grinned. "And here you go, Natalie." 
     "Thanks, Jen," Natalie said. "You're a natural with kids." 
     Jen smiled. "Well, I must've inherited that from Mom. She was a genius scientist, but she must've had something else in her." 
     "I'll bet," Natalie said. "His name's Kyle, by the way. Named after Josh's older brother." 
     "Where's Josh?" Jessica asked., looking around for Natalie's partner, who was not in the cabin.  
     "He's with Salik," Natalie said. "He's one of the people still getting used to eating normal. That so-called food kept you alive and healthy enough to work, but..." 
     "Day after tomorrow, hopefully, you'll all be out of here," Lauren said. 
     "Cassie told us," Natalie said. "Anyway, we had our meeting. No interviews with those IFB slimebags. Until after this tribunal. We took a vote, and it was unanimous." 
     "Good for you," Lauren said. "Let Zara and Zed stew for a while." And Jen and Jessica noted the contempt in their friend's voice for those two. No love for the Fourth Estate, they noted. 
     "We missed you guys at the meeting. Where were you?" 
     "Business," Jessica said. "We were interrogating the ex-Governor." 
     "Can you say anything?" Jen asked. "From what you said before, they're stubborn, arrogant, self-righteous, and that's just the start."
     "You summed it up," Lauren said, and Jessica nodded. 
     "They're all like that?" 
     "They are," Natalie said. "They're convinced 'the gods' go along with everything they do." 
     "And you guys got an earful of their 'gods' crap," Jen said. "Jessica told us." 
     "We did," Natalie said. "One of their priests came by every once in a while, trying to get people to convert. He kept it up the whole time we were there." 
     "And he struck out," Jessica said with pride. 
     "He did," Natalie confirmed. "But, Jess, after you left the camp, he said a couple of times that there were others from Earth-he said a dozen or so, who had 'seen the light' and were living openly on their Capital."
     Lauren and Jessica looked at each other "What?" 
     "He did," Natalie said. "Who they were, he didn't say. But they were supposedly working with the Risik, and pretty eagerly, too," she added with disgust in her voice. "Bunch of traitors, if you ask me." 
     Lauren nodded, then took out her PDA.  "I need to send Captain Byrne a text. Let him know this." She did, but there was no immediate reply. Then she got a message from Commander Adama. "Okay...situation meeting at 1600. Commander wants both of us to be there," Lauren said to Jessica. 
She turned back to Natalie. "That's all he said?" 
     "Pretty much," Natalie admitted. "Who are they, though?" 
     "They've been taking people from Earth since World War II, we found out," Lauren said. "They've had plenty of time to find people who would swallow their ideology. People upset there wasn't a 'people's revolution' after Vietnam, Communists upset the party's been over since 1989, or someone who lost their faith and latched onto theirs? Just to name a few. Anything's possible." 
     "Good lord," Jen said. "Betray us, to a bunch of aliens? Almost like that Baltar guy."
     "Yeah," Lauren replied. " Some things are universal, as your dad says. And if someone they took was a physicist or a nuclear engineer? A chance to work with tech more advanced than they've ever known? You might find somebody willing to do just that." 
     "Or sell us out, like that Baltar creep," Natalie said with disgust. 
     "Be glad that's not likely," Lauren said. "It might work in one country, but planet wide? No chance." 
     "You going to mention this at the meeting?" Jessica asked.
     "You bet." 


     Soon, it was time for Lauren and Jessica to head over to the Ward Room, and they noted something: it was the first time they'd be at a meeting and Captain Byrne wouldn't be there in person. He had finally replied to Lauren's text, and said he'd be there via com. The two went on over, and found Sires Pelias and Xaviar there. "Sires," Lauren said. 
     "Sergeant, and Petty Officer,' Pelias nodded, and Xaviar gave a polite bow. "How are things in Life Center? I will be there tomorrow,  to check on everyone's progress, and see if they have any new  concerns or questions." 
     "They're coming along fine, Sire," Lauren said. "And they had their meeting, and I imagine Captain Ashby will tell you himself, but I'll give you the advance word: no IFB interviews until after the Tribunal." 
     "A very commendable stance," Pelias said. "I, for one, do not blame them one bit for that position." 
     "Nor do I," Xaviar added. "The less they have to do with IFB, the better." 
     "No arguing that, Sire. A pity we can't make it permanent, " Lauren said as Siress Tinia came in. "Siress," 
     "Sergeant, and Petty Officer," Tinia said. "And how are your friends doing, Petty Officer?" 
     "They're doing fine, Siress," Jessica replied. "Salik will probably give you all the official word, but they should be out of there the day after tomorrow." 
     "And then they can get on with settling in, and getting ready for the Tribunal," Tinia said. "It will be hard for some, no doubt." 
     "Well, Siress," Jessica said. "I've adjusted, the Sergeant has, along with Captain Byrne, Commander Allen, and Jen. If we've been able to settle in and adapt, they can." 
     Pelias nodded. "A very positive attitude, and I have seen it myself. As has been said before, though, they have been free for only a short period of time, and it will take time to fully adjust." 
    "We've got plenty of that," Lauren said. 
     Captain Byrne and Commander Allen came in on the Com, and Lauren checked in with the Captain. "Sir, we've got some new info on the ex-Governor. They may be able to charge him." 
     "Wilker's people came through?" Byrne said. 
     "Yes, sir."
     "Very good, Sergeant. I'll be waiting to hear what you've got." 
     "Yes, sir," replied Lauren. 
     Then Salik and Doctor Wilker came in. "Doctor," Pelias said. "I understand the last ones should be released the day after tomorrow?" 
    "That's the goal, Sire," Salik replied. "If all goes well." 
     Lauren then turned to Wilker. "Thanks, Doc, for the info on the ex-Governor. We had a chat with him earlier today." 
     "Glad you could use it," Wilker nodded. "And there's more. Not on him, but on Lemeshik, Scarface, and a surprise." 
     "Don't know if I want to hear that," Lauren said. "I generally don't like surprises. And I've got one of my own to report." 
     "Good or bad?" Xaviar asked. "Though with these people, I'm not sure I want to know." 
     "Depends on your point of view, Sire," replied Lauren. "But I'm not too thrilled with it." 
     Colonel Tigh then came in, with Major Croft and Academician Sarah, and Tigh announced, "Commander Adama and Captain Apollo will be with us in a few moments. His patrol returned a little late, and they're finishing up the debriefing. They'll join us shortly." 
     Heads nodded as Baltar and Moray came in on the Com, then Adama and Apollo came into the Ward Room, and Orion came in on the com. "My apologies for being late, though Colonel Tigh has told you the reasons for being so. Captain Apollo and Strike Leader Orion's patrol ran a little late, and so.... Shall we get started?" Adama asked, waving for everyone to take a seat.  After everyone in the Ward Room was seated, Adama began. "Doctor Salik, you may begin." 
     "Thank you, Commander. Everyone, most of the ex-prisoners are now on a normal diet, and the last ten will be starting that tonight. If all goes well tomorrow and the following morning, then they will be cleared for release, and they can all leave Life Center as a group, as they've indicated," the CMO reported. 
     "Very good news, Doctor," Adama said. He turned to the monitors, where both Byrne and Allen's faces were. "I take it preparations are complete for their arrival on your respective ships? "
     "Constellation's ready, Commander," Byrne said. "We're even getting one of Krylon's old smuggling compartments converted into a children's playroom. There's some small children with the civilians we have already, and with two of the couples coming aboard...."
     "Excellent idea, Captain," Adama said. 
     "It wasn't mine, Commander," Byrne replied. "It was Sergeant Wagner's idea."
     "A very commendable suggestion, then, Sergeant," Adama said, turning towards Wagner. "Their parents can socialize, and that is one way that your people and ours can get to know each other better." 
     "Thank you, sir," Wagner said. 
     Adama then turned to Commander Allen. "And how are things aboard Adelaide?" 
     "We're ready for the new arrivals, Commander," Allen replied. "And we're also getting some kind of space ready for the kids. It was Kaylsha's idea."
     "Please pass on my compliments to her for that," Adama said. He turned to Salik, "Is there anything else?" 
     "No, Commander. Other than those ten, everyone else, including the last pregnant woman, is doing very well," Salik replied. "And that's it for now." 
     "Thank you, Doctor," Adama said. "Doctor Wilker?" 
     The Chief Scientist stood as Salik sat down. "Commander, everyone," Wilker said. "Commander Adama asked me to have our technicians attack some of Lemeshik's files that we hadn't had time to crack due to the pre-raid need for intelligence, and the need for materials for the Tribunal. Some of our techs now have had time to attack those files, and we've got some new information. It not only concerns him, but the Commandant, Scarface, and we've also retrieved material from the ex-Governor's portable computer." He called up the first part of his presentation. The alien script appeared in the holographic display, and the translation. "It appears that the Commandant had some serious financial issues."
     "Such as?" Apollo asked. 
     "It doesn't say exactly, but the Commandant wanted to keep them secret. Somehow, Lemeshik found out. In addition, the notes mention that his supply officer was involved in the black market, with who knows what kind of goods, and he was likely getting a cut of the proceeds." 
     "I'd like to know what kind of money problems he's got," Byrne said.
     "So would I," Adama agreed. "Petty Officer? You know him better than any of us." 
     "Commander," Clemens replied. "At those....banquets? They did play a card game, kind of like our poker or your pyramid. And they did play for money." 
     "He's in debt because of it," Starbuck said from the Base Ship. "He'd want to cover that up any way he could." 
     "Even with the religious influence on their society?" Tinia asked. 
     Sarah spoke up. "Often, in the most strictest of societies, theocratic or otherwise, there are two sets of rules. The conduct of ordinary citizens is often heavily policed, while that of senior officials is often loosely regulated. It may be that this is also the case here." 
     "Quite," Adama said. In the Colonies, there had been theocratic governments on some of the worlds in their past. And the leadership often indulged in pleasures denied the masses.  And he recalled "law and order" candidates, who'd campaigned on an anti-corruption platform, and wound up as duplicitous as a Cylon. "What about the black-market activities?" 
     Clemens nodded. "Sir, those of us who loaded and unloaded the supply vehicles? We had no way of knowing if the cargo was legitimate or not. It was 'Load this cargo onto the vehicle,' or 'Unload the vehicle and put the contents here.'  We couldn't read the labels in the crates and you didn't ask questions." 
     "And for good reason," Pelias said, and he saw Clemens nod. 
     "So...Scarface has some serious money problems, and a supply officer dabbling in the black market," Wagner said. "He'd want to keep both of those quiet, and...." her voice trailed off. 
     "Sergeant?" Xaviar asked. 
     "Something just occurred to me, Sire," she replied. "We know that Lemeshik paid two installments to Scarface to get what he wanted, right?" 
     "That's right," Wilker said. 
     "Okay.....what if the first installment was a bribe?" 
     "A bribe?" Baltar asked. "What do you mean by that?" 
     Though disgusted at having to respond to Baltar, Wagner nodded, then went on. "It goes like this: We know from talking to Lemeshik's second-in-command that he wasn't supposed to have a slave aboard ship. And we also know now that Scarface wasn't supposed to sell any slaves. The first installment to him from Lemeshik is a bribe to get around that, and to buy his silence. The second installment-" she looked at her friend and roommate, "is the actual purchase price." 
     There was silence for a moment, then Tigh broke it. "It makes sense." 
     "It does, Colonel," Xaviar said. "Too bad none of them will admit to it." 
     "Unfortunately, Sire, it's probably true," Adama said. "What else do you have, Doctor?" 
     "Some material on the ex-Governor, which I believe that Sergeant Wagner was able to use," Wilker said, seeing her nod. "And something else on a high-ranking Risik official."
     "Who would that be, Doc?" Allen asked. 
     "His name is Eikhe," Wilker said, calling up Hummer's decrypts. "He's been identified as the head of the General Security Department, which is, we know now, their secret police organization." 
     "The Security Officer on the captured ship works for that organization, not their Star Force, if you'll recall," Byrne said. 
     "Yes, he does, Captain," Adama said. "Anything else on him?" 
     "We're still checking for more information, Commander," Wilker replied. "But we do have this." He called up the document. "It's a note about Eikhe. There's a rumor that the Supreme Leader is terminally ill, and Eikhe is trying to line up support to get the job for himself, if the Supreme Leader dies. Or, the note says, as head of the state security apparatus, he may be in a position to launch a coup, if things work out right." 
     "Just like Yuri Andropov," Byrne said. "He was the first of the last three leaders of the Soviet Union, and for fifteen yahrens prior, he was head of the KGB, or the Committee for State Security,  the Soviet Union's secret police. He got the job after Leonid Brezhnev died, but he was himself ill, and died only two yahrens into his tenure." 
     "And if the head of the Secret Police takes over...any chance for reform, which is what Melnea-that's the Governor's unwilling companion's parents and a few others were working for? " Wagner said. "You can forget about that." 
     "I would agree with that assessment, Commander," Pelias said. 
     "As do I, Sire," Adama nodded. "Doctor, see what else you can find, both on this Eikhe fellow, and their Supreme Leader." 
     Wilker nodded. "Will do, Commander. If it's there, either Hummer or Komma will find it." 
     "Very good," Adama said. "Sergeant? I believe you and the Petty Officer had business with the ex-Governor?" 
     "Yes, sir, we did," Wagner said. "Doc, do you have those three documents about him?" 
     "Of course, Sergeant," Wilker said as he called up the first one.
     Though used to the display by now, it still amazed Jessica every time she saw it, as her roomie spoke. 
     "The first document is a letter from the Governor to Scarface, asking for work details from the camp to work at Government House," Wagner said. "The second," she nodded to Wilker, "is the Commandant's reply, granting the request, and the third?" She nodded again as it came up, "It's a letter to the Commandant, thanking him for the work details and praising the 'exemplary work' done by the prisoners." 
     "The bastard," Byrne said over the com. 
     "Yes, sir," Wagner said. "As for the man himself? He's just as arrogant, prideful, stubborn, and self-righteous as the rest of them. Totally convinced he's done nothing wrong." 
     "Which seems to describe all of their senior officers," Apollo noted. 
     "It does, Apollo," Adama said. "And your other assessment?" 
     "Commander," Wagner replied. "I told him that if Scarface hadn't sold the Petty Officer to Lemeshik, none of this would've happened, and he'd have his nice, safe, cushy job. If he starts blaming those two for his current circumstances, he might, as we say on Earth, flip, and start talking. I'd emphasize might, sir. But any information he provides would have to really balance out the fact that he was procuring and using slave labor. As far as I'm concerned? They're all equally guilty." 
     Xaviar nodded. "No question there, Sergeant," and heads nodded at that. 
     "There's one other thing," Wagner added. "We were talking with one of the former prisoners, and she indicated to us that every so often, one of their priests came by the camp to try and convert the prisoners to their religion." 
     "You did mention that, Petty Officer," Adama recalled. 
     "Yes, sir," Clemens said. "But Natalie, that's the woman who told us this, said that after I was taken from the camp, the same priest told them that there were people from Earth living on the Risik Capital. Quite openly and freely, sir. People who've 'come over' to their religion and their cause. At least in form." 
     Several jaws dropped at that. "You're sure, Petty Officer?" Byrne asked over the com. 
     "Yes, sir," Clemens said. "Natalie's pretty certain about it."
     "Who would do something like that?" Pelias asked. 
     "Sire," Wagner said. "There's several possibilities. Someone who never got over breaking, and was willing to do whatever they were told afterwards. People who've lost whatever faith they had, and when exposed to the Risik's religion, they latched onto that. Then there's people who may be idealistic, and think that the only cure for Earth's ills is something imposed from the outside, radicals upset that there wasn't a 'People's Revolution' after the Vietnam War ended, Communists despondent after the fall of the Soviet Union. Sire, the possibilities are numerous." 
     Allen spoke up next. "I'd go along with that, Sergeant. Anything's possible."
     "Sir, there's also this: what if they took-quite by chance-someone who's a nuclear engineer or a physicist? Offering someone the chance to work with technology that they can only dream of back home would be very tempting."
     "Mother of God," Byrne said. "How many did he say, Petty Officer?" 
     "Natalie said a dozen or so, sir," Clemens replied. 
     "Given how many we know were abducted and kept," Pelias said. "Finding out some have, well, 'gone over' should not be a surprise." 
     "It also gives them some people willing to give whatever language and cultural training if they want to infiltrate Risik to Earth," Byrne pointed out. 
     "It does, Captain," Adama said. He was just as shocked at this news as everyone else was. "Doctor Wilker?  See if there's anything in the Risik material about such people. There's nothing we can do for them, but the authorities on Earth will want to know this." 
     Wilker nodded, and made a note on his pad. "Yes, Commander." 
     Adama nodded. "Please report when you have something, Doctor," he said. Then he turned to Apollo and Orion. "I believe your patrol had an interesting development?" 
     "We did, Commander," Apollo said. He called up the display to replay his scan log. "Not long after launching, we, that is, Strike Leader Orion and I, detected a contact.  A Risik Exploratory Cruiser." 
     "Orion?"
     "That is so, Commander," Orion said. "We detected him here," the Cylon indicated the position, and followed him until relieved by the alert force." 
     "Where did he come from?" Byrne asked. 
     "He came from here," Apollo indicated the Red Giant system. "Two gas giants and their moons, and not much else." 
     "Which begs a few more questions," Xaviar asked. "What was he doing there, and where was he headed?" 
     "It's likely that he was on a patrol," Tigh  said. "The gas giants themselves and most of their moons have nothing to offer, according to the Risik data, but two moons are habitable, and smugglers or other parties might find this system a good place to hide."
     "What Colonel Tigh says is quite logical," Moray added. "Given the environment around such stars, it would be easy for someone to conceal themselves there for some time." 
     "Is that system in patrol range?" Pelias asked. 
     "It will be, Sire, sometime tomorrow morning," Tigh answered. 
     Adama nodded. "Apollo, who's got the patrol rotation tomorrow?" 
     "That would be Silver Spar, Commander," Apollo replied.
     "Notify Captain Bojay, Apollo. He's taking his patrol to that system." 
     "Yes, Commander."
     "Sire, as for your second question," Adama said. "Captain?" 
     "He was headed for a world 6.8 light-yahrens astern of us," Apollo pointed to the display. "A world we bypassed on our way to the Chak system."
     "And it's a system that is very similar to where we found Sergeant Wagner," Tigh added. "A biosphere that's not compatible with them, or us, but the water is fit for consumption." 
     "Which indicates he was on a patrol," Pelias said. "Someone could still lay up there, knowing that the Risik can't use the system. Unless one wanted to top up their fresh water supply." 
     "Exactly, sire," Adama said. 
     Tinia nodded. "And how close would he have had to get in order to scan us?" 
     "On the course he was on, Siress?" No chance with their inferior scanner technology. But if he changed his course to starboard for whatever reason? Two and a half degrees and he would've scanned us." 
     "Captain Apollo is correct," Orion added. 
     "At least we avoided contact, this time," Byrne said. "That won't last, though. Chances are, we'll have one more run-in with these creeps before we leave the sector." 
     "Hopefully, that won't be the case, Captain," Adama said. "But we'll be prepared in that eventuality. The other two systems, Colonel?" 
     "The first of the two systems has an Orange K-class star with a world we'd call a Garden World, and the Risik data shows that it's been flagged by their Ministry of Colonies for further exploration. No indigenous intelligent life forms, and they note further environmental testing needed," reported Tigh. "The second, though, has a tidally locked world in close orbit around a Red Dwarf star. No further information, but as we get closer, our scans will tell us more."
     "And as soon as we get within range, I want those two systems scouted," Adama said. "When are they in patrol range?" 
     "The Garden World will be in range the day after tomorrow, Commander," Tigh said. "The Red Dwarf system? The following day."
     "Very good," Adama nodded. 
     "Can we use some resources from the Garden World?" Pelias asked. "I know we're still in Risik space..."
     "Unfortunately, Sire, we can't take that chance," Adama replied. "Once we are well and truly clear of their territory, then we can find a world with exploitable resources. Not until then. And that's at least two sectans away." 
     Pelias nodded. "Understood, Commander, I was just thinking of the opportunities that such a world can offer us." 
     "So was I, at first," Adama said. "But we'll only do so if it's absolutely necessary. The Lords willing, we won't have any accidents that would require us to do so." 
     "Commander, if I may?" Moray asked. 
     "Command Centurion?" 
     "If the Risik have this world listed  as a potential colony, logically, there would be satellites and possibly even scouts or explorers present there. We would not want to reveal ourselves, even if it would take a number of days for their command to be notified of our presence." 
     "Precisely, Command Centurion," Adama said. And another interesting insight again, from a Cylon. 
     Heads nodded at that, and Xaviar asked, "And our supplies of fuel and water are still more than adequate?" 
     "They are, Sire," Tigh said. "Though we will need to replenish our fuel supply in about three sectans. Barring any unforeseen accidents, our supply should last us until then." 
     "That's good to hear, Colonel," Tinia said. "And the two captured ships?"
     "Siress, the smuggler and the captured cruiser will be released once we are clear of Risik territory. The longer it takes them to get back to their own territory, the better it is for us," Adama said. 
     "Agreed," said Baltar. "And by the time their reaction force gets to that location, we've been gone for some time."
     Though it galled everyone else to do so (except for the Cylons), those at the table and on the monitors knew that Baltar was right. 
     "And not knowing which way we've headed, they won't know where, and it's doubtful they would follow us into what would be for them, uncharted space. Given the losses they've sustained, it would spread their forces even thinner," Apollo said. 
     "Exactly," Adama said. "Now, Apollo, Orion? Continue with the double patrols. We'll continue to do so until we are clear of Risik territory." 
     "Yes, Commander."
     "By your command," replied Orion. 
     "Colonel? Continue with the regular checks of the Fleet's fuel and water supplies," Adama nodded at his Exec. 
     "Of course, Commander."
     "Captain Byrne?" Adama gestured towards  Byrne's face on a monitor. "If your duties permit, if you'd like the opportunity to have another crack at Scarface, and maybe the ex-Governor as well?  We've got two more days before the indictments will be served." 
     "I won't know until tomorrow morning, Commander," Byrne replied. "But if I can get away, then yes, sir. Having another go at them will be a pleasure."
     "Good," Adama said. "Sergeant, Petty Officer? I take it you'd both like to have another go at both of them?"
     Wagner grinned. "Yes, sir." 
     "Just say when, sir, and I'll be there," Clemens said. "Sir, there's one other thing."
     "Yes?" Adama asked. 
     "Sir, my friends had their meeting earlier today. They took a vote and it was unanimous: no interviews with IFB until after this Tribunal's over." 
    "Perfectly understandable, Petty Officer," Adama said, and heads nodded. "I'll inform Heller." 
     "Thank you, sir." 
     "Very well. Is there anything else?" There was silence around the table. "Baltar?" 
     "Nothing here, Adama. I think we've covered things adequately for today," Baltar said. 
     "Right, then. If that's it for now, we're adjourned," Adama said. 
     

     As  people got up to leave, Clemens turned to Wagner. "Now what?" 
     "Tomorrow, we go after the ex-Governor again, and Scarface, too," Lauren said. 
     "That you will, Sergeant," Byrne said over the com. "I'll try and be there, but if not, I'll send some questions over to you. Questions I want answers to, and if they were here, Naval Intelligence back home would as well." 
     "Yes, sir," Wagner replied. 
     "And if you two go to the Club? Tell Freeman anything you order is on my tab. And Petty Officer?" 
     "Sir?" Clemens asked. 
     "Tomorrow, you get your first pay in the Fleet. Congratulations. When you get back to Constellation, I'll explain how all that works here." 
     "Thank you, sir. And I'll put it to good use: I owe Lauren a couple of drinks." 
     Byrne nodded. "I know, for killing the Chief Guard. Consider it money well spent." 
     "Yes, sir," she grinned. 
     "All right. Well done with the Governor, by the way. And remind Jen about her homework."
     "Will do, sir," Wagner said. 
     "Oh, I almost forgot. There's one other thing before I sign off. If they couldn't charge the Governor, I was hoping to send a message back with him. Telling their leadership to forget about going back to Earth, and so on. We'll have to do it with the First Officer instead." 
     Wagner nodded, and so did Clemens. "He'll have to do, sir." 
     "He will," Byrne said. "You two have a good evening, and I should see you tomorrow." 
     "Yes, sir," Wagner said, and Byrne cut the connection. 
     "Sending a message?" Clemens asked her friend. "If you ask me, that's a waste of time.." 
     Pelias came up to the duo. He'd been paying attention to Byrne's conversation. "Captain Byrne has raised the subject with me, Sergeant, and Petty Officer," the Sire nodded. "I, frankly, share your skepticism. With these people..."
     "Sire," Wagner said. "Anything's possible. The question is, will they pay attention?" 
     "They won't," Clemens said firmly. "All that Nazi-style junk they tried to feed us about "the chosen race? And their holier-than-everyone else attitude? No chance." 
     Pelias nodded agreement.. "I believe you're right. Some people you can talk to and bargain with them. Others, like the Il Fadim...." 
     Wagner agreed. "You're dead on, Sire. The only difference between these people and Cylons? They're living, breathing people with their own culture, history, and so on. Other than that..."
     "Their attitude is the same, for all intents and purposes," Pelias finished. "Extermination."
     Clemens shook her head. "No, Sire. They want to subjugate and enslave us. The Cylons are machines, and they're programmed to do what they do. The Risik, though, it's their religion talking. And a desire for what they once had, several thousand years ago. Remember, they want us to bow down to them." 
     "They lost their empire in their civil war, and they want it back. No matter what," Wagner finished. "A nasty combination, Sire. Religious zeal, revenge on the Ke'zar, and getting the old Empire going again. Not good."
     "No," Pelias agreed. "But, one can make the argument that you have to try. If they refuse to listen, though...."
     Wagner shook her head. "Their problem, sire. If they try and go back to Earth? And they find we're ready for them and their fleet gets used for target practice? They were warned, but didn't listen." 
     The Sire nodded understanding. "Yes, well...that's a question for the future. Let's hope it doesn't come to a bloody experiment, though.  I do wish I could stay and chat, but I have business on the Rising Star. I have a...what's the saying? A 'town meeting'?" 
     "It is, Sire," Wagner said. "With your other constituents?" 
     "Yes," Pelias replied. "One thing I learned from Commander Adama when I was appointed to the Council, which I never learned from my uncle. Always keep your constituents in mind, and be ready to listen. As I will with all of you from Earth. I'll have that meeting with everyone in Life Center tomorrow morning sometime." 
     "We're glad you will, Sire," Clemens said. "Happy listening." 
     Pelias smiled. "Of course. And please say hello to Jen for me." 
     "Will do, Sire," replied Wagner, and the young sire took his leave, leaving the two as the only ones in the Ward Room.
     "Now what?" Clemens asked. 
     "We hit the Club," Lauren said. "I could use a  cold beer or two." 
     "Same here," Jessica said. "Lead the way." 

     Both Lauren and Jessica headed to the Officers' Club, and found Freeman at the Bar, as if he was chained to a post. "Does he ever leave here?" Jessica asked. 
     "I've wondered that myself," Lauren said. "He must have a cabin close by." 
     Freeman smiled as they bellied up to the bar. "What'll it be today, me dearies?" 
     Lauren nodded. "Two cold beers, Freeman. On Captain Byrne's tab." 
     "Comin' up," the Proteus refugee said. He drew the beers, then slapped the glasses down on the bar. "Here ye be, ladies." 
     "Thanks," Lauren said. "So, roomie. What'll we drink to?" 
     Jessica smiled. "Home. Where we're going, and what we've got waiting for us." 
     "Hear, hear," Lauren said. Clink. 
     "So, dearies," Freeman asked. "What'll you two be a doin'  when you do get home?" 
     "God..." Jessica said. "Haven't given it much thought. Wasn't that long ago my whole universe was that bastard Lemeshik's ship.  Going home.....the thought was like a dream. Now, though, it's back home to Michigan-that's one of our states, and it's where I'm from." 
     "Montana for me," Lauren said. "We'd probably do the same thing: find out what relatives we've got now, see if our respective boyfriends are still alive, get our military back pay." 
     "Then we'd buy a house someplace, and for me, a nice place on the shore of one of our Great Lakes," Jessica said. She explained the part of Michigan where she was from. "Build that house, with a dock. Buy a boat, and just enjoy life." 
     "With me, it's buy some land for a ranch, build a house, and sit back and relax," Lauren said. "Montana's the Big Sky Country, and it's the wide open range." 
     "And we'd both have to buy some guard animals to keep the news media away," joked Jessica. 
     Freeman nodded. "Aye, your counterparts to IFB. If they're as bad as IFB is...." His voice trailed off. IFB had gotten into his face when he'd arrived from Proteus, and it still rankled him and the other refugees from Proteus. 
     "Believe me, IFB's worse," said Lauren. 
     Major Croft came up. "Don't blame you a bit for that, Sergeant. Freeman? One of the usual." 
     "Comin' up, Major," Freeman said, drawing a mug. "Here ye be, Major." 
     "Thanks, Croft said. "Didn't mention this earlier, but I saw you on IFB, Sergeant. At the Triad matches." 
     "What's that?" Jessica asked, and Croft explained. "Oh. And nobody gets killed?" 
     "They say it was like that, two or three thousand yahrens ago," Croft said. "But as for IFB, you didn't look happy, Sergeant, when that camera crew and the journalator showed up."
     "Major, believe me, I wasn't," Lauren said. "They were in my face and pretty damned rude. They only asked three or four questions, but that was three or four too many. I told Tellus and Dorado, and they said that if I had thrown the cameraman and the reporter into the arena?" 
     "Yeah?" 
     "People would've been cheering." 
     Hearing that, both Croft and Freeman laughed. "Dearie, those cheers would've been loud all over the Fleet," Freeman joked. 
     "I told Cassie, and she said the same thing. Only problem being that you guys have some pretty strict laws about getting rid of hazardous waste," Lauren said. 
     "We do," Boomer said as he came up to the bar. He'd overheard the whole thing. 
     "Well, why can't we maroon Zara and Zed when we do the same to Lemeshik, Scarface, and the Governor?" Lauren asked. 
     "Then it would be animal cruelty," joked Croft. 
     "How'd the sit brief go?" Boomer asked. 
     "Well, good news. We won't be releasing the Governor with the captured ship," Lauren said. 
     "Solon's guys can get him?" Boomer asked. 
     "They can," Lauren said. 'He didn't think that someone could crack his portable computer, what we call a laptop, but Wilker's techs did. They found a letter to Scarface, asking for prison labor to work at Government House." 
     "And he got his way, right?" 
     "He did, sir,"said Lauren. "There's a reply, granting his request." 
     "And I was there quite a few times," Jessica said. "Scrubbing toilets, scrubbing floors, sweeping sidewalks, picking up garbage, you name it. The more menial the job, the better, they felt." 
     "Then there's another letter to Scarface, thanking him for the work details and praising the work done by the prisoners." 
     "Frakker," Croft said. "Couldn't say this at the brief.....Maybe you should've shot both of them when you had the chance." 
     "They didn't give me any excuse," replied Lauren. "Besides, remember what Captain Byrne said? We can't interrogate corpses." 
     "Forgot about that," Croft admitted. "Any chance of them seeing the inside of an airlock?" 
     "Not likely," Lauren said. "None of the potential charges on the Governor are capital, and the same goes for Scarface. Too bad." 
     "And Major, even if they were?" Jessica said. "That'd be too easy for him." 
     "Better for everyone if he gets marooned, then," Boomer said. 
     "Yes, sir." Jessica said. "And that way, he, Scarface, Lemeshik? Then they serve the universe." 
     "Not arguing that," Lauren said. "Though Captain Byrne had an idea for the Governor if we had to release him." She explained his idea of using him to relay a message to the Risik Supreme Leader. 
     "No way will they listen," Croft noted. "If they're as zealous in their ideology-political and religious-as they seem, forget it." 
     "Sire Pelias thought the same thing, Major," Lauren replied. "Though he was warm to the idea, he didn't think it would work. But the Captain thinks we have to try anyway. Because there will be people on Earth who would argue that some kind of outreach, even one doomed to fail, has to be tried. Instead of just relying on the military. Though personally, I think it's a waste of time." 
     "With these people?" Boomer asked. 
     "Yes, sir, even with them," Lauren said. She explained how the attempts at appeasing Hitler and other dictators in the 1930s had gone, though many had felt that such things had to be done, until it was obvious there was no choice but to fight. 
     "Sounds like this Chamberlain fellow was a lot like Adar," Croft said. 
     "Who's he?" Clemens asked. 
     "He was the President at the time of the Peace Conference. Commander Adama thought he was a little too naive, too eager, too trusting, and wanted whatever kind of Armistice he could get. And we all know what happened next," Boomer explained. 
     "What happened to him?" 
     "He was on the Atlantia when she blew," said Boomer. "I saw her go up in one of the largest fireballs I've seen. Though Carillon was bigger." 
     "We've seen the video, but yeah. No way we'd do anything like that with the Risik," Lauren said. She asked about Carillon, then shook her head.  "Well, when we get home, and report to our own military what happened to us and what we've found? A predatory alien race that we know has Earth on its target list? Most everybody's going to want to get ready for a fight."
     "We've got some 'peace-at-any-price' types," Jessica added. "Ran into some of those when I was getting ready to deploy for the Gulf War. But even some of those would realize we have no choice."
     "That's for the future," Croft said. "Everyone getting settled in?" 
     Lauren nodded. "Salik said day after tomorrow is when they'll be released. There's about a dozen still getting used to solid food." Though Croft had been at the brief, she said it for Boomer's and Freeman's benefit. 
     "After all that time with alien junk?" Jessica said. "The only reason I got out when I did was that I had a year or yahren of that bastard Lemeshik's leftovers. And Captain Byrne's nervous."
     "What's he uptight about?" Boomer asked. 
     "The only remaining pregnant woman is coming to Constellation," Lauren said. "And she's carrying triplets." 
     "Oh, great. And I doubt they covered that in your Naval Academy," Boomer said, trying not to laugh. 
     "No," Lauren said. "But there's this Tribunal coming up. I'm the only victim of Scarface here who didn't see the inside of that camp. I can't shake this feeling that I'm the lucky one." 
     Jessica put a hand on her friend's shoulder. "Believe me, you are." 
     "No arguing that, Petty Officer," Croft added. "What we saw of that place....." 
     "Especially when I went into the women's barracks?" Lauren asked. "Believe me, I was tempted to kill Scarface when Castor's guys brought him in on a stretcher. But I remembered what the Captain said. This way, he answers in court for his crimes, which makes the peace officer in me happy, but he still doesn't get off easy." 
     Freeman nodded. "Aye, that they deserve. " 
     "All I'm worried about is this Tribunal coming up," Jessica said. "I've never been in a court before."
     "I don't blame you," Boomer said. "It can be intimidating at first." 
     "The only thing I'm worried about is how the defense will go," Lauren said. "This Sire Memnon fellow we saw at the Il Fadim trial, and he'd better not try the 'blame the victim' approach." 
     "And that is?" Freeman asked. 
     "Basically, it'd go like this: If we had all cooperated with the Risik after our abductions, even on the homeworld, or in the camp? None of the abuse would've happened." 
     "Sire Memnon's not that kind of Protector," Boomer said. He explained the career of the retired Councilman and magistrate. "He won't try what those Il Fadim nuts did with you and Jen." 
     "He'd better not," Lauren said firmly. "He's got two other options as far as I can tell. First, he can argue that the Risik were justified in what they did, based on their religion and their government's orders, decrees, and so on." 
     Boomer nodded, as did Croft. "That's possible. But nobody's going to buy it."
    "No arguing that," Croft added. "What's the other one?" 
     Lauren looked at both Colonial officers. "That they were only following orders." 
     Jessica stared at her friend and roomie. "Didn't Captain Byrne say that wasn't going very far either?" 
     "He did," Lauren said. "But they'll have to try anyway. Scarface and the ex-Governor, anyway. Lemeshik, though? He was violating his own service regs having you aboard. He's really got no defense.'
     "Unless he tries that 'Chosen Race' crap they force-fed us with," Jessica said. 
     "It's possible," Lauren said. "A good lawyer can argue a point of view that he or she finds repulsive, but does it for the client's behalf." 
     "But Lemeshik really has no defense, then?" Boomer asked. 
     "That's about it," Lauren said. "I'm not a lawyer, but Captain Byrne thinks so. He did a tour in the Navy's JAG office-that's the Navy's legal branch, and he got to know how things work there. It was a branch officer exchange, he said, though he never went to law school. Bottom line? Lemeshik has no real defense. Unless he tries that religious angle." 
     Croft shook his head. "Not going to work." 
     "No" Lauren admitted. "But both the Commander and Captain Byrne said that Memnon's going to try everything possible, even if he doesn't have much to work with." 
     Croft nodded and motioned for a refill. "Well, Sergeant, it'll be an interesting few days when the Tribunal gets going."
     "That it will, sir," Lauren said. "That it will. And we send these scumbags where they belong." 
     "Hear, hear," Jessica said. 


     After another round, and some more pleasant conversation, Lauren and Jessica headed back to Life Center. They decided to eat with their friends this evening, and when they got to Life Center's commissary, it was full. Everyone from the camp, including the dozen who were finally getting back onto a regular diet, was there. After getting their meals, the two found Denise, Amy, and Anna at a table with Jen, who waved them over. "How's everybody tonight?' Lauren asked as she and Jessica sat down.
     "Pretty good," Denise said. "Where were you guys today?" 
     "Business," Jessica said. "We were interrogating the ex-Governor, then we had a situation briefing to go to." 
     "Not surprised, Petty Officer," Amy said. "You were helping plan the rescue mission. And you know these guys as well as any of us."
     "Lemeshik especially," Jessica said. "After a year with him, I got to know a lot about him. Has anyone told you he was part of a crime family?" 
     "Captain Byrne said something about it," Denise said. "What do you mean, Jess?"
     "Think the Mafia," Lauren said, and Jessica nodded. "But in uniform." 
     Anna looked at them. "You mean like the gangsters you see in the movies?" 
     "That's about it," Jessica said. "Like The Godfather. His father was protecting him, and was probably head of the family. Emphasis on 'was,' because the ship that charged the Galactica during the battle? That was his."
     "And it got blown out of the sky," Amy finished. "Captain Byrne showed us the gun-camera footage. So...the old man's gone up in a fireball, Lemeshik-who I want dead alongside Scarface, mind, gets marooned, and the rest? If they're like the Mafia, they start fighting each other."
     "One can hope, Ma'am," Lauren said. "But this Tribunal that's coming up? Lemeshik, Scarface, and the ex-Governor? They get what's coming to them." 
     "So who's testifying?" Jen asked. She knew the drill, having been on the stand during the Il Fadim business. 
     "We'll know tomorrow," Lauren said. She looked at both Amy and Anna. "That's when Sire Solon-he's like their Attorney General or Chief Prosecutor-is coming by. He'll talk to some of you, and he'll pick a dozen or so to actually get on the stand." 
     "You going to?" Denise asked. 
     "I sure am," Lauren nodded. "I'm the only one here who was one of Scarface's victims, and yet, wasn't in that hellhole. Forty years in a stasis pod...." her voice trailed off. 
     "It beats the time in the camp," Amy said. 
     "Yeah," Lauren said. "But everyone's case is part of the tribunal, so we all get our day in court." 
     "But before that, we all go to either Constellation or Adelaide," Jessica said. "And you guys are all coming with us to Constellation." 
     All three ex-prisoners smiled. "That we are," Denise said. 
     "And I've got a surprise for all of you," Wagner said.  "Denise? The cabin Jen, Jessica, and I share can take another bunk. How'd you like to come and bunk with us?" 
     Denise was flabbergasted. "Gosh, Lauren. I don't know what to say. Except, well...thank you." 
     "I'm jealous of you, Denise," Amy said. "You're right in officer country, and next to the Captain."
     "It was mine at first," Jen nodded. "Then Lauren moved in, and we were glad to have Jessica room with us." 
     "And I'm glad they did," Jessica said. "They've helped me adapt, and you all will too. It'll just take some time." 
     "We have plenty of that,' Anna said. "What about me or Amy?" She asked. 
     "Well..." Lauren said. "We're going to have a ship's child-care center now. We've got two babies born to civilians already aboard, and several small children who came aboard with their parents already. Throw in Natalie and Josh, with their baby, plus Kevin and Linda with their babies due soon, and you get the idea. Having a place where the kids can just be kids, the parents can get together and talk. They get to know us and vice versa." 
     Anna nodded. "But how does this apply to me?" 
     A grin came over Lauren's face. "How'd you like to be in charge of it?" 
     "Me?" 
     "That's right. The Captain sent me a text. So don't be surprised if you get a job offer tomorrow or the next day," said Lauren. 
     "I'd be glad to!" Anna said. "The only good thing about being in that place was to be able to take care of the children." 
     "And what's he got in mind for me, Sergeant?" Amy asked. 
     "Ma'am," Lauren said. "How does being in command of any boarding or landing parties sound?" 
     The Marine officer looked at Lauren. "So, I finally get to be a combat Marine?" She saw Lauren nod, then a grin came over her face. 
     "If you want to look at it that way, Ma'am," Lauren said. "We'll have to check you out on the HK-416, the Mark-17 SCAR rifle, the two pistols as well as the Colonials' own laser weapons. Not to mention the Landram."
     "What's that?" 
     "It's a vehicle they use for planetary landings. Kind of like an APC instead of a tank. It's got some armor, and two laser cannons on top. We haven't used ours yet, but maybe the next planet we have to land on?" Lauren wondered.
     "Just show me, Sergeant," Lieutenant Sanderson said. "I'd love to try it out." 
     "We'll have to stop soon to refill fresh water and refuel, so there's probably a planet we can take care of that, and we can give you a workout with that Landram at the same time. I've seen video of it in action, and it's way better than anything back home. It'd even give an Abrams tank a mauling," Lauren nodded. 
     "I can't wait to try it out," Sanderson nodded. 
     "And Captain Ashby, too. He's probably going to get the same job on Adelaide." 
     Sanderson grinned. "And since he's an armor officer, he'd be drooling at the chance." 
     "Treadheads," Jessica muttered. 
     "And we'll be putting these scumbags on trial," Denise said. 
     "That's right," Jessica said. "Then we put these....people behind us. Literally." 
     "Here's to that," Anna said, raising her glass of juice.
     Six plastic cups came together in agreement. 

     After dinner, Jen excused herself so she could help get the toddlers bedded down, while the others were still sitting around the table. "So, is the Captain coming back tomorrow?" Sanderson asked. 
     "Won't know until morning, Ma'am," Lauren said. "He's been pretty busy with things since we found Jessica, and shipboard duties on top of that. If he can't, he'll send me a list of questions he wants answers to." 
     The Marine officer nodded, while Denise asked, "What kind of questions?" 
     "Have they infiltrated agents to Earth, for starters," Lauren nodded. "That's one I can think of right now. If these Risik have the appropriate language and cultural training, and probably some cosmetic surgery, they could pass for us." 
     "You're sure?" Sanderson asked. 
     "Salik's pretty sure," Lauren said, nodding in the direction of the CMO, who was chatting with Captain Ashby. "There's plenty of places on Earth where they could blend in, and unless somebody got a DNA sample somehow, no one would know the difference. Until it was too late." 
     Anna looked at her friends, old and new. "Bozhe Moi... " she muttered. "You mean these Risik swine could have their own living on Earth?" 
     "That was forty years ago," Jessica reminded her friend. "But, yeah, from what they told us, it's possible." 
     Denise looked at her friend. "My God....what's the term? Sleeper agents?" Lauren looked at her. "I saw it in an old movie once," Denise explained. 
     "Yeah, that's the term," Lauren said. "And there's plenty of places they could be: big cities like Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, London, Paris, Sydney, you know, cities with large immigrant populations." 
     "God almighty," Sanderson nodded, a horrified look on her face. "And nobody would know." 
     Lauren said, "Exactly, Ma'am, and not just that. Other abductees. People who've been brainwashed or given some kind of hypnotic suggestion. They live their lives normally, until the phone rings, and the voice on the other end says some kind of code phrase. Then they 'go active' and do what they're conditioned to do." 
     Both Anna and Denise looked at her. "Like what?" Anna asked. "Sabotage?" The old Russian paranoia about foreign invaders was never far from her Soviet-era thinking. 
     "Probably," Lauren said. "We may never know for sure, though."
     "You're right about that," Sanderson replied. "Something like this would be highly classified, and even someone like Lemeshik or Scarface may not be cleared."
     "That's what Captain Byrne thinks, Ma'am," Jessica replied. "And the Colonial techs? They're going over everything they can; the records from the ship Lauren was found on, Lemeshik's files, and the stuff from the camp. If there's anything about agents on Earth? They'll find it." 
     Sanderson and the others nodded. "What else does the Captain want?" Anna asked. 
     "Has Scarface killed anyone in his.....interrogations," Lauren said. "The lawman in me wants to know that myself. And believe me, I was tempted to kill him on the spot when Castor's guys brought him over." 
     "That's your training kicking in, Sergeant," Sanderson noted. "Either your military or law-enforcement training was telling you, 'don't do it.'" 
     "Yes, Ma'am," Lauren said. "But if he'd tried to grab my weapon, or go for a concealed weapon? That would've been the last thing he ever did. He was too shot up to try." 
     Anna shook her head. "It is too bad he did not. You would have done everyone a favor."
     "Yeah," Lauren said. "But, if I had shot him, he would've gotten off too easy. And that, nobody here wants." 
     "No arguing that," Denise said. She was still curious. "What else?" 
     Lauren thought for a moment. "Was Scarface going to Earth as part of the invasion?" 
     "Good God," Sanderson muttered. "He probably knows us better than most of them. Chances are, he would have." 
     "We may know for sure in a few days. They're still going over the stuff we found at the camp."
     Then Jen came back. "Well, the toddlers are all bedded down for the night." 
     "And we need to head back to the suite," Lauren said. "And you need to check up on your homework," she said to Jen. 
     Jen nodded as both Lauren and Jessica got up. "Can't argue with that," she said. 
     "So, Jen, what do you want to do when we get home?" Anna asked. 
     "Go to Annapolis, the Naval Academy," Jen said with pride. "My dad went there."
     "And the stories you'd be able to tell your classmates," Sanderson said. "And a cruiser or a destroyer would be nothing. You've come from a starship." 
     "Yep," Jen smiled. 
     "One other thing," Lauren said. "That child-care center we're going to have?  How'd you like to help out when you're not busy with schoolwork?" 
     "I'd like that," Jen nodded. "I sure love those kids." 
     "I've seen you work with them," Anna said. "I'd be glad to have you as an assistant." 
     Jen and Anna hugged, and Denise said, "I'd like to help there, too. I don't know what somebody who was 'undecided' as a college major can do right now." 
     Anna smiled. "Of course." 


     After taking their leave, Lauren, Jen, and Jessica went back to their suite in the VIP section. There, they found a surprise. Melnea, the ex-Governor's former slave, was chatting outside her suite with Sarah. "Well, this is a surprise," Jessica said. 
     "Ah, Sergeant, Petty Officer," Sarah nodded pleasantly. "And Jena, I see. It has been a while, hasn't it?" 
     "Not since RB-33," Jen said.
     "What's that?" Jessica asked.
     "Remember? That's the space station our smuggler friend now in the Brig got the drugs from." Lauren reminded her. 
     Jessica remembered that. With everything that had happened since her rescue, one could easily forget. "Oh, kind of like Mos Eisley in Star Wars?" 
     "You could say that," Jen said. 
     "Imagine a place where anything goes, nothing is illegal, not to mention that law and order of any kind is a suggestion," Lauren said with disgust, with the lawman in her coming to the fore. 
     "Yes," Sarah replied. "And some...unfinished business was taken care of." 
     "That it was," Jen said. "And who's this?" She asked, nodding at the Risik woman. This was her first sight of a Risik, period.  
     "This is Melnea," Sarah said. "She was the ex-Governor's, well, 'mistress' would be a polite description." 
     "'Slave' would be more like it," Jessica said. "She was just as much a slave as we were." 
     "Oh," Jen said. She put out her hand. "I'm pleased to meet you." 
     "The pleasure is mine," Melnea said. "And how did you get out here?" 
     "She's Captain Byrne's daughter," Lauren said, and she explained the story. 
     Melnea nodded. "I see....and 'home' for you is the Constellation?"
     "It is, for now," Jen smiled. "But, as far as I'm concerned, and my father, Earth is really home. Even though I've never been there." 
     Melnea understood. She had heard of children who had been born during the flight from the home world, who considered  that to be their real home. Those children were now, in many instances, high-ranking military officers or priests, and they were staunchly in favor of the goals of the State. Revenge on the Ke'zar, reclaiming the lost Empire, and "civilizing" those worlds that they had lost. "That is....understandable." 
     "And how are you doing?" Jessica asked. For her, this was the only Risik who she could really feel sorry for, even if deep down, blowing the Risik's new home planet to hell would be the only way what had happened to her could be expunged.  And if she asked, her friends would want the same thing, she knew. 
     'Very well, thank you," Melnea said. "I have had some long talks with Sarah here, and Sire Solon, as well. And Sarah has offered me a position in her office, as an assistant."
     "And you did say 'yes', I gather?" Lauren asked. 
     "She did," Sarah replied. 
     "And I will be helping with the Tribunal," Melnea added. "I do not know yet if I will give evidence, but I told Sire Solon that whatever assistance I can give, I will gladly do so." 
     Lauren nodded. "When we can, we'll show you the videos Captain Byrne has, about Earth. You'll see that it's not the place that your propaganda has said it is." 
     "I would like to," Melnea said. "Very much. If we are going there. But, it has been a long day, and I would like to get some rest." 
     The trio of Earthers understood. "Okay, then. We'll see you later," Lauren said. 
     Melena smiled. "Yes, we will," and then she went into her suite, and Corporal Vesper came on duty outside. 
     "Well?" Jessica asked. 
     "She is someone who is looking ahead to the future," Sarah said. "But she also wants revenge upon the State that committed a great wrong against her and her family. Giving evidence at the Tribunal may be  the only chance she has for that revenge, even if it is only a small amount." 
     "For us, too," Jessica said. "Though Lauren got some measure of it raiding the camp." 
     "Yes," Sarah nodded. "Well, then. I have to get a summary ready for the next briefing. Until then, and Jena? It is nice to see you again." Sarah nodded pleasantly, then headed for her office. 
     "What do you guys think about her?" Jena asked. She owed Sarah her life for RB-33, and her dad had told her that Sarah was really an intelligence officer, and to leave it at that. 
     "Got some kind of vibe about her," Jessica said. "Weird city. Can't explain it." 
     "So do I," Lauren added. "But, it's probably nothing. Come on. You need to get your homework done, and then it's time for bed," 
     Jen nodded, and as they went into their suite, Vesper said, "Good night, ladies. If there's anything you need, let me know." 
     "Thanks, Vesper." 
     When they got into their suite, Jen logged into the educational database, and found she had no exams or quizzes scheduled, so she was able to keep up with what was pending. While she was doing that, Lauren called up a replay of a Triad match to show Jessica what they'd talked about in the Officer's Club.
     "Looks like a cross between basketball and wrestling," Jessica commented. "And nobody gets killed?" 
     "That's sort of what I thought, though more like basketball, with the rough-and-tumble of hockey,' Lauren said. "We need to show these people a real basketball game." 
     "That we do," Jessica said. She had played girls' basketball in high school. 
     Later, while getting ready for bed, Jessica asked Lauren, "How long until they get that smuggler's cargo? "
     "Don't know, but I'll ask the Commander tomorrow," Lauren replied. "I know, You want a pair of pajamas or a night shirt and so do I. But getting all of your friends outfitted comes first." She got out of her T-shirt and bra and folded them neatly
     "I know, but still," Jessica said as she did the same. "Wonder what any DI would be thinking about this?" 
     "Like mine said once: 'Overcome and adapt.' You've proven that already." Lauren said. "And your friends will, too."
     "I know," Jessica smiled. "Still, I'd be glad to have a nightshirt. Too many bad memories from Lemeshik's ship...." 
     "Yeah," Lauren understood. "I don't blame you. Well, we'll see. Day after tomorrow is moving day...." 
     Jessica smiled as she got into bed. "Can't wait." 
     "Come on, let's get some sleep." Lauren said as she turned out the lights. In a few centons, both were sound asleep. 

     The next morning, Commander Adama came onto the Bridge. As he logged in, Colonel Tigh came over with a pad. "Good morning, Colonel." 
     "Good morning, Commander," Tigh nodded. "I have the overnight report." 
     "Let's have it, Colonel," Adama said as he went to check the plot board. 
     "Overnight patrols report no contacts, Risik or otherwise. No communications of any sort detected. The only thing of note was a rogue planetoid, and it was thoroughly scanned. Nothing out of the ordinary, and no usable resources." 
     Nodding, Adama checked the board. "And even if it did have something of use, we don't have the time." 
    "That's true, Commander. The next patrol launches in thirty centons, and Captain Bojay's patrol to the Red Giant system," Tigh indicated that patrol target on the plot board, "launches in a Centar." 
     "And Ne'Chak is off the board?" 
     "It is, sir." 
     "Good. I wouldn't want to be their reaction force commander right now. He's probably got his Fleet Commander breathing down his neck, with the Secret Police watching over his shoulder. And the penalty for failure can easily be imagined," Adama observed. 
     Tigh nodded. "Quite so, Commander," 
     Omega then came up with a pad. The ship's overnight status report. Adama went over it, then signed it with a stylus. "Thank you, Omega." 
     "Commander," Omega said. 
     "What else, Colonel?" Adama asked. 
     "So far, no problems with either the fuel or water situations, but a close watch is being kept, especially on the older ships," Tigh replied. 
     "The ones more prone to having accidents," Adama noted. "And the captains have been instructed to monitor those particular commodities?
     'They have, Commander," 
     Athena then came up with a pad, with the overnight scanner logs. Adama nodded, and perused the information. All clear. Then he signed it with a stylus. "Thank you, Athena." 
     "Father," she replied, then she went back to her station. 
     "Anything from Doctor Wilker?" Adama asked. 
     "He has finished work on the Risik abduction manual, as well as some possible new information on not only Scarface, but also Eikhe." 
     "The head of the Risik Secret Police," Adama remembered. "No doubt, a tough character, and in a system like theirs, he'd have to be not only tough, but ruthless." 
     Tigh understood. In pre-Unification days, there had been dictatorships on several of the Twelve Worlds, and their secret police heads had to have similar qualities. "And red-handed. Not a surprise at all, Commander. Wilker's also found something regarding agents on Earth. It doesn't identify who they are or where, but it's on how to extract them." 
     "Where did he find that?" 
     "One of the remaining files from the Derelict," Tigh reported. "And a very high security one at that." 
     "Good," Adama said. "And this will be ready for the situation brief?" 
     "Yes, sir. And Academician Sarah will have a summary of a conversation with Melena as well." 
     "Excellent, Tigh." Adama nodded. "And anything from Captain Byrne?" 
     "Nothing as yet, Commander. I would assume that he's finding out if shipboard duties aboard Constellation will keep him from coming to Galactica." Tigh said. 
     "Yes," Adama noted. He had had his own paperwork to catch up on. There had been quite a bit of normal shipboard business that had been put aside during the preparations for the Ne'Chak Raid.  "Anything else?" 
     Tigh shook his head. "That's all for now, Commander." 
     "Thank you, Colonel." 

     Aboard Constellation, Captain Byrne had his usual morning meeting with his department heads, then he headed for the Bridge. Once he had finished his bridge watch, he had to deal with some paperwork that, much to his disgust, would keep him aboard for the rest of the day. Which meant that he wouldn't be able to interrogate Scarface and the ex-Governor. He had half-expected it, but paperwork that had been shoved aside during the preparations for the Ne'Chak Raid had accumulated, and it had to be taken care of. Fortunately, he should be able to wrap it up today, for tomorrow, half of the former prisoners from Ne'Chak would be coming aboard, and he had been assured by Mr. Dante and Dr. Rena that everything would be ready by afternoon, when they were due aboard. And it would be glad to have Jen back, as well as Sergeant Wagner, for one of her Security men had been on R&R, and wound up investigating a homicide. As a result,  the two remaining Security men were pulling double watches until she came back. Both Metxan, her deputy, and Garris were waiting for Wagner to return so that she could pick up some of the slack-even though not much was happening aboard ship anyway. 
     Pleased with how things were going, he left his cabin and headed for the Bridge. When he got there, he found his Exec, Mr. Dante, waiting for him. "Good Morning, Mr. Dante." 
     "Good Morning, Captain," Dante replied. "I have the ship's overnight status report." The Exec handed Byrne a pad. 
     "Thank you, Mr. Dante," Byrne nodded. He scanned the data, then signed it with a stylus. "The last of the paperwork should be done today. Then we can look ahead to tomorrow." He gave the pad back to Dante. 
     "Paperwork done, Captain? Surely, you're joking!" 
     "Yeah, what was I thinking. At least the backlog will be out of the way." 
     Dante nodded. "Yes, sir. Mr. Dilley says the child-care center should be ready by 1200 tomorrow." 
     "He told me in the morning meeting," Byrne said. "Still, Sergeant Wagner's right. Those kids need space to just, well, be kids. Jen, well, she never had a real childhood,. She learned to throw a spear before she learned to read, and now she's helping with the children in Galactica's Life Center the past few days. . And I won't be surprised if she wants to help with that here in some way. Schoolwork permitting, of course."
     "Yes, sir," Dante replied. "And the quarters for the new arrivals are ready. As you requested, a new bunk has been installed in your daughter's and Sergeant Wagner's cabin." 
     "Thank you, Mr. Dante." Byrne turned to Mr. Malik, the Gunnery Officer. "Mr. Malik?" 
     "Sir!" The Zohrloch warrior replied. He handed his captain a pad with the ship's defense status. 
     "Thank you, Mr. Malik," Byrne said. He went over the data, then signed it with a stylus. "I have another job for you in a few days."
     "Sir?" 
     "How'd you like to help get the military personnel among our new arrivals into shape? Duties permitting, that is." 
     "Certainly, Captain," Malik replied. 
     Byrne nodded. "Two things to keep in mind: first, they've never seen your kind before, so it'll take a little getting used to on their part for a day or two. And second?' They're still recovering from the effects of torture and slave labor, so go easy on them for a few days until they're ready for a more vigorous pace." 
     The Zohrloch warrior understood. "As you wish, Captain." 
     "Thank you, Mr. Malik," Byrne said. He turned to Alyssia, the duty Communications Officer. "Miss  Alyssia? Get me the Galactica. Commander Adama, please." 
     "Right away, sir," the Ensign replied. 
     "And feed this to my console." 
     "Sir." 


     "Commander," Omega called to Adama on Galactica's bridge. "Captain Byrne on the line, sir." 
     "I'll take it here," Adama nodded. He went up to the Commander's station. "Captain?" 
     "Commander," Byrne said over the com. "Unfortunately, I won't be able to get over to Galactica to interrogate Scarface or the ex-Governor one last time." 
     "I see, Captain," Adama noted. "Accumulated paperwork still requires your attention?" 
     "It does, Commander," Byrne replied. "However, I'm sending Sergeant Wagner a list of follow-up questions for both of them, and she should be able to get answers." 
     Adama nodded. "Such as?" 
     "Commander, has either one of them met the Supreme Leader, or this Eikhe?" 
     "The head of their Secret Police," Tigh commented. 
     "Yes, Colonel," Bryne said. "And was Scarface going to Earth as part of the invasion? Those, and several others, I'd like to have some answers to. I would imagine that the Sergeant may have questions of her own to ask as well." 
     "She does have the talent for that," Adama said. "Very well, Captain. If you can't be here for that, I would assume that the situation brief is out as well?" 
     "Afraid so, sir. But I'll be there via the com link." 
     "Very well, Captain," Adama nodded. "It would be good if you could be here, but the Sergeant can carry on in your stead." 
     "That she can, Commander," Byrne said. 
     "She can indeed," Adama noted. "Is there anything else, Captain?" 
     "No, sir," Byrne replied. "That's it for now." 
     "Thank you, Captain," 
     "You're welcome, sir. Constellation out." 

     After the connection was broken, Tigh turned to Adama. "Can she get what they want?" 
     "So far, Tigh?" Adama looked at his Exec. "She has." 

     In the VIP section, Sergeant Wagner, Jen, and Jessica were having breakfast. "Well, one more day here, then tomorrow's moving day," Lauren said, reaching for a piece of toast. 
     "Knock on wood," Jessica said. "A few days to get settled in, then this Tribunal."
     "Nervous?" Jen asked. "I sure was, when I had to testify." 
     "Those Il Fadim maniacs?" 
     "Yep," Jen replied. "That Laban scumbag especially." 
     Jessica nodded. They'd told her the story of those crazies, who wanted to impose their own deranged theocracy on the Fleet, were convinced Adama was evil incarnate, and were anti-anyone not born in the Twelve Colonies, even people, like Byrne, Jen, or Lauren, who were just as Human as they were. "Well, I want to testify. And see those three squirming in court as I tell what happened to me." 
     "If they will," Lauren pointed out. "Remember, they're convinced they've done nothing wrong. Legally or morally." 
     "That 'Chosen Race" crap?" Jen asked. 
     "That's it," Jessica said. 
     "Just like those Il Fadim nutcases," Jen nodded. It seemed all too familiar. 
     Lauren looked at her. "Pretty much," she said "Though your dad can explain it better than I can, they can try the 'we were only following orders' defense. And that's not going far." 
     "No," Jessica said. 
     Lauren's PDA then buzzed. She took it out, then nodded. "The Captain sent me a text. He can't come for the interrogations, He's sending me a list of questions that he wants from both Scarface and the ex-Governor." 
     "Any chance they'll tell you anything?" Jen asked. "Those Il Fadim loonies weren't that happy talking to you, I remember." 
     "They've told us a few things," Lauren said as she went over to the computer interface and plugged in her PDA, then called up the list.  While the list was printing, she said, "We know they were on Earth several thousand years ago, and they left just before their Civil War broke out."
     "I remember that," Jen said. "We were in the Ward Room watching those translations come up on the screen." 
     "Yep," Lauren recalled. "Then Scarface told us that they started coming back to Earth when World War II broke out. And they started to abduct people." She looked at both her roomies. "For good." 
     "Like that Flight 19?" 
     "How do you know about that?" Jessica asked. "Did your dad tell you?" 
     "He did," Jen replied. "He said that it's still talked about in Naval Aviation. Five planes and fourteen men gone without a trace? Then a search plane with thirteen more, all gone. Nothing ever found." 
     "Off the record, though," Lauren added. 
     "Oh yeah," Jessica said. "I remember now. Before shipping out for the Gulf War, my ship went down to Puerto Rico with a carrier group for an exercise. On the way there, they posted a map on the ship's bulletin board, showing where we were headed. Somebody drew a triangle on the map between Bermuda, Miami, and Puerto Rico. Some people laughed, but a couple of old hands said, 'Laugh now, but we've seen things down there that aren't very funny.'" 
     "Did they say what they saw?" Jen asked. She was now curious about what she'd been hearing. 
     Jessica shook her head. "No. They never did. If they did, they could kiss their careers good-bye."  
     Lauren nodded. She had heard stories about UFO sightings in the ICBM fields near Great Falls prior to her abduction.  "Just like in the Air Force, Jen. Some things you just didn't talk about."  She gathered up her printouts. "Okay....and guess what the Captain wants from Scarface?" 
     "Flight 19?" Jessica asked. 
     "You got it. Among other things. And the ex-Governor? Anything on the Supreme Leader, his advisors, and so on. Especially this Eikhe fellow." 
     "Who's he?" Jen wanted to know. 
     "He's head of their secret police: think of the KGB or the Gestapo," said Lauren. "He's probably a cold, heartless, and ruthless bastard whose hands are pretty dirty-and bloody, too." 
     Jen nodded. "Looks like you two will be pretty busy today." 
     Lauren and Jessica exchanged glances. "That we will." 

     After they finished breakfast, and taking Jen to Life Center, it was good to find out that, so far, the last of the former prisoners who were now on solid food were doing okay, Lauren and Jessica went to the Brig, where they found Corporal Matakis on duty. "Corporal," Wagner said. 
     "Sergeant," Matakis nodded. 'And Petty Officer," he added. "Who are you two seeing today?" 
     "Raduztak, the ex-Governor," Wagner said as she signed in and handed over her sidearm.
     "Very well, Ma'am," he nodded. Matakis took the two to Raduztak's cell in the Isolation Unit and opened the door. "I'll be right here, Sergeant, if you need anything." 
     "Thanks, Corporal," Wagner said, and she and Clemens went into the cell. They found the former Governor leaning back on the bunk. "Governor...." Wagner said, letting the title fall from her lips. 
     Raduztak sneered at the both of them. "So...what do you bitches want? You grow bored, so now you annoy me?" 
     "Just wondering if you've thought about what we said yesterday," Wagner said. "Got anything to say about your Supreme Leader, perhaps?" 
     "I have never met him," Raduztak sneered. "It was the Minister of Colonies, Ibate, who sent my appointment to the Supreme Leader." 
     "And he approved it, obviously," Wagner nodded. "Anything about the Supreme Leader that you care to share with us?
     "Apart from his being dedicated to the complete supremacy of the Risik State? He was a junior military officer during the war with the Ke'zar, and he vowed that the defeats we suffered would be avenged. It is said that his ship was one of the last to leave the home planet before the Ke'zar struck."
     "He want a medal or a band-aid?" 
     Clemens grinned.  "That would harden anyone." 
     "Yes, and we will avenge that disaster. You and the other races in that sector will submit to us. It is written in the Scrolls, and so it will be!" 
     "I had enough of your lying toilet-paper scrolls in that camp," Clemens shot back. "It never occurred to you that we might have our own ideas about someone dropping in uninvited? " 
     Raduztak couldn't believe his ears. It was worse than he, or anyone else, had been told. Clearly, these Te'reans had totally lost the True Path, and were in dire need of being civilized. "It simply shows that you have forgotten who your Masters were, and need to be reminded of that." 
     Wagner rolled her eyes. "In your dreams, chump. Now, if you haven't met the Supreme Leader, how about this Ibate fellow?" 
     "He is the Minister of Colonies, and is a close associate of the Supreme Leader," Raduztak said. 
     "Is he a lackey, or somebody who actually does his job?" 
     "He is very competent, and is well regarded on the Capital. I was on his staff for a number of years, and he is very efficient, with no tolerance for incompetence. He is one who knows his responsibility to the State." 
     Wagner looked at him. "And those are his good points, I assume?" Seeing him nod, she went on. "And his bad?" 
     "Since it is not likely that you can use the information, I will tell you. He is an accomplished, what would be an appropriate term? Ah, a womanizer." The sneer that followed was sickening. 
     The two women looked at each other.  If Captain Byrne was here, he'd no doubt remind them of similar officials from dictatorships on Earth. "He's sleeping with other men's wives?" Clemens asked. 
     'Yes, or their daughters," Raduztak said. 
     "Even with the.....religious influence on your society?" Wagner asked. Sarah's comments the previous day came to mind. 
     "Privileges are due the privileged. It is so written!" 
     "Congratulations," said Wagner. "You just proved something we found out with Lemeshik and the Commandant. You all are a bunch of bloody hypocrites. One rule for you; one for everybody else. Now, one last thing. Ever hear of a man called Eikhe?" 
     "Eikhe....ah, yes," Raduztak said. "He is the head of the General Security Department. His name was spoken of with reverence-and fear." 
     "'General Security....' A nice way of saying 'Secret Police." replied Wagner. "What kind of....man is he?" Though "animal" would be a more precise description.
     "I have met him at receptions and other official functions," Raduztak said. "He and Ibate were close friends from University, many years ago. He can be charming and polite one moment, yet totally ruthless and sadistic the next. And he is very efficient at his job." 
     "What if he replaced the Supreme Leader?" Clemens asked. 
     "It is very doubtful that he would last long in the position. The Military, that is the Star Force and the Army, would not tolerate it," said Raduztak.  "When General Security becomes too powerful, the Military gets involved.  They will change its leadership, swiftly and decisively," 
     Wagner knew what that meant. "He gets a bullet in the back of the neck, in other words." She turned to Clemens. "Just like in the old Soviet days." 
     "Or Saddam's Iraq," Clemens replied. She remembered the media stories about Saddam's rule from the run-up to the Gulf War.  
     "If that is how you put such things, but yes. Eikhe would know how far he could go,and not get the military involved. Directly ruling, no. But supporting his own candidate for the position? That is another matter entirely." 
     "All right," Wagner said. "Any regrets?" 
     "None at all. When I go into court, I will speak the truth." 
     "Good luck, buster," Clemens said. "Did it ever occur to you while you were watching me scrub your floor that there would be a complete turnaround? Now you're the one locked up." 
     "And try this," Wagner added. "When we get home, we may not wait for you to try and come back." 
     Raduztak looked at both of them. "What do you mean?" Sweat was forming on his forehead, suddenly. 
     "Simple," Wagner said. "We might just have a talk with our neighbors, the Ke'zar included. And make common cause. They don't want your brand of 'civilization' any more than we do. And we may just collectively decide to come looking for you before you decide to come back." 
     Raduztak was shocked. Clearly, this hadn't occurred to him. "You cannot be serious. This is mere boasting." 
     "Think about it. Earth, and a dozen other planets? People you 'civilized' way back when and who don't want to repeat the experience. People who don't need or want your 'help.' We all might just get together and decide to do something about it," Wagner got into his face. 'And that means looking for you. There's a saying on Earth: 'The best defense is a good offense.'" 
     "This cannot be. It is our destiny-" 
     "Enough of that crap!" Wagner yelled. "What are your lying priests going to say when a hundred ships like the Galactica come charging into your home system, hmm? And there's this.  And you can say this to your superiors if you're ever rescued." 
     "And that is?" Raduztak sneered. 
     "When your man Lemeshik had his ship open fire on a patrol from the Galactica? 
     "Yes?" Raduztak glared at both women. 
     "You messed with the wrong people." Wagner said. "Matakis? We're finished here." 
     Matakis opened the cell door, and as the two women left, Raduztak sneered, "And what do you mean by that?" 
     "Simple," Wagner said. "When he fired on those fighters, he started everything that followed. Want to blame somebody? He's the one." 
     As the cell door closed behind Clemens, she turned to Raduztak. "And..... My Lord?" She asked, the title dripping from her lips like poison. 
     "What?" 
     She smiled. "Have a nice day." Then she and Wagner followed Matakis out of the Isolation Unit. 
     As Wagner reclaimed her sidearm and signed out, she asked Clemens. "What do you think?" 
     "Not much, though we got some on that Eikhe guy." 
     "And their Minister of Colonies," Wagner said. "But not much on the Supreme Leader, other than he's ex-military." 
     "Better than what we had before, which was nothing," Clemens nodded. "What about a deal?" 
     "If the Commander or Solon ask my advice?' 
     "Yeah?" 
     "He gets his survival gear." 
     Matakis looked at both of them and asked, ' You guys into animal cruelty?" 
     "No," Wagner said. "But would you rather waste food, water, and oxygen on this guy and the other two?" 
     "Now that you put it that way, Ma'am?" Matakis asked. "No."
     "Good. Could you do me a favor and call the Bridge? See if Commander Adama's available?" 
     "Sure thing, Ma'am." Matakis made the telecom call. "He's still there, Athena says."
     "Thanks. Could you let her know we're on our way? I think the Commander needs to know how our little talk went." 
     "Will do, Ma'am." 
     Wagner nodded, then turned to Clemens. "Let's go." 
     Clemens nodded, and the two headed for the Bridge. 


     When the two got to the Bridge, Jessica was still amazed. As she looked around, Lauren saw her roomie's face. "What are you looking for?" 
     "Still looking for the camera crew and the production team. Still getting used to the fact this is real." 
     Lauren let out a chuckle. "Well, Larson's over by the Plotting Board, Roddenberry's behind the main screen, and Lucas is behind us somewhere." 
     They both laughed. "Sorry, it takes getting used to." 
     "Same with me. The first time I was here? Right after we rescued you. I was still in my tactical gear and had my rifle." 
     Jessica was amazed. "What'd the Commander say?" 
     "He wouldn't challenge anyone's appearance who had just returned from a combat mission," Lauren replied. She looked around, and found Commander Adama at Athena's station, talking to her. He glanced in their direction, and waved them over. The two women went over, and Lauren said as they saluted. "Commander." 
     "Sergeant, Petty Officer,' Adama said. "I take it you've come from a talk with the ex-Governor?" 
     "Yes, sir, we did. Didn't get enough to warrant any kind of deal, but we did learn a few things," Wagner said. 
     "Well, then, what did you find?" Adama asked. 
     "Sir, we found out a few things about the Supreme Leader," Wagner reported. "He's ex-military, and he was a junior officer on a ship that was one of the last to leave the home planet before the Ke'zar came calling. Supposedly, he took a vow that there would be revenge for what had happened. " 
     Adama nodded. Deep down, he remembered his last sight of Caprica astern. He  could understand such feelings. "That is quite understandable, Sergeant. Anything else on him?" 
     "No, sir," Wagner said. "Other than Raduztak, the ex-Governor, has never met him. But we did find out about the man's immediate superior, a fellow named Ibate. He's their Minister of Colonies." 
     Adama and Tigh looked at each other. "Interesting, Sergeant," Adama said. "Please, continue." 
     "Sir, Raduztak served on Ibate's staff for several years or yahrens, and got to know him. He's no lackey, but is totally dedicated to the job and to the Regime. Not to mention having zero tolerance for any incompetence." 
     "In a dictatorship, that would be a prerequisite for the position," Tigh noted. 
     "Yes, it would," Adama agreed. "Anything else on him?" 
     "Sir," Clemens said, speaking for the first time. "He's a womanizer. Sleeping around with other men's wives or daughters." 
     "Maybe both, sir,' Wagner added. 
     "Even with the religious influences on their society?" Tigh asked. 
     Wagner nodded. "Sir, based on what Sarah said yesterday,  they apparently have two sets of rules. One for the military, senior officials, and their priests...."
     "And one for the general population," Adama finished. "What else did you find?" 
     "Sir, we know some about the Secret Police Chief, Eikhe," Wagner said. 
     "Did you, now?" Adama asked. "How would the ex-Governor know?" 
     "Sir, Raduztak, the former Governor said that Eikhe and Ibate are classmates from their college days," Wagner replied. "He's actually met Eikhe at receptions or other government functions, and says the man can be charming and polite one moment," 
     "But savage and ruthless the next, sir," Clemens said. "His hands would be pretty dirty, and bloody, Commander." 
     Adama nodded. In their pre-Unification past, dictatorships in the Colonies had chiefs of Secret Police who were just that. They could be very polite, gracious, and normal-appearing, and yet, merciless  towards those deemed "Enemies of the State," whether real or imagined. "That they would, Petty Officer. Did you find out any more on him?" 
     "Yes, sir, we did," Wagner said. "This contradicts the information Wilker found in Lemeshik's files, but Raduztak said that Eikhe won't go for the Supreme Leader's job." 
     "Why is that, Sergeant?" Tigh asked. 
     "It's because he wouldn't last long, sir. Raduztak said that if Eikhe did get the job, the military would get involved, cut the Secret Police down to size, and purge the leadership. But he might put forward his own candidate for the job, someone who he could control behind the scenes, Commander.  It looks like there's no real trust between any of the major groups. I imagine that they have a balance of power, and that if the military gets too powerful politically, the secret police and their priests take action against the military leaders. If the priests get too ambitious? The military and the secret police team up to purge the religious side, sir." 
     "And how does the Supreme Leader fit into this?" Adama asked. 
     "That, he wouldn't say, sir," Wagner said. 'But, if history on Earth is any guide, they may have designed it that way. If the military, the priests, and the secret police are all plotting against each other? They won't be plotting against him. Didn't both Lemeshik and Melena say that the Supreme Leader's job goes back-and-forth among several families?" 
     "They did," Adama noted. "Is there anything else?" 
     "Sir, there's one other thing. Raduztak got kind of upset when I suggested that, when we get to Earth, getting together with some of Earth's neighbors and doing something about the Risik might be a good idea. I realize that's a question for the future, but it's bound to come up." 
     "That it might, Sergeant. His reaction?" 
     "His usual arrogant self. He even said that in court, he'd speak the truth, as he saw it," Clemens said. "Sir, I'm no lawyer, and all I know about trials is what our, uh, video shows show, but isn't that practically defending himself into a guilty verdict?" 
     Adama nodded. 'That it would, Petty Officer, and his Protector wouldn't be able to do much about it. Anything else?" 
     "Sir, Wagner said. "He may believe this sacred scroll nonsense, and deep down, he wants to be a martyr. Defending the honor of the Risik against the 'infidels' and all that. Lord knows, Commander, we've had our share of that kind of lunacy on Earth." And thank God I missed that, Lauren thought to herself. 
     Adama nodded. "Captain Byrne and Commander Allen have said as much, Sergeant. Is that all for now?" 
     "Yes, sir, " Wagner said, looking at her roomie, who nodded. 
     "Very well. Why don't you two get something to eat, and meet me and Sire Pelias in the Security Ward at 1300? We'll have another conversation with Scarface."
     "Sir, we'll be there, and it'll be a pleasure." Wagner replied, and Clemens nodded. 
     "Well done, both of you,' Adama said. 
     "Thank you, sir." 
     "Dismissed," Adama said. 
     Both women saluted and left the Bridge. After they had left, Tigh went over to his CO. "Commander, what kind of government does that?" 
     Adama nodded. "Tigh, it sounds like some of our pre-Unification governments in the Colonies. I imagine that they set it up that way so that the various branches of their government are busy with infighting amongst themselves. If they're doing that, they're not plotting against the Supreme Leader." 
     "And he's playing everyone off against each other," Tigh said. "In some ways, it's almost like the Cylons." 
     "Exactly, Colonel. And the Leader still has considerable power and authority to order them to do whatever he wants them to do," Adama pointed out. "We'll have to ask Scarface, and probably Sub-Commander Morovik as well. Scarface, I doubt will enlighten us much on this, but the Sub-Commander? He's more reasonable than any of the others." 

     Both  Lauren and Jessica decided to eat in the Life Center Commissary, with their friends. They found Sire Pelias there,sharing a meal and  talking with both Captain Ashby and Lieutenant Sanderson, and when they sat down with Jen, Denise, and Anna, the two asked, "How'd things go with Pelias?" 
     "Fine," Denise said. "He told us that he's got more than enough votes in their Council to get the kids recognized as dual nationals,"
     "He also said that he understood if none of us wanted to get involved in political affairs right now," Anna added. "It has not been that long since..."
     "No, it hasn't," Lauren said. 
     "Any word from Constellation?" Jen asked. 
     "Yeah," Lauren replied. "Denise? That bunk's ready in our cabin. Captain Byrne sent me a text. So you're officially moving in with us." 
     "Thanks," Denise said. She got up from her chair and gave Lauren a hug. 
     "It was Jessica's idea," Lauren said. 
     "Well girl, we'll be together for the ride home," Jessica said, giving her friend a hug. 
     "That we will," Denise said. 
     "And you, Anna?" Lauren asked. "That child-care center will be finished  and ready for customers by noon tomorrow. The day after? You open for business, and you'll be with the Constellation's kids." 
     "It will be a pleasure," Anna said. "And I'll be pleased to have two assistants," she said, nodding towards Jen and Denise. 
     Jen nodded. "Like I said: I got to love those kids. And we're getting three more before too long." 
     "That we will." 


     After they ate, Lauren and Jessica went to the Security Ward, where Corporal Stamaris was on duty. "Corporal," Wagner said. 
     "Sergeant," Stamaris said. "You here to see anyone in particular?" 
     "We're waiting on Commander Adama and Sire Pelias to arrive, but yeah. The Commandant, Tsernavia." 
     Just then, Sire Pelias came in. "Sergeant, Petty Officer," Pelias smiled. "How are you today?" 
     "Fine, Sire," Lauren said. 
     "Same here," Jessica said. "We saw you talking with some people while we were eating." 
     Pelias nodded. "Yes, things went well, I should say. I explained how the Tribunal will work, though Sire Solon will be there shortly to go into further  details. I also explained how the Council resolution will work, and that I have a solid majority of votes needed to pass it." 
     "Did anyone say that they didn't want to get involved in politics, Sire?" Jessica asked. 
     "Yes, they did," Pelias replied. "The top military officers, such as Captains Ashby and Zhukov, and Lieutenant Sanderson, had no interest, and when a show of hands was asked of everyone else? No one did so. Though I do understand their feelings. It hasn't been that long since the rescue, and they need to settle in and adapt to their new surroundings." 
     Lauren nodded. "Well, Sire, as Captain Byrne said: we've got plenty of time to decide." 
     "Indeed," Pelias said. 
     Commander Adama arrived just after that. "Sire," he nodded to Pelias. "And Sergeant, Petty Officer," he added. 
     Both Wagner and Clemens saluted. "Commander." 
     Stamaris turned to the Commander. "Commander, who will you be seeing today?" Though he already knew. 
     "Tsernavia, the Commandant," Adama replied as he signed in. 
     "Yes, sir," Stamaris said. "Sergeant? I'll need your sidearm." 
     Lauren nodded, and handed over her weapon. 
     "Thank you," Stamaris said politely. He opened the door to the Ward, and led them to Scarface's cell. "Commander? I'll be right outside if you need anything." 
     "Thank you, Corporal," Adama said as the door opened. They found Scarface reclining on the bunk, back against the bulkhead. "Commandant, we meet again."
     "Commander,...." Scarface sneered. "And I see you have brought the arrogant young noble," he said. Glaring at Pelias. "And the two Te'rean bitches again. How charming. But not the arrogant officer." 
     "He is otherwise engaged," Adama said. "I do hope you'll be more conversational than last time." 
     "Perhaps," Scarface said, the hostile look still on his face. He stood up. "But you have no right-"
     "Sergeant?" Adama asked. Clearly, Scarface's mood hadn't changed. 
     "Yes, sir!'" Wagner said. "SIT DOWN and SHUT UP, MAGGOT! You are a walking example of a first-class hypocrite. Look at you: wailing about rights, when you had no concern for anyone else's. What about my rights, you bastard? You had no concern for me when I was strapped to that table and begging you to stop using that prod. Or you displaying her-" She pointed to Clemens. "And several other women in that camp so that sick bastard Lemeshik could have his servant and sex toy? Not to mention wailing about the Ke'zar hitting you without warning when you were going to do the exact same thing to Earth! If I were you, I'd sit down, shut up, and answer the questions!" Wagner nodded, then turned to Adama. "Commander." 
     "Thank you, Sergeant," Adama said. "Now, are you willing to be more conversational?" 
     Scarface sat down on the bunk. "Very well," he nodded. 
     "Good," Adama said. "We have found out about your financial....problems. And the black market activity. Would you care to elaborate?" 
     "How?" He seemed taken aback. 
     "Our specialists have been examining Lemeshik's computer," Pelias said. "He has a file on you." 
     "I see..." Scarface nodded. "Yes. I do owe certain individuals some money."
     "Gambling, when it's illegal under your religious codes," Wagner said. 
     "Privileges are due to the privileged," Scarface replied calmly. 
     Wagner looked at the Commander and Pelias, then back at him. "So, you owe money for gambling, and you also have-or had, mind, because he's likely dead, a supply officer involved in the black market." 
     "How he found out, I do not know. But when he asked for a slave, and offered a price, I had to insist on an...arrangement." 
     "Meaning he bribed you to keep quiet, because selling the slaves from the camp was against your own regulations, and he wasn't supposed to have a slave aboard his ship," Wagner said. 
     "If that is how you say it, yes," he replied. 
     "Then the second payment was the actual price for her?" Wagner nodded in Clemens' direction. 
     "If you insist." 
     "Well, then....if I were you? I'd blame him for where you are now," Pelias said. 
     "What do you mean by that?" 
     "Simple, My Lord....." Clemens said. "Because of what you did,  I was aboard his ship when he got into a battle with the Galactica. They rescued me, and not only did I tell them everything, but they used the information in his ship's computer to plan the rescue mission." 
     "Which we had every right to carry out," Wagner added. 
     Scarface shook his head in disbelief. By all the gods....this had to happen. "That arrogant snob." 
     "It will be interesting, when the Tribunal opens," Adama said. "The two of you, plus the former Governor of the colony, in court together." 
     "I will speak the truth," Scarface replied, pride coming back to his voice. 
     "As you wish," Adama said. "Though I doubt it will avail you of much. Now, I believe the Sergeant has some questions of her own." He nodded to Wagner. 
     "Thank you, sir," she said. "Now.....Commandant, I'll start with this: Did you kill anyone during your.....interrogations?" 
     "In the camp? Of course not." His answer was as if the question was something he'd never even thought of. "The slaves were irreplaceable." 
     "I'm talking on the home world," Wagner said, and her tone of voice was obviously angry, both Adama and Pelias thought. "Anyone who managed to defy you, no matter what you did to them?" 
     "No," Scarface replied calmly. "No one held out completely. However..."
     "Yes?" Wagner asked. "I'm listening." 
     "It is said that some who defied interrogation before my service were, shall we say, liquidated. However, I have no firsthand knowledge of such things." 
     Wagner glared at him. "You'd better pray to your fraking gods that your personal papers, which we have, by the way, verify that. If the Colonials' specialists find out to the contrary....."
     "A charge of Termination will likely follow," Pelias finished. "Voluntary or otherwise." 
     "I admit nothing in that regard," Scarface said. 
     "All right," Wagner said. "Were you going to Earth as part of the invasion?" 
     "Yes, as a matter of fact," Scarface replied calmly. "I had not received my specific assignment, but I was to accompany the invasion force." 
     "So you have no idea where you were to be assigned once you got there?" 
     "That is so," replied Scarface. "But I was informed that my.....talents would be needed during the pacification of Te'rea." 
     "Talents?" Clemens asked. "You're nothing but a sadist, enjoying other people's pain and suffering." 
     "Steady, girl," Wagner said. "But she is right. How many times did I beg you to stop, and you kept shocking me with that prod?" 
     He glared at both of them, but said nothing. 
     "All right, next item....what do you know about agents on Earth?" 
     "What do you mean?" He asked. 
     "Any of your own kind, or people you abducted and were returned, to act on your behalf," said Wagner. 
     "Ah. If any of our own were infiltrated to Te'rea, I would not know. If any were, it would be a matter of the highest security." 
     "And you would not have the appropriate clearances," Pelias said. 
     "Yes. And if any Te'rean was judged to be a candidate? I was to inform my superiors, and when they arrived, I was dismissed." 
     "So you don't know how many?" Wagner asked. 
     "That is correct. Only that there were a number who were, shall we say, conditioned, to act on our behalf." 
     Just as the Captain thought, Wagner said to herself. "What about anyone from Earth living on your Capital World?" 
     "There are a number who have seen the True Path," Scarface replied proudly. "They have realized that their world is in need of civilization, and have embraced our cause." 
     "What'd you do? Torture them to the point of total breakdown?" Clemens asked. 
     "No. They did not require such....persuasion. Some were upset that the political system they favored was discarded, while others wish for a firm hand in ruling the world. There are also a few who, when given the opportunities to work with our technology, were only too willing to do so. Those who were so willing were rewarded, and live very openly on the Capital." 
     "And their families?" Pelias asked. 
     "They were given the opportunity to start fresh, with a selection  from the prison colony," replied Scarface. 
     Wagner turned red, but managed to hold her composure. "They're a distinct minority," she snarled. "Most everyone else, other than a few pacifists and 'peace-at-any-price' types, will want to get ready for a fight when we get home and report to our governments. We'll be waiting for you if you decide to come back." 
     "We will return to your world," Scarface sneered. "It is written, and it may be several generations, but the Risik State always keeps its promises." 
     "And we'll be waiting for you," Wagner said. "And that's a promise. Now, what do you know about several disappearances on Earth?" 
     Scarface looked at her. "What....?" 
     Wagner took out a paper. It was a list of disappearances from Earth, some high-profile, others not. She shoved a picture of Amelia Earhart and her Lockheed Electra into his face. "Was this woman one of them?" 
     "Isn't that....Amelia Earhart?" Clemens asked. 
     "Who is she?" Pelias asked, curious. 
     "She was one of the pioneers of women's aviation on Earth," Wagner replied. She set a number of 'firsts" for women, and was trying to fly around the world when she disappeared." Wagner shoved the picture in front of Scarface. "Well?" 
     "If she was taken, it was before my service," Scarface said calmly. "Was this during the conflict?" 
     "Before," Wagner said. 
     "Ah. There were, shall we say, occasional sampling missions prior to that conflict," came the reply. "She may have been one of them." 
     "Okay," Wagner said, taking the picture back. "What about this one?" She handed Scarface a photo of a formation of TBM Avenger bombers taken during World War II. "Flight 19." 
     "What was this, Sergeant?" Adama asked, 
     "Commander, this was a training flight of five U.S. Navy Avenger bombers, very much like these, off the coast of our state of Florida, shortly after the war ended. Five aircraft and fourteen men aboard. Sometime during the flight, after a practice bombing run on an old hulk, the flight leader thought they were lost, and were someplace they weren't. He and the other pilots reported instrument malfunctions, that the ocean and sky didn't look right. They flew for several centars, your time, before radio contact was lost. Several search aircraft were sent out to look for them. One of them went missing with a crew of thirteen. The following day, an extensive search by surface ships and aircraft followed for five days, with no trace of any of the aircraft or aircrew ever found." Wagner glared at Scarface. "Well? I'm listening." 
     "Yes. This was one of our sampling missions. The five small aircraft were taken. The larger aircraft was not. But it was destroyed," Scarface calmly replied. 
     "Why?" Clemens asked. 
     He glared at her. Oh, the cruelty of the gods. This bitch, who had been one of his slaves, was now interrogating him. "It was approaching the ship, and the commander felt that he was about to be discovered. So he ordered the aircraft destroyed." 
     "Commander, that fits, strangely enough," Wagner said to Adama. "Captain Byrne's data shows the search plane was seen to catch fire in the air by a passing merchant tanker, then spun into the ocean and exploded on impact. No survivors, but no wreckage found either. It's been assumed that this was the search plane, but no one knew for sure. Until now." 
     "And you were doing this for some time," Adama said to Scarface. 
     "Yes, Commander. We have." 
     Wagner looked at Clemens, then nodded. She asked Scarface about three famous Bermuda Triangle losses: the British Airliners Star Tiger and Star Ariel, and NC-16002, a DC-3 on a flight from San Juan to Miami in December 1948, lost 50 miles south of Miami. After getting noncommittal replies, she went on to another case, pulling out a photo. "Recognize this?" It was the F-89 Scorpion found in the Derelict. 
     Scarface nodded. 'Yes, the interceptor. It was before my time, but yes, I am familiar with this." 
     "What happened to the crew?" Clemens asked. 
     "They were taken to the homeworld," Scarface replied with a sneer. "And eventually, they were taken to the prison colony." 
     Wagner nodded. It confirmed what the files on the Derelict had said. She then asked about several incidents, including a SAC B-47 that disappeared in 1956 over the Mediterranean with two nuclear weapon capsules aboard, several other Bermuda Triangle and Dragon's Triangle events off of Japan, involving both ships and aircraft,  then she came to the Cessna found on the Derelict. 'Was this pilot one of yours?" She asked, showing Scarface a picture of the aircraft. 
     "Yes, he was," Scarface replied matter of fact. "Though he resisted, like the others-" He leered at Clemens, whose face was turning red, "he eventually saw the wisdom of sharing his knowledge." 
     "And where is he now?" Wagner asked. 
     "He was taken to the prison colony." 
     Commander Allen will want to know this, Wagner knew. At least when we get home, the family will know. "One last thing. There was a small single-engined aircraft that went missing near the island of Puerto Rico with two men aboard. The pilot mentioned an unusual object in their flight path and no matter which way they flew, the object stayed with them until radio and radar contact was lost. Then a target was seen on radar going in the opposite direction of the aircraft." 
     "I am familiar with the geography of your world," Scarface sneered with pride. "That, too, was one of our sampling efforts." 
     "And the pilot and his passenger?" Pelias asked. 
     "They are, or were, on the prison world," 
     Wagner glared at him, then closed her folder. "Congratulations, Commandant. You just solved a number of Earth's aviation and nautical mysteries. The next time I see you? It'll be in court. And I won't hold anything back." 
     "What do you mean?" Scarface asked, a bead of sweat forming on his forehead. 
     "I'll tell them everything you did to me on that ship, and everything I saw in that camp," replied Wagner. "The rest of the case will be an afterthought, because there's enough there to convict you, but we're not denying everyone else their day in court." 
     "She is correct," Adama said. "A number of those who were rescued from the camp will be testifying, including the Petty Officer." 
     Clemens smiled, and that smile, to not only Wagner, but to Adama and Pelias, seemed to be dripping poison. "And I"ll be there as well......My Lord. Telling them everything that happened. On the home world, in that camp, and on Lemeshik's ship. And It'll be a pleasure." 
     Scarface glared at her, but said nothing. 
     "Tomorrow, Commandant," Pelias said. "You will be indicted, and will be introduced to your legal counsel. The proceedings will be scrupulously fair, and all the legal niceties will be observed. We do not conduct show trials, unlike your system." 
     "How-" Scarface started to say. 
     "Melnea," Pelias finished. "The ex-Governor's lady friend. She has told us how your system worked in her case, Where the guilt and sentence were all preordained. You will have the fullest possible defense. Though in your case, that may not help." 
     "The sire is correct," Adama added. "The proceedings will be totally fair, and you will receive the benefits due anyone accused under our system."
     "It just shows how weak you are," Scarface sneered. "Enemies of the State, such as Melena, deserve everything that comes to them." 
     "Your choice," Adama said. 
     "Commander, I think we've gotten everything we're going to," Wagner said. 
     "I agree, Commander," Pelias added. 
     Adama nodded, then gestured to Corporal Stamaris. As the cell door opened, Scarface snarled, "I will speak the truth, Commander. And if that means defending the honor of the Risik State against infidels and nonbelievers, then so be it. I regret nothing, and am ashamed of nothing." 
    "Your choice, again," Adama said as he exited the cell, along with Pelias. "Though even in the Sergeant's case alone, there is enough to convict you." 
     "You have no right to try us! We have done nothing!" Scarface shouted. 
     Adama glared at him. "They are our brethren, and even though they did not come from our Twelve Colonies, they are members of the House of Kobol. We have the responsibility to seek justice for them! When they are kidnapped, tortured, and enslaved, we have the right to do whatever is necessary to free them, and not only to take them home, but to see that those responsible are punished," Adama said, his own temper coming to the fore, yet able to remain calm. "Our laws apply, even here. And you will face the consequences." 
     "Infidels!" 
     "Whatever you say, pal. But I'd be thinking about what's going to happen in court," Wagner added. 
     Scarface glared at her, then looked at Clemens. "And what are you looking at?" 
     "Well.....My Lord, and think about it, for that's probably the last time I'll ever call you that. Be glad the charges against you won't be capital. But shoving you out an airlock would be too quick and too easy," Clemens got into his face. "I'll see you in court, and you'll be the one squirming for a change." 
     He glared at her as she left, but Wagner was still there. "What?" 
     Wagner stared at him for a moment, then smiled. "You have a nice day, now," she smiled, then left the cell. 

     After leaving the ward, and as Wagner reclaimed her weapon, Adama asked, "Comments?" 
     Pelias shook his head. "Commander, all I can say is that I'm glad that's over." 
     "So am I, Commander," Wagner said. "Captain Byrne could explain it a lot better than I can, but he's got a martyr complex, best I can tell." 
     "What do you mean by that?" Pelias asked. 
     "Sire, having spent several years, yahrens, pardon me, as a prisoner?" Clemens said. "He's going to defend himself and their government against the 'infidels', meaning us. The same goes for Lemeshik, and the ex-Governor.' 
     "I'll agree with that, Commander," Wagner said. "They're convinced to their core that they have done nothing wrong, either legally or morally. To these people, it's everyone else who is wrong. Not them." 
     Adama nodded. "Just like the Il Fadim, or the Nomen. Sergeant. Only this time, the Risik have the full power of a multi-system government and military at their disposal. "
     "And, Commander, one other thing. If I may?" Clemens said. 
     "Petty Officer?" 
     "Sir, they've got a tremendous superiority complex," she said. "Technological, religious, whatever. Being in that camp, then as Lemeshik's slave let me pick up a lot of it. Even if it was, to me, just plain garbage." 
     "Even here, we've seen enough of that," Adama nodded. "Even if a few of them-such as those helping repair the captured ship, the smuggler captain, or the First Officer, are more reasonable." 
     "Commander?" Pelias asked. 'Perhaps we could have one or two of the captured officers in the Tribunal chamber as witnesses? So that when they are released, they can honestly report how things went. Even if they do so,  they will at least make the narrative more pleasing to their superiors." 
     "That, Sire," Adama said. "I have no doubt. But, we will record the proceedings, and give them copies. It will be shown for the record that all of the legal niceties were observed. As Captain Byrne says, 'Even the worst of the worst are entitled to an adequate defense.'" 
     "That is so, Commander," a voice said from the entrance to the ward. It was Sire Solon. 
     "Sire," Adama nodded pleasantly. "I gather you have met with your prospective witnesses?" 
     "Yes, I have,' Solon replied. "I have also explained how the process works in more detail, and to some of them, it is similar to how it is done in their home countries on Earth." 
     "How many will testify, Sire?" Pelias asked. 
     "Fifteen, in all,' Solon replied. "Fourteen from the camp, as well as the Sergeant here." 
     "I'm looking forward to it," Wagner said. "Then what happened to me, and everyone else for that matter, gets put on the record." 
     "And so it will," Adama nodded. "And has Sire Memnon been involved?" 
     "He has, Commander, with all the legal requirements for the Protection having been followed. And to the letter. He has all of  the Opposition's evidence that we currently have, and, of course, he'll receive any more that should be developed," Solon said. "Tomorrow, after the indictments are served, he will meet with his clients." 
     "Well, Sire," Wagner said. "Based on what we just heard? He's going to have three very uncooperative ones. All three are totally convinced they've done nothing wrong."
     "No conscience at all," Clemens added. 
     "The Sire has been informed of how things have gone, and he has had clients in the past who were of a similar temperament. Hopefully, when things are explained further, they will calm down. And they will see sense."
     "I wouldn't be so optimistic on that, Sire," Pelias said. "But, there is always a chance." 
     "Always, Sire," Solon said. "I take it your intelligence-gathering is completed?" 
     "With these three?" Adama asked. "We're finished, Sire. They're all yours." 
     "Thank you, Commander,' Solon replied. "And Commander? It is also possible that Melena may testify. In the rebuttal phase, to illustrate the difference between our system and theirs, and to give an example of someone who was exposed to their anti-Earth propaganda." 
     "That is interesting news, Sire," Adama said. "That will be interesting to observe, certainly." 
     "That it would be, Commander." 

     After Solon took his leave, and headed back to his office, Wagner had an idea. "Commander, why don't you have a look for yourself and see how everyone's doing?" He looked at her. "We've still got time before the situation brief." 
     "I would like that very much, Sergeant," Adama nodded. "Shall we go?" 

     Commander Adama led the group back into Life Center's main spaces. That attracted Doctor Salik's attention, and he came over. "Doctor," 
     "Commander," the CMO nodded pleasantly. "What brings you over here today?" 
     "Just seeing for myself how everyone's doing," Adama said. "And how are things? 
     'Very well, Commander," Salik replied. "Everyone's in good condition, and the remaining ten who were having trouble with solid food are doing well. If they get through tonight and tomorrow morning? After lunch, they'll be cleared for release." 
     "Which makes tomorrow moving day, Doc," Wagner said. 
     "That it does, Sergeant," the CMO said. "But our work is nearly done, and it's time for the next stage." 
     "Yes, it is," Pelias nodded.. 
     "Yes," Adama agreed. "I take it everyone can have visitors?" 
     "Certainly, Commander," Salik nodded.
     "Thank you, Doctor." 


     After  leaving the CMO,  the group went to one of the private cabins, and found Michael and Catherine, the two parents who Wagner had encountered when she went into Barracks Three, along with Jen. Jen was helping them with their one-year old son, and their six-day old baby boy. "Commander, Sire," Jen said. 
     "And how are things going today?" Adama asked. 'I hear you've discovered child-care skills you never knew you had." 
     "Well, Commander, I have to learn sometime," Jen said. "Michael, Catherine? This is Commander Adama. He's the commander of the Galactica and the Fleet." 
     "Commander," Michael said. "Michael Forrest, formerly a Corporal in the Australian Army, sir." 
     "Catherine Seymour, Commander," Catherine added. She nodded in the direction of Jen, who was helping with their one-year old son. "And this is baby Trevor. Named after Michael's father." 
     "He's adorable," Adama said. The baby reminded him of Apollo at that age. He glanced at the other crib in the cabin. "And this must be the new arrival, born on the Galactica." 
     "Yes, he is, Commander,' Catherine said. She went over and picked up the baby. Not even a  week old, Earth time, but the baby immediately recognized his mother. 
     Lauren smiled. "Have you decided on a name?" 
     "We were going to call him Richard," Michael said, "After Catherine's father, but....
     Catherine went over to Jessica. "Jess, I hope you don't mind." She handed the infant to Jessica. 
     "Mind what?" Jessica asked. She held the baby in her arms and saw it coo as she was stroking its chin. 
     The parents looked at each other, then Catherine smiled. "Jess, we're naming him Ron." 
     Tears welled up in Jessica's eyes. "Catherine, Michael, I don't know what to say..." She looked at the baby, and Jessica was nearly crying. Then she smiled, and looked down at the baby. "Well, now. Ron it is. You're not just going to learn all about home, but when you get old enough to understand, we're going to tell you about your godfather." 
     "I wonder if he knows?" Michael wondered aloud, meaning Ron.  
     Jessica handed the baby back to Catherine. "He knows. I don't know how, but I just know." 
     "Yes, God willing, he will," Adama said, and Pelias nodded. 
     Catherine smiled, then noticed something. "Uh-oh. Ready for a diaper change, then time for his nap." 
     "I'll take him, Catherine," Jen said. She took him to a table, and went to work. It was clear that Jen had diaper duty down to a science. 
     "Memories, Commander?" Pelias asked, seeing Adama smile. 
     "Indeed, Sire," Adama replied. "Both children remind me of my own, and my daughter's twins." 
     "How many children did you have, Commander?" Catherine asked. 
     "I had three. Two are currently serving aboard Galactica, but the third, was....killed in action during the Holocaust." 
     "I'm sorry, Commander,' Michael said, looking at Catherine. "Didn't mean to bring up old wounds..." 
     "Yes, well...everyone in the Fleet has lost so much," Adama reminded everyone. "There isn't a person in the Fleet who has had to deal with the loss of loved ones. Still, one can understand one death in combat, and yet...not that long afterward, there were many millions of deaths. And they are all interconnected." 
     "So true," Pelias nodded. 'Well, I understand your family is moving to Adelaide?" 
     "That we are, Sire," Michael said. "It'll be nice to be going home with a fellow Australian." 

     After some more pleasant conversation, they moved on, and Commander Adama was pleased to see that people seemed to be adjusting well. Much better than he would have thought personally, but the fact that there were military or ex-military personnel among the former captives, and they had passed along the need for cohesion and a sense of resilience to the civilians.  Then they noticed Father Fisher coming out of Life Center's Physical Therapy room. "Father," Adama nodded politely. 
     "Commander," Fisher replied.  "And how are you today?" 
     "Fine, thank you, Father," Adama said. "I would ask the same thing about you." 
     "Doing well, thank you," Fisher said. "One thing that Doctor Salik has been encouraging is for those of us who feel up to it, to start getting back in shape." 
     "So you have been giving the exercise equipment some use, I take it?" 
     "Quite," Fisher nodded. "Though the younger people are in the mood for a more vigorous workout." He gestured toward the room, where several of the ex-prisoners were on the exercise machines. 
     Adama laughed. "If I were their age, so would I, Father. Once we are clear of Risik space, and have put any pursuit force well behind us, the two of us will have that talk we mentioned." 
     The priest smiled. "Commander, I am looking forward to it. Our faiths may have differences, but no matter where we come from, we are all children of the same God." 
     "Of that, Father, I have no doubt,' Adama replied. "I gather Sire Solon was here, to explain how the Tribunal will work?" 
     "He did, Commander, and if everyone could testify, they would. And I will be one of those called to the stand. Fourteen of us from the camp, and the Sergeant here," Fisher nodded. 
     "I'll be there," Wagner said. "We may not be trying their leaders, but these three? They'll do." 
     "For now," Clemens added, an icy tone to her voice. And the others picked it up. They knew what she meant.  
     "What do you mean, Jessica?" Fisher asked. 
     "Father, Lauren and I have talked about it, and so have Captain Byrne and Commander Allen. It's not just these three, but anyone else involved in abducting people." 
     "Anyone and everyone who was involved," Wagner said. "Whoever approved of it, planned it, and carried it out. To be wished for, anyway. Chances are, the Ke'zar killed a lot of them during their war, but still..." 
     "Do not let it get to you, Sergeant," Fisher said. "Justice, not vengeance, should be what we seek." 
     "I know that, Father. And having these three in the dock is probably the best we can hope for," Wagner replied. "But it doesn't change the way I feel." 
     "Same here, Father," Clemens said. "Anyone involved in taking us? Or the people on that colony? The people sent to that lab? Then the people they took and then released? And the Risik who ran that lab? I want them all dead." 
     "I do not blame either one, Father," Adama said. "Considering what has happened to them, and that it has not been that long since their recovery, or yours, for that matter, but with time, those feelings should subside." 
     "I agree, Commander," Fisher nodded. "And I do understand what they are feeling. I, too, have struggled with them since our recovery, and most of us do want some kind of revenge. It is, after all, human nature. But, as a cleric, I must follow my faith, and offer my forgiveness to the Risik No matter what they have done, I cannot forget what was done to all of us. But I can forgive them. Even if that is a minority view." 
     Adama nodded. "Once more, Father. You have shown that our faiths have many things in common. After you go over to your new ship, and I believe it's the Adelaide?"" Seeing Fisher nod, he continued. "I will have a translated copy of our holy book, the Book of the Word, sent to you via computer. So that when we have our conversation, and that will likely be the first of many, both of us will be better prepared."
     The priest nodded. "I do look forward to that, Commander." 

     After taking their leave of Father Fisher, and seeing some of the others, it was a centar until the Situation Briefing. "We have a centar until the briefing," Adama said. "I have some shipboard business to take care of, but I will see you three in the Ward Room at 1600." 
     "Yes, Commander," Pelias said, while the two women nodded. 
     "Commander, something just occurred to me," Wagner said. 
     "Sergeant?" Adama asked. 
     "Sir, we have the abduction log from the Derelict. Can we run that against the roster of rescued prisoners?" 
     "An interesting suggestion, Sergeant," Adama said. "Not just for the Tribunal, but for their benefit as well?" 
     "Yes, sir," Wagner said. "I know the.....people who took me are dead. If some of the others-" she nodded in the direction of Michael and Catherine's cabin-"know that as well, it'll make them sleep better."
     "I don't know who took me or Denise, Commander," Clemens said. "It'd make me sleep better, knowing the people who took us got what was coming to them." 
     Adama looked at the two women, then at Pelias. The young sire nodded understanding. Then Adama went to the duty station, where Cassie was on watch. "Cassie," 
     "Commander," Cassie nodded. 
     "I need to use your telecom. Doctor Wilker, please." 
     "Certainly, Commander." She called up Wilker's lab on the telecom, then handed the receiver to the Commander. "He's on, sir." 
    "Commander?" 
     "Doctor, I have a quick job for you. I'd like it if you could check to see if any of the names of the rescued prisoners match any of the names in the abduction log found on the Derelict," Adama said. 
     "Consider it done, Commander. I'll have results for the Situation Brief," Wilker said. "It's pretty straightforward." 
     "Very good, Doctor. Get to it right away." 
     "Will do, Commander." 
     "Thank you, Doctor." 



     Soon, it was getting close to 1600, and the principals began to gather in the Ward Room or via com. When Sergeant Wagner and Petty Officer Clemens arrived, they found Sire Xaviar already there. "Sire," Wagner said. 
     "Sergeant, and Petty Officer,' Xaviar replied. 'I understand from Sire Pelias that you two have been busy." 
     "We have," Wagner said. "First the ex-Governor, then Scarface." 
     "Any hints?' 
     "We found out some about this Eikhe fellow, and their Minister of Colonies, and some, not much, mind, but some, on the Supreme Leader." said Wagner. 
     Then both Sire Pelias and Siress Tinia came in. "Sergeant, Petty Officer," Tinia said. "Pelias has told me the two of you have been busy today." 
     "We were just telling Sire Xaviar that," Wagner replied. "Both Scarface and the ex-Governor." 
     "And your friends, Petty Officer?" Tinia asked. 
     "All doing fine, Siress," Clemens said. "Thanks for asking. Tomorrow's moving day, if all goes well." 
     "And those three creeps get indicted," Wagner added. "We're finished interrogating them, and it's time for Solon's people to take over." 
     "Anything new on our....friends?" Tinia asked. 
     "Some, Siress," Wagner said. "Not enough on the ex-Governor to get him to flip, as we say back home, and testify against the others. But we did get some information on Eikhe and the Supreme Leader. And Scarface did give up on some of Earth's most famous disappearances of ships and aircraft."     
     "And Doctor Wilker is checking the abduction log found on the Derelict against the roster of freed prisoners," Pelias added. "He should have results for us this afternoon." 
     "Among other things, Sire," Wilker said as he came into the room, followed by Doctor Salik. "We've found a few things of note." 
     "And you, Doctor?" Tinia asked Dr. Salik. 
     "Our work in Life Center is nearly finished, Siress. If all goes well, tomorrow will be, as the Sergeant has said, moving day," Salik replied. 
     "It will be," Wagner said, nodding at her roomie. "We'll be busy the rest of the afternoon, getting them moved over and billeted." 
     Clemens grinned. "That we will." 
     "No doubt," Tinia said. "But still, it will take some more time to get them fully adjusted." 
     "It will, Siress, but if I've managed to settle in after a couple of wee...sectans, excuse me, my friends can." 
     Captain Byrne's face then appeared on a monitor, as did Commander Allen's. "Excuse me, Siress," Wagner said. She went over to the monitors. "Sirs," 
     "Sergeant," Byrne said. "How'd it go?" 
     Wagner went over what had been covered previously. "Sir, we'll see how brave they are when crunch time comes," 
     "I see," Byrne said. "And Scarface?" 
     "Sir, he copped to most of the disappearances on your list. I'll give the full details in my report." 
     "Very well, Sergeant," Byrne replied. "Everything's just about ready over here." 
     "And on Adelaide," Commander Allen said. "You can pass that along when you're finished, Sergeant." 
     "Yes, sir. And Commander? Scarface admitted to the Valentich disappearance," said Wagner. "I'm sorry, sir." 
     "Nothing for you to be sorry about, Sergeant," Allen replied, with a touch of anger in his voice. "That sorry SOB has a lot to answer for."
     "That he does," Byrne said. "They'll get indicted tomorrow, and then you all get your day in court. You are testifying, Sergeant?" 
     "Yes, sir," Wagner replied. "Solon told me I'd be one of the witnesses." 
     "Very well, Sergeant," Byrne said. "We'll be waiting for your report." 
     "Yes, sir." 
     Then Baltar, Starbuck,  Moray, and Orion appeared on another set of monitors, and the usual pleasantries were exchanged, as Colonel Tigh and Apollo entered the room. "Everyone, Commander Adama will be here in a few moments. A patrol debriefing ran over, but he will be with us shortly," Tigh said. 
     Heads nodded at that, and people were making small talk, either in person or via the com, when the door to the Ward Room hissed open again, and Commander Adama entered, followed by Academician Sarah, and, to the  surprise of many, a Risik woman. "Everyone, my apologies for being late, but a patrol debriefing ran over, and then Academician Sarah had a surprise. This is Melena, the very unwilling companion to the ex-Governor, and who is now one of our new travelers. She has been assisting Sarah in her work, and is a potential witness for the Opposition in the upcoming Tribunal. Sarah has offered Melnea a position on her staff, and she has accepted the offer. For today, Sarah had intended to give a summary of her discussions with her, but Melnea wished to tell her story in person. And I have agreed." 
     "Thank you, Commander," Melnea said. 
     Adama gave a polite nod, then gestured for everyone to take a seat. "If you'll all be seated, we'll get this started. And Melnea? If, at any time, you have comments or questions, please, don't hesitate to offer them. Everyone's opinion is valid here." 
     "I shall, Commander," Melnea said, taking a seat next to Sarah. 
     "Very good," Adama said as he gestured to Doctor Salik. "Doctor?" 
     "Commander, everyone," Salik said. "Our work in Life Center is nearly complete. The last ten prisoners to go over to a normal diet are doing well. If, as we hope, all goes well tonight and tomorrow morning? After lunch, they'll be cleared for release and transfer to their new ships." 
     "Excellent news, Doctor," Tinia said. "And there is still one pregnant woman, I understand?" 
     "Yes, there is, Siress," Salik replied. "She is doing well, and is not due for another three and a half sectans. Her pregnancy is normal and healthy, according to the scans. And the babies?  They should normal and healthy at birth." 
     "The Lords be praised," Adama said.. 
     "Doc, this just occurred to me," Wagner said. "Any sign the Risik gave the women fertility drugs? I know, it's repulsive, but with these people, and I do use that term loosely, anything's possible." 
     "Why would they do that?" Tigh asked. 
     "Sir, from the Risik's viewpoint, the more births they have in the camp, the more workers they get down the line. More productivity, which means more bonuses to Scarface. Simple as that." 
     Adama nodded grimly. Nothing about the Risik surprised him now, and if they had done so, just one more atrocity among many. "Doctor?" 
     "That did occur to me, while I was examining the mothers," Salik replied. "Tests were done on their blood, to see if there were any such drugs in their bloodstream, or lingering traces. They all came back negative." 
     "Thank the Lords," Tinia said. "Commander, when we leave this sector and put these...people behind us for good, it will be a relief." 
     "Agreed, Siress, and you won't be the only one feeling that way,"  Adama said. "Anything else, Doctor?" 
     "No, Commander," Salik nodded. 
     "Good work, Doctor," Adama nodded. 'And pass that to your staff." 
     "Thank you, Commander, and I will do so." the CMO said as he sat down. 
     "Very good," Adama said. "Doctor Wilker?" 
     "Commander," the Chief Scientist said as he stood. "Everyone. We've found a number of things of interest. First, there's more information on the Secret Police Chief, Eikhe." He punched up a holo-image of the man. "It seems he got the job for helping uncover a coup plot. Not to mention pointing out the shortcomings of his predecessor." 
     "Where'd you find this, Doc?" Byrne asked. 
     "The Security Officer's files," Wilker replied. "The priests decided that they should be in sole control of their government, and had some sympathizers in the military and the Secret Police. Eikhe managed to uncover the plot, According to the information, Eikhe not only uncovered the plot, but, and I quote, 'Distinguished himself in the pursuit and liquidation of the traitors.'" 
     "Which means, he's arresting and torturing them. And supervising their executions," said Allen. 
     "No doubt about that," Xaviar nodded. 
     "Yes, and he also supervised the execution of his predecessor," Wilker added. 
     "As both the Sergeant and the Petty Officer have said," Adama commented. "He's the type who would definitely get his hands dirty. As well as bloody. Evidently he has." 
     "Nice guy," Byrne said. "Stalin would be proud of him. Has he been to the camp?" 
     "Good question, Captain," Tinia said. "Doctor?" 
     "We've run his name against the visitors' log from the camp. He was there, three yahrens ago. However, he declined the Commandant's offer to spend the night there." 
     "Petty Officer?" Adama asked Clemens. "Do you remember such a visit?" 
     "No, Commander, I don't. They didn't tell us who the VIPs were who came to visit. Unless they were spending the night," Clemens said. "And you know what happened if they did...."
     "I see," Adama said. "Thank you. Doctor, did you cross-reference the rescued prisoners against the abduction log from the Derelict?" 
     "Yes, Commander, we did." The Chief Scientist turned to Wagner and Clemens. "I'm sorry, but there were no matches." 
     "At least you looked, Doc," Wagner said, while Clemens said nothing. But everyone could see that she had an angry scowl on her face. "I'll let everyone know." 
     "You tried, Doctor, and that's all you can do," Adama said. "Anything else?"  
     "Yes, sir. The Security Officer had a file on Lemeshik. He was trying to get an investigation launched in regards to his having the Petty Officer aboard the ship. However, his notes on the matter are tinged with disgust. The investigation was quashed before it really got going," reported Wilker. 
     "His father's influence again," Pelias said. "How far does that family's influence go?" He wondered.  "Not just the military, priests, and other government officials, but the Secret Police as well?" 
     "Eikhe's not on the Bribe list," Wilker said. "There's several names who could be Secret Police, but we don't know for sure." 
     Adama nodded. "Keep digging, Doctor, Anything on Lemeshik, not just for us, but for Sire Solon. And if possible, more on either Eikhe or the Supreme Leader." 
     "Yes, Commander. We'll keep at it.. There's one last thing. We found this in a very high-security file from the Derelict. They did have agents on Earth at the time of the Sergeant's abduction." 
     Several jaws, both in the room and on the com links, dropped at that. "You're sure, Doc?" Allen said. 
     "Yes, Commander Allen, we're positive. The file gives instructions on how to extract such agents. The agents had the necessary communications equipment, and there is a specific extraction signal, to be used in cases of extreme emergency. It also gives rendezvous points and code phases to be used to verify an agent's identity." 
     Bryne asked, "Have they done this? Extract an agent, I mean." 
     "Not that we've been able to determine," Wilker replied. "This may have been a contingency plan, like escape pods on a ship,  but we may never know for sure. If they have done so, this ship may not have been given that information. We'll keep looking, though." 
     "Thank you, Doctor," Adama said as the Chief Scientist sat down. "Sergeant, Petty Officer? I believe you have something for us?" 
     "Yes, sir," Wagner said. "First, we've got some information on the Supreme Leader, then this Eikhe fellow, and the ex-Governor's superior, a guy by the name of Ibate. Who's their Minister of Colonies." 
     "Very well, Sergeant. Please, go right ahead." 
     "Thank you, sir," Wagner said. "First, the Supreme Leader. We don't have a name for him, but the Petty Officer and I found out a few things, thanks to the ex-Governor. Apparently, the Supreme Leader is ex-Military. He was a decorated junior officer at the time of the war with the Ke'zar, and was on one of the last ships to leave before the Ke'zar launched their final attack. From what the ex-Governor told us, he took a vow of revenge then and there. He promised there would be, as we say on Earth, payback, for what had happened." 
     Heads nodded around the table. In deference to Baltar and the Cylons, no one said anything at first. Then Adama broke the ice. "A feeling that is....understandable, Sergeant. Is that all on him?" 
     "There's one other thing, Commander," Clemens said. "He's totally dedicated to their goals. Which means reclaiming their home planet, revenge on the Ke'zar, and then coming to Earth and, uh, 'civilizing' it." 
     "Anyone less dedicated to those goals would not last long," Apollo nodded. "Not in that sort of system." 
     "No, sir," Wagner replied. "Now, as for Eikhe? The ex-Governor has met him at receptions and other official functions. Eikhe and their Minister of Colonies, a guy name Ibate, used to be college buddies, and they've maintained their friendship. According to Raduztak, the ex-Governor, Eikhe can be charming and polite one moment, but, if you fall under his suspicion as an 'Enemy of the State', real or imagined? He's savage and ruthless." 
     "He gets his hands dirty, and bloody, if you get the idea," Clemens added. "He's personally involved." 
     Xaviar nodded. "Just like in our pre-Unification era, Commander. Dictatorships in the Colonies had no shortage of individuals with similar qualities."
     "Quite so, Sire," Adama said. 
     "One other thing about Eikhe, Commander," Wagner said. "He's not likely to try a coup or otherwise get the Supreme Leader's job." 
     "Why is that, Sergeant?" Byrne asked. 
     "Sir, it's because that if he did, he wouldn't last long. Raduztak told us that if Eikhe did get the top job, the military and the priests would team up to cut the Secret Police down to size, and purge the leadership. Taking the top job, no. But he did say that Eikhe would nominate someone who he could control from behind the scenes." 
     "That contradicts Lemeshik's information, as I recall, Commander," Tigh said. 
     "It certainly does, Colonel," Adama said. 
     "Sir, there's also this," Wagner added. "Based on that, if the military got too powerful, the secret police and the priests team up to put the military back under control. And if the priests got too ambitious, as Doctor Wilker just said? The military and the secret police join forces to clean up their religious establishment." 
     "It gives a new meaning to the term 'checks and balances.'" Allen said, his lip curled. 
     "What kind of government does that?" Baltar asked. 
     Though disgusted at having to reply to Baltar, Byrne said. "Nazi Germany was one. As long as Hitler's key lieutenants were busy with infighting amongst themselves, they weren't thinking about plotting against him. Even when there was a serious assassination and coup attempt in 1944, they were all very loyal. Because if he went down, they did, too. The post-Stalin era in the Soviet Union was also similar. Substitute the Communist Party for the religious establishment, and you get an idea of how the Soviet Union worked up until the Gorbachev period." 
     "Melnea?" Adama asked. "Any comments?" 
     The Risik refugee nodded. "Commander, it is all too familiar. Some of those my father associated with could have given that summary." 
     "And this Ibate fellow?" Xaviar asked. 
     "Sire, he's their Minister of Colonies, as I said," Wagner replied. "He's no lackey, though. Raduztak describes him as very competent at his job, and has no tolerance for any sort of incompetence." 
     "How did this Raduztak know this?" Tinia asked. 
     "Siress, Raduztak was on Ibate's staff for several yahrens," Wagner said. "Anyone who crossed Ibate either disappeared into a camp or disappeared, period. He did say one other thing: Ibate's quite the womanizer." 
     Heads turned at that. "What?" Pelias asked. "A womanizer?" 
     "That's what Raduztak told us, Sire," Clemens said. "He's sleeping with other men's wives or daughters. Or both." 
     "And when he justified that as 'privileges due the privileged,' I had to cut him down to size, because he just proved that they're all a bunch of hypocrites,"  Wagner added.  "One rule for their top officials, one rule for everyone else." 
     "Not unusual in these types of societies," Sarah said, speaking for the first time. She'd been taking copious notes. It's like I never left Ziklag, she thought to herself. 
     "Melnea?" Adama asked. "Comments?" 
     "One of my father's associates could have given that summation," Melnea replied. "The conduct of high officials was something that was discussed." 
     "Commander, one last thing about this before I move on to the Commandant," Wagner said. "They may have designed their government so that the various factions and ministers can't plot against the Supreme Leader. He's above it all, and is probably playing them off against each other. If they're busy with infighting....."
     "They're not busy plotting against him," said Apollo. Sounds like what we know about the Cylons, he thought. 
     Reminds me of the Imperious Leader, Baltar said to himself. 
     Adama nodded. "Exactly. And he still has the power and authority to order them to do whatever he wants them to do." Heads nodded, both around the table and on the monitors. "And the Commandant, Sergeant?" 
     Though Adama and Pelias had been with her when they had interrogated Scarface, Wagner went as if they hadn't been there. "Commander, he admitted to being in debt due to gambling, as well as the black-market activities of his supply officer." 
     "That fits Lemeshik's information, Commander," Wilker said. 
     "It does, Doctor," Adama said. "Please continue, Sergeant," 
     "Yes, sir. He also admitted that the first installment paid him by Lemeshik for Petty Officer Clemens was a bribe," Wagner reported. She looked at her friend and roomie. "The second was the actual purchase price. Which confirms my theory." 
     "That it does, Sergeant," Byrne said. 
     'Yes, sir. As for other questions? He admitted that he was going to be assigned to the invasion force headed for Earth. His.....services were felt to be needed during and after the invasion." 
     "Of all the...." Allen growled. "Did he admit to killing anyone?" 
     "No, sir, he didn't," Wagner said. "In the camp, the prisoners were irreplaceable. On the homeworld? He didn't admit to it, but he did say that some people brought there were so intractable that they were....liquidated, to use his phrase." 
     "He killed them?" Tinia asked, a horrified look on her face. 
     "No, Siress," Clemens said. "He said that any deaths were before his service. Whether or not he's telling the truth, we don't know." 
     "We're still going through his personal papers," Wilker added. "As soon as we find anything, Commander,  I'll let you know." 
     "And Sire Solon, Doctor. If he has killed anyone, that can be added to the indictment," Adama reminded everyone. 
     "Sergeant," Allen said. "Did he say anything about agents on Earth?" 
     "No, sir, he didn't. If you mean their own kind, he wasn't cleared. As for abductees? If any were judged to be candidates, he was to inform his superiors and then he was dismissed. He has admitted that there are people from Earth living on their Capital, though." 
     Xaviar asked, "Did he say how many, Sergeant?" 
     "Sire, I'm afraid not. He did say that some were upset that their old political system got thrown out, while others want something imposed on Earth from the outside. And a few who jumped at the chance to work with Risik technology. They've embraced the Risik ideology, and live pretty openly on their Capital. And they were given a chance to start a new family-by taking a new spouse from those on the prison colony," Wagner said. 
     "Which gives the Risik people willing to give them whatever language and cultural training to insert their own agents," Byrne added. "Not to mention information on local geography, conditions, and so on." 
     "That it would, Captain," Adama said. He turned to Melena. "Have you heard anything about anyone from Earth on the Capital?" 
     The Risik defector nodded. "Now that you mention it, Commander? Yes. There has been some mention of such people in the State Media, They were depicted as examples of 'Civilized Te'reans.' Those in the slave camp have also been mentioned. "
     "Those in the camp were....'uncivilized'?" Apollo asked. 
     "That is correct,' Melnea replied. 
     "Commander?" Clemens said. "They filmed us several times for propaganda. If the people on their Capital planet are being told this...."
     "Not just that, but their colony worlds are being fed this....bilge," Tigh added. 
     "Building and keeping popular support," Byrne noted. "The regime needs a focus." 
     "Quite so, Captain," Adama said. "Continue, please, Sergeant." 
     "Yes, sir. As for disappearances on Earth? He admitted to this one." Wagner called up the image from her PDA of the five TBMs. "The first one he admitted to was the case of Flight 19, in our year 1945. Five U.S. Navy TBM Avenger bombers, just like these. They were on a navigational training mission off the coast of Florida-" she paused to show Florida and the Bahamas-"and after practice bombing runs on an old hulk, they headed east. Somewhere, the flight instructor thought they had gotten lost, and several pilots reported instrument malfunctions. They also said over the radio that the sky and ocean didn't look right. After several centars, your time, all contact was lost. The U.S. Navy sent several search planes out to look for them, but one of them disappeared as well. It was believed that the aircraft caught fire and crashed into the sea." 
     "Commander," Byrne added. "A passing merchant tanker saw the plane crash, and a U.S. Navy ship saw the aircraft disappear from radar at the same time and place. An extensive search by surface ships and aircraft followed for five days. No trace of either the training flight or the search plane was found. Six planes and twenty-seven men gone without a trace." 
     "Sir," Wagner said. "Scarface admitted that the Risik abducted Flight 19. And the ship that abducted the Avengers destroyed the search plane." 
     "Of all the...." Allen added. "Why destroy the search plane?" 
     "The Risik commander felt he was about to be discovered, sir."
     "It is logical, from their viewpoint," Moray added. 
     "Commander," Xavair said. "If the Risik had gone ahead with their plans, these men on the search aircraft could be called the first casualties." 
     "That they were, Sire, in any event. One could call it an undeclared war," Adama said. 'How many on each?" 
     "Flight 19 had fourteen men, while the search plane had thirteen, Commander,' Byrne said. 
     "Thank you, Captain. Sergeant?" 
     "Sir," Wagner said. She then covered the three airliners, then called up the F-89. "He verified what we know about this aircraft, but he did admit that the crew were taken to the prison colony." 
     "The bastard," Allen said on the com. 
     "Yes, sir," Wagner said. She then discussed several other disappearances, then came to a major one. "Scarface has admitted to this one: Flying Tiger Flight 739, on March 16, 1962. A chartered airliner with 93 U.S. Military passengers, three South Vietnamese military, and a crew of eleven, including four female cabin crew." She called up the image of a Lockheed Super-Constellation airliner. "The aircraft, similar to this one, made three stops for fuel, then after the third stop, it made a routine position report over the Western Pacific. Then nothing. A massive search was mounted, and though a merchant ship reported seeing two fireballs in the sky near where the airliner made its final position report, nothing was found." 
     "Is this the largest abduction? I mean, in terms of people?" Tinia asked, a shocked expression on her face. 
     "Apparently so, Siress," Byrne said over the com. There are ships that have disappeared with two or three hundred aboard, but he didn't admit to those, Sergeant?" 
     "Sir, he did not," Wagner said. "There are two more on the list he admitted to," she continued. "First, the Cessna light plane found with me on the Derelict," Wagner said, calling up the image of the Cessna. "Scarface said that he....attended to the pilot personally, then the pilot was sent to the prison colony. The last was a small aircraft with two men aboard, near the island of Puerto Rico, in 1980, a yahren and a half after the Cessna. The pilot gave a distress call, reporting a strange object in his flight path, and no matter how often they changed their course, the object stayed with them. Then radio and radar contact was lost, and a second target  was seen on radar at high speed going away from where the aircraft was last seen. Scarface admitted to the....interrogation of the two men, then they were sent to the colony." 
     "The bastard," Allen said,slamming his fist into his palm.. "It's a shame, Commander, that this, this....animal is going to be marooned. I'd love for him to face trial on Earth." 
     "Yes, but it'd be a waste of food and oxygen on him," Xaviar pointed out.  "Did he have any emotion, Sergeant?" 
     "No, Sire, he didn't," Wagner nodded. "As far as he's concerned, they're right and everyone else is wrong." 
     Sarah added, "Which fits their attitude towards those races they deem inferior. Which appears to be everyone else but them." 
     "As we've come to know," Apollo said. 
     Adama nodded. "Unfortunately, that's the case with their senior officers. Melnea, when she gives her presentation, may give us a different view. Thank you, Sergeant, and well done." 
     "Sir," Wagner said as she sat down. 
     "Now, Apollo, Orion?" Adama asked. His fighter leaders. "Patrol reports?" 
     "Nothing, Commander, either last night or today. A rogue planetoid was discovered overnight, Nothing usable, and no signs of it being used by the Risik, or anyone else," Apollo reported. "Captain Bojay's patrol to the Red Giant system just returned. They found nothing of significance." 
     "That is so, Commander,' Orion added. "One of the gas giants there had two moons that could support life forms, but nothing more advanced than bacterial life or primitive mosses. Though there was also an asteroid belt close to the star with readings indicating Tylium on several of the asteroidal bodies." 
     "But," Apollo continued, "The radion from the star makes extraction very difficult, if not impossible." 
     "Anything left by our....friends, like a remote probe or marker buoy?" Xavair asked. 
     "No, Sire, not a thing." Apollo replied. 
     "So that ship we encountered yesterday was on a patrol?" Pelias asked. 
     "That is the most logical assumption," Orion said.  
     Adama nodded. "And no Risik communications detected?" 
     "None, Commander," Orion replied. 
     "Very well. Tomorrow, the Garden World is in patrol range, correct?"
     "Yes, Commander,' Apollo said. "Red Squadron has the patrol rotation from Galactica." 
     "Good. Inform Captain Boomer: his patrol's going to that system," Adama decided. 
     "Yes, Commander," Apollo said, making a note on his pad. 
     "Good work, both of you, and pass that on to your pilots." Adama said. 
     "Yes, sir," Apollo said. 
     "By your command," Orion replied. 
     Adama nodded. "Now, let's hear from our new traveler, shall we?" After introducing everyone, Adama gestured to her, "The floor is yours, Melnea." 
     "Thank you, Commander," Melnea said. "First of all, I would like to thank you for welcoming me into your fold. Sergeant, thank you. Thanks to you and the raiding party, I have the opportunity for a new life, and I intend to make the most of it." 
     "You're welcome, Ma'am," Wagner said. "As I said to you, you'll be living whatever kind of life you want. Here, and when we get to Earth." 
     "And I will. So.....how did I get here? My father, who was a well-known physician, and my mother, who was a procurator in our legal system, were part of a group of individuals with one goal in common. To make our society more open, more tolerant, and more responsive to the needs of the people." 
     "How many were there in this group?" Tinia asked. 
     "Siress, isn't it?" Melnea asked. Seeing Tinia nod, she continued. "Twelve or so. It fluctuated. Lawyers, teachers, including a pair of university professors, journalists, and so on. They wanted an end to the excessive religious influences forced on our society by the corrupt priests. An end to the Forbidden Lists, for example." 
     "'Forbidden Lists?" Apollo asked. 
     "Those are the lists of works, such as art, music, video, literature-both fiction and non-fiction, and so on. About half of the material there has been put on the lists by the priests," Melnea said. 
     "The old 'We know what's best for you', line," Allen said. 
     "Or they don't like people seeing things that are, well....Commander? What's the term the Il Fadim used in their manifesto? Decadent?" Xaviar asked. 
     "That was the term they used, Sire," Adama said. Then the Commander gave a brief explanation of the Il Fadim unpleasantness.
     "Ah, I see...So, such sentiments are not unique to my people, then," Melena said. She went on. "But other works are put there at the insistence of the General Security Department, or other State agencies." 
     "So no one gets any ideas about overthrowing the government," Starbuck noted. 
     "Yes," Melnea said. "They do not want anyone getting subversive ideas, let alone committing subversive acts, by having those works. If they read them or watch them, then people may act out those subversive desires. However, these works  do circulate through clandestine means." 
     "That smuggler," Byrne said. "We caught one of your civilian ships while preparing for the Ne'Chak raid, and he had quite a lot of data discs in his cargo hold." Among other things, Byrne said to himself. 
     "Yes, so Sarah has told me," Melnea nodded. "The penalties for possession of those works range from a harsh term of imprisonment at hard labor, up to and including death. And," nodding to Wagner and Clemens, "there are works from Te'rea-Earth, on the lists." 
     "Well I'll be," Clemens said. 
     "Books from Earth, banned on another planet?" Byrne was incredulous. "That's something new." Better not tell the ACLU when I get home, he thought. 
     "Quite so, " Adama said. "Melnea, you indicated your father and his colleagues wanted political reforms as well?" 
     "That is correct, Commander," Melnea said. "My father and his associates wanted the Supreme Leader's position to become an elected one. The Supreme Leader often comes from several powerful families who supported the takeover of power, many generations ago. The various members of the Supreme Council, guided by the Priests, the Military, and the Security services, select the Leader. No outsider has ever been selected for the position. They also wanted our People's Assembly to be a real legislative body. Instead, the candidates are screened by both the Priests and by the Security Services, and they have no real power. All government decisions are ratified by the Assembly, and they are almost always unanimous." 
     "Almost like the old Soviet system," Allen snorted. 
     "So, what happened?" Baltar asked. "How were you found out?" 
     "We were betrayed by someone. Who, I do not know. All of my parents' associates and their families were arrested. I was arrested at the University, where I was studying to be a teacher, and my brother, a cadet at the Military Academy, was arrested there. My younger brother, an infant, was taken from us, and in court, we were told that he was put up for adoption." 
     Tigh recognized it at once. "By a family not tainted by treason?" 
     "Just like in Nazi Germany or Stalin's Russia," Allen said over the com. "Children of dissidents were often put into orphanages, and then adopted by families whose loyalty could be counted on." 
     "So I have been told," Melena nodded. "In court, the guilt and sentence were all preordained. We were given a few moments to explain our actions,  then the judge, a man named Ulrikh, found my parents guilty of Treason. My brother was found guilty of failing to report their activities, and I was convicted of aiding and abetting. Our parents were then condemned to death, and they never had a chance to say farewell. They were immediately taken to a public square, and my brother and I were made to watch as they were put to death." 
     "Where was your brother sent?" Apollo asked. 
     "He was taken to a camp of special regime. It is different from the Corrective Camp I was sent to. No. the Special Regime camps are for those whose political or religious offenses are not eligible for the death penalty. In labor, one serves the State. No one, to my knowledge, has come out of such a camp alive." 
     "And the camp you were sent to?" Xaviar asked. "It was the one near the slave camp, wasn't it?" 
     'Yes, Sire, that is so," Melnea replied. "I was there for only a short time, when the Governor came, and I, along with about twenty or so women, was summoned to the Commandant's Office. We were......inspected, shall I say, and I was chosen to be his consort." 
     Clemens nodded, "Sounds familiar." Though she had been there to interview Melena along with the Commander and Captain Byrne, it still brought up bad memories. 
     "Melnea," said Pelias. "You mentioned in our earlier conversation that this is a common practice among senior officials, correct?" 
     "Yes, it is, Sire," Melnea replied. "It is, I regret to say, very common among senior officials, high-ranking military officers, and even some of the priests. This is something else my father and his associates wanted to eliminate. Everyone, no matter their status in society, is equal under the law, and no one above it. If senior officials are forcing people to live a certain way, then they should live by the same rules they force upon others." 
     Allen asked, "How long were you with the, well, now former Governor?" 
     "Just under one solar year, Commander, by our calendar," said Melnea "I was not only his slave, but also his consort at official functions. In that, I got to know a number of high-ranking personnel. Including one of concern to you. Admiral Beshik." 
     "Who got blown to pieces along with his ship," Wagner muttered. 
     "That can only be a good thing, Sergeant," Byrne said. "Melnea, I know your information my be limited, but any chance this family goes through some inter-family blood feuds? Meaning they have a power struggle and start killing off each other?" 
     "My knowledge is limited, obviously," Melnea said. "But it is possible. And other families engaged in similar activity may even encourage it." 
     Adama nodded. Some of the crime families back in the Colonies often took advantage of family feuds among their rivals. Not to mention encouraging such feuds. Which the Poros Family was infamous for. "Something not unheard of in the Colonies." 
     "Pirate gangs, if you'll recall, Adama, encouraged feuds within their rivals," said Baltar. 
     "Organized crime on Earth does the same thing," Byrne added. 
     Adama nodded. More proof that some things are universal, he thought. "Hmm....Melena, what brought the ex-Governor to the camp? We have heard that it was one of the Commandant's, banquets, for want of a better word." 
     "That would be the polite term, Commander," Melena said. "How did you know?"
     "We have access to the Commandant's computer and all of its files," Wilker said. 
     "Ah, I see. Yes, the night of the raid, there was a private dinner. The Governor and the Commandant. The following night was to be the....banquet." 
     Hearing that, both Wagner and Clemens were red with anger. Clemens had been forced to provide "services" at several of those affairs, while Wagner knew full well that if the raiders had interrupted such an event, she likely would have been angry enough to kill every Risik involved on the spot. Captain Byrne's remark about interrogating corpses notwithstanding. Both women looked at each other. No words were exchanged, and none were needed. 
     "But the raid intervened, and so here you are," Pelias said. 
     "Yes, Sire. And I am glad to be here," Melnea said. "I have a chance for a new life, and I will take every advantage offered to build one. Not just here, but when we get to Te'...pardon me, Earth." 
     "And so you will," Adama said.
     "Melnea, just how extensive is the anti-Earth propaganda?" Bryne asked. 
     "It is extensive, but about half of the propaganda directed against aliens is aimed at the Ke'zar, for obvious reasons," Melena replied. "The rest is directed against those 'inferior races' who have forgotten who their masters were. The people of Te'rea, excuse me, Earth, receive much of that. There are others, though, in our home sector, some near to Earth, others not, who are also viewed in the same way." 
     "Because the old stories about 'Gods from the sky' have been forgotten, and no one's tried contacting them in some way. Or they've built up their own civilization since, and don't care for anyone's 'help.'" said Allen. "Like us." 
     "Correct," said Melnea. "And both of those upset the priests, who view it as our sacred duty as bringing 'civilization and order' to inferior races. I regret that I cannot explain it any more than that, but if you had one of the priests here, he would." 
     "A mere pretext, for the use of power. This religion, I mean. Conquest, pure and simple," Tinia said. 
     Wagner nodded. If one of their lying priests was here, and spouting that "True Path" BS, she'd be tempted to blow out one of his knees. And then give her pistol to Clemens, and let her blow out the other one. "The Security Officer from the ship is bad enough, and we haven't even talked to him." 
     "Indeed, Sergeant," Adama said. "Do you have anything else at this time?" 
     "No, Commander," Melnea said. "It is essentially what Sarah, here, would have given in my absence." 
     Adama glanced at Sarah, who nodded yes. "I see. Well, then. Though I have granted your request for Asylum, again, welcome to the Fleet, and we'll be looking forward to hearing more from you." 
     "Thank you, Commander." 
     "You're quite welcome," Adama said. "Now, Colonel?" He motioned to Tigh. 
     'Fleet stocks of both fuel and water are still adequate, though a close watch is being kept on the older ships," Tigh reported. "Those more prone to accidents. And Command Centurion Moray is keeping me up to date on the Base Ship's  fighter fuel needs." 
     "Moray? Adama asked. 
     "Our supplies are still adequate, Commander," Moray replied. "At current rates of expenditure, we have enough to last until we are clear of Risik space." 
     "Very good, Colonel, and to you, Moray. Keep me informed of any developments on those lines." 
     "Yes, Commander," said Tigh. 
     "By your command," Moray replied. 
     "Now, before we adjourn," Adama said. "Apollo, Orion? Maintain the current level of patrols. Any sign of a Risk ship, military or civilian, I want to know about it. And the Rules of Engagement are still in effect." 
     "Yes, Commander," Apollo replied. 
     "By your command,'  Orion said. 
     "Colonel? Keep a close watch on our fuel and water situation. I don't want to have to stop and refuel in Risik territory if it can be helped. The longer we stay, the greater the chances of detection," Adama said. 
     "Yes, sir," Tigh nodded. 
     "Doctor Wilker, the abduction manual?" 
     "Commander, Pliny is still going over it. It was translated not long after being found on the Derelict, but it was rough and incomplete. Now, the effort is much easier. He simply wants time to make sure everything is right. It is, of course, of considerable importance," Wilker said. "It should be available at the next briefing." 
     "Very good. Doctor. Please check for any reference to this Ulrikh fellow as well." Adama said. 
     "Will do, Commander,' Wilker nodded, making a note on his pad. 
     "Thank you, Doctor, and speaking of which, we will not be holding a briefing tomorrow, as some of us here will be quite busy. Captain Bryne, Commander Allen? Good luck tomorrow, getting everyone settled in, and the same goes to the Sergeant and Petty Officer." 
     "Thanks, Commander," Byrne said. "From all of us." 
     "You're welcome, Captain. Now, one final piece of business prior to adjourning. Sire Pelias? Your Council Resolution?" 
     "All prepared and ready, Commander. I have spoken with a majority of the Council, and I have a solid majority of votes needed to pass it. Of the those who I have not yet spoken to? Clement and Shanbour, I will be seeing tomorrow morning. Lydia, I will see before the Council Session," Pelias reported.  "I will be busy tomorrow as well, since I do intend to help my new constituents on moving day." 
     "A gesture that will be well appreciated, I'm sure," Xaviar grinned. 
     "It will be, Sire," Byrne said. 
     "No doubt,"Adama said. "Baltar? Anything to add?" 
     "I don't think so, Adama. Things have been covered very well today." Baltar said. 
     "I agree," Adama said. "Anything else?" He saw Wagner nod. "Sergeant?" 
     "Commander, last time, Sire Pelias suggested some kind of dinner party for the rescued prisoners. Melnea? You were just as much a victim of that government as they were and I was. You'd be welcome there." 
     Byrne nodded on the monitor. "Good idea, Sergeant." 
     "An excellent suggestion, Sergeant," Adama said. "Melnea?" 
     "I would be honored to attend," the Risik defector said. "Thank you.' 
     "It will be after the Tribunal, but an evening they can look forward to is something they need," Adama noted. "Now, is there anything else?" Heads shook no, both in the room and on the monitors. "Very well, then. We're adjourned." 

     As the meeting broke up, Lauren turned to Jessica. "Well, Roomie, tomorrow's going to be a busy day." 
     "It sure will," Jessica said. "And we get another roommate, remember?" 
     "That we do," Lauren recalled. Jessica's friend Denise would be rooming with Jen, Lauren, and Jessica for the trip home. 
     "Sergeant," Byrne said on the monitor. "Tell everyone that things are all ready on both Constellation and Adelaide, and that when they get settled into their new quarters, there's going to be some classes:  Basic first aid, shipboard firefighting, and basic damage control measures." 
     "Yes, sir," Lauren replied. "I'll tell them." 
     "The same goes for Adelaide, Sergeant," Allen said. "Same drill here." 
     "I will, sir," Lauren nodded. "Anything else, sirs?" 
     Allen shook his head, while Byrne added, "Has Jen been keeping up with her homework?" 
     "Yes, sir, she has." 
     "All right, then. At least we've solved some of those disappearances, and when we get home, we can set the record straight on those." 
     "Yes, sir. That we can," Lauren replied. 
     "All right: you two have a good evening, and I'll see you tomorrow. With our new shipmates in tow." 
     "Yes, sir." 
     With that, Bryne cut the connection, and both Wagner and Clemens were there with Sire Pelias. "Sergeant, Petty Officer? Tomorrow, we will have a busy  afternoon with moving day." 
     "Thanks, Sire," Lauren said. "Glad to see you don't mind rolling up your sleeves, as we say, and helping out." 
     "Not at all, Sergeant. It's not just representing your interests in the Council," Pelias smiled. "Anything else I can do to help." 
     Jessica nodded, "Thank you, Sire. I know my friends will appreciate that." 
     "You're welcome, and that is good to hear. I'll see you tomorrow, then. Have a good evening, and please say hello to Jena for me." 
     "We will, Sire,' Lauren smiled. Then Pelias took his leave, and that left the two women in the Ward Room. "You know what?" 
     "What?" Jessica asked. 
     "I've got a bad taste in my mouth from talking to Scarface and the ex-Governor. And a cold beer or two will wash that out." 
     "Now that you mention it?" Jessica replied. "So do I." 
     "Let's go to the Club, then," Lauren said. 
     "Lead the way, Roomie." 

     It wasn't long before the two women were at the Officer's Club, and  when they got there, they found a a familiar sight. Freeman at the bar, as if he'd been permanently glued there. Jessica shook her head. "Does he ever leave?" 
     "He's probably got a cabin right next door," Lauren laughed. "And you do know his story by now." 
     "Dearies," Freeman said as they bellied up to the bar. "What'll it be today? Your usual?" 
     Lauren nodded. "Two beers, Freeman, on Captain Byrne's tab." 
     "Comin' right up,'" Freeman said. As he drew the beers, Castor came in. "Your usual, Castor?" 
     "Thanks, Freeman," Castor said as he came up to the bar. 
     "So, Dearies," Freeman said as he put the two beers in front of them. "Gettin' ready for the big day tomorrow?" 
     "That we are," Lauren said. "Moving day, and we're going to be busy for the afternoon. Moving them over to Constellation and Adelaide, then a few days to get them fully settled in." 
     "And one of the women coming over with us to Constellation?" Jessica added. "She's pregnant. With triplets." 
     "Oh, boy," Castor said. "Hey, Lauren, got a question to ask." 
     "Go ahead," Lauren replied. 
     "You people need help moving? I can get some of the guys to help if you need it." 
     Lauren and Jessica looked at each other. "Thanks, Castor. I'll check with Captain Byrne, but I don't think he'd say no. We could use all the help we can get." 
     "We'll be there," Castor said as Freeman handed him his mug. "Thanks, Freeman." 
     "Anytime," the barkeep said. 
     "So, what'd you guys find out today? Heard you two did some interrogating." 
     "We did," nodded Lauren. "Talked to the ex-Governor and Scarface." 
     Boomer overheard that as he came up for a refill. "How did that go?" 
     "Well, sir, about what you'd expect. They're still their usual arrogant selves, but we did learn a few things. The ex-Governor told us a few things about their Supreme Leader," Lauren said. "Not much, but some." 
     Curious, Boomer asked,"What'd you find out?" 
     "Well, the Supreme Leader's ex-military, and a highly decorated junior officer from their war with the Ke'zar. Supposedly, he was on one of the last ships to leave their home planet before the Ke'zar came calling, and he vowed that one day, there would be revenge," Lauren nodded. 
     Both Boomer and Castor understood. "If it wasn't for their other habits," Boomer said. 'You could almost feel sorry for that." 
     "Yeah," said Castor.  "Sounds familiar. What else was there?" 
     "Eikhe, their secret police chief," Jessica said. "He's the kind of guy who's charming and polite at a dinner party, but..."
     "But what?" 
     "If you get tagged as an 'Enemy of the State?' He's savage and ruthless." 
     "The guy got the job because he uncovered a coup attempt," Lauren added. "Wilker got into the Security Officer's database from the captured ship. 'Not only did he hunt down and execute the conspirators, but he also executed his former boss." 
     "Nice guy," Boomer observed. 
     "Just like they said about the old Soviet KGB," Jessica nodded. 
     "He's also the guy who offered Scarface a job to be in charge of all their camps, not just the one for the people from Earth," Lauren said. "Scarface never had a chance to reply, because it was found on his desk, unopened." 
     "That's one job offer he won't answer," Freeman noted. 
     "No, and as for Scarface?" Lauren still had her folder, and opened it on the bar. "He admitted to quite a few of Earth's unsolved air and sea disappearances." She pointed to the picture of five TBMs in formation. "This one, especially." 
     "What's this?" Boomer asked, and both Lauren and Jessica explained the Flight 19 story. "They took a whole squadron?" 
     "They did, Sir,"Jessica replied. "Five planes and fourteen men. And they blew a search plane out of the sky that got too close to the Risik ship that took the TBMs." 
     "With a crew of thirteen," Lauren added. "First casualties in an undeclared war, I'd say." She went through several other disappearances, then came to Flying Tiger 739. "This was the big one, at least, that he admitted to. A Lockheed Super-Constellation similar to this one, over the Western Pacific Ocean. Flight and cabin crew of eleven, plus ninety-six military personnel aboard. He also admitted to the interceptor and the light plane found on the Derelict with me." 
     The two Colonial officers were shocked. "How many did this animal interrogate?" Castor asked. Right now, he was having second thoughts about having taken the man alive in the first place.
     Lauren looked at Castor, then Boomer. "Between two and three thousand, he said." 
     "More like bragged," Jessica added. "He had no remorse." 
     "But at least we're done," Lauren said. "Now it's up to Solon and his people." 
     "They get indicted when, tomorrow?" Boomer asked. 
     "That's right, and after that, they set a date for this Tribunal, and we finally get our day in court." 
     "In a few days, right?" 
     "That's right, and the two of us are going to testify, along with a  dozen others," Lauren said. "Along with Melnea." 
     Boomer had a puzzled look on his face. "Who's that?" 
     "She's the ex-Governor's unwilling mistress," Castor said. "She wants to testify? 
     "She does," Jessica said. "And she's the only Risik right now I can feel sorry for. At least she apologized to the both of us for what they did." 
     "Which the others, Scarface, especially, will never do," Boomer finished. 
     "Exactly," Lauren said. "The First Officer's a lot more reasonable, but he's still loyal." 
     "Anyone talk to that Security Officer yet?" Castor asked. "I know he's from their Secret Police, and not their Fleet, but.." 
     "We thought about it," Lauren nodded. "Waste of time. The man's a total ideologue. Not to mention a likely religious zealot." She gestured to Freeman. "One more, for the both of us." 
     "Had enough of their bilge?" Boomer asked. 
     Lauren nodded as Freeman bought the two refills. "More than enough," she said, and Jessica nodded. 
     Castor nodded at that. And he didn't blame either one of them for feeling that way. "Any trouble from IFB? I know you guys want those creeps on a leash. And a tight one."
     "Not a peep,' Jessica said. "My friends all took a vote, and it was unanimous: no interviews until the Tribunal's over." 
     "And Commander Adama put the whole subject under military security. No camera crews can bother us until he lifts that restriction, other than security camera footage," Lauren added. "Let Zara and Zed stew for a while longer." 
     "Dearie," Freeman said, "I don't blame you one bit for that." 
     "Thanks," Lauren said. "Well....here's to that. May Zara and Zed get put in their place for a while, and to a few days of peace and quiet." 
     "Hear, hear, Roomie," Jessica said, raising her glass.
     Lauren then sent a text to Captain Byrne, relaying Castor's offer. The two women were about to head over to Life Center to eat dinner with their friends when the reply came. "Castor? Captain Byrne sent a reply." 
     "What'd he say? Castor asked. 
     Lauren grinned. "He said, 'The more help, the better. Bring 'em,'" 
     "We'll be there. After lunch, right?" Castor saw her nod. "1400, then. We'll be there." 
     "All right. See you then." 

     The two women then headed to Life Center, and sat down with their usual dinner partners: Jen, Denise, Anna, and Lieutenant Sanderson. "How'd it go today?" Denise asked. 
     "Not bad. We did some interrogating. Scarface, and the ex-Governor," Lauren said. Found out a bit about the Supreme Leader, a Government Minister, and their Secret Police Chief." 
     "Anything you can tell us?" Sanderson asked. 
     "Yes, Ma'am," Jessica said, and the two relayed what they had given at the briefing. 
     "Bozhe Moi..." Anna whispered. "It sounds like this Eikhe was a copy of Beria." Lavrentiy Beria had been Stalin's last, but most ruthless, head of what became the KGB. Before his....liquidation after Stalin's death. 
     Lauren nodded. "That's what Captain Byrne pretty much said. And Scarface? He admitted to quite a few of the Bermuda Triangle and other disappearances." 
     "Flight 19?' Sanderson asked. 
     "What's that?" Both Anna and Denise asked, and both Lauren and Jessica explained the story.
     "They shot down a search plane?" Denise asked, surprised. 
     "They did," Jessica said. "And those thirteen men were casualties in an undeclared war." 
     "That's just the beginning," Lauren said, and the two told of the other disappearances that Scarface had admitted to. "He bragged about 'processing' two or three thousand people." 
     The three ex-prisoners looked at each other. "My God..." Sanderson muttered. "And he had no remorse?" 
     "Not a shred, Ma'am," Lauren said. "But Melnea, now? Different story." 
     "She's the ex-governor's, uh.....'companion', right?" Jen said. "She's got the suite across from us in the VIP section."
     Both Lauren and Jessica nodded. "And she apologized to us," said Lauren. "She's just as much a victim of that government as we were." 
     "What's her story?" Denise asked, and Lauren explained. 
     "Bozhe Moi..." Anna whispered. "They were trying to bring a form of Glasnost to their people, and they paid for it." 
     "That's it," Jessica said. "And she wants revenge on their government. Testifying at the Tribunal gives her that." 
     "And you'll meet her at the Welcome-Aboard party Commander Adama and Sire Pelias want to throw for us," Lauren added. 
     "So...what happens tomorrow?" Denise asked. 
     "You guys will probably pack what you've got, and wait until after lunch," Lauren said. "Then we've got some help lined up. Sire Pelias told us he won't mind rolling up his sleeves and helping out. And some of the SF guys who you met when the camp was raided? They want to help, too. And Ma'am?" Lauren turned to Sanderson. "We can use it." 
     "No arguing that, Sergeant," the Marine Lieutenant nodded. 
     After Jen excused herself to go help with bedding down the toddlers, the subject shifted to the upcoming Tribunal. "So, when do these scumbags get indicted?" Denise asked. 
     "Tomorrow, sometime," Lauren said. "Then they set a date, and we all get our day in court." 
     "But first, a few days to get settled in," Jessica nodded. "And some classes aboard ship." 
     "What kind of classes?" Anna wanted to know. 
     "Oh, the basics: shipboard firefighting, damage control, and some first aid basics for the civilians," explained Jessica. "They told us that it's a Fleet reg ever since they left their Colonies." 
     "And you'll be busy yourself, getting that day-care center up and running," Lauren added.
     Anna let out a smile. "So I will. And I'll enjoy every moment."
     The others grinned. "It'll be nice to be around kids again," Lauren admitted. 
     "And the stories they can tell when they get home," Jessica said. 
     "Or Jen, when she gets to Annapolis," Sanderson remembered. 
     Some more conversation followed, then Jen came back. "All of the toddlers are bedded down." 
     Lauren nodded. "We need to get back to the suite. Jen, you need to check your homework, and we can enjoy our last night in VIP country." 
     "Get a good night's sleep," Sanderson told them. "Tomorrow, we'll be busy." 
     "Yes, Ma'am," Lauren said. 
     "Ma'am," Jessica added. "That's the first order you've given us." 
     The Marine smiled. "It is, isn't it?" 

     The three then headed back to the VIP Section, and their last night on Galactica. When they got to their suite, Jen logged into the educational database, and found that she had a Physics quiz. While she took the quiz, Lauren and Jessica had a gabfest, and saw an IFB news show. Seeing Zed and Zara wailing about the lack of IFB access to the newcomers from Earth put a smile on both of their faces. "Just like some of the news media back home. They were chasing both of the female POWs from the Gulf War, remember?" Lauren asked Jessica. 
     "I sure do. The networks all wanted interviews, and the supermarket tabloids went crazy," Jessica remembered. "And both of them had book and movie deals offered." 
     "And we're all going to get that, when we get home," Lauren reminded her roomie. "Just like that Lynch girl he told us about." 
     "Lord, I hope not," Jessica shook her head in disbelief. "A welcome-home parade and that sort of thing, yeah. But a book? And a movie deal? For what? All that happened was her unit getting lost, ambushed, and she was captured. Then rescued." 
     "Like the Captain said, she was just doing her job, and she shied away from a lot of publicity, but wherever she goes, she makes local news. And she did have a book. Even if the movie was done without her permission." 
     Jessica scowled. "Which is why, when we get home, I'm going back to Michigan. Unless we have some kind of reunion every few years, I'm not leaving the state." 
     "You'd come and visit in Montana, though." Lauren teased her roomie. 
     "That's the exception." Jessica nodded. "And see Lieutenant Sanderson in California. Anna in Russia, too." 

     Later, as they got ready for bed, and folded their T-shirts and bras, Lauren asked Jessica, "Nervous?" 
     "No, just excited," Jessica said, smiling. She looked around the room. "I know, this has been real comfy, but I'll be glad to get back to Constellation. Though I'm wondering one thing." 
     "What's that?" 
     "How everybody's going to react to Mr. Malik." 
     Lauren chuckled. "Well, it didn't take me long, and it didn't for you. It'll be like old home week for the military people. Because the Captain sent me another text. Mr. Malik's going to be in charge of getting them in shape."
     "Oh, boy. For Lieutenant Sanderson, it'll be like having a Marine DI in her face again," Jessica nodded. 
     Lauren let out a laugh. "That it would. Remember the last time we were at the SF Area? Sargamesh and Korl were running those guys into the ground." 
     "And with her being a Marine, she'd probably enjoy it." 
     As they got into bed, Lauren saw that Jessica was thinking about something. "What's up?" 
     "Oh, just wondering what our.....friends were thinking when their reaction force arrived and found Ne'Chak trashed." 
     "Well, let's hope they're chasing shadows for a long time." 
     "And when they find that minefield, the hard way.....There's that Navy saying: 'Any ship can be a minesweeper. Once.'" Jessica grinned. 
     Lauren smiled at that appealing thought. "Couldn't happen to a nicer bunch. Come on, time for some shut-eye. We've got a busy day ahead." 
     "That we do." 
     Lauren grinned, turned off the lights, and it wasn't long until both were sound asleep. 


     The next morning, it was precisely 0800 when Commander Adama came onto the Bridge. He had had a working breakfast with Sire Xaviar and Siress Tinia, where not only the upcoming Tribunal was discussed, but the Council Session the following day, where the status of the rescued children would be settled. That taken care of, he logged in, and found Colonel Tigh waiting, as usual. "Good morning, Tigh," 
     "Good morning, Commander," his Exec replied. He handed the Commander a pad with stylus. "I have the overnight sitrep." 
     "And what do you have?" 
     "Nothing of significance. Patrols continue to show the area clear. The first patrol of the morning launched at 0700, and Captain Boomer's patrol to the Garden World launches in thirty centons. Debriefings are completed: No Risik communications detected, nor any sensor contacts, apart from a gas cloud," Tigh reported. 
     "The gas cloud was checked,?" Adama asked. He recalled not only the Cylon ambush at Cimtar, but the Ischt'k and their nefarious activities. 
     'Thoroughly,' Tigh replied. "No sign of anyone using it. Nor any remote probes." 
     Adama nodded. The last thing they needed was the Ischt'k showing themselves again. "Very good, Tigh," he said as Omega handed him a pad with the overnight shipboard status report. The Commander scanned it, then signed it. "Thank you, Omega."
     "Commander," the Bridge Officer replied. 
     "Still Green across the board in terms of fuel and water supplies," Tigh continued. 
     "Let's hope it stays that way," Adama said as Athena brought up another pad, this one with the overnight scanner report. "Thank you, Athena," 
     "Father," 
     Adama scanned the report, then signed it. "Athena, there's a Red Dwarf system, then what's next?" 
     "Just a moment," she said as she went to her station, then typed in the command. "After the Red Dwarf, there's a trinary star system. But it won't be within patrol range for three days." 
     "Any habitable planets?" 
     "According to the Risik data, there's one. Orbiting a G0 V Yellow primary star. There are two M4 V companion stars, but they have no worlds of their own, only asteroids." 
     Adama nodded. "A Garden World again. And what do our....friends have to say about it?" 
     "Potential high for a colony, the data says. Along with as a forward base. Both their Star Force and the Ministry of Colonies have interest. No intelligent indigenous life forms detected," Athena reported. 
     "Which means we could encounter either a survey ship from their Colonial Service, or a Star Force Exploratory Cruiser," Tigh commented. "Maybe both." 
     "That means we'll have to bypass it. Just like the one Boomer's patrol will check out," Adama said. "Thank you, Athena." 
     "Father," she nodded. 
     "Anything else, Colonel?" 
     "Lieutenant Castor says that most of the SF Team who is not busy with other duties have volunteered to help move our new travelers to Constellation and Adelaide. The rest? Busy with new trainees. Hades Sectan, Commander." 
     "Ah, yes," Adama said as memories came back of his Academy days. "Remember that, for those at the Academy who wanted to go down the SF path?" 
     Tigh nodded. "That I do, Commander. If you could get through that, you could get through anything." 
     "You could," Adama agreed. "When is the transfer scheduled?" 
     "1400 or after, depending on when Doctor Salik finishes his final medical checkups." 
     "Very good, Tigh." Adama said. He then went over to the plot board, and scanned it. "I take it all of the systems we've been at in the past sectan are now off the board?" 
     "Yes, sir," replied Tigh. "Including the system where we left the minefield."
     Adama nodded again. "Well, it's a shame we won't see it, but I would love to see the look on the Risik's faces when one or more of their ships winds up a victim of that minefield." 
     "That would be something worth seeing, Commander." 
     "Remember your lectures on mine warfare, Colonel?" Adama asked his Exec. 
     "Yes, sir. Any ship can sweep for mines. Once," said Tigh. 
     Adama nodded, then looked at the board again. "And if it's been forty yahrens since they've had any experience with minefields, this one will be an object lesson." 
     "That it will, Commander," 
     "It will indeed," Adama said. "Is there anything else, Colonel?" 
     Tigh consulted his pad. "That's it for now, Commander." 
     "Thank you, Colonel." 


     In the Galactica's VIP section, Lauren, Jen, and Jessica were busy tidying up. The stewards hadn't arrived yet with breakfast, and Lauren set the other two to work making sure that the cleaning crew didn't have any more work than was necessary. "Anyone ever tell you that you would've made a good DI, Lauren?" Jessica quipped as the two made their bed. 
     "No, and before you ask, I never was offered that duty," Lauren said. 
     "Though she'll never get me to change," Jen laughed. Both of her roommates knew Jen's teenage housekeeping habits by now.  
     "Typical teenager," Lauren said as she and Jessica finished making the bed. Not quite up to a DI's standard, but enough. "Your bed?" She asked Jen.
     "Already made," Jen replied. 
     "We'll see," Lauren said. But, before she could check, the door buzzed. She went to open the door, and found not only the steward with breakfast, but also Castor and a surprise. "Castor?" 
     "Hey, you guys are leaving for Constellation today, so breakfast's on me," Castor said. "And hope you guys don't mind a fourth. I already ate, but Melena wants to join you three." He stepped aside, and the Risik defector was there. "Hope you don't mind."
     "Not at all," Lauren said. "Come on in." 
     "Thank you," Melnea nodded. 
     The steward came in, let the toast, pastries, juice, java, and some fruit on the table. "If there's anything you need before you check out, Sergeant, just let us know." 
     "Thanks, and will do," Lauren said. 
     The steward nodded and went on his way. 
     "Can't stay, because duty calls, but Lauren? Almost the entire team will be there to help you guys move. 1400, right?" Castor said. 
     "That's right," said Lauren. "Who's busy?"
     'The Major, and several others. They're busy with the new trainees. They're in the middle of Hades Sectan, and they still have half of that to go." Castor replied. "But the rest of us? We'll be there." 
     "Okay, see you then," Lauren replied. 
     Castor nodded, gave her a wink, then turned to Melena. "Ma'am, when you're ready to go over to Academician Sarah's office? Corporal Vesper will escort you." 
     "Thank you, Lieutenant," the Risik defector said. 
     "Ladies," Castor said, then he, too went on his way. 
     "Have a seat," Jessica said. After everyone was seated, she went on. "Melnea, you are the first of your people that I can honestly feel sorry for." 
     Intrigued, the Risik defector asked, "Why is that, Jessica?  I can call you that, instead of your rank? 
     "You can call me Jessica, " came the reply with a grin. "We're not officially on duty yet. But...you and I went through a very similar experience." 
     "One thing the three of us have in common," Lauren added, pointing at Jessica and Melnea, "is that we were all victims of your government. And no doubt, we three still have scores to settle." 
     "No doubt, Lauren? Isn't it?" Seeing Wagner nod, Melena went on. "Unfortunately, I will have to settle for giving evidence at the Tribunal. You, however, no doubt achieved some measure of revenge the night of the raid." 
     "I did," Lauren admitted. "Though  Jessica got some by helping with pre-mission planning and prep, and by interrogating her former captors." 
     Jessica nodded. "I offered to go along as a guide on the raid, but they said no. So it was the next best thing," 
     "Melnea," Jen asked. "I've heard parts of your story from Lauren and Jessica, but I wouldn't mind hearing it from you." 
     Melnea nodded. "Of course. But first, shall we eat? And talk about more....pleasant subjects?" 
     "Sure," Lauren said, gesturing to the table. "Let's eat. "

     Over breakfast, the three Earthers and Melnea had a pleasant talk "So you were a city girl?" Jessica asked. 
     "Yes," Melnea said with a little pride. "I was born in the Capital, and to be honest, I am glad that I was. Those born on the Capital World have many advantages over those in the Colonies. Preferential admission to the universities, or the Military schools, the Religious College, and so on, among other things."
     "You know, if we could overlook your government's......activities about Earth, we might be able to admire you for doing so well, so far from your home planet," Lauren said. 
     Melena nodded. "Sarah, and some on her staff,  told me the same thing. So, the two of you,"she said to Lauren and Jessica, "You lived in rural settlements?" 
     "I wouldn't call Great Falls 'rural'," Lauren said with a  laugh. "It's a city with 60,000 people, but once you get out of the city limits, it's rural.  My home state is the fourth-largest in the country, and has a lot: plenty of wilderness areas for camping, hiking, and so on; wide open prairie, and a reservoir that's so big, that you could take a canoe or boat trip for a few days and not see anyone else." She took out a pad and called up some pictures that originally came from the Saint Brendan's database. "Have a look."
     The Risik defector showed how familiar she was with such technology. She went through the folder very easily. "A beautiful place," Melnea said fondly. 
     "I've lived there all my life, apart from my time on active duty, and when we get to Earth? I'm going back." 
     "And back to Michigan for me," Jessica said. Lauren gave her the pad and she called up similar images for her home state.
     "Also a beautiful place," Melnea said. "So, what are you going to do when you return home?" 
     "We both have a few things in common: we have to get our military back pay, look up any living relatives, and see if our respective boyfriends are still alive," Jessica nodded. 
     "And keep the news media away," Lauren added. "When it comes to offers for books or....video productions based on our stories.....Some of those people can be very obnoxious." 
     "Just like the Colonials and their IFB?" Melnea asked. 
     "Who told you about that?" 
     "Sire Pelias. He told me that yesterday," replied Melnea. "They can be....persistent. This pair called Zara and Zed, especially." 
     "He showed you some of their stuff?" Jen asked. 
     "He did," Melnea said. "Along with what some people have called for them to do next: among other things, reassignment to septic-tank cleaning duties." 
     "That would be an insult," Lauren nodded. 
     "To whom?" 
     "The bacteria in the septic tanks. They would have to deal with two forms of life lower than they are." 
     And everyone at the table roared with laughter as a result. 
     "It could be worse," Jessica said as they calmed down.
     "How so?" Melnea asked, still trying to contain her laughter. 
     "If they were thrown out the airlock? The Colonials have some pretty strict laws about getting rid of hazardous waste." 
     More laughter followed, then Melnea asked."So, when you do return home, what else are you going to do?" 
     "Back home to Montana, buy some land for a ranch," Lauren said. Seeing Melena's confused expression, she explained the term, then went on. "Build a nice house, get an off-road vehicle, and just sit back and enjoy life." 
     "And you, Jena?"  
     "Well, since I don't have a home state on Earth," Jen joked. "Seriously? If we get there and I'm not too old? I want to go to the U.S. Naval Academy. My father went there, and his father before him." 
     "An honorable choice," Melnea said. "Your father and his before him went there, and you would be carrying on the tradition of your House." 
     "And when she graduates," Lauren added, "They'll probably decide to form a U.S. Navy space branch, and they'll say 'Ensign Byrne? You came from a starship, so guess where you're being assigned?'" 
     More laughter followed. 
     Jessica looked at Melnea. "And me? Go home to Michigan, buy some lakefront property, build a house, buy a boat, and an off-road vehicle, and same thing: sit back and enjoy life." 
     "Your country appears to be a nice place. I realize that these are only two....provinces, er, states, out of fifty, but it seems to be a place where one can start a new life." Melnea said. 
     "It is. We have our faults, sure, but then again, so does every other country on Earth. But we welcome immigrants, and America is a nation built on that," replied Lauren."Some countries share that: Canada, New Zealand, Australia-which is Commander Allen's home country, Great Britain, which is Captain Ashby's home, France, and a number of others, have the same tradition. Others, though.....they'd only consider you as an intelligence asset to be used up." 
     "I see..." Melnea nodded. Just like home, she thought.  "So...how many countries are there? We are told in school that there are over a hundred and fifty on Te'rea." 
     "More like nearly two hundred," Lauren said. "Some countries became independent because they were someone else's former colony, while other, more larger countries, broke up. Some  peacefully, others...."
     "They fought," the Risik defector finished. "A trait that is common, it seems. It was the same on the Home Planet, many thousands of years ago. And again, after the Great Civil War. Very clannish."  
     "And people on Earth are still very nationalistic," Jessica added. "In our country, and many others, people are very proud of their country. Proud enough that no one's ever tried to form a world government." 
     "I understand. It also explains why Sarah told me that anyone in our government, or the lying priests, who believes that our invasion force would be welcomed on Earth is either a fool or takes our propaganda too seriously."
     "Their problem." 
     "Yes. Now, Jena?" Melnea said. "You asked how I got to be here? I'll explain." 
     Lauren looked at Jen, then at Melnea. "You don't need to hold anything back. Jen's got a lot more maturity than a typical teenager might have. Growing up rough on that world she was born on and where her parents were marooned had something to do with it." 
     "Very well," Melena said. The Risik defector spoke for about five centons. "And that is it. Thanks to Lauren and Major Croft's men, I have a chance for a new life. A real one." 
     "My God...."Jen whispered. "All because your parents and their friends wanted a few changes? 
     Melnea nodded sadly. 'That is correct. And may the wrath of the Gods come down on whoever betrayed us, as well as those corrupt priests who view any such talk as heresy." 
     Jen shook her head. "Like what's in my dad's stuff about Earth's dictators. Stalin's Russia, or Nazi Germany." 
     "Think Iran," Lauren said. "They're closer to what the Risik have. Still, I'll be glad when we put them behind us for good."
     "Can't say I blame any of you three for that," Jen nodded. "Well, you may be on the Galactica for a while and we're on Constellation, but I'm glad you're coming with us, Melnea. And you and me have one thing in common.'
     "And that is?" 
     "We both want to go to Earth, if not America in particular. And we've never been there." 
     "We do," Melnea smiled, and she and Jen hugged. 


     Meanwhile, Boomer was taking his patrol towards the so-called Garden World, and this was also the last patrol for a while that Dietra would fly with him, because the next day, Starbuck would rotate back to the Galactica, and resume his duties as Red Squadron's Exec, and Dietra would go over to Blue on TDY to fill Sheba's spot as Blue Squadron's Exec. So, it was one last patrol together for a while, and Boomer enjoyed having Dietra as a partner. She had been flying Vipers since the Battle of Kobol, and had been a shuttle pilot on the Atlantia.  Dietra  had managed to escape the destruction of her home ship at Cimtar by cramming a number of pilots and wounded into her shuttle, before flying out of Atlantia's starboard landing bay just before the first suicide Raider impacted the landing bay. 
     Now, as Boomer and Dietra, with Flight Leader Hadries and his wingmate, approached the Garden World's system, they were on the lookout for any Risik ships, or signs of a Risik presence. 
     "Approaching target system Heliopause," Dietra reported. 
     "Got it," Boomer said. "Hadries, let's go in." 
     "By your command, Captain," the Cylon flight leader replied, and the four-ship entered the system. The outermost world was an ice ball of frozen nitrogen and ammonia, and was too cold for life anyway. The next two worlds were ringed gas giants, with at least two dozen moons each, but held nothing of value, even if the Fleet could stop in the system. The next world was a twin of a world in Earth's solar system, for it reminded Boomer of what Captain Byrne had said about Mars. Though this planet was slightly larger than that world, conditions appeared to be identical, with the same weak nitrogen-CO2 atmosphere, signs of past surface water where none was currently present, small polar ice caps,nonexistent magnetic field, and two moons that looked like captured asteroids. Then they approached the Garden World. 
     "Looks like a nice place," Dietra said. "Too bad we can't stop." 
     "We're still in Risik territory," Boomer reminded her. "Okay. Scans show it's similar in size to Sagitaria, and a comparable atmosphere. And at least sixty percent covered in water. Dietra, you and Menius check out the far side, Hadries, on me. We'll check out the near side. Look for any signs of a Risik presence. We'll meet on the far side of the largest moon." The world had two moons, both barren rock, and one was about the size of Earth's moon, while the other satellite appeared to be a captured asteroid. 
     "'Copy, Boomer," Dietra replied. She and Menius peeled off and headed for the far side of the planet. 
     "By your command, Captain," Hadries said as his Raider joined up with Boomer's Viper, and the two ships scanned the near side. 
     "Nothing so far," Boomer said. "At least Risik related. Plenty of life forms, but no signs of advanced life." 
     "Confirmed," Hadrires replied. "Life forms are plentiful, both on the surface and in the oceans." 
     Dietra and Menius approached the far side, but before they could begin scanning, a contact came onto her scanner. "Got something. A ship approaching the planet." 
     "I have it as well, Lieutenant. A single ship closing with the world," Menius called. "It is close enough to scan for identification." 
     "Scanning," Dietra said. It didn't take long to get an ID. "Oh, no. Menius, on me.  Boomer? Get to the rendezvous point, now!" 
     "What is it?" Boomer asked. 
     "It's a Risik Patrol Cruiser! And his scanners are fully active." 
     "Confirmed identification," Menius reported. "Alien is coming out of light-speed." 
     Boomer reacted quickly. "Get to the large moon, and go around to the far side. We'll rendezvous there." 
     "On our way," Dietra said. 
     Meinus responded, "By your command," and both Vipers and Raiders made for the moon. A couple of centons later, all four ships met up, then headed for the moon's polar region. There, they could see the Risik Cruiser in orbit. 
     "He's got all of his scanners active," Dietra said. 
     "Verified," Hadries reported. "He is using all of his sensors." 
     The four ships watched and waited, as the cruiser made one orbit, then there was a surprise, as Menius reported. "Captain, I am picking up a second ship. Similar to the cruiser in size, but minimal armament and shielding."
     "I've got it," Boomer said. "Twice the number of life forms. No one in stasis, though." 
     "Confirmed,' Hadries added. "The second ship is moving into a lower orbit. We are picking up communications." 
     "All right: let's watch and see what happens." 
     Whatever the two ships were discussing, it didn't take long. Then two shuttle-sized targets were launched from the newcomer, and both headed for a separate region of the world. "Looks like this guy's a surveyor or research ship," Dietra said. "If they want a colony or a base here, or both, they'd check it out pretty thoroughly." 
     "Logical," Hadries added. 
     Boomer nodded inside his cockpit, and checked his scanner. The survey ship, if that was what it was, was scanning the surface of the world, while the cruiser was in the High Guard position, ready to react if it detected a threat. Just like how we used to do it, he thought. "Get every bit of data on them you can, then let's get out of here." 
     After a few more centons of scanning, it was clear that unless the surveyor moved into a higher orbit, the fighters wouldn't be able to get much more than they had already. And the information on the Cruiser would confirm what they knew already about that class of ship. "Got what we can, Boomer," Dietra reported. 
     "Hadries?" 
     "Without risking discovery, we have acquired all that we possibly can obtain," the Cylon Flight Leader replied. 
     "Okay," Boomer decided. "Let's get out of here. No turbos, though. Creep out of their scanner range, then we get back to the Fleet as fast as we can." 
     "Right with you," Dietra said. 
     "By your command, Captain," Hadries replied. 
     The four-ship flight slipped out of Risik scanner range, then set their course for the Fleet. 

     Aboard the Risik Cruiser, which, if its name was translated, would be Stalker, one of the duty sensor officers was watching his screen. Unlike his fellow officer next to him, who was monitoring the survey ship, he was watching the area around the planet and its moon, in case any "unfriendly" ships appeared. Though none of the races in the sector had spacefaring capability, there were other races in two nearby sectors that did, and their attitude towards the Chosen Race was as yet unknown. Soon, though, those races would be civilized, as would the others in the sector. Then a beep came from his scope. Two targets suddenly appeared, then disappeared just as fast. "Commander!" 
     The cruiser's captain came over. "Yes?" 
     "Two brief targets, here, near the large moon. But.."
     "But what?" 
     "They're gone. Too far to get a computer identification," the officer reported. 
     "At that distance? Probably false contacts. Or maybe a meteor or two," the Captain said. "You're nearly at the edge of scanner range as it is." 
     The officer looked at his captain, then the screen. Nothing there. "Yes, Commander." 
     "Keep a sharp watch," the Captain ordered. "You never know who might be nearby." Those Ke'zar scum came to mind, as did the aliens who called themselves the Ziklag. . 
     "Yes, Commander." 


     On Galactica, as Boomer's patrol was returning, Lauren, Jessica, and Jen checked out of the VIP Area, then went over to Life Center to be with the others. It was getting close to lunchtime, and after that, the last ten who were under observation would have their physicals, If all went well, Dr. Salik would clear them for release, then everyone would be moving on to Constellation or Adelaide. Before they ate, though, Lauren had an idea. "Want to see Lemeshik one last time?" She asked Jessica. 
     "What for? I'd like to hold onto my lunch." 
     "I doubt anyone's told him the good news: the raid, getting the prisoners out, and oh, by the way, his father's ship being blown out of the sky," Lauren said. "If he's been indicted, that'll have to wait, but if not..." 
     "If not, we can still see him," Jessica finished. "Sure, I'm game. Just as long as he's on the other side of that cell door. No telling how he'll react."
     Jen looked at her friend and roommate. "He's got a temper, you mean." It wasn't a question. 
     "A big one," Jessica said. "He's got no tolerance for slackers or failures, and he's even killed a couple of his own crew who really screwed up. Then there was a guy who was kind of sympathetic to me, or at least it seemed like he was. Sometimes, when I had to serve Lemeshik in the Officer's Mess, this guy shot a couple of looks at me that were kind of sympathetic. Lemeshik didn't like that, and he killed the guy. In front of me, mind you." 
     "Possessive bastard," Lauren said. "Well, if he's been indicted, we can't see him. But if not, we still can." They went into Life Center and found Cassie at the watch station. "Hi, Cassie." 
     "Sergeant," Cassie nodded pleasantly. I see you're all ready for moving day." 
     "We are. Hey, can we leave our gear with you, and we've got a question." 
     "Sure," Cassie said. "What do you want to know?" 
     Lauren looked at Jessica, then the others, then back at Cassie. "Has Solon, or anybody from his office, been around yet?" 
     "Not yet," Cassie replied. "Why do you ask?" 
     "We'd like to see that scumbag Lemeshik one last time. Since he hasn't been indicted yet, we can. If you'd let us know when he gets here..."
     "So you can tell him the not-so-good news about his father, getting these people out of that camp, and blasting a good chunk of Ne'Chak off the map," Cassie said. She'd picked up plenty about the raid from Starbuck. 
     Jessica nodded. "Something like that." 
     "Sure, I'll let you guys know. Lauren, I'll send you a text. How's that?" 
     "Fine," Lauren said, then she turned to Jen. "See if any of the mothers need anything right now, then it's lunchtime." 
     "Will do," Jen said. "You sure you two don't want to strangle him?" 
     "Business comes first. Besides, if we did that?" Jessica replied. "He gets off way too easy. Same with shoving him out an airlock." 
     Cassie nodded sympathetically. "After seeing what they did to you and the others? Especially the two Castor pulled out of the torture shed? I feel the same way." 
     "Well just be a few," Lauren said. "Let's go," she nodded at Jessica.

     The two went over to the Security Ward, where Corporal Stamaris was on duty. "Sergeant, Petty Officer," he nodded. "Didn't think you'd be here." 
     "Need to see that Lemeshik scum one last time," Lauren said, handing over her sidearm. "Could you do us a favor?" 
     "Sure, Sergeant."
     "Give us a heads-up if Sire Solon or anyone from his office is coming." 
     "Will do," Stamaris replied. "And Ma'am, if you don't mind my saying this? If you'd shot him when you boarded that ship? You would've saved some people a bunch of work." 
     "Some people have told me that," Lauren said as she signed in. "But we needed him to interrogate, so business before pleasure." 
     "Too bad," Stamaris nodded as he opened the door to the Ward. "I'll be right outside if you need me." 
     "Thanks," Lauren said as they went to the cell door. "So....Commander," she glared at Lemeshik, who was sitting on the bunk. "We meet for the last time before you go to court." 
     "What do you want, you Te'rean Bitches?" Lemeshik glared at them. 
     "Just letting you know that we've been to Ne'Chak, and recovered the prisoners from the camp. And while that was going on, the Galactica and the Base Ship turned everything of military value on the surface and in orbit into slag. The shipyards, orbital stations, military garrison, defense batteries, everything. Blown to pieces or blown off the map. The ships in orbit? They're gone, too." 
     "What nonsense. I do not believe you." 
     She took our her pad,  put a data chip into it, and played it for him. It showed the camp, with guards' bodies and blazing barracks. "Ask your defense lawyer if he can show you the gun-camera videos. And there's this: a cruiser named Broadsword charged the Galactica during the battle. Your father's ship." Lauren said, careful not to gloat. 
     Lemeshik stared at the two women. "How did you-"
     "You think a people three hundred years ahead of you can't break codes and translate alien languages? Or does that 'holier-than-everyone' attitude cloud your thinking, hmm? 
     "Assuming they can think," Jessica muttered, deadpan. 
     Lemshik glared at them. "You-"
    Lauren went on, "That's exactly what happened. Your father's flagship charged the Galactica and it was the last thing he did, because he got blown to pieces along with his ship," Lauren told him. "You can't count on your father's help anymore. Here, or if you're ever rescued by your own people. And before that, you're going to be indicted today. Kidnapping, Slavery, Torture, and Rape, and that's just the charges on the Petty Officer." 
     Sweat was building on his forehead. "What do you mean?" 
     "Simple: we've got the other women you....inspected," Lauren said, careful to keep her feelings in check. "There's probably a sexual assault charge that can come out of that. Five more, I'd say. But even if there isn't, there's those videos of you and her-" Lauren nodded at Jessica. "You are physically torturing and sexually assaulting her on those videos. Just one of those played in court is enough to convict you." 
     "You have no right-" 
     "SHUT UP!" Lauren yelled. "Look at you: wailing about rights when you had no concern for hers or anyone else's. And you are just like the other two we have: the Governor and the Commandant of the Camp. A bloody hypocrite, with one rule for you and one for everyone else. And those two aren't going to be happy with you. Because if you hadn't fired on that patrol from the Galactica, none of this would've happened, and they would have their nice, safe, cushy jobs." 
     "And I won't be the only one testifying against you," Jessica spat. "The other five women you....inspected are going to be there as well." 
     "She's right," Lauren added. 
     Lemeshik glared at her, then at Jessica. "Traitor! Ingrate! You had a better life aboard ship than in that camp!" 
     "You call that a 'better life'?" Jessica shot back. "Your people took me from my home planet against my will! All I did was exchange one form of captivity for another. You just exchanged the hell of the camp for a private one. And I'll be on the stand, telling them everything you did to me." 
     "Bitch!" Lemshik glared at them through the cell door. 
     "Next time we see you, you'll be in court. And your co-defendants may not be happy to share the dock with you. You'd better hope that the court sentences you to the Prison Barge, because they'd probably want to kill you if you're all marooned.," Lauren said. "And if you're ever rescued by your own people? You'd probably be executed for losing your ship." 
     "My father may be dead, but the family-" 
     "Is probably busy killing each other," Lauren said. "Don't count on their help." Then Lauren's PDA buzzed. "Okay, Cassie just sent a text. Solon's on his way." 
     Stamaris came over. "I was just about to tell you, Ma'am."
     "Okay, thanks," nodded Lauren. "Commander, the next time we see you, it'll be in court. And you'll be in the dock. Think about what we've said today. Long and hard, if I were you." 
     "I will speak the truth," Lemeshik said proudly. 
     "Your choice."
     As the two women turned to leave, Jessica turned to her former captor, who glared at her. "What are you looking at, you little bitch?" 
     "Someone who thought he was entitled to whatever he wanted, no matter what. Well, the universe doesn't work that way. You got cut down to size, and you'll be cut down some more before we're through." Jessica said. 
     "You little-" he snarled. 
     "Save it for the court," Lauren glared at him with total contempt. 
     "And My Lord...." Jessica added, her voice dripping poison as she used that title on her ex-captor for the last time.
     Lemeshik glared at her. "What?" 
     "Have a nice day," Jessica smiled at him, then both women left the ward. 

     As Lauren signed out, and reclaimed her weapon, she asked Jessica, "Glad that's done?" 
     "Yeah," Jessica replied. "Next time, they'll be in the dock." 
     "Couldn't happen to a nicer bunch, I'd say," Stamaris said. "Sergeant, Lieutenant Castor called. They'll be here at 1400 on the mark, and he's got something else for you." 
     "Oh?" Lauren asked. 
     "Your rifle, Ma'am. That...cannon you use," said Stamaris. "He'll have it for you along with your tactical gear from Constellation." 
     "All right, Corporal," Lauren said. "That's my own gear. Thanks." 
     "Anytime,Ma'am." 
     After they left the Security Ward, Lauren and Jessica found Cassie. "Cassie? Thanks for the warning."
     "You're welcome. When's this Tribunal I keep hearing about?" Cassie asked. 
     "Be a few days," Lauren said. "The lawyers need time to prepare their cases, and everybody here needs to get settled in on their new ships. Then IFB has a another high-profile tribunal to cover." 
     "Speaking of which," Cassie nodded. "Did you see Zara and Zed last night?" 
     "We did," Jessica said. "They were practically hollering bloody murder about not being given access to my friends. They can shove it." 
     "Don't blame you for that," Cassie grinned. 
     "They all took a vote," Jessica nodded. "No interviews until this Tribunal's over. The Commander told IFB, and if they can't take a hint, that's their problem." 
     Cassie nodded, then handed both of them a cup of java. "You guys don't care for the media much." 
     "The serious reporters?" Lauren asked. "They're okay. They know what questions to ask and what they can and can't get away with. Zara and Zed and folks like them? These vermin think that they're entitled to whatever stories they want, and anything goes. The more sensational, the better." 
     Cassie nodded. "First time I've heard IFB called vermin, but somebody would've called them that sooner or later. Well, a good lunch, then getting busy with moving will put that out of mind. For a while, anyway." 
     Lauren grinned, and so did Jessica. "You're right about that," Jessica nodded. 

     Lauren and the others were still chatting when Jen arrived. "All the mothers have their kids ready to go," Jen said. "The Nursery and Daycare is all set. And I'm starved." 
     "Lunchtime, " Lauren nodded. 
     "That it is," Jessica said. Just then, Sire Solon arrived with one of his aides. After Cassie directed them to the Security Ward, everyone knew what was happening. Lemeshik and Scarface were being served with their indictments. 
     "About damned time," Lauren said, a hint of pleasure in her voice. 
     "They're getting more rights than they gave any of us," Jessica spat. "Too bad it'll never occur to the bastards." 
     "There's one more, right?" asked Cassie. 
     "The ex-Governor," Lauren nodded. "He's just as arrogant and self-righteous as these two. And just as guilty, I'd say. He asked for, and got, work details from the camp for Government House. He didn't pay, but asked for them as part of his job." 
     "And I was there quite a few times, doing the 'dirty jobs'," Jessica added. "Garbage pickup, sweeping the sidewalk, cleaning the toilets, and so on." 
     Cassie nodded. "He had Melena, right?" 
     "How'd you know?" Lauren asked. 
     "I gave her her physical," Cassie said. "She comes across as someone you could sit down and talk with. Not like the others." 
     "She is," Jen said. "We had a talk with her over breakfast. She's very curious about Earth, and she wants to go to America when we get there. After she's seen more of Earth. At least, that's the impression I got." 
     "And she also wants revenge for her family," Jessica added. 
     "Starbuck told me," Cassie replied. "Lords...what kind of government does that to people?" 
     "We've had our share on Earth," Lauren admitted. "Stalin's Russia, Mao's China, Nazi Germany, Saddam's Iraq."
     "Which you two," Cassie said, pointing at both Lauren and Jessica, "Had some experience with." 
     "Not much: just pulling security on an air base," Lauren said. "Though helping clean up after a missile attack wasn't fun." She paused, remembering the Scud attack that killed 28 Americans and wounded a hundred more-all from the same Army Reserve unit from Pennsylvania. After the job was finished, the first thing Lauren did was throw up. She had seen traumatic death before, at traffic accidents, but wartime was different. This time, the carnage had been deliberately inflicted. Though it was what she had signed up for when she first joined the Air Force, it was the first time she'd seen the aftermath of any kind of hostile action. 
    "And me?" Jessica added. "Out on the ocean on a supply ship, resupplying the Fleet."
     "We need to show you some of my dad's videos. What an aircraft carrier's like and all," Jen told Cassie. "Way smaller than the Galactica, but they're the largest warships on Earth." 
     "IFB hasn't shown one yet, but I think Starbuck has seen some. About some aircraft, I think," Cassie nodded. "I wouldn't mind at all."
     "Just ask, and we'll loan you one." 
     Then it was lunchtime, and Lauren, Jessica, and Jen ate with their friends and future shipmates. While they ate, Father Des came by with a  letter on a pad  that he wanted the ex-prisoners to sign. "What's this?" Lieutenant Sanderson asked. 
     "Just a letter of thanks to our Colonial friends for all they've done for us," Father Fisher said pleasantly. 
     "Be glad to sign," Amy said,taking the stylus, and so did Denise, Anna, and Jessica. 
     "So, Father, ready to move over to Adelaide?" Lauren asked the priest. 
     "Quite so, Sergeant," Father Fisher replied. "Get settled in, and be ready for the legal proceedings. And, I am told, at least one of the couples coming with us wants to get married. I'm looking forward to performing the ceremony." 
     "Watch it, Father," Jessica said. "On a ship at sea, or here, it's the Captain who has that authority. Don't be surprised if Commander Allen pulls rank on you."
     "Or on Constellation," Lauren added. "Captain Byrne's never had the chance, but he'd be happy to do it." 
     "Commander Adama's done it on Galactica.. Two or three, I think," Jen nodded. "Apollo and Sheba I know about." 
     "Ah," the priest said. "Things are different when you are aboard ship, then."
     "They are. No offense, Father," said Lauren. 
     Father Fisher seemed disappointed, but nodded, "None taken, Sergeant. Well, then. We all still have a lot to learn." The priest smiled as Jessica handed him the pad and stylus. "Thank you. I'll see you in a little bit. Cheerio!" Then he went on to the next table. 
     "Would he do that?" Denise asked. 
     "What?" Lauren said. "Commander Allen pull rank?" 
     "Yeah." 
     "He would, I think." Jen said. "Remember that my dad and Commander Allen are both navy officers. They do things a little different aboard a ship."
     "They do," Jessica agreed. 
     "But, if the couple want Father Des to marry them, Commander Allen would have to go along, though?" Denise asked. 
     "He would,." Lieutenant Sanderson said. "If they want Father Des to do it, that's something Commander Allen would go along with. But if there's no preference, then the ship's captain does it." 

     After lunch, the remaining ten who had adjusting to a normal diet went in with Dr. Salik for their final checkups and nutritional booster shots, while Cassie gave Linda, the only remaining pregnant woman, and the one carrying triplets, her final checkup. It wasn't long before Linda came out of the exam room with Cassie, and both were wearing smiles from ear to ear. "She's clear," Cassie said. "The babies are fine, and so is she." 
     Kevin Scott, her common-law husband, came up. "Anything we should know about?" 
     "Just that, sometimes, with multiple births, the kids decide when they're going to be born. So just be warned: it could even be tomorrow," Cassie told the expectant couple. "Dr. Rena on Constellation has her medical file. She knows, and she'll be ready." 
     "Thanks, Cassie," Linda said. She kissed her partner, who felt the babies kick. "Ah!" 
     "High-five," Kevin grinned. "They'll be healthy, happy, born free, and they'll be Americans," Kevin smiled. "Couldn't ask for anything more." 
     "Congratulations, Linda," Lauren said. She and her live-in boyfriend had been trying to have children, until the Risik showed themselves and changed Lauren's life forever. "Kevin, there's something my old watch commander back in Great Falls told a deputy whose wife was about to have a baby." 
     "What's that?" 
     Lauren looked at the happy couple, then at Cassie. "You spend the first year-or yahren-with a kid getting them to walk and talk. You spend the next twenty getting them to sit down and shut up." She grinned. 
     Those who heard it roared with laughter. 

     A few centons later, Dr. Salik came out of a treatment room, after the last of the ex-prisoners had seen him. "Everyone, I have an announcement to make."  Life Center went silent, then he smiled. "Everyone's free and clear. You can move to your new ships whenever you're ready." 
     People were hugging each other, and shaking hands. Lauren turned to Lieutenant Sanderson, Denise, and Anna. "Ma'am? You guys ready?" 
     "More than ready," Sanderson replied, and the others nodded. "And when we get to Constellation?" 
     "You'll get a day to get settled in, then there's the shipboard classes, and the military personnel can get started getting back into shape," the Captain says." 
     "Just wait until you meet Mr. Malik," Jen said. 
     "Who's he?" Anna asked.
     "Has Sire Pelias told you about the Zohrloch? From some world called Eridu? " Lauren asked. Seeing them nod, she went on. "Mr. Malik's one of them. He's the Gunnery Officer on Constellation. And a physical fitness zealot. No better friend, and I'd go into combat with him anytime. But if you ever cross one of these people? You've made a blood enemy." 
     "Sort of like the Klingons in Star Trek?" Denise said. 
     "Pretty much," Lauren said. She pulled out her PDA and sent texts to both Captain Byrne and Commander Allen, then another one to Castor. "Okay, Castor and some of his guys will be here at 1400. Captain Byrne and Commander Allen say everything's ready on their end." 

     On Constellation, Captain Byrne looked at his PDA and read the text. He smiled, then sent a reply. The Captain then went to the Bridge, where he found Mr. Dante standing Watch as OOD. "Mr. Dante?" 
     "Captain," Dante nodded. "Captain on the Bridge," he announced. 
     "Carry on," Byrne said. "It's almost time, Mr. Dante. Notify Flight Operations, if you please. Have Ensign Adele get the Armstrong ready for launch. She'll be bringing our new shipmates over from Galactica." 
     Dante nodded, then smiled. "Yes, sir!" 


     In Life Center, Lauren and Jessica were talking with Captain Ashby and Lieutenant Sanderson. "Won't be long, until we move, sir. And Ma'am." Lauren said. 
     "Thank you, Sergeant," Ashby said. "When we get home, I'll have a talk with your Defense Department. Don't be surprised if you get some kind of decoration from them, and from Her Majesty's Government, for what you've done to help us." 
     "Just doing my job, sir," Lauren said. "Of course, it's been a while since we've been gone, so it's probably Prince William, or one of his children, who's now King or Queen." 
     "Hadn't thought of that," Ashby said, sadly. "But you're likely right. And Petty Officer? Same thing. You helped them with planning the raid."
     "Well, sir, I wanted to do more than that," Jessica said. "Anything I could do to help." 
     "I know. Captain Byrne said you offered to go on the raid as a guide. Still, don't be surprised if you get some kind of decoration for what you've done." 
     "Well, sir, just like the Sergeant said: just doing my job," replied the Petty Officer. 
     Nodding, Captain Ashby turned to Lauren, who was staring out a window, looking at the stars as they passed by. "Sergeant?" 
     "Just wondering, sir. What our Risik pals are thinking right now." 
     "What do you mean, Sergeant?" Sanderson asked. 
     "They're probably scratching their bald heads and wondering who the hell attacked them, and then wondering where we've gone, and, though they don't know, are we coming back?" 
     "That's way down the line, Sergeant," Ashby pointed out. "We'll need to build quite a few of these ships first." 
     "Yes, sir. And there's this: they're also trying to figure out how some of their own ordnance got used against them." 
     "They got those from the derelict ship they found you on, right?" Sanderson asked. 
     "Yes, Ma'am, and some from the ship we rescued the Petty Officer from," Lauren replied. "Now they're probably trying to figure out how that stuff got there." 
     "Don't forget the minefield," Jessica added. 
     "Minefield?" 
     "Yes, Ma'am," Lauren said. "The Base Ship left a minefield around the world we left a few days ago. If any Risik ships try and check that world out for any trace of the Fleet? They bump into a mine."
     "Their lucky day," muttered Lieutenant Sanderson. 
     Intrigued, Ashby asked, "How powerful are these mines?" 
     "One of them could put a pretty large hole in the Galactica, sir," Lauren said. "Any of the smaller ships in the Fleet would get taken out. And the same goes for a Risik Exploratory or Patrol Cruiser." 
     "There's an old Navy saying, sir, ma'am," added Jessica. "'Any ship can be a minesweeper. Once.'" 
     The two officers looked at each other and grinned. "Couldn't happen to a nicer bunch," Sanderson said. 
     "No argument there, Leftenant," Ashby nodded. 


     At  that same moment, Admiral Triligan and Lord Ulrikh were in a conference room aboard the Admiral's flagship, Valiant. And they were being briefed by Triligan's Intelligence Officer. 
     "You are sure about this?" The Admiral asked. "The rockets?" 
     "Yes, Admiral, Lord Ulrikh. The rockets' inventory numbers match those on an Exploratory Cruiser, the Chaser, that was reported missing in action in one of the first battles of the war. It was last seen going into Star Speed, but was never seen again," the intelligence officer replied. "The report is appended here, My Lords." 
     "And how did these rockets get used in the attack on the slave camp?" Ulrikh asked, with a very menacing tone in his voice. He had just returned to the flagship after overseeing the trials and executions of the captured rebels who had revolted and escaped from the Corrective Camp. And to the Admiral, it appeared that he wouldn't mind another execution. 
     Or several. 
     "That, My Lord, we do not know as yet," the man replied, with an equally nervous tone in his voice. "It would appear that someone found the ship.  And that whoever did so  helped themselves to the contents of the ship's armory." 
     The Chief Magistrate glared at the intelligence man, but held his temper. General Security had come to the same conclusion. "That is obvious, but who?"
     "We do not know as yet. There is something else, however." The intelligence officer called up several images of bodies of guards at the camp. "Several guards, it would appear, were killed with a heavy-caliber pistol or rifle, one was killed by what appeared to be an entrenching tool", the man paused, showing the image of the guard whose skull had been smashed in by Croft's shovel, "while others were killed by automatic combat rifle or sharpshooter rifle fire. But several others died from what the medical staff believes were laser weapons." The intelligence officer zoomed in the image of the guards who'd fallen victim to laser fire. 
     The Admiral and the Magistrate looked at each other, then the intelligence officer. "A laser rifle or pistol? Both are weapons that our own scientists have been trying to develop. If you are correct......" Ulrikh said. 
     "That means the attackers, or some of them, at any rate, are much more advanced than we are in terms of infantry or personal weapons technology," the Admiral finished. "And the attack on the camp itself?" 
     "Based on what our Special Assault Team members have said, the level of precision indicates that the attackers, somehow, had inside information. The only kind of information that could come from a prisoner." The intelligence man paused. "And there is only one possible source for that, as far as we can ascertain." He called up images of Lemeshik and his ship. "Commander Lemeshik of the Ranger. He is widely known to have had a Te'rean slave from the camp aboard his ship as a comfort woman. Contrary to regulations, I should emphasize.  And his ship is several days overdue from Patrol." 
     "It fits, Admiral," Ulrikh said. "Lemeshik's ship was captured, the slave recovered and debriefed, along with the data in his ship's computer. And, no doubt, they were interrogating him and his officers." 
     The Admiral nodded. "I agree," Triligan said. As far as he was concerned, it couldn't have happened to a more deserving sort of man. "But how would they know? It would have to be a random encounter." 
     "Star Force Intelligence believes that scenario to be highly likely, My Lords," the intelligence officer commented. "We are still checking for any additional missing ships. No other military ships are known missing, but civilian? Given the damage to the spaceport, any such records may have been destroyed. However, we are trying to reconstitute the data, and searching for any backups." 
     "I see..." replied the Admiral. "Still, continue searching anyway. Especially for ships that have paid the taxes to leave our territory. If any of them are missing, then we may have a suspect. They may have traded with the attackers, with information on Ne'Chak as one of the commodities." 
     Ulrikh looked at the Admiral. "You think it's possible? That one of our own people would betray us?"
     "My Lord, we must consider all possibilities in this investigation. Especially if someone has spent some time far from our space," Admiral Triligan replied calmly. He turned back to his intelligence officer. "Focus your search on those particular vessels, but keep looking for any and all missing ships in this sector."
     "Admiral," the intelligence man replied. "We have also checked all of the scanner logs that are available. Only the logs from the command bunker are available, for obvious reasons." 
     "And?" 
     "So far, nothing. No unusual sensor contacts or unidentified ships, My Lords." 
     Both the Admiral and the Magistrate nodded. "And the reconnaissance missions?" Ulrikh asked. 
     "So far, nothing. The nearest system, here," the intelligence officer referred to a star chart. "Nothing but the wreckage left from the previous civilization. As for this system, here," the intelligence officer pointed to the system recently vacated by the Colonial Fleet,  "the probe should be reaching its target destination sometime today. It may be a few days before we have anything to report." 
     "Very well," Triligan said, nodding at Ulrikh. "Report when you have any new information." 
     "Yes, Admiral." 
     "Dismissed." 
     The intelligence officer bowed and left, leaving the Admiral, his flag aide, and Ulrikh in the conference room. "We are finding out more on how the attack was carried out, Admiral," the Magistrate replied. "But nothing yet on who." 
     "The use of weapons of different technological levels indicates, to me, at any rate, that the attackers, if Te'rean, may be from different nation-states. Some were more advanced than others, if you'll recall." Triligan said. He turned to his aide. "Begin a search of the files on Te'rea. We must assume that they have obtained an interstellar spacefaring capability, military and civilian, no matter how rudimentary or advanced. Most likely they have done so by contacting other races, either on their own or contact initiated by others."
     "Yes, Admiral," the aide replied. "Still, it is a long way from Te'rea to Ne'Chak. Even a high-powered Star Drive..."
     "Do you have any other suspects? The Admiral growled. The aide was silent. "I thought not. I want to know which of the nation-states are likely to have such a capability, and if so, would they be willing to mount an operation such as this." 
     "Right away, Admiral," the aide said. The man then left the room to begin his research. 
     "The scenario you paint, Admiral, is a disturbing one," Ulrikh pointed out. 
     The Admiral nodded. "It is, but we must seriously consider not just that possibility, but one other: that the Te'reans now have forged alliances with the races in our home sector. And not just the Ke'zar." 
     "If what you say is true-" 
     "Ulrikh, in the Star Force, we consider all possibilities, as I said, and prepare plans accordingly. Would you rather have us ready for such a contingency, or have ships such as these-" Admiral Triligan called up images of the Galactica, Base Ship, and Constellation, "appear in our Capital's space with little or no warning?" 
     "No," the Magistrate replied. "I hope, Admiral, that you are wrong, or at the very least, overreacting. But what can we do if such an event should ever happen?" 
     "I do not know what you would do, My Lord, but I know what I, along with the rest of the Star Force, would do." The Admiral stared at the Chief Magistrate with due seriousness.  
     "And that is?" 
     "Die fighting." The Admiral nodded politely, then left the conference room, leaving the Chief Magistrate to ponder what the Admiral had said. As much as he hated to admit it, Admiral Triligan was right. If they did nothing, and the Te'reans appeared in the Capital's system without any warning, it wouldn't last long, and the outcome wouldn't be very pleasant. For if the Ke'zar had told the Te'reans what the Risik had in mind for their world, an adage that he had heard was common on Te'rea came back to him: "The best defense is a good offense." 

     In Galactica's Life Center, the Earthers were milling about, chatting pleasantly with each other, or some of the staff. With the latter, hugs were exchanged, thanks offered and accepted, and for many of the staff, offers to come and visit when they got to Earth were extended. Then the chrono hit 1400, the door to Life Center opened, and Sire Pelias, followed by Castor and most of the SF Team, came in. "Sire," Dr. Salik nodded. "And Lieutenant. I see you're here to lend a hand." 
     "That we are, Doctor," Pelias said. "I don't mind rolling up my sleeves, as they say, and helping out." 
     Hearing that, Castor smiled. Clearly, being on the Council wasn't going to the young Sire's head. "We're glad to be of help, Doc." 
     "The more, the better," Salik said. He then went looking for Sergeant Wagner, and when he saw her, waved her over. Wagner came, and noticed the newcomers. "Sergeant, your moving help's here." 
     "I noticed. Thanks, Doc," Wagner said. "For everything." 
     "Just doing our jobs, Sergeant," Salik said. 
     Wagner nodded. "And thanks, Cassie." 
     "Anytime, Sergeant," Cassie smiled. "And before you ask, I did get offers to come and visit when they get home. I'll be glad to."
     "Even if you have to drag Starbuck with you?" Wagner quipped. 
     "Even if," Cassie laughed. "He needs to broaden his horizons." 
     "Okay," Wagner said. "Let's get this going," She got up on a table and got everyone's attention. "People? Our moving help's here. Lieutenant Castor and some of the SF troopers from the raid offered to help, and so has Sire Pelias. The shuttles that will take you to either Adelaide or Constellation will be arriving shortly, so if you'll get your things together, gather your kids, and we'll get this show on the way." 
     People nodded, and went to gather their belongings. 
     "Okay, how's this going to work?" Castor asked. 
     "You up to carrying a baby?" Wagner asked, tongue in cheek.
     "Don't mind at all," Castor said. "Which one?" 
     Wagner looked around, then waved to Fredrik and Marta. "How about Fredrik and Marta?" 
     "The ones with the newborn in the camp?" Castor asked. He saw Wagner nod, then smiled. "Be glad to." He went on over and introduced himself. 
     "Sergeant, if you don't mind, I'll help Michael and Catherine," Pelias nodded pleasantly. "They have two children, and I don't mind carrying a baby." 
     "We have a saying in my country, Sire," Wagner said. "When politicians run for office they shake lots of hands and kiss babies at political rallies. Don't get in the latter habit," she nodded. "They slobber and drool all over you, and when you pick them up, they cry a lot. Among other things." 
     Pelias laughed. "Captain Byrne's told me the same thing." He then went over to help the parents of the first Earth child born on the battlestar. 
     "Where do you want me?" Jen asked. 
     "Go with Natalie and Josh," Wagner told her roommate. "They're the only ones coming to Constellation who have a baby." 
     "Will do," Jen smiled, then went over to the couple. 
     "I'll go with Kevin and Linda," Clemens nodded. She collared Denise and Anna, along with a pair of Castor's troopers, and went to offer their services. 
     "Sergeant?" Captain Ashby came over along with Captain Zhukov and Lieutenant Sanderson. 
     "Sirs? And Ma'am?" Wagner asked. "Hope you don't mind." 
     "Not at all, Sergeant," Ashby said. "You've been with them a lot longer than we have." 
     Zhukov added, "I'd say, Sergeant, for the purpose of this exercise, you're the one giving orders." 
     "We're just bystanders for now," Sanderson nodded. "You're the NCOIC for today." 
     Wagner tried not to gulp. "Yes, Ma'am," she nodded. 
     Cassie then came over to Wagner. "Just got the call from the Bridge: the shuttles have landed. They're in Alpha Bay." 
    Wagner nodded, then went to pick up her gear. She also found her rifle and tactical vest, as well as the rifle that had belonged to the late and unlamented Chief Guard at the camp, all brought by Castor. "Thanks, Cassie," she said.  "Okay, people! Our rides are here, and it's time to go." 

     As the group left Life Center, many shook hands with Salik, and gave Cassie a hug. Then the group left, and followed several troopers to Alpha Bay, and everyone was surprised at how big the battlestar was. They had an inkling when they first arrived, but the euphoria at being rescued, and the need to get medical care, made people just plain not notice. It didn't take long before the group arrived in Alpha Bay, where a deck officer directed them to where the two shuttles were parked. Before the group got to the shuttles, there was a surprise. Commander Adama was there, along with Sire Xaviar and Siress Tinia. 
     "Commander," Wagner said as she saluted. "Didn't expect to see you all here." 
     "We were having lunch together, and decided that it might be a good idea to see everyone off on the next stage of their journey home," Adama said. 
     "Thank you, sir," Wagner said. "In a way, it's good you're all here, because someone has something for you. Excuse me, sir." She went back to the group, and found Father Fisher, who happily came back to where Adama and the council members were watching. After introducing the priest to the two council members, Wagner asked him, "Father? I believe you've got something for Commander Adama?" 
     "I do indeed, Sergeant," Fisher said. He took out a paper from his bag and handed it to the Commander. "Commander, this is a thank-you letter. It's signed by everyone who came out of that.....place. Thanking you and your people for everything you've done to help us." 
     Adama took the letter. "You are quite welcome, Father, Has Sire Pelias been given a copy? He does represent your interests, after all." 
     "He has, Commander," replied Fisher. "But I felt that you, as the Fleet Commander, should have one as well." 
     "I understand, Father," Adama nodded. "Again, I'm looking forward to having a talk with you." 
     "The first of many, Commander," Fisher said. He looked, and noticed Captain Ashby waving him over. "Until then, Commander," he said. "And Sire, Siress? A pleasure to meet you." 
     "Likewise, Father," Xaviar said pleasantly. "We have plenty of time to get to know everyone better."
     Tinia nodded. "That, Father, is the one commodity we have in quantity." 
     "So I've been told. Again, a pleasure, and I'll see you later." The priest smiled, then went off to where Captain Ashby was. 
     "Good luck, Sergeant, in getting everyone settled in," Xaviar said. 
     "Sire, thanks. It'll take a few days, but things should be all right by the time this Tribunal gets going," Wagner said. 
     "And what's this?" The Sire noticed the Risik rifle she was carrying. 
     "That, Sire, is a souvenir from the raid. It belonged to the late and unlamented Chief Guard, and when I get to Constellation, it's going on my office wall as a war trophy." 
     "A place of honor," Xaviar noted. 
     "And when I get home and build a house with some of my back pay? It goes over the fireplace mantle," Wagner said. 
     Adama nodded. "No doubt about that, Sergeant. You'd better get with your friends, for you do have a busy afternoon ahead of you." 
     "Commander?" Wagner smiled. "Wouldn't have it any other way." She saluted, then headed on over to the Armstrong. "Adele," 
     "Sergeant," Ensign Adele replied. "Haven't seen you since before the raid." 
     "Been a little busy," Wagner deadpanned. 
     "I can imagine. And Metxan and Garris will be glad to have you back." 
     Nodding, Wagner knew what she was talking about. Her other security man, Paulson, had been on R&R, and wound up getting involved in a homicide investigation. "Don't blame them. And Metxan sent me a text: Paulson won't be back for a couple more days: seems the powers that be extended his R&R to make up for lost time." 
     The shuttle pilot grinned. "Hope he enjoys it. Ready to go?" 
     "Let's do it." Wagner nodded. She turned and spoke to those getting ready to board. "Okay, people, come on board, find a seat, and fasten your belts. Josh, Natalie? Hold on tight to your baby. And Linda? Be extra careful. Let's get aboard." 
     As everyone filed aboard  the Armstrong, and those going to Adelaide boarded that shuttle, Wagner noticed Captains Ashby and Zhukov at the tail end of the line. They saluted her, and she returned it. Then Castor came over. "Lauren? All set here." 
     "Didn't get the chance back in Life Center, but thanks for helping out." 
     "After getting those people out of that Hades Hole? It's the least we can do," Castor replied. 
     Lieutenant Sanderson came over. Apart from Wagner, she was the last to board. "Lieutenant Castor? Thanks for helping out with all this." 
     "Anytime, Ma'am," Castor said. "As I said to the Sergeant here, it's the least we can do." 
     "And we'll probably be bringing her and the other military back to use the firing range," Wagner said. "They want to get qualified on some weapons." 
    "I'll let Major Croft know, and just say the word. We'll be ready." 
     The Marine Lieutenant smiled. "Looking forward to it. Thanks again, Castor." 
     "Anytime, Ma'am." 
     Sanderson smiled, then went and boarded the Armstrong. 
     "And Lauren? Good luck getting everybody settled in." Castor said. 
     "We'll be busy for a few days," nodded Wagner. She saw Adele wave her over. "Time to go, Castor. See you later." 
     "Will do." They shook hands, then he gave her a wink. 
     She smiled, then turned and boarded the Armstrong. Wagner found a seat next to Jen and Jessica, then turned to Adele. "Adele? We're all set here. Let's go to Constellation." 
     "On our way," Adele replied. She contacted the Galactica bridge, got clearance to launch, then both shuttles flew out of the landing bay and set course for their respective ships. 


     When the Armstrong arrived at Constellation, Adele made a couple of circuits of the ship, so that the passengers could have a look at the ship that was their ride home. As expected, there was quite a bit of oohing and ahing, as, once again, the ex-prisoners were seeing something that looked right out of movies or a TV show, and then Adele brought the shuttle into Constellation's landing bay. After she taxied into her space, Wagner got up to the pilot's seat to take a look, and she wasn't surprised who was there waiting. Not just Captain Byrne, but Mr. Dante, the Exec, Dr. Rena, and Mr. Malik. She turned to Jen and Jessica. 'We've got a reception committee."
     "Who?" Jen asked. "Wait, let me guess: My dad, Mr. Dante, and Mr. Malik?" 
     "Close. Dr. Rena's here as well," said Wagner. "Ma'am? She turned to Lieutenant Sanderson. Remember how to report aboard ship?" 
     "You never forget, Sergeant," Sanderson replied. "I'll tell the other military how it's done. Like we said back on the Galactica, you're in charge of this exercise." 
     "Yes, Ma'am," Wagner said. "Okay, let's get the show on the road." She turned to address everyone. "People? Captain Byrne's here with a small reception committee. I don't know what he's got in mind, but we'll get you to your berthing areas ASAP, then we'll probably show you around the ship. You can get settled in, have dinner in the Crew Mess, then tomorrow, the shipboard classes start. Ready?" 
     Heads nodded, then Sanderson said, "On your call, Sergeant." 
     Wagner nodded to Adele. "Let's pop the hatch." 
     The pilot smiled, "You got it," she said, then hit the switch, and the hatch hissed open, and the sounds of the landing bay filled the shuttle. 
     Wagner smiled, then was the first out. She then turned to the Captain and saluted. "Permission to come aboard?" 
     Captain Byrne smiled, and returned her salute. "Permission granted, Sergeant. You've got everyone?" 
     "Yes, sir." She waved to the shuttle hatch, and Jen and Jessica climbed down, helping Linda, with Kevin, her partner, following. "Here's our pregnant one," Wagner said. Natalie and Josh, with their baby, were next, then the others followed. Only after the civilians had left the shuttle did the military personnel disembark, and it was Lieutenant Sanderson who was the last off. 
     Sanderson came over to Captain Byrne and saluted. "Reporting for duty, sir." 
     Byrne returned her salute, and said, "Welcome Aboard, Lieutenant." He introduced the rest of the senior officers, then said, "And this is Mr. Malik." Byrne nodded, introducing the Zohrloch warrior who was his gunnery officer. 
     "My pleasure, Lieutenant," Malik said, shaking the Marine officer's hand. 
     "And mine," Sanderson replied, slightly agog at seeing someone who was....blue. "Sergeant Wagner's told me a few things about you, and that you two have been....involved in a couple of incidents." 
     "Yes, the Il Fadim traitors," Malik nodded. "First, a brawl in the Sergeant's and Jena's cabin, then boarding the traitorous councilmen's shuttle." 
     "Like I said on Galactica, Ma'am," Wagner said. "No better friend-and he's my sparring partner after my watch-and no worse enemy. As those scumbags found out: the hard way." 
     "That they did," Malik nodded. 
     "Exactly, Mr. Malik," Byrne agreed. "And Sergeant? I know Mextan will be glad to have you back aboard. He paused, and saw her nod. "Okay, let's get this going. Mr. Dante, you and Petty Officer Clemens take half of our new passengers, and Sergeant? You and Jen take the others. Show them around the areas accessible to civilians, the crew mess, and so on, before they get to their billets. Dr. Rena?" 
     "Captain?" His medical officer asked. 
     "Why don't you go with Warrant Officer Popova, and get things going between you two? Because tomorrow, the Child-Care Center opens for business." 
     Dr. Rena smiled. 'Yes, Captain. It'll be a pleasure." 
     "Good," Byrne said. "We'll wind things up at their billets, but then at 1800, get them all to the Crew Mess. I'm giving a Welcome-Aboard Dinner, open to all off-duty crew and civilians. Let's get to know each other a lot better, people can talk, share stories, and so on. We're all in this together for the ride to Earth, and since Constellation is a happy ship at the moment, let's keep it that way." 
     Dante nodded, as did the other officers. "Yes, sir." 
     "Then let's get this going." 

     Over on Adelaide, the welcome was similar, with Commander Allen and Kaylesha heading up the reception committee, along with Vickers, the Exec, and Adelaide's ship's doctor. And as on Constellation, Commander Allen would host a dinner party aboard ship for the new arrivals. 

     The next morning, Commander Adama came onto the Galactica's bridge. Today was not only the day the Red Dwarf system would be in patrol range, but was also the day of first  Council Session since the raid. He had had a working breakfast with both Sire Pelias and Siress Tinia, and was pleased to know that there was an overwhelming majority of votes in favor of Pelias' resolution about the rescued Earth children, and those who would follow. The only Council member whose stand on the matter was an unknown was Lydia. Though it was unlikely that she would vote against the resolution, she was the only member who Pelias had not yet spoken to, though he would do so before the meeting. Either she would vote in favor, vote "present," or abstain, Pelias felt, and Adama agreed with the young sire. And Siress Tinia agreed as well. 
     When Commander Adama got to his station on the Bridge, Colonel Tigh was waiting for him. "Good Morning, Commander." 
     "Good Morning, Tigh, Anything of note happen overnight?" Adama asked as he logged in. 
     "No, sir. Overnight patrols report all clear: no Risik ships or communications detected, and no unusual astronomical features reported, such as gas clouds or rogue planetoids." Tigh reported. 
     Adama nodded as Omega came to him with a pad and stylus. The overnight status report. The Commander scanned it, then he signed it.  Nothing unusual or out of the ordinary. "Thank you, Omega," 
     "Commander," the bridge officer replied. 
     "And the patrol to the Red Dwarf system?" Adama asked Tigh. 
     The Exec consulted his pad. "Lieutenant Giles has taken that patrol, Commander. They left twenty centons ago, and won't be back in com range for ten centars at least." 
     "Very well, Tigh," Adama said as Athena came and handed him a pad with the scanner report from overnight. He went over it, then signed it. "Thank you, Athena." 
     "Father," she said, then went back to her station. 
     "In that case, Tigh, we'll forgo the situation brief for today. Since the patrol won't be back in time, and that both Captain Byrne and Commander Allen are no doubt busy today, we'll wait until tomorrow." 
     Tigh nodded. "Yes, Commander. We are still green across the board in regard to the fuel and water situation." 
     "Let's hope it stays that way, Colonel," Adama said. He went to the plot board. "We're just under two  sectans away from leaving what the Risik consider to be their space, and I don't want to stop again in their territory unless it can't be avoided." 
     "Of course, Commander."
     Adama scanned the plot board again. "Let's hope, Tigh, that any local non-spacefaring races get left alone. After what we did at Ne'Chak....."
     "Yes, sir. That was twenty percent of their shipbuilding and maintenance facilities that were taken out. They'll be busy reconstituting that," Tigh reminded his CO. "For quite a while." 
     "That they will," Adama agreed. "Is there anything else?" 
     "No, Commander, that's it for now." 
     "Thank you, Colonel." 

     Aboard Constellation,  Lauren, Jessica, and Jen had gone about their usual routine. Since the shipboard classes for the new arrivals didn't start until 1000, they had decided to let Denise sleep. Just after Lauren had left for the Security Office, Denise woke up. 
     "Good morning, sleepyhead," Jessica said, handing her friend a cup of java. "Rise and shine." 
     "Jess...." Denise said groggily. "Still getting used to gently getting up. Without a prod or a beating." 
     "Been there, done that," Jessica replied. "Here. It's their near-coffee. There's pastries on the table." 
     Denise nodded as she sipped the java and looked around the cabin. To her, after what the Risik had given them to drink, it was nectar from heaven. "Damn, that's good!" She was glad to have a cabin with a private bath and shower, and noticed Jen sitting in front of a computer console. "What's Jen up to?" 
     "Getting what would be back home, her High-school diploma," Jessica said. "It's all via computer. No clubs, dances, anything like that. Everything's online." 
     "And whoever teaches their Physics class is quiz-happy," Jen grumbled. "Got one tomorrow." 
     "Reminds me of High School. So, where's Lauren?" Denise asked, looking around. 
     "She's on duty as of 0800. She's Master-at-arms." 
     "What's that?" 
     "Chief of Security," Jessica explained. "Captain Byrne brought a lot of Navy terminology with him, and the Colonials adopted some of it." 
     "Oh," Denise said. She looked around, then at her own body. The physical scars were still there. Though Cassie had offered a type of skin treatment that would erase the scars, she had declined. Back home, she remembered, there were UFO abductees who claimed that the aliens who had taken them had only benign intentions. She intended to prove them wrong-with the scars on her body to prove it. "I never asked, but what about a nightshirt?" 
     "That'll have to wait."Jessica explained the smuggler that had been captured, and the cargo in his hold-illegal and otherwise. "Once that's taken care of, Lauren said they'll see about that. And before the Tribunal, we'll take you over to the Rising Star." 
     "What's that?" 
     "Think the QE 2 plus Club Med, Lauren told me. Only it's in space. I've been there once, but it was rushed. Just long enough to get measured for uniforms." 
     "They've got a tailor who did her uniforms, Lauren's and my Dad's," Jen spoke up. "And my wardrobe, too. They'll get you guys outfitted. And we need to get you over there after that so you can have a fun day." 
     "Fun? What's that? But hey, after so long, I'd like that," Denise said. 
     "Come on," Jessica said. "Get dressed and have breakfast. Then I need to get you over for the classes. They start at 1000." 

     Later on, it was just after 1200 when Captain Byrne, having just gone off his bridge watch, went by the Security Office. When he got there, he found Metxan, the Deputy Master-at-arms, there. "Captain, Mextan said, standing to attention. "What can I do for you?" 
     "As you were," Byrne nodded. "Sergeant Wagner in?" 
     "She's in her office, sir. We're still waiting on Paulson to come back, though." 
     "I know, but he'll be back sometime tomorrow," Byrne said. "Anything going on I should know?" 
     "No, sir. Everything's calm, and been that way since she left for the raid," Metxan replied. 
     "That's always good to hear. Thanks." 
     "Anytime, sir," 

     Byrne then went to Wagner's office, saw the Risik rifle already on the wall with her other weapons, and found her going over some papers. "Sergeant, permission to enter?" 
     Wagner looked up from the papers she was going over. "Sorry,sir. Didn't hear you coming. What can I do for you?" 
     "How's everyone doing today?" Byrne asked. "I'm about to go and see for myself, but wanted to hear from you." 
     His Master-at-arms nodded. "So far, so good. They should be taking a lunch break right about now, then wrapping things up in the afternoon. And Lieutenant Sanderson wants to watch my daily sparring match with Mr. Malik." 
     "A preview of coming attractions, I gather, since he'll be getting the military personnel back into shape." 
     "Yes, sir," said Wagner. "As for that, not counting either Lieutenant Sanderson or Petty Officer Clemens, we've got six military among our new arrivals. Two foreign, four Americans." 
     Byrne nodded. "Okay, remind me who we've got." 
     "Yes, sir," Wagner said. "Of the American military, we've got two who are on active duty, two who are reservists. Of the active duty? One's a tank mechanic, from the 3rd Armored Cavalry at Fort Bliss, Texas." 
     "His rank?" 
     "Spec. 4, sir." 
     "Looks like we've got someone who can work on our Landram," Byrne said. "Maybe drive it, too. Who  else?" 
     "Someone I can add to Security," Wagner nodded. "An Airman First Class, from Fairchild AFB in Spokane, Washington. Specialty is Combat Security Police." 
     "Taken off base?" 
     "No sir. Right on the base perimeter. He said he got a call about an alarm being tripped on the base perimeter, and he was sent to check it out. He got there, and saw two individuals near the fence. He ordered them to halt, and then the disc appeared," Wagner said, reading from the airman's account. "Next thing he remembers is being strapped to an exam table." 
     Byrne nodded. "And I know the rest by heart. But that's a first, though. The Risik trying to infiltrate a base." 
     "First time for everything, sir," Wagner reminded her CO. "As for the reservists? One is Army Reserve, and was in food service, of all things. The other? Navy. She's also a Petty Officer Third Class, but Petty Officer Clemens has more time in grade. Her rating is photographer." 
     "Where were they taken from?" Byrne asked. 
     "The Army Reservist? Near Salt Lake City: some town called Toole is where he's from originally, but was going to Utah State University," Wagner said. "Supposedly, the Army base near his hometown is a big CW storage area." 
     "It is," Byrne told her. "There's enough nerve agent alone on the base to wipe out everyone on Earth two or three times over. Or there was, before the Chemical Weapons Treaty took hold, and they burned all that stuff up." 
     "Which explains why the Risik have that on their target list," Wagner said, and Byrne nodded at that. "The Navy reservist? She was taken from a boat. Near Key West, Florida." 
     "A Navy vessel?" 
     "No, sir. Her day job was working for a charter boat company," Wagner said. 
     "A Bermuda Triangle event, then. All right, we'll see about making her the Ship's Photographer," Byrne noted. "And the foreign military?"
     "One of the Israelis," Wagner nodded. 'He's a tank driver. Which means we have another Landram crewman." 
     Byrne nodded in the affirmative. "That we do, Sergeant," he said. "And the other one?" 
     "He's the only East German," Wagner said. "Lieutenant Hans-Jurgen Krebs, 40th Air Assault Regiment, East German Army. When I was on active duty in Germany? These guys were the baddest of the bad, when it came to the East Germans. But I think he's also something else." 
     "What do you mean?" 
     "Sir, he was a battalion's Security Officer," Wagner said. "Which means he's on the lookout for those who were politically unreliable. That means he's either a Stasi agent undercover, or was at the very least an informer for the Stasi." She was referring to the infamous East German Secret Police, who were seen by many as being more oppressive than even Hitler's Gestapo or the KGB. 
     "I'll have a talk with him," Byrne said. "He knows there's no longer an East Germany, I take it?" 
     "Yes, sir. He was abducted about a month prior to German reunification. He knew it was coming, but, still a bit of culture shock there. And he wasn't looking forward to civilian life, because they told him that most members of the East German military would be discharged after reunification." 
     "Any ideas as to where he could serve?" 
     "Sir, he was his unit's biathlon champion, he's also a good swimmer, and a crack shot. Physical Training Officer, perhaps?" Asked Wagner. 
     "That, or he might want to join Croft's SF Team. He literally is the man without a country. We'll come up with something, though," Byrne said. "Plenty of time to decide." 
     Wagner nodded. "Yes, sir. Oh, sir,  isn't that Council session today?" 
     "Right on that, Sergeant," Byrne nodded. "It won't be long until the kids are officially Americans, or Aussies, or wherever. The child-care center?" 
     "Officially open," Wagner said. "Jen's going to swing by once her schoolwork's done for the day." 
     "Good. I'll head over there first and see how things are going. You have a good lunch, Sergeant, and enjoy your workout with Mr. Malik." 
     "Yes, sir!" Wagner grinned. 

     It was nearly 1400 when the Council of Twelve began to assemble aboard Galactica, and Commander Adama was one of the first to arrive at the Council Chamber, as was his custom. When he got there, he found Sire Hanlon waiting. "Sire," 
     "Ah, Commander," Hanlon said with a slight bow. "I understand the agenda today is rather short." 
     Adama nodded. "It is, Sire. A brief overview of the raid, and then Sire Pelias has a resolution for us." 
     "Yes, the status of the rescued children," Hanlon said with a polite smile. 
     "And those who will follow," Adama reminded Hanlon, who was one of his original appointees to the Council after the Holocaust. 
     "Of course, Commander," Hanlon said. "And here's the author of that resolution," he said, nodding at Sire Pelias. "Good afternoon, sire," 
     "Good afternoon, Hanlon, and to you, Commander," Pelias replied. He glanced up from his PDA.  "I have just had a brief chat with both Captain Byrne and Commander Allen. So far, they say, things are going well with our new travelers." 
     "That is good to hear, Sire," Adama said. 
     "Indeed, Commander," Hanlon added. "I look forward to hearing from them at some point." 
     "It will likely be after the Tribunal's conclusion," Pelias replied. "And, hopefully, in a less formal setting. For some, reliving the horrors they have endured so soon after their liberation may be too much." 
     "Exactly, Sire," Adama said. "Via a secured comlink, instead of being here, in the Council Chamber."
     "Best to make them feel at ease, then?" Hanlon asked. 
     Both Adama and Pelias nodded. "Yes, Sire," Adama replied. "Some will be testifying at the Tribunal of their captors, and a few may be willing to talk to IFB, but only after the Tribunal's conclusion. " 
     "I understand, Commander, and Sire," Hanlon nodded in Pelias' direction. "As I said in a private conversation earlier, I will gladly support our brother member's resolution." 
     "Thank you, Hanlon," Pelias said. 
     The other members filed into the chamber, and Adama, Pelias, Xaviar, and Tinia noted that Siress Lydia was the last to arrive, not too infrequently. Glances were exchanged, but no words, but then, Lydia came over to the Commander. "Madame Vice President," 
     "Commander," Lydia replied pleasantly. "Before we begin, may I ask how is Captain Byrne? I have not talked with him since before the raid." 
     "Siress, he has been very busy, as you might expect, with planning and executing the raid, and with helping the liberated prisoners get adjusted to their new surroundings." Adama said. Though I doubt you understand, were his unspoken thoughts. "Then there are the usual issues that every Captain has to deal with during a shipboard day."
     Lydia nodded, though she had a somewhat confused look on her face. "The details of command, then? Adana nodded, and she went on. "So, shipboard and other duties require his full attention?" 
     "Yes, until we are clear of Risik space, and the new arrivals have settled down." 
     "I see....well, next time you see him, please give him my regards," Lydia said, then she went to her chair and sat down. To Adama, Pelias, Tinia, and Xaviar, they could hear the ice crunching as she did so.  
     Adama nodded, and saw that everyone was seated. He gaveled the meeting to order, and began to speak. "Welcome, members of the Council. Today's agenda is a brief one, as we will be discussing the raid on Ne'Chak, and the liberation of our Earth brethren. Then, I believe Sire Pelias has a resolution to bring before us?" Adama asked, though he knew the answer to that already. "Then the floor will be open for other matters." 
     "First of all, Commander," Siress Eudoxia said. "I would like to, on behalf of the Council, offer you and the military our congratulations on a successful mission. Though we are not clear of Risik space as yet, it seems that we have achieved our primary goal." 
     "Thank you, Siress," Adama replied. "That we have, and yet, we are not yet out of danger from the Risik, as it will be just under two sectans before we have totally cleared their territory. And there may yet be further encounters. One hopes that will not be the case, though." 
     "Of course, Commander," the Siress said. "And the raid itself?" 
     Adama called up a holographic display that replayed the action in space, and he gave an overview. When that was finished, he went over the raid on the camp. "As a result, we have freed our Earth brothers and sisters, destroyed the camp, and eliminated the system's military capabilities. This includes their shipbuilding and maintenance facilities. Not only does that give us additional security from the Risik, but it also ensures that the Risik will not be subjugating any local non-spacefaring races in the near future." 
     "And how did the Cylons perform?" Sire Hanlon asked. 
     "Very well, sire," Adama said. "Their performance was exemplary, having destroyed all targets assigned, as well as providing fire support to the raiding party." 
     "I see," Hanlon nodded. "And the raid on the camp?"
     Adama called up a holo display of the camp. "It went off almost according to plan, sire, The prisoners were secured before the main portion of the raid began, then the interrogation shed secured, the guard force neutralized almost to a man, and the Commandant's office and HQ building also seized. And in the VIP cottage, the Governor of the colony was apprehended, along with his very unwilling mistress." 
     "She was his personal slave, in other words," Xaviar added. "Just as the captain of the captured cruiser did with Petty Officer Clemens." 
     Several of the members, especially the two new members, Clement and Shanbour, had shocked looks on their faces. "Are all of their senior officers and officials like that?" Shanbour asked. 
     "It would seem to be the case," Pelias replied, his voice tinged with disgust. "We have interviewed Melnea-that is the lady in question, and she indicated to us that it is a common occurrence among senior military officers, government officials, and even some members of their clergy." 
     "We have an additional traveler, in other words," Tinia added. "She has given us insights into their society, and how their government handles dissidents. As far as she knows, apart from an infant brother who was taken from the family and given up for adoption, she is the only survivor of her family." 
     The looks on the other faces were quite disturbing to those who were "in the know", as long-forgotten aspects of Pre-unification Colonial History came back. 
     "The extraction from the camp went almost without incident," Adama continued. "However, one trooper was wounded, and has since returned to duty, but, sadly, one of the prisoners was shot and wounded on the cusp of freedom. Despite the best efforts of Doctor Salik and his medical staff, he succumbed to his injuries two days after the raid." 
     "If we had a Fleet Hospital Ship with us," Pelias added, "His chances would have been much greater, Doctor Salik has said. But..."
     "Even he cannot win every battle," Siress Eudoxia said sympathetically.  
     Adama nodded. "That is so. We now have fifty-eight new travelers from Earth, including a baby boy born a few centars after arrival on the Galactica, as well as Melnea, and a Malaaban woman from the smuggler's ship, who was in the same circumstances as she was." 
     "And the Risik, Commander?" Siress Lydia asked. 
     "They, that is both the captured crew and the smuggler's, will be released once we are clear of Risik Space, not before," Adama said. "That does not include the Commandant of the Camp, the Governor, and the captain of the captured cruiser, who are being held for Tribunal on a host of charges, from Kidnapping, Slavery, Torture, Sexual Assault, and related offenses. We will not deny our Earth brethren their 'day in court', and it will be put out for the record what happened in that camp, and to all those who were abducted from Earth." He saw Sire Clement raise his hand. "Sire?" 
     "Commander, are we within the law in regards to a Tribunal?" Clement asked. 
     "Both Sire Solon and Sire Memnon assure me that we are, Sire," Adama replied. "The Tyrous Statute makes it very clear that those who commit crimes against Humans, anywhere, are within our legal jurisdiction, if they were captured. Though it was originally meant to be applied to pirates and those others who committed crimes against Humans, even those living outside the Colonies, it is still in our legal code and can be applied to this case." 
     "Commander, If I may?" Tinia said, raising her hand. "I believe I may be able to explain this further." 
     "By all means, Siress," nodded Adama. "Please do." 
     "Thank you, Commander," she said. "Clement, just because we are not in the Colonies does not mean that we cannot apply the relevant Colonial Law here. Sire Solon can give a much more complicated legal explanation, but these are crimes that, back in our home quadrant, would not go unpunished."
     "I see....and who will be the Protector in this case?" Clement asked. 
     "Sire Memnon himself will be in that capacity," Adama replied. "And Sire Solon will be the Opposer in this matter. All of the legal niceties are being observed, and all legal requirements for the Protection have been followed to the letter. They will receive a fair Tribunal, unlike their own legal process, which, Melnea tells us, is either a show trial, or one where the defendant is assumed guilty unless proven otherwise." 
     Sire Shanbour raised his hand. "And the Risik Officers? The ones not implicated in the Petty Officer's case?" 
     "Several of them will be allowed to sit in the public gallery, sire, to witness the proceedings. It is also possible that some may be called to testify on behalf of their commanding officer. We will record the proceedings, and give them copies upon their release. Even if their leadership dismisses the recordings, these particular officers will have seen for themselves what happened. And as for sentencing? Under the Marooning Ordnance, those sentenced to life imprisonment may have their sentences commuted to marooning. Since none of the defendants will be facing a Capital charge, either sentence is a likely outcome if convicted," said Adama. 
     Siress Eudoxia nodded. "Commander, I can only speak for myself, but one hopes that is the sentence imposed. No one would want these....people taking up space in the Prison Barge and wasting food, water, and oxygen," she said, and a number of heads nodded approval.
     "You are not the only ones to express such sentiments, Siress," Adma replied, and he noticed Pelias, Tinia, and Xaviar nodding.  "Are there any other questions?" He saw Sire Shanbour raise his hand. "Yes, Shanbour?" 
     "Commander, how are our new travelers faring? It has not been that long since..." Shanbour said. 
     "Commander," Pelias said. "I believe I can answer his question." 
     "Please do," Adama gestured, though he could have answered the question himself. 
     "Shanbour," Pelias continued. "They are doing very well, considering where they have just come from. Some have adapted more quickly than others, but all are doing well, and once the Tribunal is over, they will decide on what they want to do with their new lives in the Fleet. But the adjustment process, and the Tribunal, come first." 
     "Has the issue of representation arisen?" Sire Clement asked. 
     'It has, Clement, and I have asked them how they wish to proceed. None of them, at a group meeting I attended, indicated a wish to get involved in political affairs right now. The military personnel are not of high rank, to begin with. And the civilians? Not a one has held any kind of elected or appointed political office at home," said Pelias. He went on, adding, "As one of them pointed out, 'we're just people who were in the wrong place at the wrong time.' With the passage of time, and the Risik fading into our wake, the opportunity to revisit this question will come. There may be one or two who wish to stand for election to a new seat on the Council, but now is not the time for politics of any sort. The adjustment process, and the Tribunal, come first, as I have said." 
     "There will be a thirteenth seat on the Council, but not right now," Tinia added. "If this matter was in my hands, instead of Pelias', I would come to the same conclusion." 
     "Hmm," Clement said. "Thank you, Sire, and Siress. I can sympathize with any new member, being still a newcomer myself, along with Shanbour." 
     "You are welcome, Clement," Pelias replied, and Tinia nodded. 
     "Now, are their any other questions about the raid or the rescued Earthers?" Adama asked. He saw Sire Hanlon raise his hand again. "Sire?" 
     "Sire Pelias mentioned the military personnel," Hanlon nodded. "What will become of them?" 
     "They will be recognized as being on a Temporary Duty Status with the Colonial Forces," Adama said. "All of them, as both Captain Byrne and Sire Pelias have indicated to me, wish to maintain standing in their own military services, just as Captain Byrne and the other Earth military already with us do. They will be retrained as necessary, and receive pay equal to their Colonial rank equivalent. Though Captain Byrne, as the senior ranking Earth military officer present, will have the final word on promotions." 
     "Because they are going home," Xaviar added. "And the fewer legal.....entanglements they have upon their return, the better for them and for us. For they will be goodwill ambassadors to their home countries, and would be able to do that job far better than any one of us in a diplomatic mission could hope to do." 
     Hanlon nodded understanding. "I see. Thank you, Commander, and Sire." 
     "You're quite welcome, Sire," Adama replied. He looked around the table again. "Now, are there any other questions regarding the raid?" There were none. "Now, on to the next item of business: New resolutions. Does anyone have any to present?" The Commander did this for formality's sake, even though he knew there would be one so presented. He saw Pelias raise his hand. "Sire Pelias?" 
     "I have a resolution to put before the council, Mr. President," Pelias indicated. "It is co-sponsored by Siress Tinia and Sire Xaviar, in addition to myself." 
     "You are recognized to state your proposal, Sire," Adama replied formally. 
     "Thank you, Mr. President," Pelias nodded, then he rose. "My fellow members of the Council, the raid on Ne'Chak has not only resulted in the liberation of fifty-eight of our Earth brothers and sisters, but among those are several children. Infants ranging in age from a few days old to a yahren, along with a baby boy born on the Galactica a few centars after arrival, and yet, they are our brother Humans. And it should be pointed out that one of the rescued women is in an advanced stage of pregnancy, and, in three sectans from now, will give birth to triplets.  I propose that we recognize the rescued children, and any child born in the Fleet to parents from Earth in the future, as dual nationals. That is, not only as citizens of the Colonial Nation, but also as citizens of the Earth nation from which their parents are from.." 
     "We have done the same for Captain Byrne's daughter, I would like to remind everyone," Xaviar pointed out. 
     "And this removes any legal entanglements that the parents and their children may encounter when they do return home," Tinia added. 
     "Which also adds to the goodwill that we can show to Earth when we do get there," Adama reminded the members. "These people will, as has been mentioned, be very effective as goodwill ambassadors, not just to Earth's governments, but to her people as a whole." He looked around the table, and saw heads nodding at that, then a hand was raised. 'Siress Lydia?" Now what? He said to himself.
     "Couldn't we just use the resolution giving similar recognition to Captain Byrne's daughter?" Lydia asked. 
     Pelias shook his head no. "Unfortunately, Madame Vice-President, the language in that resolution only applied to her. At the time, we did not anticipate encountering any additional Earthers." 
     "This resolution simply extends that recognition to the children rescued from the camp, and any more who are born to Earth parents in the Fleet," Tinia added. 
     "I see....It makes perfect sense," Lydia nodded. 
     "Any further discussion?" Adama said. There was some more back-and-forth, but it was obvious that the resolution would pass. "Shall we put it to a vote? All in favor?" Eleven hands rose in favor at once, then finally, Siress Lydia raised her hand.  "Since there are twelve votes in favor, the motion proposed by Sire Pelias is adopted unanimously." Adama then saw Xaviar raise his hand. "Sire?" 
     "Mr. President, I have an additional resolution to bring to the Council. It is co-sponsored by Siress Tinia in addition to myself." Xaviar said. 
     "You are recognized to state your proposal, Sire," Adama nodded. 
     "Thank you, Mr. President." Xaviar said. "As we have done with Captain Byrne, Commander Allen, and Sergeant Wagner, so we need to do with the military personnel among our new travelers. There are sixteen in all, and this resolution legally recognizes their status as being on a Temporary Duty Assignment with the Colonial Forces, and they shall receive pay equal to their Colonial rank equivalent. Though it grants Captain Byrne, as the senior Earth military officer in the Fleet, final authority on promotions. This has been mentioned earlier in our discussion, but a quick check of the resolution on the status of those three did not anticipate any more Earthers. This resolution would remedy that oversight, and it also grants any future Earth military that we may encounter and bring into the Fleet the same status." 
     "An excellent suggestion, Sire," Adama said. "And it would make the  military-to-military contacts with Earth go that much more smoothly, when that day comes." 
     "Thank you, Mr. President," Xaviar nodded. 
     "Any questions regarding the resolution?" Adama asked the Council. He saw Sire Shanbour raise his hand. "Sire?" 
     "How many military are there in all?" Shanbour asked politely. A far cry from his predecessor, now marooned with the rest of the Il Fadim traitors. 
     Xavair looked at him. "From the camp, sire?" He saw Shanbour nod. "Fifteen, Not counting Petty Officer Clemens, who is also covered by the resolution.' 
     "I see...and what roles will they be performing?" 
     Adama answered the question. "Sire, both Captain Byrne and Commander Allen have told me that some have already found positions aboard their ships, while others will need some retraining.  But they are confident that duties commensurate with rank and experience can be found for all." 
     "That explains much, then," Shanbour nodded. "The more technically trained people we have, the better. Thank you, Commander." 
     "You're welcome, Sire. Is there any further discussion?" Adama asked the Council. Heads shook no, and then the motion was put to a vote.  Again, it was unanimous. "Is there any further business before we adjourn?" 
     "Commander, is there any possibility of meeting the newcomers in a less formal setting?" Siress Eudoxia asked. "I do recognize the stress that a formal session might bring on them." 
     "Actually, yes, Siress," Adama said. "There will be a Welcome-Aboard Party given for them on the Rising Star, once the Tribunal has concluded. Not only will the Earthers be there, but the Malaaban woman from the smuggler's ship, and Melnea, the former governor's.....mistress, will be there as well." 
     "It will be a chance for them to get to know us, and vice versa," Pelias added. "And since none of them wish to talk to IFB until after the Tribunal is over.....it will be their first, well, 'night out' in the Fleet." 
     Sire Hanlon nodded. "An excellent suggestion, Sire," he said. "A pity that IFB can't be made to permanently leave them alone." 
     "Some may talk to IFB at some point in the future," Adama added. "But, that decision is theirs, and theirs alone. Not IFB's." 
     "It is their right, after all," Tinia pointed out. "And there is the possibility of  some appearing via secured telecom at a future session." 
     "Of course," Hanlon said. "The Commander and I, along with Pelias, have had a similar discussion. I will be looking forward to meeting them," and heads nodded in approval. 
     "As we all are," added Clement.. 
     "Indeed," Adama said. "Is there any further business?" There was none. "Very well, we stand adjourned." 


     Aboard Constellation, Jen, Lauren, and Jessica were in the galley adjoining Captain Byrne's cabin, preparing dinner. This evening, Lieutenant Sanderson and Denise were the guests of honor, and Anna would be invited the following night. It wasn't long until Captain Byrne, Mr. Dante, and Mr. Malik came in. "Smells good," Byrne said. "Everything ready? 
     "Almost," Jen said. "Just waiting on our two guests of honor,' she nodded at Lauren. 
     "I sent Metxan to bring them over. The classes are done, and tomorrow's a new day." Lauren replied.  "Anna's nursery is open for business, and her assistants? Not just Jen and Denise, but a couple of the teenage girls from the civilians we've got already."
     "That's good to hear," Mr. Dante said. "And how are the parents getting along?" As the Exec, he relayed concerns the civilians had to the Captain. 
     "So far, so good, Anna tells me," Lauren replied.  "Both groups of parents are finding out about each other. The ones from Earth are finding out about worlds with technological wonders people on Earth only dreamed about-" 
     "Or saw in...videos," Jessica added. To her, and the other new arrivals, it felt like, well, '"living a movie." 
     "That, and the Colonials are learning some more about Earth-and America in particular as our parents at the moment come from there, and people aren't asking too many questions about what happened in that camp." 
     "Which can only be a good thing," Mr. Malik observed. "Reliving past horrors is something I would not want to discuss straight off. Such things can take some time." 
     Byrne nodded. "Exactly, Mr. Malik." The door chimed. "Enter!"
     Mextan came in, and escorted Lieutenant Sanderson and Denise in. "Sir, Lieutenant Sanderson and Miss Hayden?" 
     "Thanks, Mextan," Byrne said. "Lieutenant, Denise, glad you could come." 
     "Glad to be here, sir," Sanderson replied. 
     "Thanks for inviting us," Denise added. 
     "You're quite welcome. I had Mextan escort you as you're still new aboard ship, and it'll be a few days before you really know your way around," Byrne said. 
     "That's putting it mildly, sir," Sanderson said, and Denise nodded agreement. 
     "Good to know," Byrne said. "Metxan? The Sergeant will escort Lieutenant Sanderson back to her quarters."
     "Yes, sir," Mextan replied. "Will that be all, sir?" 
     Byrne nodded. "It is. Carry on." 
     "Sir," 
     After he left, Byrne nodded to Jen. "Everything ready?" 
     "All set," Jen said, then she and Jessica began setting food on the table. 
     "Okay," Byrne motioned to everyone. "Let's sit down and enjoy, and Lieutenant? And Denise?" The two turned in his direction. "Over dinner, conversation is unrestrained. No topic off-limits." 
     "Thank you, sir," Sanderson replied. "That's good to know." 
     "And every so often, I like to eat with the crew and civilians down in the Crew Mess. Constellation's a happy ship right now, and has been for a while. Like I said yesterday:  I want to keep it that way." 
     "That's good to hear, sir," Sanderson nodded. "Kind of like in the Corps: in the field, officers and enlisted eat together." 
     "An interesting concept," Malik nodded. "If you fight together, you should eat together." 
     "And the officers get their food after the enlisted, right?" Denise asked. "Our Marine told us a lot about the Marine Corps." 
     The Marine Lieutenant nodded. "They do." 
     "Good," Byrne said. "Before we dig in, how were the classes?" 
     "Interesting, sir," Sanderson replied. "I bet they're not unlike the classes Marines go through when they go aboard the amphibious ships." 
     "How about you, Denise?" 
     "Just hope we never have to use this," Denise said. "It's good to know, but for somebody who's never had anything like this, it's an eye-opener. More like a paradigm shift. Aliens and FTL starships." 
     Byrne nodded. "Well, think of it this way. What you learned is like an umbrella or a raincoat on a rainy day. It's there for when you need it." 
     Both newcomers nodded at that. "And you never know when you'll need it," Sanderson replied. Just like at sea, or the NBC Warfare classes when she had been in Saudi for the Gulf War. 
     "Exactly," Byrne said. He nodded towards the food on the table. "Let's eat." 
     Over the meal, conversation was unrestrained, as both Sanderson and Denise told their stories. When they were finished, both Dante and Malik were shocked. "Lords of Kobol..." Dante said. "And this...Scarface has been busy?" 
     "Busy enough," Wagner spat. "He bragged about 'processing' two or three thousand people. The team that cleaned out his office found a commendation he received  for 'efficiency.' And believe me, when he was lying on a stretcher at that camp? I was tempted to put a bullet in his head." 
     "Why didn't you?" Malik asked. "I certainly would have. This...scum is someone who deserves death." 
     "I agree with you," Wagner replied. "But something was telling me, 'Don't do it. Not yet.'" 
     "That was her training taking over," Sanderson said. "Either her military or law-enforcement training was telling her not to pull the trigger." 
     "Doesn't change the way I feel, and did you guys know that Scarface was to have one of his 'banquets' the following night?" 
     Both Sanderson and Denise looked at each other. Jessica, though, she already knew. "Oh, Lord. Not one of those," Denise said. 
     "Who was on the guest list?" Jessica asked for her friends' benefit, though she already knew. 
     "The base commander, a couple of their priests, the governor, and a couple of others," Wagner said. "If we'd been delayed by a day for whatever reason-" 
     "There'd be several others in the dock," Sanderson said. 
     "Or several bodies," Denise said. "Would you have killed them?" She asked Wagner. 
     "In a heartbeat," Wagner admitted. "Sir, I know what you said about interrogating corpses, but..."
     Byrne understood. The term "battlefield justice" came to mind.  If she had caught someone in the act with a prisoner, Byrne knew full well that Wagner would've been fully justified in killing that someone. "I know what you mean, Sergeant. Things....happen in the heat of combat. And what'd Croft say?" 
     "When I told him? He said that he wouldn't have gotten in my way." 
     "I, for one, would not have as well," Malik said. "Knowing what went on in those....banquets? Death should be the penalty for anyone involved.." 
     "No arguing that, Mr. Malik," Sanderson replied. "I don't think anyone-other than our priest-would disagree with you." 
     "Well," Byrne said, changing the subject. "I heard from Commander Adama before you two got here," he pointed at the two newcomers. "The Council Resolution on the kids' status passed. Unanimously. Though I'm surprised."
     "Surprised?" Jen asked. "Why?" 
     "Lydia. She rarely agrees with something that jarring, especially if it was proposed by Commander Adama," Byrne nodded. "She's up to something." And what are you up to, you treacherous bitch? Trying to play some kind of game? 
     "Sir, when I get back,I'll let the parents know." Sanderson nodded. 
     "Good, and there's also this: they passed a second resolution that makes all of you who are military formally on a TDY status with the Colonial Military, and you get pay equal to the Colonial rank equivalent," Byrne said. "They had one that applied to me, Commander Allen, and Sergeant Wagner, but they didn't expect encountering anyone else from Earth." 
     Denise was confused. "They have a banking system? Even in a society this small?" 
     "Yeah, they do," Jessica said. "But I haven't figured it out yet." 
     "So they took care of that," Sanderson commented. "That's good." 
     "They did. There's one other thing: the smuggler's case gets taken care of tomorrow," Byrne said. "His drugs get destroyed, the legal cargo is confiscated in lieu of a fine, and when we get out of Risik space? They get released with their ship, the clothes on their backs, and not much else. Other than some data discs that probably have a ton of what the Risik consider forbidden material." And the Captain had an evil-looking grin on his face when he said that. 
     "And when he gets back," Clemens added, "somebody's not going to be happy he's not delivering his cargo." 
     "His client or clients may decide to have him killed," Malik noted, recalling the Zohrlochs' own criminal element.  "Not a pleasant outcome for him and his crew." 
     "Exactly, Mr. Malik," Byrne said. "If you run with that kind of crowd, you'd better deliver. Or else. Now, what this means is that the Fleet tailors get the cloth and dye he had in his cargo hold. And outfitting everyone just rescued has first priority." 
     "So, when do we go?" Denise asked. 
     "Day after tomorrow," Byrne said. "Those testifying have priority first of all, but we'll take care of everyone. There's several tailors in the Fleet, but the best are on the Rising Star, and that's where you'll go." 
     "Who's paying for all this?" Sanderson asked. 
     A grin came over Byrne's face. "This time, it's the Colonials' own military who's paying for it. Now, enough shop talk. Jen?" He turned to his daughter. "Take our two newcomers over to the video library. Let them pick out whatever they want." 
     Jen grinned herself. "Come on. I'll show you what we've got." 

     The following morning, Commander Adama went up to Galactica's Bridge. He had enjoyed the previous evening, as not only had Apollo and Sheba brought Boxey for a family dinner, but Boomer and Athena had come, and had also brought the twins. Nights such as those, where all of his grandchildren were there, were to be savored, he knew, for they were few and far between. Now, though, it was another day. 
     When the Commander got to his station to log in, he found Colonel Tigh waiting for him, as usual. "Good morning, Tigh." 
     "Good morning, Commander," the Exec replied. "I have the overnight situation report." He handed his CO a pad. 
     "Anything of note?" Adama asked as he perused the pad's contents.
     "Nothing unusual," Tigh reported. "Patrol reports all show negative for any Risik vessels or transmissions of any kind. Two separate patrols did detect rogue planetoids, but nothing of value was picked up, nor any kind of artificial structures found. Risik or otherwise." 
     Adama nodded as Omega came up with another pad. The ship's overnight status report. After scanning it, he signed it with a stylus. "Thank you, Omega." 
     "Commander," the bridge officer replied as he returned to his station. 
     "Very good, Colonel," Adama said. "And the fuel and water situation?" 
     The Exec nodded. "Still green across the board, Commander." 
     "Keep a sharp watch on those," Adama reminded Tigh. "Hopefully, we won't have to make any more stops in Risik territory." 
     "Yes, Commander," Tigh said. "However, ships being ships...."
     "What we want to do, and what a ship or ships require us to do are two different things," Adama noted. And he'd had plenty of experience in that since fleeing the Colonies. "Still, keep reminding all ship captains to keep a close watch on both fuel and water stocks." 
     The Exec nodded. "Of course, Commander. The smuggler's case will be adjudicated today, if you'll recall."
     "Good," Adama said. "Then we can put his cargo to good use, apart from the drugs, and those data discs. Has anyone checked them out, by the way?" 
     "Doctor Wilker's people have checked some, at Sire Solon's request," Tigh said, consulting his pad. "Some of them had political or religious tracts, others had what looked like literature-erotic and otherwise. As for the  videos? Some were, again, political or religious manifestos being recited, some were harmless comedy or drama productions, while others were.....quite pornographic." 
     "And that's all he'll get out of this cruise," Adama reminded his Exec. "Though, as Commander Allen pointed out, he may not have a long lifespan when he does return." 
     "Yes, sir," Tigh smiled. If someone decided that smuggler had made his one mistake too many....his bad luck. "The next system won't be in patrol range for another day at least." 
     Adama nodded as Athena brought another pad for his signature. The overnight scanner report. "That's a trinary system, correct?" 
     "It is, Commander." 
     Adama perused the report, then signed with a stylus. "Thank you, Athena," he said as he handed the pad back to her. 
     "Father," she replied. 
     "And we're getting into what the Risik consider their Frontier, correct?" 
     "That's what their charts say, Commander," said Tigh. 
     "Very good, Tigh." Adama took another look at the plot board. "Something just occurred to me, Tigh. Since any Risik we encounter likely don't know about the raid on Ne'Chak. And if we were spotted..."
     "Maybe we could bluff our way out. Or threaten," Tigh nodded. A fight that could be avoided, or won without firing a shot, was something to be hoped for, anyway. But with the Risik's attitude towards everyone but themselves...."Not likely, Commander. The fight with Lemeshik's vessel, and his intended relief, may be more the rule than the exception." 
     "It's worth a try, Tigh. At least we can say we made the attempt," Adama said "All right, then. That's it for now?" 
     Tigh checked his pad. "It is, Commander." 
     "Thank you, Colonel." 

     Aboard Constellation, Captain Byrne had finished his bridge watch, and after lunch, asked to see the one East German refugee. Lieutenant Hans-Jurgen Krebs came to his cabin, and though dressed in a generic Colonial officer's uniform, looked every inch the Teutonic warrior. And it was evident to Captain Byrne that the years spent in Risik captivity had not worn the East German air-assault officer down. Physically, at least. But mentally?  "Reporting as ordered, Com...excuse me, Captain." Krebs said upon entering. "I apologize, sir. Old habits..."
     "They do die hard," Byrne said. He gestured to a chair in front of his desk. "Have a seat." 
     "Danke, Mein...Captain." Krebs said. "I am still getting used to our....new circumstances." 
     Byrne nodded sympathetically. "You're not the first, nor the last. Former POWs, concentration camp inmates, long-term hostages, all have gone through the same thing. Only this time, you're on a starship." 
     Krebs acknowledged the nod. "Yes, Captain. It is, well, something out of a film or television show. Though I did watch the officially forbidden West German TV on occasion." 
     "That didn't hurt your career? Someone in the job you had-a battalion's security officer-might have had that come up." 
     "I was asked, but replied in the negative," Krebs said. "I was not a professional security officer, Captain. I was in that assignment until a company became available in my battalion. At least, until the Wall came down. " 
     "You were reporting to the Stasi?" Byrne asked. "I need to know that." 
     "It was known that the Security Officer at Regiment was a Stasi officer," Krebs acknowledged. "I, though, was in the Army." 
     "Party member? Or were you too young/" 
     "I was in the youth movement, and if I wanted to advance in the Army? Yes, I would have joined in the future." 
     "Okay, I had to get that out of the way, because you do know there's no longer an East Germany?" Byrne asked. If the man had not accepted the fact of German Reunification, there might be....problems.
     "I was so told by many in the camp," Krebs admitted. "I was taken a month prior to the expected date of reunification, and was hoping the whole thing would fall apart, as I had been told that after reunification, I would be discharged, along with nearly all members of the Armed Forces." 
     "Okay," Byrne nodded. "Have any family waiting back home? Nieces, nephews, cousins?" 
     "I would hope so," Krebs said. "My home was-or is-Erfurt." 
     "Good," Byrne said. "For your information, the current chancellor of Germany-or was, when I left, was a former Easterner, and she's done pretty good in the job, so they say. The Stasi are viewed in the same low regard as the Gestapo was. Though like the SS, there were some when I left who felt they'd done nothing wrong." 
     That revelation was not new to Krebs: after the Wall fell, and before his abduction, the newly free press had been filled with stories of Stasi brutality. Families destroyed because one member had escaped to the West, or tried to, revelations of who was an informer or a full-blown agent, putting neighbor against neighbor,  and so on. "Just as Beria and his gang of ruffians felt in Russia, before they were done away with, no doubt." 
     "No doubt," Byrne nodded. "Okay, before I offer you a job aboard ship, where were you taken from?" 
     "Near Lehnin, southwest of Potsdam," Krebs said. His jaw dropped as a holographic display of the Berlin area, both West and East, came up. He pointed,, with some hesitation,  to the town in question. "Air Assault Regiment 40 was based there. I was out on a weekend pass, visiting my girlfriend, and was on my way back to base. I was on a bicycle, and saw a light in the sky. It got closer, and I could make out a disc shape. I thought at first it was some test craft....something the Soviets had developed. Before I knew it, it was right over me, and I felt myself passing out. The next thing I know...." 
     "You're strapped to a table," Byrne noted. "And they were asking you about the nearby military bases. Soviet and East German, and probably the Western garrisons in West Berlin." 
     Krebs nodded. "And other than the First Motor-Rifle Division in Potsdam, and my own regiment,I couldn't answer the other questions. They didn't believe me, and so..."
     Byrne nodded. "I know the rest by heart. Taken to the Homeworld, interrogated by Scarface, and all the rest." 
     "Yes, sir." 
     "All right, then. Would you want to join the Boarding and Landing Party? Lieutenant Sanderson has already taken the lead on that detail, but having another officer wouldn't hurt. And you'd be also working with Sergeant Wagner, as she'd be the ranking NCO." Though he remembered his conversation with Sergeant Wagner, Byrne felt that, to be fair, offering Krebs a job as a combat officer was the right thing to do. 
     Krebs thought for a moment. A chance to finally put his training to use, even if it was who knew how many light-years from home, but...."With all due respect to you, Captain, and them, I would like to defer that for now. It is not because they are both female and Americans. I was one of those Castor's men pulled from the punishment area....."
     "Still having nightmares?" Byrne asked. No different from many former POWs, he knew. Then there was the possibility of PTSD rearing its ugly head. 
     "Three or four a night," Krebs admitted. 
     "Okay, how about Physical Training Officer? You're an excellent swimmer; unit Biathlon champ-and good enough to try out for your Olympic Team in 1988, Wagner says. And you can get qualified on weapons as well, so that if you do want to move over as Sanderson's deputy, you'd be ready. Or you could try out for Croft's SF Team on Galactica, next time that opportunity opens up."  
     Krebs let out a smile. "Either opportunity, sir, is something I would like very much."
     "Good," Byrne nodded. "All right: I'll notify the Petty Officer in charge of the ship's gym. Consider that your duty station for now, though Mr. Malik will be in charge of the Physical Training Classes for all Earth military aboard. Those start the day after tomorrow. Understood?" 
     "Yes, sir." 
     "Good. And remember that old rivalries back home mean nothing out here. No doubt in that camp, it was pushed aside, but even here, they still mean nothing. We're all in this together, and on our way home. Do I make myself clear, Lieutenant?" 
     Krebs nodded. "You do, sir." 
     "Good. Any other questions?" 
     "No, sir." 
     Byrne shook his hand. "Glad to have you aboard, Lieutenant. Carry on." 
     "Sir." 


     A good distance out from the Colonial Fleet, Apollo was leading his patrol.. He was flying with Brie as his wingmate, while Orion and Mettius were with them, as usual. They had flown out, and found nothing, not even a rogue planetoid or a gas cloud, and were on the homeward leg of the mission. "Apollo," Brie said to break the monotony, "You and Sheba know what the baby's going to be?" 
     "Not yet," Apollo replied. "If we were back home, the Caprica Fleet Hospital would be able to tell, with the equipment they had. Now....we have to wait another sectan before we know for sure." 
     "So what do you want? Boy or girl?" 
     "I'd like to have a boy, but Sheba....she doesn't know yet." Apollo said. Deep down, he wanted a son, to honor Zac, but if a daughter resulted,  he knew that his father would be proud to have another granddaughter. 
     "She'll tell you," Brie said. "Though you do have to take what you get..." Then a beep came from her scanner. Back to business. "Apollo, I've got something. X-plus 14,000, Y-plus 8,000. It's a ship, looks like, but..."
     "Orion?" 
     "I have it as well, Captain," the Cylon Strike Leader replied. "It, too, reads as a ship, but it does not appear to be moving under its own power." 
     Another derelict? Apollo considered the possibility. Well off the Fleet's path, so a return visit wasn't likely. But while we're here..."Let's go check it out." 
     "On your wing," Brie replied. 
     "By your command," Orion added. And the four-ship flight moved to investigate the contact. 

     A few centons later, the contact came into view. "It's a ship, all right," Apollo said. Then he saw it wasn't a derelict. Wreck would be more like it. Pieces blown or broken off, charring all over from fires and explosions, and a trail of debris in its wake. "Lords! This ship's been in a fight." 
     "I concur, Captain," Orion added. "There are numerous weapons impacts. No signs of life." 
     "Confirmed, Apollo," Brie said. "No life signs. And no internal atmosphere, with all those hull breaches." She checked her Warbook.  The Viper's computer digested the scan data, then came up with a match. "Reads as a Ziklagi Reconnaissance Scout." 
     "Ziklagi?" Apollo asked. Now, what were those slugs doing way out here, well beyond their territory? This ship looked like someone had used it on a gunnery range for target practice. 
     "Verified, Captain," Orion added. The Cylons had been given data on the Ziklagi, though this was the first time they had actually encountered a Ziklagi ship. "We are also picking up a considerable amount of residual radion, and on the surface of the wreck. Not just from what is left of the engineering section."
     "Somebody used a nuclear weapon?" Apollo wondered aloud. Only one suspect came to mind, given their current location. 
     "That is a logical assumption," Orion said. "And there are numerous laser strikes on the hull as well." 
     "No signs of residual power," Brie added. "Temperature reads nearly ambient. This ship's been this way for a while." 
     Mettius then spoke up. "Captain, there are also signs of biological material in the wreck." 
     "Meaning bodies?" Apollo asked. Then he saw for himself, as he nearly ran into a drifting corpse that was obviously a Ziklag. 
     "I'd say that's a 'yes'," Brie said. She, too, spotted several drifting bodies near the wreck. "I've got something else. Just clear of the wreck. Looks like a lifepod." 
     "Life signs?" 
     She checked her scanner. "Negative. And no power, either." 
     "Concur, Captain," Orion said. "Any supplies of consumables would have run out long ago." 
     Apollo considered his options. A survey mission was highly unlikely, given the distance from the Fleet, and the likelihood that the Risik might be nearby, so...."All right, let's give the wreck a thorough scan, then get back to the Fleet." 
     "Will do, Apollo," Brie replied. 
     "By your command, Captain," Orion added. 
     All four fighters scanned the wreck, then it was time to head back to the Fleet. "Let's get out of here," Apollo said, then the fighters got back on their homeward course. 

     Later, it was 1630 when the principals gathered, either in the Ward Room or via com link, for a situation briefing. In Captain Bryne's cabin on Constellation, Byrne himself, Lieutenant Sanderson, Sergeant Wagner, and Petty Officer Clemens, were gathered around a monitor, waiting for things to get going. They saw Sire Pelias on the monitor, and the sire came on.  'Sire," Byrne said. 
     "Captain," Pelias replied politely. "How is everything going aboard Constellation?" 
     "So far, so good, Sire," Byrne nodded. "People are settling in, and the refugees-and I guess we can call them that now, for want of a better term-and Constellation's own people are getting to know one another." 
     "That is good to hear," said Pelias. "And the children?" 
     Byrne nodded to Clemens, who said, "We haven't had any births yet, Sire, if that's what you're wondering about. But the child-care center is open, and the parents are getting to know each other better. And there's a couple of teenage girls already aboard who signed on to help out." 
     "And when people are in the Crew Mess or Lounge?" Wagner added. "Same thing: people want to talk and get to know each other. One thing going in our favor is that, for many people on Earth, the idea of space travel and aliens from space isn't new. The books and, uh, videos that are called 'science fiction' kind of laid that idea down." 
     "And when it comes to what happened to them, from being abducted to the camp and the rescue?" Lieutenant Sanderson said. 'Most of those here want to tell their stories. In the flesh, mind, and not to that disgusting pair of news reporters I've seen on your IFB." 
     Hearing that, Pelias let out a laugh. "Lieutenant, calling Zara and Zed 'disgusting' is the mildest thing I've heard anyone call them. Some have actually called for them to be marooned." 
     "You are not the only one to have that sentiment, Pelias," Xaviar said, coming into view. 
     "Who's all there, Sire?" Byrne asked. 
     "Sire Solon and Sire Memnon are here, to update us on the Tribunal to come, and so is Doctor Wilker. He has that abduction manual finally ready for our, well, examination." 
     The three abductees in the room looked at each other. "Well, sire," Sanderson replied. "We'll know how they did it from their viewpoint, but it doesn't change the way any of us feel." 
     "As the Sergeant and Petty Officer have said more than once," Siress Tinia said as she came into view. "You all want anyone involved in those abductions dead. No matter how trivial or serious their involvement." 
     "That is pretty much it, Siress." Sanderson said. "Though Father Fisher, if he was here, would be the exception. His teaching as a priest lets him forgive, even if he can't forget. The rest of us, though....."
     "'Forgive and forget' is not in our vocabulary, Siress," Clemens said. "When it comes to the Risik." 
     "That goes for us on  Adelaide as well," Captain Ashby spoke up from that ship. 
     "How's everything over there, Ced?" Byrne asked Commander Allen as he came into view.  
     "So far, so good. Kaylsha's happy running our child-care center, and like you guys, there's some teenagers among the civilians we've got who signed up to help," Allen said. 
     Pelias nodded approvingly. "Again, that is good to hear, Commander. I'd like to visit both of your ships in the coming days, before the Tribunal starts, just to see how things are going." 
     "Just let us know when, Sire, and we'll be ready." 
     "Anytime, Sire," Byrne added. "You're always welcome aboard Constellation." 
     Then Baltar, with Moray and Orion, joined the link, and then Colonel Tigh, Doctor Wilker, and Sarah arrived in person, followed by Sire Solon and Sire Memnon. The presence of those two meant that the Tribunal would be a topic of discussion. Finally, Commander Adama, with Apollo arrived. "Everyone, my apologies for the late start to today's briefing, but Captain Apollo and Strike Leader Orion's patrol was a little late in returning, and both Sires Solon and Memnon had a few matters to discuss, but let's get under way. I believe Doctor Wilker has something of great interest to our Earth brothers and sisters, and there is an....interesting development from Apollo's and Orion's patrol. And both Sire Solon and Sire Memnon will update us on the preparations for the Tribunal.. And we would like to hear from both Captain Byrne and Commander Allen on how our newcomers are settling in." Heads nodded, both around the table and on the monitors, hearing that. "And so, Doctor? You may begin." 
     "Thank you, Commander," the Chief Scientist said, standing up to give his presentation. "Pliny and his students have been working on the manual since its discovery, but the translation was rough and incomplete. Now, though, their efforts have produced a full and complete translation. 
     "First, the manual recommends abducting humans in rural or remote areas. It points out that the disappearance, temporary or otherwise, of people in these areas will not be noted for a number of days at the very least. Second, if an aircraft is to be taken, none are to be captured while the aircraft is over a land mass," Wilker said. 
     "Why is that, Doctor?" Sire Xaviar asked. 
     "Because, Sire, an abduction over land would be detected by the civilian air traffic-control system, or by military defense systems." 
     "Captain Byrne?" Adama asked. "What would the protocols be if such an event were detected by your country's defenses?" 
     Byrne thought for a centon. "Commander, I can only say what they told us when being briefed for our mission-and Commander Allen can back me up on this-"Byrne paused, seeing Allen nod. "If a civilian air-traffic controller or a military controller saw an unknown target on radar well, swallow up, another aircraft? Interceptors would be scrambled. And it's happened. The fighter we discovered on the derelict, if you'll recall. And there's been a few other instances. Not just in the U.S., but in other countries." 
     Allen added, "It's happened more than once, Commander. And whens something like this happens, the fighters get sent up, and probably with orders to shoot on radar or visual contact." 
     "If they get in range," Wilker said. "The manual recommends that once the aircraft is securely aboard the ship, then climbing out of the atmosphere and achieving escape velocity is the recommended course of action." 
     "What about a vehicle on a road?" Petty Officer Clemens asked. "Like with me and my friend Denise? Or Lauren?" 
     Wilker nodded. "Again, a rural or remote area, preferably at night, is what the manual recommends."
     "Okay, Doc," Lieutenant Sanderson said. "How did they disorient and incapacitate a targeted individual or group? That's one thing I'd like to know." 
     "Same here," Wagner added. 
     The scientist nodded. "At first, we thought it was a sonic weapon of some sort, but it turns out that wasn't the case. How did they do it? It's pretty simple, really. They manipulated the lights on their scout ships-those are the ones used if only a few people were involved-to blind and disorient their targets, until they passed out. A quick landing, they grab the people, and they're headed back into orbit. A few centons later, they're at the Exploratory Cruiser in high orbit." 
     "And the medical examination?" Xaviar asked. 
     "It was pretty straightforward," Wilker replied. "I consulted with Doctor Salik, and after going over this part of the material, he says that it's pretty much what we do, when giving someone a physical for Fleet Medical, though they're not strapped to a table. They do stress the importance of a pregnancy test for females, as the stasis vapors may harm a fetus." 
     "What about any children?" Siress Tinia asked, a hint of concern in her voice. Anyone who used a child in any kind of...experiments deserved whatever came to them, she felt. And she knew others felt the same way. 
     "They, too, would get a medical examination, then, if their parents were to be released, they would as well. But if not....they would be kept in stasis until arrival at the prison colony," reported Wilker. 
     Adama looked around the room, and on the monitors. Everyone's face, apart from the Cylons, of course, had a look of disgust and revulsion. Even Baltar had an angry look on the monitor,  Adama noticed. No surprise there, given his own abduction at the hands of the Ischt'k. Adama turned to Sarah. "Comments?" 
     "It is in keeping with what we have learned, Commander," Sarah replied politely. "These people treat the Humans of Earth with the same respect shown bacteria in a test tube." 
     Byrne turned to the thee abductees with him, and all had angry looks on their faces. If they could, right now, go and blow the Risik Capital to slag, they would. In a heartbeat, he knew. "Glad there weren't any kids there? Right away, I mean?" 
     "Yes, sir," Sanderson replied, her eyes cold. "The thought of a young boy or girl in the hands of Scarface...." 
     "Nothing further on that needed, Lieutenant," Byrne said. 
     "And after the medical exam, came the interrogation, I take it?" Pelias said, eager to get things going to the next item. 
     "Yes, Sire. The ship's security officer was a trained interrogator as well, and would handle those. If the subject or subjects were cooperative, even after.....physical pressure was applied, they would be released. If one was more resilient, sometimes a specialist-that is their term, by the way, might be called from another ship. If not....that person would be sent to the homeworld. The same goes for anyone that defied the attention of the specialist interrogator," said Wilker. 
     "Doctor," Xaviar asked. "Anything as to why Scarface was on the ship that took Sergeant Wagner? She's the only one here who encountered him, but wasn't on the homeworld." 
    "I was about to ask that myself, Sire," Byrne said. 
     "We're still going through his private papers," replied Wilker. "So far, working our way backwards, we've gotten to the point when the camp was established.. We should have what he was doing on that ship either tomorrow or the next day." 
     Adama nodded. "Please let us know, Doctor, and pass that to both parties in the Tribunal." 
     "Yes, Commander," Wilker made a note on his pad. "Now, we know the criteria for sending people to the Homeworld, but we didn't know this: until now. If there was a group abduction-two or more people, and one or more was to be sent to the homeworld? All would be sent." 
     Jaws dropped at that. Allen asked, "All?"
     "Yes, Commander Allen," Wilker replied. "All." 
     "No witnesses, in other words," Wagner spat, the lawman in her coming back. "Why not just kill them? Plenty of ways to get rid of bodies in space." 
     Wilker shook his head. "The manual states that these people can be useful sources of information on other subjects, or may be turned to support the cause." 
     "There's your source of information on local conditions, culture, and so on," Byrne commented. 
     "Yes, it is," Adama noted. "Is there anything else, Doctor?" 
     "One last thing: it's a note on what to do with pregnant women," Wilker replied. Calling up the pages in question, he went on. "If a woman was in the first or second trimester? She would be interrogated, but not too...rigorously, the material says. The same criteria above apply, and if sent to the homeworld, they would be placed in the ship's detention cells for the trip, interrogated there again, and then sent to the....experimental laboratory on the prison world." 
     Another round of revulsion swept the Ward Room, and the monitors. "And if someone was in the third trimester?" Allen asked after a centon's silence. 
     "She would be interrogated again, but instead of the lab, sent instead to the colony." 
     "Commander," Tinia said, a look of horror on her face. "These people need to be stopped."
     "Like bloody Hitler," hissed Allen. 
     "I'll second that, Commander," Byrne said. "If the Ziklagi, say, or someone else we don't know about, does the job? I'm not complaining. Or if the Ke'zar track down these people and finish the job they started? No complaints. None at all. In fact, I'd probably be thanking them." 
     "Or if it's us," Captain Ashby added. 'Fifty or a hundred years-or yahrens, as you say, from now."
     "I don't think anyone here would disagree with you," Adama said. "Is that all for the manual, Doctor?" he asked Wilker. 
     "Yes, Commander," Wilker said, sitting back down.
     "Very well," Adama nodded. "This has been....disturbing, to say the least, but this is information that we needed to know. And the authorities on Earth will need this information. Pass on my thanks to Pliny and his students, Doctor." 
     "Of course, Commander," Wilker said. 
     "Now, Sires Solon and Memnon are here, to update us on the status of the Tribunal," Adama gestured to Sire Solon. "Sire, the floor is yours." 
     "Thank you, Commander," the Chief Opposer said as he rose. "The Opposition's case preparation is well underway, and has been even since before the raid. Even if we did not have the large amount of evidence procured during the raid, we would have enough, with both Sergeant Wagner and Petty Officer Clemens, to hold a Tribunal." 
     "How much time before you're ready, Sire?" Byrne asked. This would be interesting from a number of viewpoints, and he wondered what the people he'd served with at JAG during his exchange tour would think about this. "Cases like this, back home, take quite a bit of time to prepare." 
     "If all of the refugees were going into court, Captain," Solon replied, "It would be a while. However, with only fifteen of them, plus several from the raiding party, as well as Doctors Salik and Cassiopeia, to describe their wounds, it is a lot more manageable. Commander," Solon turned to Adama. "We'll be ready in six days." 
     "Impressive, Sire," Adama said. "Sire Memnon?" 
     The elderly Sire rose as Solon sat back down. "Commander, everyone. The Protection will be ready in that time. I have discussed this with Sire Solon, and we are in agreement." 
     Xaviar asked, "And your clients, Sire? We do realize that there is a limit in how much you can talk about this, but are they obstinate, or have they discovered the merits of cooperation?" 
     "Two of them have, but the third.....he is still insistent that we have no right to try him, but I believe he will come around. They are not the most....stubborn clients I have had, but they do come close," Memnon said. "When I stressed the importance of cooperation in their defense, and that there may be a chance at avoiding the Prison Barge or marooning, their attitude changed. Slightly." 
     "I see," Adama said. "Six days. That's plenty of time to get those who will be testifying outfitted, people will have had time to get settled in, and so on." 
     "Yes," Sire Memnon replied. "I understand the proceedings will be recorded?" 
     "That is correct, Sire," Adama nodded. "The captured officers who will be released with their ship will be given copies to give to their superiors. And they will be allowed, if they so wish, to sit in the witness gallery. I want their leadership, especially their Supreme Leader and his inner circle, to see that we do not conduct show trials, and that all of the legal niceties were observed in these proceedings." 
     "An interesting idea, Commander. One that can show the difference between their system and ours," Memnon said. Even at his age, he knew that in law, one's education never stopped. And this was something that hadn't come up in a while. 
     "That is precisely my intention, Sire," Adama said. "Is there anything else?" 
     "Yes, as a matter of fact," Memnon replied. "IFB has been, shall we say, upset about the lack of access to our newcomers." 
     "Boo, hoo," Wagner muttered. 
     "Sire," Pelias said. "These people are only a sectan, our time, out of what can best be described as a living Hades Hole. They are still adjusting not just to freedom, but to a new society. A few days ago, they held a meeting to decide whether or not to grant interviews. And they voted, Sire. It was unanimously decided not to grant interviews. Not until after the Tribunal has been concluded." At least, Pelias thought, if not longer.
     Adama added, "And the matter has been placed under Military Security until that time. The last thing any of them need now is a camera crew following them around and a journaltor shoving a microphone in their faces." 
     "After the Tribunal's conclusion, then?" Memnon asked. He'd been surprised that Heller had come to him, asking if the Sire could be of help. Just one of them, for now, was all Heller wanted. Because Zara and Zed were on his back, trying to get one of the newcomers for an interview. 
     "Yes," Pelias said. "But it will be their decision, and no one else's. Certainly not IFB's." 
     "It is their right, after all," Tinia added. 
     Memnon nodded. "It is so," the elderly sire said. "Thank you, Commander, and Sire," he said, nodding in Pelias' direction. "As I have said, we will be ready." 
     "Thank, you, Sire," Adama said. "And to you as well, Solon," he nodded to the Chief Opposer.
     "You're welcome, Commander," Solon replied. 
     "Sire," Adama nodded. "Now, Captain Apollo and Strike Leader Orion have a patrol report for us. First, though, the Red Dwarf system visited yesterday by Lieutenant Giles' patrol. Apollo?"
     "Commander," Apollo said, calling up a holographic display. "There wasn't much. The world is tidally locked to the parent star, with a day side that's almost entirely desert, with temperatures approaching that of boiling water. The night side-quite the opposite. Well below freezing, and apart from a habitable zone near the terminator, not a very nice place." 
     "Any resources? I know we can't take the time, but the Risik-or someone else-might," Tinia asked. 
     "None of note," Orion replied. "Minor deposits of various minerals on some of the asteroidal bodies and a few of the rocky moons of the gas giants, but no Tylium." 
     Tigh nodded ."Not even the Risik would go through the trouble," he commented. 
     "Logically speaking, that would be the case," Moray said. "Consider the raid on Ne'Chak. We have destroyed twenty percent of their shipbuilding and maintenance facilities. The Risik may feel that any resources, no matter how small, are necessary." 
     Adama thought to himself, Again, an interesting insight, from a Cylon. "That is very possible, Command Centurion. These people may repulse us in their behavior, but their tenacity, though...."
     "I'll go along with that, Adama," Baltar said, speaking for the first time. "I don't think any of us, human or Cylon, have seen a race like this." 
     "Indeed," Adama said, ever the diplomat when necessary. He turned to Apollo "Life signs?" 
     "Nothing advanced," Apollo replied. 
     "That is so, Commander," Orion added. "Primitive plants and lichens, and some animal life, but no advanced life forms are present." 
     Byrne asked, "Anything from our Risik friends?" 
     "Nothing. No probes or buoys detected," Apollo said. 
     "That takes care of that system," Adama said. "And your patrol today?" 
     "On the outbound leg, we had nothing: no rogue planetoids, no gas clouds, nothing. But on the return leg," Apollo replied. He called up another display. "We found this, three centars out from the Fleet." 
     "A derelict?" Allen asked. 
     "Not a derelict," Apollo said. "Wreck would be more like it. And that's not all: The warbook scan came back as a Ziklagi Reconnaissance Scout. Usz-zgh class." 
     "Ziklagi?" Tigh asked. "What would they be doing this far from their territory?" 
     Sarah replied, 'If the Risik have mounted deep reconnaissance missions into Ziklagi territory, then one should expect the favor to be returned." 
     "What the Academician says is quite logical," Moray added. 
     Adama nodded. "That it is, Command Centurion.  Any signs of who did this? Though the list of suspects is a short one." 
     "We found multiple weapons impacts," Orion said. "And a considerable amount of residual radion. Signs consistent with the use of a nuclear weapon." 
     Apollo went on. "There were multiple hull breaches, signs of internal fires, and no signs of life. Just bodies inside, and a few drifting outside.. Plus a lifepod, but no signs of life inside. Just a body." 
     The Earthers had a good look, for this was their first time seeing a Ziklagi ship. "Good lord!" Byrne said. "Looks like somebody's used that ship for target practice." 
     "And we know who that somebody is," Allen added. "Did they take anyone with them?" 
     "Good question, Commander Allen," Adam said. "I was going to ask that myself."
     "No signs of any other debris," Orion said. "Or any other ships." 
     "These Ziklagi Reconnaissance Scouts are designed more for scouting than combat," Tigh replied, calling up the specifications for that type of ship. "Even a Risik Exploratory Cruiser would be more than a match for them." 
     "So," Baltar said. "What are the chances any more of these, well, slugs, are still around?" 
     "We're a considerable distance from their territory, and the Ziklagi are likely still in the midst of their civil war," Adama replied. "Sarah?" 
     "The Ziklagi have fought several such conflicts in the past," Sarah replied calmly. "They do not end until one side or the other is utterly destroyed. I doubt that any faction would send a reconnaissance mission this far from the conflict zone." 
     "Do we know for sure the war's over?" Allen asked. "For all we know, it could still be going on."
     "We've got someone in the Galactica's brig who can tell us. The smuggler captain. If he won't tell us, his first mate will," Wagner reminded everyone. 
     "That case has been adjudicated," Solon said. 
     "Yes, but that ship won't be released until we are clear of Risik territory," said Adama. "I won't give him the chance to sell our position to the Risik Star Force in exchange for the lives of his crew. The last thing we need now is a Risik Pursuit Force at our heels." 
     "Quite so, Adama," Baltar said. "The longer they have to guess where we are, or have been, the better." 
     Galling as it was to everyone-but the Cylons, they had to admit that Baltar was right. "I'll have to agree with that, Commander," Byrne said. 
     "So would I," Allen added. 
     Adama turned to Tigh, who nodded silently. "Sergeant, if you'd like to have another go at him before the Tribunal, I'll leave orders with the Brig in that regard." 
     "Thanks, Commander," Wagner said. "I'll be over there in a day or so. We'll be busy tomorrow, getting the first group over to the Rising Star so they can be outfitted." 
     "Very good, Sergeant," Adama said. "Now, Captain Byrne? How are things going aboard Constellation? 
     "Better than expected, Commander," Byrne replied. "The child-care center is open for business, and not only are the parents socializing, but we've got a couple of teenage girls from the civilians we've got aboard who signed up to help."
     "It's the same in the Crew Mess," Wagner added. "People are talking, getting to know their new shipmates, and both groups are finding out what life was like back in their respective homes." 
     "Commander?" Clemens said. "People in my generation, and the Sergeant's, and the Captain's? They're more receptive to the idea of space travel, life on other planets, that sort of thing. The genre we call 'science fiction' has a lot to do with it." 
    Hearing that, Adama was pleased. "Commander Allen?" 
     "Pretty much the same thing here on Adelaide," Allen said. Kaylsha's running our child-care center, and like on Constellation, there's some teenage girls who've volunteered there."
     "I'll echo what the Sergeant and Petty Officer have said, Commander," Captain Ashby added. "People want to get to know each other, where one's coming from, and so on. "
     "And shipboard duties?" Adama asked. 
     "Commander," Byrne said, glancing to his right. "Lieutenant Sanderson there is already in charge of our Boarding and Landing Party. We've also found duties for the other military personnel aboard comparable with rank and experience." 
     "Same here, Commander," said Allen. "Captains Ashby and Zhukov are in command and second-in-command of our Boarding Party. And we've found jobs for the other military."
     Tinia then asked, "And the civilians?" 
     "Siress, right now, this Tribunal comes first. We have plenty of time to figure things out for them once that's done," Byrne said, and Allen nodded agreement. 
     "The one thing we have in quantity," Xaviar nodded. 
     "Quite so, Sire," Adama said. "Now, Colonel, the fuel and water situation?" 
     Tigh replied, "We're currently green across the board for both categories, and that includes the Base Ship's need for fighter fuel." The XO nodded at Moray, who returned the gesture. 
     "How long until we need to start searching for fuel and water?" Tinia asked. 
     "Two sectans, Siress," Tigh replied, calling up a display with the information. "We're now in the region of space that the Risik call their Frontier, and the chances of an encounter with a Patrol or Exploratory Cruiser do go down the closer we get to their border." 
     Byrne spoke up. "But if we do have an encounter with them, chances are, it'll be ugly. The fight with Lemeshik's ship and his relief come to mind." 
     Xaviar nodded agreement. "Commander, that is highly likely, given the Risik's temperment." 
     "Won't any of the ships in this area know about the raid on Ne'Chak?" Tinia asked. 
     "That, Siress, given their lack of interstellar communications, is unlikely," Adama said. "However, it is possible that we may be able to frighten or bully our way out. At the very least, we can say we tried." 
     "We can, Commander," Pelias replied. "But given their temperment, as Xaviar has said...."
     "Quite so, Sire," Adama nodded. "But we will engage only if combat is unavoidable." 
     "It may not be," Baltar pointed out. "This all started when Lemeshik had his ship engage our patrol without warning or provocation." 
     "Exactly, Baltar," the Commander replied. "Given how far we are from their Capital, the captains who patrol these areas are no doubt very serious about their orders, and very loyal. They may not have any room for any sort of common sense-like backing off from a superior opponent." 
     "Let's hope we don't find out," said Allen. 
     "Agreed, Commander," Adama said. "Still, we'll be prepared for that eventuality. Apollo, Orion? Maintain the double patrols as we've been doing. And continue with the rules of engagement." 
     "Yes, Commander," said Apollo. 
     "By your command," Orion replied. 
     "Very good," Adama nodded. "There's a trinary system coming up within patrol range. Apollo, who's got the patrol rotation?" 
     "Boomer, sir, Red Squadron," replied Apollo. 
     "He's taking his patrol to that system," Adama ordered. 
     "Yes, Commander," Apollo nodded, making a note on his pad. 
     "Good. Colonel?" Adama turned to his Exec. "Continue monitoring our fuel and water resources. But have a contingency plan ready in case we have to restock one or the other. Or both." 
     Tigh replied, "Yes, sir." 
     "Very well," Adama said. "Sire Solon and Sire Memnon? The best of luck in your preparations for the Tribunal." 
     "Thank you, Commander," Solon replied, while Memnon nodded polite agreement. 
     "All right: is there anything else?" Adama asked. "Baltar?" 
     "I don't think so, Adama. We've covered things pretty well today," Baltar replied. 
     "I agree," Adama said. "Any other questions or comments?" There were none, either in the Ward Room or on the monitors. "Very well, then. We're adjourned for today." 
     "Father?" Apollo asked as people filed out. Adama turned to his son. "I think there's a way to get our Risik friends to cooperate more fully. A carrot, instead of a stick, as Commander Allen has called it.." 
     "I'm listening, Apollo," Adama replied. 
     "We threaten to turn them all over to the Ke'zar, as war criminals." 
     Adama looked at his son. "But we don't know where....Ah, I see what you're getting at."
     "We don't, Father, but then, they don't know that." 
     "Apollo, I'll get back to you on this." 
     "Father," Apollo nodded. 


     At that same moment, over Ne'Chak, Admiral Triligan and Chief Magistrate Ulrikh were having a similar conference, with the single known survivor of the attack on the slave camp being interviewed in the Valiant's main conference room. "At ease, Corporal," the Admiral said to the guard. 
     "Admiral," Corporal Tlan said. "Shall I start at the beginning?" 
     "That is the usual place to begin," Ulrikh growled. "Proceed." 
     "Yes, My Lord," Tlan said. "I had finished my shift at Midnight, and, with the guards' canteen closed, I retired to my barracks, and went to bed. Everything was normal: the slaves were in their barracks, two were in the Interrogation Building, being disciplined,  and two more were in the Punishment Area. I had awoken to use the latrine, when everything happened." 
     "And what happened then?" Asked the Admiral. 
     "There was the sound of rockets being fired, then explosions in the barracks, and then grenades landed inside. If I had not gone to the latrine, I would not be here, for a grenade landed next to my bunk. The man next to me was killed in his sleep when the grenade exploded." 
     The Admiral and Magistrate looked at each other. Along with the others present, namely their chief aides and Triligan's Intelligence Officer. Nothing new here. "Continue," the Admiral said. 
     "Yes, Admiral. Several of my comrades did manage to get their weapons and try to respond, only to be cut down in a storm of fire. It was a mixture of compact assault guns, automatic combat rifles, and...." Tlan said. He hesitated. 
     "And??" 
     "I saw my best friend cut down by a weapon that produced a bright flash when it was fired, but nothing else, but he fell, his chest ripped apart. Then several more grenades came into the barracks, and I was stunned. When I came to, pinned under some debris, I was able to see the attackers, as they were moving to the main compound. In the firelight, they appeared to be Te'rean." 
     "You are certain?" Ulrikh growled. 
     "Yes, My Lord. Having been around the Te'rean slaves? I know a Te'rean when I see one. And in the firelight? I could see they were wearing camouflage uniforms of some sort, and several had large sacks over their shoulders." 
     Ulrikh was confused. "What would be in those sacks?"
     "Perhaps I can answer that, My Lord," the intelligence officer said. "I have spoken with our Special Assault Team, and they have said that if they were tasked with this assault, one of their objectives would be anything of intelligence value. That would mean taking everything of value for intelligence purposes from the Commandant's office, his suite, and if the Governor was taken, as is likely? Anything in his possession as well, such as his portable computer." 
     "And that means?" 
     "It means, my Lord Ulrkih," Triligan said. "That their own intelligence specialists doubtless requested that this material be taken. Those specialists are examining all of this material as we speak, in all likelihood. If they have found the Chaser, as the evidence of rockets from that ship's armory being found here shows, then they have also gained access to that ship's computer. Why construct a translation matrix when they can use our own?" 
     "Admiral, if what you say is true-and I have no reason to doubt that-it means that Te'rea is no longer an easy target," Ulrikh nodded. He knew the Supreme Leader, not to mention Director Eikhe, would not be pleased at that news. 
     "Exactly," Trilian replied. "Corporal, do you have anything else to add?" 
     "Only that shortly after, a relief force approached the camp-I could see their vehicle lights in the distance-only to be blasted off the road by fire from the ship hovering above. Then two small craft, which appeared to be shuttles, but they were not like any shuttle I have seen,for they were bristling with armament, landed. The slaves and the attackers boarded them, and as they left, the slave barracks, interrogation building, VIP lodge, and the headquarters building, were all blown apart. Why, I do not know, My Lords," Tlan replied. 
     The intelligence officer recognized it at once. "To disguise the theft of whatever materials they took," he said. "Just as our Special Assault Teams are trained to do." 
     "I see," Trilagan nodded. "Does the Chief Magistrate have anything to add?" Ulrikh shook his head no. "Very well. Thank you, Corporal, for your information. You are dismissed." 
     Tlan came to attention and bowed. "My Lords," then he was conducted from the conference room. 
     "Now we know," Ulrikh said. "The Te'reans did this. But how did they find out about the camp? And who provided them with those ships?" 
     "All pieces of the puzzle that we shall endeavor to find," the Admiral nodded. "None of the ships that attacked Ne'Chak are of any known Ke'zar design,  that we do know. They have contacted at least three different races unknown to us, and as a result, now have an interstellar military capability." He turned to his flag aide. "And the results of your search?"
     "Admiral, My Lord," the aide replied. "Based on a search of the files on Te'rea, the list of nation-states that could mount this operation is a short one." He called up a map of Te'rea on the viewscreen. "The first, and most obvious, is this one, here." The aide highlighted the U.S on the map. "The United States of America, It is Te'rea's most powerful nation-state militarily and economically, and has leaders who have not been reluctant to use military force when necessary. They also have a considerable nuclear force, and it also has a vibrant, by Te'ran standards, space program." 
     Admiral Triligan nodded. "Very well. Continue." 
     "Yes, Admiral," the aide replied. "The next one is the nation-state called Russia; it is the successor to a much more powerful entity once called the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. A communist state that, until just prior to the outbreak of war with the Ke'zar, was held together by an admirable combination of fear and the threat of force. Now, Russia is the largest of the states that made up the Union, and retains considerable military power, including nuclear weapons, and a space program. It, too, has leaders who would not be shy about using military force when they deem fit." 
     "From my own, well, limited examination of the Te'rea files, were not these two powers and their respective allies in a state of Cold War?" Ulrikh asked. 
     "They were, My Lord," the aide admitted. "However, they may have discarded those differences in order to make common cause in off-world matters. Especially, if as is likely, the Ke'zar have told them about us and our plans." 
     Ulrikh nodded. "I see..." 
     "Continuing, My Lords," the aide highlighted the member states of the European Space Agency. "There is a consortium of nation-states in the continent known as Europe, who have formed a space agency for the purposes of exploration and commercial satellite launching. Two of Te'rea's nuclear powers, that is the United Kingdom, here, and France, are members. While some of the smaller members are not strong militarily, the two I have mentioned, along with Germany, here," the aide paused, highlighting the newly unified Germany, "are quite strong. And the two former ones are also nuclear powers." 
     "Are there any others?" Admiral Triligan asked. 
     "There are several," the aide replied, highlighting China, India, Japan, Canada, Australia, Israel, and Brazil. "These may contribute personnel, or have industries that can be adapted to support having starships, and so on, Admiral." But the first three are the most likely to not only have an interstellar military capability, but are also likely to use it offensively." 
     Ulrikh's aide spoke up. "That does explain the three different types of ships used, does it not?" 
     "It does, based on the limited information we have at present,"  the Fleet Intelligence Officer said. "And the two different types of fighters." The man called up imagery of the three capital ships and the two types of fighters on the viewscreen. "Admiral, we must consider the possibility that not only have the Te'reans concluded alliances with three races as yet unknown to us, but also with the Ke'zar at the very least, and possibly some of the others in our home sector. The Egyrnians and Gut'lia come to mind. A mutual defense pact of some sort is the most logical arrangement from their point of view." 
     "How would that work?" Ulrikh asked. 
     "Very simple, Lord Ulrikh," Triligan said. "An attack on one treaty partner is an attack on all. If we attack the Ke'zar, as we fully intend to, the others-Te'reans, Egyrnians, and others would come to their assistance. Instead of just fighting the Ke'zar, we would be fighting all of them-our former subject races as well as those unknown to us." 
     The Chief Magistrate was visibly shocked. "Is that possible?" 
     "Very," the intelligence officer replied. "The Director of Star Force Intelligence has access to much more intelligence assets than I, but he would also consider it very possible. We do have one advantage, and that is that the Te'reans are likely using ships purchased from others. It will take them time to build up the infrastructure needed to build, repair, and maintain starships." 
     "Just as we need time to not only rebuild the damage here, but to rebuild the Star Force to not just the prewar levels, but to surpass them," Triligan finished. "And that, Lord Ulrikh, as you know, is many years distant." 
     "There is one other possibility, My Lords," the intelligence officer said. "We must consider the likelihood that there may be further raids of this sort. Strikes against our other colonies, and possibly the Capital itself." 
     Ulrikh nearly turned pale, but the Admiral was calm. "Indeed," Admiral Triligan said. "It is what I would do in their position. Disrupt our shipbuilding efforts as long as possible. The more we need to defend against such incursions, means the fewer resources that we can devote to reclaiming what is rightfully ours, teaching the Ke'zar the ultimate lesson, and reminding the Te'reans, Egrynians, and Gut'lians who their masters once were. Thank you, gentlemen," 
     "My Lords," The intelligence officer said, and the other officers filed out, leaving the Admiral, Ulrikh, and their chief aides in the conference room. 
     "Admiral...." Ulrikh said. "I have never doubted your sincerity, nor your loyalty to the State. However, I do hope you are wrong in all of this." 
     The Admiral had a grim smile. "So do I, My Lord Ulrikh. But we would be fools not to consider the possibility. Because if we did not, and the Te'reans do return....."
     Ulrikh nodded understanding The alternative was too frightening to contemplate. The Capital's defenses smashed, fleet wiped out, shipyards destroyed, and the world wide open to invasion. "Your next course of action?" 
     "We need to await the return of our reconnaissance mission to this system, here," Triligan called up a star chart on the viewscreen, and pointed to the system that, unknown to him, the Colonial Fleet had doubled back to and then vacated. "Once that returns, then I shall decide on where the Fleet will deploy next." 
     

     The next morning, Commander Adama came onto Galactica's Bridge. As he logged in, Colonel Tigh came over. "Good Morning, Colonel." 
     "Good Morning, Commander," the Exec said. "I have the overnight sitrep." 
     "Very good, Tigh," Adama nodded. "Let's have it." 
     "Yes, sir," Tigh consulted his pad. "Overnight patrols report nothing unusual. No rogue planetoids, gas clouds, or wrecked vessels discovered. And all known Risik communications frequencies are clear. No sign of any vessels or sensor emissions, Risik or otherwise. " 
     Adama nodded again, then went to the Plot Board. "And Captain Boomer's patrol to the Trinary system?" 
     Tigh checked his pad again. "It departed thirty centons ago, Commander. But the distance to and from the target is such that they'll be gone for at least ten Centars, possibly longer." 
     "Because, as we know too well, recon missions can run over," Adama noted. "Very well, Tigh. In that case, we'll forgo the sit brief for today." 
     Tigh nodded. "Yes, Commander. Fuel and water are still green for the most part, but two ships, the Paz Goria and Beowulf, have some issues with their recycling systems." 
     "Is Chief Twilly available, or is he still busy on the captured cruiser?" 
     "He's still supervising repairs on that ship, Commander," reported Tigh. "I can have him take a repair team to check out both ships." 
     Adama shook his head. "No, not unless it's really urgent. Have him select a team, then get them over to those two ships, and conduct an assessment.." 
     "Yes, Commander," said Tigh, who made a note on his pad. "And the first group of our Earth refugees are being outfitted today." 
     Adama smiled at that. "The smuggler's cargo has been distributed?" 
     "It has, Commander, except for the data discs, as ordered," Tigh replied. 
     "Good. And the first ones going are those who will be testifying, I believe?" Adama asked. 
     "That's right, Commander." 
     "Remember your first sight of the inside of a ship like the Rising Star?" 
     "I do, Commander. And even for someone from the Colonies, going aboard a ship like that for the first time was an eye-opening experience," Tigh said, recalling a cruise he'd taken with a school group, before he went to the Academy.
     "And for them? Ships like that only occur in works of fiction. The shuttle-type ship that Captain Byrne flew is probably the largest spacecraft they ever knew. Until now. And the interior? It would put any resort on any world to shame." 
     "Yes, it would, Commander."
     Omega came over with a pad for the Commander's attention. The overnight ship's status report. Adama scanned it, then signed it with a  stylus. "Thank you, Omega." 
     "Commander," the bridge officer said, then went to his station. 
     "Tigh, for them, it'll be an...interesting experience," Adama said. "Anything else?" 
     "Doctor Wilker has some new information for us. His people have gone through most of the Commandant's personal papers. Of course, Sire Solon will also be receiving this material."
     "Does he say what it is?" Adama asked as Athena came to him with a  pad. The overnight scanner report. He went over the report, then signed it with a stylus. "Thank you, Athena." 
     "Father," his daughter replied, then she went back to her station. 
     "Only that we'll have confirmation of much of what we already know," said Tigh. "And we may find out what he was doing on the Derelict prior to its run-in with the Ke'zar." 
     Adama shook his head at the thought, then went to the Plot Board. "Tigh, the history scans say that when Unification came to the Colonies, all of this: terrorism, torture, slavery, the rest of it, was consigned to the past. Or so we thought." 
     "That's true, Commander. Only the Il Fadim brought back terrorism and the very idea of a coup, and now, with the Risik...."
     "Agreed, Colonel," Adama said. "Human nature's dark side....I actually agree with our new travelers and Siress Tinia on this: someone needs to come along and stop them. I'd add this caveat: As long as it's not the Cylon Empire." 
     "Exactly so, Commander," nodded Tigh. 
     "And if it's the Ke'zar, out to finish the job they started? I won't complain. Too much." 
     "Nor would I, Commander," Tigh said. "Nor anyone else, for that matter." 
     Adama nodded, then went over to Athena's station. "Athena. What systems are ahead of us? Say, in the next five days?" 
     "Checking on that now, Commander," Athena said, typing the commands on her keyboard. "First system is a Red Giant, and the Risik have it listed as a Danger Zone." 
     "Radion from the Red Giant?" Adama asked. 
     "Yes, Father. Extensive radion in all beta, gamma, and delta bands. Along with radion belts from two gas giants. Then there's an asteroid belt." 
     "Commander, I'd suggest giving this system a wide berth," Tigh recommended. 
     Adama looked at the screen, then nodded. "Agreed, Colonel. Not a very nice place. What else is there?" 
     "A binary system with a K2V Orange Main-sequence star, and a M4V companion. Seven planets around the primary star, and two around the companion. Garden world around the primary. No intelligent indigenous life forms, the Risik data shows."  
     "That's a relief," Adama said. "Any more before the sectan's out?" 
     "Two more, Commander," Athena said. "One's an M3VI Red Dwarf, with only four worlds. The star's failing, their data says. One habitable, but it's what we'd call a failing Garden. Very little surface vegetation, or surface water. No polar ice fields.." 
     "It was probably a nice place to live, once," Tigh commented. 
     "Maybe ten thousand or a hundred thousand yahrens ago," Adama noted. "Right out of the Academy's Planetary Cartography class." 
     "Yes, Father," Athena nodded. "The last one is a G0V Yellow Main-sequence star. No companion stars, and eight planets. There's a Garden World, and ...that's odd." 
     Adama looked at his daughter. "What?" 
     "It says here, 'Restricted Data. Not accessible except to Commanding Officer or First Officer," Athena noted. "Why would they do that?" 
     "That is a very good question," Adama said. "This is from their navigator's database, Athena?" 
     "Yes, Father, it is." 
     "Colonel? Notify Doctor Wilker. Have his people go after any databases from the captured ship that were senior officers' access only. There's something there about this system in that, and I want to know what's so important that it's classified." 
     Tigh nodded. "Right away, Commander." 
     Athena turned to the Commander. "Father, could this be what I think it is?" She had a horrified look on her face. 
     "It's quite likely, Athena," Adama said. He knew what she was thinking. "And no, I don't like that looks of this at all. If there's a civilization there, the Risik certainly have plans for them. And we know what those plans would be."  

     It was after lunch when the refugees from Constellation-those who would be testifying, shuttled over on the Armstrong to the Rising Star for their appointment with the ship's tailors. Captain Byrne, Sergeant Wagner, Petty Officer Clemens, and Mr. Malik came along, to act as chaperones if necessary, for one's first time aboard the liner could be an experience, to say the least. All four remembered their first time aboard the liner, and though Malik was more familiar with such ships than the Earthers, even he was astonished at the ship's size and luxury. Ensign Adele was piloting, as usual, and as they approached the liner, she asked Captain Byrne, "Sir, how about a fly-around? Let them see how big she is." 
     "Good idea, Ensign," Byrne said. "Do it." 
     "Yes, sir!" Adele flew around the liner, and the refugees were stunned at the size of the ship. Though much smaller than the Galactica, even the largest ships on Earth-whether an aircraft carrier or a supertanker, were still considerably smaller than the Rising Star. "She's one of the largest ships in the Fleet that can land on a planet." 
     Anna's mouth dropped when she heard that. "Bozhe Moi!" 
     "There's several others, right?" Lieutenant Sanderson asked, still taking in the sight of the liner. 
     "There are," Captain Byrne said. "But she's the most luxurious, and some of the passenger accommodations, once things got sorted out, are a Fleet R&R Center, as Sergeant Wagner knows firsthand." 
     "Not bad, for what used to be the cheapest outside passenger cabins," Wagner said. 
     "So what else is on this ship?" Denise asked. 
     "They've got a whole deck that's a casino," Byrne said. "Think every Vegas casino all on one ship." 
     Wagner added, "There's another deck that's a swimming pool area-they call it an Aquacade-with several pools, hot tubs, sauna, and so on . Another deck has sports arenas, there's several restaurants, a sports bar., and so on. And where we're going: a whole deck that's one huge shopping mall." 
     "It's also where some of the Upper Crust in the Fleet stay," said Byrne. "Some of 'em, like Pelias, Tinia, or Xaviar, are pretty good, as we know. Others, though...."
     "They live in their own world," Wagner nodded. "When I was on R&R, a lot of 'em didn't seem that appreciative of military personnel. Even though the military is what keeps them alive and breathing." 
     Anna recognized it at once. "Just like some of the Party types back in Russia. The Nomenklutura, or Party Elite. Special shops for their families, exclusive resorts, the best schools for their children, and, as Captain Zhukov said once, their children are able to avoid military service, or if they don't? They get preferential admission to Military Colleges, or they attend officers' training at universities." She paused, then added, "Used to get." 
     "Didn't Pelias say that more of their kids are joining the Military?" Denise asked. 
     "That's what he told me," Wagner replied. "Not as many as he or Commander Adama would like, but enough so far." 
     The shuttle completed its fly-around, then Adele requested docking clearance. It came, and the Armstrong flew into the docking bay. After shutting down, Byrne and Wagner noticed a familiar figure waiting for them. "Chief Zeibert's waiting, Sergeant." 
     Wagner nodded. "That he is. Ready to get going, sir?" 
     "Let's do it." Byrne turned to Adele. "Pop the hatch, Ensign." 
     "Yes, sir!" She hit the button and the hatch hissed open. 
     "Want to come along?" Byrne asked. 
     Adele nodded. "Yes, sir! Glad to help our new shipmates." 
     "Thanks, Ensign." Byrne then turned to the refugees. "Okay, just stay together, follow our lead, and let us do the talking. I know, you people probably want to enjoy what's on this ship, but today, first things first. There's that Welcome-Aboard party that Commander Adama and Pelias want to throw once this Tribunal's done, and there'll be other chances as well. Got it?" He saw heads nod, then he said, "Let's go." 
     The party left the shuttle, and headed for the exit, where Chief Zeibert was waiting. "Captain Byrne," Zeibert nodded pleasantly. "Welcome back to the Rising Star." 
     "Thanks, Chief," Byrne said. "Normally, I'd be looking ahead to some downtime, but not this trip. Today, it's all business." 
     "Commander Allen told me the same thing," Zeibert replied. "His party left not too long ago, and there were no problems or issues. Everything went smoothly." 
     "That's good to hear." 
     "Yes, but about half a centar ago, Zara and Zed from IFB came aboard," Zeibert said, his voice hushed. 
     "WHAT?" Wagner yelled. "Those two scumbags are here? What are they up to?" She turned to Byrne. "Sorry, sir." 
     "No apology necessary, Sergeant, and that's my feeling exactly. Though that's the most polite term I'd use to describe them," Byrne said. 
     "You are not alone in that regard, Captain," Zeibert said. "I did ask them-discretely, and they said they were enjoying a day off."
     "Excuse me, Chief, for a moment," Byrne said. He turned to Wagner. "What do you think, Sergeant? I've got this loathing for both of them. Could they be on the level? I doubt it, but your opinion?" 
     Wagner thought for a centon. "They could be on the level, but then again, the odor of fish with those two is never far behind. Those two have probably conned their way into who knows how many stories?  We'll just have to keep an eye out for 'em." 
     "That'll have to be the best we can do, Sergeant," Byrne said. He turned back to Zeibert. "Just let us know if they get too close." 
     "Of course, Captain," Zeibert replied. "If you'll all follow me?" The Chief Steward led the party to the elevators. 
     When they got out, every one of the refugees had to put their jaws back into place, for what they were seeing put the largest shopping malls on Earth to shame. "My God...." Amy Sanderson said. "I'm used to malls in Southern California, and several of those would fit here." 
     "Or several of the GUM Department Store in Moscow," Anna Popova added. "Can they get what we need?" 
     "Don't worry, Warrant Officer," Byrne said. "If it's available in this Fleet, it's here or on one of the other large liners. And if they don't have it? They'll create it. Which is what Jasen and his friends will do for you all." He nodded in the direction of the tailor's shop. "Let's go." 

     When the party got to Jasen's shop, the tailor was waiting for them, along with two of his associates. "Captain Byrne!" Jasen said. 'Welcome back, and I see you've brought everyone." 
     "Just those who are testifying, Jasen," Byrne said. "After they're outfitted, it's the others' turn." 
     "But only fifteen of the total are military personnel," Wagner added. "It'll be easier for you all to just do civilian clothes."
     "Yes, it will," Jasen said. "And Petty Officer Clemens, I see," he nodded in Jessica's direction. "And you are pleased with the results?" 
     "Very," Clemens replied. "Thanks again." 
     "My pleasure," Jasen said. "Before we get started, introductions." He gestured to a middle-aged woman whose brown hair was just turning gray. "This is Aurelia. She does some of the best ladies' wear in the Fleet," 
     "Captain," Aurelia said. "It's a pleasure."
     "Likewise," replied Byrne. 
     "And this is Tyrell," Jasen said, nodding to a balding older fellow. "He's the second-best men's tailor on the Rising Star." 
     Tyrell laughed. "Captain, that is a point of some dispute, but if there was a poll ever taken, the results would be very close." 
     "Probably," Jasen said. 
     Byrne nodded. "Well, I take it you've been advised as to what's required? That is, military uniforms, semi-formal civilian clothes, workout attire, and casual civilian dress?" 
     "We have," Aurelia said. "Jasen has been kind enough to show us what he's done for you and Commander Allen, the Sergeant here, the Petty Officer, and your daughter." 
     Tyrell nodded. "And we've been told that time is of the essence. Given that this Tribunal is due to start in five days. We'll have everything ready in four." 
     "Good," Byrne said. "I take it you've been told of the need for security on this?" 
     "Commander Adama was pretty clear on that," Aurelia said. "He was very insistent." 
     "As was Commander Allen," Jasen said. 
     Wagner nodded. 'That's good, because we heard from Zeibert that Zara and Zed are on this ship right now. The last thing these people want or need is those two pests poking around." 
     "Understood," Jasen said. "Well, we can do the measurements here." 
     "And when we're finished," Aurelia added. "Tyrell and I can get to our shops and right to work." 
     "And who's doing what?" Byrne asked. 
     "I'll be doing things for the military personnel," Jasen replied. "Aurelia will handle the civilian women, and Tyrell takes care of things for the men." 
     "And when this group is done, there's all the others," Tyrell said. "It will be a pleasure to serve all of them."
     Byrne nodded. "And how long do you need to measure everyone?" 
     "About a centar and a half," Jasen said. "It took that long with Commander Allen's group." 
     "Then let's not waste any more time," Byrne decided. "Let's get this going." 
     "Ladies first," Jasen said, taking charge. "If you'll come with me?" 
     While that was being taken care of, Wagner came over to Captain Byrne. "Sir, if you don't mind a suggestion?" 
     "Sergeant?" 
     "Sir, how about getting some coffee-java-from Rogillo's?" Wagner asked. "Lord knows, they could use some after all this time..."
     Byrne knew what she was talking about. Then again, he'd felt the same way after coming aboard the Fleet. "Can the woman who runs it be trusted?" 
     Wagner turned to Adele, who nodded. "Yes, sir. I know her and her daughter pretty good." 
     "Good," Byrne said. "On one condition." 
     "Sir?" Wagner asked. 
     "Get something for Jen. I believe Mr. Malik likes it the same way I do. Just make sure you get something for everyone in the group." 
     Wagner and Adele looked at each other, then nodded. "Yes, sir." 

     The two left the tailor's shop and went to the food court, where they found Rogilo's with hardly any line at all. "Well, we missed the lunch crowd," Adele said. They waited until a couple of customers got their orders, then found a familiar face behind the counter. "Hi, Cassy." 
     "Adele!" Cassy said. "And your Earther friend. You two want your usual?" 
     "Not today, Cassy," Adele said "Your mom around?" 
     "She is," the girl said. "Mom? Adele's here, with her friend." 
     The girl's mother came from the rear of the shop, and grinned. "Adele! I see you brought your friend again. What can we do for you?" 
     "Mairwen," Adele nodded. "We've got a large order." 
     "For those Earth refugees?" Mariwen asked. "We saw them going into Jasen's shop." 
     "It is," Wagner said. She outlined what they wanted. "How fast can you get it filled?" 
     "Not that long, Sergeant," Mariwen said pleasantly. She turned to her daughter. "Cassy, did you get what they want?" 
     The girl smiled. "Already on it." 
     Mariwen nodded, then turned to Adele and Wagner. "Sergeant, you were on that raid, right? Was that place as bad as IFB's been saying?" 
     "Worse," Wagner said. "I wasn't there that long, but it was long enough. And these people are going where they belong: home." 
     Mariwen nodded. "Well, speaking of IFB, guess who was here not quite a centar ago?" 
     "No need to: Zara and Zed. Chief Zeibert warned us," Wagner replied, as she started scanning around, looking for two familiar-and despised-faces. 
     "One of the comedians from the lounge came by last night," Cassy said as she filled the order. "There's a new joke going around the Fleet about those two." 
     "What's that?" Adele asked. 
     "He said that if it ever came to it, Zara and Zed can't be marooned." 
     "Why?" 
     "Because it's animal cruelty." 
     Hearing that, all four laughed. "Believe it or not, but some of us were saying that in the Club on Galactica a few days ago," Wagner said. "Trouble is? He's right. Too bad they can't crawl back into whatever pool of slime they came out of." 
     "A pity," Mariwen agreed. "I'm all for freedom of the media, but those two....they practically declared Starbuck guilty before his Tribunal had started.. When he was accused of terminating Ortega. Those two didn't earn any mushie points." 
     A few centons later, the order was ready, and both Adele and Wagner picked up the precious cargo. "Thanks, Mariwen, and you, Cassy," Adele said. 
     "Anytime," Mariwen said. She turned to Wagner. "Is there any chance of meeting some of them?" 
     "Probably," Wagner nodded. "They'll be aboard for a welcome-aboard party Commander Adama and the Council want to throw for them once this Tribunal's done. You might get a chance to meet some of them. And for all of 'em, this is a little taste of home. Literally." 
     "I'm glad to hear that," Mariwen said. "It'd be a pleasure." 
     "Likewise," Wagner said. 
     "Thanks again, Mariwen. And Cassy? You take care of your Mom," Adele said. 
     "Will do," Cassy smiled. 

     The two then went back towards Jasen's shop, and saw Captain Byrne coming out. "Sir?" Adele said. "Mission accomplished." 
     "Good," Byrne said. "Get it back to the shuttle, then get back here. We're just about finished." 
     "Yes, sir." 
     They went back to the Armstrong and placed the precious cargo inside, then returned to the shopping deck. When they got there, Captain Byrne and Mr. Malik were waiting outside, along with Chief Zeibert. "Sir? Adele said. "All set." 
     "Good, Ensign, Sergeant," Byrne replied. "We're all through here." 
     "Do we need to bring anyone back?" Wagner asked. 
     "No, Sergeant," Byrne said. "When the orders are ready, you, the Ensign, and Petty Officer Clemens can come and pick them up."
     "Yes, sir," 
     "Very well," nodded Bryne. He went back into the shop. "Jasen? Thanks again. Aurelia? Tyrell? Same to both of you."
     "Glad to be of service, Captain," Jasen said, and the other two nodded. 
     "Captain, it's a pleasure," said Aurelia. "Always glad to have some new customers." 
     "Likewise," Tyrell added. 
     "We'll be back with the others," Byrne reminded them. 
     "We'll be waiting," Jasen said. 
     Byrne nodded. "Thanks again." He turned to Mr. Malik. "Ready, Mr. Malik?" 
     "Ready, sir," Malik replied. 
     "Then let's go." 

     The party left the shop and headed right for the elevators, and when they got there, Chief Zeibert was waiting. "Captain," he smiled. "Everything went well?" 
     "It did, Chief," Byrne said. "And we didn't encounter those....pests." 
     Zeibert nodded. "I'm pleased to hear that. A pity they can't stay and enjoy the Rising Star." 
     "Not today, but when this Welcome-Aboard Party happens? Different story." 
     "Speaking of which," Zeibert said. "Commander Adama has informed us, and we're already making preparations." 
     "Good to hear," Byrne said, shaking Zeibert's hand. . "Thanks again, Chief." 
     "A pleasure, Captain." 
     The party went down to the shuttle deck, and before they boarded the Armstrong, Wagner turned to the refugees."People, you've got a surprise waiting on the shuttle. Adele and I ran a little errand for the Captain. You'll see when we get aboard." 
     "Let's get aboard," Byrne said. 
     When the party was aboard, Wagner turned to the Captain, "Ready, sir?" 
     "When you are, Sergeant." 
     "Okay," Wagner said to the group. "There's what we call back home a Coffee Shop-they call it Java here, but since you all haven't had any in a very long time...." She opened the carriers. "Let's see...strong and black for the Captain, and the same for our Gunnery Officer." 
     "Thanks, Sergeant," Byrne said, taking the cup. 
     "Thank you, Sergeant," Malik nodded. "This means we'll have to go another round in the sparring match." 
     "It does, sir," Wagner grinned. "Okay....Adele? Here's yours, and Captain? A Latte with cream for Jen." 
     "That's her favorite," Byrne said. 
     "And for the rest of us, I didn't know what to get, so I got us all regular with cream," Wagner said, passing out the cups. 
     "God...I haven't had any in so long," Lieutenant Sanderson said. "Kind of forgot what it tastes like." And that sentiment was echoed by the others.
     "Sir, before we head on back to Constellation, I'd like to propose a toast," Clemens said. 
     "By all means, Petty Officer," Byrne nodded agreement. 
     Clemens raised her cup. "To freedom." 
     "Hear, hear," several people said at once. 
     "Okay," Adele said. "If you'll get strapped in your seats, it's time to head back to Constellation." 
     After everyone was in their seats, Adele got clearance to depart, and the Armstrong flew out of the shuttle bay and back to Constellation. 

     
     The next morning, Commander Adama came onto Galactica's bridge. He logged in, and found his Exec waiting for him, as usual. "Good Morning, Tigh." 
     "Good Morning, Commander," Tigh replied. "I have the overnight sitrep. Our overnight patrols found a rogue planetoid, and it was checked out." 
     "Thoroughly?" Adama asked as he went over the plot board. 
     "It was, Commander. No signs that anyone had been using it, or has even visited it. Risik or otherwise. And no useful resources, either," Tigh reported. 
     "Good," Adama said. "And the situation on the Beowulf and the Paz Goria?" 
     "On the Beowulf, they did have some issues. Chief Twilly's people were able to plug the leaks in the main recycling plant and seal the piping. However, it was an all-day job as the spaces were very confined, at best." 
     "The Paz Goria?" 
     "That," Tigh reported as he consulted his pad. "Turned out to be a faulty sensor reading. The system was checked, however, as a precaution. No leaks found. It's one of the older ships in the Fleet, Commander, and as you know..."
     Adama nodded. "All too well, Tigh. Older ship, faulty sensors, and you get the idea. Still, best to be safe than sorry." 
     Tigh understood. "Yes, sir. Captain Boomer's patrol returned as well, and was debriefed. He'll have a full report at the situation brief." 
     "Very well, Tigh," Adama said as Omega came to him with a pad. The overnight status report. After perusing it, the Commander signed it. "Thank you, Omega." 
     "Commander, " the Bridge Officer replied. 
     "What did Boomer report?" 
     "The Risik are there, Commander. Not a battle group, but it looks like they're beginning construction of some kind of base. They did have a Patrol Cruiser in orbit as a guard ship." 
     Adama nodded. "Just as we used to do it. What's next?" 
     "Doctor Wilker has cracked those remaining classified databases, Commander. He'll have that for you at the brief, along with additional information on Scarface and his travel to Earth," Tigh reported. 
     "So he's been there," Adama said. It wasn't a question. "The question is, though: What was he doing on the Derelict?" 
     "That information is among what Wilker found. He's got all of Scarface's personal papers translated. And that has also been provided to the Opposition and the Protection," Tigh said. 
     "Very good, Tigh." Then Athena came up to the Commander with a pad of her own. The overnight scanner report. Nothing unusual detected, it said. Adama signed it with a stylus and handed it back to his daughter. "Thank you, Athena." 
     "Father," she replied. "Did Wilker ever find out about that system?" 
     "We'll find out today," Adama replied. 
     Athena nodded. "We've still got two sectans to go, then they're behind us-for good. The sooner we do that, the better." 
     Adama smiled. "You're not the only one to say that." 
     "Glad I'm not alone," Athena said as she went back to her station. 
     Adama nodded at that. "How did Captain Byrne's and Commander Allen's parties do on the Rising Star?" 
     "Everything went smoothly," Tigh replied. "No problems or issues." 
     "Very good." Adama scanned the Plot Board, then turned to his daughter. "Athena, could you call up the Risik Capital and nearby systems on the Plot, please?" 
     "Yes, Commander," Athena typed in the command, and their current plot disappeared, to be replaced by the Risik Capital and its adjacent systems. "On the board, sir." 
     "Add in both known Fleet bases and shipyards, please." 
     "Yes, sir," she said. The data came up onto the board, and both Adama and Tigh studied it. 
     "Commander?" Tigh asked. 
     "Tigh," Adama said. "If you were the Risik Fleet Commander, what would you be worried about most of all right now? Apart from keeping your head on your shoulders, that is." 
     Tigh studied the board, and recognized it at once. "Are we coming back?" 
     "Exactly," Adama noted. "They may believe, even after we've released the captured ships and crews, that we'll return one day and finish what we started." 
     Tigh nodded. "They may not believe them, or, even if they do, they may fear that further strikes on their colony worlds are serious possibilities." 
     "Indeed, Tigh, and this is one time I do wish we had the Pegasus," Adama said. He pointed to Ne'Chak, then made a sweep with his right hand. "Though we're not at war with them, being able to mount a diversionary action would have been a bonus. I'd send Commander Cain on a diversionary sweep, not to the Capital, mind, it's too well defended for a single Battlestar, but to hit one or two of their outlying yards and bases." 
     "Forcing them to send out two reaction forces, and further dispersing their Star Force," Tigh finished. "And since they have no idea where we've come from, or are headed, let alone any rendezvous..." 
     "Yes," Agreed the Commander. "And note this: if they strip the colony worlds of their Fleet, it makes them vulnerable to further strikes. So....they have to start reallocating resources from offense to defense." 
     Tigh looked at the board, then nodded again. "Which takes up some serious time and planning. That buys us more long-term security, and also for any non-spacefaring races in the sector or adjacent ones." 
     "Precisely, Colonel," Adama said. "Not to mention Earth. Add to that every defense station they build for a colony world or the Capital is one less cruiser or troop carrier they can use," he added. 
     Tigh studied the board again. "Yes, Commander. It fits. Too bad we'll never know for sure." He looked at his CO. "Maybe have Technician Hummer run a simulation or two?"
     Adama nodded. "Certainly," he replied. "I'd like to see how this turns out, even if it's just a simulation." 
     "I'll notify him, Commander," Tigh said. 
     "Good. Athena? Put our current plot back on the board, please." 
     "Yes, Commander." She typed in the command, and the Plot Board reverted back to the current situation. 
     "Thank you, Athena. Colonel? Is there anything else prior to the briefing?" 
     Tigh checked his pad. "That's it for now, Commander." 
     "Thank you, Colonel." 


     The chrono flew, and aboard Constellation, it was after 1200 when Captain Byrne signed out of his Bridge Watch, leaving the ship in the capable hands of Mr. Agron, the Second Officer. He decided to eat in the Crew Mess, and when he got there, he was pleased to see the refugees from Earth mingling with crew and the civilians already aboard. It didn't take long for him to see that friendships were in the process of being forged, and it was clear that people were truly getting to know each other. We may be from different planets, he mused, but we're still Human. It was also a time for crew or civilians to come up to him, for this was one way that he made himself accessible so that if anyone had personal problems, he could help. But if that wasn't possible, he could, at least, give a good ear. 
     He was just about to leave when Petty Officer Kherson came over. "Captain? Do mind if I ask you something?" 
     "Not a problem, Petty Officer," Byrne said. "Have a seat and ask away." 
     Kherson sat down across from the Captain. "Sir, I've been wondering, since I was one of Laban's cabin mates......Maybe, if I'd said something, what happened aboard ship could've been avoided." He was referring to Laban's attempted kidnapping of Jen and Sergeant Wagner prior to the Il Fadim business. 
     "Don't let it get to you," Byrne told him. "You're not the first to think this way, because there's been more than enough incidents on Earth or in the Colonies, where someone did something like this, and his friends or neighbors wondered if they'd done the right thing, or if they'd overlooked something. You and your other cabin mates had no idea what he was up to in his spare time, and that's it." 
     Kherson looked at his Captain. "So there's nothing we could've done?" 
     "That's pretty much it. You can't change the past, no matter how much you want to. Just put it behind you, and go on," Byrne said. "Look at it this way: Laban and the others may not have seen the inside of an airlock, but between the cons who were marooned with them on one side, and those large lizards on the other? Either way, they're done for." 
     "Yes, sir," Kherson nodded. "Just hope they're all meat for the worms, though."
     Byrne laughed. "You're not the only one to say that. Seriously?" He asked. "I've thought often about how things might be different if I'd managed to save Jen's mother. But I wasn't able to, and have had to accept it. Though Krylon's dead now, and that's it.  That chapter's closed, and I've moved on. You've done that already since you all fled the Colonies, so just do it again." 
     "Yes, sir. It's just, well..."
     "I know. You think that you could've done something. Still, just accept that what's done is done, and go on." 
     "Yes, sir. Sorry to bother you," Kherson said. 
     "Not a problem, Petty Officer," Byrne replied. "It's one of the reasons I like to come down here once in a while. You're not the first crew member to have something to talk to me about, and won't be the last, either. All part of being a Captain." 
     "Yes, sir," Kherson said.
     "Feeling better?" Byrne asked. 
     "Yes, sir," said Kherson. "And sir? Thank you. I just had to get this off my mind." 
     "Not a problem, Petty Officer." Both got up to leave, and Byrne told him. "You have a good rest of the day." 
     "Thank you, sir." 

     In Constellation's Gym, Sergeant Wagner and Petty Officer Clemens were finishing up their now-usual four-mile run. When the ship had been acquired at RB-33, this had been one of a number of very spacious cargo holds. Now, it was where the ship's crew and the civilians living aboard could mingle as well as get in shape. For both Wagner and Clemens, it wasn't just getting back in shape after their respective ordeals, but it was a good way to get rid of the stress of the past several days. Both were in their workout attire, and were drenched in sweat after both the run and  calisthenics, but also the self-defense and unarmed combat moves that Mr. Malik practiced in his sparring sessions with Sergeant Wagner. And to Clemens' surprise, the Zohrloch warrior had hardly broken a sweat. "He's from a planet that's hotter than Earth, right?" 
     "He is," Wagner nodded as she grabbed a bottle of water, and promptly downed half of it. "A lot hotter and drier than Earth, and they've adapted to it. But life there can be, as they used to say, 'nasty, brutish, and short.'" 
     "Well, he has said something like that. Hey, Jen coming? I thought you two were teaching her some of this self-defense stuff." Jessica, too, grabbed a bottle of water and started to drink. 
     "Not every day," Wagner said. "But it's still a good idea, even with the Laban business over and done with. You never know when it might come in handy. And the skills are perishable, so you have to keep up." 
     Jessica nodded at that. "Like the water survival training we had to have if you wanted to stay on flight status?" She remembered the swim test in full flight gear, and the infamous "Helo dunker." 
     "That's one way to put it," Lauren said. Then some shouting nearby got both their attention. It was Mr. Malik, starting to get the six military personnel, Ensign Popova excepted, into shape. "Well, now." 
     "What?" 
     "That," Lauren nodded off to their right. There, the six military personnel among the refugees from Earth were starting their own PT routine, to get them back in shape. And Mr. Malik was in their faces from the get-go. 
     "Didn't the Captain say he'd go easy on them for a few days?" Jessica asked. 
     Lauren nodded. "He did, but then again, 'easy' to us is different than what it is for him." They watched for a few centons, then her PDA buzzed. She checked it. "Sit brief at 1600. We need to get cleaned up." 
     "Wouldn't look good on monitors seeing us all sweaty and in these outfits," Jessica said, starting to laugh. 
     "No, it wouldn't," Lauren said. "You're getting back to normal. Starting to show your sense of humor." 
     "Guess so, but you did find humor in that place. There were times when we could laugh. One guard in particular. We called him Zero, after the Beetle Bailey character." 
     "Let me guess: a dimwit and an incompetent," Lauren said. 
     Jessica nodded. "Yep, and we got a few laughs at his expense, though you had to be careful. He'd still beat up on you if he got the chance. But one time, he was on patrol in the compound, found several of us digging, and thought he'd broken up an escape. Brought Scarface over, told him what he'd found." 
     "And?" 
     "Scarface literally kicked him in the ass. We were digging a drainage ditch," Jessica said, remembering that episode. "Called him every Risik cuss word that we could pick up-and maybe some we didn't know, smacked him around, you name it. Why they assigned him there, we never did figure out. But he did have one quality they did like." 
     "What was that?" Lauren asked. She was eager for any detail about the ordeal she had escaped by being on ice. 
     "He never disobeyed an order. Totally loyal, even if he was nearly a hundred percent incompetent. He wasn't kind, either, but he never laid a finger on me," Jessica said. 
     Lauren nodded, then she glanced over at where Mr. Malik was holding court as DI. "I need to talk to the Captain about something." She then went over to the gym office, where a Petty Officer was running things while Lieutenant Krebs was with Mr. Malik. "I need to use your telecom." 
     The PO nodded, then handed it to her. "Here you go, Sergeant." 
     "Thanks. She commed the Bridge, and found out that Captain Byrne had gone off Watch, and was in his office. She called his office next, and spoke to him for a couple of centons. Then she went over to Mr. Malik, who had just sent the six on what would be on Earth, a two-mile run. "Sir," 
     "Ah, Sergeant. Care to join them?" Malik asked. 
     "Got my run in already. I just talked to the Captain. He wants Lieutenant Sanderson in his office at 1600 for a situation brief," Lauren told him. 
     "I see...more news on those Risik scum?" 
     "Unfortunately," Lauren said. "The Captain feels that she needs to be there, as the senior military officer among our new arrivals." 
     Malik nodded. "Understood. You may inform the Captain that she will be there in time."
     "Thank you, sir." Lauren went back over to where Jessica was waiting. "Let's get back to the Cabin. We need to get cleaned up." 
     "Lead the way, roomie," Jessica said. "Notice one other thing?" 
     "What's that?" Lauren asked as they left the gym.
     "The guys staring at us because not only are we in these sports bras? We're  pretty sweaty, too." 
     "Let 'em. That's all they'll ever see." 
     Jessica nodded as they headed back to their cabin. 

     Later, the principals began to gather, either in Galactica's Ward Room or via com link on their respective ships. Aboard Constellation, Captain Byrne was in his office, when Sergeant Wagner and Petty Officer Clemens arrived via the hidden smuggling compartment. "Sir," Wagner said. "Reporting as ordered," and both saluted. 
     "Have a seat, you two," Byrne said. "Now where is..." The door chimed. "Enter!" 
     The door hissed open and Lieutenant Sanderson came in. "Reporting as ordered, sir," she said, snapping a perfect Quantico salute. 
     "Very well. Pull up and have a seat, all of you. We've just established the com with Galactica. The monitor came to life, and they could see people already gathering, along with the picture from both the Base Ship and Adelaide.
     "Captain Byrne," Sire Xaviar said. "Pelias will be here momentarily, and I see our two ex-prisoners are looking well," 
     "Thank you, Sire," Sanderson replied. "We're all feeling better with each passing day. Your doctors work wonders." 
     Xaviar nodded as Pelias came on the screen. "I see everyone's there, Captain. And I did hear the Lieutenant. How's things going today?" 
     "Very good, Sire," Byrne replied. "So far, people are getting settled in." 
     "And we haven't had any babies born yet," Sanderson added. "Emphasis on yet." 
     Hearing that, Pelias laughed. "Yet. Still, it will be a joyous event, and as has been said, the babies will have a much better future now." 
     "They will, Sire. Though as Salik and Cassie have said, the babies might decide when it's time. When no one expects it." 
     Siress Tinia came in, as both Sires laughed. "Babies can do that. I remember my daughter's second pregnancy. She had twins, and they came early," she said, glad that her daughter and grandchildren had made it on board the Fleet, though her son and his family had not.....
     "So, who all's there, Siress?" Byrne asked. 
     "Doctor Wilker has just arrived, and you can see both Captains Apollo and Boomer there as well. Baltar and the Cylons will be on-line shortly." Just then, Commander Allen came on the line from Adelaide. "And I see Commander Allen has joined us." 
     Byrne asked Allen, "Ced, how's it going on your end?" 
     "So far, so good, Kev. Had a pretty good trip to the Rising Star yesterday, and I hear you did, too." Allen said. He was joined by both Captains Ashby and Zhukov. 
     "We did, though Zara and Zed were aboard at the same time we were," Byrne said. "They were supposedly enjoying a day off, Zeibert told me, but with those two.....
     "Who have likely conned their way into who knows what kind of stories," Xaviar spat. "Too many, I'd say." 
     "No arguing that, Xaviar," Pelias said. "Captain, Commander, I'd like to come aboard in a day or so. Before the Tribunal gets going." 
     Byrne nodded. "Just say when, Sire. You're always welcome." 
     "Same here," Allen added. 
     Then Baltar and the Cylons came on line, and the usual pleasantries were exchanged, then Colonel Tigh and Academician Sarah came in. "Everyone, the Commander will be joining us in a few moments," Tigh said. "A patrol has finished debriefing, and he is on his way." 
     People nodded, and kept making small talk, then Commander Adama arrived. "Good afternoon, everyone. I see by the Chrono it's 1559, so I'm still a centon early." There was some laughter, both in the room and on the monitors, even from Baltar, then he continued. "Shall we?" People in the Ward Room took their seats. "Now, before we begin, I have some news from Sire Solon and Sire Memnon. Preparations for the Tribunal are proceeding, and it will begin four days from now." 
     "About time," Byrne said. "Then we'll get everyone their day in court." 
     "Indeed," Pelias added. "Commander, I do realize that Sire Memnon is bound by Protector-Client Privilege, but has he said anything about whether his clients are more....cooperative?" 
     "He did. Sire. I informed him that, should they be convicted and sentenced to the Prison Barge, there is the chance that, should we encounter the Ke'zar, we could turn them over to the Ke'zar as war criminals," Adama said. 
     People started to look at each other, both in person and on the monitors. And to everyone's surprise, it was Baltar who spoke next. "An.... interesting possibility, Adama. What did the Sire say about that?" 
     "We spoke by com after he informed his clients of that possibility," Adama said. "Memnon informed me that they became much less....combative, and more subdued. Their level of cooperation may increase, he said. Slightly." Hearing that, Baltar chuckled softly. 
     Xaviar nodded. "Well, Commander, we shall find out soon enough."
     "Quite, Sire. Now, to today's business. Doctor Wilker has some new information for us, not just about Scarface, but also about some classified databases in the Risik's own navigation files." Adama gestured to the Chief Scientist. "Doctor?" 
     "Commander, everyone," Wilker said as he stood up. "We've finished translation of Scarface's personal papers. We now know that he interrogated nearly three thousand people brought to the home world, and he took notes on every one of them. Much like a physician takes notes when examining a patient." 
     "WHAT?' Sanderson said. "He was taking notes?" 
     "Yes, he was," Wilker said. "Scarface views himself as a professional, and he was approaching what he did on the homeworld on that basis. I know, it's repulsive, but that is how he views his.....work." 
     There were looks of revulsion on everyone's face (except the Cylons, of course), then Captain Zhukov asked, "Did he do the same with the people in the camp?" 
     "Good question, Captain," Tigh said. "Even if it's.....most unpleasant." 
     "He goes into detail in the 'disciplinary record' portion of each prisoner's dossier, even though, as we know now, there's a full audio and visual record in addition to that," Wilker replied. 
     Hearing that, Wagner put a palm to her head. "Sergeant?" Byrne asked. 
     "Right now, I wish he had tried going for my weapon when he was on that stretcher," Wagner said. "Then I would've had no choice but to shoot him." 
     Heads nodded, then Apollo said, "A little too late for that now." 
     "Too bad," replied Wagner. "Doc, what was he doing on the ship I was on?" 
     "Just getting to that," Wilker said. He called up another translated page. "The ship was called the Chaser, we know now, and his personal journal says that he was on another Exploratory Cruiser, the Fencer, when he was called over to that ship. The journal entry says that 'A female subject was proving obstinate, and my expertise was requested.' He goes on to add that after his services were completed, and I quote, 'I am looking forward to breaking this Te'rean bitch on the homeworld.'" 
     "Has this material been provided to Sire Solon, Doctor?" Adama asked, after a centon's silence. 
     "It has, Commander, and to Sire Memnon," Wilker replied. 
     "So what was he doing there anyway?" Wagner asked. "We know from interrogating him that he was going to be assigned to the invasion force." 
     Wilker called up another document. "Here's the order for that, and this: he requested that his superiors authorize his going to Earth, so that he could become familiar with it. Sort of a firsthand look at the planet." 
     "Hope he enjoyed it," growled Allen. "That's the only trip he'll ever take there." 
     "No arguing that, Commander," Adama said. "Any hint of his assignment in the invasion?" 
     Wilker shook his head. "Nothing, Commander. We've checked, and so far, nothing specific." 
     "Keep looking, Doctor," Adama said. "Though he may not have received his final orders. What else leaps out at you?" 
     "This," Wilker said. He called up an image, and it showed Scarface with a  Risik woman, who was a looker by their standards. "He was married." 
     "Was this before the Ke'zar?" Captain Ashby asked. "Because he lived alone in the camp-though he did have a local mistress from time to time." 
     "When he wasn't taking advantage of one of us," Sanderson said, and everyone could hear the anger in her voice. 
     Wilker nodded. "Before, and here's a surprise: she was a doctor. Trained in emergency medicine, as well as an  obstetrician." 
     "Some relationship," Boomer noted. "He's breaking bones and she's healing them." 
     "Not necessarily," Wilker said. "She made frequent trips to the prison colony and the lab there. It seems she would tend to the slaves in their settlements, and yet....."
     "She worked at the lab there?" Tinia asked, a look of horror on her face. 
     "Yes, Siress, she did." 
     There was a look of revulsion on everyone's face, except for the Cylons, then Apollo asked Wilker, "Anything about what went on there? Though I doubt anyone here really wants to know." 
     Wilker shook his head again. "No, and that's one thing I'm glad not to find. His journal notes state that he wasn't cleared to know what went on there, she didn't discuss it, other than telling him that 'The research there is important to the State." 
     "Doc," Wagner said. "Please tell us she got what was coming to her when the Ke'zar took that place." 
     "She did," replied Wilker. "The journal notes that she was sent there to help evacuate the laboratory, but the Ke'zar got there shortly afterward. Four ships tried to get away, and one of them did. Her ship was one of the three that were destroyed." 
     "Anybody running that lab deserves whatever came to them," Bryne spat. Not exactly the gallows at Nuremberg, but good enough, as far as he was concerned. 
     "I don't think anyone would disagree with you, Captain," Adama nodded. "Captains? Lieutenant? Petty Officer, did he ever mention having a wife?" 
     "No, Commander," Ashby replied. 'His personal life was something we didn't ask about. For good reason." 
     "Ask something like that," Zhukov added, "and you might wind up in the torture shed for a day or two. At least." 
     Sanderson spoke up next. "All the women took turns cleaning in his suite, Commander. I don't remember seeing any pictures of a wife or family in the suite." 
     Clemens said, "Wait....Lieutenant, remember? One day a year, he would go into his suite after Morning Roll Call. If you were working there, or just outside, you weren't supposed to make any noise, and when you were done with whatever you were doing, the guard would take you back to the compound. And the staff were just as quiet." 
     "I remember now," Sanderson replied. "He'd go into his suite, and if you were inside or close by outside, you might hear soft music coming from inside. It wasn't somber by any means, and as Captain Ashby said, you didn't ask what he was up to. The next day? He'd be back to his usual strutting, sadistic, self." 
     Xaviar recognized it at once. "He was mourning a lost wife." 
    "Did he ever say anything about making the Ke'zar pay for this?" Tinia asked. 
     Sanderson shook her head. "No, Siress, and we're pretty sure about that. The usual propaganda crap about 'Teaching the Ke'zar a lesson', that sort of thing. But settling a personal score? Not a word." 
     "This is something the Opposition would use, Commander," Tigh said. 
     "Yes, it would," Adama nodded. Though it was nearly impossible to feel any kind of sympathy for the man, Adama knew the pain of losing a wife. He looked at Byrne, also a widower, and Byrne gave a slight nod. He, too, understood. "Doctor, you did find out about some classified navigational information?" 
     Glad to be moving on, the Chief Scientist nodded. "Yes, Commander, we did." He called up the information. "Now, these were restricted to either the ship's Commanding Officer or First Officer," as the holo display showed the chart. "Some of these systems are well off our course, or are behind us, and so we can't use the information." He highlighted three systems "Two of them  have intelligent races that are, at best, pre-industrial in terms of technology development. One is at, what would be on Earth, the height of the Roman Empire, while the other? They're approaching their own Industrial Revolution. . Another, here, is one we would have encountered had we not met Lemeshik's vessel. It's only two-point-three light-yahrens from that system, It has just discovered atomic power." 
     "I'd say, Commander," Apollo said. "We've done these races a favor. The Risik won't be dropping in on them anytime soon." 
     "No, they won't," Adama agreed. "Sarah?" 
     "That is so, Commander, but if this race is as tenacious as they appear to be, these non-spacefaring races are on borrowed time, unfortunately. Unless the Risik are stopped, somehow, they will subjugate these people in due course.". 
     Heads nodded grimly. "At least we have bought them some time," Adama noted. "Now, why are these systems in a restricted database?" 
     "That, Commander, we haven't found out. Pliny and his people are still digging," Wilker reported. "There's one other thing about that atomic world. The Risik note that 'Warfare is endemic to the planet. Nuclear war is a distinct possibility prior to our bringing civilization and order to the inhabitants.'" 
     "Nuclear war would put a serious crimp in Risik plans," Pelias observed.
     "The sire is correct," Command Centurion Moray said. "Consider, though: the Risik could still invade the world once Fallout levels have decreased to acceptable tolerances." 
     "Indeed, Command Centurion," Adama said. Another interesting insight from a Cylon. "Just as at the world we concealed the Fleet during the raid. Anything else, Doctor?" 
     "Yes, Commander," said Wilker "This system, here, at the edge of our scanners. It's also classified, and from the Risik viewpoint, with good reason. It's an early-warning outpost." 
     "An early-warning station?" Byrne asked. 
     "That's right, Captain," Wilker said. "It's pretty simple, really. Given their lack of rapid interstellar communications, they've deployed a number of remote probes. Several of their FTL-capable scouts, similar to the wreck you explored, Captain, are based there. They fly to the probes, do a data dump from the probe, and probably conduct their own sensor sweeps, then return. How they get the data back to a base, though, is not in the database." 
     Apollo thought for a centon. "They probably either have a scout fly to a base with the material, or wait for a cruiser to come by on a patrol, and send them the data." 
     "Either method is logical," Moray added. 
     "Exactly, Command Centurion," Adama said. "What else do you have, Doctor?" 
     "Just this: any information on star systems past their Frontier, at least in this region? It's held at their Star Force HQ," Wilker reported. 
     "What about our smuggler pal in Galactica's brig?" Wagner asked. "He had charts going to RB-33." 
     "That region is charted by them, and thus is in their database." 
     Adama nodded. "Is that it for now, Doctor?" He asked Wilker. 
     "It is for now, Commander. We'll still be working on material for the Tribunal, however. Once we've had our sectan's rest, Pliny wants to get started on their historical database." 
     "Very good," Adama said. "Well done, and pass that on to not just your people, but Pliny and his students." 
     "Yes, Commander." 
     Adama turned to Apollo and, on a monitor, Orion. "Apollo, what do you and Orion have, before we hear from Boomer and Hadries?" 
     "There's not much, Commander," Apollo reported. "Apart from what Boomer's patrol found, just a whole lot of empty space." 
     "Orion?" 
     "That is so, Commander," Orion replied. "No Risik ships detected, nor have any transmissions." 
     Xaviar nodded. "That's a relief. We should still see them long before they see us." 
     "Nothing is perfect, as you know, sire," Adama replied. "But your point is well known. We've had no combat since Ne'Chak, and only two patrol encounters, prior to yesterday."
     Tinia asked, "What are the chances we've seen the last of them?" 
     "Fair, Siress," Adama replied. "But if we do run into a cruiser on patrol, as Baltar pointed out at our last briefing, we may have no choice but to engage. Lemeshik's encounter with us may yet turn out to be the rule than the exception. Though I'd rather avoid combat if at all possible."
     Xaviar nodded. "They may not give us any other option," he reminded the group. 
     "Precisely, sire," Adama said. "Either he initiates combat, or we have to engage to prevent him from getting away with a sighting report."
     "Which would give their Star Force a new data point to work with," Tigh added. 
     "True, but we'll be giving them one when we release the captured ships and crews in any event," Baltar pointed out. 
     Adama nodded. Ever the diplomat when necessary, he said, "There's no getting around that. But, when they do return home, and their reaction force is notified, it's still quite a distance from Ne'Chak to the Frontier, and by the time they do get to the position where we do release those ships, we're well into what the Risik consider unexplored territory." 
     "And even they may not choose to pursue into what, to them, might be dangerous territory," Pelias said. 
     "Exactly, sire," Adama replied. "It will be on our terms, not theirs. Now, Boomer? We'd like to hear from you and Flight Leader Hadries." 
     "Commander," Boomer said as he stood up. "The patrol that Flight Leader Hadries and I took to a trinary system, here," he said, calling up the system on the holo display, had a surprise. Now, the two Red Dwarf companion stars had nothing useful to anyone, just asteroids or, in the case of the second companion, a small rock ball. We then proceeded towards the primary, a G2 Yellow star, with eight planets and an asteroid belt. The three outer worlds are gas giants, then we passed through the asteroid belt. Hadries?" 
     The Cylon Flight Leader took over. "The asteroid belt was given a brief survey, and many of the asteroidal bodies have mineral resources, including Tylium, water ice, and others. We then proceeded to investigate the inner worlds. The first world in was found to be an icy desert at the outer limit of the life zone, with no life forms present." The Cylon gestured to Boomer. "Captain." 
     "Thank you, Hadries," Boomer said, and to the surprise of many, the Centurion nodded in reply. "The Garden World, here, has two moons, and it's about the size of Caprica, though it has more surface water, about seventy-five percent oceans. Four principal continents, and the land masses teem with life. However, as we came into the day side of the planet, we spotted a Risik Patrol Cruiser in orbit. Fortunately for us, they had their scanners focused on a specific region of the planet, and we promptly fell back to the closest moon. If they had been doing a standard sensor sweep, though, they would've had us. We were able to duck to the edge of their scanner range, and found two ships, also cruiser sized, landed on the planet's surface." 
     "That is correct," Hadries confirmed. "As we were scanning, another ship arrived." The scan data came up, and the Cylon continued. "A ship of similar size to a Patrol Cruiser, but only half as many life forms aboard. That ship communicated with the cruiser, then it initiated a landing cycle, landing near the other two ships. We were also able to detect signs of construction activity on the surface near the landed ships." 
     "Were you detected?" Adama asked. 
     "No, Commander,." Boomer replied. "We were able to stay at the fringe of their scanner range, and were probably indistinguishable from background noise." 
     "There were no scans detected from the cruiser towards us," Hadries added. 
     "Thank the Lords for that," Adama said. "Now, what's going on there? They're building something, but what?" 
     Byrne said, "A base, perhaps? Nothing major, but a forward operating location would be my guess." 
     "Laying out a colony, or at least, the beginnings of one?" Pelias offered. 
     "Both are possibilities," Sarah commented. "Or, perhaps, both in combination." 
     "A colony and a base?" Allen asked. 
     Apollo nodded. "It makes sense. You put a base in to ensure no one else comes calling undetected, but at the same time you lay out the grid for a settlement: streets, locations for water, power, sewers, and so on. So that if the decision is made to settle, you just work from the grid and go on from there." 
     "Just as was done when we established outposts," Adama said. "At the very least, it's a forward military outpost, and they can expand it if necessary, when the colonists arrive. Now, Doctor?" He asked Wilker, "Any information about this system in the Risik database?" 
     "No, Commander," Wilker replied. "Just the basics on the system and notes that it is an optimal world for a settlement." 
     Allen added, "If they're building a base, then either this ship's database hasn't been updated, or it's still secret." 
     "Especially if it's a covert operation," Byrne pointed out. 
     "Both Captain Byrne and Commander Allen have made suggestions that are quite logical," Moray added. 
     Both Byrne and Allen were surprised, though they didn't show it. Being complimented by a Cylon?  That was a first for both of them. 
     "What if the Secret Police try a grab for power, and they fail?" Baltar asked. "If, as we've said before, the military and priests put that down?  This Eikhe fellow and his followers, if they escape, are going to be fleeing the Capital. They'll need a bolt hole, and quickly." 
     "Looking for a place they can keep their heads on their shoulders, then," Apollo commented. "He's right, Father." 
     "That's pretty much it, Captain," Byrne said. "Coup plotters on Earth sometimes have to make a quick getaway if their plot fails and they're facing being dragged off to a firing squad." 
     Adama nodded, then turned to Sarah. "Comments?" 
     Sarah nodded. "Given what we do know about their politics, and it can be cut-throat at times, literally? It is quite possible." 
     "Do we know if the secret police have their own ships?" Pelias asked. "Besides basic transport?" 
     "Nothing in the database to show that," Wilker said. 
     Tigh asked, "Would Sub-Commander Morovik know, Commander?" 
     "We haven't had reason to ask," Adama noted. "Perhaps now is the time. Sergeant?" He asked Wagner. "Would you like to have another go at him?" 
     "Yes, sir," Wagner said. "I need to have a talk with our smuggler captain, and this is something we may need to know. I can be on Galactica tomorrow afternoon." 
     "Very well, Sergeant. I'll leave orders with the Brig in that regard. Boomer, Hadries? Well done, both of you, and pass that on to your flight mates." 
     "Commander," Boomer replied. 
     "By your command," said Hadries.
     Adama nodded, "Now, Captain Byrne, Commander Allen? How are things aboard your ships?" 
     Byrne nodded. "So far, so good, Commander. People are settling down, getting adjusted, and friendships are being forged with their new shipmates. And in case anyone's wondering, our pregnant lady hasn't had her babies. Yet." 
     "Emphasis on yet," Sanderson added. 
     Adama was pleased upon hearing that, then he asked. "Commander Allen?" 
     "The same thing''s happening here on Adelaide, Commander," Allen replied. "Though one of our refugee couples has indicated that they want to tie the knot." He saw the faces looking at him-another Earthism. "Uh, get married." 
     Several jaws dropped at that, and Tinia said, "Another joyous event, Commander. Do we know who, and when?" 
     "Not yet, Siress, as to when. The who? The couple whose second child was born on the Galactica,'" Allen said. 
     "Let us know when things become more definite," Adama said. "This will be another first for our new travelers." 
     "Indeed," Pelias said. "After the Tribunal, then?" 
     "Sometime after, Sire. Once things have really settled down," Allen replied. 
     "Very good," Adama said. "The happy couple will let us know when they are ready. Colonel?" Adama asked his Exec, getting back to business. "An update on the fuel and water situation, please." 
     "Still green on both fuel and water, and I have been in touch with Command Centurion Moray regarding the Base Ship's need for fighter fuel." 
     "Moray?" 
     "At current rates of expenditure, our supply is still adequate," Moray replied. 
     "Thank you, Command Centurion," Adama said. "And the water supply, Colonel?" 
     Tigh nodded. "Still green, as mentioned, but we did have a pair of situations with the Beowulf and Paz Goria yesterday. The Beowulf had a number of leaks in her water recycling system, and it was an all-day job by Chief Twily's men to seal the leaks and check the system thoroughly. Replacement conduits are on order from the Foundry Ship, but they'll have to wait their turn. As for the Paz Goria? It was a faulty sensor reading indicating a leak. The system was checked, as a precaution." 
     "Ships are ships, and they will break," Xaviar commented. "Often when we least expect it." 
     Adama nodded. "As we've come to know, sire. Now, before we adjourn, Apollo, Orion?" He turned to his fighter leaders. "Continue as before. Maintain the current patrol schedule and the Rules of Engagement." 
     "Yes, Commander," Apollo said, noting on his pad. 
     "By your command," Orion replied. 
     "Colonel?" Adama said to his Exec. "Maintain watch on the fuel and water situation, Colonel." 
     "Yes, Commander," Tigh nodded. 
     "I'd like to remind everyone that we're still over a sectan and a half away from leaving their charted territory. The longer we can go without needing to replenish, the better." Heads nodded at that, then Adama went on. "Doctor?" He said to Wilker. "Make some copies of Lemeshik's private files. When the time comes to release the captured cruiser, I'll give that information to his officers." 
     "Who will provide that information to their superiors when they return to the Capital," Baltar said. 
     "Precisely my intention, Baltar," Adama said. "If this causes more turmoil in their government, and not just the military chain of command....."
     "The better off we are, in terms of long-term security," Xaviar finished. 
     "Which can only be a good thing, not just for us, but for those races the Risik have plans for," Tinia added. 
     Byrne nodded. "Except for our Risik friends. The more political turmoil they have, the better." 
     "And in a society such as theirs, the politics may be more cut-throat than usual," Sarah pointed out. Just like Ziklag, she thought to herself. 
     "Too bad we'll never find out how things went," Allen mused. 
     Adama nodded, then said, "Unfortunately, but at least we'll have set things in motion. Now, is there anything else?" Heads shook no. "Baltar?" 
     "I don't think so, Adama," Baltar replied. "We've covered things pretty well today."
     "Very well," Adama said. "We'll convene again the day before the Tribunal. If there's nothing else, we're adjourned." 

     The next afternoon, the shuttle Armstrong left Constellation.  Ensign Adele was at the controls, and both Sergeant Wagner and Petty Officer Clemens were seated behind her. Lauren was going over some notes from her previous talk with the smuggler captain, and Jessica was surprised that her roomie still used what was now something old-fashioned. A pen and notepad. Kind of like her choice of weapons. "This guy still has to talk, right?' Jessica asked. 
    "He does. The deal's contingent on his continued cooperation. If he doesn't...." Lauren's voice trailed off. 
     Jessica understood. "He's meat on the table for some nasty critter." 
     "You two still into animal cruelty?" Adele asked, half-jokingly. 
     "No, but do you really want him taking up space on the Prison Barge, wasting food, water, and oxygen?" Lauren asked. 
     "Now that you mention it, no," Adele said. "And when we do release this guy?" 
     "He's going to have a bigger problem; namely, trying to explain to somebody why he didn't deliver on his cargo." 
     Adele nodded. "A very unsympathetic somebody. Which means he'll have trouble keeping his head on his shoulders, along with other parts of his anatomy." 
     Lauren smiled. "Now you're talking," she said. "That's his problem, not ours." 
     "Hey, this Sub-Commander Morovik guy? He's more reasonable than Lemeshik?" 
     "He is. Then again, he didn't like being Lemeshik's second-in-command. He wasn't happy Lemeshik was using his position to help run his family's criminal enterprises. And in having Jessica aboard." 
     Adele thought for a centon. "Wouldn't surprise me if he decided to testify for the Opposition. Sounds like the guy who'd hang his CO out to dry." 
     "Something like that," Lauren agreed. 
     Adele then called the Galactica, and received landing clearance. She flew the Armstrong into Alpha Bay, and after taxiing to a deck spot, she shut down. After doing the post-flight check, Adele asked, "You want me to come along?" 
     "Why not?" Lauren replied. "You've picked up the game the time we did it with Lemeshik." 
     "I'm game," Adele said. And both Lauren and Jessica could see she had a grin on her face. 
     Lauren turned to Jessica. "Any problems with the Sub-Commander that you can think of?" 
     "No," Jessica replied. "He never touched me, but then again, he never did anything to help. I don't know if Adele knows, but there was one junior officer who was kind of sympathetic to me. Lemeshik noticed it, and one day, he called all the officers to the docking bay. He brought me along, and had a couple of his security guys drag this one officer out of line and put him on his knees, right in front of me. He said, 'This is what happens when you show any kind of sympathy to a Te'rean slave.' Then Lemeshik drew his service pistol and blew the guy's brains out, right then and there." 
     "Possessive fraker," Adele observed as she popped the hatch. 
     "He was that," Jessica nodded. 
     The three then left the shuttle, and as they got out, a familiar face was waiting for them . "Ladies," Castor said. 
     "Castor," Lauren said. "Well, this is a surprise. What's up?" 
     "Commander Adama told me you would be doing some interrogating, and he said to give you whatever assistance you needed," Castor said, 
     Lauren nodded. "Well, glad to have the help. Lead the way." 
     Castor led the trio to the Brig, and found Sergeant Fabius on duty. "Fabius," 
     "Lieutenant," Fabius said. "Who are you seeing today?" 
     "Sergeant Wagner's in charge of this one, I'm just here on the Commander's orders," Castor said. He turned to Wagner. "Who do you want to see first?" 
     "Let's start with the smuggler captain, Picaja," Wagner said. "Then Sub-Commander Morovik." 
     Fabius nodded. "Just sign in, and I'll need your sidearms, please." 
     Lauren signed in, and she, Castor, and Adele handed their weapons over. As they did Fabius took a look at her Mark-23 and whistled. "You like?" She asked. 
     "I sure do," Fabius said. "But, Lords, this is something out of the Academy's antique firearms collection. You've used this, I know." 
     "Killed an Il Fadim with it, and took down three Risik guards on the raid. Nobody I shot got up again." 
     Fabius looked at Castor, who nodded. "The SF Team's used them on the Delta Raid and at the camp, Fabius. They work just fine, and there's something she told us when we were qualifying on them." 
     "Sir?" Fabius asked. 
     "It goes like this: 'if a weapon can still kill you, it's not obsolete.' Remember that if you ever want to come over to SF." 
     "Yes,sir. Captain Picaja's this way. If you'll follow me?" Fabius led the trio to the isolation block, where the smuggler crew was being kept separate from Lemeshik's officers. He led them into the block, then Picaja's cell. "He's right here." 
     "Thanks, Fabius," Castor said. 
     Fabius nodded. "I'll be right outside if you need anything." 
     Castor turned to Lauren. "It's your show. I'm just along for the ride, as you say." 
     "Thanks," Wagner said. "Open up." 
     Fabius opened the cell, and to Lauren, the man was unchanged since the last time she had a talk with him, before the Ne'Chak Raid. "Captain," she said. "We meet again." 
     Picaja stood up. "The Te'rean warrior woman. How charming," he said, with a wheedling tone of voice. 
     "Captain, your case has been adjudicated. But, the deal still requires that you to continue to cooperate. Now, we've got some questions, and you have answers." 
     "What if he refuses to answer?" Adele asked. 
     "Aw, he doesn't want to do that," Jessica said. 
     "I don't think so, either," replied Lauren. "If he reneges on the deal, he goes back into court, charged with drug smuggling. The penalty for that is life in prison or marooning." 
     Though he'd been told that before, the thought still hadn't gotten across to him. "Ma, Ma.....Marooning?" 
     "Think about it," Jessica said. "You, alone on some nasty jungle planet." 
     "I, uh...."
     "You do want to talk, don't you?" Lauren asked. 
     "Um....ah... Good lady, I can be reasonable." Picaja said, a wheedling tone of voice coming across to everyone. 
     Adele whispered to Castor. "He sounds like a used hovermobile salesman." 
     "You picked that up fast," Castor whispered back. "Wonder if he and Baltar are related?" 
     "Good one," Lauren said. "Now, Captain. Before we get started, were you ever at the slave camp?" 
     "Yes," Picaja replied smugly. "To make deliveries. The commandant was a regular customer." 
     "Then you do recognize the young lady behind me," Lauren said. 
     "For your information, I was a prisoner in that camp," Jessica added. "You probably saw me unloading your delivery vehicle." 
     "There were a number of female slaves who did so," Picaja stammered. "I do not recognize her." 
     Lauren got into his face. "Were you ever at one of his banquets?" 
     "Banquets?" 
     "Where he not only wined and dined VIPs from the colony, but allowed them to take advantage of female prisoners," Lauren spat. 
     "I, um....."
     "I suggest you pray to your fraking gods that your name doesn't appear on his guest lists-which we have, by the way. If it does, the deal's off, and you're back into court. Charged with accessory to kidnapping and several counts of rape." 
     Castor jumped in "The penalty's the same as if for the drug smuggling." 
     "Uh, ah....I see...Yes. Um. Yes," Picaja said, sweat building on his forehead. "I was there, once. It was a State Holiday.....What is it you wish to discuss?"
     "Good boy," Lauren said. "Now, have you ever been to any of your Frontier worlds? One the opposite side from RB-33?" 
     "No, my interests lay towards RB-33 and adjacent territories. Bosaq or Hork trading outposts." 
     "Okay," Lauren nodded, jotting down notes. "Ever have dealings with the Ziklagi?" 
     "No, and for good reason. Not only are they unscrupulous slugs, but they are in the midst of a civil war.," Picaja said. 
     "So it's the central government and several factions?" 
     Picaja looked at Wagner. "Yes. But it is not just the central government and several factions. And..."
     "And?" Lauren asked. He fell silent for a moment. "I'm listening." 
     "Some of the subject races of the Ziklagi have chosen to rise up, and are in open rebellion. Many of the factions have offices on RB-33. They are purchasing weapons and munitions, raw materials, and other supplies needed to wage war. However...."
     "However?" 
     "The factions offer considerable sums in payment, but, if you are captured by a rival, the penalties are swift and final." 
     "Instant execution," Castor noted. 
     Picaja nodded. "That is correct. That, and some of the factions have been known to cheat those they hire for smuggling."
     "And for you, going into a war zone isn't good for business," Lauren observed. "Any signs of the war ending anytime soon?" 
     "No, it may continue for quite some time." 
     "All right, then there's this." Lauren took out a paper from a folder she'd been carrying. It was a photo of the wreck Apollo's patrol had found. "Ever encounter a Zikalgi ship in your territory?" 
     Picaja looked at the image. "Where was this?" 
     "Not far from here," she said. "Now, I'll ask again: ever have a meet with a Ziklagi ship?"
     "No. By the Gods, I swear it!" Picaja said, and to those in the cell, the man was plainly getting quite nervous. 
     Lauren nodded, then turned to Castor. "Castor, could you do me a favor?"
     "What is it, Sergeant?" Castor replied, a little more formal than usual, but this was for appearances. 
     She turned back to face the smuggler. "Ask the Commander if they've finished with his flight logs and personal journal. I don't trust this guy much. He may still have had dealings with the Ziklagi. If he says they cheat, he may have also cheated them." 
     "I...uh...." Picaja stammered. 
     "And that means?" Adele wondered aloud. 
     Jessica picked it up. "These Ziklagi may have a reward out for him." 
     "Uh...." Picaja said, almost leaping out of his seat, and sweat building on his forehead. "Please understand.."
     "If we find out you've been lying? We might not bother with a Tribunal, and if we encounter a Zikagi ship? We'll turn you over to them. Some Ziklagi skipper might not look askance at pocketing the bounty on you. Then and there. How's that?" Lauren said, getting into his face. "There is a price on your head, isn't there?" 
     "Uh..ah....I...um.." 
     "Thought so. And the next time I want to have a chat with you?" Lauren got into his face again. "You'll be a good boy and tell me everything I want. Right?" 
     "Of course, yes. I...Yes." 
     "I knew it." Lauren turned to Castor. "I think we're finished here," she said, gathering her materials. 
     Castor nodded, then turned towards the cell door. "Fabius." 
     As Fabius opened the cell door, Wagner turned to the smuggler. "You'd best remember what I said. Keep cooperating, and you and your crew will get out of this with your ship, the clothes on your backs, and the data discs." She saw his eyes widen. "And that's it. The slave woman you had, though? Forget it. She's a free woman now, living her own life." 
     "Emphasis on her own life," Jessica added. 
     "And that's another charge we could've put on you," Castor reminded him. "Slavery." 
     A smile that was on Picaja's face was quickly erased at that. 
     As the group filed out, Adele turned to him. "Sit tight, now. You're not going anywhere for a while." 

     "Well?" Wagner asked. "This guy comes across as a slick-talking con man." 
     Castor nodded. "Reminds me of a used-hovermobile salesman in Caprica City." 
     "What we'd call a used-car salesman?" Jessica asked. 
     "You're right," Wagner said. "And he reminds me of a couple of less-than-honest salesmen in Great Falls that I had the pleasure to investigate way back when."  She turned to her roomie. "You remember him from the camp?"
     "Making deliveries? Yeah, I remember him, but those banquets? I don't think so."
     "Those banquets as bad as I've heard?" Adele asked. 
     Jessica nodded. "Lauren pretty much described it. Scarface would wine and dine VIPs from the colony, the base, the Governor, and a couple of their priests. After the meal, all liquored up,  they would take advantage of some of us....." Her voice trailed off at the memory, and everyone knew no more need be said. 
     Castor looked at her and Wagner. "And the two of you-and your friends, mind-want anyone involved dead." 
     "In a heartbeat," Lauren said, and Clemens nodded. 
     "Now, the Sub-Commander?" Adele asked. "First time for him." 
     Wagner thought for a centon. "Let's see the First Mate before we do that. I have only two questions: first, did they really have dealings with the Ziklagi, and did his Captain attend any of those banquets?" 
     After a talk with the First Mate, Fabius took them to the main cell area, where the captured officers were being detained. When they got to his cell, the Sub-Commander stood up, as if expecting them. Fabius opened the cell, and said, "I'll be right outside if you need anything."
     "Thanks, Fabius," Wagner said as the door opened. "Sub-Commander," she said. "We meet again." 
     "The Te'rean woman," Morovik nodded. 'The one who almost did the Risik State a favor. And I see you have a couple of Colonial officers as witnesses." 
     "You could say that," Castor said. "I'm Lieutenant Castor, and this is Ensign Adele." 
     "And you recognize the other lady," Wagner added. "You knew her as Lemeshik's slave, but you probably haven't been formally introduced." Jessica came into the cell, and Wagner continued. "Meet Petty Officer Third Class Jessica Clemens, United States Navy." 
     "You didn't hurt me, so that's a good thing, but then again, you did nothing to help, so they kind of cancel each other out," Clemens said. "Not that you could have done anything much, I imagine." 
     "That is so," Morovik nodded. "Even if I had been able to, the best I could have done is have you sent back to the camp."
     "Not much help," Adele noted. 
     "No," Morovik admitted with a shrug. "So, what brings you here?" 
     "First," Wagner said. "You do know about the raid on Ne'Chak, and the fact that your former commanding officer will be in court in a few days?" 
     Morovik nodded. "Yes, as a matter of fact. I have also been informed that I, along with several other officers, will be allowed to witness the proceedings. And that I have been asked to testify on Lemeshik's behalf. I have declined." 
     "Declined?" Wagner asked. This was a surprise, and the others looked at each other. 
     "Yes. This may be the only time he is ever in any courtroom, anywhere, and I have no intention of helping him in any way. I, along with two others, have offered to give evidence against him," Morovik said. "He was keeping her aboard against several regulations, and even the Security Officer has seen the need for this. For the benefit of the other two officers, Lemeshik has disgraced his uniform and his office. Not just with this, but with the....activities of his family. " 
     "I see..." Wagner said. "Well, you may also be pleased to know that the whole event will be recorded, and you will be given copies to give to your superiors. Along with copies of Lemeshik's private files for their information. They can use that however they see fit." 
     Morovik nodded. "So, then. I assume you have other matters for discussion?" 
     "We do," Castor said. 
     "Exactly," Wagner added. She took out her folder, and produced the image of the Zikagi wreck. "Have you ever encountered a ship like this?" 
     The Risik officer studied the image. "Ah. A Ziklagi vessel. No, but we have been briefed. They are to be warned away, and if they refuse, treated as hostile," Morovik said. 
     "Do you have any kind of relations with them?" Castor asked. 
     "Yes, as a matter of fact. There is a small diplomatic mission from their government on the Capital. But, it is kept small at our insistence. And they are restricted to the Aliens' Quarter, while their movements are closely monitored by State Security, as with all other aliens." 
     Wagner was taking notes. "Do you know about their Civil War?" 
     "Yes. Their mission was seeking to purchase ships, weapons, and munitions for the war effort. Their requests for ships were refused, so I understand. I do not know about the other requests," said Morovik. 
     Checking her notes, Wagner asked, "Were they a rebel faction or the government?" 
     "That, I do not know." 
     "So that's it about the Zikagi?" 
     "As far as I know? Yes." Morovik replied. 
     Wagner nodded. "All right, then. Does your State Security Department have their own combat starships?" 
     "Why do you ask?" Morovik wanted to know. 
     "Just curious," Wagner said. "Dictatorships tend to have duplication of effort. At least, the ones on Earth do." 
     "And in our own history," Castor added. 
     "I have heard rumors," Morovik said after a centon's thought. "They may operate a few cruisers and smaller vessels, but that is the limit of my knowledge." 
     Adele recognized it right away. "Because asking too many questions gets you arrested and tossed into a camp yourself," she said. And it wasn't a question.
     "That is correct," Morovik said. "One does not ask too much from State Security. It is they who will ask of you." 
     "Just like in the old KGB, back in the Soviet days," Clemens said. 
     "Or Hitler's Gestapo," Wagner nodded. "And our Colonial friends had their own equivalents in their past," she said, and saw both Castor and Adele nod. 
     "If that is how you describe it, yes." Morovik said. "But...I do recall a transport that made a stopover at Ne'Chak, before our departure. There were considerable rumors circulating about the ship at the Officer's Canteen. It was very unusual, in that it was not a scheduled arrival, but it made a brief stopover, to take on supplies. Someone said it had construction equipment, but..." He shrugged.  "This was only one person's word, it also had prisoners from the Capital." 
     "Slave labor," Clemens spat, and everyone heard the disgust in her voice. 
     "Yes," 
     "All right, one last thing: what do you know, if anything, about Humans from Earth living on your Capital?" Wagner asked. "We've heard some things about the possibility." 
     "May I ask how?" 
     "From the rescued prisoners. They've told us one of your priests came by the camp every so often, trying to get the inmates to 'see the light', as we say, and convert to your cause. This one in particular said that a number of people from Earth have done so, but no one from the camp did," Wagner said. 
     Morovik nodded. "Ah, I have. They have had features in the State Media, describing the 'Civilized Te'reans' who live among us. They have largely assimilated into our society, and look forward to the day that their home world has civilization and order brought back to it." 
     Adele looked at him. "You believe that?" 
     "As I told your Commander Adama, I fear you will get there long before we will," Morovik said. "However, the State has decreed it to be a goal. The Priests have also declared it as such, and so...."
     "And so, fifty or a hundred years, or yahrens, from now, things might get ugly," Wagner finished. "That's for the future. Sub-Commander, the next time you see me, or the Petty Officer, will be in court, testifying against your commanding officer." 
     Morovik grinned. "There is one thing we can agree on. We both want him in court, even if our reasons for doing so are completely different."
     "One thing, at least," Wagner said. She turned to Castor. "We're done." 
     "Fabius," Castor nodded. 
     Wagner gathered her materials. "Sub-Commander, as Commander Adama has said, you and your crew will be returned, once this situation is resolved. That will be when this Fleet is finally clear of Risik Space. And that won't be for at least fifteen days, maybe twenty." 
     "He has shown himself to be a man of his word," Morovik said, nodding with grudging respect. "Thank you," 
     "Until we see each other in court," Wagner nodded. 
     "Until then," came the polite reply.

     After the group left, and they were in the process of signing out and reclaiming their sidearms, Wagner asked her friends, "Well?" 
     "First time talking to these creeps," Castor said as he holstered his weapon. "The Sub-Commander? He's the kind of guy you could sit down and have a good talk with. If you overlooked what they've done, though." 
     Jessica nodded. "Like I said, he didn't hurt me, but then again, he didn't help, either I don't have any feelings for him either way." 
     "Adele?" Wagner asked. 
     "He's a lot more reasonable than his CO is, I'll grant you," Adele replied. "That smuggler? He's a born con man, seems like. A total slimeball, trying to worm his way out of a bad spot." 
     "I sure wouldn't want to buy a vehicle from him," Jessica added. "Or anything else." 
     Adele nodded. "He's also afraid of the Ziklagi. Scared mongless. The first mate confirmed that." 
     "He's probably conned them, instead of the other way around?" Fabius asked. He'd overheard the interrogations. "Screwed them big time, on some kind of deal?"  
     "Looks that way," Castor agreed. "They've probably got a price on his head, and a shoot on sight order for his ship." 
     "And this guy doesn't know it, but we're doing him a favor. We're taking him as far away from those slugs as he's ever going to get. For a while, anyway," Wagner said. 
     Jessica nodded. 'But when he gets home....."
     "His problem," said Castor. "Try conning his way out of not making good on a delivery." 
     "Assassins or bounty hunters to follow," Wagner agreed. "Fabius?" 
     "Ma'am?" 
     "Could you call the Bridge and find out if the Commander's available? We need to let him know how this went." 
     "Right away, Ma'am," Fabius said. He made the call. "Athena says he's on the Bridge....wait. You're to report to the Ward Room. The Commander and Colonel Tigh will be there." 
     "Tell her we're on our way," Wagner said. 
     "Done, Ma'am." 

     Sergeant Wagner and the group went straight to the Ward Room, and when they got there, they found Commander Adama waiting, along with Colonel Tigh, Academician Sarah, and a surprise in the form of Sire Xaviar. "Commander," Wagner said as she and the others saluted. "Reporting as ordered." 
     "Sergeant," Adama replied. "Everyone. How did things go with our smuggler and the Sub-Commander?" 
     "Commander," Wager said. "The smuggler? He comes across as a con man, trying to worm his way out of a bad situation. It may have helped him in the past, but now....different story. He reminds me of a couple of people I helped investigate before my abduction. Patronizing, sleazy, and the kind sewer rats would avoid." 
     "Lieutenant, Ensign?" Adama asked both Castor and Adele, who were smiling at the imagery. "Your comments?" 
     "He reminds me of a used-hovermobile salesman, Commander," Adele replied. "The kind that came from the worst part of Port Virgon. Or anyone in the Cordugo Pit." 
     "I'll go along with that, Commander," Castor added. "He's the kind of guy whose trust isn't earned: it's bought." 
     "Until somebody comes along with a higher offer, sir," snorted Adele
     "There's also this, Commander," Wagner said. "He's afraid of the Zikagi. Deathly afraid." 
     Xaviar looked at her. "And why is that, Sergeant?" 
     "He conned them, Sire. Big time. The Captain wouldn't say, but the First Mate did. Seems they were hired at RB-33 to deliver a cargo for the Ziklagi Government. Anti-tank and anti-vehicle missiles-the shoulder-fired variety, land mines, and so on. His delivery fee was half now, half on delivery, and a purchasing agent agreed."
     "Than what?" 
     "Sire, they got contacted before they left RB-33. Who, the Captain didn't say, but he told the crew 'We have a new customer.' They delivered that cargo to a rebel faction, and they got paid very well for the cargo." 
     Sarah nodded. "And knowing what we know of the Ziklagi, they were not very pleased, in all likelihood." 
     "No, ma'am," Wagner said. "Somebody tried to kill the Captain a day after they got back to RB-33, so they left in a big hurry, and went to Hork space. They laid low for a while, then went back to the station. Their last trip was the one where they picked up the drugs we found on their ship." 
     "Did they say who they were smuggling for?" Tigh asked. 
     "No, sir, neither one did. My guess is, based on some unsavory types I knew back home, is that they deal with either an intermediary, or a low-level flunky who, if everyone's caught, is expendable. Or, it's a front company for a crime syndicate."
     Castor added, "Just like back in the Colonies, Commander. The Poros family was notorious for that." 
     "Agreed," Adama said. "And they were very ruthless in showing their.....displeasure to those who failed them." 
     "Sir, there's also this," Wagner said. "He's got a price on his head. And," turning to Castor, "a shoot-on-sight order for his ship. I told the Captain that if we encountered another Ziklagi ship, we could just turn him over, and that would be that. He'll keep cooperating to avoid that. But Petty Officer Clemens has something to add." 
     "Petty Officer?" 
     "Sir, he was at the camp. This slug was one of Scarface's suppliers of fancy food, liquor, and so on. Really expensive stuff, sir.  He admitted to being there, and he also admitted to being a guest at one of those....banquets," Clemens said. "But I don't personally remember him being at one. It was probably after I was taken from the camp," she added. 
     "Do you want him charged, Sergeant?" Adama asked. 
     "Sir, I'll have to talk with some of the Petty Officer's friends, and also Captain Byrne. But I'd hold off on that for now. We can induce more cooperation from him by threatening to take him into court, and also by threatening to turn him over to the Ziklagi," Wagner said. 
     "A very effective solution," Xaviar said. 
     "Did the First Mate say how much is on the Captain's head?" Sarah asked. 
     "No, ma'am, he didn't," Wagner said. "But with that kind of money mentioned, he said you could buy a ship with it. So it's probably pretty substantial." 
     Adama nodded, then gestured to Castor. "Any other comments?" 
     "I'll go along with what the Sergeant has said, Commander," Castor replied. "Even if we don't take him into court, he's going to get what's coming to him either way. Somebody's going to collect the bounty the Ziklagi Government has on him, or his current employer will express their displeasure at this guy losing an important cargo. Violently. He's not keeping his head on his shoulders for very long after we release him and his crew, wherever he runs to." 
     "Just like the Poros family," Tigh commented. 
     Adama nodded again. "Exactly, Colonel," he said. "Moving on, Sergeant, what did Sub-Commander Morovik have to say?" 
     "Commander," Wagner said. "He's been told of the Ne'Chak Raid, and that Lemeshik is going into court in a few days. He was asked to testify on Lemeshik's behalf, but he and two other officers have declined." 
     Adama and the others looked at each other. Well, this was a surprise. "Declined, Sergeant?" Adama asked. 
     "Yes, sir. He declined." 
     "Did he way why?" Xaviar asked. 
     "Yes, sire, he did," Wagner said. "This may be the only chance of seeing Lemeshik inside a courtroom, anywhere. So he and two other officers have decided to testify against their CO."
     "Did he say who?" Tigh asked. 
     "No, sir. Only that the Security Officer has signed off on this," Wagner replied. 
     "That officer's investigation of Lemeshik was quashed, Commander, if you'll recall," Xaviar pointed out. 
     Adama nodded. "Sarah?" 
     "Commander, we may be seeing an extension of their politics at play here," Sarah replied. "An unpopular and despised commanding officer who cannot be removed through their own channels, despite openly violating service regulations, and yet.....thanks to our actions, they are taking advantage of the opportunity that we have handed to them." 
     "Petty Officer?" Adama asked. "You know him better than any of us." 
     "Commander," Clemens replied. "He didn't hurt me, but he never did anything to help, either. The most he could have done was have me sent back to the camp." 
     "Not much help there," Xaviar noted. 
     "No, sire," nodded Clemens. "I don't know if I've told you this, but there was a junior officer on that ship who was kind of sympathetic to me. He'd bring me extra food, things like that, and he seemed to be a guy who wanted to do more, but couldn't. Lemeshik must've noticed that, because one day, he had a couple of his security guys bring me to the Docking Bay, and all the other officers were there. He had those thugs drag this officer out of formation and forced him to his knees.  Lemeshik turned to them, then me, and said, 'This is what happens when you show any kind of sympathy to a Te'rean slave.' He drew his service pistol and blew the guy's brains out, right then and there." She blanched a moment. "All over me." 
     Sarah nodded. "A very.....possessive individual," she noted. Almost like Xekash, she thought to herself. 
     "The Sub-Commander did admit to such an execution in a previous conversation," Adama noted. "This has to be the same incident, then. What else?" 
     "Commander," Clemens said. "Nobody tried anything like that again. And that night, in his quarters? He made sure I got the message, in more private ways. You'll know when one of those videos he made is played in court, and that's all I want to say...."
     Heads nodded at that. "No need to go into details, Petty Officer," Adama said. 
     "Commander? There's a couple other things of note," Wagner said. "First, he did say that the Secret Police may be operating their own combat starships. And that a ship did stop at Ne'Chak before they departed on their cruise. One officer said that not only was there construction equipment, but also prisoners from the Capital." 
     "Boomer's patrol, Commander," Tigh reminded Adama. "He did find signs of a construction project." 
     "That he did, Colonel," Adama nodded. "And if it is the State Security people...."
     "Using political prisoners as slave labor fits," Sarah noted. "And when the project is completed, they are disposed of." 
     Adele nodded as well. "No witnesses." 
     "What we call 'Plausible Deniablity' back on Earth, Commander," Wagner added. 
     "Exactly, Sergeant," Adama said. "Did he mention anyone from Earth living among them?" 
     "Yes, sir," Wagner replied. "He did just that. All he did say was that there's been reports about them in their state-controlled media. These people have largely assimilated into their society, and they're looking forward to the day the Risik return to Earth." 
     "They'll be disappointed," Clemens snorted. "Uh, sir." 
     "No apology necessary, Petty Officer," Adama said. "And I agree with that. Did he say how many?" 
     "No, sir," Wagner said. 
     Xaviar turned to Adama ."Commander, I'd like to see this material if possible. We can't do anything for them, as you've said. But when we do get to Earth...."
     "I'd like to know how many exactly there are myself," Adama finished. "Petty Officer, your friend said there were a dozen or so?" 
     Clemens nodded. "That's what Natalie said, sir. Then again, that's what that priest told them. There could be more, for all we know." 
     "Commander?" Tigh asked, seeing Adama with a very thoughtful expression on his face. 
     "Let's find out, shall we?" Adama said. He went to the Ward Room's telecom. "Bridge, Commander Adama." 
     "Omega here, Commander," the reply came. 
     "Get me Doctor Wilker, and transfer this to the Ward Room, please." 
     "Right away, Commander."  
     The connection was quickly made, and the Chief Scientist's image appeared on the monitor. "Commander?" 
     "Doctor," Adama said. "How busy are your people?" 
     "We're finished with the material for the Tribunal, and Pliny's people are going after the Risik's historical database," Wilker replied. "Though both Sire Solon and Sire Memnon have asked us to be on standby, just in case anything else is needed." 
     "Very good, Doctor. I have a job for you in the meantime. Go after the captured ship's media database. Anything and everything you can find on 'Civilized Te'reans,'" Adama said. "Those people from Earth who have 'gone over' to the Risik." 
     "Right away, Commander," Wilker said. "I'll get Hummer and his people on it. What they don't find, Komma and the night crew will." 
     "Excellent, Doctor," Adama said. "Please report when you have some results." 
     "Will do, Commander," the Chief Scientist nodded. 
     "Thank you, Doctor." After the connection was cut, Adama turned back to those in the Ward Room. "And we'll find out soon enough." 
     "The Lords willing, Commander," said Xaviar. "But, as you said at the last briefing, there's nothing we can do for them." 
     "Unfortunately, you're right, sire," Adama replied. "Still, the authorities on Earth will want to know, and maybe they can identify some of those people." 
     "One can hope, Commander," Wagner said. "Sir, there's a couple more things. First, the Zikalgi have a diplomatic mission on the Risik Capital. A small one, the Sub-Commander said, not a full Embassy. And they were trying to purchase ships, weapons, munitions, and anything else needed for their war effort." 
     "Did he say if their mission was successful?" Tigh asked. 
     Wagner shook her head. "No, sir. The requests for ships were denied., the Sub-Commander said. The other requests? He didn't know. They may not have been briefed, and he also told us this: No encounters with Zikagi ships."
     "They're to be warned off, and if they refuse, regarded as hostile," Castor added. 
     "That's right, and that leads to this, Commander," said Wagner "The war. It's still going on, and shows no signs of ending anytime soon. And not only is it the Central Government against several factions, but some of the races the Ziklagi have subjugated took the chance to rise up." 
     "Sarah?" Adama asked his Academician. "You're the expert on the Ziklagi. Comments?" 
     Sarah, aka Niizaka, thought for a moment. "Commander, if outside parties are indeed supplying the factions, the war will continue indefinitely, as long as there is money to be made. Those parties may feel that long-term interests, such as a potential threat from the Cylon Empire, are of no concern in the present. Cutting a rival down to size in the short term would take precedence. And those parties may also wish to take other advantage of the situation." 
     "By acquiring territories 'in need of protection'," Xaviar noted. "It is an old story." 
     "Or settling old scores, real or imagined," Adama said. "Then there's the subject races rising up. Supporting them would be a way of getting back at the Ziklagi without becoming involved directly." 
     Sarah nodded. "All of those are real possibilities, Commander. However, the penalties for those races who do rise up are going to be.....severe, at the very least." 
     Adele asked, "They're wiped out, in other words?"
     Sarah nodded sadly. "We have had access to Zykonian records that do show that the Ziklagi have committed Genocide in the past.  On at least one occasion, they used very high-yield Thermonuclear Fusion bombs, salted with Cobalt. Those weapons were used to literally scorch and sterilize a world, rendering it uninhabitable forever. They use such....examples to show other subject races the price of defiance." Sarah paused, seeing the looks of horror on people's faces. She went on. "And, Ensign, if the war ended tomorrow, the winners, whoever they are, would be busy for some time rebuilding the Empire, and not just the physical damage." 
     "They have to purge their enemies," Castor said. 
     "Yes, Lieutenant, and the fallout would be much greater than any bomb. While any remaining rebellious elements would still have to be.....cleansed." 
     Wagner had heard that before, and yet, the way the Academician said it made her skin crawl. Just like Hitler or Stalin, but to the nth power. 
     "At least all of this is in our wake, Commander," said Tigh.
     "For which we are grateful," Adama said. He turned to Wagner and Castor. "Anything else, either of you?" 
     They shook their heads. "No, Commander, that's it." Wagner said, and Castor nodded. 
     "I'll talk with Baltar this evening and fill him in on this. We'll discuss this more fully at the next situation brief," Adama said, standing up. "Well done, all of you." 
     "Thank you, sir," Wagner said. 
     "Dismissed," Adama said, nodding. 
     "Sir," she replied, saluting, and the others did the same. They left the Ward Room, leaving the Commander, Tigh, Xaviar, and Sarah. 
     "Comments?" Adama asked. 
     "Commander, all I can say about that smuggler?" Xaviar said. "What's the phrase Captain Byrne uses to describe people in similar situations? A 'dead man walking?'" 
     "I'll agree with that, Commander," Tigh nodded. "And we did find out about their Secret Police having their own starships." 
     Sarah nodded agreement. "Not unknown in dictatorships of this sort," she said. "Duplication of effort, and, it is a way for the Secret Police to conduct activities without the knowledge of their military." 
     "Or anyone else in their government," Xaviar said. "They could be doing this on this Eikhe's authority, and no one else's." 
     Adama nodded. "A reasonable assessment, sire," he said. "And we've had no sign since Boomer's encounter of any ships from their Star Force. The Lords willing, it'll stay that way." 
     "Their reaction force, Commander?" Tigh asked. 
     "Probably dispersed to the systems nearest to Ne'Chak, Colonel," Adama said. "Including the system we mined. I had Baltar add a few extra mines in that system, Sire," he nodded at Xaviar. "The more, the better." 
     "That can be a good thing, Commander," Xaviar said. "Let's hope they've found some-the hard way." 
     "Agreed, sire." 


     "Well, I'm glad that's over," Wagner said outside the Ward Room. 
     "You're not the only one," Clemens quipped. "Never been in front of the brass before I was taken, and now..."
     Adele laughed, "Now, you've been there how many times?" 
     "More than enough," said Clemens. "Now what? Shouldn't we be heading back to Constellation?" 
     Castor looked at them. "Ladies, if you have to go, that's fine, but....if you've got a Centar? A round at the Club is on me." 
     "Adele there has to fly," Clemens pointed out. 
     "Freeman's got some nonalcoholic stuff," Adele said. "Those smoothies he got from Captain Byrne." 
     "Okay," Wagner nodded. "Let me text Captain Byrne. See if he wants us back, or if we've got some time." She took out her PDA and sent the Captain a text. It wasn't long to wait for a reply. "He'll give us two Centars. Time for a couple of  rounds and some conversation." 
     Castor smiled. "Ready to go?" 
     "Lead the way, then." 

     Castor led the three women into the Officer's Club, and when they got there, no one was surprised to see Freeman at the Bar. "He ever leave?" Jessica asked. 
     "He's got to have a cabin close by," Wagner said as they came up to the bar. "Freeman," 
     "Dearies," Freeman said as the group bellied up to the bar. "What'll ye be havin' today?" 
     "I'm buying, Freeman," Castor said. "Whatever they want." 
     "A beer for me and the Petty Officer," Wagner said. 
     "Something nonalcoholic for me. One of those smoothies," Adele added. "I have to fly shortly." 
     "And your usual, Castor?" Freeman asked. Seeing him nod, the barkeep said, "Comin' right up." 
     After they got their drinks, Castor asked, "So, what'll we drink to?" 
     "You may think I'm crazy, but here's to the Risik defendants," Lauren said. "May they get what's coming to them." 
     "The inside of an airlock," Adele quipped. 
     "We don't want them getting off that easy," Jessica reminded her. "But...where they're going? They'll wish that was what they got." 
     "Hear hear," Castor said, and three glasses and a mug came together. Clink. 
     Right after that, Apollo, Sheba, Boomer, and Starbuck, along with Sargamesh and Korl, came into the Club. After they got their drinks, and sat down at a table, Apollo came over to the group. "What's got you guys over here?" He asked Wagner. 
     "Had some business," she said. "There was some interrogating to do." 
     "Can you talk about it?" He asked. Seeing her nod, Apollo went on. "Come on over and join us. Fill us in."Apollo saw her nod, and the others went over to the table, After introducing Adele to the two Zohrloch, Apollo said for the others' benefit, "Heard you had some interrogating today."
     "We did," Lauren nodded. "Had a chat with the smuggler Captain, his First Mate, and Lemeshik's Exec." 
     "He's more reasonable than his CO, right?" Boomer asked. 
     "You're right on that," Lauren said. 
     "He didn't hurt me," Jessica added. "But then again, he didn't do anything to help. He said the most that he could've done was have me sent back to the camp." 
     Hearing that, Sargamesh growled, "Some help," while Korl muttered a few choice curses. 
     "No," Jessica said. "I don't think I've told you this about Lemeshik." 
     "What?" Sheba asked. 
     "There was a junior officer who was kind of sympathetic to me. He brought me extra food, shot a nice look at me, and I got the impression he wanted to do more, but couldn't. Lemeshik picked up on that, so one day, he had his security guys-thugs, really-take me to the docking bay. All the off-duty officers were there, and a couple more of those thugs pulled this guy out of line, brought him over to where Lemeshik and I were, and shoved him to his knees. Lemeshik said, "This is what happens when you show any kind of sympathy to a Te'rean slave." Then he drew his service pistol and blew the guy's brains out, right then and there," Jessica said. "And all over me," she added. 
     Jaws dropped at that, and Starbuck said, "Holy frak...."
     "A very.....possessive individual," Sargamesh noted. 
     "And nobody got out of line after that," Jessica went on. "That night, in his quarters? Lemeshik made sure I got the message."
     "And I take it you've got the scars to prove it," commented Boomer. 
     Jessica nodded, and said, "Yeah. And all Solon needs to do is show one of those videos Lemeshik made in court, and you'll know what I mean."
     Heads nodded grimly at that. She needed to say no more. "No wonder you want this guy dead," said Sheba. 
     "She's got company," Lauren nodded. "And here's a shocker: Morovik told us that he and two other officers are going to testify against their CO." 
     "What?" Apollo asked as jaws dropped again. "What's that all about?" 
     "Think about it: Lemeshik was violating several of their own regulations in having Jessica aboard ship. They can verify that. And Morovik tried to get him relieved of command through their own Fleet channels, and failed. The Security Officer tried an investigation through the Secret Police, and that got quashed." 
     "And they've got motive, and we've given them opportunity," Castor added. "It may not be what they want him charged for, but....."
     "They're taking advantage of it," Boomer finished. "It does make some kind of twisted sense." 
     "They are, and it does," said Lauren. "And the Commander said that they would get copies of the Tribunal's recordings. And Lemeshik's private files." 
     "For their superiors' information," Apollo said, though he already knew. 
     Lauren nodded. "That's right. As for the smuggler Captain? He's got a price on his head." 
     "From who?" Starbuck asked. 
     "The Ziklagi," Castor said. "Seems he conned their central government during a gun-running deal. For sending a Sire's Ransom in munitions to the wrong people,  and they want this guy." 
     "What'd he do?" Boomer wondered. Conning the Ziklagi, from what they knew, might be the last thing one did. 
     "He got hired to deliver a cargo at RB-33," Lauren said. "Anti-tank and anti-vehicle missiles. You know, the shoulder-fired kind?" She saw heads nod, then went on."Some land mines, that sort of thing. The purchasing agent agreed to pay half the delivery fee then, half on delivery. Then the Captain got contacted before they left the station. A rebel faction offered to match the fee, and he agreed." 
     "So he made out ahead, but the Ziklagi Government didn't like that," Sheba observed. "Gee, I wonder why?" 
     "Right you are. When they got back to the station, somebody tried to kill the Captain, so they took off for Hork space and laid low for a while. They went back to RB-33 and picked up the cargo we caught them with. He comes across as what you guys would call a bad used-hovermobile salesman." 
     Starbuck looked at her. "Conning the Ziklagi?  How much on this guy's head?" 
     Castor replied. "From what the First Mate said? You could buy your own ship with the bounty, so it's pretty high. He won't be able to con his way out of it. And whoever he was smuggling for? This guy's going to have bounty hunter or assassin problems." 
     "For failing to deliver," Sargamesh noted. "He will not be among the living for very long." 
     "No," Jessica said. "And he was at one of those....banquets Scarface liked to throw. This slug was one of his suppliers for food, liquor, and luxuries." 
     "Did he..." Sheba asked. 
     Jessica shook her head. "No, Lieutenant, he didn't. I don't remember him. It may have been after I was taken from the camp." 
     "He did tell is this, though: the war's still going on, and won't be ending anytime soon." Lauren added. "It's not just the government and one rebel faction. There's several factions." 
     "Then some of their subject races decided to rise up," Adele added. "If they fail....they get wiped out, and their planet gets hit with thermonuclear weapons." 
     Lauren nodded grimly. "What we call 'dirty' bombs back home. So much fallout the planet's turned into a radioactive desert forever." 
     There were looks of horror on the faces of the others, as they looked at each other. Not even the Cylons went that far. For though the Cylons wanted other races wiped out, worlds were still valuable for mineral and other resources. And for slave laborers to be worked to death.  But totally sterilizing a planet...."Lords of Kobol..." Apollo said. 
     "Yeah," Castor said. "And the Academician said that even if the war ended tomorrow? Whoever wins would be busy for a while rebuilding, purging their enemies, and....cleansing any rebellious elements." 
     "That she did," Wagner said. "And the way she said it made my skin crawl." 
     "You're not the only one," Jessica added. 
     Apollo nodded. "Glad to see I'm not alone in that," he said. "So....three days to the Tribunal?" 
     Lauren nodded back. "It is. And you've got two of the star witnesses right here." 
     "Nervous?" Sheba asked. 
     "No, because I've done this before. Back home, I had to testify in court cases, and here, with the Il Fadim crazies," Lauren replied. 
     "I am a little," Jessica said. "Never been in a courtroom before." 
     "You'll do fine," Apollo said. "Solon's a tough questioner, but fair. And Sire Memnon? He's doing his job to make sure the defendants have a proper defense." 
     Lauren nodded. "He was that, with the Il Fadim. So....when it's over, then we have the Welcome-Aboard Party that Commander Adama and Sire Pelias want to throw for the new arrivals on the Rising Star." 
     "Don't forget the wedding," Jessica said. "The couple who had a baby on the Galactica? They want to get married." 
     "So, not only do we get to meet them, but we get to see an Earth-style wedding?" Sheba asked. 
     "Probably not at the Party, but, once we're out of Risik territory, yeah," Lauren said. "Once things get settled down." 
     "And the babies," Adele reminded everyone. "One of the ex-prisoners on Constellation is carrying triplets." 
     Apollo laughed. "And they didn't cover that in your Naval Academy," he joked. 
     "No," Lauren said, and everyone laughed. 
     Then Starbuck looked around. "Uh, I hate to get back to business, but any word on their Reaction Force?" 
     "Haven't seen any of their ships since Apollo's patrol encountered one, and that was almost a sectan ago, right?" Sheba asked. 
     Apollo nodded. "Yeah. One of their Exploratory Cruisers. Boomer's encountered a couple, though." 
     "I've had a couple of close calls on my patrols," Boomer said. "But they didn't scan us. Well, let's hope they're chasing shadows," Boomer said. "Maybe they went in the wrong direction." 
     "Maybe," Starbuck replied. 
     "Or they ran into that minefield," Apollo said. 
     "Minefield?" Adele asked. 
     "That system we doubled back to after the raid?" Apollo reminded everyone. "The Commander had Baltar lay some mines around that desert world. Let's hope they ran into a few." 
     "Well, sir, if they did..." Jessica said. "They proved an old U.S. Navy adage." 
     "What's that?" Boomer wanted to know, as everyone looked at Jessica. 
     "Any ship can be a minesweeper. Once." 
     Hearing that, Castor waved to Freeman. "One more round, on me." 
     "Comin' right up," the barkeep said. 
     After Freeman brought the drinks, Sargamesh looked at Jessica. "What do you mean by that?"
     "It's simple. You take your ship into a minefield? You'll clear a mine or two. And the next place your ship goes is straight to the bottom," Jessica said, smiling.
     "And out here, that means your ship becomes a fireball, and you're in the middle of it," Apollo said. 
     "Couldn't happen to a nicer bunch," Boomer agreed. 
     "And here's to that," Lauren said, raising her beer glass.
     "Hear, hear," several voices said as they raised their glasses or mugs. 
     After a centar of more pleasant conversation, it was time to head back to Constellation. 

     Aboard his flagship, Valiant, Admiral Triligan was in a rage, though trying not to show it. Especially with the State's Chief Judge, Ulrikh, in the same room. He was in the main conference room, and had just received a report from one of his intelligence officers. "Lieutenant, you will repeat what you have told me, for the benefit of Lord Ulrikh," the Admiral said, and everyone could feel the barely concealed rage in his voice. 
     "Yes, Admiral. My Lord," the officer said. He called up a chart of the region, and both Ne'Chak and the target system were highlighted. "The task group sent to System BV-14 detected signs that someone had landed on the one habitable-or semi-habitable-world in the system. Two-man scout ships were sent to investigate on the surface, while the Patrol Cruiser Furious and the Exploratory Cruiser Grappler conducted high-resolution scans from orbit. Both ships found themselves in a minefield, and before the crews realized what had happened, both ships struck mines. The Grappler was obliterated at once, and Furious was seriously damaged. One of the long-range scouts with them went to render some assistance, and it, too, struck a mine and was destroyed. Furious tried to limp away, only to strike another mine, totally destroying the vessel. Only one other long-range scout escaped," the officer concluded, hoping that his superiors did not have him executed for bearing bad news. 
     "Which scout?" 
     "S-27, Admiral. Sub-Commander Besek, Commanding." 
     "A minefield?" Ulrikh asked, as if he hadn't heard the answer. "How...?" 
     "That, we do not know, My Lord," the officer replied. "The scout's scanner logs are still being analyzed." 
     Triligan turned to his intelligence officer. "Any results?" 
     "Nothing yet, My Lords," the intelligence officer replied. "It will not be for several tenars, at best." 
     "Make it at most," the Admiral said in an icy tone of voice. "Is there any additional information?" 
     "Yes, My Lords," replied the intelligence officer. "We have identified the chemical substance found in the one detected exhaust trail. It is the mineral known as T'ly'um," he said. "It was used in our early research on functional star drives. The mineral is very volatile, and requires special handling from the mining process all the way to storage aboard ship." 
     Ulrikh looked at the man. "And why did we not use this?" 
     "My Lord, there were several very spectacular accidents in the laboratory, and involving ships using it as fuel. One asteroid rich in T'ly'um even exploded, due to carelessness.  Anti-matter reactors showed more promise, and given that no reliable method of containment could be developed, with anti-matter being less expensive,  research into this fuel was discontinued." 
     "I see..." Ulrikh said. "But someone made it work, apparently. Admiral?"
     "And why didn't we know this earlier?" the Admiral demanded. 
     "That information was not in the scouts' database, Admiral," the intelligence officer replied calmly. "However, there is one bit of good news." 
     "And that is?" 
     "The free trader Saccoria, under Captain Picaja, Admiral," the officer said. "It is the only civilian ship known missing in this area, and is also one that has paid the relevant import-export and exit taxes to leave our space. And Ne'Chak is his home port." The officer paused, then went on. "Captain Picaja is former Star Force, having been dishonorably discharged from the Service. Along with his First Mate." 
     "He may have betrayed us to the Te'reans, then," Ulrikh noted. "Both would have motive to do so, wanting revenge upon the State." 
     Admiral Triligan nodded. "Yes......anything else on them?" 
     "There are some rumors about their being connected to Admiral Beshik's enterprises, but nothing definite. They have frequented the region known as Hork Space, and the space station known as RB-33." He called up a map on the display screen showing that region of space. "They have been a useful source of information about the races in that sector," the intelligence officer said. 
     "Admiral," Ulrikh said menacingly. "They may have consorted with the Te'reans, and provided information on Ne'Chak to them. I will be at work, drawing up warrants for the entire crew." 
     "On charges of State Treason?" Triligan asked, and he saw the Chief Magistrate nod. "You will be provided with all available information on them." 
     "Thank you, Admiral. They will pay the price for betraying our State and People." 
     "After they have been interrogated," the Admiral reminded him.  "Now," he turned to his aide. "Contact the Strike Cruiser Dauntless and the Patrol Cruiser Rapier. They are to proceed to BV-14 and use their fighters and small scouts to clear the system of any additional mines. I want, if at all possible, one of the mines to be captured for analysis. The safety of the fighter pilots and scout crews is to be considered forfeit in this regard. Then, a full investigation of the surface is to be conducted." 
     "Yes, Admiral," the aide replied. 
     "Then have the Exploratory Cruiser Prowler remain here as a guard ship. Dispatch a courier to the Capital with all of the information we have gathered, and our preliminary reports. Have the Star Force Chief of Staff brief the Supreme Leader and the Council. Prepare orders for my signature directing the remainder of the Second Cruiser Squadron to deploy here to Ne'Chak. They will now be based here until further notice." 
     "Admiral," the aide nodded. 
     "Then, once that is done, inform all remaining captains to prepare to get under way. We will depart in Two Tenars."
     "Admiral," the aide said. 
     "Is there anything you wish to add for the courier, My Lord Ulrikh?" Triligan asked the Magistrate. 
     "No, Admiral," Ulrikh replied. "Other than, where are we going?"
     The Admiral called up a chart of the sector. "Here," he indicated with a pointer. "Forward Operating Base Mu'tla. It is the closest base to the edge of the Frontier, and sits near one of several possible courses that will take the enemy back to Te'rea," Triligan said, calling up a master chart that showed Te'rea in relation to their current location.
     "I see.....Admiral, I will be with my staff, drawing up the warrants," Ulrikh said. "This is clearly a military matter, and I shall not bother you with....distractions." 
     "Thank you, My Lord," Triligan nodded. He turned to the aide. "See to all of that at once." 
     The aide nodded. "Admiral." He bowed and left the conference room. 
     As the aide left, the Admiral went to a window in the room that gave him a view of Ne'Chak. Seeing him do this, Ulrikh went over to him. "Admiral?" 
     "There are four possibilities, My dear Ulrikh," Admiral Triligan said. "Either we will not find them at all, and they will make good their escape, or we will find out where they have been. Then, there is the chance that we will find them, or....."
     "Or what?" 
     "They will find us." 
     The Magistrate looked at the Admiral. "That, Admiral, is not a pleasant prospect." 
     "My Lord," Admiral Triligan replied. "None of it is."


     In the Colonial Fleet, it was getting close to the Tribunal, only two days away, when Commander Adama decided to hold one final Situation Briefing before it convened.. Not only was Sergeant Wagner's information important enough to share, but Doctor Wilker had uncovered additional Risik media files, and these concerned those from Earth whom the Risik considered "Civilized", meaning those who had bought into the Risik line about "Civilizing Te'rea, or Earth". There was also some additional data on some of the systems the Fleet would be passing close by, as well as updates on the Fleet's patrols. 
     Thus, the principals gathered either in Galactica's Ward Room, or via com link from their ships. This time, Sire Pelias was aboard Constellation, as he was visiting his new constituents to check on how well they were adapting. He had paid those on Adelaide a visit that morning, and after seeing how well people there were getting along on that ship, had come over to Constellation. The young sire was glad to see that things on Constellation were also going well, and both ships could very well be considered happy ships at the moment, with the refugees and the Colonials-both crew and civilians-getting along very well indeed. Pelias had even paid a visit to Linda, the pregnant woman on Constellation, and saw that she was still waiting on her babies. "Sire, they'll let me know when they're ready to come out," the mother-to-be had told him. "I guess some things are universal, wherever you go." 
     Now, in a conference room just off the Bridge,Captain Byrne and Pelias  were talking. The connection to Galactica had been made, and while people made small talk over the com, Byrne asked the sire, "How'd you find things, Sire?" 
     "Better than expected, Captain," Pelias replied. "I noticed that the refugees are making new friends, and that people-both crew and civilians, are most understanding of where they have come from." 
     "And where we're going, sire," Byrne reminded him. 'It's not the Earth they left, since it was twenty yahrens before Commander Allen and I left, but it's still home." 
     Pelias nodded. "As the priest said when he gave his service. I did notice Jena and a couple of the civilian girls in the child-care center. And the Petty Officer's friend Denise as well. It's good to see that the babies are in good hands." 
     "It is that, sire," Byrne said. "The others should be here any time now. They should be getting cleaned up from their workouts." 
     "I noticed when I passed by the ship's gym. Your Mr. Malik seems to enjoy running them ragged." 
     Byrne laughed. "Sire, I told him to go easy on them for a few days, until they got ready for a more vigorous pace. But his definition of 'easy' is different than yours or mine." 
     "No doubt, Captain," Pelias said. "To him, digging a survival bunker single-handed would count as 'easy exercise.'' 
     "It probably would, sire." Then the chime to the door sounded. "Enter," Byrne said.
     It opened, and both Sergeant Wagner and Petty Officer Clemens came in. "Reporting as ordered, sir," she said, as both saluted. "Lieutenant Sanderson will be here shortly. We finished our workout before the others did." 
     Nodding, Byrne turned to a monitor, and saw Commander Allen. "Ced, how's things on Adelaide?" 
     "Pretty good, Kev. The sire was here this morning, and he liked everything he saw," Allen replied. "Even Kalysha's cooking." 
     "My first time," Pelias said. "She prepared an excellent lunch." 
     "She did," Allen nodded. "Kev, did you get a text from Jasen?" 
     "I sure did, Ced," Byrne replied. "The wardrobes for the first group will be ready for pickup tomorrow. Anytime after 1200." 
     Allen nodded again. "I'm sending Kalysha and a couple of my security guys to lend her a hand. You?" 
     Byrne turned to Wagner. "Sergeant, you and Ensign Adele go. And take one of your security men with you as well. When you get there? See if there's a freight elevator from the shopping deck to the docking bay. Any way you can avoid those....bottom feeders from IFB that you think of." 
     "Yes, sir," Wagner replied. "If those scum are aboard, we'll avoid 'em." 
     "A prudent precaution, Captain," Xaviar said from the Galactica. "Forgive my overhearing this. However, given Zara and Zed's, well....history? Any precautions you can think of are definitely in order." 
     "Thanks for the advice, sire," Byrne said. 
     Siress Tinia came on next. "I'll second my colleague's advice, Captain. With Zara and Zed, 'No' is not in their vocabulary." 
     "Just like their counterparts on Earth," Allen snorted. 
     "No kidding, Ced," Byrne replied. "Who all's there, Siress?" 
     "Doctor Wilker is here, along with Colonel Tigh and Academician Sarah. Along with Sires Solon and Memnon," nodded Tinia. "Baltar and the Cylons are present by com link, and we're waiting on Commander Adama and Captain Apollo. A patrol returned a half-centar ago, and they're finishing up the debriefing. But they will be here shortly." 
     Byrne nodded. "Just as we're waiting on...", then the door chime interrupted him. "Enter!" 
     The door hissed open and Lieutenant Sanderson came into the room. "Reporting as ordered, sir," she said, saluting. "Sorry I'm late."
     "At ease, Lieutenant," Byrne said. "Pull up a chair and have a seat. You're not the only one who's running late." 
     "I see, sir," she replied. 
     Captain Ashby came on from Adelaide. "How are you today, Leftenant?" 
     "Fine, sir. Feels good to be getting back in shape," Sanderson replied. "And before you ask, Cassie offered to give me a skin treatment that would erase the scars. I politely declined." 
     "Why is that, Lieutenant?" Tinia asked. 
     "Siress, there are people on Earth who we can best call 'conspiracy theorists'. They question every major event that happens, believing there's some kind of conspiracy behind that event. When we get home, there will be people who will question what happened to us, saying it's all a hoax, we're part of some grand conspiracy, and so on. I want to prove them wrong." 
     Xaviar nodded. "There were similar individuals in the Colonies, I regret to say. One more thing we have in common." 
     Then Commander Adama and Captain Apollo arrived. "My apologies for being late, but a patrol ran late, and so....Captain Apollo and Strike Leader Orion will fill us in on the details. Doctor Wilker has some new material for us, and we will also hear from Sires Solon and Memnon on the final preparations for the Tribunal. I believe Sergeant Wagner has something for us as well, and after that? The floor will be open for any other matters." Adama waved, and everyone took their seats. "Doctor Wilker? You may begin." 
     "Thank you, Commander," the Chief Scientist said as he stood up. "First, we've been making some progress in translations, and we also have a biography of an Admiral who may be of concern. His name is Triligan, and he is their Star Force Commander." 
     "What do you have on him, Doctor?" Xaviar asked. Any information about those who may be searching for them was something they all needed. 
     Wilker called up the biography. "He's a dedicated career officer, and a veteran of the war, with extensive combat experience. His biography says the Admiral commanded a Strike Cruiser during the early phases of the war with the Ke'zar, and was very good at it. The man was decorated for raids on Ke'zar supply lines, and also came off victorious in several single-ship engagements with Ke'zar cruisers or destroyers. He even ambushed and destroyed a ship carrying one of the Ke'zar's political leaders." A holo image of the man came up, as Wilker continued. "The Admiral is well thought of by the Supreme Leader, and the religious establishment, it seems." 
     "Anyone in that system would have to be, to get that position," Tigh noted. 
     "Yes, but it also notes that Triligan provided considerable assistance to General Security during the coup attempt," added Wilker. 
     Xaviar nodded. "Which shows the military and the Secret Police will join forces when necessary." 
     "So it would appear," Adama said. "What else on him?" 
     Wilker highlighted a portion. "His superiors, while a junior officer, praised him for his initiative,along with his  leadership qualities-especially in terms of leading by example and from the front." 
     "Commander," Byrne said over the com. "That means this Triligan's not going to send anyone else out in command of their reaction force. He's in personal command." 
     "Even with the price of failure?" Baltar asked. 
     "That, or he's the Supreme Leader's, well, what we call a 'go-to' man  That means the Supreme Leader wanted his best commander in charge," Byrne explained. "Someone he knows who can get results." 
     Allen added, "The Leader may might not trust anyone else, Commander." 
     "Quite so," Adama replied. Then he thought for a moment. "Sarah? Any comments?" 
     The Academician nodded. "All are possibilities, Commander. Given their system, I doubt the Supreme Leader may completely trust this Admiral Triligan, but he may have no other choice.  It may also be that others planted the suggestion in the Supreme Leader's ear. Those who would want the Admiral away from their capital." 
     Apollo recognized it at once. "Either the priests, or the secret police. If he's away, then the Admiral's not getting in the way of their plotting." 
     Just like the Imperious Leader, Baltar said to himself. "Or both," he added. "If he wins, well and good. If not, or he's killed in combat, they're rid of him." 
     "The priests and the secret police working together?" Captain Ashby asked. 
     "They designed it that way, it seems," Byrne said. "If their top leaders and officials are plotting against each other, they're not plotting against the Supreme Leader." 
     The British officer nodded. "Almost like the old Soviet system," he said, nodding to Captain Zhukov. 
     "It is familiar," the Soviet paratrooper said. "Khrushchev or Brezhnev would recognize it at once. Substitute the Communist Party for the priests, and that is how our system worked in practice." 
     "Captain Byrne's told us the same thing, Captain," Adama said. "What else do you have on him before we move on, Doctor?" 
     "Just this, Commander," Wilker said. "He's married, and has five sons. All of whom have followed their father into the Star Force. His father, grandfather, and great-grandfather have also been Star Force, and were Flag Officers themselves. And his father was killed during the war." 
     "It's in his blood, Commander," Allen noted. 
     "Just as in the Colonies," Adama said. "And on Earth," he added. "What's next?" 
     "The Forward Base mentioned previously," Wilker said. He called up the Risik chart and superimposed it on their own scan data. "We have a name for it. Mut'la. It's one of several frontier outposts, but the only one we'll get close to." 
     "Any sign of how far out from the system they patrol?" Apollo asked. 
     "No, Captain, and Komma did check for that," replied Wilker. 
     Xaviar nodded. "We still should be able to see them long before they could see us," he pointed out. 
     "Should, sire," Adama reminded him. "Nothing will be taken for granted. Not with these people." 
     "Agreed, Adama," Baltar said. "You can despise them for their conduct, but they're no fools by any means." 
     Galling as it was to everyone else-but the Cylons-to admit it, the others knew that Baltar was right. "I'll have to agree, Commander,' Byrne said. "None of the ships we faced at Ne'Chak held back. They charged into the guns, knowing they weren't coming back. But that scout ship who got away? He did what any reconnaissance mission would do." 
     "What Captain Byrne says is quite logical," Moray added. 
     "Exactly, Command Centurion," Adama said. Another interesting insight from a Cylon.....
     "There's one other thing before moving on, Commander," Wilker said. "This base is one of several such outposts all along their Frontier.  Unfortunately,there's no information available in their database about what's beyond." 
     "Chances are, they're not cleared for that," Allen noted. 
     "My thoughts as well, Commander Allen," Adama nodded. "And that...other subject, Doctor?" 
     "Coming up, Commander," Wilker said. "Commander Adama asked that we search for any material on what the Risik call 'Civilized Te'reans', that is, people abducted from Earth who have, well, 'gone over' to the Risik, We managed to find several articles, some accompanying video files that went with those articles, and a couple of lengthy propaganda videos as well." The scientist called up one of the articles, and a holo image of a brown-haired man in, what on Earth would be his thirties, came up. "He identifies himself as being from your country, Captain Byrne,  and after being exposed to the 'True Path', has adopted it." 
     Aboard Constellation, Pelias saw the Earthers all have scowls on their faces as the material scrolled on another screen. And he heard all three women mutter the word, "traitor". Captain Byrne, though, was more reserved. 
     "Well, no surprise here. He says he was in a political party called the 'Workers Socialist Freedom Party' or whatever Stalinist-style bilge you want to call it, and when the Soviet Empire fell apart in Eastern Europe, he was pretty despondent. This guy was taken, and when exposed to the ideas of the Risik State, using their words, mind, fell for it." 
     Allen and the others on Adelaide had a similar scowl on their faces. "I remember this chap, Commander," Ashby said. "He was in one of those propaganda videos they showed us." 
     "I don't remember him, sir," Clemens replied. 
     Lieutenant Sanderson nodded. "It was after they took you from the camp, Petty Officer. But I remember this one: lasted at least three hours, our time. He thinks the only cure for Earth's problems is someone imposing one from the outside." 
     "About two and a half Centars," Apollo noted. He'd done the conversion in his head. "A propaganda video lasting that long?" 
     "They wanted us to see this," Captain Zhukov replied. "And the guards made sure you paid close attention. No falling asleep, in other words. Or else." 
     No one needed elaboration on "or else."  Then Sarah spoke up. "Did they say how many have done this? 
     "No, ma'am, they didn't." Sanderson replied. "They only said 'a number'. It could the the dozen that priest said, or it could be more." 
     "And the others, Doctor?" Tinia asked. 
     "We picked a couple at random, siress," Wilker replied. He called up another article and video, and an Arabic-looking woman appeared. "This woman, here, describes herself as an expert on nuclear weapons. She's from the country known as Libya." 
     "Uh-oh," both Byrne and Allen said almost at once. "That's not good, Commander," Byrne said. Everyone looked at him. He then explained the mischief that the Qaddafi regime had engaged in-including its support for terrorism and its WMD program. 
     Apollo nodded. "So, what'd they do in her case?" 
     "She probably would be defending when abducted what was a state secret: knowledge of Qaddafi's nuclear program. On the homeworld, though, the Risik probably gave her a job offer: Cooperate and tell us what we want to know, and in return, you'll work with technology that you could only dream of on your world. Or, you get a trip to the prison colony, where conditions are certainly not as comfortable as they would be otherwise," 
     "The offer you couldn't refuse," Xaviar noted. "Not a surprise that she accepted." 
     "No, sire," Sanderson replied. "And the other one, Doc?" 
     Wilker nodded, then called up the last one of the three. An image of a Caucasian male in his early forties came up. "This one's from the country called France. Unlike the other two, he's got his spouse with him." Then an image of a very attractive redhead female in her late thirties came up. "It says they were working on a space project called Hermes." 
     "Hermes, Doc?" Allen said. "That sounds a little familiar." 
     "It is to me," Byrne nodded. 
     "Captain?" Adama asked. 
     "Commander, Hermes was a project by the French Space Agency to build a reusable shuttle-type vehicle, similar to our space shuttle, only smaller. It was canceled in the late 1980s, our time," Byne replied. "If both husband and wife were engineers working on the program....."
     "When it was canceled, they were probably not too pleased," Tinia nodded. "As you said, Captain, the Risik made them an offer." 
     "A job offer to work on technology far more advanced than what they were engaged in," Tigh said. "From their point of view, it would be irresistible. "
     Sanderson nodded agreement. "Yes, sir. Doc? Is there anything about these two having kids?" 
     "Good question, Lieutenant," Adama said. "Doctor?" 
     "Komma did check," Commander," Wilker replied. "His people didn't find anything. We'll keep looking, though." 
     "Is this all of them?" Pelias asked. "Those who have 'gone over', I mean?" 
     "We found ten such stories, Sire," Wilker replied. "There could be more, but these are all we've found." 
     Adama nodded, then looked at his Chief Scientist. "Keep looking, Doctor. Check the smuggler's ship, while you're at it. He may have some more recent or even clandestine news stories on his computer. It's doubtful he has what we're looking for, but do it anyway." 
     Wilker nodded, then made a note on his pad. "Yes, Commander." 
     "Is that it for now, Doctor?" 
     "It is, Commander," Wilker said, sitting back down. 
     "Very well," Adama said. "Let's hear from Sergeant Wagner and Petty Officer Clemens. They have some new information for us from the smuggler and the Risik First Officer." 
     Wagner nodded. "Commander, everyone, We had a chat with the smuggler first. And his first mate. They told us quite a bit. First, he's on the run from the Ziklagi." 
     "On the run, Sergeant?" Tinia asked. 
     'Yes, he is, siress," Wagner replied. "He conned the Ziklagi Government in a weapons deal. This guy was hired at the RB-33 Station by the Central Government to transport a load of weapons. Shoulder-fired anti-tank and anti-vehicle missiles, land mines, that sort of thing. His fee was half now, half on delivery. The purchasing agent agreed, and paid him. But before they left, a rebel agent contacted him, offering to match the fee." 
     "And he accepted," Pelias said. 
     "He did, sire," Wagner nodded. "They took the munitions to the rebels, and made out ahead. So, when they returned to RB-33, word had gotten there ahead of time that the delivery had gone to the wrong people." 
     "And somebody took a shot at the captain," Clemens added. 
     "Assassin or bounty hunter trouble," Baltar noted. "Not unlike the Poros Family in the Colonies." 
     Though it galled her to reply to Baltar, Wagner nodded. "That's about it. They left RB-33 and went to Hork Space to lay low for a while, then went back. That's where he picked up the cargo that we found on his ship. He also found out that the Ziklagi have a bounty on him." 
     "Did he say how big, Sergeant?" Byrne asked. 
     "No, sir, but from what the First Mate said, you could buy your own ship with it. And before you ask, sir? He didn't say who he was smuggling the drugs for. The deal went through an intermediary, probably a low-level flunky who's expendable if caught. Or it's a front company for a crime syndicate." 
     "Sounds familiar," nodded Allen. "Just like Mafia, or  the drug smuggling cartels on Earth." 
     "Or the Poros Family again," Xaviar added. "Their smuggling out of the Cordugo Pit." 
     "Which leads to this," Wagner continued. "The war is still going on, and it's not just the Government and a rebel faction: it's several factions. And several of the races the Ziklagi have subjugated have risen up." 
     "Risen up?" Tinia asked. "Does he say how many?" 
     "No, siress, he didn't, and likely doesn't know. But those races are taking a big chance. If they fail..." Wagner's voice trailed off, knowing what was next. 
     Sarah picked it up. "The price of defiance, we have found from Zykonian records, is extinction. The planets are attacked with high-yield thermonuclear devices, salted with Cobalt, and the worlds are literally scorched and seared of life. Uninhabitable for thousands of yahrens, possibly forever." 
     There was silence after that. Everyone, even the Cylons, said nothing for a centon. Then Pelias spoke up. "Commander...." 
     "Yes, sire," Adama nodded. Not even the Cylon Empire went that far. "Baltar?" 
     "Adama, you've briefed me and Moray on the Zikagi, but this....," Baltar said, nearly speechless. "Let's hope these slugs are behind us for good." 
     For once, there was no disagreement with Baltar. "I actually agree with him, Commander,' Tinia said. "The Lords willing, that is so." 
     "Agreed, Siress," Adama said. "Anything else on him, Sergeant?" 
     "Yes, sir. He comes across as a con man. This guy thinks he can con or weasel his way out of any bad spot. What you'd call a used-hovermobile salesman. And there's one other thing: this scumbag was also one of Scarface's suppliers for fancy food, liquor, and luxury goods." 
     "Petty Officer?" 
     "I do remember this slug," Clemens said. "I was one of those who unloaded his vehicle, and he did admit to being a guest at one of Scarface's....banquets, but I don't remember him there." 
     "Lieutenant," Byrne turned to Sanderson. "Remember this guy?" 
     "No, sir, and I was at almost all of those. Not everyone was invited to participate in the, well, after-dinner festivities," the Marine replied. "He probably got a nice meal, some contacts for his smuggling, and that's it." 
     "Is that all on him, Sergeant?" Adama asked, though he already knew.
     "Just one more thing, sir," Wagner said. "He's not going to be breathing for long after he gets home. He's got to explain to somebody why he's not making good on a delivery." 
     Allen nodded. "He'll run into somebody whose idea of a cross section is cutting him into four equal parts," he commented. 
     "Adama," Baltar added. "The Poros Family could be just as vicious to those who failed them." 
     "Indeed," Adama said. He turned to Sarah. "Any other comments before we move on?" 
     "Commander, if outside parties are supporting the factions, then the war will continue indefinitely. Long-term issues, such as a potential threat from the Cylon Empire, are of no concern. The desire to make money, and otherwise take advantage of the situation, such as acquiring 'territories in need of protection', reclaiming lost territories, or settling old scores, real or imagined,  will take precedence," Sarah replied calmly. "And if the war did end tomorrow, whoever wins will be busy for some time, rebuilding the Empire, conducting the necessary....purges, as well as making sure any rebellious elements are......cleansed." And once again, the very calmness with which Sarah was speaking made Wagner's skin crawl. 
     Adama nodded grimly, then turned to Wagner on the monitor. "You also saw Sub-Commander Morovik?" 
     "Yes, sir. First of all," Wagner said, "He hasn't had contact with Ziklagi ships, but if they do, they're to be warned off, and if they don't turn back, treated as hostile." 
     Apollo knew, but spoke up. "The wreck," he nodded at Orion. "That Ziklagi scout." 
     "He ran into a Risik patrol, didn't turn back, and they used him for a practice target," Tigh noted. 
     "Exactly, Colonel," Adama said. "Sergeant, he mentioned the Secret Police having their own starships, correct?" 
     "Yes, sir, he did," Wagner replied. "He has heard of a few cruisers and other ships, but nothing specific. You don't ask too many questions of those guys, because soon you'll be answering their questions." She went on. "But, he relayed what another officer told him. A ship had stopped at Ne'Chak, and it was not only packed with construction equipment and supplies, but prisoners from their Capital." 
     "Boomer's patrol, Commander," Apollo reminded everyone. "They did find some kind of construction project." 
     "Using political prisoners as slave laborers fits," Sarah added. "And when the project is completed, they are disposed of. No witnesses." 
     "The academician is quite logical in her conclusion," Moray said. "Considering the parameters discussed, security concerns would be paramount." 
     Adama nodded. "That would be standard procedure in a dictatorship such as this one," he said. "Anything else?" 
     "Two things,sir," Wagner said. "Then the Petty Officer has something to add. First, there's a small Zikalgi mission on the Risik Capital. Not a full Embassy or anything like that. It's probably a purchasing mission. They're after ships, munitions, raw materials, anything to support the war effort. Morovik said their requests for ships had been denied, and he didn't know about the others. Second, and this was a surprise. He and two other officers are going to testify against Lemeshik." 
     "Testify against him?" Byrne asked. "You're sure about that, Sergeant?" And Commander Allen was just as surprised, as were the others from Adelaide. 
     "Yes, sir," Wagner nodded. "Lemeshik was violating several of their own regulations in having the Petty Officer aboard ship. Morovik tried to get him relieved of command for that, and it went nowhere. The Security Officer tried through Secret Police channels, and that got quashed. So they're taking the opportunity to get rid of him this way." 
     Adama turned to his Chief Opposer. "Were you surprised, sire?" 
     "I was, Commander," Solon replied. "As was Memnon. But the Sergeant is not wrong in this." 
     "Sire Memnon?" 
     "I, too, was surprised," the Protector nodded. "But, that is their right, after all." 
     "Consider," Sarah pointed out. "An unpopular and despised commander has survived at least two attempts to remove him from his position. Now, some of his officers are using the opportunity we are providing to be rid of him. It may be their only chance to do so, and they are taking advantage of it." 
     "Their own politics at play, then?" Tinia asked. 
     "It is part of it, siress, but Lemeshik's father was able to successfully interfere with those attempts, if you'll recall." 
     Adama nodded at Sarah. "That's right, Sarah. Now, Petty Officer? I believe you have something on Morovik as well?" 
     "Yes, sir," Clemens said. "I've told this to some of you, but the others.....Morovik never hurt me, but he never helped, either. He said the most he could have done was have me sent back to the camp." 
     "Not much help, I'd say," Captain Ashby said. 
     "No, sir." Clemens went on. "There was a junior officer aboard who tried to help. He'd bring me extra food, for example. I got the impression he wanted to help more, but couldn't. Anyway, one day, Lemeshik had a couple of his security thugs drag me down to the docking bay, and all the off-duty officers were there. He had a couple of other thugs drag this guy out of formation and onto his knees, right in front of me. Lemeshik told them, 'This is what happens if you show any sympathy to a Te'rean slave.' Then he drew his service pistol and shot the officer in the head. Blew his brains all over the deck," she said. "And me." 
     There was silence, though some already knew. Then Commander Allen spoke up. "One possessive bastard, I'd say." 
     "And a sick one," Captain Ashby added. "Even Scarface didn't go that far in punishing any of his own men." 
     "No, sir, he didn't," Clemens said. "But Lemeshik.....nobody got out of line after that. And in his quarters that night? He made sure I got the message. And when Sire Solon plays one of Lemeshik's videos in court? You'll know what I mean." 
     Heads nodded at that. "No elaboration necessary, Petty Officer," Adama said. "Anything else from either you or Sergeant Wagner?" 
     Both looked at each other and shook their heads. "No, sir," Wagner replied. 
    "Very good," replied Adama. "Well done, both of you." 
     "Thank you, sir," Wagner nodded. 
     "You're welcome, Sergeant, " Adama said. Then he gestured to Sire Solon. "Sire?" 
     "Commander, everyone," the Chief Opposer said as he rose. "We will be ready to go forward. The day after tomorrow, on schedule. All of our preparations are complete or nearly so." 
     "Excellent, sire," Tinia said. "And your phase will likely be the longest, one expects." 
     "Yes," Solon nodded. "With the victims, several members of the raiding party, the medical staff, and Technician Hummer, who handled the translation work, it will be a few days. Then Sire Memnon will have his work cut out for him." 
     "No doubt," Xaviar said. "Sire, have you spoken with Miss Melnea? The difference between our two systems cannot be more profound." 
     "I have," Solon replied. "And yes, it is. In their system, the Opposer, or Procurator, as it is called,  not only investigates, but also prosecutes. 'Give me the individual, and I will find the crime', would sum up their system. Her mother was a Procurator before their....unpleasantness, if you'll recall. And she has reiterated her desire to testify, and will do so in the rebuttal phase." 
     "To show the difference between their system and ours," Pelias observed. 
     Solon nodded again. "That is my intention." 
     "Very good, sire," Adama said. "And Sire Memnon?" Adama motioned to the Chief Protector as Solon resumed his seat. 
     "Commander," the elderly sire nodded as he rose. "The Protection is ready, and you may be assured that the accused will receive an adequate defense." 
     "Sire, have they changed since you were here last, or are they still stubborn?" Xaviar wanted to know. 
     Memnon nodded. "I am bound by Protector-Client Privilege, as you know." Seeing those around the table on on the monitors nod, he went on. "Two of them are more willing to cooperate, but all will receive a full defense. The law requires nothing less." 
     Adama nodded. "All the more to highlight the difference between their system and ours. Several of their officers will be allowed to witness the proceedings, and they will be provided copies of the recordings, as has been mentioned previously." 
     "Of course, Commander," Memnon said. "And I, too, have spoken with Miss Melnea. We have had an interesting conversation. It did prove one thing: In law, one's education never stops." 
     "I see," Adama said. "Very well, is there anything else?" Both shook their heads no. "All right, the best of luck to both of you." 
     "Thank you, Commander," Memnon said as he sat down, and Solon nodded. 
     "Sires, you're welcome," Adama nodded. He gestured to Apollo. "Apollo, Orion? What do you have for us?" 
     The Galactica's Strike Leader rose, and called up a display. "The short version is this: Not much. I took a patrol with Orion to investigate this system here," Apollo indicated the Red Giant system. "Other than an ice ball and a rock ball with no atmosphere, not much else we could get to. The two gas giants in the system were too deep in the radion belts." 
     "Further penetration of the system would have been hazardous," Orion added. "The Risik charts declare it to be a danger zone, due to the radion, and we were unable to penetrate further than the rock ball, which was the second world from the heliopause." 
     Xaviar looked at Apollo. "Anything from our friends? Marker beacons or remote probes?" 
     Apollo nodded. "The former, sire. We detected a beacon at the edge of the heliopause, and it was transmitting a signal on one of their frequencies. The translation shows it to be a warning: 'Danger Zone: Proceed at Your Own Risk.'" 
     "That's a first, I believe, Commander. Such a beacon, I mean." 
     "It is, sire," Adama said. "And there were no other signs of the Risik?" 
     "Nothing, Commander," Orion said. "No other probes or ships detected." 
     "That's always a good sign, Commander," said Tigh. "And the next system won't be in patrol range for another two days." 
     Adama nodded. "True, Colonel. Apollo, Orion? Well done, and pass that on to your pilots." 
     "Yes, Commander," said Apollo. 
     "By your command," Orion nodded. And though seeing him nod was becoming more routine, still....seeing a Cylon adopt human traits was still a surprise to those in the Ward Room or on the monitors. 
     Adama nodded back, then turned to Sire Pelias on the monitor. "Sire, I see you've been visiting with your new constituents. How are things going from your perspective? 
     "Very well, Commander," Pelias replied. "I was aboard Adelaide this morning, and have been on Constellation since after lunch. People are adapting, and some have done more than others," he said, nodding at Lieutenant Sanderson, but overall? Everyone will fit in, given time." 
     "The commodity which we have plenty of,"  Tinia noted. 
     "Yes," said Pelias. "But, both ships can be called happy ones at the moment, and I see no reason for that to change." 
     "Excellent," Adama said. "Captain Byrne and Commander Allen? I'd like to come over to your ships and have a look for myself." 
     "Anytime, Commander," Byrne said. 
     "Sir, just let us know when," Allen added. 
     "Very well. Now, before we adjourn, there's two other matters. First, once we reach what the Risik consider to be their border, we will be releasing both captured ships and crews. No doubt, Sub-Commander Morovik and his officers will report our position to their superiors, and the smuggler captain will try to buy favor with their own authorities by doing the same," Adama said. "However, that is a risk we'll have to accept. And wherever we do release them, after they leave, we'll have another minefield waiting for the Risik Star Force when they do arrive at that location." 
     Baltar grinned. "A very devious suggestion, Adama. Chances are, they've found the other minefield, and done so the hard way." 
     "Exactly, and I'm not making it easy for them," Adama replied. He turned to Tigh. "Colonel? Our fuel and water situation?" 
     "Still green across the board, Commander, but two more sectans and we'll need to start looking for new sources for both," Tigh replied. 
     "Colonel Tigh is correct," said Moray. "At current rates of expenditure, the BaseShip's stocks are still adequate. However, unexpected combat may change that." 
     "Or an accident," Xaviar noted. "Ships being ships, sometimes they have minds of their own." 
     "That they do, sire," Adama said. "As we all know from experience. Still, Colonel, I want you and the Command Centurion to come up with some contingency plans in case we need to refuel or replenish water earlier than expected." 
     "Yes, Commander," replied Tigh, making a note on his pad. 
     "By your command," Moray said. 
     "There is one more thing," Adama said. "I've spoken with Chief Zeibert on the Rising Star, and he's got the staff making preparations for the Welcome-Aboard Party. Our new travelers will have an enjoyable evening, and we will be getting to know them better, and vice versa. The only bad thing will be that the security lid on them will have been lifted, and so IFB will no doubt be there. Unfortunately." 
     "Too bad they can't be marooned as well," grumbled Wagner. 
     "A pity, but then that would be animal cruelty," Pelias reminded everyone, and there was some laughter at that. 
     "It would, sire," Adama replied. 
     "Couldn't we be a .....little bit late in letting these IFB scum know the security's been lifted?" Allen asked. 
     "Consider it under advisement, Commander,'"  Adama smiled. "Still, I'll warn Heller to be careful. No harassment, no cameras in faces, and no obnoxious requests for interviews. Whether or not Zara and Zed listen to the warning is another question. But it will be strongly...... suggested that they do so." 
     "They're the kind of reporter who doesn't take 'No' for an answer," Allen said. "Sometimes, on Earth, a few well-placed fists reinforce that." 
     Byrne nodded. "Usually celebrities punching out photographers who get too close, but yeah, it does happen once in a while." 
     "We'll make sure that IFB stays a respectful distance, Captain," Adama said. "One way or another." 
     "Thanks, Commander." 
     "Now, is there anything else?" Adama asked. "Baltar?" 
     Baltar shook his head. "Adama, I don't think so. But the tribunal will be an interesting one." 
     "That it will," Adama nodded. "Any other comments?" Heads shook no. "All right: unless something develops during the Tribunal, we'll meet again after its conclusion. We're adjourned until then." 


     The next day,  two shuttles flew from Constellation and Adelaide to the Rising Star. When they arrived, the occupants got out, and the pilots immediately recognized each other. 
     "Seleine! It's been a while since shuttle training," Adele said to the Adelaide's senior shuttle pilot, a brunette with cropped hair and a physique that, to Sergeant Wagner, reminded her of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issues her boyfriend had been so eager to read.
     Seleine nodded. "Too long, but how are you doing on Constellation?" 
     "Fine, and you do know Sergeant Wagner?" Adele asked, 
     "Only from IFB, but it's an honor to meet you," Seleine said, shaking Wagner's hand. 
     "Nice to meet one of Adele's classmates," Wagner nodded. "And I see Kalysha made the trip," she added, seeing Commander Allen's wife. "It's been a while."
     "Not since the commissioning ceremony and reception," Kalysha said. "Then again, we haven't been as busy as you and Captain Byrne have been. And how is Jena?" 
     "She's well, and so are the others. Jen's working in the child-care center we've got when her schoolwork's not in the way." 
     Kalysha smiled. "How are the babies?" 
     "Fine, but no births yet," Wagner said. "But they can come any time." She glanced at two of the toughest security guys she'd ever seen as they came out of Adelaide's shuttle. "Looks like we're thinking alike." She waved to the Armstrong, and not only Paulson from her own security team, but also two tough-looking Viper pilots from Katana Squadron. Captain Byrne had added them, thinking that not only would the extra hands be useful, but also to intimidate any IFB camera crew, should they encounter any. 
     Kalysha smiled. "Ced told us we may need some, what's the term? Muscle?" 
     "Captain Byrne said the same thing," Adele said. She turned to Wagner. "How do you want to run this? Captain Byrne said you've got the lead on this." And she saw Kalysha nod. 
     "Okay, let's get to the shopping deck and Jasen's shop," Wagner said. "All of the cargo is there." 
     Paulson asked, "And how do we get back here without anyone seeing us, ma'am?" 
     "There should be a freight elevator going from the shopping deck to right here in the docking bay," Wagner replied. "We use that to get back here. Then we secure the cargo, and go back to the shopping deck. We need to maintain cover, after all," she said, and saw the others nod. "We get something to eat and drink, maybe do some window-shopping, then we come back and head back to our respective ships." 
     One of Allen's men looked at her. "Ma'am, it's a cover story so paper-thin you can breathe through it." 
     "It only has to work this once," she reminded them. "And when we come back with the others? The tribunal's going to be underway, and IFB's going to be focused on that." 
     Seleine nodded. "Sounds like a plan." 
     "Then let's go," said Adele. 

     When the party got to the shopping deck, the group went right to Jasen's shop, all the while keeping an eye out for any familiar-and loathed-faces from IFB, and not just Zara and Zed. Anyone from IFB was viewed with the same amount of suspicion. The group went into the shop, and not only was Jasen there, but Aurelia and Tyrell were waiting as well. "Welcome, Sergeant," Jasen said. "Always good to see you." 
     "Likewise, Jasen," Wagner said. "You do know Kalysha?" She asked. 
     "Of course!" Jasen said. "I heard you sing, at the commissioning party for your husband's ship." He then introduced the other two. "We've been busy." 
     Wagner nodded. "That's good. Got everything?" 
     "As requested," Tyrell replied. "The Earth-style civilian clothes were, shall we say, interesting, but speaking for myself, I wouldn't be surprised if some of those styles do catch on in the Fleet." 
     Hearing that, Wagner's jaw almost dropped. "Well, now. That's new."
     "There are always those who like to try something new, even under our current circumstances," Aurelia said. 
     "Let me guess," Adele nodded. "Some of the kids from Elite Class?" 
     "One could say that," Tyrell laughed. "They may be far from the Colonies, but old habits never die." 
     Wagner looked at him, then she smiled. "Some rich kids on Earth would do the same thing," She checked the orders for Constellation's people, while Kaylesha did the same for Adelaide's. "Don't think anyone's going to complain, Jasen." 
     "Nor do I," Kalysha added. "Things appear to be more than acceptable." 
     "That's good," Jasen replied. "And I have something here for Petty Officer Clemens," he added. Wagner raised an eyebrow, then Jasen opened a package. "Her dress whites," he said. "I wasn't able to finish them before the recent excitement, but with another one of the refugees being from the same service...."
     "She'll like it," said Wagner. "Thanks again." 
     "Was that place as horrible as IFB's been saying?" Aurelia asked. 
     Everyone looked at Wagner, as she was the only one of them who had been on the ground portion of the raid. "I was only there for the raid,.  But I'll just say this, because soon, you'll hear from people who were held there." 
     "Yes?" 
     "Be glad you didn't see it," replied Wagner. "I wasn't there that long, but that was enough." 
     One of Adelaide's security men nodded. "I'll go along with that. I used to work with Castor before being transferred to Adelaide, and we stay in touch. He told me what he and his guys saw when they went into the torture shed. What those Risik were doing to those two people there....."
     "That's enough, I think," Aurelia said, shaken. "We'll get the rest in the Tribunal." 
     "That you will," Wagner replied. 
     "Jasen?" Adele asked to change the subject. "Is there a freight elevator to get to the docking bay?" 
     Jasen nodded, as did the other two. "Of course," he said. "Why do you ask?" 
     "We need to get down and back to the Docking Bay without anyone seeing us. Especially if IFB has anyone aboard ship." 
     "Spies, in other words," Kalysha said.
     The three proprietors nodded. "Of course," Tyrell said. "There's a corridor behind the shops that staff and crew use, and there's a freight elevator. Aurelia and I will take you there," he added, seeing Aurelia nod. 
     "All right," Wagner said. "Let's get going. Jasen? Thanks again, and we'll bring the others over soon. Probably after the first group is finished testifying." 
     "We'll be waiting," Jasen replied.  "And Sergeant? Cornitha said to tell you that she's got material now for one-piece bathing suits. Thanks to that smuggler's cargo." 
     "Which we were all able to take advantage of," Aurelia said. "Not as much as a full-fledged stopover, but it was more than enough." 
     "Glad to hear," Wagner said. "Tell her I'll see her shortly." 
     "I will," Jasen said. "Good luck. Not just with this, but with the Tribunal." 
     "Thanks, Jasen.." 

     It took two round trips, but the precious cargo was soon secured in the shuttles, then the party went back to the shopping deck. "All clear," Paulson said after he scanned the area outside Jasen's shop. "No sign of any IFB trouble." 
     "Good," Wagner said. "All right, people. We still need to maintain cover. If you've got some shopping to do, window or otherwise, do it. If you want to hit the food court, fine. Just be back in the docking bay in a centar. We need to make our deliveries, after all." 
     "Got you," Selene said. "And IFB?" That was a question on everyone's mind. 
     Wagner thought for a moment. "If you spot those slime-lovers, send a text. They'll be looking for anyone from Earth-which means me, or failing that, Kalysha." 
     "You are correct, Sergeant," Kalysha replied. "We, after all, are two who are most easily recognized." And that was something that annoyed the both of them to no end. 
     "Unfortunately," nodded Wagner. "Okay, you've got a centar. Make the most of it." 

     Everyone split up, and went on their way. Wagner and  Adele, though, along with Kalysha, stuck together. They did some window-shopping, then went into Cornithia's shop. "Cornithia," Wagner said. "I got your message." 
     "Sergeant!" Cornitha replied. "Nice to see you again. And yes, I had you in mind when I received some of the material that the others considered excess." 
     "What do you mean?" Adele asked. 
     "When we were on R&R, I had to get a two-piece bathing suit, and it didn't leave much to the imagination when we were on the Aquacade, remember?" 
     Adele did remember, and both of them had shot some nasty glances at guys who were looking too much at them and not much else. "I sure do. And neither one of us liked that a bit." 
     "No," Wagner said. She looked at the suit from front and back. It reminded her of the suits Olympic swimmers wore, though this one was more open in the back. Not enough material, she knew, but overall.... "Looks good, Cornithia. And it doesn't show more than I want. This one reveals a lot less." 
     "Care to try it on, Sergeant?" Cornithia asked. "I don't have any other customers at the moment, so the fitting room is available." 
     Wagner recognized an engraved invitation when she saw it. "I'd like that." She took the suit into the changing room and changed. When she came out, both Adele and Kalysha were smiling. 
     "Looks good, Lauren," Adele said, and Kalysha nodded approval. 
     "A very good choice," Kalysha said. 
     "Well?" Cornithia asked. 
     "I'll take it, but not right now," Wagner said. "I need to wait until the next payday." 
     Cornithia nodded. "No problem, Sergeant. I'll hold it for you. And no doubt, I'm sure to have some new customers with your fellow Earthers," she smiled. 
     "No doubt," Wagner said. She then went back to change, then came back out. "I'll be back, after the next payday.  I'll keep the other one, though. It's still handy." 
     "For what?" Adele asked. 
     "One of Croft's guys told me about a planet called Ki. Some nasty wildlife there, he said. But also had some places with nice beaches,  warm sunshine, and so on. Find a place like that, minus the wildlife? I can use it to help get a tan. After forty yahrens in a pod.....," she shrugged, and the others smiled. 
     "You, me, and a lot of others." 

     After some more window-shopping, they went to the Food Court, and got some java from Mariwen and Cassy at Rogilo's. Then the trio found a table, and saw that the rest of their party was doing the same, just yapping to kill time. "Well?" Adele wanted to know. "When do you testify in this Tribunal?" 
     "Don't know yet," Wagner said. "I'll probably find out this afternoon. Day after tomorrow is the first day of actual testimony. Tomorrow's taken up with some legal motions, these scumbags enter their pleas, and opening statements from both sides. The real stuff gets going after that." 
     Kalysha nodded. "And you want all those involved in those abductions to be killed." It wasn't a question.
     "You've got that right. Pelias actually said that if I killed everyone responsible for those abductions, I would be doing the galaxy a favor." 
     "Not going to argue with you," Adele said. "You and the others have good reasons to do just that." 
     "Yeah," replied Wagner. "But the Ke'zar probably killed off a lot of them in their war, so if we encounter those people? I'll be shaking their hands and thanking them." 
     "So will your friends," said Adele. "Speaking of which, IFB's still screaming about not being given access." 
     "Their problem," Wagner snorted. "IFB needs to learn they have to take 'no' for an answer." 
     The other two shook their heads. "Not going to happen," Adele said. 
     "I do not think so myself," Kalysha added. "They can be....obnoxious and very persistent." 
     "On Earth, when reporters get too close to celebrities?" said Wagner. "A few well-placed fists punctuate the 'No' answer. Often followed by smashing cameras." 
     Adele grinned. "Too bad that won't happen here." 
    "First time for everything." 
     Then Selene said, "Sergeant? It's time." 
     "How time flies. So far, no sign of those vermin," Wagner said. 
     "First time I've heard IFB called that," Paulson quipped. "But then again, they can fit the description at times." 
     Adele took another look around, as did Wagner. "They're not around," Adele nodded. 
     Wagner took a final look. No familiar-and loathed-faces as far as she could tell. "Let's go," she decided. "Sooner we're out of here, and back to our ships, the better." 
     The party went back to the docking bay, and after boarding their respective shuttles, left the Rising Star. When they got back to either Constellation or Adelaide, those who would be testifying were happy to see their new wardrobes, and their fellow refugees were treated to a sneak peek at what they would be getting down the line. 

     The next day, at 0900 on the dot, the Tribunal convened aboard the Galactica, with Commander Adama presiding.. After the members of the Tribunal were selected, sworn in, and empaneled, the witness gallery filled with those who wanted to watch the proceedings. Then the defendants were brought in. Much to their dismay, they saw that several of Lemeshik's officers were in the gallery, and the expressions on those faces were neutral at best, and others were not at all supportive. After several pre-Tribunal motions were dealt with, it was time for the accused to enter their pleas. 
     All over the Fleet, eyes, both organic and otherwise, were watching the proceedings. In Constellation's crew mess, along with Adelaide's, the ex-prisoners, and their new Colonial friends, were glued to the monitors. Though no more than fifteen of them would testify, all were keenly interested at the very least, and wanted to see their former tormentors (three of them, anyway) get their just desserts. 
     In Constellation's Security Office, Sergeant Wagner was at her desk, feet propped up on it, and sipping a cup of java while Metxan, her deputy, was there as well, and both were watching the monitor. "They're getting more rights than they gave any of us, the bastards," she grumbled. "Only they won't recognize it." 
     "And you want them all dead, Ma'am," Metxan observed. "Every last one of them, right?" 
     "Not the whole race, mind," Wagner said. "Just anyone involved with those abductions. No matter how remotely.  I don't care if they were some paper-pusher, or someone who planned and organized the whole thing, and everyone involved in actually carrying them out. Throw in those who worked for Scarface on the home world, and it's a long list. The Ke'zar probably killed off most of them in their war, and we killed those at the camp during the raid.  But my friends and I? We all want anyone who got away." 
     Mextan understood. "But you'll have to settle for these three." It wasn't a question, she could tell from his voice. 
     "Yeah. They'll have to do." She watched the scene on the monitor. "Turn it up. They're about to enter their pleas." 
     Mextan grabbed the remote just in time to hear Commander Adama's voice. 
     "The defendants, having been provided with the indictment of the charges against them, may now enter their pleas of either Guilty or Not Guilty. If a defendant refuses to enter a plea, a default one of 'Not Guilty' will be entered on their behalf." Adama addressed the defendants. "Commander Lemeshik?" 
     Lemeshik rose. 'Not Guilty," he said formally. Though everyone could see the insufferably smug expression on his face. 
     "So entered," Adama said. "Commandant Tsernavia?" 
     The prison commandant and torturer rose. "Not Guilty." He, too, had a smug expression on his face. As if the Humans present belonged in one of his "disciplinary facilities." 
     "So entered," Adama said as the Commandant sat down. "Governor Raduztak?" 
     "I do not recognize the legality of these proceedings, and therefore, I will not enter a plea," Raduztak said. "You have no right to sit in judgment of us!" 
     Adama nodded. "Very well,"he said. "A plea of 'Not Guilty' will be so entered on your behalf." 
     "As you wish," said the ex-Governor, in more of a snarl. as he sat down. 

     On Constellation's bridge, Captain Byrne was watching from his station, with Mr. Dante next to him. "No surprise there." 
     "Sir?" Dante asked. 
     "We heard that one of them wasn't going to cooperate in his defense. Now we know." 
     "His problem, sir." 
     "Only he refuses to get it, Mr. Dante," Byrne said. 
     "He'll get a Hades Hole of an education quick, sir," Dante replied. 
     "That he will." 

     Adama gestured to the Chief Opposer. "Sire Solon? You may present your Opening Statement." 
     "Thank you, Mr. President." The Chief Opposer rose. "May it please the Tribunal. Mr. President, Members of the Tribunal, those watching, fellow Colonials, and our new friends from Earth," he said. "The Tyrous Statute was passed, Five hundred and fifty-five Yahrens ago, as an anti-piracy measure. It was meant to enable prosecution of those who committed crimes against humans, even those who were living outside Colonial Space, and our allies, and yet, were often the victims of pirate attack. I should point out that the Statute has been upheld by the Colonial Supreme Court on three separate occasions, and though we are no longer in the Colonies, it is still in our law code. And what are among the charges possible under the Statute?" Solon asked. "Kidnapping, Slavery, Torture, Rape, and Murder. All of which, were we back in our home quadrant, would not go unpunished.
     "Unlike previous defendants under this statute," Solon continued, "two of these defendants committed their crimes with the sanction of, and approval of, a government. A state that was planning an invasion of our sister world, Earth, and the victims were abducted from their home planet as part of a program of both medical research and intelligence gathering, as part of the planning process for this invasion. The Opposition will show that one of the defendants, the Commandant-" Solon paused to point at Scarface, then continued. "Not only interrogated these victims, but also tortured them. And when they were taken in stasis pods to Ne'Chak? He was placed in charge of the slave camp, where he continued to torment them, sometimes for the pleasure of himself and senior officials in the colony-" Solon gestured to the former Governor-"and sometimes for any disobedience to camp regulations, whether real or imagined." Solon hesitated, then went on.  "And even, sometimes, just for the fun of it. We will also show for the record, that not only were these people tortured in the camp, but that these torture sessions were recorded for posterity. Either for his  later amusement, or as a perverse form of record keeping," Solon said, and there were gasps from the public gallery. 
     "And that is not all. You will hear from several of the women held at the camp, who will testify about the Commandant's 'banquets', for want of a better term. Who were the guests? The Governor." Solon pointed to Raduztak. "Along with several clerics from their official state religion,, high-ranking officers from the base, and businessmen from the colony. After the meal? Those attending would be allowed to, shall we say, avail themselves of some of the female prisoners. The Commandant called it 'entertainment.' My fellow Colonials, we have another word for it. We call it rape.
     "The second defendant, the Governor of Ne'Chak, was a participant in these.....entertainments." Solon took a breath, then raised his voice.  "As the Opposition will show, he requested prison laborers from the slave camp to work at Government House. Not only was his request granted, but he praised the 'exemplary work' done by the prisoners in a letter to the Commandant!" Solon paused, took a drink of water, then continued. "And like the Commandant, he has no regret, no remorse. Not the slightest acknowledgment of the pain and suffering caused to these innocent people. Whose sole 'crime' is that they are Humans from Earth, and were available. None at all.
     "As for the third defendant, Commander Lemeshik? He wanted a personal servant and....Members of the Tribunal, there is no polite way to put it....a sex slave from the camp. However, he was forbidden by his own service's regulations from having a slave aboard ship. That did not concern him. He paid a bribe to not only get around that, but also since  the Commandant was not allowed to sell any slaves from the camp, and thus bought the Commandant's silence. Then he returned, and was allowed to 'inspect' several of the more attractive female prisoners, He made his selection, and that prisoner merely exchanged one form of  inhumane captivity for another. That individual will tell you of being forced to be his personal servant and sex slave. And when there was the slightest disobedience? She was 'disciplined.' And like the Commandant, he recorded these....sessions for his later personal amusement. Like a hunter's trophies." Once again, there were gasps from the gallery. 
     "Not only will you hear from some of the rescued prisoners," Solon continued, really into his speech,  "but you will hear from members of the Colonial Forces, who participated in the boarding action against Lemeshik's ship, and in the raid on the camp. You will also hear from members of the Galactica's medical staff, who tended to the rescued prisoners and can testify to their condition at rescue. And, most disturbing of all, you will view captured documents and video, showing in detail what was done to them."
     Solon paused, took another drink, then continued. "The Protection will argue that the defendants were justified in their conduct, based on their government's orders and decrees, and similar statements from their priests. That such actions were sanctioned and justified by their gods. They will also argue that they were merely following orders passed down to them from their superiors. Or, they will say that we have no right to try them. They will try to 'dress up' their arguments, but no matter how they try to, kidnapping is still kidnapping, slavery is still slavery, torture is still torture, and rape is still rape. When, after you have heard all of the evidence, and it is time for you to deliberate, it is my hope, indeed my sincerest trust, and that of the victims, that you return with the proper verdicts: Guilty on all counts. In so doing, you will give them a measure of justice. Justice that has been denied them for so long.  Thank you." Solon nodded, then returned to his seat. 
     "Thank you, Sire," Adama said. "Sire Memnon? Is the Protection ready to give its opening statement?" 
     "It is, Mr. President," Memnon said. "May I proceed?" 
     "You may, Sire," replied Adama. 
     "Thank you, Mr. President." The elderly Sire rose, "May it please the Tribunal. Mr. President, members of the Tribunal, honored guests," Memnon gestured to the public gallery, including the Risik officers. "And also, our newly found brothers and sisters from Earth. What is one to say, when the defendants stand accused of very heinous crimes, and yet, feel that they have done nothing wrong? The Protection will show that the defendants were justified in their conduct, based on certain orders and decrees from their government. Furthermore, there are pronouncements from their priests which give further justification for their actions. Those orders and pronouncements may seem repugnant to us, there is no denying it, and yet, to the defendants, indeed, to their fellow Risik, they are considered right and proper." 

     Aboard Constellation, Captain Byrne winced, but nodded understanding. "He's being a good lawyer." 
     "Sir?" Dante asked. 
     "He's enough of a lawyer to argue a point of view that he personally finds repulsive, and yet, he does it for the clients' behalf. Lawyers on Earth often know their client or clients are guilty as sin, but...."
     "But they deserve a proper defense," Dante said, and saw Byrne nod. He knew that his Captain had served in the U.S. Navy's JAG Corps as an exchange officer at one point. 
     "Even the worst of the worst," Byrne said. "You're catching on, Mr. Dante." 
     "I know, sir. It makes me sick, but those measures are there to protect all of us." 
     "Exactly, Mr. Dante," Byrne nodded, then glanced at his Exec. "We'll make a good lawyer out of you yet," he smirked. 
     "Lords of Kobol, sir! I sure hope not." 
     Byrne didn't reply, but smiled, while some of the bridge crew chuckled. 

     "Furthermore," Memnon continued. "The defendants, at least Commandant Tsernavia and Governor Raduztak, were following orders passed to them through their respective chains of command. Surely, as members of the military, the members of the Tribunal, and many of those in the gallery, can understand the need to obey one's superiors? 

     "Not those kind of orders," Wagner muttered. "I guess they've never heard the term 'illegal orders.'" 
     "No, Ma'am," Mextan said. "You explained those. But what's he trying to do?"
     "He knows he's not going to get any acquittals," she replied. "But, he's not going to make it easy, either." 

     "I realize that the defendants stand accused of very heinous crimes. And yet, I ask you to consider that the defendants are only small parts of a considerable machine. Do our Earth Brothers and Sisters, and not just those among us, but those others who were abducted, deserve justice? Of course they do. Yet, I urge you to temper that call for justice with mercy. Thank you." 

     In both Constellation's and Adelaide's crew messes, the refugees and their new friends had been watching, and after what they had just heard, eyes were rolling at best, and there were more than a few jaws dropping. 
     "What the hell?" Lieutenant Sanderson turned to Petty Officer Clemens on Constellation. "'Mercy?' Where's the 'mercy' they gave us?" 
     "Easy, Ma'am," Clemens replied, putting a hand on her friend's shoulder. "He's just doing his job." 
     "I know, but still, hearing someone say that..." the Marine Lieutenant said. "Makes me want to puke." 
     "You and me both, Ma'am." 


     The next day was the first for witness testimony. And the star witness was Sergeant Wagner. Not only was she considered a victim, but also was a raider of both Lemeshik's ship as well as the camp. She would not only give a victim's account, but a raider's. A unique perspective. And that, to Solon, was very important. 
     "You may call your first witness, Sire," Adama told Solon. 
     "Thank you, Mr. President," Solon replied. "The Opposition calls Staff Sergeant Lauren Wagner, United States Air Force." 
     When Wagner went into the courtroom, she was wearing her USAF dress blues, and again, she was glad to have slacks instead of the skirt that had been part of the women's dress uniform. Because the last thing she wanted was to show the vermin on trial any more of her than necessary. As she walked by the Protection's table, she glared at all three defendants with contempt, and that contempt, Wagner could see, was being returned. That won't help you where you're going, she thought. After she took the stand, and was sworn in, Sire Solon got started.  
     "Sergeant," Solon asked. "Before your rescue by Warriors from the Galactica, you were not a full-time member of your country's military, correct?" 
     "That is correct, Sire, I am still technically a member of the 120th Security Police Squadron, which is part of the 120th Fighter-Interceptor Wing, Montana Air National Guard, which is a reserve component of the United States Air Force." 
     "And for the benefit of the Tribunal, you were not on active duty at the time of your abduction, correct?" 
     "Correct, Sire. My civilian job is-or was-a Deputy Sheriff for Cascade County, in the state of Montana. We handle what you call security, and we call law enforcement, for the unincorporated areas-mainly rural ones and those towns too small to have their own police force." 
     "Thank you. And you were stationed at the Great Falls Airport when on your military duty?" 
     "I was," she replied, as images of the area came up on the viewscreen. 
     "And to the east of the city of Great Falls," Solon continued, is an active air force base?" 
     "Malmstrom Air Force Base, Sire. Home of the 341st Strategic Missile Wing. In silos to the east, southeast, and north of the city of Great Falls are two hundred Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles-we call them Minuteman. They are a key portion of my country's nuclear deterrent," replied Wagner. 
     "And you had nothing to do with that unit, correct?" Solon asked. "Especially the missile silos, launch control centers, and the base itself?" 
     "Correct. Even when not fully activated, the 120th reports to the North American Air Defense Command, while the 341st and an air refueling wing report to Strategic Air Command, which controls the long-range missiles, bombers, and refueling tankers." 
     Solon paused, then went on. "Now, Sergeant, on the night of your abduction, you were on duty as a Deputy Sheriff, correct?" 
     "I was," said Wagner. 
     "Please describe for the Tribunal what happened." 
     "It was the night of September 4th, 1992, by our calendar. I was on patrol, in my vehicle, near the town of Belt, Montana-" and Wagner paused as the viewscreen in the courtroom zoomed in to show the town. "Night had fallen, and I noticed a light in the sky. At first, I thought it was an aircraft, heading for either Malmstrom AFB or to the Great Falls Airport. Then it changed course, got lower, and headed directly for my vehicle. I tried to radio my home office, to see if maybe someone could notify the military, as there are missile silos and a launch control center near the town." 
     "I see,'" Solon nodded. "What happened next?" 
     Wagner continued. "I couldn't get through on the radio, and the light got closer. I could make out a disc shape, but the light was so blinding I couldn't make out much more. Then I felt myself passing out. Next thing I know, I'm coming to, and I thought I was in a hospital or medical center. But I wasn't." 
     "How did you know?" 
     "The strange voices, and the fact that though I was nude, my arms and legs were strapped to a table. And those who were examining me were not human," Wagner said. "That's when I knew I had been taken by the craft." 
     "Can you describe the procedures?" Solon asked. 
     "They took some skin and hair samples, drew some blood, ran something over my teeth,  and they had this device that they passed over my body from head to toe. Then they had a needle-and it was connected to some wires, and inserted it into my navel. I begged them to stop, but they didn't listen, as if I hadn't even said a word, and went on with it."
     "Sergeant," Solon asked. "Did they use any kind of anesthetics during these procedures?" 
     "No, Sire. Nothing."
     "I see," nodded Solon, glaring at the defendants. "How long did this... examination take?"  
     "It took an hour, one of your Centars." Wagner said.  "When they were finished, another one came into the room and started to ask me questions." 
     "What kind of questions?" 
     "He asked about the missile base, the silos-their security, how, well, 'hardened', they were, the launch control centers, nuclear weapons storage at Malmstrom, whether there were any surface to air missile defenses, that sort of thing. The same for my unit's base at Great Falls Airport, the fighters, any nuclear weapons, and so on. I refused to answer, and he didn't like that. He tightened the straps, slapped me a bit, then he got angry and left. They put a blanket over me, and I was there for I don't know how long. Then he came back, with another one, and this fellow had a scar on his face, like he'd been in a knife fight," said Wagner. "This guy came over to the table, pulled the blanket off of me, and started asking the same questions. I said no. Then he smiled. The other fellow gave him an electronic prod, and he started to use it on me. On my breasts, abdomen, the soles of my feet, between my legs...."
     "Sergeant, do you recognize the interrogator who did this?" Solon asked. 
     "Yes, Sire, I do." 
     "Is he in the courtroom?" 
     Wagner nodded, and pointed to Tsernavia. "THAT..... MAN RIGHT THERE!" 
     "You're certain?" The Opposer asked. 
     Wagner nodded again, then looked the Opposer in the eye. "One hundred percent certain." 
     "Let the record show that the witness has identified the defendant Tsernavia as the second interrogator," said Solon. "Sergeant, I realize that this may be painful for you, but a video recording of your examination and......interrogation, for want of a better term, has been found. Would you care to comment as the video is played?" 
     "I'll do that, Sire." 
     "Mr. President, after this video is played, the Opposition requests that it be submitted as an exhibit and entered into evidence." 
     Adama nodded.  "So ordered," he said. 
     Solon nodded to his aide, and the viewscreen showed the video. Wagner commented on the exam, using the same words she had in her testimony. When it was nearly finished, Solon had the video paused. "Sergeant, did you answer any of the questions? I ask this for the record." 
     "No, I did not," Wagner replied. "When someone asks me about a key base that supports our nuclear deterrent, or the base where I was stationed-along with many of my friends at the time, I knew they didn't have anyone's best interests in mind. Including mine. I kept begging and pleading with him to stop, and he didn't. Eventually, he got tired and gave up. As he was walking away, he and the other one were laughing, their universal translator was still on, and Tsernavia said to the other one, 'How well they squirm.' They both laughed at that." 
     "We have that," Solon told the Tribunal members. At a nod, the video resumed, and Tsernavia's remark was clearly audible. He turned to the members, and repeated it. "How well they squirm," Solon said. "And then what?" 
     "The examiner came back, with a mask. I tried to move my head, but he forced it on me, and I fell asleep. The next thing I know, I'm waking up in the Galactica's Life Center, and it's forty years-or yahrens-later." Wagner said. 
     Solon nodded, then picked up a prod. 'Sergeant, this was recovered from the ship as well. Do you recognize it?" 
     "I do," She replied. "It's the prod Tsernavia used on me." 
     "The Opposition would request that this be submitted as an exhibit and admitted into evidence." 
     "Does the Protection have any objections?" Adama asked Sire Memnon. 
     "None, Mr. President," Memnon replied. 
     "Very well," Adama replied. "So ordered." 
     "Sergeant, you were a part of the boarding party that stormed Lemeshik's ship, correct?" 
     "That's right," Wagner said. 
     "And you recovered his slave, Petty Officer Jessica Clemens, correct? " Solon asked. 
     "I did." 
     "Can you describe her condition?" 
     "She wasn't malnourished, but wasn't in perfect condition either. And she had some scars from beatings, recent ones." 
     Solon nodded. "Sergeant, you were a member of the raiding party at the slave camp as well?" 
     "I was," she replied. 
     "Can you describe the conditions there?" Asked Solon. 
     "Barracks Four, where the clinic for the prisoners was? It was okay, I suppose. Not clean like Galactica's Life Center, but not as filthy as other parts of the camp. Barracks Three, for the couples-" 
     "Couples?" Solon wanted to know. 
     "Yes, Sire. Several of the prisoners had formed relationships, and those produced children. They were allowed a barracks for themselves and their children, and that one was somewhat clean, but it could have been a lot better. Barracks Two, for the women, and Barracks One, for the men, were filthy by anyone's standard. The stench from the latrines, unwashed bodies, and so on. I did not see the torture shed or the punishment area, however." Wagner replied. 
     Solon nodded. "You did renew your acquaintance with Tsernavia?" He asked. 
     "I did." 
     "And you also interrogated the Governor in a field setting?" 
     Wagner nodded. "That's correct." 
     "Were you...harsh with them?" 
     "No, Sire. I wasn't. I may have been a little rough, but compared with what I went through, or those in the camp, a punch to the Governor's belly or a couple of kicks to the Commandant were nothing by comparison." 
     "I see..." Solon nodded. "Thank you, Sergeant." He turned to Memnon. "Your witness." 
     Sire Memnon rose slowly. Whether from age, or from forming his words carefully, no one knew. "Sergeant, first of all, I will not deny that terrible things were done to you." The Sire paused, then continued. "However, being a member of a military force, surely you do understand the need to obey one's superiors?" 
     "I do, Sire, But I'd add this caveat." Wagner said. 
     "And that is?" Memnon asked. 
     "There's a difference between legal orders and illegal ones. By U.S. Military Law, or Colonial, for that matter, torture of prisoners is illegal. And immoral." 
     "Yes, but under the Risik code-" Memnon said. 
     "It's still immoral," Wagner pointed out. "And that's not all. He enjoyed every moment. He openly took pleasure when he was torturing me. This....man was smiling when he shocked me with that prod. And he ignored my begging him to stop. In fact, he laughed." 
     "I see...Now, were you a little...harsh with Commander Lemeshik?" Memnon asked. "After his ship's bridge was secured?" 
     "No, Sire. I wouldn't call that harsh at all. Maybe a little rough than I should have, but compared to what he did to her...."
     "Allegedly did to her," Memnon pointed out. "There is a difference." 
     "Not as far as I'm concerned," replied Wagner firmly. And everyone in the gallery, and watching on IFB,  knew what she meant. 
     Memnon gave a slight nod, as if he understood what she meant. "And when Commander Lemeshik was being transported to the shuttle? You let the former hostage be 'rough' as you say." 
     "It could have been worse, Sire," Wagner replied.  "I could have just let her kill him. But I didn't. I'd say he owes me his life." 
     The Sire was taken aback by that. "What do you mean?" 
     "I told her not to pull the trigger when she borrowed my pistol. She had every reason to blow his brains out, but listened to me," replied Wagner.  "It would've been so easy to just say to her, 'Kill him if you want.'. But I didn't.," 
     Memnon looked at Lemeshik, who was still surprised at the thought of being alive thanks to Wagner, then he  gestured to the Commandant. "How would you describe your conduct with Tsernavia? You did kick him?" 
     "Compared with what we had..." 
     "Please, Sergeant, answer the question." 
     "OBJECTION!" Solon said.  "The witness' state of mind is relevant, Mr. President." 
     "Agreed. Sustained," Adama said. "You may continue, Sergeant."
     "Yes, sir. Compared to what we in the raiding party saw being brought out of that torture shed or the punishment cells?" Wagner retorted. "Or the prisoners coming out of the barracks with malnutrition, scars of torture and beatings, and the effects of forced labor? Two or three kicks to him are nothing by comparison, I'd say. And I could have either killed him myself or let the prisoners settle old scores. But I didn't. My training took over, Sire. It would have been so easy to just finish him off, but no. If he had been killed outright in the raid, or he had gone for my weapon, though......Different story." 
     "And the Governor?" Memnon asked. The man was staring straight ahead at Wagner, with a glare that spoke volumes. 
     Wagner returned that look with contempt, then looked at the Sire. "When somebody is spouting nonsense about 'illegal acts' or 'piracy', when we in the raiding party are helping the people pulled from the torture shed or the punishment area, not to mention the prisoners in their barracks? A punch to the stomach is nothing by comparison. He came across as a hypocrite, where what they did was right and our rescue mission was wrong." 
     Memnon nodded, again, showing some understanding. Then he turned to Adama. "No further questions." 
     "Sire Solon? Anything on redirect?" Adama asked. 
     "Sergeant," Solon said. "You have said it would have been easy to kill any one of the defendants, or allow others to do so, but you didn't. Why is that?" 
     "Because, Sire, in my country's military, we don't kill prisoners. We don't torture them, and we don't have labor camps," replied Wagner. "All of that is against U.S. Military Law." 
     "Just as in the Colonial Forces," Solon nodded. "Thank you, Sergeant." He turned to Adama. "Nothing further." 
     "You may step down, Sergeant," Adama said. 
     Wagner nodded, then got up to leave. On her way out, she glared at the three defendants with a stare that spoke volumes. And quite a few of the witnesses, along with IFB's cameras, picked it up. 

     In Blue Squadron's ready room, Apollo, Jolly, Dietra, and the other members of the squadron were watching. Sheba was there as well, having come over from the Flight Training Office, where she was Officer-in-Charge during her pregnancy. All had watched Wagner's testimony, and had seen her glare as she left. "I sure wouldn't want to be those guys," Jolly said. "See that stare?" 
     Heads nodded at that. "Sure did, Jolly," Dietra said. "She's saying 'Don't frak with me.'" 
     "More than that," Apollo said. "She still wants those three dead. If looks were daggers...."
     Sheba finished for her husband. "They'd all be bleeding." 
     Heads nodded at that, then Hunley asked, "Sir, she really wants those three dead?" For her, indeed, for many Colonials, having fought Cylons their entire lives, a biological enemy who committed these kinds of atrocities was still new. Though those who had anti-piracy duty knew that some pirates encountered had been just as vicious. 
     "Not just them," Apollo replied. "Anyone involved in those abductions. If she got the chance to do that? Nobody would get in her way." 
     "Don't blame her at all, Skipper," Jolly said. "Or the others. So, now what?" 
     Apollo replied, "Now it's probably some of the people we rescued. Sheba?" He asked his wife. "If you were a Protector, would you take this case?" 
     "Hades, Apollo! Not just no, but Hades Hole No!" Sheba said with mock indignation. "Knowing what the Risik did to those people? I wouldn't take this case for all the Cubits on Caprica." 
     There was some laughter, then Apollo grinned. "Glad to see I'm not alone." 

     In the witness room, Wagner came back, and found Captain Ashby, Lieutenant Sanderson, and Petty Officer Clemens waiting. "How'd it go, Sergeant?" Ashby asked. He, along with the other two, were in their new dress uniforms. 
     "Not bad, sir," Wagner replied. "About what I expected, though there wasn't much during Cross-Examination. That may change, though." 
     "Who's next?" Sanderson wanted to know.
     "Your guess is as good as mine, Ma'am." 

     "You may call your next witness, Sire," Adama told Solon. 
     "Thank you, Mr. President," Solon replied. "The Opposition calls Petty Officer Third Class Jessica Clemens, United States Navy." 

     The door in the witness room opened, and Sergeant Fabius motioned to Clemens. "Petty Officer? Your turn." 
     "Showtime," Jessica said. 
     "Remember what I told you," Wagner told her. "Be calm, don't get too emotional unless they're showing video, and when they do? Just roll with it, and give whatever commentary they ask." 
     Jessica nodded. "Ready." 
     "Go get 'em, girl," Wagner said, and the two officers nodded.
     "Good luck, Petty Officer," Ashby said. 
     "Thank you, sir," Jessica said, then she followed Fabius. 

     The door to the courtroom opened, and Clemens went in. As she passed by the Protection's table, the three defendants glared at her, and she could pick up the hatred that they were sending her way. She shot a nasty look in return, one that any Colonial would recognize as the "Don't frak with me" look. As she went to the witness stand, the viewers on IFB were seeing her for the first time, and in her USN dress blues. 

     On Constellation, Byrne was chuckling at IFB's commentary. "You'd think, Mr. Dante, that with your historical database, these people have seen pictures of a sailor." 
     "Sir, with all due respect," Dante said. "I don't think Zara and Zed ever took a history class." 

     After Clemens was sworn in, Solon got started right away. "Petty Officer, prior to your abduction, where were you stationed in your country's military?" 
     "I was stationed at Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia. I was assigned as a helicopter aircrewman to Helicopter Composite Squadron Eight, on UH-46 helicopters," she replied. After being asked by Solon to clarify the terminology, for those who had never heard of such things, then the Opposer asked her, 
     "But you were not abducted from there, correct?" 
     "That is correct. I was home on leave, or what you call a furlon. I'm originally from the city of Marquette, in the state we call Michigan." The viewscreen then showed the state, then the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for everyone to see. 
     Solon nodded. "Could you please describe for the Tribunal what happened? Where you were, when, and what you were doing at the time?" 
     Clemens replied, "Yes, I was in a vehicle with my friend Denise Hayden, and we were returning from a dinner engagement with some friends. We saw a light in the sky, and it looked like an aircraft headed for either the Marquette airport or the K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base." The viewscreen now showed the Marquette area, including the air base.
     "Speaking of the air base," Solon said. "What was based there?" 
     "B-52 bombers and air refueling tankers, Sire," said Clemens. "They were the 410th Bomb Wing of SAC, which was the Air Force's Strategic Air Command." 
     "Do you know if they were equipped with nuclear weapons?" 
     "Sire, the Air Force would neither confirm or deny if the weapons were there, but it was assumed by everyone nearby that the base had the weapons." 
     "I see....Please, continue," Solon nodded. 
     "Well, the light changed course and approached our vehicle. It got lower and as it did, we saw that it had a disc shape, and the white light from beneath was so bright, we couldn't tell anything else. Then the vehicle's radio and engine failed, and I saw Denise pass out. I felt dizzy, then I did, too." 
     "What happened next?' 
     "I came to strapped to a table, nude, and these...people were examining me. The strange voices, their looks, I knew I wasn't on Earth, and had to be aboard the craft," Clemens said, trying to stay calm, but the venom in her voice was clear. 
     "They were giving you a medical examination? Asked Solon. 
     "Yes. They ran this device over my body, several times, from head to toe. They took some skin samples, some hair, checked my teeth, even drew some blood." Clemens paused, then continued. "They then had this needle, about this long." She held up both index fingers, about three inches apart, then continued.  "And it was connected to a couple of wires that came out of the wall. They inserted it in my navel, and it hurt so bad I was screaming at them to stop." 
     "And no anesthetics of any kind were used in this....procedure?" Solon asked. 
     "None, Sire. None at all."  
     Solon nodded. "Did they stop? 
     Clemens shook her head. "No, Sire. I was begging and pleading with them to stop, and they just ignored me. One of them even laughed in my face. They went right on with what they were doing." 
     "How long did this....examination take?" 
     "About an hour, Earth time, maybe one of your Centars. When they were finished, another one came into the room. He asked me about the air base." 
     Solon turned at Tsernavia, who was paying rapt attention. "What questions did he ask?" 
     "What kind of security there was at the base, how many security people were there, how they were armed, what types of aircraft were based there, the nuclear weapons storage, things like that. I told him I didn't know any of that, since the only times I had been there was for air shows."
     "Did he accept your answers?" 
     "Yes, he did, but then he showed me my Navy Identification Card. He wanted to know where I was stationed, and I refused to answer," Clemens said. "He did this several times, and I said no. He pressed some kind of device against my skin, and I felt a lot of pain. I screamed, he laughed, then he motioned to someone else. Then the examiner came with a mask, and I fell asleep." 
     "When did you wake up?" Solon asked. 
     "I don't know, Sire," Clemens replied. "Next thing I know, I'm on a table, nude, and they're telling me to get up. They gave me some sleeveless tunic to wear, cuffed my hands in front of me, then led me out of the ship. That's when I knew I was on another planet." 
     "How did you know?" 
     "Sire, the ships there were more advanced than anything on Earth, and there were two moons in the sky. Earth only has one." 
     Solon nodded. "Please continue, Petty Officer." 
     "They put me in a vehicle, and drove for I don't know how long, and I couldn't see out. Then they stopped at what seemed to be a prison. I was taken inside, and into a room, where they made me take my clothes off, and cuffed me to a chair. Then they left me alone for I don't know how long. The door opened, and this scar-faced fellow came into the room, and told me that I was going to answer his questions." 
     "Before we proceed further, Petty Officer," Solon said. "Is that individual you refer to in this room?" 
     "Yes, he is, Sire," Clemens said. 
     "Can you identify him for the Tribunal?" 
     She nodded, then pointed at Tsernavia. "HIM. He's the one. Not just there, but in the camp as well." 
     Solon asked, "In the camp?" 
     "He was the Commandant." 
     "Let the record show that the witness has identified the defendant Tsernavia as not only the one who interrogated her, but also was the camp commandant at Ne'Chak," Solon told the Tribunal. "And what happened next?" 
     "I said no, I wouldn't answer. Then he smiled. Two assistants came in, yanked a chain to my handcuffs, and pulled me up, out of the chair." Clemens paused, reliving the horror of her first torture session. "They had me hanging by my arms, and while I was hanging, they beat me with a length of rubber hose, a long, thin wooden stick, and a whip. In between? They shocked me with some kind of prod." 
     Solon picked up the prod that had been used on Wagner. "Identical to this one?" 
     "I'd say it was the same model, Sire." 
     "How long did you hold out?" 
     "I don't know, but every time I felt like passing out? They injected me with something to make me come to." 
     "So your torture could resume?" Solon asked.
     "Yes," Clemens said, and a gasp came from some of the witnesses. "I held out as long as I could, but eventually...." she sighed. "I said 'What do you want?' Clemnens paused, then went on. "They asked me where I was stationed, and when I told them, another one came into the room with a portable computer. This one called up imagery of the Norfolk area, and zoomed in onto the Naval Air Station. They showed me detailed imagery of the base, and even my squadron's hangar. They also asked me about the other bases in the area, and I told them what I knew. Which wasn't much." 
     "Hmm.." Solon nodded. "And how long were you incarcerated at this facility?" 
     "With twenty-seven others from Earth in my cellblock, Sire? Three hundred and forty-seven days, local time. The days were just a little bit longer than an Earth day. Then we were taken to the spaceport, if that's what you call it, and there was a ship there. Another group of prisoners were there, and they were from Earth, because I recognized my friend Denise. Then they put us in stasis pods, one-by-one." 
     "And you were taken to Ne'Chak?" 
     "Yes. And we were then put in the camp. I was there for six years-pardon me, yahrens," Clemens said. 
     Solon nodded. "What kinds of forced labor did you perform?" 
     "I mainly worked on the camp farm, but also in the kitchen," replied Clemens. "But, I also was on details that loaded and unloaded supplies from vehicles making deliveries to the camp, along with general camp maintenance." 
     "You were put to work outside the camp as well, correct?" 
     'Yes," Clemens nodded. "In a nearby nature park and reserve, picking up garbage. The same thing alongside the roads, picking up roadside garbage. Doing garbage pickup in the town, at the two public parks, and at the school.-" 
     "At the school? Solon asked. When he asked this, there was a hush from the witness gallery. 
     Clemens said, "Yes, at the school. There would be ten of us in a detail ,and as we picked up the garbage, the teachers brought the children to watch. Some of us have picked up some of the Risik language-I have, but I'm not fluent. But enough. Anyway, the teachers were telling their students that 'One day, we will return to Te'rea-" 
     "Te'rea is the Risik name for Earth? Is that correct?" 
     "It is, Sire," she replied. "Anyway, they also said that when they returned, they-meaning the Risik children, would be the masters there." 
     "You also were on details at Government House, correct? Is that where you first saw the Governor, Raduztak?" 
     "Yes, to both," Clemens nodded. "And the same kind of jobs. Sweeping sidewalks, scrubbing floors and toilets, collecting garbage, that sort of thing." 
     Solon turned to the Governor and Tsernavia. "You also met him at the Commandant's 'banquets' for want of a better term?" 
     "I did." 
     "What went on at those?" Asked Solon. 
     Clemens looked right at the Commandant. 'He would invite businessmen from the colony, some high-ranking officers from the base, sometimes a few of the local priests, and he'd wine and dine them. Some of the women from the camp would have to serve the food and drinks, and after they had their after-dinner drinks, sometimes to excess,  those who stayed would have some.....'fun' with us. That's the polite term I would use, Sire." 
     "The..... legal term would be rape? 
     "Yes." 
     "Petty Officer," Solon said, and she could hear the concern in his voice. "I realize this is a....sensitive subject for you, but how many of these were you forced to participate in?" 
     Clemens wiped a tear, then, clenching a fist, said firmly, "A couple dozen. At least." And again, there were gasps from the audience in the gallery. 
     "Petty Officer, you were also.....punished, on a number of occasions in the torture shed, correct?" 
     She nodded. "Yes, a dozen times, and that's not counting being smacked around by a guard, or being flogged by the Chief Guard, then tossed into a punishment cell for ten days." Clemens wiped another tear, then added, "On several occasions."
     "I realize again, this is a....delicate subject, but some video recordings of your torture sessions were recovered by the raiding party at the camp. If one is played, could you comment on it? 
     Clemens nodded, stiffly, but replied, "Sire, yes. I can do that." 
     "Mr. President, the Opposition would like to play one of these videos, and then have all of those showing the Petty Officer's torture submitted as exhibits and admitted into evidence," Solon asked  Adama. 
     "Sire Memnon?" Adama turned to the Protector. "Any objections?" 
     "None, Mr. President," Memnon replied, and he knew there was nothing to be gained by contesting these. He'd seen them as part of the discovery process, and had  been sickened by what he saw. He glanced at his aide, who was turning pale. The young man, who had been a law student prior to the Holocaust, had never seen this kind of graphic imagery before. Not even some of what was smuggled out of the Cordugo Pit. Until now.
     "So ordered," Adama replied. "You may proceed, Sire," he nodded to Solon.
     The Chief Opposer gestured to his aide, and the viewscreen showed the captured video, with Clemens hanging by her arms above her head, and quite nude. She was being alternatively flogged with a whip and shocked with a prod. Not just by the Commandant, but by two other guards. "Petty Officer, do you recall why you were being tortured on this occasion?" She didn't answer right away, as a tear was coming down her face. "Petty Officer?" 
     Clemens nodded. "I... had been working with some other prisoners on a work detail in the camp, painting the exterior walls of one of the barracks. I spilled some paint on a guard's trousers and boots." 
     Solon was incredulous. "You were being tortured just for spilling paint?" 
     "That's right," Clemens replied. "I told the Commandant and his....thugs that it was an accident. They didn't believe me. I spent two days there, then another ten in one of the punishment cells." 
     Solon gestured to the aide, who stopped the video, and called up an image of one of the cells taken by one of Castor's troopers the night of the raid. "Is this the cell you were in?" 
     "It may have been, Sire," said Clemens. "I spent time in all eight at one time or another." 
     "Can you describe the cell?" 
     "Metal sides,with some rust, and  with a wooden floor that stank of rot," she replied. "Not tall enough to stand, and not big enough to fully lay down. You were either sitting or squatting, and at night? Huddled in a ball trying to sleep-when the guards weren't banging the sides with their rifle butts. You sweated in summer and shivered in winter, and you were lucky if you had anything to wear." 
     "Mr. President," Solon asked Adama. "The Opposition requests that these images be submitted as exhibits and entered into evidence." 
     "So ordered," replied Adama. 
     "Petty Officer," Solon asked. "When did Commander Lemeshik remove you from the camp?" 
     "It was about a year-or a yahren, mind, before my rescue. He came to the camp, and at a roll call, selected six of the women, and I was one of the six. They took us to the Commandant's Office, and made us strip. He....inspected us, for want of a better term. He felt wherever he wanted, poked and prodded, and so on. Then he pointed at me. The others were told to get dressed and go back to work, and he said that I'd be coming with him." 
     "What happened next?" 
     "I was told to get dressed, then they fed me, and quite well, to my surprise. Then one of Lemeshik's security guys handcuffed me. We got into a vehicle, then drove to the military spaceport. There was some kind of shuttle, and we got aboard. It took us to his ship, and he took me to his cabin. I spent three hundred and forty-two days there, and only left the ship twice." 
     "When were those?" Solon wanted to know. 
     "The first time was when the ship was in for a twenty-day yard period. Some kind of maintenance or refit, I think. Lemeshik somehow got access to a two-bedroom suite at a space station, and I was in one of the bedrooms, only I didn't get to enjoy much of the amenities: I spent nearly the whole time chained spread-eagled to the bed, nude, and always....available for him." 
     There was silence from the gallery as the witnesses digested what she had said. "And the other time?" Solon asked. 
     "He went back to the camp on some kind of inspection trip, and took me with him. I was able to see some of my friends, but wasn't able to talk to them. But some of them knew I was still alive," responded Clemens. 
     "Petty Officer, I realize again that this is a ......delicate subject, but a number of video recordings made by Commander Lemeshik have been found. If one is played, could you comment on it?" 
     She glared at her former captor, then nodded. "I can, Sire." 
     Solon turned to Adama. "Mr. President, the Opposition would like to play one of these, then would like all submitted as exhibits and entered into evidence." 
     "Sire Memnon?" Adama asked the Protector.
     "The Protection has no objections," Memnon replied. Again, there was no reason to contest these. 
     "So ordered," Adama noted. "You may proceed, Sire." 
     Solon nodded to his aide, and the video played on the viewscreen. The witnesses were silent as the video began, showing Clemens standing in front of the bunk in Lemeshik's cabin, arms chained above her head, nude, and her feet chained and spread. He was alternatively beating her with a long, slender wooden stick, and a whip. Solon told the aide to pause as Lemeshik began to.....assault her. "Petty Officer, what was this about? Was this one of  his....amusements, or was there something more?" 
     "A little of both, actually," Clemens replied. "You see, earlier that day, Lemeshik executed one of his own officers who'd been helping me." 
     There was a buzz in the witness gallery, though the Risik officers knew full well what she was talking about. Most of them had been there.  "One of his own officers was executed?" Solon asked. 
     "Yes, "Clemens said, staring at Lemeshik for a few moments. "The officer was his aide, and had access to the Captain's cabin and office. When he could, this fellow would bring me extra food. I don't know why. He never tried to have his way with me, and he said few words. Anyway, when Lemeshik was off the ship? He'd come into the cabin, and find me chained to the bed. Somehow, he had a key to the lock, and he'd take the chains off. I could walk around the cabin, stretch my legs, even take a shower. And he'd take the damp towels down to the ship's laundry, dry them, and bring them back." 
     Solon turned to Lemeshik, who was staring at Clemens, as if thinking she deserved some 'Punishment" for even talking about this. Then he turned back to her. "What happened then?" 
     "How he found out, I have no idea. But he did. I had been there for a hundred and five days, then two of his security thugs-and they were thugs-came and took me to the Docking Bay. Lemeshik had the other officers-the off-duty ones-lined up in formation, then he had two more of his thugs pull this guy out of formation. They dragged him over to where I was, and forced him to his knees. He turned to the officers and said, 'This is what happens when you show any kind of sympathy to a Te'rean slave.' Lemeshik drew his service pistol and shot him in the head. Blew his brains out, all over the deck-and me." 
     There was a buzz in the courtroom as the witnesses digested what had been said. Even the Risik officers were talking amongst themselves. Summary executions were not unheard of in their service, but were not that common, either......Then Commander Adama's gavel banged, and everyone became quiet. 
     "And this.....session was his way of punishing you for accepting this officer's help?" Solon asked Clemens. 
     "It was," she replied. "And his officers got the message as well: nobody got out of line after that." 
     "I see.....and what did you do aboard ship?" 
     "He kept me in his suite, so I never got to see the rest of the ship. I had to clean his quarters, head, and his office. There was an enlisted crew member who collected his laundry, but I had to take care of it when it was returned." 
     Solon nodded. "Please describe for the Tribunal your rescue, from your perspective." 
     "Gladly, Sire," Clemens said. "I was in his cabin, and he was there, when the PA called him to the Bridge. He said that he expected the cabin to be spotless when he returned. Then he went to the Bridge. I don't know how much time passed, but the next thing I heard was the General Alarm sound, and the ship shuddered as it was hit. I heard the PA calling for fire-fighting and damage-control parties, sealing off particular compartments, then the ship stopped." 
     "And then what happened?" 
     "I heard voices in the passageway outside, then the 'Intruder Alert' alarm, and the PA calling the crew to repel boarders. Then there was automatic-weapons fire, close by, then more up forward." 
     Solon nodded, as his aide called up the plans of the ship. "Can you show us where you were?" 
     Clemens nodded, then pointed to the Captain's Cabin and where it was in relation to the Bridge. "Then I heard more voices outside the cabin, and by that time, I was hiding in the closet in the suite. Basically,  I didn't know if I was exchanging one captor for another. There was another blast of gunfire, then voices in the office. The door opened, and then there was this loud 'BANG' as a grenade went off. Then I heard a woman's voice shouting 'Anybody in here?' I said 'Here' in a low voice. The closet door opens, and first, I see the barrel of an assault rifle poking around, then the clothes on the hangers part. I look up, and there's Sergeant Lauren Wagner, telling me I'm going to be okay." 
     Solon nodded. "What was your reaction?" 
     "I was surprised at seeing someone, a Human, wearing my country's uniform after all this time, and on that ship, but once it wore off, my military bearing came back. She and the two troopers with her took me to where their shuttle was docked, so they could get me to the Galactica." 
     "You did have an encounter with your now, former captor, correct?" 
     "I did," replied Clemens. 
     "And were you....'rough' with him?" 
     "Compared with what he did to me?" She replied. "I'd say that shoving him into a bulkhead, sticking a pistol beneath his chin-with the safety on, mind, telling him what I really thought of him, and kneeing him in the groin wasn't being 'rough.', Sire." 
     "What would you call it?" Solon asked. 
     "Giving him a taste of what he did to me," Clemens said, glaring at Lemeshik. 
     "I see....and you are currently assigned to the Constellation?" 
     "Yes, after my medical evaluation and recovery, along with  helping with planning and prep for the rescue mission." 
     "Hmm..." Solon said. He glanced at the defendants, then back at her. "Thank you, Petty Officer." Solon then turned to Sire Memnon. "Your witness, Sire." 
     Sire Memnon rose, and gathered his thoughts for a centon. "Petty Officer, after what has been shown, I will not deny that these horrible things were done to you." 
     "Thank you," she said. Though it came across to her as patronizing, even if-as was likely, he didn't mean to be so. 
     "I only have a few questions, though," Memnon said. "First, you still consider yourself a member of your country's Navy, correct?" 
     "I do." 
     "Since you do, you do understand the need for a chain of command and the need to obey one's superiors?" Memnon asked. "This would be for the Commandant, as well as the Governor." 
     "Yes, but under U.S. Military Law? We don't torture or rape prisoners. We don't enslave them. We treat them humanely," Clemens shot back. "And those who violate those laws are punished severely." 
     "What about obeying one's priests or religious scrolls?" Memnon asked. 
     Clemens shook her head. "Just because some lying priest says you can enslave and torture people doesn't make it morally right. There are religions on Earth that still mention slavery in their writings, but slavery has been abolished on Earth. The same goes for old punishments like stoning, or cutting off people's hands or ears." 
     Memnon nodded, knowing the Book of the Word's texts that made similar pronouncements, and yet, no one followed them. "I see. One final question, Petty Officer. The....encounter with your former captor after your rescue. You could have been more.....restrained, shall we say?" 
     "Sire, I had just been rescued from a captivity that no one should have to endure. I had a chance to properly express to Lemeshik what I really thought of him, and I took it," she said, eyes fixed on her ex-captor. After what he did to me? Slamming him into a bulkhead, sticking a loaded pistol beneath his chin-with the safety on, I should add, and then giving him a knee to the groin? That was nothing compared with what I went through. But it could have been worse." 
     "How so?" Memnon asked. 
     "I could have taken the safety off and pulled the trigger," she hissed. "But no. Sergeant Wagner told me not to kill him." 
     "She told you not to kill him," the Sire said. "Why?" 
     Clemens made eye contact with the Protector. "He was needed for interrogation. And since she outranks me, that was giving me an order. So I didn't kill him." 
     "I see...." Memnon nodded. "Had she not, would you have killed him?" 
     "To be honest, Sire," Clemens replied. "I just don't know. Maybe. I'll never know for sure."
     At the Protection's table, her former captor snickered, his gaze filled with contempt. 
     Adama banged his gavel. "The prisoner will remain silent, until called!" He said, glaring at the Risik. 
     Memnon looked at the man, then he turned to Adama. "No further questions." 
     "Sire Solon?" Adama asked. "Do you have anything on redirect?" 
     "No, Mr. President," Solon replied. "We have nothing further." 
     "You may step down, Petty Officer," Adama told Clemens. 
     She got down from the stand, then headed out of the courtroom. As she passed the Protection's table, she gave her former captors a last look of contempt, then left the room.

     In Constellation's crew mess, the refugees and their friends were cheering and clapping. They were glad that, finally, what had happened to them was now on the record, and that justice was being done. Captain Byrne had come down from the Bridge to see for himself, as had Mr. Malik and Lieutenant Agron, the Second Officer. "Well done, Petty Officer," Byrne said. 
     "That's our Jessica," Linda, the pregnant woman from the refugees, said. "Good girl." 
     "The defendants are finished," Mr. Malik said. "After those....disgusting videos." 
     "No arguing that," Agron nodded . "Too bad we can't go to the punishment phase right now." 
     Byrne nodded understanding. "The law has to run its course, Mr. Agron. You know that," he reminded his Second Officer.
     "Yes, sir. It's just..." 
     "I know, Mr. Agron. It doesn't change the way you feel," said Byrne. He thought for a moment, then added. "And I'm feeling the same way." 

     Outside the courtroom, Sergeant Wagner was waiting. She couldn't be in the witness room while Captain Ashby and Lieutenant Sanderson were still waiting to testify, but wanted to be there when her roomie was finished. Wagner took out her PDA and was about to send a text to Captain Byrne when the door to the witness room hissed open, and Jessica came out. "Well?" 
     "Just glad that's done," Jessica said. She wiped a tear. "Never had to do anything like that before. And seeing it...." The Navy air crew member shuddered at the memories. "But if those videos put those scum where they belong." 
     Wagner gave her a hug. "Then it's worth it." 
     "Yeah. It is," Clemens said. "Now what?" 
     The door opened again and Sergeant Fabius came, with two plastic bags with food containers. "Ma'am? Some hands from Messing came with lunch for you all, but the two of you can't stay with Captain Ashby and Lieutenant Sanderson." 
     "I know," Wagner nodded. "Just like back home." She thought for a centon. "Okay, we'll head to the Officer's Club, and when they're finished? Escort them to the Officer's Club as well. They can use a stiff drink after today." 
     "The stiffer, the better," Clemens muttered. 
     Fabius nodded back. "Consider it done,Ma'am. I'll let them know." 
     "Thanks, Fabius," Wagner said. 
     "Ma'am," Fabius replied. "If you don't mind my saying so? Too bad we can't go right to the punishment phase. I saw both of you testify on the monitor." 
     Wagner shook her head. "Not the way the law works, either here, in the Colonies, or for us, back home. You know it and so do I." 
     "I know. It's just that....well, the rest seems like a waste of time." 
     "Not arguing that," Wagner replied. "Okay, we're headed to the Club." 

     When Wagner and Clemens got to the Officer's Club, as usual, they found Freeman at his usual place, behind the bar. They also saw quite a few Warriors and Bridge Officers having lunch, for one good reason: the atmosphere in the Club was much more informal than in the Officer's Mess, and it was also a place for those who were married  to get together during the day, as they saw Boomer and Athena sharing a table. The two also noticed Croft, Castor, along with Croad and several other pilots, and several of the SF Troopers were there as well, and they were chatting in subdued tones. 
     "All the tables look taken," Lauren said to Jessica. "We'll eat at the bar." 
     Just then, and at the same time, Boomer and Croft noticed the duo, and to the surprise of the two Earthers, everyone stood and gave them a round of applause. Both looked at each other, then Jessica turned to Lauren and asked, "What'd we do? All we did was testify." 
     "Maybe," Croft said. "But you two just made sure those three are going right where they belong, and they'll need some survival gear when they get there." 
     "Come on to the bar, Dearies," Freeman said. "First one be on the House." 
     Lauren nodded, then both went to the bar. "Save it for later, when Captain Ashby and Lieutenant Sanderson get here. Right now? Something nonalcoholic for both of us." 
     Freeman nodded. It was a little early, anyway. "A couple of those smoothies?"
     "Yeah," Lauren nodded. "Orange for me, if you can." 
     "No problem, Dearie. And Jessica?" 
     "You have orange-strawberry?" Jessica asked, She saw Freeman nod, and replied, "One of those." 
     Boomer, Athena, Croft, and Castor came up. "We saw you two," Boomer said. "Nice work, both of you." 
     "Thanks," Lauren said, trying to get the gloom out of her voice. "Just glad we're finished." 
     "Unless they need you for the rebuttal," Castor said. "There's always that chance." 
     Athena came up next. "Been a while since that reception," she said, recalling the Commissioning Ceremony for both Constellation and Adelaide. "I don't think we've met," she said, nodding at Jessica.
     "No," Lauren said. "Lieutenant Athena, meet Petty Officer Third Class Jessica Clemens, U.S. Navy." 
     The two shook hands. "It's a pleasure," Athena said. 
     "Thank you, Ma'am,"  Jessica replied. She saw Athena looking her over. "In case you're wondering, this is a enlisted sailor's dress uniform." 
     "Just like an old-fashioned sailor on our History Scans," nodded Athena. "So, what's next?" She asked, as Freeman brought the drinks, and both Lauren and Jessica dug into their food. 
     "Two more today, then four each, tomorrow and the next day," Lauren replied, in between bites. "Then two more. And that'll be it for the former prisoners. After that?" 
     "Up to Solon," Boomer finished. "Want to bet Croft and Castor are on the witness list?" 
     "We are," Croft replied. "I kicked down the door to Barracks One, and Castor? He did the same in the Torture Shed."
     Athena nodded. "Bad as they say? Didn't get to see IFB's coverage on the Bridge." 
     "Be glad you weren't there," Jessica said. 
     Castor nodded. "I'll go along with that," he said. "What my guys and I saw in that torture shed......" Castor's voice trailed off, shuddering at the memory of what two people were going through at Scarface's hands. Those bastards must've studied under the Cylons.....
     "Then it's folks like Hummer, with all the decrypted documents. Salik and Cassie, who saw the scars on everyone," Lauren added. 
     Boomer nodded. "And Jessica has those." 
     "Too many," replied Jessica as she ate. "And Lauren's got some of her own."
     Athena looked at her, then Lauren. "So, another sectan? Then the Protection takes over?" 
     Boomer agreed with her. "That's about right. And they won't take but a day, maybe two." 
     "Then what?" Athena wanted to know. She'd picked up some from Commander Adama and Apollo, but not much. 
     Lauren looked at Athena. "Hope they don't give any wildlife indigestion." 

     Later, as people headed back on duty, the Club was almost empty, except for Lauren and Jessica, and Freeman, of course. "So, Dearies, you've got the rest o' the afternoon ta kill?" 
     "That's about it," Lauren said. "If we want to see the other two testify? We have to do it here. The witness gallery's full as it is." 
     Jessica nodded, then added, "And you'll be getting two new customers. Captain Ashby and Lieutenant Sanderson. They were the two senior military officers there." 
     "More smoothies?" Freeman asked. 
     "Yeah. Have to wait on a beer or two until those two get here," Lauren said. She then noticed the monitor. "Turn it up. Looks like they're getting ready to go again." 
     Freeman nodded, then hit the remote. It was just in time to hear Solon calling Captain Ashby to the stand. They watched as Asbhy went through his experience, explaining his duties as an armor officer-and showing an image of a Challenger I tank-then his abduction, and everything that followed. Including the few times he had been able to stand up to the Commandant, and get away with it. He, too, had to watch as a recording of a torture session was played, but maintained his composure. Then it was time for Cross-Examination. 
     "Captain," Sire Memnon said. "Would not the fact that the Commandant granted some of your requests show that he is not the.....ogre that he has been portrayed?" 
     "No, Sire, I would not. He granted some of those not out of the goodness of his heart, but because he wanted us alive and working, to meet the work quotas set by his superiors," Ashby replied. "The rain gear, extra clothing in winter, even giving the mothers time off to be with their babies after giving birth, all of it." 
     "And the reason being?" Memnon pressed. He knew the reason, having been provided a captured document in discovery, but still...any chance at an acquittal.....
     Ashby glared at Tsernavia. "He was getting paid for every prisoner under his authority, and a bonus for meeting quotas early," the armor officer said. "More children, for example? More workers down the line, and more bonus money. Simple as that." 
     "Hmm..."Memnon nodded. "And, as a serving officer, you do realize the need for a chain of command?" 
     "Of course. It is a requirement for any military organization."  
     "Then you do realize the need to obey one's superiors?" Memnon asked. 
     "Sire, if a British officer had issued orders allowing torture, rape, and similar offenses? That person would be hauled into court shortly thereafter. In Her Majesty's Armed Forces, we do not torture, we do not rape, and we do not work prisoners as forced laborers. They are our fellow beings, and it is simple as that. Such things are forbidden under British Military Law." 
     "I see.." Memnon turned to Commander Adama. "No further questions." 
     "Sire Solon?" Adama asked. 
     "Nothing on redirect, Mr. President," Solon replied. 
     "Captain, you may step down."  
     Watching that, both Lauren and Jessica picked up their glasses with their smoothies and toasted. "Good job, Captain," Lauren said. 
     "Hear, hear," Jessica said. "Now it's Lieutenant Sanderson's turn." 

     The Marine officer came in next, and when she passed the Protection's table, and like both Lauren and Jessica, she shot the three defendants a withering look that spoke volumes. After being sworn in, Sanderson gave a brief explanation of the Marine Corps, then she, too, showed where she was stationed, and her abduction. She had also  been able to stand up to the Commandant, and wring a few concessions out of him. But that had been outweighed by a video showing a torture session for a breach of the camp rules-an imagined one, from her perspective. Along with her....."inspection" by Lemeshik......
     "Do you know why you were, for want of a better term, rejected?" Solon asked. 
     "No, Sire," replied Sanderson. "I'm older than Petty Officer Clemens, though." 
     "Would that be a reason?" 
     "Maybe. I have no idea, though." 
     Then came the rescue, and her surprise as someone in a U.S. Military uniform came up to her bunk and told her and the others they were going home. She also described the death of Ron Mathews, and the elimination of the Chief Guard, who was responsible for Ron's death. Then, again, it was time for Cross-Examination. 
     "Lieutenant, I will not deny what happened to you," Memnon said. "To do otherwise, one would have to be either blind or a fool. I only have one question for you. You do consider yourself to still be a member of your country's armed forces?" 
     "That I do, Sire," Sanderson replied. 
     "So, as a serving line officer, you do recognize the need to follow orders given by superiors, correct?" Memnon asked. He knew that this wasn't much to go on, but with the Commandant, he had little other choice, and with the Governor, too.
     "I do, but orders to torture or otherwise abuse prisoners? If I was ordered to do so, I would refuse, and report that superior to higher authorities, as well as the Judge Advocate General Corps, which is  the legal branch of the Navy, which also handles such things for the Marine Corps," Sanderson replied. "Those orders would be illegal under U.S. Military Law." 
     "What about obeying the dictates of one's religious books or scrolls? Or pronouncements made by priests or other religious authorities?" 
     "Just because a holy book or some priest says it's okay to torture and enslave people you consider 'heretics' doesn't make it right," the Marine retorted. 
     "That would be from a ethical or moral responsibility? The Protector asked. 
     "Yes. Prisoners of War may be the enemy, but they are also human beings, deserving of proper and humane treatment once captured, Sire." 
     Memnon nodded. "Thank you, Lieutenant." Then he turned to Adama. "No further questions." 
     "Does the Opposition have anything for redirect?" Adama asked.
     "No, Mr. President," Solon said. 
     Adama nodded. "Lieutenant, you may step down." 
     Sanderson nodded, then got off the stand. As she went by the Protection's table, the icy stare she shot at the defendants spoke volumes. 

     "Good job, Lieutenant," Lauren said in the Officers' Club. "One more nail in the coffin." 
     Jessica nodded. "They're going down, but they're too arrogant to admit it." 
     "What do you mean, Dearie?" Freeman asked. 
     "They're convinced that they have to defend themselves against 'infidels and heretics', no matter what. And that includes us," Jessica explained. "And it includes spreading that 'True Path' crap to everyone else in the universe. The gods are on their side, that sort of thing."
     Lauren nodded. "They've got a tremendous superiority complex, in other words." 
     A few centons later, after IFB had signed off the Tribunal for the day, Boomer, Athena, Starbuck, Castor, and both Sargamesh and Korl came into the Club. "Nice job, you two," Starbuck said. 
     "We said that at lunchtime," Boomer quipped. "You waiting on the other two?" 
     "We are," replied Lauren. "Just glad that's over." 
     A couple of centons later, Sergeant Fabius brought Captain Ashby and Lieutenant Sanderson in, and everyone gave them a round of applause. 
     "Captain, Lieutenant," Wagner said, "Good job." 
     "Thanks, Sergeant," Ashby replied. "I'll say that it felt good, being on the stand." 
     "It sure did," Sanderson added. "Though everything we said probably went in and out of the defendants' ears." 
     "Since there seems to be very little in between their ears," Athena quipped. "Where else could it go?" Several smiled at her, and Freeman gave her a thumbs-up.
     Wagner nodded. "Probably," she said. "Petty Officer? You know them better than I do, so you do the honors and introduce them." 
     "Gladly," Clemens said. "Everyone, meet Captain Ian Ashby of the British Army. He was the senior ranking military officer in the camp, and everyone there looked up to him. He gave us the leadership needed to endure that place, and survive." 
     Captain Ashby stepped forward, and shook hands with a number of the Warriors and Bridge Officers there, then nodded to Clemens. 
     "And the other officer is Lieutenant Amy Sanderson, U.S. Marine Corps. She was the highest ranking female military there. And both of them? They stood up to Scarface and got away with it. Not that often, but they did." 
     Sanderson, too, got the same reception, then they came up to the bar. "Freeman," Wagner said. "These two haven't had a beer in a long time. It's time they had one." 
     "A pleasure," the barkeep replied, shaking the hands of the two officers. "For them, the first one's on the House." 
     "Thanks," Ashby said. 
     Freeman drew four beers and when the glasses were in front of them, Sanderson asked, "What do we drink to?" 
     "Well, Ma'am," Clemens said. "I've got an idea." She raised her glass. "To freedom." 
     "To freedom," the others said, and four glasses came together. 
     "And I've got another one." She stood up and addressed the crowd. "People, here's another toast. I've said it before, but I'll repeat: Here's to the Risik defendants. May they get everything that's coming to them." 
     "Hear, hear," Sanderson added. 
     After that, both officers explained their respective services, with Ashby recounting his time as a tank squadron commander in the First Gulf War, while Sanderson told of her own Gulf War service. Though Ashby had been in several tank-versus-tank encounters in the ground war, Sanderson, a supply officer, had only one combat,event,  and that was because some Iraqis who had been bypassed opened fire on her convoy during the push north into Kuwait. She then explained the Marines' mantra of 'everyone a rifleman' and so she, along with several female Marines, returned fire, killing several of the attackers, after which,  the rest promptly surrendered. Then, though, their experiences at the hands of the Risik came to the fore. 
     "Any idea why you weren't taken to that prison colony?" Starbuck asked. "You'd think you all would've been shipped off there once they were done with you on the home world." 
     "No idea, Leftenant," Ashby replied. "Maybe we'll find out later." 
     "They're still going over Scarface's records," Wagner pointed out. "We might find out." 
     "Maybe," Clemens said. "Or maybe not." 
     Sanderson nodded. "They may have destroyed that material before they fled the home planet. That's usual procedure when you're in a retreat." 
     "So," Castor asked. "You two stood up to Scarface?" 
     "A few times," Ashby said. "But successes were few and far between. But you could savor a small victory-like convincing him to give us rain gear and extra clothes in winter, or allowing the mothers time off before giving birth and after." 
     "But such.....victories were uncommon at best," Sargamesh noted. 
     "Afraid so," Sanderson replied. "But....you took what you could get, and be glad you had gotten something out of him. Though he's not like that Lemeshik scumbag in one respect." 
     "What's that?" Starbuck asked. 
     "He never killed any of his own men," Clemens said. "Lemeshik, though....."
     "One sick frakker," Castor noted. 
     Conversation shifted to the Colonials, and where they were coming from. Not just the Holocaust, but some of their pre-Holocaust experiences. Though Wagner and Clemens had heard some of it, for the two officers, it was new ground. 
     "My god..." Ashby said. "And you have no idea what happened after you left?" 
     "None at all," Boomer said. "Everybody hopes that their friends and relatives who didn't get on board the Fleet died in the attack, instead of after." 
     "Best to be gone quick, instead of being rounded up and butchered," Sanderson commented. It reminded her of what she'd read in college about the Einsatzgruppen that the SS used in Poland and Russia in World War II. 
     "Something like that," Castor replied. "People hope that's what happened to their relatives, anyway. But no one will ever know." 
     More conversation followed, then, after a Centar and a half, Wagner's PDA buzzed. "Well, I hate to be a party pooper and break this up, but Captain Byrne just sent me a text. Time for Lieutenant Sanderson, the Petty Officer, and I to be headed back to Constellation. And Commander Allen says the same thing for Captain Ashby." 
     "We'd best be going then," Ashby said, draining his second beer. It had been cold, of course, but for these Colonials, there was still hope.
     "Guess so," Sanderson added. "Best not to keep the CO waiting." 
     They shook hands with their new friends, and Boomer said, "We'll see you at the Welcome-Aboard Party."
     "Looking forward to it," Ashby said. 
     Then Wagner led them to Alpha Bay, where the Armstrong was waiting to take them back to their ships. 

     Over the next two and a half days, the other ex-prisoners scheduled to testify did so, and they were from several countries, not just Britain and the U.S.  In fact, every continent was represented, apart from Antarctica.  All had the same story of abduction, interrogation, incarceration on the home planet, then taken in stasis pods to Ne'Chak, and the horror of the camp. And all but one had the same contempt for their former captor that Wagner, Clemens, Ashby, and Sanderson had. 
     While they were on the Galactica, Sergeant Wagner and Petty Officer Clemens were the chaperones, and also there to provide some emotional backup if needed. Meeting some of Galactica's officers and Warriors in the Officer's Club afterwards was a big help in that regard, and the Colonials got to know a little bit more about Earth in the process. 
     Father Fisher testified on the last day, and recounted a camp rule that 'Worship of the false gods of Te'rea will be punished severely." 
     "And yet," Sire Solon said. "You were able to covertly hold religious services, correct.?" 
     "Yes, Sire, that is correct." the priest said. "It was on an irregular basis, but yes." 
     "And what, exactly, were the punishments that could result?" Solon asked, glancing at the former Commandant. 
     "Up to, and including, death," Fisher replied. 
     "Death?" Solon asked, incredulous at the thought. "For holding a religious service?" 
     "Yes, Sire. The Risik view all other philosophies and religions as 'heresy', and see it as a divine mandate to spread their 'True Path', to all others in the galaxy. Starting with their neighbors, then returning to their home region, which includes Earth and several other worlds that they claim as their own." 
     "And then?" 
     "Then the rest of the galaxy." 
     Solon nodded. "So, the Risik told you that they were willing to inflict death and destruction on who knows how many worlds, including your own, just for a religious motive?" 
     "Yes," Fisher calmly replied. "That is what they told all of us." 
     "Thank you, Father." Solon nodded. He turned to Sire Memnon "Sire, your witness." 
     Sire Memnon rose. He knew that with the civilians, getting them to agree on a military chain of command was not going to be productive, but relied on the religious angle. Now, though, with a real priest from one of Earth's major religions, it would be hard, at best. However, with so little to work with, he had to play the same card. 
     "Father,as with everyone else, I will not deny these terrible things were done to you, and I am not trying to patronize you. One cannot argue with what the video screen has shown." 
     "Thank you, Sire," Fisher replied. He knew the Protector was doing the same thing a solicitor or barrister would be doing back in England: his responsibility to his clients. 
     "Now, I have this question. As a priest," Memnon said. "You do understand the obligation to obey the orders from one's superiors in the religious hierarchy?" 
     Fisher nodded. "I do, Sire. However......"
     "However?" 
     "We, on Earth, have outgrown for the most part, religious teachings that condone the type of behavior that the defendants are accused of. There are passages in the texts of several of Earth's religions that condone slavery and torture, wars of conquest, and permit barbaric punishments such as amputating hands or feet, cutting off ears, and so forth, for the sake of this or that religious teaching,: Fisher replied. "Such behavior is not tolerated in civilized countries on Earth. It was, in earlier times, but no longer." 
     "I see," Memnon nodded. "Does your teaching as a priest enable forgiveness?" 
     "It does, Sire," Fisher said. "I can forgive them for what was done to us. Though I must confess it is not an easy thing to do. Even if that is a minority view among my fellow refugees. I cannot, however, forget." 
     "Thank you, Father," Memnon said. He returned to the Protection's table. "No further questions from the witness." 
     "Sire Solon?" Adama asked. "Do you have anything on redirect?" 
     "Just one question, Mr. President," said the Opposer. "Father, does your forgiveness include exoneration?" 
     "No, it does not," replied the Father. "I can forgive them for what they have done, but that does not mean their actions do not have consequences. While God may forgive those who are truly penitent, that does not mean that, in this world, there are no possible consequences for one's actions " 
     
     "Damned right," Wagner muttered as she watched on the waiting area's monitor.

     Nodding, Solon said, "Thank you, Father." He turned to Adama. "Mr. President,  we have nothing further." 
     "Sire Memnon?" Adama asked the Protection. "Do you have anything for recross?" 
     "Nothing further, Mr. President," Memnon asked. 
     "Father, you may step down." 
     Fisher nodded, then got off the stand. When he walked by the Protection's table on the way out, he actually gave a pleasant smile. One that was not returned, the cameras noticed. 
     Outside the witness room, Sergeant Wagner, Petty Officer Clemens, and the day's previous witness, Neda Yosefi, were waiting. Her father had been an Iranian Air Force officer, and she had been abducted near the Iranian Air Force Base at Hamadan.. "Glad you're not wearing a head scarf and chador?" Wagner asked. Both she and Clemens were in their dress uniforms. 
     "Very much," Neda said. She was dressed Western-style, in a shirt, women's business coat and slacks. "Here, there is no 'lifestyle police', and that is one thing young people in Iran resent very much today. Even if that "today' is that of forty years ago. Here, I can dress however I want, and I am glad to do so. There is this as well, and Jessica knows already.  For certain, if the mullahs are still in charge in Iran when we get home? I am not returning to Iran."  Both Americans noticed that her English was excellent, probably learned in school, they thought. 
     Lauren looked at her,though Jessica knew the story by heart. "And where would you go?" 
     "America," Neda replied. "I have an aunt and uncle who fled there after the Revolution. He was a high-ranking officer in the Air Force, and they escaped to America. California, to be precise. My father, though, stayed. He was a pilot, and an Iranian patriot. When the war with Iraq came, he flew combat missions. Not for the Ayatollah, but for Iran." 
     "Just like in Russia after the Germans attacked," Lauren said. "Stalin told the Russian people they weren't fighting for him, but for Mother Russia. It worked." 
     "Yes." Neda said. She saw the door to the witness room hiss open. "Here comes the Father." 
     Father Fisher came out of the witness room. "That was a first for me, I must say." 
     "First time in a courtroom, Father?" Jessica asked. 
     "Quite," Father Fisher replied. "Not as....rough or trying as I expected. Who were those Risik officers in the witness gallery, by the way?" 
     "I noticed them, too," Neda added. "What's that all about?" 
     "They're from Lemeshik's ship," Jessica said. "Commander Adama wants them to see that the guilty parties-excuse me, accused, are getting a fair trial and a proper defense." Though I'd rather maroon them right now, she thought to herself. 
     "Ah," Fisher said. "The law must be seen as taking its course. And they will see that justice has been done." 
     "Exactly, Father," Lauren replied. "Just like it is back home. But those Risik? They may understand, but their superiors when they get back? I doubt it. Captain Bryne feels the same way." 
     "So do I," Jessica added. "After all that 'chosen race' crap they tried to force-feed us? Everything but the swastikas." 
     "I agree," Neda said. "They remind me of the Revolutionary Guards back in Iran. Religious zealots who are also bullies in uniform." And the regime's enforcers, she knew. 
     Father Fisher nodded. "Weren't these the people who sent lads as young as twelve charging into Iraqi minefields? I recall seeing news reports on the telly about that." 
     "They were," Neda replied. "Many young teenage boys volunteered. The older ones? They were more likely to join the Army or Air Force. I have-or had-friends whose brothers went to the Iraq War, and never returned. Others came back maimed or emotionally scarred. My brother, fortunately, joined the Air Force.." 
     "What did he do?" Jessica asked. 
     "He had to go through the Air Force Academy, then flight training," Neda said. "He had just earned his wings as a pilot when I was.....taken. He is the only relative in Iran I would want to see again, apart from my younger sister. Unless the regime is no longer in power, God willing." 
     "Hopefully, when we get home, that's the case," Lauren said. Then she saw Fabius come over with lunch for them. "Fabius?" 
     "Ma'am," said Fabius. "Messing brought lunch for you all. Not knowing how long you'd be here..."
     "Thanks, Fabius," Lauren said. She turned to Father Fisher and Neda. "We can go to the Officer's Club if you want. The atmosphere's a lot more informal than the Crew Mess, and you can meet some new friends. And Neda? They do have nonalcoholic drinks." 
     "It's a bit early for that, anyway," Father Fisher said. Priest or not, being an Englishman, he didn't mind hoisting a pint once in a while. 
     "Meeting some new friends? Nothing wrong with that," Neda smiled. 
     "Then let's go." Lauren said. 

     When they got to the Officer's Club, it was just after 1200, and it was full, as usual. All of the tables were taken, and this time, Lauren and Jessica saw some more familiar faces. Not only were Boomer and Athena there, but Apollo and Sheba were there as well, and the two couples were sharing a table. Other pilots, like Bojay and Croad, were there, along with some of the SF troopers and a few Bridge Officers. "Is it always this busy?" Father Fisher asked Lauren. 
     "For lunch? It is, and when the day and night watches get off? This place can rock," Lauren replied. "Last call's at 0200. Never been there that late, but people need to blow off steam." 
     "Or if they can't drown their sorrows," Jessica added. "They can take them for a little swim, at least. We've been here quite a few times, and believe me, I'm glad." 
     "Given all that they have endured," the priest said. "It's only natural." 
     "Come on," Lauren said. "The tables are taken, but we can eat at the bar." 
     When they got there, just like every time before, those in the Club stood up and applauded. The two who had testified nodded, then the four went to the bar. "Freeman," Jessica said. "Something nonalcoholic for us four." 
     "Comin' right up, dearie," Freeman said, after being introduced to Father Fisher and Neda. "And their first? It's on the House." 
     "Thanks," she replied, and introduced the two newcomers.
     Apollo, Sheba, Boomer, and Athena came up. After introductions, Apollo said, "We saw you testify on the monitor. Good job."
     "Thank you, Captain," Fisher said. He took a look at Sheba, and could tell her belly was starting to swell just a little. "I see your wife's expecting." 
     "Expecting?" 
     "One figure of speech for pregnant," Fisher said. "Do you know what it's going to be?" 
     "Afraid not, Father," Sheba replied. "If we had a Fleet Hospital Ship, or the equipment at one of the Fleet Hospitals back in the Colonies, we'd know by now. We just have to wait a little longer. I'm hopeful it will be a baby girl." 
     "It will be a joyous event," Fisher said pleasantly. "Either way." 
     "I remember when my mother was pregnant with my younger sister," Neda added. "I was the only one in the family who wanted a girl, other than Mother herself. We were both happy." 
     "Why was that?" Athena wanted to know. 
     "Iran was at war," replied Neda. "And in my country, there are very few women in the military, if at all. Mother did not want to send another family member to the military if she had anything to say about it The last thing she wanted was a boy who could become cannon fodder." She explained the Iran-Iraq War, and the effects on not just her family, but Iran. 
     "From what you say," Boomer said. "It sounds like what we've found out about the Risik." 
     "You're right about that," said Neda. "It was all too familiar, sad to say." 
     "So, Father," Apollo asked, eager to change the subject. "We've heard one of the couples wants to be married." 
     "They do," Fisher replied as he ate. "I'm hopeful they'll ask me to perform the ceremony, but since Commander Allen is the Captain of the Adelaide, he does have that right. How things are done aboard ship are still a new experience for me. I was never in the Navy, and my only experience at sea was a vehicle ferry." 
     "My father performed both of my ceremonies," Apollo nodded. He explained his all-too short time with Serena, and now Sheba. "And he did the same for Boomer and Athena." 
     "That would have been a great honor," Fisher said. "Marrying his children." 
     "It was, he told us," Athena said. 
     "I just wish my father had been here," Sheba added. She explained the story of the Pegasus, along with Commander Cain, and how she and Apollo had first met-with her Viper's guns  locked on his, and ready to shoot. "But I know he's out there, somewhere." 
     "God willing, you will be reunited with him, and he can join in the journey to Earth," the priest said. 
     "We'll find him, or as is more likely, he'll find us," Sheba smiled. 
     After some more pleasant conversation, stories of the Thousand-Yahren War, their flight from the Cylons, and two new regions of Earth, things turned back to the Tribunal. "Where's Major Croft and Castor?" Jessica asked. 
     "They were here earlier, Dearie," Freeman said. "They had to eat and go." 
     "They're on the witness list," Lauren nodded. "Chances are, they're up this afternoon. The Major kicked down the door into Barracks One-" 
     "And that woke me up," Fisher said. 
     "It woke everybody there up," Lauren agreed. Then again, she had been right behind the SF leader. "And he can testify to what he saw there. Castor? He and his boys did the same to the torture shed." 
     Heads nodded at that. "Then what?" Athena asked. 
     "It's the computer techs like Hummer and Komma," Apollo nodded. "With all the captured documents." 
     Lauren nodded agreement, then her PDA buzzed. "Well, I hate to cut this short, but Captain Byrne just sent me a text. We need to be getting back." 
     "When?" Sheba asked. 
     "Immediately, if not sooner," replied Lauren. 
     "That's Captain Byrne," Jessica said. "Guess we'd better be going." 
     The four Earthers got up and ready to go, but both Father Fisher and Neda shook hands with their new Colonial friends. "A pleasure," Neda said as she hugged Athena and then Sheba. 
     "Likewise," Sheba replied. "And we'll see you at the Welcome-Aboard Party." 
     "Which will be a good thing for everyone," Fisher said. 
     "It will," Lauren said. "Time to go." 
     With that, the four headed for Alpha Bay, where the Armstrong and Ensign Adele were waiting. 

     That afternoon, it was the turn of both Croft and Castor to testify. With Croft, it was pretty straightforward, with his description of Barracks One, and the conditions he saw inside when he literally kicked down the door and led Team One inside.  As well as the condition of the four prisoners pulled from either the punishment area or the Torture Shed. "Major," Solon asked. "Have you ever encountered a....biological enemy who treated prisoners in a similar fashion?" 
     Croft nodded. "Sire, I have. During anti-piracy operations. Most pirates were concerned with holding prisoners for ransom, or for use as bargaining tools, to hopefully exchange for captured comrades. However, on the fringes of Colonial Space, there were pirate gangs that would sell their prisoners to slavers, or use them as slave labor themselves."
     "And those gangs could be as....harsh towards prisoners as the Risik?" 
     "They could be, Sire," Croft replied. "What we encountered at Boron-Din would also qualify." 
     Solon nodded. "I see....Thank you, Major." He turned to Memnon. "Sire, your witness." 
     Sire Memnon rose. With the Galactica's SF leader, he knew the man's record. And the fact that he had been locked up on a false charge, and cleared of that following the Arcta mission,  meant that attacking his record was not a good avenue to pursue. "Major, as a senior member of the armed forces, you do realize the need for a chain of command, and the need to follow one's orders, correct?" 
     "I do," Croft replied. "Every military organization needs one to function." 
     "Then, Major, you do understand the need for the Commandant and the Governor to follow the orders they received?" 
     Croft shook his head. "Sire, those orders may have been legal under the Risik's system, but that doesn't make them morally right." 
     Memnon nodded. With so little to work with, he had to keep pursuing this line of argument. "This is not only from both a religious point of view, but an ethical one as well?" 
     "I'm not a overly religious man, Sire, but it would be an ethical one." 
     "Hmm..." Memnon then pointed to the Governor and the Commandant. "Now, Major, when Sergeant Wagner conducted her, well, field interrogations? Would you say she was unduly harsh?" Again, with so little to work with, any potential weak spot had to be tried. 
     "No, Sire," replied Croft. "In fact, I'd say she was quite restrained." 
     The Sire looked at him. "How so?" 
     "Sire, she could have killed both of them, on the spot, and with good reason. But no. The fact she didn't speaks volumes to both her own self-control, and the training she received on Earth." 
     "This would be in her military service?" 
     "Yes, and in her 'law enforcement,' or security training as well," said Croft. 
     Memnon turned to Lemeshik. "And her actions during the boarding action against Lemeshik's vessel? When she allowed Petty Officer Clemens to....confront, shall we say, her former captor?" 
     "Sire, I'd say she let the Petty Officer give him a taste of what she had gone through. And she could have easily said, 'Kill him if you want to,' but she didn't. That's her training again." 
     "So, was her restraint due to either religious or ethical proscription, or, as you say, training?" 
     "It could be any one of those, Sire," Croft replied. 
     "I see..." Memnon nodded. "Thank you, Major. No further questions." 
     Adama nodded. "Anything on redirect from the Opposition?" 
     Solon rose. "Yes, Mr. President. Major, could you elaborate on the field interrogations?" 
     "Sire, Lieutenant Castor and his men brought the four prisoners from the Punishment Area and the Torture Shed, along with the Commandant on a stretcher. She identified herself to the Commandant, and he remembered her." 
     "And then what?" 
     "She said that the people in the camp were coming with us," Croft replied. "He said we had no right to do any such thing, and she kicked him in the shoulder. Then he called her 'bitch', and she gave him another kick. Then Lieutenant Stark's men brought the Governor over, and after his, well, former slave identified him-" 
     "That would be Melnea, correct?" Solon asked. 
     "That was her, yes. Anyway, Sergeant Wagner went over to him and identified herself," said Croft.  
     Solon nodded, then turned to the ex-Governor. "How did he respond?" 
     "He started 'mouthing off', as we say, just as the Commandant did. He called the raid an 'act of piracy." She gave him a punch in the stomach for his trouble. And that's all, Sire." replied Croft. 
     "That's all?" 
     "All. She could have shot him-or the Commandant, for that matter. But she didn't," Croft replied. "As I said, Sire, that shows how well-trained she was on Earth, and that training took over." 
     "Thank you, Major," Solon nodded. "No further questions." 
     "Sire Memnon?" Adama asked the Protection. "Do you have anything on re-cross?" 
     The Sire rose. "Nothing further, Mr. President." 
     Adama turned to Croft. "Major, you may step down." 
     Croft nodded, and left the stand. Unlike the Earthers, he never gave the defendants a glance at all. 

     In Constellation's crew lounge, the refugees and their shipboard friends were watching, and they were incredulous at Memnon's questioning. Captain Byrne and Lieutenant Sanderson were among those watching, along with Sergeant Wagner, who was shaking her head. "Looks like Memnon's going after you, in a way, Sergeant," said Byrne. 
     "Yes, sir," replied Wagner. "Didn't see this angle coming. Not surprised he pulled it, though." 
     "Don't defense lawyers go after the cop?" Sanderson asked. "You see that on TV." 
     "A good one will," Byrne nodded. "Don't blame him, both of you. He's just doing his job. Memnon's an old fox, from what I hear."
     "Sir?" Ensign Adele asked. 
     "He knows he got dealt a bad hand," Byrne explained. "Memnon knows he doesn't have much to work with, so he has to try everything he can, no matter how slim the chances are." 
     Adele nodded. "So he's not trying to get anyone acquitted?" 
     "No. And he knows it. But he's not making it easy to get convictions, either. And that's what a good lawyer does when the case is open and shut." 

     It was Castor's turn next, and there was the added exhibit of video when his team stormed into the Torture Shed, and it was cut off as he and his men were helping the two prisoners found there. "Lieutenant," Solon said. "Have you seen any such behavior from a....biological enemy before?" 
     "Boron-Din, Sire," Castor replied. "Other than that, no, Sire. Although I did have anti-piracy assignments prior to being assigned to the Galactica, none of them were involved with kidnapping and slavery." 
     "Hmm....Well, then. Lieutenant, the Protection has raised the issue of the two field interrogations. You were present, correct?" 
     "I was, Sire." 
     "And how did those go?" 
     "Sire, I'd say they were mild by what she could have done," said Castor. 
     "In what way?" Solon asked. 
     "She could have easily killed the both of them, or left them for the prisoners to settle old scores," said Castor. "But she didn't." 
     Solon nodded, then gestured to the defendants. "Was that due to training and experience?" 
     "Yes, Sire. That training, whether on Earth or in the Colonial Forces, prevents one's personal feelings from getting in the way of doing the job." 
     "Exercise of restraint, then?" 
     "I'd call it that. She has very good reason to want the Commandant dead, and had a chance to kill him. If I was in her boots, I would understand. But training kicked in, and he's alive today." 
     "Because of her training?" Solon asked. 
     "Yes, Sire. I believe so." 
     "Thank you, Lieutenant," Solon nodded to Sire Memnon before taking his seat. "Sire? Your witness." 
     Sire Memnon rose, and gestured to the screen. "Lieutenant, I will not dispute what you saw in that building. Nor will I challenge your actions. My question is this: would you have conducted the field interrogations a little differently?" 
     "Maybe," Castor acknowledged. "If I hadn't just brought those four people out of the punishment area and the Torture Shed. It's possible." 
     "And when Sergeant Wagner did talk to the Commandant?" 
     "Sire, after seeing him at work? I don't blame her at all for what she did. He's alive because of her. She had very good reason to kill him. She had the opportunity, and declined that opportunity Whether that was due to training, some Earth religious precepts, or both, I can't say for sure. But he is alive, and she didn't kill him." 
     Memnon nodded. "And the Governor? 
     "When he started to, 'mouth off', as we say? He could've gotten more than a punch to the stomach." 
     "She was exercising restraint?" 
     "That she was, Sire." 
     Memnon sighed. He knew now this approach was now a dead one. "I see....." Memnon turned to Adama. "We have nothing further." 
     Adama asked the Opposition. "Sire Solon? Anything for redirect?" 
     "No further questions," Solon replied. 
     "You may step down, Lieutenant," Adama told Castor. 

     "That settles that," Lieutenant Sanderson said in Constellation's Crew Mess. 
     "It does, Lieutenant," Wagner replied. "Didn't see this angle coming, or the religious one. This Memnon's a smart one." 
     Paulson, one of her security men, looked at his superior. "Would you have killed them,Ma'am?" 
     "If they had tried going for my weapon?" Wagner replied. "In a heartbeat. Or If I'd found any one of them in the act with a prisoner." 
     Mr. Malik nodded. "If I had been there? I would not have gotten in her way. Scum such as these serve the universe best by leaving it." 
     Heads nodded at that. "So, now what?" Linda asked. She glanced down at her belly. Soon, the triplets would let her know when it was time.....
     "Either Doc and Cassie, with the medical side, or the computer techs, with the captured documents," Byrne said. "That's the coming attractions for tomorrow." 

     The next day, it was the turn of both Doctors Salik and Cassiopeia to testify in the morning session, about the medical condition of those rescued when they had arrived on the Galactica. Everything was pretty straightforward, with no objections from the Protection, only an acknowledgment of both medical officers' expertise and their results. However, the Protection did squirm when Sire Solon asked Doctor Salik, near the end of his testimony, "Doctor, did you run tests on the mothers' blood?" 
     "I did, Sire," Salik replied calmly. This wasn't the first time he'd given medical testimony in a Tribunal. 
     The Opposer looked at the defendants, who were paying close attention. "For what reason?" 
     "To assess their general health, and to check for any blood-borne diseases. However, we also needed to see if there were traces of any fertility drugs in their systems." When Salik said that, there was a hush from the witness gallery, as people digested what the Chief Medical Officer had said. 
     "Fertility drugs?" Solon asked. He'd known about these tests, but in open court, now....he glanced at the members of the Tribunal. "Did you find out if such drugs had been administered?" 
     Salik shook his head. "No, Sire. Not with the equipment available in the Galactica's Life Center. And the mothers do not recall being given such drugs." 
     "I see.." Solon glared at the Commandant. The expression on his face was one of anger, the Opposer thought. Good. "Could such drugs have been forced upon the mothers, without their knowledge or consent?" 
     "It is possible," Salik admitted. "Such drugs could have been mixed in with their food or water, as one possibility." 
     "Thank you, Doctor," Solon said. He nodded to Sire Memnon. "Your witness, Sire." Then Solon resumed his seat. 

     Aboard the Base Ship, Ayesha had been watching in the Command Center with Baltar and Moray. While she had been given some details from Baltar about the Risik and the events that had transpired, much of it was new to her. And this, especially. "What kind of.....people do this?" She asked, as she felt like depositing her lunch on the deck. 
     "We've talked about it in the briefings," Baltar told her. "They have some kind of religious motive, it seems. One of the former prisoners called it 'The Chosen Race', for want of a better term." 
     Ayesha nodded. "I saw what the priest said. Still......" she shook her head. "But why give those women fertility drugs?" 
     "It is logical, My Lady," Moray said, unexpectedly.. He had been paying close attention to the proceedings, just as with the Il Fadim. "Without any new intake of prisoners, they may have felt that such measures were necessary to maintain the needed numbers of workers." 
     She shook her head, then turned to Baltar. "Has anyone said that these.....people need to be stopped?" 
     "It has come up," Baltar admitted. "I wouldn't be surprised if, when we get to Earth, and our new friends report to their governments, Earth decides to take the matter into their own hands." And if they did, well, that was the Risik's problem. 

     Sire Memnon rose, and gathered his thoughts for a centon. He nodded at the CMO. "The Protection would like to acknowledge Doctor Salik's work and his results. One question, though: What kind of equipment would you have needed to determine if the mothers had been given such drugs?" 
     "Any lab aboard a Fleet Hospital Ship, Sire," replied Salik. "Also, any Fleet Hospital or any of the civilian medical institutes in the Colonies would have had the necessary equipment for such tests." 
     "And why does not the Galactica have this equipment?" 
     "Sire, Fleet Command felt, that since over seventy-five percent of the crew was male, this equipment was considered to be unnecessary." 
     "I see....Thank you, Doctor," Memnon said. He turned to Adama. "No further questions." 

     After Salik had his turn, Cassie went, and she had an easier time of it. Then it was Technician Hummer's. And from the Opposition's point of view, some of the most damning evidence was brought into the open. The abduction manual, the Commandant's notes on each and every interrogation he conducted, even the Risik invasion plans for Earth, since the abductions were part of the intelligence-gathering effort in advance of the planned invasion, camp rules, even the Commandant's directive allowing lethal force in the event of escape attempts, all of it. There was enough that Hummer's testimony took not just that afternoon, but the following morning. "Technician," Solon asked as he prepared to wrap up. "How reliable is your translation team's work?" 
     "At first, it was rough, at best," Hummer replied. "But given time and effort, it's now on demand." 
     "And documents that had been, incomplete, shall we say, are now fully revealed?" 
     "Yes, Sire." 
     "Thank you, Technician," Solon nodded, then turned to the Protection. "Your witness." 
     Sire Memnon rose. One of his pre-Tribunal motions had been to request that the exact methods used in translating the Risik material be revealed in open court, but Sire Solon, citing the Classified Materials Protection Statute, as well as common sense, argued that, with Risik officers as witnesses in the gallery, that information would eventually find its way back to the Risik military.  If it was in open court, Solon added.  Adama had agreed with the Opposition, much to Memnon's disappointment, though he understood why. So, he had to fall back on another approach. "Technician, I am not going to argue with your work and its results. However, I would ask this: How reliable is the translation work?" 
     "Sire, everything is checked at least twice, sometimes three or four, against the Risik language database we've acquired, before it's judged ready to be forwarded." Hummer said. 
     "And why is that?" Memnon asked. 
     "It's because lives could have been at risk, Sire," Hummer replied. "During pre-mission planning for the raid, we were told that lives were at stake if we got anything wrong. So we double-checked our work, and mission-critical information was checked again. And again if necessary." 
     The Protector nodded. "So people could have been killed if you had gotten something wrong, and you wanted to make sure that you had not?" 
     Hummer nodded. "That's correct, Sire." 
     Memnon started to say something, then nodded. "I understand, Technician," he said. Turning to Commander Adama, Memnon nodded. "No further questions." 
     After Solon had indicated he had nothing for redirect, Adama said, "Technician, you may step down.".After Hummer did so, and left, Adama asked the Opposer. "Do you have any additional witnesses?" 
     "Not in this phase, Mr. President," Solon said. "The Opposition rests its case." 
     Adama nodded, then gestured to Sire Memnon. "Sire, is the Protection ready to begin?" 
     "Mr. President," Memnon said as he rose. "The Protection had not anticipated beginning today, and since it is the last day of the working sectan, I would prefer that we begin our case two days from now." 
     "Sire Solon?" Adama asked the Opposer. "Do you have any objections?" 
     "No, Mr. President," Solon replied. 
     "Very well, we are adjourned for the next two days. We will convene on the first day of the new sectan at 0900." Adama banged his gavel. "Court is adjourned until then." 
     The court clerk said, "All rise." 

     Sheba was watching the monitor in the Officer's Club. "He doesn't like having to defend them." 
     "Huh?" Starbuck asked, his mind elsewhere. Namely, thinking about a nice evening with Cassie. 
     "Sire Memnon," Sheba nodded towards the monitor. "He doesn't like defending these people, but he does." 
     "Everyone's entitled to their defense, Lieutenant," Freeman said. "We can't be denyin' it to folks we don't like, because they're the Devil's own scum. What would our high-soundin' platitudes be then?" 
     Sheba nodded. "I guess you're right. Still, I'd rather be going right to the penalty phase right now. The rest seems like a waste of time." She shook her head, then took a sip of mineral water. 
     "I know," Starbuck said. "Sure don't want those trash getting away, after what we know they've done." 
     "They won't be, Laddie," Freeman replied, just as Apollo came into the Club. "They won't be."


     While the Colonial Fleet continued on its course, the Risik Supreme Council was meeting on the Capital. The Supreme Leader and his Chief Ministers were being briefed by Rear Admiral Galban, the Star Force Chief of Staff. A protege of Admiral Triligan, and utterly loyal to the Admiral and the Star Force, he was trusted to handle matters in the absence of the Star Force Commander. Even though there were Flag Officers above him, the fact that Galban was the Chief of Staff and thus empowered to act on behalf of the Commander meant that those officers had to answer to him. Now, he was briefing the Supreme Leader and the Council on what the courier from Admiral Triligan had delivered from the battle group. "Are there any questions, My Lords?" 
     The Supreme Leader glared at him. "Admiral, if what Admiral Triligan says is true, and right now, there is no reason not to believe otherwise, Te'rea is no longer an easy target, and may, in fact, now be a serious threat." 
     "Star Force Intelligence concurs with the Admiral's assessment, My Lord," Galban replied. Though a staff officer at present, he had held field command before, and was hoping to get command of a Cruiser Squadron once this assignment was finished. He turned to Eikhe, the head of General Security. "And General Security concurs as well." 
     The Leader turned to his secret police chief. "Director Eikhe?" He asked coolly and  formally. Those present knew that often signaled....displeasure. And the recipient of that displeasure often did not long survive the experience. 
     Eikhe, sweat building on his forehead, nodded. "Based on the information available? Yes. The Te'reans have evidently contacted at least three races unknown to us, either on their own, or though contact initiated by others. And they are now in possession of an interstellar military capability." 
     "One they are not hesitant to use," General Arkom, the Commander-in-Chief of the Army, added. A former enlisted man who had worked his way to Officer Training, and then through the ranks to C-in-C, he had little patience or use for those who jockeyed for power. He'd seen the report for himself, as the military needed to rally together, and fend off any challenges from either the priests or from Eikhe. And if the Te'reans now had the ability to defend themselves, any expeditionary force sent there might not even get to the planet. 
     Kurum, the Minister of Alien Affairs, agreed. "So it would seem. We know who did this, and what they did. The question remains: how did they find out?" Eyes turned towards Eikhe....
     Eikhe, hoping to redeem himself in the Leader's eyes, nodded. "Both Magistrate Ulrikh and Admiral Triligan have a suspect in mind. I would refer you to the information about the trader Picaja," he reminded the Council. An image with data came onto the conference room's viewscreen "This.....traitorous slug no doubt sold information on Ne'Chak to the Te'reans, enabling them to locate Commander Lemeshik's vessel, capture it, and finalize their plans." 
     "All of that may be true," the Leader retorted. "Admiral Beshik's son would not have betrayed his people so easily as this....traitor did. As for that family...." The family's squabbles, now that the Admiral and eldest son were either dead or missing, were coming out into the open. And violently. "It has been some time since we have seen exchanges of automatic combat rifle fire on the Capital's streets, and the use of anti-vehicle rockets." 
     "Eminence, you may be assured that General Security's efforts will be doubled in order to crush this.....outbreak," Eikhe said. "Now, these Te'reans also found the Chaser, and no doubt plundered her armory, as well as having had access to her computer database." 
     "But how would they know where to go in search of us?" Kurum asked."And with such speed?" 
     'The Ke'zar," The Leader angrily replied. 'Who else?"  Heads nodded at that, as not only was it the only logical source, but no one was ready-or willing-to disagree with the Leader. "This also has implications for our return to the Home Sector." 
     High Priest Si-um, the Leader's senior religious advisor, asked, "I am not a military man. So, what does that mean?" 
     "It means, My Lord," Admiral Galban replied. "The Te'reans have no doubt made common cause amongst themselves in off-world matters. They have made contact with our former subject races in our home sector, as well as the hated Ke'zar. And Admiral Triligan believes that they have gone further." 
     "How much further?" The Leader asked. 
     "They have likely signed a mutual defense pact with the Ke'zar and the other races. An attack on one treaty partner is an attack on all."
     There was silence at that. If true, then taking on their former subjects one at a time was now out of the question. And with three other races, as yet unknown to them and more advanced, also supporting the Te'reans....."That is a very disturbing prospect," the Leader replied after a tenarii's silence. "And what is the good news?" 
     "Your Eminence," Galban said. "The Te'reans are likely using ships either sold or given to them by others. Star Force Intelligence believes they cannot has absorbed this technology in such a short period. It will take some time for them to develop their own capability to build, repair, and maintain starships."
     "Eminence," General Arkom added, "As the Admiral said in his presentation, we must be prepared for further strikes on our colony worlds and our shipping lanes." 
     "I will issue those orders," the Leader said. A return visit was not something the State could tolerate, or even keep hidden. The truth about the attack had been kept quiet, but rumors were circulating in the Capital about something dreadful having happened to Ne'Chak. "Now, Admiral, what does Admiral Triligan propose?" 
     "He will take his battle group to Mut'la, My Lord," Galban said, calling up a star map of the sector, then another showing several possible courses to Te'rea. "It is a forward outpost, and it is near several possible courses the enemy will take to Te'rea." 
     The Leader regarded him, and the map. He also considered the four possible outcomes mentioned in the presentation. "We cannot afford to lose the Admiral. His services are needed by the State, given his ability in strategic thinking and the fact that he was one of the few commanders to emerge from the war with a stellar reputation. We need him." 
     "Eminence?" Eikhe asked. Was the Leader protecting the Star Force Commander?
     "If the Te'reans do return in force, we need him, There is no one else I would trust sufficiently to command the Star Force in that eventuality. Who is second-in-command of the battle group?" 
     Galban nodded. "That would be Vice-Admiral Teshan, My Lord. A bitter rival to Admiral Beshik, since their days in the Academy, on the home world." Another image came on the viewscreen, with accompanying text.  "He is one who would have happily thrown the son into a Special Regime Camp."
     "Something that will happen, if Lemeshik is ever found," Eikhe said. "I will be preparing the warrant against him for State Treason. If he had not had that.....Te'rean bitch slave aboard his ship as a comfort woman, this would never have happened." 
     "I leave that to you, Director," the Leader said. He turned to Admiral Galban. "I will send orders to Admiral Triligan recalling him to resume his duties as Star Force Commander. He is not in disgrace, I want to emphasize. His services are sorely needed by the State, and he has demonstrated his insights into the Te'reans. Vice-Admiral Teshan will continue the hunt for these....Te'reans." 
     Galban bowed. "Your Eminence," he said. "And if the Te'reans do escape our space?" 
     "Pursuit outside our charted space would be most foolhardy," the Leader commented. "The battle group will return home. We need every ship after the losses suffered at Ne'Chak and in the search. The Star Force is stretched thin as it is. Emphasize that in Vice Admiral Teshan's orders." 
     "Eminence," Galban bowed. 
     "Before we adjourn, let me make this perfectly clear," the Leader said, an angry tone to his voice. "We have suffered a major setback to our plans, but we are the Chosen Race. That remains unchanged." The others listened, nodding agreement. "The Te'reans will pay for this in due course. As will the Ke'zar, Gut'lans, Egyrnians, and anyone else who has assisted them. Including the uncivilized races in this sector. We will settle with the Ke'zar vermin first. But the others will pay in due time. And we shall remind them who their masters once were, and will be again." 
     "As the scrolls pronounce, it shall be done," Si-um nodded. "It is our destiny." 
     "So it is," the Leader said firmly. "Thank you, everyone." He rose from his chair to signal the meeting's adjournment. As the council members rose to leave the Council Chamber, the Leader signaled to Eikhe and Admiral Galban. "A moment, both of you." 
     "Eminence?" Eikhe asked. 
     The Leader waited for the rest of the Council to leave. "It is not just Lemeshik," he said. "Governor Raduztak and Camp Commandant Tsernavia. Their incompetence and dereliction of duty contributed to this.....atrocity. Have them tried in absentia. If they are recovered, they are to be interrogated rigorously before the sentence is carried out." 
     Eikhe nodded. It was nothing new. By unspoken word, those two men were to be liquidated. While their families would be sent to a labor camp. The formalities would be routine. "As you wish." 
     "And Admrial Galban?" 
     "My Lord?" Replied the Admiral. 
     "Add this personal message to Admiral Triligan. 'Upon your return, you will prepare contingency plans in case the Te'rans do show themselves again. You are our best strategist, and finest commander. And are thus irreplaceable. We cannot afford to lose you." 
     "My Lord," Galban bowed in reply. 
     "Eikhe?" The Leader turned to his security chief. "He is not to be touched under any circumstances. Is that understood?" The Leader's tone of voice said it all. Do as I command, or else.
     "Completely, Your Eminence," Eikhe said. The Secret Police Chief knew full well what the Leader wanted. And that, he knew, meant that any chance of cutting the Star Force Leadership down to size was out of the question. 
     "Good. That will be all." 
     Both men bowed and left the Leader's chamber, leaving him alone with his equiary. He then picked up a cup and threw it against a wall, breaking it into a dozen pieces. "How could that backwards, primitive, and uncivilized world become such a threat?" He raged. 
     "My Lord, if I knew..." the equiary replied. 
     "If anyone knew," the Leader retorted. He turned to face the man.. "Now, I have a job for you. Get Professor Tsu-lan at the University. He is our best specialist on Te'rea and its people. Have him briefed on everything that has transpired. I want to meet with him, and get his opinion. He can bring whatever specialists  he wants, as long as they know the consequences for revealing State Secrets. And there is this:"
     "My Lord?" 
     The Leader looked at an image of the damage to the Ne'Chak military garrison, blown to slag by the Base Ship's turbolasers. Then another image, showing the shredded orbital facilities. "I have never spoken with, or even met, a Te'ran. He has several of the 'Civilized' ones who work with him, correct?" 
     The equiary nodded. "I believe so, My Lord." 
     The Leader nodded. He stared at the imagery, then at a star chart showing the way to Te'rea. "Have them briefed on this as well." 
     "As you wish, My Lord." 
     "Very well," the Leader said, the firmness of command coming back. "They may be here for several days. Have rooms prepared in Guest Quarters. They are to inform their families that they will be away on State business for several days." 
     "Yes, My Lord. Is that all?" 
     "It is," the Leader said, staring again at the star chart, his back turned to the equiary. "See to all that at once." 
     "My Lord." 


     The day before the Tribunal resumed was a normal day in the Colonial Fleet, especially on Constellation. This day, the children were with their parents, while Anna and the rest of the new staff of the Child-Care Center took a needed day off. In fact, Jen, Lauren, and Jessica had invited Anna, Denise, and Linda, the mother-to-be, to their cabin for  a "Girls day in", which the three newcomers were all glad to have. Though Dr. Rena had told them to be careful, as things were such that Linda's babies could literally come at any time, the girls had all been in the "Yeah, right" mode, as they sat down to have a fun day. Or, as fun as one could have aboard ship. 
     The girls had just finished watching Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, and Linda had just gotten up to use the head when she suddenly stopped and sat down on Jessica's bunk. "Linda?" Jen asked, a look of concern on her face. 
     She turned to face the others. "I think it's time." Linda felt her swollen belly. "They're ready." 
     "Uh-oh..." Denise said as Anna went over to help. 
     Lauren had had first aid training in the Air Force and as a Deputy Sheriff. She hadn't had to deliver a baby in the back of her cruiser, but knew a deputy who had, and that had been during a blizzard.. But triplets, now....She went to the Telecom, and called up Medical. "Dr. Rena, please." 
     "Sergeant?" Dr. Rena's voice came over the telecom. "What can I do for you?" 
     "It's time, Doc," Lauren told the Ship's Doctor. "Linda's having pains, they've just started, and she thinks it's time. You'd better get here, and bring a medtech." 
     "I'll be right there, and have the duty one with me. Anna will have to help me get her to Medical." 
     "We'll be here," Lauren said. After Dr. Rena hung up, Lauren called the Bridge. Might as well let Captain Byrne know. "Bridge, this is Wagner. Is the Captain available?" 
     "He's right here," Mr. Dante replied. He handed the telecom to Captain Byrne. "For you, sir. Sergeant Wagner." 
     Curious, Byrne took the telecom. He knew Wagner had the day off, and she and some of the women were having a "Girls Day" in her cabin. "Yes, Sergeant?" 
     "Sir, it's time. Linda's just gone into labor," Wagner said, her own voice calm. "Dr. Rena's been informed, and she's on her way." 
     Byrne almost dropped the telecom. He knew the triplets were coming, but not so soon. "All right, Sergeant.  Have you...."
     "Notified Kevin, who's  her partner?" Wagner asked. "Not yet, sir. This just happened. I'll take care of it." 
     "Very well, Sergeant. Keep me posted," Byrne ordered.
     "Yes, sir." replied Wagner. Just then, Dr. Rena and a Medtech arrived. "Sir, Doc's here. We're going to be busy." 
     "Get with it, Sergeant," Byrne told her. After he hung up, Byrne turned to his Exec. "Well, Mr. Dante?  The triplets decided today was the day." 
     "I see, sir. Wish they had covered this in your Naval Academy?" Dante asked . He knew his Captain's feelings on having women and children, especially civilians, on a warship. 
     Byrne winced. "Now that you mention it? Yes." The last thing he ever thought would happen in his Navy career was to have children born aboard ship. Now, with two already and with Linda having triplets...."Well, we'd better make the best of it." 
     "My thoughts exactly, Captain." 

     Dr. Rena, along with the Medtech and Anna, started Linda on the trip to Medical. After they left the cabin, Sergeant Wagner called up the Security Office. 
     "Security, Mextan." 
     "Metxan, this is Wagner. I know, today's a day off, but find Kevin Scott, that's Linda's common-law husband, and get him to Medical immediately." 
     "Ma'am?" Metxan asked, slightly confused. 
     "The babies are coming," Wagner said. "Find him and get him to Medical." 
     Metxan knew full well what she meant. "Right away, Ma'am!" 
     She hung up the telecom, then turned to her roomies. "We have somewhere to be." 

     It wasn't long until the passages near Medical were filled, and not just with the refugees, but some of their Colonial Friends as well. When Captain Byrne went off watch and decided to go to the Crew Mess for lunch, he found the place only about half full, even though it was just past Noon, ship's time. When he asked the Mess Officer where everyone was, the reply was "Outside Medical, sir." 
     "Well, we've had babies born aboard ship before, but these, now," Byrne nodded as he got his tray. 
     "Yes, sir," the man replied. "Sir, I'm hardly connected to them, but I feel like a nervous wreck." 
     "Those kids may lack a lot of material comforts, whether from Earth or the Colonies, but they won't lack surrogate fathers," the Captain replied. 
     The young Lieutenant smiled. "No, sir, they won't." 

     After he ate, Captain Byrne went to Medical, and found the passageway crowded, just as he'd been told. When he got into Medical itself, the waiting area was also crowded. There, he found not just Jen and Sergeant Wagner, but Mr. Malik, Lieutenants Krebs and Sanderson, with the other refugees. And everyone seemed to be on pins and needles. Everyone knew what the babies would be, two girls and a boy, according to the scans. It had been a question of when, and a baby pool to guess had sprung up on the spot. Not surprised at that, he went over to where Jen was with her roommates. "Any news?" 
     "No, Pop," Jen said. "She's been in there a while." 
     "Nearly three Centars," Lauren added. "Sir." 
     Denise smiled, then looked at Byrne. "Nervous, Captain?" 
     "A little," Byrne admitted. "Not like this with Jen." 
     "You were nervous, Pop?" Jen wanted to know. 
     "Jen, I was busy holding your mother's hand and trying to keep her calm, on a primitive planet with next to no medical supplies. Your Uncle Ced delivered you," Byrne said. "Kevin's probably doing the same thing." He was referring to Linda's common-law husband. 
     Lauren nodded. "When Metxan brought him in, he was pretty nervous, but excited, Metxan told me. He's a first-time father, right?" 
     Both Jessica and Denise nodded. "He is," Denise said. 
     "Anyone would be nervous, being a first-time father," Mr. Malik said. "I never met the right girl, but I had friends who were proud to be fathers." 
     "Sir, there's also this," Jessica spoke up. 
     "Petty Officer?" Byrne asked. 
     "It's not just that the babies are being born, it's where they're being born," she pointed out. "It beats the alternative." 
     There was silence for a moment, then Byrne nodded agreement. "It certainly does, Petty Officer." 
     Dr. Rena then came out of the treatment room for a break. "My, she's got a pretty large cheering section," the ship's doctor commented upon seeing the crowd. 
     "If you think this is large, you should see the passageway," Captain Byrne said. "How is she?" 
     "It's not a false labor, that's for certain," Dr. Rena said. The ship's doctor got a cup of Java and sipped. "The pains are more frequent. But this could take a while. Her first time and all," she warned. "A few Centars, maybe even all the way until tomorrow, sometime. Why don't you all get something to eat? I'll let the Bridge know when they come." 
     "Might be a good idea-" Lieutenant Sanderson said, before she was interrupted by a scream from the room. Then everyone heard Anna's voice. 
     "Doctor! The first one's coming!" 
     "And that time could just be now," Dr. Rena nodded. She ran back into the room. 

     It wasn't long until the first wailing came, then two more. "Three babies born," Captain Byrne said. "We've got three new shipmates." 
     "Sir, wish they had mentioned something like this at Annapolis?" Jessica asked. 
     "I do, Petty Officer. But some things are so rare, on Earth, anyway, that they're not covered in a textbook," Byrne replied. When he got home, he'd certainly raise this with the Navy in his report. Especially if the Navy began operating starships.....though he knew that the carriers and amphibious ships that had female crew had an OB/GYN as part of the Medical Department. 
     Dr. Rena then came back out. "Well, everyone? Two girls and a boy. All are healthy and normal, and they and their mother are doing fine. Linda's resting now." 
     Everyone was clapping and cheering as word spread into the passageway. Then it would go all over the ship. "How's the father?" Byrne asked. 
     Dr. Rena smiled. "He's doing fine. He held his daughters and son, handed them to Anna, said, 'Thanks, Doc.' Then he fainted." 
     "Just like Michael on Galactica after baby Ron was born," Jessica noted, recalling the birth aboard the battlestar right after the ex-prisoners had arrived. 
     Lieutenant Sanderson nodded, then shook her head. "Men!" 

     After returning to his cabin, Captain Byrne got hold of Commander Adama and let him know the good news. Then he did the same for Sires Pelias and Xaviar, and Siress Tinia. He knew word would travel fast, among those who were "in the know." He would have been pleased to hear that, at dinner that night aboard the Rising Star, Pelias, Xaviar, and Tinia were glad to toast the new arrivals. 

     The next day, the Tribunal resumed at precisely 0900. Commander Adama was in the President's chair, and he saw both the Opposition and Protection, the latter with the defendants, and all was in readiness. Along with the witness gallery being full. "Sire Memnon," he asked the Protection. "Is the Protection ready?" 
     "The Protection is ready, Mr. President," Sire Memnon replied formally. 
     "Sire Solon? Is the Opposition ready?" Adama asked the Chief Opposer. 
     "The Opposition is ready, Mr. President." 
     "Very well," Adama nodded. He gestured to Sire Memnon. "Sire Memnon? You may present your case." 
     "Thank you, Mr. President," the Protector said. "The Protection calls Commander Lemeshik to the stand." 
     Lemeshik rose and went to the stand. After being sworn in, Memnon began his questioning. "Commander, can you give a justification for having Petty Officer Clemens aboard your vessel, the Ranger, as a slave?" 
     "I can," Lemshik replied with a trace of arrogance in his voice. 
     "And that would be?" Memnon asked. 
     "She is a Te'rean. A member of a race that has strayed from the True Path, which was set down for them millenia ago, when their planet was under the rule of the Risik Empire. They have strayed from that path, and must return to it.." 
     "In what way?" 
     "There are several ways, but they are a race that is spiritually and morally bankrupt, and is technologically inferior to their Masters. As such, according to the Scrolls of Sklathon, they can be treated in any way deemed fit by proper authority," Lemeshik replied smugly. "That is in Chapter Three, verse twenty-one." 
     "I see," Memnon nodded, though his understanding was reluctant. "So you are claiming a religious justification for having her aboard?" 
     Lemeshik nodded. "I am, and I would add that my family has served the Risik State for many generations. Privileges are due the privileged," he added. 
     "So having a slave, you feel, was an added benefit of not only your position as Commanding Officer of the Ranger, but also a social benefit?" 
     Solon rose "OBJECTION! Supposition." 
     "Sustained," Adama noted. 
     "I will rephrase the question, Mr. President," Memnon said. "Was having a slave a benefit due to your position as Commanding Officer, as well as a social benefit, given your family's long service to the Risik State?" 
     "Yes," Lemeshik replied calmly. "That is correct." 
     "Is there anything else that you would care to add?" 
     "Yes, there is," Lemeshik said. He looked at the witness gallery with contempt. The bitch of a slave was not there in person, he noted, so he glared at the IFB camera. If she wasn't there, she was likely watching the broadcast. "I gave her a better life aboard my ship than she had any reason to expect in that camp. Which, I might add, you had no right whatsoever to attack." 

     Aboard Constellation, Sergeant Wagner was in the Security Office. She had risen early, eaten breakfast, then had her usual walk-around the ship before officially going on watch. Nothing much happening, other than people were still buzzing about the triplets being born the day before. Now, she was sipping a cup of java, watching the IFB broadcast in her office, with Metxan watching as well. When she heard Lemeshik's remark, she spat out the java she'd just drunk. "Son of a bitch! Did you hear that?" 
     "I sure did, Ma'am," Metxan replied. "This guy sounds just like the Il Fadim nutcases. They're right and everyone else is wrong." 
     "You picked that up fast," she said. "If we didn't need him for interrogation...."
     "Wish you'd shot him, Ma'am?" 
     "He's not mine," Wagner said calmly, but her deputy could tell the anger in her voice. "He belongs to Jessica." She gave him a half-smile. 
     Metxan nodded, then asked. "Wish you had let her shoot him?" 
     "Maybe I should have," replied Wagner. "And I wouldn't have gotten in her way. Nor Croft, Castor, or any of the other troopers. But Captain Byrne said this: 'It's hard to interrogate corpses.'" 
     "It is that, Ma'am." 

     In Constellation's Crew Mess, the refugees and some of their new friends were watching the same IFB broadcast. Jessica had been sitting with Lieutenant Sanderson and Airman First Class Brandon Reynolds, the lone Air Force member among the ex-prisoners. When Lemeshik repeated his remark about giving her a better life aboard ship, Jessica's face turned red, and she got up, fully intending to grab a nearby fire ax and use it on the monitor. Her two friends were able to get a hold of her. "Steady, girl," Sanderson said. 
     "He'll get his," Reynolds added. "Calm down, Jess." 
     "I know, but still," she muttered, and everyone noted the angry tone of voice. Now they knew that, if given the chance, Jessica would kill her ex-captor. And gladly."I'd probably kill him right now." 
     "You and me both," Sanderson replied. "Take it easy. He'll get his just desserts." 
     "And if his own people find him?" Reynolds asked. 
     "They do to him what he did to that officer," Jessica nodded. "Good riddance." 

     In the courtroom, Sire Memnon was wrapping up. "Do you have anything else to add?" 
     "No, Sire," Lemeshik replied arrogantly. "Nothing at all." 
     "Thank you, Commander," Memnon replied. He turned to Sire Solon as he returned to the Protection's table. "Your witness." 
     "Sire," Solon nodded. He composed his thoughts for a moment, then began. "Commander, you have said in your previous testimony that keeping Petty Officer Jessica Clemens aboard your ship was sanctioned by your religious scrolls, is that correct?" 
     Lemeshik glared at the Opposer. "If that is how you choose to frame it, yes," he replied smugly. 
     "Do those scrolls sanction the invasion, occupation, and subjugation of her world?" Solon asked. 
     "They do," replied Lemeshik. "I am not a priest, but it is the duty of the Chosen Race to bring civilization and order to worlds populated by those who are inferior races. Te'rea, or Earth, as you call it, is one such world." 
     "So," Solon continued. "Your people were willing to inflict who knows how much death and destruction on a world that knew nothing of your existence, simply to satisfy a religious motivation?" 
     "If that is how you see it," Lemeshik said. "The world is in need of civilization and order. True civilization, and the State has deemed returning there to be a goal after returning to our home sector and settling accounts with the Ke'zar. It may take several generations, but the Risik State always keeps its promises." 
     The Opposer looked at the defendant. Just like the Il Fadim, he thought. They are right and all who disagree with them are wrong. "Perhaps," Solon said. 'I only have one more question. You stated in your earlier testimony that you gave Petty Officer Clemens 'a better life' aboard your ship. Is that correct?" 
     "It is," Lemeshik replied smugly, and those in the gallery and watching on IFB could see the arrogance on his face. "And she knows it." 
     "And you stand by that testimony?" 
     "I do." 
     Solon gestured to his aide. "I call your attention to Opposition Exhibits Eleven and Twenty-One," he said. The monitor showed two videos, side-by-side. "Hold," he said, and the images were paused. The scene on the left showed Petty Officer Clemens' torture session at the camp shown in her testimony, and the one on the right was the session she described in Lemeshik's cabin in the same testimony. "I ask you, Commander: which is the 'better life??" 
     Lemeshik glared at the Opposer. "I refuse to answer the question." 
     "Your choice," Solon replied. "And for the record, there is no possible answer to the question," he said. Then Solon nodded to Adama. "No further questions." 

     "He's done," Wagner observed aboard Constellation. 
     "Sure looks that way," Metxan agreed. "Too bad he won't be seeing the inside of an airlock." 
     "That's too easy. Besides, I've said it a hundred times, but hope he likes jungle or desert." 
     "I'll take the jungle, Ma'am," replied Metxan. "It'd be over quicker." 

     In the Crew Mess, both refugees and Colonials were cheering. "Good job, Sire," Lieutenant Sanderson said. "You just showed everyone what kind of hypocrites we had to deal with." 
     "Ma'am?" Mr. Dilley, the DCO, asked. "What do you mean by that?" 
     "To them," she explained. "They're right and everyone else is wrong, because their gods said so. If you're not one of them, you're an infidel and a heretic." 
     "One rule for them, and one for everyone else," Petty Officer Clemens added. 
     Mr. Malik came over. "And they will get what they deserve. It is Tzrh'dak. They cannot escape it."
     "What?" Lieutenant Sanderson asked. "Say that again?" 
     "It is Tzrhdak, or loosely put into your tongue, The Great Fabric. The weaving of each man's destiny. It is inescapable fate. No matter how long, he will not escape his just destiny." 
     "Sooner the better," one of the refugees said.  
     "It may not be right away, but these scum will serve the universe in due time." Mr. Malik added. 
     "By leaving it." Clemens finished. 
     The Zohrloch looked at her and smiled. "Indeed." 


     "You may call your next witness, Sire," Adama said formally. 
     Sire Memnon nodded. "Thank you, Mr. President. The Protection calls Commandant Tsernavia to the stand." 
     The Commandant went to the stand, and was sworn in. He surveyed the witness gallery, and saw none of his former charges seated there. He was somewhat surprised, but, given their likely feelings towards him, it was probably for the better. Even these....Colonials knew that it would not show a good image if a defendant was killed while in a judicial proceeding. He braced himself for what was about to happen, for he knew that this would be his only chance to defend the honor of the Risik State, as well as....justify the actions he had taken. Then the questioning began. 
     "Commandant," Memnon asked. "How would you describe your duties on your home planet?" 
     "I was an operative of our General Security Department, specializing as an  interrogation specialist," Tsernavia replied. "I was charged with extracting information from not just Te'reans, but also our own Enemies of the State." 
     "Would those be criminals?" 
     "No," was the calm reply. "Not those who had been convicted in a judicial sense. The term refers to those who were considered religious heretics, or were.....otherwise subversive towards the State." 
     Memnon nodded. "I see...And you, shall we say, 'processed' several thousand people from Earth, correct?" 
     "The true number is between two or three thousand, but yes, if that is how you put it," replied Tsernavia. "I oversaw those interrogations, yes." 
     "Were they given the opportunity to answer your questions without any form of physical.....coercion?" 
     "They were, and a few of them did so," Tsernavia said. He glared at the IFB camera. "And those who did not? I was instructed by my superiors to obtain the information they desired. By whatever means necessary. And I always obeyed my orders." 
     "Do you have any other justification for the methods you used?" Memnon asked. 
     "Yes, our religious scrolls," the Commandant said. "They state that the Chosen Race may treat inferior races in any manner deemed fit by proper authority." 
     "Including torture?" 
     "If necessary." 
     Sire Memnon then asked, "Commandant, why were the prisoners included in the evacuation of your home planet?" 
     Tsernavia nodded. "It was felt by Higher Authority that they might prove useful later on," he said. "And accordingly, room was made for them." 
     "So, when the camp was established, you were appointed to be the Commandant." 
     "Correct, Sire," 
     "How would you describe the conditions there?" The Sire asked. 
     "I would describe them as appropriate," replied Tsernavia. "Things could have been more.....severe, however." 
     "How so?" 
     The Commandant actually smiled. "It could have been the same as if in a Special Regime Camp for Enemies of the State," he replied. "Food rations could have been considerably reduced, and the punishments much harsher. The slaves were for all intents and purposes irreplaceable, and thus, fatal penalties were avoided." 

     "Hear that?" Byrne asked Mr. Dante on Constellation's Bridge. 
     His Exec nodded. "Sir, he just admitted the truth about those 'Special Regime' camps. People go in, but don't come out."
     "Just like the Nazis with their Concentration Camps, or the worst of the Soviet Gulags, Mr. Dante. These scum could have learned from them," Byrne said. "Or given lessons." 

     "Commandant," Memnon continued. "When it came to some of the female prisoners becoming pregnant, did you issue orders to your guards ordering them to treat the pregnant women carefully?" 
     Tsernavia nodded. "I did, sire." 
     "And both before and after childbirth?" 
     "The women were excused from work, and allowed to care for the child for thirty days after birth," the Commandant replied. "I also issued orders allowing a nursery to be established for the infants, as well as directing the guards not to harm any of the children." 
     Memnon nodded, His aide handed him a folder and he took out some papers, both in the Risik script and translated. "Are these the orders you issued?" The Protector handed the papers to the defendant. 
     Tsernavia scanned them. "They are, sire." 
     The Sire turned to Adama. "The Protection requests that these documents be recognized as exhibits and admitted into evidence." The documents were shown to Sire Solon. 
     "No protest, Mr. President," Solon replied. 
     Adama nodded. "So ordered, sire." 
     "Thank you, Mr. President," said Memnon. "Commandant, the matter of the....banquets, for want of a better term. What was the justification for the presence and use of prisoners at such......functions?" 
     "Again, sire, the scrolls state that those races that are inferior may be treated in any manner deemed fit." 
     Memnon nodded. "I see...I have two more questions, and they relate to Sergeant Wagner. What were you doing aboard the ship she had been taken to?" 
     "I had never been to Te'rea, and I had been told that I would be accompanying the pacification force to that world," the Commandant said. "I was aboard another ship when I received a message from the interrogator aboard the Chaser." 
     "That would be the name of the ship she was on?" 
     "Yes."
     "Please continue, Commandant," Memnon said. 
     "Yes, as I was saying. The message was from the interrogator, requesting assistance in handling a female subject brought to the ship. He was relatively inexperienced, and I was willing to provide assistance." 
     "And you have no...issues with your conduct as shown in the video by the Opposition?" 
     "None at all," was the calm reply. Just as calm as a Cylon ordering the death of millions. 
     "Thank you, Commandant," Memnon said. He turned to Sire Solon. "Sire, your witness." 
     Solon nodded, then composed his thoughts. Where to begin? Then he rose. "Commandant, the last subject, the torture of Sergeant Wagner. How do you explain this?" He nodded to his aide, who called up the last centon of the interrogation video. "Your remark, 'How well they squirm.' Would you care to elaborate?" 
     "I was merely showing to a colleague who was, as I said, somewhat inexperienced in how such sessions may....progress," the Commandant replied. 
     "She begged you repeatedly to stop, and yet, you continued. Why?" 
     "She would not answer the questions." 
     Solon looked at him. "So it was her fault the torture continued?" 
     "If that is how you describe it," Tsernavia calmly replied. "Yes. Her fault, due to her disobedience." 
     "And the others you....interrogated?" Solon asked. "On your home planet, I would emphasize. By the documents entered into evidence, you admit to interrogating nearly three thousand humans from Earth." 
     "Those who cooperated benefited from that cooperation," Tsernavia calmly replied. "Those who did not, were punished appropriately." 
     "And in the camp?" 
     The Commandant looked at the Opposer. As if he had the gall to be the one asking questions. He was much used to having roles reversed. "Violations of camp rules and regulations were punished appropriately. They had to be." 
     "Even accidental ones?" Solon asked. "For example, I would cite your torturing Petty Officer Clemens simply for spilling paint on a guard." 
     "Her claim. The guard said it was deliberate. I shared that view." 
     "The..banquets?" Solon then asked. "Did any of the prisoners participate voluntarily?" 
     "No. They were slaves, and it was not necessary." 
     "I see.." Solon said. He picked up a document, both original and translated. "I call your attention to Opposition exhibit 201. It is a directive from you to the Chief Guard authorizing lethal force against those trying to escape. Do you recognize it?" He put the papers in front of the Commandant. 
     "I do. And yes, I did issue this directive," said Tsernavia. "It is standard procedure in all of our camps. The Chief  Guard did follow his orders when the camp was attacked." 
     "And for the record, the death of a prisoner makes you liable due to your issuing the order," Solon reminded him. "Now, did you kill anyone during any of your interrogations?" 
     Tsernavia glared at the Opposer. "No. Not in the camp, or on the home planet." 
     "Why?" 
     "In the camp? The slaves were irreplaceable." 
     "And on the home planet?" Solon asked. 
     "Some may have been....liquidated prior to my service, but no one died under my charge."
     "Last question," Solon said. He nodded to his aide, who called up the videos of both Sergeant Wagner's and Petty Officer Clemens' torture sessions. "Do you deny what has been shown on the videos? You, an educated being, torturing these people?" 
     "Not at all," replied Tsernavia. 
     "Not at all," Solon repeated, turning to the Tribunal members. He nodded at Adama. "Nothing....further." 

     Aboard Constellation, Captain Byrne and Sergeant Wagner had joined the other refugees and their shipboard friends in the Crew Mess to watch Scarface's turn on the stand. When Solon was finished with the former Commandant, everyone was cheering. "Good-bye and good riddance," Lieutenant Sanderson spat. "He's done for." 
     Mr. Malik nodded. "He practically admitted his guilt on the stand," the gunnery officer said. "No regret or remorse at all. I will give him this: he's no shrinking coward." 
     "Yes, but the dirty Schweinhund will never admit he's wrong," Lieutenant Krebs pointed out. "As we all got to know." 
     Heads nodded at that, even after Krebs explained the term. "Now what, Captain?" Natalie asked. 
     "Your guess is as good as mine," Byrne admitted. "If the ex-Governor doesn't testify, that's about it. If he does..." 
     "If he does, sir," Wagner finished. "We get another earful of 'Chosen Race' crap." 

     After the Commandant had stepped down, Adama asked Sire Memnon, "Sire do you have any additional witnesses?" 
     "One moment, Mr. President," the Protector replied. He was engaged in a whispered conversation with Raduztak, the ex-Governor. It finished quickly, then Memnon said. "Mr. President, I have an additional witness, but as he had not intended to testify, I will need some time to prepare. The Protection requests a recess until 0900 tomorrow to enable preparation." 
     Adama knew it right away, as did Sire Solon. The ex-Governor had changed his mind, and would testify. "Sire Solon? Does the Opposition have any objections?" 
     Solon rose, and barely concealed a smile as he did so. . "The Opposition has none." With the proceedings being recorded, and with the intention of giving the Risik Officers watching copies, it would show their leadership that all of the legal niceties were being observed. 
     "Very well," Adama said. "Sire Memnon, your motion is granted. Court is in recess until 0900 tomorrow." He banged his gavel. 
     "All rise," the bailiff announced. 

     "Looks like you're right, Sergeant," Byrne said. "He'll have nothing to lose by testifying."  
     Wagner shook her head. "And he's going to claim the raid was 'piracy and aggression'. Just like he did the night of the raid." 
     "And he got a punch to the stomach for his trouble," Sanderson recalled. "Nice one, Sergeant, but you should have used your rifle butt." 
     "Thank you, Ma'am," Wagner said. "When he testifies? Not much else he can do. To counter him? We didn't see her in the Prosecution phase, but should in the rebuttal." 
     "You mean Melena?" Jessica asked. 
     "Who's she?" Natalie asked. 
     "The ex-Governor's very unwilling mistress," Wagner said. She explained Melnea's story. "Lemeshik had Jessica, and the Governor had her." 
     Several of the refugees nodded. "She's going to testify?" Natalie asked. 
     "That's right." 
     Mr. Malik nodded. "And I, for one, would not deny her the opportunity, nor her just revenge. In our society, if one's parents are murdered, the children are expected to extract revenge one day." 
     "She can't kill them, but this?" Byrne asked. "It's the next best thing." 
     Lieutenant Sanderson looked at the Captain. "When?" 
     "Day after tomorrow, I"ll bet. The Rebuttal phase may take a day or two, then closing arguments.  After that? The Tribunal members get the case and they start deliberating." 
     Wagner nodded. "Just like the Il Fadim crazies." Just as the Risik defendants had, those lunatics had tried to put her on trial. And had failed. 
     "Those loonies you told us about?" Petty Officer Clemens asked. "That terrorist group and cult?" 
     "You got it," said Wagner. "That one took three days or so to deliberate. Might be the same thing here." 
     "At least it won't be a long wait," Lieutenant Sanderson replied. "Not too short, but not dragged on for days, either." 
     Captain Byrne nodded agreement. "Always a good thing, Lieutenant." 

     The next morning, the Tribunal resumed at 0900. As usual, the witness gallery was packed, and both the Opposition and Protection were ready to go. Commander Adama, in the President's Chair, nodded towards Sire Memnon. "Sire, is the Protection ready to resume?" 
     "We are, Mr. President, and I am ready to call my next witness," Sire Memnon replied. 
     Adama nodded. "Very well, Sire. You may proceed." 
     "Thank you, Mr. President. The Protection calls Governor Raduztak to the stand." 
     A buzz came from the witness gallery, and even some of the Risik Officers were talking amongst themselves, but everyone fell silent when Adama banged his gavel. 
     The ex-Governor got up from the table, and defiantly, if somewhat surprisingly, went to the witness stand. After being sworn in, Memnon got down to business. "Governor, how long were you responsible for Ne'Chak?" Memnon asked. 
     "Approximately two standard years, by our calendar." Raduztak replied. 
     "When you were appointed to the post, was the slave camp ever an object of discussion? Between you and your superiors?" 
     "It was, only briefly," said Raduztak. "The Minister of Colonies, Ilbate, told me that I was free to use slaves from the camp on work details in the colony, if I so desired. And I felt it to be necessary, continuing what my predecessor had done." 
     "And you did, correct?" 
     "I did so, Sire." 
     "Can you justify for the Tribunal," Memnon asked. "Keeping these people enslaved against their will, so far from their home planet?" 
     The ex-Governor sneered. "Yes. They are Te'reans," he answered, as if that explained everything. Then he continued, "They are a race that is morally and spiritually bankrupt, as well as being technologically inferior. As such, they are in need of civilization and order." 
     "Was that a political decision, as has been stated,  or a religious one?" 
     "It is both," came the reply. "The world they inhabit was once ours, several Millennia ago, along with a number of others in our Home Sector. They have forgotten who their Masters were, and need to be reminded of that." 
     Memnon nodded, then asked, "Can you elaborate?" 
     "It is simple, Sire," Radzutak said, as if everyone in the courtroom had the intellect of a severely challenged child. . "Where Risik boots once walked, they will return. Our political and religious leadership views this as our sacred duty, and it may take several generations to carry out. However, I assure you, the Risik State always keeps its promises." 
     "So you claim Earth, along with several other inhabited worlds near her, by that right?" Memnon asked. "A rightful possession of your government?" 
     "Yes." 
     Memnon sighed, but kept it to himself. Then he asked, "Governor, on the subject of the camp again. How did you judge the conditions there?" 
     Raduztak scanned the witness gallery. Seeing none of the former prisoners there,  he knew they were watching the broadcast. So he glared at the IFB camera. "I would judge the conditions there to be right and proper, as regards their status. They were slaves, and in their case, irreplaceable. They were not treated as Enemies of the State." 
     "So the camp could have been worse?" 
     "Yes." 
     "Hmm...."Memnon paused, gathering his thoughts for a centon. "Do you have anything else to add?" 
     "Only that your 'rescue mission' was an act of piracy and aggression against the Risik State and People. We shall never, ever, forget what you have done," the ex-Governor sneered for the camera. 
     "I see...." Memnon said. He turned to Sire Solon. 'Your witness, Sire." Then he sat down. 
     Solon waited for a centon, composing his thoughts. Then he rose. "Governor, on the subject of the camp." His aide handed him a folder. "I call your attention to Opposition Exhibits 301 to 303." Solon opened the folder, and handed Raduztak the first document. "The first document is a letter you sent to the Commandant," he gestured at the Protection's table. "In it, you are requesting labor details from the camp to work at Government House. Do you deny writing this letter?" 
     "I do not," Raduztak spat. "I wrote it." 
     "Then the reply from the Defendant Tsernavia-"Solon placed the Commandant's reply in front of Raduztak "You did receive this, did you not? It was found on your computer." 
     "I did receive it," the defendant spat. "And you had no right to examine any of our devices. They are State property!" 
     Solon ignored the barb. "Last, your letter to the Commandant, praising the, and I shall quote, 'Exemplary work done by the prisoners.'? You sent this?" 
     "I did, and I stand by it," the ex-Governor sneered. 
     Solon got into his face. "You were requesting, procuring, and using slave labor, by your own admission. And yet, you boast of 'Civilization and order.' Where is the civilization in that?" 
     Raduztak glared at him, then at the IFB camera. "Again, they are Te'reans. As has been said earlier, according to the scrolls, they may be treated however we deem fit." 
     "And the....banquets, to use a polite term?" Solon asked. "You did participate." He nodded to his aide, who handed him another document and translated copy, and Solon put it in the ex-Governor's face. "You are on the guest list for this particular one, are you not?" 
     "I am, and again, they are, and remain, slaves. Who could be used however deemed fit." 
     "Does your version of 'civilization and order' extend to invasion, occupation, and subjugation of Earth?" 
     The ex-Governor sneered. "If necessary. I have spoken with two of your witnesses-the first two slaves to testify, and the two bitches have only reinforced the need to civilize the world." 
     "A world that has done nothing to your people, has no knowledge of your existence, and yet, Governor, your government planned, and intended to carry out, an invasion of Earth," Solon reminded him. "Do your scrolls, as you read them, sanction the infliction of who knows what death and destruction, simply to fulfill a religious motive?" 
     "They do," Raduztak smugly replied. "It is our sacred duty to civilize the galaxy." 
     "Including worlds that do not want your....help, in other words? Worlds that may take strong objection to someone coming in....uninvited?" 
     "Sometimes children may take strong exception to being disciplined, but it is not up to them to decide. It is the same here. Te'rea, or Earth, will be civilized. Whether or not they cooperate in this is their choice," was the reply. "Even if it is a wrong one." 
     Solon got into him again. "It is their choice to make, not yours, nor anyone else's," he said. "Now, the rescue mission. You have been quoted as saying that the raid on Ne'Chak was an 'act of piracy and aggression. Do you stand by that remark?" 
     "I do, and you had no right whatsoever to take those people from the camp!" Raduztak shouted. A buzz came from the witness gallery, which fell silent when Adama banged his gavel. 
     "What if the position had been reversed? Solon asked. "And it had been Risik who were being held in such a camp? Would your military forces attempt to rescue them?" 
     "Absolutely," was the smug reply. "It would be their duty." 
     "With that, Governor, you have shown for the record that your government's policies are hypocritical. One rule for the Risik, and one for everyone else." He nodded at Adama . "Nothing further from the.....witness." 
     "You may step down," Adama said. After Raduztak did so, Adama turned to Sire Memnon. "Sire, does the Protection have any further witnesses?" 
     "No, Mr. President," Memnon replied. There was sadness in his voice,  wishing he could do more on their behalf. He knew, though, that there was a limit to what could be done "Thus, the Protection rests." 

     Aboard Constellation, Sergeant Wagner was in the Security Office, with Metxan and Airman Reynolds. They had been helping him get settled in, and he was finding out that shipboard security wasn't that different that base security back home. Though unless something happened, like a brawl or a drunk-and-disorderly-the Airman would find his watch pretty boring. But all three had been paying attention to the testimony. 
     "He just put the noose around his neck," Reynolds said. "Good riddance." 
     "Huh?" Metxan asked. 
     "Figure of speech," Reynolds replied. "In Washington State, they still execute people by hanging. Back home, they'd be measuring him for the rope length." 
     "Same thing in Montana," Wagner said. We don't want him getting off that quick. Though he's finished, either way.  And he just proved they're a whole bunch of lying hypocrites." 
     Reynolds nodded. "That they are, Ma'am. Saw enough of it in the camp." 
     "So did I, when I interrogated him on a few occasions. They're right, and everybody else is wrong. Sooner or later, somebody with bigger guns is going to teach them a lesson." 
     "As long as it's not the Cylons, Ma'am," Metxan said. "But those Ke'zar you talk about? I'm not complaining." 
     Wagner nodded. "The next person who disagrees with that will be the first." 


     "Sire Solon," Adama asked. "Is the Opposition ready to begin its rebuttal presentation?" 
     Solon rose. "We are, Mr. President, and as the first witness in this phase, I call Melnea to the stand." He paused, then went on. "For the record, she is the very unwilling.....consort of the Governor." There was a buzz in the gallery again, and even the Risik officers were surprised.  Some of the conduct of senior government officials and priests was whispered about amongst themselves, but never discussed openly-and for good reason. Here, now.....
     "Sire Memnon?" Adama asked the Protector.  "Do you have any objections?" 
     Memnon rose. "The Protection has no objections," he said. 
     "Very well," replied Adama. "Sire Solon? You may proceed." 
     Melnea came into the courtroom,  in Colonial civilian dress. She passed the Protection's table, and, while her expressions to Lemeshik and Tsernavia were noncommittal, the icy glance at Raduztak spoke volumes. Melnea went to the stand and was sworn in. 

     "Well, now," Captain Byrne observed from his station on Constellation's bridge. "This'll be fun." 
     "Sir?" Mr. Dante asked. 
     Byrne nodded at his Exec. "She's the only Risik we have who has actually apologized-and I mean sincerely apologized-for what they've done to those people. Not just the ones in the camp, but all of those they abducted." He pointed to the monitor. "You can almost feel the defendants' hate through the monitor."  

     "Miss Melnea," Solon began. "Can you describe for the Tribunal how you became the Governor's, well.....for want of a better term, consort?" 
     "Yes, I can," Melnea replied. "My family lived on the Capital World, and was arrested for 'Crimes Against the Order.' My parents were members of a small group of people who advocated political and religious reforms, and were betrayed to the authorities." 
     "And what did this group advocate?" 
     "My parents-my father being a physician,  and mother a procurator-and their friends wanted our government and society to be more open, more tolerant, and responsive to the needs of the people, Sire. For example, they wanted an end to the religious influences on our society forced upon us by the corrupt priests. An end to the Forbidden Lists, to name one reform." 
     Solon looked at the Governor. "Can you elaborate?" 
     "Yes," Melena said. "The Forbidden Lists contain works-whether video, art, music, or literature-fiction as well as nonfiction, even historical works and scientific texts that the priests deem to be...decadent, to use their phrase. In addition, the Security Services also place works there that they deem subversive." 
     "What do you mean by 'subversive'?" 
     "The State does not want anyone being exposed to those political ideas that may lead to the overthrow of the government," replied Melnea. "If exposed to those works, people may get subversive thoughts, and act upon them. 'To the detriment of public order', is the phrase used." 
     Solon nodded. Just like the Il Fadim, he knew. That sect had its own list of material it wanted to ban if their coup had succeeded. "What else did your parents and their colleagues propose?" 
     "They wanted political reforms," Melnea answered. "The Supreme Leader's position is appointed, from families that supported the takeover of power, many generations ago on the ancestral homeworld. No outsider has ever held the position, and the Leader is selected by the military, the security services, and the priests. They wanted the position to become an elected one, chosen by the people. In addition, they wanted our People's Assembly to be a real legislative body, able to discuss government decisions in open debate,  without fear of political or physical repercussions, and vote on legislation. Instead, it merely gives approval to government decisions and decrees, and its votes are almost always unanimous." 
     "Melnea, did the inhabitants of the slave camp come up in this group's discussions?" 
     "They did," she replied. "The consensus was that the camp should be closed, and the slaves returned to their home planet, if it was possible to do so. If not, then they were to be taken to a world that would welcome them. Or placed somewhere, if left alone, where they could develop their own civilization." 
     Solon glared at the ex-Governor. "I see...What happened when you, your parents and your brother were arrested?" 
     "We were betrayed, Sire," Melnea responded angrily. "Who, I do not know. 'Traitors' are never told these things. In any event, the same happened to the others as well. My brother was a cadet at the Military Academy, and he was charged with Failure to Report 'Activities Inimical to the State.' I was charged with Aiding and Abetting. Our parents? They were charged with State Treason." She wiped away a tear. "My youngest brother, an infant, was taken from us, and in court, we were told that he was now a Ward of the State, and would, in time, be put up for adoption. 'To be raised properly' we were told." 
     "How would you describe the court proceedings?" Solon asked, glaring at the ex-Governor. 
     "In court, we were presumed Guilty unless proven otherwise. One is almost always guilty. My mother, a Procurator, was familiar with this." 
     "Procurator?" 
     "In our system, Sire, the Procurator not only prosecutes crimes, but does the pretrial investigations. The Procuracy's office motto would be, and I am paraphrasing here, 'Give us the individual, and we will find the crime.'' 
     "Guilty until proven innocent, in other words?" Solon asked. This was new to him, though there had been Colonial governments in their Pre-Unification past that had similar systems. He glanced at Sire Memnon, who was also new to the idea. 
     "Yes. However, in political cases, the odds are very great. The State's Chief Magistrate, a man called Ulrikh, gave us a few moments to explain our actions. He then found my parents guilty of State Treason, my older brother guilty of Failure to Report, and I was convicted of Aiding and Abetting," Melnea said., wiping away another tear. "My parents were then condemned to death, and my brother and I never had a chance to say farewell. We were made to watch as they were taken to a public square and put to death." 
     "And the sentences given to you and your brother?" 
     "My brother was sentenced to an indefinite period of Hard Labor Service in a camp of Special Regime. Those are reserved for those whose offenses against the State or the Religious authorities do not warrant the death penalty. No one, to my knowledge, has left such a camp alive." Melnea replied. "I, however, was given an indefinite sentence of 'Redemption Through Work,' and I was sent to the Corrective Camp on Ne'Chak." 
     Solon nodded ."And how long were you there?" 
     "Not that long," Melnea replied. "I was still healthy and strong, and was one of a dozen women who were selected for an.... inspection." She glared at Raduztak and pointed at him. "He inspected each one of us, and I was chosen to be his.....slave." Those in the gallery and watching on IFB could easily pick up the hate in her voice.
     "How long were you with him?" 
     "About a solar year," said Melnea. "I was required to do his cooking, cleaning, and laundry. Domestic work, in other words.  I was also allowed to do his shopping, however, I was always under guard. Also, I was required to be....available to him for his.....entertainment." 
     "That would be the polite term?" Solon wanted to know. 
     "Yes." Melnea nodded. 'I would call it rape. From my examination of your, as well as Te'rean legal prescripts, it would be so called as well." 
     Solon nodded understanding. Though that wasn't among the charges, he knew what she meant. He looked at the Tribunal members, who were not surprised by what she had said. "So would anyone, civilized," he said. "Please, continue." 
     "I was also required to be his consort at official functions, not just those he hosted, but those he attended." 
     "Did you see any of the prisoners from the slave camp?" 
     "I did, and the residents of the colony's capital did not seem at all concerned at seeing them performing work details-whether garbage collection, litter pickup along the roads, and so on. Menial work, in other words. Many seemed to be pleased at seeing the hated Te'reans serving their masters, and were quite open about it. Others, though, preferred not to notice," said Melnea. "A few may have been sympathetic, but one could be arrested for showing any kind of sympathy to them." 
     Solon glared at the ex-Governor. "And what was the Governor doing at the Slave Camp the night of the raid?" 
     "He was attending a private dinner with the Commandant," Melnea replied, glaring at the both of them. "The following night was to be a.....banquet." 
     "Hmm," Solon nodded. "Melnea, you saw the Governor being interrogated during the raid, correct?" 
     "I did, Sire." 
     "And your reaction?" 
     Melnea shot an icy stare at her former captor. "He got what he deserved." 
     "Hmm." Solon said. "Last question, Melnea. You accepted an offer to come aboard the Fleet. Could you please tell the Tribunal why?" 
     "Certainly," Melnea said. "My life, had I remained behind, would have been forfeit. In other words, I would have been killed." 
     "And now?" 
     "I have the chance to make a new life in your Fleet, and when we get to Earth, and I intend to make the most of it. There is nothing left on the Capital World for me. No family, nothing. And I would be killed, should I ever return," Melnea said, a defiant tone addressed to the ex-Governor. 
     Solon nodded politely. "Thank you, Melnea." He turned to Sire Memnon. "Your witness." 
     The elderly Sire waited a centon, composing his thoughts. Then he rose. "Miss Melnea, I will not contest your experiences at the hands of your government. There were dictatorships in the Colonies in our past history, and they could be just as harsh towards their own dissidents. For the record, were there any legal means for your parents and their associates to petition your government to implement the reforms they desired?" 
     "There are none, Sire," Melnea replied cooly. "None at all." 
     "What about your People's Assembly? Surely, the member representing your district could have listened to their proposals?" 
     "Sire, all candidates for the Assembly are carefully reviewed by the Security Services and by the corrupt Priests," Melnea responded. "Those who stand for election, and actually elected? They have proven loyalty to the State. Often, in either military or security positions themselves. Any such proposals for reform would be rejected, and the petitioners arrested." 
     Memnon nodded politely. Just as in those Pre-Unification dictatorships, he knew. "Hmm. So there were no legal means of dissent?" 
     She corrected him. "There are none." 
     "Ah....I see," the Sire noted. "Now, I only have one additional question for you. You were a witness to the interrogation of the Governor during the raid, correct?" 
     Melnea nodded. "I was, Sire." 
     "Did the actions of Major Croft and Sergeant Wagner disturb you in any way?" 
     "Not at all," Melnea said. "As I said earlier, he got what he deserved. A small portion of it, at least." 
     The Protector looked at her. "What do you mean?" 
     "When Raduztak, shall we say, 'talked back' to her, he received a punch to the stomach for his trouble. My only regret is that is all he received," Melnea said. 
     Memnon nodded. "I see....and that was not harsh in any way?" 
     "It was not." 
     The Sire nodded. "Thank you, Melnea." He turned to Adama. "I have no further questions." 
     "Sire Solon?" Adama asked the Opposer. "Anything on redirect?" 
     "No, Mr. President," Solon replied. 
     Adama turned to Melnea. "You may step down." 
     After she left the stand, and was walking past the Protection's table, she heard Raduztak mutter. "Traitor!" Then he tried to stand up, intending to rush her, but the guard behind the table sat him down.  Hard. 
     "There will be order in the court!" Adama banged his gavel. 'One more outburst, and the defendant will be removed from the courtroom, in shackles.." 

     In the Crew Mess on Constellation, the refugees and their shipboard friends were watching. At their table, Denise turned to Jessica. "You know her, right?" 
     Jessica nodded. "We've talked a couple of times. And she was just as much a slave as we were. And a lot of their senior officers, priests, and government officials have their own slaves." 
     Denise nodded. It could easily have been her instead of Jessica who wound up on Lemeshik's ship. She was waiting on a lunch order for her and for Anna, then she was going back to the Child-Care Center. "She's coming with us, then." It wasn't a question.
     "Someone like her?" Captain Byrne asked. "There's no going back. She's a defector as far as Commander Adama's concerned. She'll give us a lot of information about their society, culture, and so on. But testifying? That was her revenge, you might say." 
     Mr. Malik nodded. "It will have to do, unfortunately. It is a pity that the killers of her parents, and that judge who condemned them, will not face her just retribution." 
     "In the ideal world, Mr. Malik," Byrne said. "She would get that chance. But, just like the refugees, she'll have to settle for those in the dock." 
     Malik understood. Reality at times did get in the way of one's natural desire to avenge one's family. But knowing these three would not be getting off easy was some consolation. "Yes, but one can dream of that revenge." 
     Byrne knew what that meant, and all too well. He'd had to wait a long time for that revenge against Krylon. Then, when the opportunity came, he grabbed it. And had gotten it. "That you can, Mr. Malik. That you can. And sometimes, justice has a way of catching up with people. 'Let destruction let come upon him unawares, and let his net he hath hid catch himself, into that very destruction let him fall." 
     "Sir?", Malik asked, missing most of the muttered words.
     "It's an old Earth religious text, Mr. Malik. In other words, justice will catch up to the dear ex-Governor, and it's going to be a very terrible justice," Byrne said. And good riddance, he silently added. 
     The Zohrloch smiled. "The Gods be praised." 


     "Sire Solon?" Adama asked. "Do you have any additional witnesses?" 
     "Yes, Mr. President," Solon replied. The Chief Opposer shot a nasty glance at Lemeshik, then turned to Adama. "The Opposition calls Sub-Commander Morovik, Commander Lemeshik's First Officer." 
     There was considerable talk among those in the Public Gallery, and even the other Risik Officers were talking amongst themselves, before Adama's gavel silenced them. "Sire Memnon?" 
     "One moment, Mr. President," Memnon said. He spoke with Lemeshik for a couple of centons, then nodded. "The Protection has no protests to the calling of the witness," Memnon said. 
     "Very well," Adama nodded. "You may proceed, Sire," he told Solon. 
     Solon nodded to a guard, and Sub-Commander Morovik came into the courtroom. None of the Risik Officers had known about Melnea, and even before being called, had been kept in separate witness rooms. Morovik came into the courtroom, and as he passed the Protection's table, he glared at his former CO, with feelings that he had to keep to himself for so long no longer suppressed. Morovik went to the stand and was sworn in."Sub-Commander," Solon began. "Let us be clear for the record: you are testifying in this matter of your own free will, is that correct?" 
     "It is, Sire," Morovik replied. 
     "That is, to say, without any kind of pressure or coercion at all?" Solon asked for emphasis. 
     "That is correct, Sire," Morovik said. He glared at Lemeshik and the other defendants. "None whatsoever." 
     The Opposer nodded. "Very well. Sub-Commander, you are still Lemeshik's First Officer, is that correct?" 
     "Yes, it is." 
     "And you, as First Officer, tried on three separate occasions to have your commanding officer relieved of his command?" Solon asked, and he shot a glare at Lemeshik as he did so. 
     Morovik nodded. "I did, Sire." 
     "Would you please tell the Court why you did so?"
     "Yes. He was violating our service regulations, and doing so flagrantly," Morovik said. 
     Solon nodded. "And those would be?" He wanted to know. 
     "We have regulations against keeping slaves aboard warships, Sire," replied Morovik. "I felt it was my duty as First Officer to first, remind him of those regulations, and then, when he ignored this, to relieve him for doing so." 
     "I see..." Solon said. "Sub-Commander, before we continue, let us dispose of one matter straight away. Is there anything you could have done to help Petty Officer Clemens, the Earth woman who was his slave?" 
     Morovik shook his head. "Unfortunately, Sire, there was nothing. Had he been relieved of command, the only thing that could have been done was to have her sent back to the slave camp on Ne'Chak." 
     "That does not seem to be very much help, Sub-Commander," Solon said. 
     "No, it is not." 
     "Sub-Commander, do you recall an execution in her presence?" Asked the Opposer. 
     "Yes, I do, and most vividly. It was one of the junior officers, who was accused of showing sympathy towards her," Morovik replied. "It is another reason I attempted to have Commander Lemeshik relieved of his command." 
     "And why is that? 
     "Such.....disciplinary procedures are to be reported to not only the Squadron Commander, but also to the Legal Division of the Star Force. No such reports were made, and a fraudulent log entry was made, falsely stating that the officer in question died an accidental death," Morovik said, and he could see the hostile glare from his CO. 
     "I see.." Solon said. He nodded to his aide, who called up a document and the translation on the monitor. "Is this the regulation in question?" 
     Morovik nodded. "It is, Sire." 
     "Would you read it for the Court?" 
     "Certainly," Morovik replied. "Star Force Regulation Number 16014. 'No Commanding Officer, or any other officer, may keep a slave aboard ship at any time, without specific written approval from Higher Authority. This applies to all officers, whether on duty or off." 
     Solon produced a hard copy, both original and translated. "The Opposition requests that this document be recognized as an exhibit and admitted into evidence," 
     "Sire Memnon," Adama asked the Protector. "Do you have any protests?" 
     Memnon looked at Lemeshik, who seemed to finally realize, with his First Officer testifying against him, and with that regulation he had so flagrantly flouted shown for all to see, even the other officers in the gallery, that he was finished. The frail expression on his face seemed to show it. "None, Mr. President." 
     Adama nodded. "So ordered," he intoned. 
     "Thank you, Mr. President," Solon said. "Sub-Commander, how many times did you attempt to have Lemeshik relieved?" 
     "Three, Sire. The first was a formal request to our Squadron Commander. In it, I cited the regulation above, and the summary execution without a report or investigation," Morovik said. "Unfortunately, two of your sectans later, I was informed that the request had been denied." 
     "Do you know why?" Solon asked. 
     "No, other than 'Higher Authority' had denied the request." 
     "And the second attempt?" 
     "That was through the Star Force Legal Department," replied Morovik. "I contacted a Legal Officer at our base, and informed him of the violations. He initiated his own investigation, but again, I was informed that 'Higher Authority' had refused the request for action." 
     Solon glanced at Lemeshik, then turned back to Morovik. "And the final attempt?" 
     "That, Sire, was through the Security Officer. I was most reluctant to do so, but I felt I had no other choice." 
     "And why is that?" 
     "There is a bitter rivalry between the Star Force and the rest of the military on one side, and the Security Service on the other," Morovik explained. "However, with the options available to me in the military no longer available, I felt there was no other choice." 
     Solon nodded, then went on. "And the Security Officer's investigation?" 
     "It did not last long, Sire," Morovik said. "Then he told me that it had been terminated, and he was to take no further action." 
     "Did he say why?" Asked Solon. 
     "Other than 'Higher Authority' again, no." 
     "I see..." Solon said. Then he nodded. "Thank you, Sub-Commander." Solon then turned to Sire Memnon. "Your witness, Sire." 
     "Thank you," Memnon said. He composed his thoughts, knowing full well he wouldn't have much to work with again. "Sub-Commander, was your desire to relieve your Commanding Officer of his post motivated by any jealousy or desires to hold the post for yourself?" 
     "No, Sire," replied Morovik. "None at all." 
     "And your reasoning was?" 
     "To uphold the best traditions of the Star Force, and to set a strong example for the junior officers," Morovik said. 
     Memnon asked, "In what way?" 
     "To show that flagrant disobedience of regulations has consequences, Sire," said Morovik. "Regardless of rank." 
     "Regardless of rank?" 
     "That is correct, Sire." 
     Memnon nodded, then paused for a centon. "Sub-Commander, you used legal methods to attempt to remove your Commanding Officer. Did you consider any....illegal methods, such as murder?" 
     "No, Sire. I would not lower myself to that level," Morovik replied indignantly. 
     "You consider yourself to be an officer with a sense of honor and duty?" 
     "Yes, unlike my Commanding Officer," said Morovik, an icy tone in his voice. 
     Memnon nodded. "I see." He turned to Adama. "No further questions." 
     "Sire Solon? Anything on redirect?" Adama asked the Opposer. 
     "We have nothing further," Solon replied. 
     "You may step down, Sub-Commander," Adama said. 
     After Morovik got off the stand, he noticed the other officers had smiles on their faces. As he passed the Protection's table, the defendants, though were quite different. The ex-Governor and the Commandant glared at him with unconcealed hostility, but Lemeshik refused to even have eye contact with him. 

     In  Galactica's Officer's Club, a number of Pilots and other Warriors were watching on the monitor. "That was a surprise," Boomer said as he sipped from his mug. 
     "Sure was, " Apollo said. "Those two have a history, from what I know, and they don't like each other." 
     Heads turned to the Strike Leader. "What do you mean?" Sheba asked as she took a drink of mineral water. 
     "Lemeshik's father was protecting him," Apollo replied. "And not just him, but the whole family's involved in something like the old Poros Family. Only they were more political than anything else." 
     "How bad?" Starbuck asked. "If they're like the Poros family was..." 
     "Wagner told us in a briefing. Bribery, blackmail, extortion, and almost certainly murder," Apollo nodded. "But he wouldn't admit it. And they also have files on a lot of senior officers, government officials, even priests."
     Castor understood. "Dirty little secrets?" 
     Apollo nodded. "That's it. They not only know where bodies are buried, but buried some themselves. It's how he got Jessica. Seems he found out that Scarface owed people some serious money, and had a supply officer in the black market." 
     "So he tells Scarface, 'I want a slave, and if you sell me one, I don't go to the authorities.'" Sheba said. 
     "That's what Wagner said. Scarface wasn't supposed to sell any slaves, so the first installment was a bribe to get around that. The second was the purchase price." Apollo replied. 
     Boomer shook his head. "Has anybody said this government, for a dictatorship, is pretty corrupt?" 
     "Somebody did." 
     Freeman looked at the Strike Leader. "Captain, who would that be?" 
     "Baltar." 
     There was silence for a moment, then Castor said, "He would know." 
     "That he would," Apollo nodded. 


     "Mr. President," Sire Solon said to Adama. "The Opposition has one final witness. We wish to call Lieutenant Resha, who is Commander Lemeshik's Security Officer." 
     There was a buzz in the courtroom after Solon made his announcement, which was silenced by Adama's gavel. "Sire Memnon? Does the Protection have a protest?" 
     "None, Mr. President," Memnon replied politely. He knew now that the Protection's case, as it stood now, was doomed. 
     "You may call your witness, Sire," Adama replied. 

     Aboard Constellation, Petty Officer Clemens was watching with renewed  interest in the Crew Mess. She was shaking her head as he went to the witness stand and was sworn in. "He ever do anything to you?" Lieutenant Sanderson asked. 
     "No, Ma'am, he didn't. But then again, he didn't help either. The few times I saw him? He seemed that he had no emotion at all," Clemens replied. "Got the impression he didn't even care." 

     After Resha was sworn in, Sire Solon asked him, 'Lieutenant, before we come to the matter at hand, you are the Security Officer assigned to the Ranger, correct?" 
     "That is correct, Sire," Resha replied calmly. And those watching noticed the total lack of emotion on his face. 
     "Are you a member of the Star Force?" 
     "No, I am temporarily attached to the Star Force," Resha said. "I am nominally a member of the General Security Directorate, which investigates potential threats to the security of the Risik state." 
     Solon nodded. "That would include such matters as counterespionage, internal security, and so on, correct? You do not investigate ordinary criminal activities?" 
     Resha nodded back. "That is a suficient description, Sire." 
     "Thank you. Now, was Commander Lemeshik's having Petty Officer Clemens aboard ship as a slave considered to be a security risk?" 
     "Yes, it was," said Resha. "Even if she had no way of using any information she managed to obtain, it was still a potential threat." 

     "Hear that?" Clemens told her friends. "I was a security threat!" She took a drink from a cup of juice. "Now that makes me feel better!" 

     "Did you initiate an investigation? That is, when Sub-Commander Morovik came to you?"
     Resha glared at the defendants. "I did, after the report of an execution of a junior officer attracted my superiors' attention.  But when the First Officer came to me, he presented a strong case for removal, even though Star Force channels had failed." 
     Solon nodded again. "And you did inform your superiors of your investigation?"  
     "I did, Sire. Prior to leaving on a patrol." 
     "And their response?" 
     "When the Ranger returned from the patrol, there was a message awaiting my attention. My superiors directed me to take no further action," Resha replied with a tone of disgust in his voice. 
     Solon looked at Lemeshik, who had recovered somewhat, but was still shaken. "Were you informed as to why?" 
     "No, Sire, I was not. Other than 'Higher Authority' had indicated that no further action be taken." 
  "Did you inquire as to why?" 
     "No, Sire," Resha gave a brief smile. "In our service, one does not ask too many questions of one's superiors." 
     "I see..." Solon said. He knew full well what that meant. "Thank you, Lieutenant." He turned to the Protection's table. "Your witness, Sire," he said before resuming his seat. 
     "Lieutenant," Sire Memnon said as he rose. "One question. Did you consider, at any time, employing  extra-legal means to remove Commander Lemeshik from his post?" 
     "No, Sire. He was not yet considered to be an Enemy of the State. Had he been so, then his arrest, and if arrest was not possible, liquidation, would have followed," the Security Officer replied. "And under our laws, had I been so directed, it would be very legal." 
     Memnon stared at Resha. "So, if,for whatever reason, you could not have arrested Lemeshik, he would have been killed?" 
     Resha replied calmly, "Yes." 
     There was another buzz in the courtroom, which was silenced by Adama's gavel. 
     "But you would have had to have your superiors' approval before taking such action?" Memnon asked. 
     "Of course," said Resha. "Higher Authority reserves such determinations for itself." 
     "I see...." Memnon nodded. This was new, but then again, in the Pre-Unification days, dictatorships that had  secret police agencies with such powers had not been unusual. But he also knew that there wasn't much left to go on. Memnon turned to Adama. "Nothing further from the witness." 
     "Sire Solon?" Adama asked the Opposer. "Do you have anything for redirect?" 
     Solon shook his head. "No, Mr. President." 
     "You may step down," Adama told Resha. After he did, he walked past the Protection's Table without a glance at any of the defendants. As far as Resha felt,  now that he had testified, they were no longer of any concern to him. 
     "Do you have any additional witnesses, Sire?" Adama asked Solon. 
     "No, Mr. President. The Opposition rests its rebuttal case." 
     "Sire Memnon?" Adama turned to the Protector. 
     "We have no further witnesses, Mr. President," Memnon replied. 
     "Very well," Adama said. "In that case, I would like to begin closing arguments tomorrow. Will the Opposition be ready?" 
     Solon rose. "The Opposition will be prepared, Mr. President." 
     "Thank you, Sire. And the Protection?" Adama nodded at Sire Memnon. 
     The elderly Sire rose. "The Protection will also be prepared," he nodded. 
     "Thank you, Sire," Adama said. "Therefore, we are in recess until 0900 tomorrow morning. Closing statements will begin at that time. After statements, then the Tribunal members will receive their instructions for their deliberations. Court is in recess." Adama banged his gavel. 
     "All rise," the bailiff said. 

     The next morning, eyes, both organic and otherwise, were watching monitors all over the Fleet as the Tribunal resumed. On the IFB feed, the witness gallery was packed, and both Opposition and Protection tables appeared to be ready. 
     In the Base Ship's Command Center, Baltar and Ayesha were paying attention, as was Moray. "Do we know who these 'Ke'zar' that the Risik refer to are?" Ayesha asked. 
     "Not much, I'm afraid," Baltar admitted. "There is no mention of them in any Cylon or Colonial database. All we know is that they are a neighbor to both the Risik Homeworld as well as Earth, and when the Risik were assembling their invasion force to attack Earth, the Ke'zar attacked. We'd have to ask them, but the Risik we've captured say the Kez'ar asked what the buildup was all about, and were told to mind their own business." 
     Ayesha nodded. "And the Ke'zar, obviously, didn't feel that way." 
     "Yes, and they attacked." 
     "From the Ke'zar's perspective, My Lady," Moray said. "It is logical for them to have done so, feeling that the Risik were an immediate threat." 
     Shaking her head in disbelief, Ayesha replied, "Well, after all we've heard? If these Ke'zar track the Risik down and finish what they started? Or even if it's those Ziklagi slugs who go after them?  I wouldn't complain at all." 
     Chuckling, Baltar replied, "You're not the only one to say that, My dear." 

     Commander Adama banged his gavel, bringing the court to order. He then turned to Sire Solon. "Is the Opposition ready?" 
     "The Opposition is ready, Mr. President." Solon replied. 
     "Sire Memnon? Is the Protection ready?" 
     Memnon rose. "The Protection is ready, Mr. President." 
     "Very well, then," Adama nodded. "Sire Solon? You may present your Closing Argument." 
     "Thank you, Mr. President." Solon rose and went to the lectern. "May it please the Tribunal. Mr. President, Members of the Tribunal, Assembled Witnesses, Fellow Colonials, and our new Brothers and Sisters from Earth.  There is a saying in Earth's jurisprudence, 'Justice Delayed is Justice Denied.' A similar phrase was common in the Colonies as well, and both mean the same thing. In this case, justice, which has been denied the victims for so long, is no longer delayed or denied. In this case, it is not just the victims rescued from the camp, it is some two to three thousand others, if not more, who were abducted from Earth, as part of a program of intelligence gathering and 'medical research' prior to a planned invasion of our sister world, an invasion by a race that Earth had no indication even existed, and were willing to inflict who knows how much death and destruction on her, simply to fulfill a religious motive in bringing what the Risik call 'Civilization and Order.' A phrase that is nothing but a flimsy pretext for their lust for conquest and power. Members of the Tribunal, you have seen the video of the torture session involving Sergeant Wagner after her abduction. She is begging her torturer, the defendant Tsernavia,  to stop, and he would not. He even remarks on the video, 'how well they squirm.' Where is the 'civilization' in that?
     The Opposition has shown that the Commandant, Tsernavia, not only conducted the interrogations-no, torture sessions-on the Risik Homeworld, but did the same as Commandant of the slave camp at Ne'Chak. Where the slightest infraction of the camp rules could-and did-result in torture and abuse! You will recall Petty Officer Clemens' testimony, where she was tortured and put in a punishment cell just for spilling paint on a guard, as but one example. We have also shown that the Commandant recorded these torture sessions, not just as a perverse form of record-keeping, but also for his own personal amusement. Trophies, in other words. Not only that, but he took notes during these sessions, just as a physician takes notes while examining a patient. And he ordered guards to use lethal force in the event of an escape. A prisoner was shot and fatally wounded during the egress from the raid, and while the Commandant did not actually pull the trigger, he gave that order. Members of the Tribunal, he is just as liable for that death as if he had. 
     "Were the prisoners just penned behind the wire? They were not. The prisoners were put to work as slave labor, working not just in and around the camp, but on labor details in the town, and on adjacent roads. Menial jobs, such as street-sweeping, garbage collection, litter pickup on the roads, and so on. And in full view of the population.
     "Then there were the 'banquets', the Commandant gave. Where high-ranking officers, businessmen, government officials-" Solon pointed at the ex-Governor-"and even priests were not only 'wined and dined', but were able to take advantage of female prisoners for their 'entertainment', as the Commandant's own letter inviting certain personages from the colony to such an....event, scheduled for the night after the raid. The defendants call this 'entertainment.' Members of the Tribunal, and fellow Colonials, we, and our brothers and sisters from Earth, have another term for this. It's called rape." 
     Solon paused to take a drink of water, then continued. "It is not just the Commandant." He pointed at Raduztak. "The former governor of that world, Raduztak, not only was told of the slave camp by his superiors, but was informed that he could take advantage of the slaves for forced labor. Did he refuse? No! As has been shown by the documents recovered from his portable computer, he not only requested work details from the camp-and that request was granted-but he also wrote to the Commandant, thanking him for the 'exemplary work' done by the prisoners. Not just that, but he was also on the Commandant's guest list for several of these....banquets, as the documents from the Commandant's office have shown. Again, where is the 'civilization and order' in all of this? 
     The Opposer paused again, then gestured at Lemeshik. "As for Commander Lemeshik? He wanted a slave from the camp to be his personal servant and.....sex toy, for want of a better term. That was forbidden by his own service's regulations, as his own First Officer has demonstrated, but that did not concern him. He bribed and blackmailed the Commandant into selling him a slave. He...inspected several of the women, then made his selection. You have heard her testimony, and seen a video of one of what Lemeshik calls a 'disciplinary session.' Lemshik contends that he gave Petty Officer Clemens a 'better life' than in the camp." Solon nodded to his aide, who called up the screencaps from both the torture session at the camp, and the session in Lemshik's cabin. "Members of the Tribunal, where is the 'better life' here? 
     "The Protection will claim that the defendants are justified in their conduct," Solon went on. "Based on their government's orders and decrees, as well as their religious scrolls, they have the right to treat these people, indeed, anyone who is not a Risik, however they see fit. In that, they have shown themselves to have one rule for them, and one for everyone else. As an example, you will recall the Governor stating that we had no right to rescue the prisoners from Ne'Chak, and yet, maintaining that the Risik would have the right to rescue any of their own held in a similar captivity. It shows they are hypocrites, insisting on their right to do as they please, and denying similar rights to others. Another phrase from Earth's jurisprudence comes to mind: 'Some people are more equal than others.'" 
     Solon paused again to take a drink. Then he continued. "Soon, you will retire to deliberate. There is a considerable amount of evidence before you, and no doubt, you will need to take your time in your deliberations. And yet, when you are finished, there is only one possible verdict. I urge you to reach that verdict: Guilty on all counts. In so doing, you will not only give our brothers and sisters from Earth who are traveling with us on their way home, but those who were abducted, tortured, and sent to the prison colony, one thing that has been denied them for all this time: Justice. It may not be the full measure of that they rightfully deserve, but it is some measure of justice for what they have endured, so far from home. Thank you." Solon nodded, then returned to the Opposition table.
     "Thank you, Sire Solon," Adama noted. "Sire Memnon? Is the Protection ready to present its Closing Argument?" 
     Memnon rose. "The Protection is prepared to do so, Mr. President." 
     "Very well. You may proceed, Sire." 
     The Sire went to the lectern. "May it please the Tribunal," Memnon began. "Mr. President, Members of the Tribunal, Assembled Witnesses, Fellow Colonials, and," he gestured to the IFB camera," Our Brothers and Sisters from Earth. What can one say, following such a presentation? Indeed, after all the evidence that has been presented, where the defendants stand accused of heinous crimes, and yet, still maintain they have done nothing wrong?"

     In Constellation's Security Office, Sergeant Wagner, Airman Reynolds, and Metxan were watching. "Not much," Reynolds muttered. 
     "How about 'We throw ourselves on the mercy of the court?" Wagner asked. She was at her desk, feet propped up on it, and a cup of java in hand. 
     "Hardly any chance of that, Ma'am," Metxan pointed out. 
     "I know," she replied after sipping from her cup of java. "But one can hope." 

     "For Commandant Tsernavia," Memnon began. "He was a member of the Security Services, and he was ordered by his superiors to gather information from those brought to him. As vile and repugnant as those orders may be to us, he was only following his orders. Surely, Members of the Tribunal, as members of the military, you can understand the need, indeed, the duty, to follow the orders given to you by superiors." 

     "Not those kind of orders," Lieutenant Sanderson said in the Crew Mess on Constellation.

     "Yes, his conduct, both on the home planet and at the Ne'Chak camp, was reprehensible. And yet, he was merely acting as he was authorized to do so by his superiors. If he was the ogre the Opposition has made him out to be, then why did he allow the prisoners time off, procure rain gear and warm clothing, and not only allow a nursery to be established, but order guards not to harm pregnant women or children? Not to mention allowing mothers time excused from work details to care for their newborns? It shows that he does have a soft side, and that he is capable of acts of kindness. 
     "Now, the Governor? He, too, was following his orders. He may not have been in the military, and yet, his conduct as part of his official duties was approved by his superiors, and, indeed, was so authorized by them, as the evidence has shown. While obtaining and using slave labor is vile and disgusting, Governor Raduztak was so authorized to use it, and he did. 
     "Commander Lemeshik, while violating his own service's regulations, was equally justified in his conduct. His conduct in having a slave aboard ship, while in disobedience to regulations, was justified by the Risik's own religious scrolls. While this may seem vile to us, and I will be the first to admit, it is appalling, Lemeshik was simply following what his own religious authorities have stated. I will point out to the Members that, in the Book of the Word, there are long-ignored prescripts that condone slavery, just as there are similar passages in the Holy Books used by Earth's religions as well. While ignored, they are still there. I urge you not to judge the defendants' religion by our own standards, even if the Book of the Word's passages on slavery are no longer relevant." 
    
     "Didn't see that coming, Mr. Dante," Captain Byrne noted on Constellation's Bridge. 
     "He's a clever one, sir," the Exec nodded. "If he'd been defending the Il Fadim...." 
     Byrne nodded agreement. "Be glad he wasn't. But it wouldn't have changed the outcome. They were done no matter what." 
     "No, arguing that, sir. But it might have gone on for a while longer than it did." 

     "Now, I realize that these defendants were apprehended in the course of military operations, and not in a security context. It is also known that in the heat of battle, or in combat's immediate aftermath, emotions can run high. And yet, these three did not deserve to receive whatever physical abuse they did receive, even if, as many of us may feel, they 'deserved it.' 

     "Oh, they did," Wagner muttered. "They should be glad I didn't kill them then and there." 
     "Or let Jessica kill Lemeshik," Reynolds said. "When she had the chance." 
     "That, too." 

     "Very soon, you will be retiring to deliberate," Memnon began his conclusion. "There is a considerable amount of evidence for you to examine, and yet, please keep this in mind. Do these victims deserve justice? Of course they do. I will be the first to agree that, yes, these people, indeed, all of those who were abducted from Earth, deserve justice after all they have endured and suffered, so far from home. And yet, when you vote on guilt or innocence, I urge you to temper that call, indeed, the screams, for justice, with mercy. Thank you." Memnon smiled, then returned to his chair. 
     "Sire," Adama noted. "Sire Solon? Does the Opposition have a rebuttal?" 
     Solon nodded. "One moment, Mr. President. He and his aide whispered for a centon, then Solon rose. "We do have one, but it will be brief." 
     Adama nodded. "You may proceed, Sire." 
     "Thank you, Mr. President," Solon returned to the lectern. "Members of the Tribunal," he began. "The Protection has just called on you to temper the legitimate demands for justice with mercy. You have all seen the video scans, and I have no need to show any more. Recall what you have seen, and remember the victims begging, pleading, and screaming for it to stop. Where is the mercy that the defendants showed their victims?  Keep that in mind as you deliberate. Thank you." The Opposer then returned to his seat. 
     "Sire," said Adama. "Does the Protection have anything to add?" 
     Sire Memnon rose. "No, Mr. President." 
     "Very well, Sire." Adama nodded, then he turned to the Tribunal members so he could address them. "Members of the Tribunal. You have an enormous responsibility ahead of you. Given the magnitude of this case, and the amount of evidence for you to consider, I do not expect you to rush to a verdict right away. Take your time and consider all the evidence, and not just that put forward by the Opposition, but that presented by the Protection. I will remind you that a two-thirds majority is needed to convict on each count, and since none of the charges are Capital in nature, the same majority is needed to decide upon sentence. The most severe that can be imposed is Life Imprisonment, with an alternative of Marooning at the discretion of the Court." Adama said. "Are you prepared to retire for deliberations?" The members nodded, then Adama turned to the Bailiff. "Please escort the members to their room for deliberations." Once that was done, Adama then addressed the Court. "We stand in recess until the members return with their verdicts." 

     While the Tribunal members were in the process of deliberating, the rest of the refugees were taken over to the Rising Star in two groups so that they could be outfitted. This time, the parents brought their babies, and Aurelia recalled her own children, one of whom had joined the service prior to the Holocaust, and was serving as a deck officer on the Galactica, another who helped in her shop, but two others who had not been able to escape with the Fleet. She decided then and there to take care of the children's clothing needs, and promised the parents that, as long as they were traveling with the Fleet, their children would not have to worry about what they would wear. It was a pity again, as Chief Zeibert observed, that the refugees couldn't enjoy the Rising Star on their trips. Something both Captain Byrne and Commander Allen promised to make up for that when the time came for the Welcome-Aboard Party. 

     During the Tribunal, the Fleet had, of course, maintained the double patrol schedule since they had entered Risik Space, and so far, since the Tribunal's start, the systems they were encountering on the egress course to pick up the heading for Earth had no signs of a Risik presence. On the second full day of deliberations, the morning started as a usual one for Commander Adama, as, after his usual light breakfast and a brief meeting with Sire Pelias, he came to the Bridge. "Good Morning, Tigh." 
     "Good Morning, Commander," Tigh said as the Commander signed in. "The Morning Sitrep is ready. Overnight? Nothing detected by our patrols. Even though..."
     "Even though, we're now in effective range from that Forward Base, Mut'la, that's on the Risik charts," Adama noted. "No signs of a long-range scout or an Exploratory Cruiser?" 
     "Nothing detected, Commander," the XO replied. 
     "So far," Adama reminded him. "Nothing's being taken for granted until we're out of their space, well, at least as far as they have charts for." 
     Tigh nodded. Nothing about the Risik surprised him now. "Why keep systems out of their space classified?" 
     "That, Tigh, is a very good question. I doubt even Sub-Commander Morovik knows. This is something that a flag officer, though, would." 
     "Or their intelligence service. Not just the military, but their secret police. And Lemeshik's files, such as we've found, don't have that kind of data," finished Tigh. "It would be good to have, Commander." 
     "It would, Tigh," Adama knew. Then Omega came up with the overnight status report on a pad. The Commander scanned it, then signed it. Nothing out of the ordinary. "Thank you, Omega." 
     "Commander," the bridge officer nodded. 
     Tigh consulted his pad. "We're a sectan and a half away from needing to replenish fuel and water. Assuming no accidents or unexpected combat." 
     Adama nodded. "Your planning with Moray?" 
     "We have some contingency plans to get fuel or water, Commander. If necessary, both," Tigh replied. 
     "Let's hope they stay contingencies, Tigh," Adama said as Athens brought a pad with the overnight scanner report. "Athena," he said as he reviewed the data, then signed it with a stylus. "Thank you." 
     "Father," his daughter smiled. 
     "Athena, does any of the Risik data show which stars beyond their frontier have planets?" 
     She nodded, then went back to her station and called up the data. "On the board, Commander. There's six. Three are M-class Red Dwarfs, two are G-class yellow main sequence stars, and one is a K-class orange main sequence star. No other details in this database." 
     "Any of which can have resources," Adama noted. "Very good. Show where we'll pick up our Epsilon Vector 22 Heading and correlate." 
     Athena nodded, then typed in the command. "Three systems within range once we're back on that course, Commander. We'll encounter two before we pick up the course." 
     "Thank you, Athena," Adama said. "We'll probably be making at least one stop, maybe two. And one of them is where we'll release the captured ships and crews." 
     "And leave a minefield for our friends to find," Tigh added. 
     There was grin on Athena's face when she heard that. "Couldn't happen to a nicer bunch of people," she said. 
     "No doubt," Adama nodded. 
     Tigh went on. "Chief Twilly reports that repairs on the captured cruiser are nearly finished. Or, as finished as we can without a yard." 
     "Enough for them to get home?" Adama wanted to know. 
     "He's certain of it, Commander. Their light-speed engines are back online." 
     "Very good." Adama checked the Plot, then turned back to Tigh. "If it hasn't happened already, have Ordnance remove the missiles and other warheads from that ship. We can find a way to use them, if necessary." 
     Tigh nodded. "I'll see to it." 
     "Very well, Tigh," said Adama. He looked out over the Bridge, and out the main viewer. "Anything else this morning?" 
     "That's it for now, Commander." 
     "Very well. Thank you, Colonel," Adama said. He was glad to be back on the Bridge again, though when the verdicts came down, it was back to the Tribunal. Then there was the sentencing phase.....

     It was the afternoon of the fifth day when the Tribunal members informed the bailiff that they had reached their verdicts. It took a centar for everyone concerned on the Galactica to assemble, while the word spread via IFB and other means. Aboard both Constellation and Adelaide, the refugees gathered in the ship's crew messes, while the witness gallery on the Galactica was packed. And eyes all over the Fleet were paying close attention to IFB's feed.  

     In Constellation's gym, Sergeant Wagner and Petty Officer Clemens had just finished their workout, and Jen was with them, as she was keeping up with her self-defense training. The intention had not been to give Jen the training to win a knock-down, knuckle-busting brawl, but to give her the moves needed to incapacitate a larger opponent quickly, so that she could make a clean getaway. ("Why?" She had asked at first. "I can spear a buffalo at twenty yards")  After that, though, she had wanted to learn some other moves, in case the opponent didn't get the message. Both Wagner and Mr. Malik had been glad to oblige, and Jen was now learning a mix of techniques from Earth as well as Zohrloch. The trio were now finished, and were watching Mr. Malik, who had barely broken a sweat, give the rest of the military personnel among Constellation's refugees their daily PT, and he was just as loud as any Drill Instructor. 
     "Old home week," Wagner said, shaking her head. "Look at Lieutenant Sanderson." 
     "I noticed," said Jen as she took a drink from a bottle of water. Like the others, she was in a sports bra and shorts. "She's got a little smile." 
     "She's a Marine, and their Drill Instructors are just like that, she said," Clemens nodded, then she took a drink. "She's reliving Quantico-that's where the Marine Corps Officer Candidate School is." 
     The Petty Officer who ran the gym while his new Officer-in-Charge, Lieutenant Krebs, was with Mr. Malik, came over. "Sergeant? Telecom for you, ma'am. It's Captain Byrne." 
     Curious, Wagner got up. "Did he say what's up?" 
     "No, Ma'am," the PO said. "Just that it's important." 
     Wagner went to the gym office, and the PO handed her the telecom. "Yes,sir?" She asked the Captain. 
     "Sergeant, they've come back. With verdicts," Byrne told her. "Everybody's going to the Crew Mess, and I'll be right there." 
     "Yes, sir," Wagner said. "We'll be right there. I'll inform Mr. Malik: his class just got started." 
     "Very well, Sergeant," Byrne replied. "Get there ASAP." 
     "On our way, sir." Wagner said. After Byrne cut the connection, she went back and told he roomies. "We're headed to the Crew Mess. They've got verdicts." 
     Clemens and Jen got up. "About damned time," Clemens said. "When?" 
     "Just came down. Get your stuff and head on over to the Crew Mess. I need to tell Mr. Malik." 
     "Now?" 
     "Don't have time to get cleaned up," Jen reminded her roomie. 
     "That can wait," Wagner said. She went over to see Mr. Malik, "Sir," Wagner said. "Captain Byrne just called." 
     "Ah," Malik said. "The Tribunal has their verdicts?" 
     "That's what he said." 
     "Then we can adjourn to the Crew Mess," Malik said. He turned to the six Earth military he was training. "The Tribunal has verdicts. Let's adjourn to the Crew Mess and see what they have for us. Then we shall resume where we left off." 
     When those from the gym arrived in the Crew Mess, they found the rest of their fellow refugees already there, along with off-watch crew and some of their civilian friends. Then Captain Byrne came in. "As you were. It's time, people." 
     "Let's hope it's not a hung jury," Linda, the new mother, said. She and her partner, Kevin, had just come from the child-care center, and had their three new babies in arms. 
     "What's that?" Mr. Dilley, the DCO, asked, and Captain Byrne explained. 
     "Ah, a deadlocked Tribunal, and no one here wants that," Mr. Malik observed. 
     "You've got that right, Mr. Malik," Byrne said. "Nobody wants to have to go back and testify all over again." 
     Wagner nodded, and so did Clemens. "That's the last thing I want to do," said Clemens. 
     "Same here," Wagner added. 
     Then the IFB commentary noted Commander Adama coming into the courtroom. He gaveled the court into session, then made a brief announcement. "The Tribunal members will be returning with their verdicts. I will remind the witnesses in the gallery that no outbursts of any kind will be tolerated." When he noted the nods of acknowledgment, he turned to the bailiff. "Show the members in." 
     The members came out of the deliberation room and took their seats. As they did, Apollo and most of the off-duty pilots and other Warriors were in the Officer's Club. "Here's hoping these scum get exactly what they deserve," Apollo said. "After all we've heard." 
     "No problem with that, Apollo," Sheba replied. "Even if they were death penalty eligible, you can only execute them once." 
     "Too quick and too easy, lassie," Freeman replied. "Even someplace like Proteus would be a hotel for them." 
     Heads nodded at that as the tribunal members took their seats. 

     "Members of the Tribunal, have you reached verdicts in this case?" Adama asked the members. 
     "We have, Mr. President," the Overseer, Galactica's Gunnery Officer, said, standing up. 
     "Please hand your verdict forms to the bailiff." The bailiff took the data pad and handed it to Adama. Just as with the Il Fadim case, he, as President of the Tribunal, would read the verdicts. "Each defendant will rise as his name is called, to hear the verdict and sentence. Is the Opposition ready?" 
     "The Opposition is ready, Mr. President," Solon said. 
     "Sire Memnon? Is the Protection ready?" 
     "The Protection is ready, Mr. President," Memnon replied. 
     "Very well," Adama said. "Commander Lemeshik?" Lemeshik rose, a smug expression on his face. "The Tribunal members, voting unanimously, on the charge of Accessory to Kidnapping of Petty Officer Jessica Clemens, United States Navy, find you guilty as charged. This charge brings a sentence of not less than ten yahrens' imprisonment." 

     In Constellation's Crew Mess, Clemens pumped a fist. "YES!" 

     Adama went through the other charges. The charge of Slavery: Guilty. That brought a life sentence. Then the sexual assault charges, not just on the Petty Officer, but on the five women he had....inspected. Guilty. Those sentences were up to twenty yahrens' imprisonment. Each, subject to commutation to Marooning. Though he still had the smug expression on his face when Adama finished reading the verdicts, Lemeshik turned to his officers, and their expressions told a different story. All had smiles on their faces, and that said enough. All your family's power and influence won't help you.. Still, he turned back, and sat down without saying a word. 

     "What's with him?" Mr. Dante asked in Constellation's Crew Mess. 
     "He just realized his officers are watching him go down," Byrne said. "And they look pretty damned happy about it."
     "I know Lauren's said it, but I will this time," Clemens said. "Hope he likes broiling in a desert, or sweltering in some nasty jungle."  

     "Governor Raduztak," Adama said next. 
     The ex-Governor stood, a look of defiance on his face. 
     Adama read the verdicts. . Fifty-nine counts of Accessory to Kidnapping: Guilty as charged. Then the same counts of Slavery. Guilty. Finally, the eight counts of Sexual Assault from his attendance at the "Banquets", and those were all Guilty. 

     In "Academician Sarah's" office, Melnea was there, getting settled into her new job as one of Sarah's assistants. Sarah was there, along with Pliny, and they had been consulting on how they would go forward with examination of the Risik's History scans when Raduztak's verdicts and sentence were read. "They will pay," Melnea said as she watched the proceedings. "Dearly." 
     "What do you mean by that?" Sarah asked, though she had an inkling of what Melena meant. 
     "It is simple: they will pay in this world, and in due course, they will have to answer to the Gods for what they have done." 
     "Eternal punishment, in other words," Pliny commented. Not an unknown sentiment, the linguist realized. And a sentiment common in many cultures, human and otherwise. 
     "Exactly." 

     "Do you have anything to say?" Adama asked Raduztak after reading the verdicts and likely sentences. 
     "Only that you have had no right to try us," Raduztak sneered. "And therefore, the Risik State will not recognize either the verdicts or sentences imposed. For we have done nothing wrong. Neither legally or morally."
     "Noted for the record," said Adama. "Now, Commandant Tsernavia." 

     "This'll take a while," Wagner said on Constellation. 
     "You've been waiting for this one," said Jen. 
     "A long time," nodded Wagner. "Now he gets his." 

     The Commandant stood, then Adama began. He read the names of each prisoner at the camp, and the charge of Accessory to Kidnapping. After each count, came the verdict: Guilty. Then he came to Wagner's case. "On the charge of Accessory to the Kidnapping of Staff Sergeant Lauren Wagner, United States Air Force, the Tribunal finds you Guilty as charged." 
     Wagner pumped her fists. "YES!" 
     "Still got a ways to go, Sergeant," Captain Byrne reminded her-and everyone else. 
     "Just a good start, sir," she replied. 

     Adama continued reading the verdicts. On all the counts of torture, even with multiple counts for the same individual, the result was the same: Guilty. Then came the slavery charges, and these also covered the children born in the camp. Fifty-nine total charges, and all of those ended with Guilty verdicts. The sexual assaults from the "Banquets" came next. Guilty on all counts. Then came the final two charges. "On the count of  ordering the Premeditated Termination of Ron Mathews, the Tribunal finds you Not Guilty, but, on the count of Accessory to said Termination, the Tribunal finds you Guilty." 

     When she heard that, Petty Officer Clemens wiped away a tear, then she glanced upwards. "Ron, wherever you are, they got him." 
     "He knows," Wagner said, putting a hand on her shoulder."He knows." 
     "I know he does," her roomie replied. "I wanted to tell him myself." 
     "Now what?" Denise asked. 
     "They have to have a formal sentencing hearing," Byrne said. "And that won't be for a few days." 
     Then the cheering began. 

     Aboard Adelaide, the mood was the same. Commander Allen and Kaylsha were there, and they saw the refugees shaking hands, and embracing their shipboard friends. Captains Ashby and Zhukov shook hands, while Neda and Marta were embracing. Though he was smiling, Father Fisher was more reserved, even as he shook hands. He said a brief prayer, then he turned to Commander Allen. "Father?" 
     "Now, Commander, we have what we want. Justice. Not vengeance," the priest said. 
     Allen understood, even though he disagreed. "That's true, Father. But when we do get home, and what happened to us gets splashed all over the media, there's going to be calls for Earth to do just that," Allen pointed out. And he'd be one of those volunteering to go back and teach the Risik another lesson. Or two, or three....Until they got the message. 
     "It would be the same on my world," Kaylsha added. 
     Fisher nodded. Having been around military personnel in the camp and now on Adelaide, he knew what they would be doing right now if they had the chance-taking the Galactica and the Base Ship to the Risik Capital and blowing it to pieces. And, he knew, the civilians would be signing on to do the same. "Still, someone must take the opposite position, even if it is an unpopular one," said the priest. 
     "And being a priest," Neda said. She'd overheard the whole thing. "You wouldn't have it any other way." 
     "Quite so," Fisher replied. "Justice tempered with mercy. Just remember that there are countless Risik who were, and are, victims of their government's tyranny, just as we were." 
     Neda nodded, but said nothing. 

     "Do you have anything to say?" Adama asked Tsernavia when he was finished reading the verdicts and sentences. The Accessory to Termination charge and the Slavery counts alone brought Life. The others, when added up, would mean virtual life. 
     The Commandant sneered. "Only that I have done my duty as I, and my superiors, saw fit." Tsernavia replied. 
     "So noted for the record," Adama said. "Formal sentencing will take place in five days. Until then, court is in recess." 

     "Now what?" Denise asked on Constellation. 
     "We find a place to maroon these scum," Mr. Malik noted. "No one wants to waste anything more than necessary on them." 
     "There's one other thing, Mr. Malik," said Captain Byrne. "Depends on whether we find a place before or after we release the captured ships." 
     "So that they can't be rescued," Malik nodded. "One more position to follow." 
     Linda asked, as she breast-fed one of her baby girls, "Why's that?" 
     "Simple: they can plot the course we're following based on the star systems we visit," Bryne said. "They could, in theory, pick up the course we need to follow to get home." 
     "But they know already." Denise said. "That's obvious." 
     Byrne nodded. "True, and there's this. Sub-Commander Morovik told us they kept those charts. But we didn't find them on the captured cruiser. They're held at the Star Force HQ. Still, we don't want them following us." 
     "Let me guess," Lieutenant Sanderson said as she and the others in Mr. Malik's class got up to head back to the gym. "We could win a fight with three or four of their ships, but a couple dozen?" 
     "Something like that, Lieutenant," Byrne replied. 
     "Marines don't like to retreat, but...better to make a clean getaway," Sanderson noted. 
     "One way of putting it," Mr. Malik said as he led his people out of the Crew Mess. 
     "Exactly, Mr. Malik," said Byrne. 

     "Well, Apollo?" Sheba asked in the Officer's Club. "Looks like you'll be searching for a place to maroon those Borays." And good riddance, she said to herself. 
     Galactica's Strike Leader nodded. "Looks that way," Apollo said. "Jungle or desert, take your pick." 
     "Or someplace similar to where those Il Fadim crazies got dropped off?" Dietra asked. 
     "Someplace like that," replied Apollo. 
     Freeman nodded. "Aye, that's a good place for 'em. Even Proteus would have been too easy." 
     "Just as long as they don't give the wildlife indigestion," Starbuck quipped. 

     The days went by, and though a star system had been checked out by the Fleet's patrols, no habitable worlds had been found. Then came Sentencing Day. As was usual by now, the witness gallery in the courtroom was packed, while eyes, organic and otherwise, were watching the IFB feed. While the crew messes on both Constellation and Adelaide were full of the refugees and their new Colonial Friends. It was precisely 0900 when Commander Adama came into the courtroom, and then the proceedings began.
     Aboard Constellation, both Captain Byrne and Sergeant Wagner were in the Crew Mess. Though they were technically on watch, both had turned things over to Mr. Dante and Metxan, respectively, so they could be with the refugees. "Been waiting a long time. " Wagner said. "Trouble is, they'll never admit they've done anything wrong. Even now." 
     "No arguing that, Sergeant. But it won't be too long before they actually get it," Byrne said. Then, on the IFB feed, Comamnder Adama spoke. 

     "Is the Opposition ready?" 
     Sire Solon rose from his seat. "The Opposition is ready, Mr. President." 
     "Sire Memnon? Is the Protection ready?" Adama asked the Protector. 
     The elderly Sire rose. "The Protection is ready, Mr. President." 
     "Very well," Adama said. "Before we begin, I will remind those in the gallery that no outbursts of any kind will be tolerated by the court. Is that clear?" He paused for a moment, then continued. "Sire Solon? You may present your Presentencing Statement." 
     Solon nodded, then went to the lectern. "Thank you, Mr. President. May it please the Tribunal. Mr. President, assembled witnesses, fellow Colonials, and our new brothers and sisters from Earth. It has been some time since a case such as this has been heard in a Colonial Court, and yet, this is no different than when pirates committed the same crimes. Here, the defendants' crimes, were, in two cases, sanctioned by a state. A state that planned to invade and subjugate our sister world, Earth, as part of a desire to bring what they call 'Civilization and Order' to not just Earth, but a number of other worlds in that sector of the galaxy. 'Civilization and Order', an interesting phrase, that. In this case, it is simply an excuse for the Risik State's lust for conquest and power. 
     "As part of the planning for this invasion, the Risik abducted many humans from Earth from various walks of life, both civilian and military. Most were detained for a short time and then released. Others, however, were taken to the Risik homeworld, and interrogated-no, tortured, by the future Commandant of the Ne'Chak slave camp, and most were sent to a prison colony. Some, however, were sent to a 'research facility' for medical experiments, of which we know very little. None of it, however, is good. Why? Because they were Humans from Earth. And to the Risik, they claim that our fellow Humans from Earth are a race that is, and I will quote, 'Morally, spiritually, and technologically inferior, and can be treated in any way deemed fit.' 
     "Those held at Ne'Chak were the last known to have been abducted from Earth. They were tortured on the home planet, incarcerated, then were taken to Ne'Chak in stasis pods. Then, they were revived, taken to the slave camp, and put to work as slave laborers, not just at the camp, but the colony's main settlement, doing the most menial jobs, and in full view of the population. And for any disobedience of camp regulations, real or imagined, they were tortured, and put into punishment cells. The Commandant-" Solon pointed at Tsernavia as he spoke, "Not only recorded torture sessions for his own record-keeping, but also for his personal amusement!" Solon took a drink of water, then he continued. "And then there were his....'banquets.' Where not only were important personages from the Colony wined and dined, but they were also allowed to take advantage of female prisoners, subjecting them to degrading and humiliating sexual violations!  
     "As for the Governor?" Solon pointed at Raduztak, then went on. "He was told of the camp by his superiors when appointed to the position, and was encouraged to use prisoners from the camp as forced labor. The....Governor did so. He procured and used slave labor from the camp as part of his official duties! And he was a guest at some of the 'banquets.' Not only that, but, as was shown in the rebuttal phase, he had his own slave, a Risik woman whose only 'crime' was that her parents advocated political reforms in the Risik State. Their punishment was death, while her older brother sent to a camp to be worked to death, while her younger brother was put up for adoption by a family more...politically reliable. 
     "The first two defendants acted with the support of, indeed the sanction of, the Risik State. The third defendant, Commander Lemeshik, did not." Solon took another drink of water, then went on. "His own service's regulations explicitly prohibited his having a slave aboard his ship. That was of no concern to him, for he bribed and blackmailed the Commandant into looking the other way, and selling him one, regulations be damned. He wanted a slave and....though the term is repulsive, a sex toy, for his own perverse amusement. We have seen the scans of the 'disciplinary sessions' he recorded with her. And yet, he maintains that he gave the woman in question 'a better life'. All she did was exchange the Hades Hole of the camp for a more private one, nothing more. 
     "What do the defendants have to say about their conduct? That they did nothing wrong, legally or morally. That their religious scrolls justify treatment of races they deem...inferior. They also claim that we had no right to mount the rescue mission, and yet, claim that the Risik military would be justified in rescuing any of their own held under similar circumstances. Which shows them to be blatant hypocrites: one rule for the Risik, and one rule for other races. Indeed, even amongst themselves, they continue this, with one rule for the military, priests, and government officials, and another for their general population. An extreme example of the 'Do as I say, not as I do' mentality at work. 
     "Mr. President," Solon began his conclusion. "The Opposition submits that these defendants, having been duly  convicted under the Tyrous Statute, receive the most severe sentences possible under the law. Life imprisonment, subject to Marooning, should that opportunity present itself. And in doing so, we show not only those Risik officers watching, but our Earth brothers and sisters, who are now on their way home, that justice and the law prevail, even in the far reaches of space, so far from their home. . And that everyone, no matter where they are from, is, and must always be, equal under the law. Thank you." Solon nodded, then went back to his seat.
     "Thank you, Sire." Adama said. "Sire Memnon?" He gestured to the Protector. "You may present your Presentencing Statement." 
     The elderly Sire rose, then went to the lectern. "Thank you, Mr. President. May it please the Tribunal. Mr. President, assembled witnesses," he gestured to those in the gallery, then at the IFB camera. "Fellow Colonials, and our brothers and sisters from Earth. In these proceedings, we have shown, not just to ourselves, but to our newly liberated brethren from Earth, and the Risik officers in the gallery, that the law prevails. Even though the Protection's case did not prevail,  we have shown that the defendants received a scrupulously fair trial, and that all of the legal niceties have been observed. And so, it is now time to pronounce sentence. 
     Memnon took a drink of water, then continued. "Mr. President, I would remind the Tribunal that two of the defendants were merely following orders from their superiors, and that failure to follow such orders, could have had consequences. Lethal ones. Any military or government service would have required the same." He gestured towards Governor Raduztak and Commandant Tsernavia, then went on. "I would ask, Mr. President, that since these two were merely following orders, that it be considered in mitigation of sentence. As for Commander Lemeshik, he was following his people's religious prescripts in his conduct. In his case, Mr. President, I would also ask that this be considered as a mitigating factor when determining sentence. 
     "I have heard the calls for justice in this matter, not just from our Earth brothers and sisters, but also from our Fellow Colonials. Let there be no doubt, many of those who were victims in this case have not just justice, but vengeance on their minds. And yet, we can temper the calls for both, by showing compassion and mercy. And in so doing, we show that we are better than the defendants on a moral level. Mr. President," Memnon said as he concluded. "We can also show that, while the law does prevail, that it is not black and white, and that with  flexibility and discretion, can still achieve the result we all desire. That justice has been done. Thank you." With that, Sire Memnon returned to his seat. 
     "Thank you, Sire, and so noted for the record," Adama said. "In this matter, the Court is ready to pronounce sentence. Each defendant will rise as his name is called, and after the sentence is read, will have an opportunity to make a statement if he so chooses. And I will remind the witnesses in the gallery that no outbursts of any kind will be tolerated." There was silence in the gallery, then Adama continued. "Commander Lemeshik." 
     Lemeshik rose, a smug expression still on his face, and he even smirked for the camera. 

     In Constellation's Crew Mess, Petty Officer Clemens muttered, "He won't be so smug after hearing what's in store for him." 
     "He'd be smug even if he was facing the hot seat," Captain Byrne noted. 
     "Sir?" Mr. Dilley asked, then Byrne explained the Electric Chair. 
     "He probably thinks his crew will double back and rescue him. Not very likely," Mr. Malik observed. 

     "Commander Lemeshik. On the first count on which you have been convicted, Accessory to the Kidnapping of Petty Officer Jessica Clemens, the Court sentences you to Twenty Yahrens' Imprisonment, subjected to commutation to Marooning upon discovery of a suitable world." The smug expression remained, as Adama continued. The charge of Slavery: Life Imprisonment, subject to Marooning. The five sexual assault charges from the "Inspection" at the camp. Life Imprisonment, again, subject to Marooning. The torture charges. All brought Life, as did the sexual assaults cought on video. Again, Life, commutable to Marooning. After he was finished, Adama asked, "Do you have anything to say?" 
     "Only that the Scrolls give full justification for my actions and conduct," Lemeshik said defiantly. "Only the Gods can judge me or my actions. Not a court made up of indfidels and nonbelievers! As for that slave, and she will always be such, she had a better life aboard my ship, and she knows it." He then sat down. 

     "In your dreams, scumbag," Clemens growled. 

     "Noted for the record," Adama said. "Now, Governor Raduztak." 
     The ex-Governor stood, a defiant expression likewise showing on the IFB camera feed. 

     In Sarah's office on Galactica, Sarah, Melnea, and Pliny were watching the feed. Both Sarah and Pliny noticed the angry expression on their new assistant's face, and knew what she really wanted: revenge for her family. "Even if they are rescued," Melnea said coldly, "They will be killed." 
     "What do you mean?" Pliny asked. 
     "They no doubt have been indicted, tried, and convicted for State Treason," Melnea said. "In Absentia, I believe that is the term. Rescue, in their case, means death. Marooning with no chance of rescue is a far better fate. And if they meet death through some wild beasts?" 
     Sarah looked at her. "Justice is served, in this case." 
     "Yes, and they will still have to answer to the Gods," Melnea smiled. 

     "Governor Raduztak," Adama began, then read out the charges. Fifty-eight counts of Accessory to Kidnapping, which brought twenty-yahren sentences on each count. Then the charges of Slavery, with the same number of counts. All brought Life, subject to commutation to Marooning. And eight counts of sexual assault resulitng from his attendance at "banquets" given by the Commandant. Those brought Life, subject to Marooning.  "Govenor, do you have anything to say?" 
     "You have no right to try us!" Raduztak shouted. "The Risik State will never, ever, forget this, nor your acts of piracy and aggression at Ne'Chak! And Te'rea will be ours one day! It is so written!" He then sat down. 

     "No  way, you sorry bastard," Wagner said. "It'll never happen, so get over it." 
     "He won't. Not until he's caught in some animal stampede," Lieutenant Sanderson replied. 
     "Even then, he probably thinks he'll die a martyr," Byrne reminded everyone. 

     "Noted for the record, Govenor....." Adama said, his voice trailing off. "Commandant Tsernavia." 
     The Commandant stood up, proudly, and with a condfident expression on his face that even those watching on IFB could notice. 

     "Too bad they won't let us have a few smacks at him," Wagner said. "Then let me blow out his kneecaps." 
     "Come now, roomie," Clemens said. 
     Wagner chuckled. "I know, but still......"

     "Commandant Tsernavia," Adama began. Then came the list of charges. Fifty-nine counts of Accessory to Kidnapping, and each brought the twenty-yahren sentences on each. Fifty-eight counts of Slavery brought Life, commutable to Marooning, as did the multiple counts of torture and sexual assault. Finally, the Accessory to Termination brought the maximum possible sentence of Life, commutable to Marooning. "Commandant, do you have anything you wish to say for the record?" Adama asked. 
     "Only that I have done my duty as I, and indeed, my superiors, saw fit," the Commandant replied. "And that only the Gods can judge me or my actions. Not a court made up of heretics and infidels!" 
     "So noted. The defendants are remanded into custody in the Galactica's Brig, pending discovery of a habitable world upon which they may be marooned," said Adama. "And this court stands adjourned." He banged his gavel. 
     "All rise," the Baliiff announced. 

     Two days later, both Captain Byrne and Commander Allen bought those who would be serving in their boarding/landing parties over to the Galactica for their weapons qualifications. For that, Croft had placed the SF Area at their disposal, At the range, Castor and Corbis introduced the Earth Military to the Colonials' own laser weapons: pistol, carbine, and rifle, and after that, Sergeant Wagner demonstrated the weapons that Captain Byrne had brought aboard the Saint Brendan, and that the SF Team had used on the raid. 
     As Byrne, Allen, and Croft watched the weapons practice, it was obvious that none of the refugees' skills had departed, even after so long out of practice. "They haven't lost anything, Major," Byrne observed. 
     "Looks like it," Croft agreed as he watched as Wagner went through the weapons, first the Mark-23 and SiG-Sauer pistols, followed by the MP-5, and then the two rifles. "You know my story, that trumped-up charge, and it didn't take long for me to requalify." 
     "Well,Major," Byrne said. "Some things you just never forget. And you may have one of these want to try out for SF. He pointed to Lieutenant Krebs. "He wanted to requalify, but as for a combat job, he thinks he's not ready now, but later on..."
     "Next time we open up the S&T Course? " Croft asked, and he saw Byrne nod. "He's more than welcome."
     Byrne was pleased to hear that. "I'll let him know." 
     A centar and several hundred rounds of ammunition later, Wagner came over to the three officers. "Sirs, I'd say they're requalifed." She nodded in their direction, where the ex-prisoners were talking with some of the SF Team. "Even Petty Officer Clemens: she was trained as a helicopter door gunner, even if there wasn't much call for that on a supply ship." 
     "Call it a way of getting rid of some of the stress," Byrne said. 
     "That's what she said, sir," Wagner said. "And you never know when you might need those small-arms skills again." 
     Allen nodded. "Point taken, Sergeant. What's next?" 
     "Some tactical training, but any kind of landram work in the field will have to wait until the next planetary stopover," Croft said. "We're working on getting the virtual interface going." 
     "Well, happy training," said Byrne. "Ced and I have to go pay our respects to Commander Adama. And I want his input on 'sending a message' back when we release the captured cruiser." 
     "What do you mean by that, Kev?" Allen asked. 
     Byrne explained his idea of telling the Risik leadership, including the Supreme Leader, to give up their fantasies about "Civilizing" Earth, and so on. "Problem is: will they listen?"
     "I doubt it, Kev," Allen said after thinking for a moment. "But then, some people back home would say we'd have to try talking to them before getting into a fight." 
     "Diplomats," Croft spat. "With these people? That's a waste of time." 
     "No appeasement," Wagner said firmly. "Uh, sir," 
     "You were paying attention in your High School History classes, Sergeant," Byrne grinned. Then he explained to Croft what that had done, namely, giving the dictators of the 1930s time to become dangerous, and granting concessions to them out of fear or cowardice. 
     Croft nodded. He'd heard the same from Wagner on a couple of occasions. "Their problem, Captain, if they don't listen." 
     "Major, glad to see the two of us have the same idea," Byrne replied. 

     The two Earth officers then went to Commander Adama's office. "Enter!" Adama's voice came over the speaker. 
     Both came into Adama's office. "Commander," Byrne said as he and Allen saluted. 
     "Captain, Commander," Adama said pleasantly. "What brings you aboard the Galactica? Colonel Tigh said your military refugees wanted to get their weapons qualifications."
     "That's about it, Commander," replied Byrne. "And getting in some tactical training, but serious training will have to wait until the virtual interface gets up and running.  But we'll have to wait for a planetary landing to get some more field training in, and do some Landram work. " 
     "And with Captain Ashby being an armor officer," Allen added. "It's the closest thing to a tank you've got here. He's practically drooling at the chance." 
     Adama nodded. "Commander, if we had a troop carrier, he'd probably get a chance to see some of the armor we had. And those ships were essentially a battlestar design, but configured to transport troops with their equipment and vehicles, and landing craft to put them on a planetary surface." 
     "Sort of like one of the amphibious assault ships we use," Byrne nodded. "What we use in amphibious landings to put Marines ashore on a hostile beach. Helicopters, landing craft, and so on." 
     "Yes, you've shown a video about those," Adama said. "Alas..." his voice trailed off.  "In a way, I'm glad you're both here. Sub-Commander Morovik will be here shortly, and I'm going to inform him when he and his crew will be released." 
     "Commander?" Byrne asked. "When?" 
     "In five days. We're approaching the very boundary of their Frontier, and that'll be the best time." Adama said. "A day afterward, we'll release the smuggler." Then the chime rang at the office door. "Enter," 
     The door opened, and Sergeant Fabius led Sub-Commander Morovik in. The Risik officer was not in restraints, and in fact, when going to and from the Tribunal, none of the Risik officers had been. "Commander," Fabius said. "Sub-Commander Morovik." 
     "Thank you, Sergeant," Adama said. "Wait outside until we're finished." 
     "Commander," Fabius nodded. 
     "Sub-Commander," Adama said. "We meet again, and under much more comfortable circumstances. Before we begin, you do remember Captain Byrne?" 
     Morovik nodded. "Of course," he said. "And I am also meeting?" 
     "Commander Cedric Allen, Royal Australian Navy," Allen said. 
     "He is the only other survivor of Captain Byrne's mission," Adama said. He poured water from the carafe on his desk into four glasses. "I thought it would be more pleasing for you to receive good news here, instead of in the Brig," The three took their glasses, and so did Adama. 
     "And that would be?" Morovik asked. 
     "Sub-Commander, in five days, this Fleet will reach a Red Dwarf system. It has no habitable worlds, merely a couple of rock balls and ice worlds, but it is where you and your crew will be released," Adama said. 
     "My ship?" 
     "It has been repaired to the best of our ability," Adama said. "At least, as best we can without a shipyard." 
     Morovik nodded. "You are a man of your word, Commander." 
     "However, there is this caveat," Adama said, and he saw that the Risik officer had his attention. "Before you and your crew are sent over to the ship, your flight recorders will be ereased, along with your scanner logs. Your scanners will also be disabled, so that this Fleet's departure course cannot be tracked." 
     "A very intelligent decision, Commander," said Morovik. "It would be impossible for our Star Force Intelligence to reconstruct your Fleet's course in our space." 
     "That's the idea," Byrne added. 
     "Exactly, Captain," Adama said. "Now, before you leave the Galactica, you and your Security Officer will be provided with data discs that will have a complete audio and visual record of the Tribunal's proceedings. They will show to your superiors that the defendants received a scrupulously fair hearing, as well as an adequate defense." 
     "So we noticed," Morovik replied. "Much different than our system, where one is presumed guilty unless proven otherwise. There, the burden of proof is on the defendant, and the Procurators operate on the 'Give me the being, and we will find the crime, approach." 
     Adama looked at him. "So we have been told. In any event, you will also be provided with copies of Lemeshik's private files. They have been decrypted by our specialists, and your Star Force's own Legal Office will find much to interest them." 
     The Sub-Commander smiled. "That, Commander, is something that many in the Star Force would be happy to see. Doubtless, there is enough to incriminate the whole family, and put them in labor camps for a considerable period, if not have them executed outright."
     "That is up to your system," Adama said. "And you will also be provided with information about our war, and our enemies," he added. "It is a considerable distance from here, but the Cylon Empire may decide to expand in this direction. You will be provided with data on their Empire, ships, and their overall military capability. As best as we can assemble, but more detailed information was lost in the Fall of the Colonies." Among much else, Adama thought to himself. 
     "Based on what you have told me previously, the price of defeat is extinction," Morovik recalled. 
     "It is," Adama said gravely. 
     "I see...in that case, my superiors will be interested, but, I cannot say how they will react. The Military may be more concerned, but the priests, though.....they may feel that your defeat at their hands shows your own moral bankruptcy," said Morovik. "I wish I could explain things further, but..."
     Adama nodded. "I understand, Sub-Commander." 
     "Commander, If I may," Byrne said. "I'd like to give him something as well." 
     "Captain?" 
     "Basically, it's a message for their Supreme Leader." He turned to Morovik. 'It goes something like this: Give up whatever fantasies you have about returning to Earth. We don't need or want your 'help', or your brand of 'Civilization and Order.' Because when we get home, and report to our governments, Earth's going to get ready for a fight. And for sure, we will do our best to make sure we can defend ourselves." 
     "I see.." Morovik said. 
     "And that's not all," Byrne said. "We'll probably make contact with the Ke'zar and the other races you subjugated, and make common cause." 
     "What does that mean?" 
     "Some kind of Mutual Defense Agreement," Allen said. "Where an attack on one treaty partner...."
     "Is an attack on all," Morovik finished. "A very logical course of action." 
     Smart man, Allen thought. "Something like that."
     "Hmm...." Morovik thought for a centon. "A posture of deterrence, but, as I have said previously, returning to our Home Sector, and not just for revenge upon the Ke'zar and reclaiming our home world, but also reclaiming what was lost, long ago, is a goal of the State. Its highest priority goal, in fact. The priests have given their sanction, and so..."
     Byrne and Allen looked at each other and shook their heads. Though Morovik was reasonable and honest, he was describing a leadership that was clearly otherwise. "Well, that's a question for the future," Byrne said. "At least, when we get home, Commander, we can at least say we tried." 
     "That is true," Adama said. "Captain, you may record your message, and when it's time, you may deliver it to the Sub-Commander." 
     "Thank you, sir."
     "Commander," Morovik said. "May I ask where the.....defendants will be marooned?" 
     "That decision has not yet been made," Adama said. "There are several star systems beyond that Red Dwarf, and it will certainly be in one of those. We are not able to survey any of them as yet." 
     "I see... "
     "You may inform your officers of developments, and I can assure you that your crew will also be informed. They have been well treated, and you may also want to know that several of your engineers have been helpful in making repairs to your vessel. They know your systems, unlike my engineering staff." 
     Morovik nodded. "Naturally, Commander. There may be...consequences to that, but there are considerable mitigating factors." 
     "Well, then," Adama said, rising from his chair. "Until your release day, Sub-Commander." 
     "Until then, Commander." 
     After Fabius returned Morovik to the Brig, Adama asked the two Earth Officers. "Comments?" 
     "Said it before, Commander," Byrne said. "He's a lot more honest and forthcoming than his CO was, let alone the other two in court." 
     Allen nodded. "I'll go along with that, Commander. First time meeting one of these people in the flesh, and he's definitely not as  hardcore as they were  in the dock." 
     "Agreed," Adama said. "After the cruiser is released, we'll do the same with the smuggler and his crew, then we'll find a location to maroon those three." 
     "That, Commander, will be a happy day." Byrne said. 
     "And after that? The welcome-aboard party." 
     Both Earthers looked at each other and grinned. "We're all looking forward to that, Commander," Allen said. 

     As the Colonial Fleet approached the edge of Risik Space, Admiral Triligan's Battle Group arrived at Mut'la, the Forward Operating Base, that, unknown to the Risik, was nearest to the Fleet, The Admiral noticed what seeemed to be a lackadaisaical attitude to security from external attack, and after what had happened to Ne'Chak, he considered that to be criminal negligence at the very least, if not State Treason. He summoned the base commander to meet with him aboard the flagship Valiant, and the Admiral's mood, to say nothing of Chief Magistrate Ulrikh's, was not pleasant.  
     "Commander Paukun," the Admrial growled as the man entered the Main Conference Room. 
     "Admrial....." the man stammered. "And Lord Ulrikh.... to what do I owe this honor?" 
     "More like dishonor," Triligan said in a menacing tone of voice. He slapped a thick file on the conference table. "Your attitude towards base defense here is criminal, at best. The Ke'zar, if they do show themselves, would have an easy time of it. And now, there are the Te'reans to worry about as well." 
     The man's jaw dropped. 'Te...Te'reans? But they're a backwards, primitive, and heretical race. They are barely able to reach their own moon, let alone be a threat to our Star Force."
     "Not anymore," Ulrikh growled, and the tone of that was enough to turn a man's blood ice-cold. He nodded to the Admiral's intelligence officer. "Play the videos of the attack on Ne'Chak." 
     The intelligence officer nodded, then called up the videos on the conference room's video screen. Images of the Galactica, Base Ship, and Constellation, along with Vipers and Raiders, filled the screen as the attack unfolded with deadly results. "Are there any questions, Commander?" 
     "How do we know they were Te'rean?" Commander Paukun asked, sweat building on his forehead. "They have no ships even remotely approaching these!" 
     "Their only objective on planet was the slave camp holding the 'uncivilized' Te'rean slaves," the Admiral replied coldly. "Now, Commander, how many of your ships are available here? Ships that can deploy immediately." 
     Commander Paukun stammered, "Five, Admiral. Four long-range scouts and the Exploratory Cruiser Charger.." The man paused, then added. "The scouts can leave immediately, but the Charger won't be ready for at least a day, due to propulsion systems maintenance." 
     "Make it at most, Commander," Admiral Triligan replied. Then he glanced at Ulrikh, who nodded. 
     "I suggest you act immediately, Commander," the magistrate added. The coldness of his voice implied that the commander's life depended on speedy results. Which, of course, it did.
     Paukun turned pale, then groveled, "Yes, My Lord. Right away." 
     "The scouts will search along the two possible routes to Te'rea," Admiral Triligan said. "They will leave immediately." 
     "Yes, Admiral," Paukun said, sweat plainly visible on his forehead. "And the Charger's orders? 
     "They wil proceed to this system," Triligan indicated a system on the edge of Risik space, along one of the courses. "Any other questions?" 
     "N-No, Admiral. I will issue the orders at once." 
     "Dismissed," growled the Admiral, and the frightened base commander was ushered out. 
     The Chief Magistrate turned to the Admiral. 'Admiral, as I have said before, I am not a military man. But....even with my limited experience in such matters, it would appear that standards at this base are not as they should be." 
     "You noticed?" Triligan replied, and he saw Ulrikh nod. "Yes. Frontier attitudes can affect a commander and his subordinates, even when hardly anything is happening, such as is the case here.They can be lulled into dangerous complacency." The Admiral turned to his Security Officer. "When the base commander has carried out my orders, have him, his Chief of Staff, and his senior operations staff officer arrested." 
     "On what charges, Admiral?" The Security man said. Triligan knew the man belonged to Star Force Security, and was thus not reporting back to Director Eikhe.  
     "Dereliction of Duty and Failure to Safeguard the State," the Admiral replied. "My Lord?" He addressed Ulrikh formally. "If you wish to oversee the trials?"
     Ulrikh gave a nod. "Of course, Admiral." 
     "Good. It will take a day, two at most. And if the supreme penalty is imposed? How it is administered is your choice. And if they should escape that?  At the very least, their example will show others the price of complacency." 
     "No doubt this will encourage the others to perform according to Star Force protocols and standards," the Magistrate said. "Very good, Admiral." 
     "Exactly what I have in mind, My Lord," Triligan said. "Now," he turned to his own Operations Officer. "Inform the scouts and the Charger that if they encounter any Te'rean ships, they are not to engage the enemy." 
     Ulrikh was confused. "Not to engage? What do you mean by that?" 
     The Admiral sighed, but kept it inside. Civilians could be often....ill-informed on military matters. And the Magistrate had said it himself: he was not a military man. "It is very simple, My Lord. We need a definitive position report on the enemy, and the last thing we need are more lost ships and crews. They are to avoid contact, even if those detected are fighters on a patrol. Find the Te'reans and give a definitive position report: course, speed, and exact composition of the enemy force." 
     "I see...." Ulrikh thought for a moment, somewhat confused. "I thought we were in pursuit of only three ships?" 
     "They may have been accompanied by supply ships and tankers. As you know,  it is a considerable distance to Te'rea, and they may need resupply for food as well as fuel, munitions, and other consumables," Triligan said. "For them this would be a long deployment." 
     "I...Ah.." Ulrikh nodded. "Now I understand." 
     I hope you do, Triligan said to himself. "And the ships still on patrol?" He turned to the Operations Officer. "When they return, have them replenished, then sent back out. With those same orders." 
     "And if they are attacked, Admiral?" The Operations Officer asked. 
     "They are to withdraw. We need information, not heroics, in this instance. They are to avoid engaging the enemy  without my express orders." 
     "Admiral," the Ops Officer said. "Is that all, My Lord?" 
     "It is. See to all of that immediately." 
     The man bowed. "Admiral." Then he left to issue the orders. 
     After the man left, Admiral Triligan called up a map of the sector, showing worlds both in and out of Risik Space, and the two likely courses to Te'rea. "They are out here, Ulrikh. Somewhere. Either they are on their way home, or..."
     "Or?" Ulrikh asked, a hint of dread in his voice. . 
     "They may have established a forward base of their own, to support not only this raid, but any future strikes they may launch." 
     The Magistrate paled at that possibility. "Admiral, I do hope you are wrong, and they are returning to Te'rea." 
     "You are not the only one, Ulrikh." The Admiral replied , a grim expression on his face. "A second strike is the last thing we need right now." . He studied the map for a few moments. "I pray to the Gods that I am wrong, Ulrikh. I pray to the Gods that I am wrong." 
     "So may it be," Ulrikh intoned. "So may it be." 

     Two days before the Colonial Fleet arrived in the system where the captured ships would be released, Captain Byrne recorded his message meant for the Risik's leadership. After going over it, he called both Lieutenant Sanderson and Sergeant Wagner in. "Reporting as ordered, sir," Sanderson said as both saluted. 
     "Lieutenant, Sergeant," Byrne said. "I've recorded my message to the Risik Supreme Leader, but I want to get your input." He hit PLAY on the remote, and the message came on. After it ran, he turned to both of them. "Comments?" 
     "Looks good, sir," Sanderson replied. "I'd add this: how about having some of us as well?"
     "Give your own messages," Byrne said. He hadn't thought of this, and yet, it was so appealing. The ex-prisoners telling the Risik leaders what they really thought of them. "Sounds good to me. Sergeant?" 
     "Sir, just tell me when. I'd love to tell these...scumbags what I think of them, and tell them to shove off," said Wager. "Only thing is: they won't listen." 
    "Have to agree with you there, Sergeant," Sanderson noted. "Still, telling them that their invasion force wouldn't have been welcomed with open arms, and if they think that still, they're either naive or fools." 
     "Or both, Ma'am," Wagner added. "They take their propaganda way too seriously." 
     Byrne nodded. "As we've come to know. All right: pick out half a dozen from here, then I'll let Commander Allen know. You two go over to Adelaide, and record their messages. Then we'll give this to Sub-Commander Morovik when the cruiser is released. Go make your picks, then bring the recordings back here." 
     "Yes, sir," Sanderson replied, and Wagner nodded as well. 
     "All right then, let's get this done." 
     After the two talked to a number of their fellow refugees, it was more of a thing about deciding who would appear. Wagner and Petty Officer Clemens did, and it was also decided that Natailie and Josh, with their baby, would do so as well. Along  with Airman Reynolds and Sgt. Goria Shamir, their Israeli tank driver, who just had a course in Landram driving.. After recording the messages, Sanderson and Wagner went over to Adelaide, where Commander Allen, with the help of Captain Ashby, had selected six of the refugees on that ship to record messages of their own. 

     Two days later, the Colonial Fleet entered the system on the edge of Risik Space...

     "Entering target system, Commander," Tigh reported on Galactica's Bridge. "Crossing the Heliopause...now."
     "Very well," Adama said. "Any scanner contacts?" Though the system had been checked by patrols, still...
     "Negative, Commander," Athena replied from her station. "Scanners show clear." 
     Adama nodded. "Thank you, Athena." He turned to Omega. "Get me Baltar, please." 
     The connection was made quickly, and Baltar's face appeared on a monitor. "Yes, Adama?" 
     "Baltar, we're releasing the captured ships in this system. First the cruiser, then the smuggler tomorrow. How fast can the preparations for laying the minefield take?" 
     "We can have that done immediately, if called for," Baltar replied. 
     "Thank you, but that won't be necessary. We'll lay the mines after the ships leave. And how many mines would Moray recommend we lay around this world?" Adama asked. 
     "One moment," Baltar said. He turned to Moray. "How large should the minefield be, in your estimation?" 
     Moray checked the scanners. The world wasn't a large one, just a rock ball with no atmosphere. Then he made his recommendation. "Ten mines would be sufficient, Commander." 
     "That's how we shall have it," Adama said. "Wait until both ships have been released, then we'll leave some more.....presents, shall we say, for the Risik." 
     "And hopefully, their Star Force Commander is one of the recipients," grinned Baltar. 
     "One can hope," Adama said. "Thank you, Baltar." 
 
     A centar later, in Alpha Bay, Commander Adama was there with Sires Pelias and Xaviar, Siress Tinia, and both Captain Byrne and Sergeant Wagner. A shuttle flew into the bay, and out of the shuttle came Chief Twilly and his prize crew, and the Chief came over to the Commander. "Chief," 
     "Commander," Twilly said. "That ship's ready to go. Scanner and flight logs first ereased, then disabled. And the Scanners themselves disabled except for their basic navigation scanner." 
     "And that won't tell much?" Adama wanted to know. 
     "Not much, sir, and we removed the recorder. Jettisoned it with the rest of the garbage. The Chief Engineer and his crew who helped with the repairs are busy getting the ship ready." 
     "Very well, Chief," Adama nodded. "Before you get some rest, do the same with the smuggler's ship." 
     "Yes, sir." 
     After the Chief went to see to the smuggler's ship, the Risik officers were brought to the bay. They had had a rough inkling about the Battlestar's size when brought aboard, but now....they saw the activity in the docking bay, and even a Viper patrol land. And from the expressions on the Risik's faces appeared to Adama and the rest of the party, the Risik seemed to be very impressed, but not happily so. Then Sub-Commander Morovik and the Security Officer, Resha, were brought over. "Sub-Commander," Adama said. "And Lieutenant Resha. I take it you have been impressed with what you've seen of the Galactica?" 
     "Very," Morovik replied, and Resha nodded. "And to think you once had many of these warships." 
     "At one time, yes," Adama said. "And many smaller ones." 
     "Hmm.." Resha said. "Morovik has filled us in on the basic story. You fought a war for over a thousand years, and lost it in a single day?" 
     "That is essentially the story," Adama replied. He handed both of them a data disc. "These discs contain some information on our war and our enemies. I wish I could give you more than this...." 
     "As the Commander told me," Morovik said to Resha. "They had much more detailed information, but it was lost when they had to flee their homeworlds."
     "Ah." Resha said. 
     Sire Pelias then handed Morovik another disc. "This disc contains detailed information on Lemeshik's criminal activities, as well as those of many of his family members." 
     "Thank you, Sire," Morovik nodded. "I cannot say what will happen, other than that the information will be put to good use." 
     "That is up to you," Adama said. He then passed a set of discs to both Risik officers. "These discs contain a full audio and visual record of the Tribunal's proceedings. They will show to your superiors that the accused received a scrupulously fair trial and an adequate defense." 
     Morovik gave another nod. "Thank you, Commander. He glanced at Resha, who nodded. "We cannot say what the reaction will be, but there will be those who will be glad that at least one of this....family has been in court, and received some form of legal punishment." 
     "Even if it is not for what those who have wanted the family imprisoned might have had in mind," Resha added. 
     Xaviar said, "Sometimes, you have to take whatever you get, and take advantage of it." 
     "Indeed, Xaviar," Siress Tinia added. 
     Ever the diplomat when needed, Adama had a smile on his face. "Exactly, Siress," he said. "Now, I believe Captain Byrne and Sergeant Wagner have something for you?" 
     Byrne nodded, and handed a disc to Morovik. "This is what I told you about," he said. Seeing Resha's expression, he added. "It's a message to your military and political leadership. Basically, it says, 'Leave us alone.'" 
     "We don't need or want your 'help'," Wagner added. "And those of us who were abducted can now tell your leaders for the first time what we really think of them and their plans for Earth." 
     "I see..." Resha said. "There will be those who will still consider you to be slaves, I will say. Regardless of what has happened, that will not change." 
     "Not anymore," said Wagner firmly. "And you can both tell your superiors that when we get home, and report to our governments, Earth is going to get ready for a fight.And that prison colony you....settled many of those you abducted? If it's on our course for home, we're taking them with us." 
     "We'll make sure we can defend ourselves," Byrne added. "And we'll not only start building our own starships, but we'll contact the other races you subjugated long ago. They won't look too kindly on a return visit from you." 
     Both Risik understood. "That is a question for the future. Though I fear you will get to Te'rea long before we will," Morovik said, and Resha nodded. 
     "Again, a question for the future," Adama said. "Sub-Commander, Lieutenant, I can say that your ship is now ready to depart, and this is a course that you can take to the nearest base." He handed Morovik a slip of paper. "Your crew is being shuttled over to the ship as we speak. You and your crew are now free to go." 
     Morovik nodded pleasantly. "Thank you, Commander. Perhaps, one day in the future, our peoples will meet under much more pleasant circumstances." 
     "Perhaps," Adama replied. 
     I doubt it, Byrne thought. "Maybe," he said aloud.  
     "There is always that chance," Pelias added. Though personally, he shared Byrne's doubts. 
     "Yes...well, until then, Commander," Morovik nodded. 
     "Until then," Adama said. And the two Risik officers boarded the shuttle with their fellow officers. The shuttle taxied for launch, then flew out of the bay. 
     The party adjourned to the Bridge, where Tigh was waiting. "Commander," he reported. "The Risik crew is aboard, and the shuttle with the officers has docked." 
     "Thank you, Colonel." Adama said. 
     After a few centons, the shuttle undocked, and returned to the Galactica. The pilot, Sergeant Mackin, reported to the Bridge. "Commander, everything went fine. They were all glad to be getting aboard and heading back home." 
     "Just as we would, under similar circumstances," Xaviar said. 
     "Commander," Athena reported. "They've fired up their engines. And they're lining up on a departure course." 
     "Destination?" Adama asked. 
     "They're on a trajectory for that forward base. Mut'la," she replied. "They will clear the Fleet in two centons." 
     After the cruiser cleared the Fleet, the FTL engines were engaged, and the ship went to light-speed. 
     "She's on the way, Commander. ETA..." Athena typed in the command. "Four days." 
     Adama looked at the Plot Board. "Very well. We'll release the smuggler's ship tomorrow. In the meantime, we'll send patrols to the two nearest systems within range. We can now actively search for fuel and water resources, find a location to maroon our three...guests, and we have something else to take care of." 
     "Commander?" Tigh asked. 
     "The welcome-aboard party, Colonel," Pelias said. 

     The next day, the smuggler ship was released, and, to everyone's surprise, the ship set a course for Mut'la. Not Ne'Chak as expected.  "Why's he heading there?" Tigh wanted to know. 
     "Good question, Colonel," Adama said. "He may know about the base, and thus, is eager to sell our location to the Star Force. Probably in the hope of keeping his head on his shoulders for a while longer." 
     "Get in the good graces of their military intelligence service, and earn some protection from his enemies," Tigh noted. It was an old story. 
     "Quite so, Colonel," Adama said. "Omega? Get me Baltar, please." 
     "Yes, Commander." Omega made the connection, and Baltar's face appeared on a monitor. 
     "Adama?" 
     "As you've probably noticed, the smuggler ship has cleared our scanners," Adama said. . "Let's get the minefield laid, then we'll move to the next system once our patrols return." 
     Baltar nodded on screen. "Understood, Adama," he replied. He turned to Moray and spoke for a moment. "We're breaking formation to lay the mines." 
     "Very good. Please report when the mines are laid." 
     "I shall, then we can leave these...people behind for good," said Baltar. 
     "Thank you, and please give my regards to Ayesha." 
     "I will, and a good morning to you." 
     After the Base Ship laid the minefield, and the patrols returned-with no sign of a Risik presence, the Fleet set course for the first system out of Risik space. After  a three day trip, the Fleet arrived in the system,  a K2V star supporting a  Garden World with plenty of food and water resources was waiting.  And not just a moon with Tylium deposits for the miners' attention, but asteroids rich in valuable minerals were there as well. While the refueling and water collection was underway, final preparations were made for the Welcome-Aboard Party. 
     Before that happened, a system two point-two light-yahrens away was also scouted, and it had an M5V Red Dwarf star, with eight planets and an asteroid field. Though the Fleet's resource needs were being met at the first system, this system's habitable world was more along the lines of the world where the Il Fadim and the other long-term criminals had been exiled to. Though there was one major difference, as Apollo and Orion reported to Commander Adama. 
     "Ruins?" Adama asked. 
     "Yex, sir," Apollo replied. "At first, Brie and I thought they were just rocks, but Orion pointed out that they were too regular to be just large stone formations. Sure enough, when we landed, there were inscriptions on some of them." He called up an image from his recorder, and the inscriptions were there. They weren't Kobolian, or Risik, or any other known language. "Someone lived here, several thousand yahrens ago." 
     Adama nodded. "Any signs of technology?" 
     "No, sir, and we did conduct very thorough scans." 
     "There were no signs of any ships or remote probes," Orion added. "Nor were any transmissions detected." 
     "Any indication of who these people were?" Adama asked. "Or what ended their civilization?" 
     Apollo shook his head. "No, sir. We'd need a full archeological expedition for that." 
     Adama nodded. No chance of that now, but maybe one day...."No signs of any sentient life at the moment?" 
     "None, Commander," Orion replied. 
     "I see," replied Adama. "General habitability?  
     Apollo called up the general scan of the planet. "The orbital period around the star is four days. Extensive deserts along the equator down to thirty degrees longitude north or south, jungle in other regions, some islands with their own volcanoes, and there's considerable volcanic activity on two of the continents. And then there's the wildlife." 
     "Dangerous?" 
     Apollo recalled his planetary survival courses at the Academy. "Commander, any wildlife in a desert or jungle should be treated as dangerous at all times. No reason to believe otherwise here. There's several large lizards about the size of a hovermobile in the deserts, and no doubt there's jungle predators as well." 
     "I would agree, Commander," Orion said. "Logically, this world would not be amenable to a large settlement. Not without extensive adaptation by technological means." 
     "But a small one, say..." Apollo's voice trailed off. 
     Adama knew what Apollo meant by that. "I think you're right, Apollo. We've found a location for the Risik in the Brig. Once we're finished here, we'll make a brief stopover and drop them off." 

    After the debriefing, Adama then caught a shuttle down to the planet. He was accompanied by Sires Pelias and Xaviar, and Siress Tinia. When the shuttle landed in an area that was very similar to where the Ki refugees had been resettled on that world, Adama noticed three other shuttles, three Landrams, and several tents. And a work party was busy digging. After the hatch opened, the passengers disembarked and took in the fresh air. "It feels good, doesn't it? Taking in the fresh air and having soil instead of deck plates beneath our feet?" 
     "It does, Commander," Pelias said. "Even if this occasion is a somber one." 
     "Indeed," Xaviar agreed. 
     Tinia nodded. "At least we have found some time to conduct this ceremony," she added.
     Nodding, Adama led them to the tents. He found Major Croft there, portable scanner in hand. "Major?" 
     "Commander," Croft said. "Taking an exact fix on our surface position. When people come back this way, they'll be able to find this location." 
     "Very good, Major," Adama said. "And the digging?" 
     "Almost finished, sir." He gestured to where the diggers were at work. The three Risik prisoners were digging, and it was clear to the Council members that this was a grave. They also noticed several of the ex-prisoners who were Earth Military were armed with rifles, and supervising the work. "Sergeant?" Croft called to Wagner. 
     "We're finished, Major," she said. "All right, get'em out of there." Wagner turned to Fabius. "Keep them under guard until we're finished, then have them fill it in." 
     "Yes, Ma'am," replied Fabius. 
     Wagner nodded, then turned to the prisoners. "All right, get up and out of there," she said, and everyone recognized the firm voice of command she had. As they climbed out, Scarface turned to her with an angry expression on his face. Before he could speak, she got into him. "Bet you never expected to be the one digging now, hmm?" She gestured to the other ex-prisoners, making sure they all saw her HK-416 rifle. "And there's several people here who'd love to shoot all of you full of holes if you say the wrong thing." 
     "Bitch!" Scarface's face turned red. 
     "Shut up," she growled back. "And you two?" Wagner nodded at Lemshik and Raduztak. "I'd keep my mouths shut if I were you." 
     All three glared at her, but said nothing as Fabius and his men led them away. After they were led off, Wagner and her people ducked into tents to change. 
     "Major? Is Captain Byrne here yet?" Adama asked. 
     "He's in the large tent, Commander. With Commander Allen and his wife, and Father Fisher as well," said Croft. 
     "Thank you, Major," Adama said. The Council party went to a large tent, but before they got there, they found Technician Hummer busy setting up a video feed to the Fleet. "Technician," 
     Hummer looked up from his portable computer. "Commander," he said. "We're all set here. I've sent a test signal to the Fleet, and  they're ready on that end." 
     "Thank you, Technician," Adama said. He and the others went into the large tent, and found Captain Byrne and Commander Allen in what they called "Tropical White" uniform, and Petty Officer Clemens in her enlisted dress white uniform, sitting next to the coffin that occupied part of the tent. Both Lieutenant Malik and Kaylsha were there as well, and, as expected, Father Fisher. "Father," Adama nodded. 
     "Commander," Fisher said. "I believe we're all ready." 
     Captain Byrne went to where Petty Officer Clemens was seated. He put his hand on her shoulder. "It's time." 
     She brushed back a tear. "I know, sir." She got up, and as she did, Sergeant Wagner came in in her dress uniform.. Byrne then picked up an American flag that had been on the Saint Brendan, and the three of them unfolded it and covered the coffin with it. "He died an American, sir." 
     "He did," Byrne nodded somberly. 
     Then Captains Ashby and Zhukov, and Lieutenant Sanderson, all in their respective dress uniform, entered, along with three of the other ex-prisoners in their respective dress uniforms. And they were the pallbearers. 
     The council party left the tent to wait by the grave, and Adama nodded to Hummer, who started the video feed. 
     To the Colonials watching, either on-planet or via the video feed, the prayers were different, but it was still the same. God, we're sending a good man back to you. Thanks for letting us have him for a while. The pallbearers moved the coffin into position, Father Fisher read some prayers from a Bible that had also made the trip on the Saint Brendan, while several of Ron's friends among the Earthers in the party said a few words about him, Though there was not an honor guard with volleys fired, since Ron had been a civilian, both Sanderson and Wagner folded the flag and handed it to Captain Byrne. He then gave it to Petty Officer Clemens, who had been Ron's closest friend in the camp. Then the coffin was lowered into position, and Fisher said a final prayer. The military personnel saluted, and that ended the ceremony. 
     Aboard both Constellation and Adelaide, the refugees and their shipboard friends had been watching. They said their goodbyes to Ron, and a few said prayers in their own languages. To Jen, watching on Constellation, though she had not known Ron, she wiped a tear away as it seemed to trigger something. 
     "Memories?" Linda asked. "Your dad told us about your mom's death." 
     "I can't explain it," Jen said. "I don't remember burying her, but....sometimes, I have this feeling that she's been watching all this time." 
     Linda nodded. "If Father Fisher was here, he'd say that she has, only you can't see her." 
     "I guess so." 

     Three days later, with  fuel and water supplies replenished, the Colonial Fleet moved to the next system, There, the three Risik prisoners would be marooned on the third planet in the system. In Galactica's Landing Bay Alpha, several of the ex-prisoners were there, along with Commander Adama, Captain Byrne, Commander Allen, and Melnea as the three were escorted to a shuttle. Byrne and Allen, Captains Ashby and Zhukov, Lieutenant Sanderson, and Sergeant Wagner went over to Scarface. "Well, now," Ashby said. "How does it feel to be the one in chains for once?" 
     Scarface glared at them. "You are still slaves, nothing more." 
     "Says the guy in shackles," said Allen. "And they're a good fit on you." 
     "I'd watch my mouth, if I were you," Zhukov added. "Our friend Wagner there is wearing her sidearm." 
     Then Lieutenant Sanderson got into his face. "And where you're headed, that kind of attitude won't help you. And if you're ever rescued by your own people? Melnea told us all three of you would likely be killed." 
     Scarface glared at her, then at Wagner. "I would have broken you.  You...Bitch." 
     "Woulda, coulda, shoulda," Byrne mocked, before he and Allen went to see the ex-Governor. 
     "I should blow your knees out for saying that," Wagner said calmly. "But since our Colonial friends wouldn't like that...and even if they did, I wouldn't want to make it easy." 
     "For what?" He spat.  
     Wagner got into her tormentor's face for the last time. "The local wildlife. Don't want to make it too easy for them to run you down. You may not be floating away from an airlock, because that would be too easy, but you'll be getting what you deserve." 
     "We won't see it," Ashby said, a tinge of disappointment in his tone of voice. "Too bad." 
     Sergeant Fabius came over. "It's time," he said. "Shuttle's ready." 
     "Sergeant," Ashby turned to Wagner. "You can do the honors." 
     "My pleasure, sir," said Wagner. She glared at Scarface for the last time, then nodded. "Fabius? You can do all of us a favor. Get this...animal out of our sight." 
     "Gladly, Ma'am," Fabius said, hustling Scarface onto the shuttle. 

     While that was going on, Byrne, Allen, and Melnea were seeing off the ex-Governor. "Anything to say before your last shuttle ride?" Byrne said. 
     "Only that your world will see the benefits of Civilization and Order," Raduztak said proudly. "It will happen, as it is written." He glared at Melnea. "And you are now an Enemy of the State." 
     "So?" She spat in his face. "A label that I proudly wear. And soon, though I will not see it, you will all be answering to the Gods for your crimes." 
     "Traitor!" Raduztak growled. "And you-" he spat at the two Earth Officers. "Your world will be civilized." 
     "Dream on," Allen said. "Tell your leaders-before they execute you-that we'll be waiting for them. Then we'll go looking for you and finish the job the Ke'zar started. With some help." 
     Raduztak stared at Allen as if he'd suddenly grown two extra arms. "And what nonsense does that mean?" 
     "It means, we'll be talking to the Ke'zar. And the other races near Earth. We might just team up to deal with someone we all have problems with." 
     Sergeant Fabius came with two of his men to collect Raduztak. "Captain? It's his turn." 
     "All right, Fabius," Byrne said, jerking his head in the direction of the shuttle. "Take him." 
     "Yes, sir!" Fabius nodded to the two Security men who were with him, and they escorted the ex-Governor to the shuttle. 
     A few metrons away, Lemeshik was waiting in shackles, with Castor and two of his men, and Petty Officer Clemens came over. "What do you want, you little bitch?" 
     She got into her former captor's face. "Just remember that you're alive because Wagner wouldn't let me kill you. Even if she thinks you deserved to have your brains splattered over that bulkhead." Clemens glared at him. "And for what it's worth? So do I." 
     "Ingrate! I gave you a better life than in that camp, and you know it!" Lemeshik spat. "You will always be a slave." 
     "I don't think so," Clemens replied calmly. "And neither does the court," she reminded him. "And keep in mind that your friends probably want to kill you. But...if they don't,..."
     "What?" 
     "You'll either get trampled by some animals, torn apart by some predator, drink some bad water, or something you ate might disagree with you." She let out a grin.  "Either way, I win. And you lose." 
     Lemeshik glared at her. "Bitch!" 
     Clemens turned to Castor. "Lieutenant, do you mind?" 
     "Mind what, Petty Officer?" Castor asked. 
     "This." She then punched her former captor in the jaw.
     "Not at all," Castor replied, as the other Earthers were laughing, and even Commander Adama had a grin on his face, even if he was trying not to show it. 
     Clemens then got into Lemeshik's face one last time, as he was shaking off the punch. "We're all going home. Where we belong.  And where you're headed? You're probably going to have a longer lifespan than if you'd been sent back with your ship. Be glad for that little favor." 
     "You little..." Lemeshik growled, just as she kneed him in the groin. 
     "One last going-away present," Clemens smiled as he doubled over. "Lieutenant? You can get him out of here." 
    "Gladly, Petty Officer," Castor said. He motioned to Fabius, who escorted Lemeshik to the shuttle. 
     Clemens went back to the others, wiping her hands as she did. "And good riddance to some bad garbage." 
     "Now why didn't I think of that with Scarface?" Sanderson wondered aloud. 
     Captain Zhukov grinned. "We didn't have time to think about it, Lieutenant. She did, however." 
     Castor and Fabius, with Fabius' men, then boarded the shuttle After they boarded, the hatch closed, the shuttle taxied out for launch, then fired its engines and flew out of the bay. 
     The party went to the Bridge, and for the three Earthers who hadn't been there yet, it was an eye-opener. "Commander," Ashby said. "One of these days, we'd like to have the grand tour." 
     Adama smiled. "One of these days, Captain, that can be arranged," he said as they arrived at the Command Station, where Colonel Tigh was waiting. "Colonel?" 
     "Shuttle has landed, Commander. It will be returning in a few centons. Our patrol is also returning, and should be back in twenty centons," Tigh reported. 
     A few centons later, the shuttle returned to Galactica, and Castor reported to the Bridge. "They're on their own, Commander. They were a little surprised to get survival gear from their own ship." 
     Hearing that, Byrne was curious. "Whose idea was that, Commander?" 
     "Mine," Adama said. "No reason to waste any of our own supplies on them. So I had Chief Twilly bring three sets of gear over from the cruiser before it was released." 
     "Commander, that's...well....very appropriate," Ashby said. 
     Adama nodded. "My thoughts exactly, Captain." 
     "Commander," Tigh reported. "Patrol on scanners." After the patrol returned, with Giles and Cree and their Cylon counterparts, the debriefing was a short one. Nothing seen, and no transmissions detected. 
     "Colonel, our business in this sector is, at last, finished," Adama checked the Plot Board. "How long until we're back on our Epslion Vector 22 heading?" 
     Athena typed in the data. "One sectan at the Fleet's cruising speed, Commander." 
     "Very good, Athena."  Adama turned to Tigh. "Notify the Fleet. Break orbit, and set course for Earth."
     Tigh grinned. "Yes, Commander." He relayed the orders, and the Colonial Fleet left the system, moving out to pick up the course that, in time, would take them to Earth. 


Epliogue: 


     After the Ranger had arrived at Mut'la, her officers and crew were debriefed by Admrial Triligan and Magistrate Ulrikh. Much to the surprise of the Star Force officers, the Magistrate ruled that Commander Lemeshik was soley responsible for the incident involving his ship and the intruders. A day later, a courier arrived from the Capital, with new orders for Admiral Triligan and Vice-Admiral Tshan. Admiral Triligan ordered that Tshan take half of the battle group and search the nearby systems before returning home, while the Admiral would return to the Capital with his flagship and the Ranger. Then the Saccoria arrived, and her crew was promptly taken into custody, charged with State Treason. The added charges of smuggling and possession of banned material with intent to distribute were tacked on shortly afterwards. 
     The Admiral then returned to the Capital after interrogating Picaja and his crew, who were, to no one's suprise, found guilty of State Treason, condemned to death shortly thereafter and executed.. After briefing Star Force Intelligence and, as an afterthought, General Security, he requested a private meeting with the Supreme Leader. After the meeting, and discussions with Professor Tsu-lan, there was a meeting of the Supreme Council. 
     "So..." The Leader said after the Admiral briefed the Council on everything that had happened. "These...Colonials intend to settle on Te'rea?"
     "Yes, Your Eminence," Triligan said. "With the cooperation of the authorities there. And, it should be pointed out, they will arrive there long before we will." 
     The Leader nodded. He knew it, and surveyed the other members of the council. "Does anyone dispute the Admiral's conclusions?" 
     "How do we know this is not some, some, scheme, devised by both the Te'reans and the Ke'zar?" Kurum, the Minister of Alien Affairs, asked. 'It would not be the first time they have resorted to treachery of this sort, rather than open combat." 
     "They do not know of the Ke'zar firsthand, My Lords," Admiral Triligan replied. He nodded at Sub-Commander Morovik. "All of their information has been obtained from either the Ranger's or Chaser's own databases." 
     Eihke growled, "Including our invasion plans.Which, no doubt, will be given to the Te'reans, when these....Colonials arrive." 
     The Leader nodded. "That, unfortunately, is a given. And it is also unavoidable that they will also pass along their technology to the Te'reans, who will endeavor to make use of it. As for these...Cylons." 
     "A machine race?" High Priest Si-um said dismissively. "The defeat of these....Colonials by a race of machines only shows their moral and spiritual bankruptcy. The Chosen Race would never accept any such peace offer." 
     "After a war that lasted a thousand of their years?" Ilbate, the Colonial Minister, asked. 
     "It only shows their moral and spiritual weakness. Their lack of will to fight until achieving final victory." 
     Heads nodded at that. "Still, as it has been pointed out," Kurum said. "The price of defeat is extinction." 
     "I will remind the Council," Ekhe said. "It is a considerable distance from us to Cylon Space, and they may not come in this direction." 
     "The Te'reans have a saying, Director," Professor Tsu-lan said. "It goes like this: 'Famous last words.'" 
     Eikhe's face turned red. "Why you-" 
     "ENOUGH!" The Leader yelled. "We are not schoolgirls arguing over the latest fashions. Now, we would be foolish not to prepare contingency plans in case the Cylons ever make their presence known in this sector of the galaxy. Both you, Admiral, and General Arkom," he nodded at the CINC-Army, "will prepare those plans. Still, our goal remains unchanged. We will return to the Home Sector, deal decisively and finally with the Ke'zar, and then, we shall remind the Te'reans, along with these...Colonials, who their masters are. The same goes for the Egyrnians and Gut'la as well. Along with all the others." 
     "Leader, there is....something else," Professor Tsu-lan said. "Our analysis of Te'rea does validate some of Admiral Triligan's original theory. The nation-states, and consortia of nation-states he mentions in his preliminary report will no doubt endeavor to build, operate, and maintain starships. One may assume that these...Colonials have plans for their own ship designs in this, this....'battlestar's' own database." 
     "You are certain, Professor?" 
     "Quite,  My Lord. The 'civilized' Te'reans whom I have been consulting with are in agreement in this. As are my colleagues," replied the Professor. 
     "Hmm..." the Leader said. He saw Admrial Triligan nod. "Admiral?" 
     "Eminence, My Lords, Star Force Intelligence concurs, and we still have an ally in this: and that is time," said Triligan. "It will take some time for them to reach Te'rea. Longer than we ordinarily might anticipate," calling up a star map and indicating the likely course that would be followed. "This is due to the fact that the Galactica, as this 'battlestar' is called, is confined to the speed of the slowest ship in its convoy. Then it will take additional time for them to build the infrastructure needed to construct, operate, and maintain starships. After that, time to train their crews and develop tactics." 
     General Arkom added, "They do not have a mutual defense treaty with the Ke'zar and the other vermin now, but they will in the future. In their position, I would do the same." 
    "At least we are not dealing with unknown races in our home sector," Si-um said with relief. 
     "At the moment," the Leader acknowledged. "Though that can change. Te'rea, though, will become a threat in time.  And yet, it will be a threat that can be overcome." 
     "Your Eminence," Triligan said. "Sub-Commander Morovik was given a data disc by the Te'reans now in the Colonial Fleet. I have seen the messages on the disc." 
     "What do they say?" Eikhe asked. 
     "Perhaps it is best, My Lords, if I played the disc." The Admiral inserted the disc into a terminal and it began to play. 
     The viewscreen showed a Te'rean male,with brown hair turning grey,  in some kind of tan military uniform, with wings of some kind on his left breast. Then he began to speak. "This message is for the Risik Supreme Leader and his advisors, or should I say, lackeys and boot-lickers." 
     "A very insolent man," Ilbate remarked. 
     He introduced himself. "I am Captain Kevin Byrne, of the United States Navy, from the Planet Earth. Now, you're probably wondering what someone from a....primitive world is doing this far out in the galaxy, but I'm sure Sub-Commander Morovik has told you." 
     Heads turned to the Admiral and Sub-Commander, who nodded. "A classified space mission that went very wrong, My Lords," Morovik said. "A wormhole effect of some type." 
     "I see..." the Leader nodded. "So their technology is improving at some pace." 
     "Two of us survived, and were rescued by the Colonials. Then we found a derelict ship of yours, and found an Earth woman in a stasis pod, and after she was revived, she recounted her abduction and torture at the hands of your people. After that, came the encounter with Lemeshik's ship, and you know everything that came out of that." He grinned on the screen, and  to the Council, the Te'rean seemed very pleased with every word he was saying. 
     "We had every right to conduct the raid at Ne'Chak, and rescue the people held there. While we do regret any civilian casualties, there are no regrets about the raid itself. And, if the prison colony with those you abducted from Earth is on this Fleet's course for Earth? We're taking them with us. They'll be going where those you held at Ne'Chak belong: home. 
    "Now, I have a message for you and your boot-licking sycophants: Leave us alone. We don't need or want your 'help', nor do we want your brand of 'Civilization and Order.' When we get to Earth, our governments will be notified, and we'll be doing everything in our power to get ready for any....return visits. We will defend ourselves, and make common cause with the Ke'zar and the other races you subjugated long ago. People who have the same view of you as we do. As invaders, and not any kind of sick and perverted excuse for salvation. 
     "Want to avoid further conflict? Treat us as equals, and maybe we can get along. If you do return with hostile intent? We'll fight. Then we'll come looking for you. Your lying toilet-paper scrolls won't mean much when a hundred ships like this Battlestar, the Base Ship, or my Constellation come crashing into your system. Like I said: want to avoid further conflict? Leave us alone, and  treat us as equals. If you don't? Well, that's your problem.. Now, you'll hear from some of those who were abducted." 
     The officer was followed by fourteen others, from various regions of Te'rea. And all displayed their utter contempt for those who had attempted to civilize them. One woman, who identified herself as the one found in the stasis pod, concluded the messages. "We have no use for jack-booted thugs, whether they are Communist, Fascist, or Alien. If you come back, we'll defend ourselves, and then we'll come after you. And when we're through? You will never, ever, threaten Earth ever again. Or for that matter, anyone else. Now, those involved in these abductions? As far as those of us who were taken-and you had no right to take any of us-are concerned? They have all signed their death warrants. As Captain Byrne said, if we find that prison colony with those you abducted from Earth? They're going home with us. And if you had invaded? We would have put aside our differences, rallied together, and fought you. Whether it meant using nuclear weapons down to a guerilla war. And even if you had managed to take Earth? Keeping it would be something else. Your occupation would have been so costly as we waged that insurgency that you would have had to leave. There's also this: none of this would have happened if your man Lemeshik hadn't fired on a Colonial patrol. And maybe, you'll realize one thing: because when he did, you messed with the wrong people. Keep that in mind. We can be your best friend, or we can be your deadliest enemy. The choice is yours." Then the video ended. 
     "Comments, My Lords?" Admiral Triligan asked. 
     "Such...insolence!" Si-um commented. "Clearly, the world is in need of our bringing them civilization and order." 
     "That may be so," General Arkom said. "But, consider this: when the time comes for us to return there, that system will likely be a fortress. Any force sent to pacify the world will no doubt take heavy losses just trying to reach the planet. At the very least, I might add. The woman is also right about an insurgency, though we would have been able to crush it in due course." 
     The priest waved his hand dismissively. "There will be those who will welcome us. As it is written." 
     Admiral Triligan disagreed. "My Lords, all of our asssessments made during the planning for the invasion-and I have reviewed those plans-indicated that very few would welcome us. There would be those who would collaborate with our forces, but welcoming our presence? I have my doubts about that." 
     Director Eikhe nodded. "I agree." 
     "And so do I," the Leader said. "They will bow down to superior force. It was true then, and it will be so when we do return. Now, there are two additional matters before we adjourn. One concerns something found in the traitor Lemeshik's files. 
     "Eminence?" Eikhe asked, sweat building on his forehead. 
     The Leader said nothing, but nodded to his bodyguard, who admitted Iakir, Eikhe's deputy, and several tough-looking Security men. "Director, Lemeshik's information indicated that you are plotting to overthrow the State." the Leader said calmly. "You are engaged in State Treason, and are therefore relieved of your post." 
     Iakir and his men drew weapons, and pointed them at Eikhe. "You are under arrest." He nodded to the men, who dragged the former Director from the table. "My Lord?" 
     "Iakir, you will assume the post of Director-General of State Security. After dealing with this traitor and any accomplices, you will devote additional resources to external threats to the State. Something Eikhe clearly ignored." 
     "As you wish, My Lord." 
     "You will also declare all those fugitive slaves from Ne'Chak as Enemies of the State, along with the Traitor Melnea." 
     "My Lord," Iakir nodded. "The necssary documents will be prepared for your signature." Though it was unlikely at best that any of them would appear in Risik Space ever again.  "And the three officers?" 
     "They have been tried and convicted in absentia," the Leader said coldly. "Deal with them appropriately if they are found. You will deal with the remnants of Admiral Beshik's family in the same manner." 
     "Yes, My Lord," said Iakir, glaring at his predecessor. "If you'll excuse me?" 
     The Leader nodded. The Council watched in silence as Iakir and his men dragged the former director from the chamber, who was screaming every step of the way. "And now, Alpakin?" He gestured to the Minister of Information. "You may now inform the people that a Te'rean faction,  no doubt encouraged by the hated Ke'zar, attacked us without warning or provocation at Ne'Chak. While our Star Force fought heroically, the forces at the world were overwhelmed, and the Te'reans proceeded to devastate the system, as well as freeing the slaves held there. You will tell the people that we shall never, ever forget this, and that the Star Force is engaged in hunting for the guilty parties. Is that clear?" The Leader's tone at the last was ice-cold. 
     "It is, My Lord," Alpakin said nervously, sweat on his forehead. Seeing the now, former Director of State Security dragged off made him very wary. He also noticed the faces of the other members of the Council. Some were impassive, while others were visibly nervous. The two senior military officers, though, had faint smiles. 
     'You will also state that one of our ships was captured, but the crew managed to escape," the Leader added. He glared at Sub-Commander Morovik, who nodded. Though he knew the truth, he was a good officer and would follow whatever story he was told to. And so would his crew. 
     "It will be done, My Lord." 
     "Now, the truth about this matter is now a State Secret. It must never, ever, become public knowledge. And despite this, our ultimate goals are unchanged. We shall pacify the other races in this sector. Then we shall return to the home sector and deal with the Ke'zar vermin totally and finally. We will remind the Te'reans, Egyrnians, and Gut'lans who their masters once were, and will remain. The same will go for these...Colonial Te'reans. All will bow down to us. We shall not allow the remote possiblity of a machine race threatening us to interfere with our plans. We are the Chosen Race, and it is our destiny!" 
     "As it is so written in the scrolls, it shall be done," Si-um declared. "It is, indeed, our destiny." 
     "So it is," the Leader said. "Thank you, everyone." 
     After the Council and others had left, the Leader got up and poured himself a cup of wine. One of the Tar'lak vintages, and one of the best available. He finished the cup, then called up the star map on the display screen showing the course to Te'rea. Then he threw the cup against the screen, shattering the cup and smashing the screen. 
     His private secretary heard the crash and came in. "My Lord?" 
     "Have a maintenance crew come in to repair that," the Leader said, indicating the screen. "And pray to the Gods that none of this ever leaks out." 
     "My Lord?" the secretary asked. "What do you mean?" 
     "Imagine the consequences to the State if the full story  ever becomes public knowledge," the Leader said firmly. "Pray that it does not."
     "I understand, My Lord," the secretary said nervously. He glanced at the screen. "I'll send for the maintenance crew." 
     "Do that," the Leader growled. 
     After the secretary left, the Leader scanned a star chart. And some of the imagery of the damage at Ne'Chak. He slammed his fist on the table. "'Messed with the wrong people?' One day, Te'reans, one day.....You and your 'Colonial' friends will bow down to your masters. You are a slave race, and will remain as such. It may be several generations, but our boots will walk your soil and through your shattered cities. And you will thank us for doing so." 
     The Leader poured another drink, then added, "I hope. May the Gods make it so. If not...." That, he didn't want to think about. For if the Te'reans, their Colonial friends, and the Ke'zar came after them, with revenge on their minds, no doubt.....If that thappened, he knew, it would be the end for the Risik State.  Possibly the Risik as a race. 
     That, he would not allow. 

     Fleeing the Cylon tyrrany, the last Battlestar, Galactica, leads a ragtag, fugitive fleet on a lonely quest. A shining planet, known as Earth.