Date: Fri, 9 May 1997 17:13:11 -0400 (EDT) From: No One Important Subject: BG-TNG.007 BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: THE NEXT GENERATION The surviving MAIN characters cannot be killed, but they CAN be temporarily disabled/comatose, if you get my meaning. Just don't kill off Baltar... I have some special plans for him. Crossovers are permitted, but BE CAREFUL!!! Remember that the Galactica cannot find Earth so that we can keep adding stories of this journey. Also, this takes place 17 yahrens after the original BG series, and of course, ignoring BG80. I'm at jchin01@kepler.poly.edu I have three parts of an encounter with Commander Cain and the Pegasus in progress, and Starbuck finds that he has a twin brother! Before I complete it and release it, I will need about fifteen more stories, about 60 KBytes each. That would probably be about 1000 to 1100 lines. That way, I can get more characters and blend them in with the work in progress. Keep in mind that one story at 120 KBytes will count as two stories, but about halfway though it, it must be a cliffhanger. If you cannot come up with an entire 60 Kbytes, email what you have to me, and I'll add to it, and then email it back to you for your approval. Then we can take it from there. Well, Here we go... #7 There are those who believe that life here began out there, far across the universe, with tribes of humans who may have been the forefathers of the Egyptians, or the Toltecs, or the Mayans. That they may have been the architects of the great pyramids, or the lost civilizations of Lemuria or Atlantis. Some believe that there may yet be brothers of man who even now fight to survive, somewhere beyond the heavens. BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: THE NEXT GENERATION CHAIN OF COMMAND Written by Joe Chin Based on Battlestar Galactica Created by Glen A. Larson Apollo's Journal Things have been going smoothly since I took command, with the exception of the incident with the Battlestar Olympus. I just hope that whatever happens, it does not hit all at once. I look back into the past, and I feel that it was so much better. Commander Tigh had the burden of command. It was even better when my father was still alive, despite the upgrades that have been performed in the last many a yahren. It was better yet when we had our twelve colonies that we called home, where we can retreat to, or call for reinforcements. Since then, my father, Commander Adama, had the word spread throughout the colonies to gather as many space-worthy ships as possible: freighters, tankers, right now, two agroships- (We found a way to convert one of the freighters), etc. That formed the ragtag fleet of humanity, and started us on a voyage to find the legendary Earth. How legendary is Earth? Many of our stops to get fuel and other necessities have shown traces of the legendary thirteenth colony. Ships that crash-landed on unknown worlds, without traces escape pods or shuttles, showing that the ship was abandoned for one reason or another, traces of rare metals and artifacts only found on Kobol, scattered as if just left there, among other things. I have heard that when the Twelve Colonies were settled, the ships used for the voyage from Kobol were dismantled and converted to tools and housing. Now, I am faced with leading a second voyage to our new homes because the homeworlds we had are no longer hospitable, this time, destroyed in war. This time, I don't think that we can do the same if Earth turns out to be just a fable, because we will need the ships to get away in, and the Galactica is the only fighting chance we have against the Cylons. My father originally started leading us on this second journey. I'm just carrying on with it. Apollo and Sheba met Cassiopea and Starbuck as they took their children to the children's center on the Galactica. Then after the children greeted each other, they continued walking. "So, we're approaching a planet that shows signs of tylium, huh?" asked Starbuck. "That was the last we heard from last night, Starbuck," said Athena. "We should be close to it now." They got to an intersection, and Athena kissed the four kids, and said, "Be good." The four chimed, "We will, Aunt Athena," in harmony. She said to Apollo and Starbuck, "See you on the bridge." With that, they went their ways. Meanwhile, Boxey was dressed and walked out of his quarters ready to begin his shift. Toria was awaiting him, and the two started walking together. Boxey said, "Your idea of installing extra laser generators to fire at pursuing Cylons is a great idea, Toria, but we need to find where to put them." "Well," said Toria. "We can ask around, and get some answers. Besides, I'm sure that some must have thought of that idea already, and could not find an answer." As they walked out, they met Apollo, Starbuck, Sheba, Cassiopea, and the four children. Boxey then explained it to Apollo, "Toria and I were trying to find a place on the vipers to put rear laser cannon... I'm sure that you and Starbuck and Boomer probably tried, but came up with no answers, or it would have already been done. Can you help us?" "Actually," said Apollo, "Boomer was put on that project many yahrens ago, and with help from all of us, we came up with nothing... In one of the viper bays, diagnostic tests were being performed on some the vipers. Boomer and Jolly were trying to figure out where they can place a third, and maybe a fourth, laser generator to fire at whatever is at the rear of the viper. "The problem is, placing the barrel," explained Jolly. He pointed in the center of the points of the imaginary triangle that was formed by the three propulsion jets, and said, "That would have been an ideal place, but if the pilot fires turbos and the rear laser simultaneously, at the least, it would be a waste of energy. At most, it may... prematurely detonate the laser torpedo, and destroy the propulsion system." "How about on the tips of the wings?" suggested Sergeant Cree. Boomer said, "Well, that may be the safest and most effective place yet, but vipers do come back with a missing wing or two, you know. And, laser generators and some of the other parts are not easy to build. I suggest that we wait for Boxey and Toria to join us, and see what ideas they came up with." "Yeah, knowing Boxey, he and Toria has already come up with a place that nobody has ever thought of... Just when we thought of everything, he would find another. That's these kids for you, Captain." They laughed. All of a sudden, the entire battlestar shook, and alarms went off. When everything shook, the regular lighting blinked on and off a few times as the place shook, throwing everyone around a bit. It was the same thing in the other viper bay when everything shook, and lights blinked on and off, and back on again. Bojay, Dietra, and other members of Silver Spar Squadron were working on some of their vipers. Basically, they were just checking gauges, replacing a laser generator here and there, and making sure that the C.O.R.A. units were working properly. On the bridge, the regular lighting changed to red lighting, and they flashed on and off a few times as well. "What the frak was that?" cried Athena, as she kept on pressing buttons at her station. She and Rigel both ran up to the command center, and pressed a few buttons as well. Athena hit a button on one of the consoles, and said, "Commander Apollo... Colonel Starbuck... please get to the bridge immediately." She did not notice that all that she got was just static. Ensign Saul ran to Athena's station, and tried to signal for Apollo and/or Starbuck, not knowing where they were. The only response was static from the speaker, and in the headphones, and snow on the monitor. Athena also tried again from the command station, figuring that they were still in the nursery, and got static. Then Rigel also tried from her station. She even tried to contact the viper bays, knowing that there were people doing work on some of the vipers. "Communications must be out," speculated Rigel, out loud. Athena said, "Either they are in the children's area or on their way here." Saul tried running out of the bridge to get Commander Apollo and/or Colonel Starbuck, and ended up frantically working at control panels for the door mechanisms trying to get the closed door open. "And where is Omega?" asked Athena. "He had to do work in Engineering," answered Rigel. "Well, Captain Athena. You're the senior officer on the bridge... It's your call." Athena's head kept turning and Swiveling around in different directions, with all of the bridge officers' eyes on her. Athena never realized that the day that she would be in command would ever come. In all the yahrens, there was her father, Tigh, Apollo, Starbuck, Sheba, Boomer, or even Bojay, or Omega. This time, none of them were around. They could not get to the bridge, with all the doors sealed shut. There was also no way to get in contact with them, because intra-ship communications was down. All she said was, "What the frak hit us?" Rigel ran up to the command center, followed by Athena. Saul took Athena's place at her station. They both looked at monitors, and then looked at each other. Meanwhile, in the nursery, the lights blinked back on, and the doorway in and out of the day care section closed and sealed itself, trapping Apollo, Sheba, Starbuck, and Cassiopea within. Apollo went to a comm system, put on the headphones, and asked, "Athena, what was THAT?" The only answer he got was static from the speakers and in the headphones, and snow on the monitor. Apollo and Starbuck were frantically pushing buttons on the system, but to no avail. Sheba and Cassiopea were also pushing buttons frantically, trying to get the door opened, trying to override the safety devices. Outside, the battlestar just sat there, in orbit around a planet. From the planet, emerged a pair of laser torpedoes that detonated when they hit the Galactica. All of a sudden, the battlestar shook again, and then the lights went on and off, and then back on. "NEGATIVE SHIELDS UP! AND GET US AWAY FROM HERE!" cried Athena. "Negative shields up," cried someone. "Yes, Sir," cried someone else. "Helm's not responding!" Rigel ran over to another station, and pressed a button. "Initiating faster-than-light sequence..." Athena ran over to the station next to it, and pressed a few buttons, and said, "Rigel, Engage lightspeed when ready." "Yes, Athena..." responded Rigel. "Engaging..." Athena ran back up to the command deck, and looked on the monitor. She saw another pair of laser torpedoes emerge, just as Rigel yelled, "NOW!" "Damage report," ordered Athena. Saul pressed a few buttons at Athena's usual station, and then he said, "Either I'm doing something wrong... or damage reports are not available." "I'm open for options," said Athena. "See if we can get that door opened," suggested Saul. "But what if there's a fire out there?" asked another officer. "I just hope that we are not the only people left alive on the Galactica," commented Rigel. "Wait a centon... If we're alive, and we are all the way on the uppermost part of the Galactica, I'm sure that others ARE in fact alive, perhaps people in the middle decks." In Engineering, Omega and Kritter, and many other personnel were running all over the place, trying to repair this and readjust that, basically, trying to get things working properly again. Then the battlestar jerked, throwing everyone around after coming out of lightspeed. Sparks were spat out of one of the systems. Kritter ran over to that system, and pressed a button on a panel beside it. "Faster-than-light engines are now off-line," he pointed out. "And so are inertial and anti-grav dampers." "So is propulsion..." said someone else, as he rubbed his rear end. "So is Main Power!" cried another, who was rubbing the back of his head. "How about the life support?" Kritter ran over to another station, and looked things over. "Life support is all right," he yelled out. "Well, we've got alot of work to do," said Omega. What in Hades' hole hit us?" A woman's voice cried out, "The entire communications array... it's severely damaged!" Doctor Joycelyn and other life center personnel were picking themselves up and brushing themselves off in the relatively dark life center. "Everyone all right?" asked Doctor Joycelyn. The responses she got were moans and groans. Diana ran over to her, and helped her up. "My God!" said Doctor Joycelyn. "With half of the med-techs suffering from their OWN injuries, I don't know how we are able to help others..." "We will manage, Doctor," responded Diana. "I just hope that Doctor Cassiopea is all right." "Yes, so do I... We are going to need all the help we can get." Back on the bridge, everyone was getting up off the floor. "Are you all right, Athena?" "I am all right... It's just I cannot contact anybody." "Try the Celestra." "It's no use... Communications has been disabled as well." In the children's center, there was minimal lighting. Toria got up, and tried pushing buttons, calling to different parts of the Galactica, without success. Apollo helped her up. "Are you all right, Cass?" She rubbed her backside, saying, "All that hurts is my pride." "Apollo," Starbuck started. "It seems that many key systems are out. I'm sure that Omega is already trying to get things repaired. All that is operating is life support, or we probably would already be feeling the coldness of space already." "So, this is what it comes to... The Galactica disabled, and now we may as well be one of the unarmed ships of the ragtag fleet... with no means of defense." Cassiopea and Sheba were still trying to get the heavy door opened, but found that they were sealed in. There was a loud knock on the heavy door. Cassiopea had to yell at the top of her lungs to be heard through the thick door to the rest of the Galactica. "EVERYONE IS ALL RIGHT IN HERE... PERHAPS A FEW BUMPS and BRUISES, BUT NOTHING BAD." She put her ear to the door and listened. Then she screamed, "ALL RIGHT. I WILL TELL COMMANDER APOLLO." She went over to Apollo and Starbuck and said, "That was Captain Bojay. He said that they are working all throughout the Galactica to get repairs finished as fast as possible. However, many of the crew are trapped because the doors are not operational." Boxey said, "There is nothing we can do here, We just have to sit tight and wait until the work crew on the rest of the Galactica completes repairs." Troy and Helen, and Dillon and Pandora ran over to their parents. "Father, I'm scared... And, so are Dillon and Helen and Pandora." Boxey said, "Hey, Troy. It's OK. The Galactica crew is working hard to fix everything." "How long is it going to take? A long time?" "Oh, I don't know. Hey. How about a story? Perhaps about Earth? When I was a little about your age, Grandfather Adama used to tell me stories when I was scared." "Nah," answered Troy. "How about telling us what our homes on Caprica was like." "And Gemon," said Dillon. Helen and Pandora said, "Yeah." Boxey looked at Apollo. Apollo said, "Come here. I've better tell it. Boxey was only a little boy when we left our homes." "I wanta hear about Grandmother Ila," said Troy. Helen said, "I wanna hear about Grandmother..." She realized that she did not know the name of Cain's wife. Four young eyes were on Sheba. "Hey... It's not fair," said Dillon. "Why are we always hearing about Troy and Hera's grandparents, and Pandora and I haven't heard about ours?" "Is it true that one of our grandfathers' name is Chameleon?" "What happened to Commander Tigh?" "Is Muffey all right?" The questions kept on coming faster than they could comprehend, never mind who was asking what, or trying to answer them. "All right," said Cassiopea. "Starbuck and I don't know too much about our fathers and mothers, but we'll tell you all we know." All was quiet when Starbuck started. "Why can you not tell us more about our grandparents?" asked Pandora. "How about grandmother?" asked Dillon. All four children were intensively listening to Starbuck. "I just wish I had a mother and father the way you do... I never knew my parents. All I know was that they were killed in a Cylon attack on Umbra, Caprica, where I was supposedly born." The other children forgotten their fears as Starbuck continued on. "I thought that I had found my father seventeen yahrens ago, but we were both wrong. There were Borelian Nomen after him, for cheating them. "Well, since then, we have been good friends, and yes, he treats me as his own son, whenever we can meet. Last time I saw him, was when Cassiopea and I got sealed." Then, after a centon of silence, Apollo said, "Now that Grandfather Adama and Commander Tigh are gone, everything is up to us... The Next Generation... of Colonial warriors. Sometime, yahrens from now, YOU four will be that next generation too." After another centon of silence, Cassiopea was next. "My father was a merchant... Always traveling, shipping fuel and other needs for the battlestars and other warships. He was always out, going out to buy these supplies, and then selling them to the battlestars and outposts. He would be gone for sectares. That was until my mother died. I don't remember much of her though. But, after that, he would take me everywhere he went. On those journeys, I learned many ship operations." Apollo interrupted. "That was what saved us from having to destroy the test viper with CORA installed. Somehow, another merchant managed to get commandeer the viper, when Starbuck landed it, and started transmitting coded communication signals. No one else recognized it, but your mother." "What's 'commandeer?'" asked Pandora. Starbuck explained what happened. "Well, I got out of my viper to see if the other person in his transport craft needed assistance. He hit me over the head, and stole my viper." Apollo looked at Cassiopea. "The reason we were going to destroy the viper was because we did not want it to end up in Cylon hands to be used against us." "I don't like CORA," said Troy. "Yeah," said Dillon. "Every time we get close to a viper, it keeps telling us that we are too young to fly a viper." Everyone laughed. "That was my fault," said Boxey. "About ten yahrens ago, right after Grandfather Adama died, I hated everything. No more stories from Grandfather... no one to talk with when I was mad at or worried about father, or if he had to go away on a mission... I wanted to run away. So, I grabbed a helmet like all Colonial warriors did, and put it on. Then I jumped into a viper, and took off in it. That was when I realized that there was no place to go. It was a good thing that each viper had a CORA unit installed in it, or, I would probably be in that viper in space forever, waiting for Cylons to shoot me down. {A lone viper was precariously flying around in space. On the bridge of the Galactica, Rigel reported, "A viper just... LAUNCHED. I did not give it any clearance." Tigh asked, "Who is in that viper? Athena... contact it." Athena pressed a few buttons on her station, and said, "Galactica to viper." A voice that showed signs of changing from a boy's voice to a man's answered. "Aunt Athena?" "Boxey!" cried Athena and Apollo. Apollo then angrily said, "You get that viper back into the viper bay, where you got it from, young man." *Yes, Father,* After a centon, he said, *Wow! The Galactica is a beautiful ship.* Then, after a pause, Boxey asked, *How do I return to the landing bay?* Everyone on the bridge looked at each other. When Athena and Rigel looked at each other, Rigel nodded to her. Then Athena said, "Boxey, Lieutenant Rigel will get you back." *Yes, Aunt Athena.* "Boxey, can you hear me?" started Rigel. *Yes, Loo-tenant Rigel... Loud and clear.* "Okay, Boxey. Look at the front panel, and a little to the right. You should see a black box with a window in the middle of it, labeled, 'C,' 'O,' 'R,' 'A.' Do you see it?" *Yes, Loo-tenant Rigel. I see it. That's CORA, isn't it?* "Yes, Boxey. It is. Now, there is a button under the window, and on top of the four letters. Press that button." *Yes, Loo-tenant Rigel.* Tigh, Apollo, Athena and Rigel heard CORA. *Boxey?* *How did you know my name?* asked Boxey. *I have been monitoring your communications with the Galactica. You see, Boxey, I am computer oral response activated. Call me, 'CORA,' for short. I can fly this viper for you.* *All right, CORA... My father wants me to bring us back to the Galactica where I got you from.* *All right, my young friend... Hang on.*} "I let CORA take control of the viper, and it was the best viper landing I have ever experienced." "You???" asked Troy with surprise. "You actually did a very bad thing?" "Yes, Troy," confessed Boxey. "It was VERY bad. And, if it was not for CORA..." Dillon finished for him. "You would still be in that viper in space." Everyone laughed. "Probably..." said Boxey. "What did Father do when you got back?" asked Helen. "Well..." {The cockpit of the viper opened up, and a boy came out of it. He climbed out of the viper, removed the oversized helmet, and handed to the person closest to him, which was Tigh. Apollo, Sheba, Starbuck, Athena, and Rigel were there. "BOXEY!" Apollo was angry. "WHAT-" Tigh held out a hand, and Apollo stood there. Then Tigh calmly spoke. "Boxey, why did you go out in the viper?" The boy hung his head, and said, "I hate the Galactica... At least, I thought I did. I miss Grandfather Adama!" "Come on, Boxey... Let's go to the bridge and talk about it."} "Commander Tigh was not Grandfather Adama, but- he tried. For the next few nights, he told me stories. He was not as elaborate as Grandfather Adama, but..." Boxey trailed off, at a loss for words. Then he said, "Father understood, because he hurt as well. He told me that I needed to give it time, and then the pain would go away. We decided that we would all go through it together." Boxey then switched to explaining about CORA. "CORA is not a bad thing at all. You'll come to understand that when you get older. CORA assists the viper pilot, especially when in battle with Cylon fighters. CORA can react faster than the pilot at evading Cylon lasers. Yes, the computer unit has saved many viper pilots." It seemed to take awhile for the story about Chameleon to sink into Pandora's mind. "I thought that the Borelian Nomen were our friends," she said. "He cheated them," said Starbuck. "Their honor demanded it." "Did they USED to be bad, and then turned good?" asked Helen. "Well," started Apollo. "They weren't really bad. They were just... different from us. Nomen are warriors, but, they are strong-minded, and obsessed with honor and glory. In the past, we considered them barbarians, and they considered us... weak and timid, always taking the easy way out. They did have a high respect for Grandfather Adama, and because I'm his son, they respect me as well. About five yahrens ago... {On the Rising Star, several tables in a ballroom were filled with Colonial warriors. At a nearby table, twelve Borelian Nomen sat. Starbuck, Sheba, Boomer, Boxey and Athena sat at the table closest to the Nomen. "It is too bad Apollo could not be here," said Starbuck. "Well, we cannot have the entire command staff away from the Galactica," pointed out Boxey. "Yes," said Athena. "He chose to remain on the bridge, and relieve ME so I could be here. He says that I don't get out enough." "He's right, Aunt Athena," said Boxey. "It's great to have you." "Don't YOU start, Boxey," said Athena. Then she accused him: "You suggested it, didn't you?" "Me???" There was an outbreak of laughter. Before it could go any further, Starbuck changed the subject. "You did very well on your first time out there in that viper, Boxey." Boxey looked at each of them, and said, "I had some great teachers." Two of the Nomen came over. One of them said, "So, you think that a minor scuffle with the Cylons is a reason to celebrate? It is not like you won the war against the entire Cylon Empire." The other one accused, "And you even send women." He looked at Sheba. Then he glared at Boxey. "And children out to fight your battles." Boxey stood up and said, "I am very capable of fighting the Cylons." The first one turned to Boxey and said, "All you have to show for yourself is the honor of your grandfather Adama, and your father, Apollo. Other than that, you're just a boy." Boxey responded by saying, "A boy becomes a man... when he can take a weapon and use it effectively. -I-... did just that." The two Nomen looked at each other. A third Nomen gave Boxey a pat on the back that almost knocked the wind out of him as he said, "You know Borelian tradition well, my young friend. Well said." The first Nomen nodded to him, and said, "Spoken like a true Nomen." The three of them then started on Starbuck. The second one said, "And you, Starbuck, I cannot see why this... young warrior takes orders from you. Your father cheated my people, and YOU... You stopped them from getting their honor back." The third one said, "And, Captain Starbuck, you mated with a harlot that calls herself a medtech." Starbuck had never forgotten the incident over ten yahrens ago with Chameleon, but... He stood up and said, "Chameleon is NOT my father. That was proven by genetic tests. And, Cassiopea has proven herself to be a great wife." The first Nomen said, "If it was not for the word our people gave Commander Adama, we would have started a blood hunt for YOU." The third one said, "Yeah, you were the one who kept my people from gaining their honor back." The second one boastingly said, "And, I bet that your mate is great ONLY at night before you go to sleep." That got Starbuck angry. He socked that Nomen in the face. Then the other nine Nomen ran over to help their three comrades. Boxey stuck his foot out, and one of the nine tripped and found himself face down on the floor. Sheba and Boomer got up to help, and so did many of the other Colonial warriors. Sheba elbowed one of them, and used her foot to lift his leg, and then pushed him. He fell back onto the floor. Two more Nomen, one from each opposite direction, headed for her in an attempt to tackle her. As the first one got close enough, she grabbed his arm and flipped him into the other Nomen. There was also a loud 'CRACK!' Those two Nomen found themselves in a tangle of arms and legs on the floor. The Nomen on top rolled off the other one, and held his arm in pain. The other one had trouble moving. All he could do was lift his head off the floor and shake it. The one who landed on the other said, "She fights like a Nomen for a human, and, for a woman."} "... And that was how it started." Boxey was finished with that part of the story. Apollo took it from there. "I was angry at them for fighting... Starbuck, Sheba, Boxey... Boomer... But, according to the Nomen leaders, they did the right thing... that was, after they knew the entire story. But, before I sat down with them... {Apollo stood in the front of the assembled Colonial warriors, as Boxey, Boomer, Athena, Sheba, Starbuck, and the others stood facing him hanging their heads. Apollo made no attempt to hide his disappointment and anger as he spoke. "I am very disappointed in your behavior. Are we Colonial warriors? Or are we little children?" After a centon of silence, Apollo yelled, "Well, give me an answer!" "We are Colonial warriors," everyone said in harmony. "THEN ACT LIKE IT!!... Dismissed." He then stormed out. Apollo stormed onto the bridge, and Commander Tigh walked over to him. "The Borelians demand retribution, Colonel. They are willing to talk, but they will ONLY talk to... 'Apollo, Son of Adama.'"} "You see, the Nomen have a high respect for the 'House of Adama,'" pointed out Apollo. "I don't know what he said or did, but he was the one who had ended their blood hunt for Chameleon, and gotten their... 'word as Nomen' to refrain from starting one for Starbuck. They now consider the name 'Adama' to be 'an honored one.' I met them as ordered by Commander Tigh. {The three Nomen, Taba, Bora, and Chancellor Maga, sat with Apollo in a room, watching the brawl on the monitor. When it was over, the oldest of the three said, "It is not you who should discipline your people, Colonel Apollo. They were just being true Nomen." He looked at Apollo with half a smile. "That woman fights very well..." "That woman is Sheba, daughter of Cain, and my wife," said Apollo. The three Nomen looked at Apollo, half surprised, half smiling. Bora said, "The Chancellor is right, Son of Adama. It is not you who should discipline your people. It is up to us... to discipline ours... Especially the three who started it. They will be stripped of their Nomen ranks and titles... And whatever else YOU see fit." Apollo said, "My people who were involved will be cleaning up the mess they made on the Rising Star, and will not get a secton's pay until they are done... Including my wife and oldest son." "Your people should not be punished for defending their honor, Colonel." "That is the difference between our two cultures, Brigadiers... We only fight to protect ourselves from PHYSICAL harm, and for the fleet." Taba spoke for the first time. "Yes, Son of Adama. A common enemy of both our people... the Cylons. We also fight to protect our honor... personal honor... family honor..."} "I learned that the Borelians have high standards for honor," said Apollo. "We decided that both, the warriors involved in the brawl, and the Nomen involved, would work together in cleaning up the mess they made. 'We MUST learn to work together, for the survival of both our people,' said Chancellor Maga. It was a rough start, but... {In the trashed dining area of the Rising Star, a Borelian Nomen said to Starbuck, "I think that you are still a lower form of life... Not your people, but YOU." Apollo and the three elder Nomen were standing there, watching. Taba was about to walk up to the scene, but Apollo and the Chancellor, Maga, stopped him. Starbuck answered back to the Nomen, "You think that because you lack honor." He stepped very close to the Nomen. "And that is how you gain your honor. By claiming that you have honor that you don't have. You are all talk and no action." It was now Apollo's time to get into the scene, but Maga stopped him, saying, "As you said, Son of Adama, 'let them argue it out. It may help relieve some of their frustrations.'" Boxey approached Starbuck and the Nomen, saying, "With all due respect, you two... This is not accomplishing anything. Our leaders said that we have to get this place cleaned up, and soon. We should work together now, and after we are done here... If you two still want to fight it out after..." Starbuck and the Nomen looked at each other, and then the Nomen looked back at Boxey. "You are Boxer... Son of Apollo of the house of Adama." Boxey nervously nodded. "You speak the words of a wise one, my young friend... I will do as you suggest." With that, he went towards a large table that was lying on its side that Starbuck was trying to move without success. The table did not even budge! The Nomen approached Starbuck and said, "Stand aside, Jackal." Starbuck did as the Nomen ordered. Then the Nomen attempted to stand the table up, but although Borelians are stronger than humans, the table did move, but that was all it did. Starbuck went to the other side, looking at the struggling Nomen. Boxey also joined Starbuck. Together, the three of them stood the table back up in its proper position. The three of them gave each other the look of 'Mission accomplished,' and thanks. Apollo looked at the three Nomen leaders after they witnessed the scene with Starbuck, Boxey, and the Nomen as they worked together. "There is hope," he said. Maga put his hand on Apollo's shoulder, and said, "Yes there is, Colonel." Taba said, "There is hope, Son of Adama. Your son's words are wise words." Bora said, "If the four of us helped out, perhaps as leaders, it will inspire our two peoples to work together." Then they went to a nearby table that was tipped over. The four of them lifted it, and put it in place. The Chancellor held his hand out to Apollo, with the back of it facing up. Apollo, knowing the handshake between Nomen warriors, reached his hand out and took the Chancellor's elbow. The Chancellor held Apollo's arm with his hand. The other two leaders of the Nomen, seeing the look of friendship on both faces, each put a hand onto the joined arms, acknowledging that friendship. Bora other two said, "You know Nomen tradition well, Apollo." Nomen and Colonial warriors looked on as they witnessed the acknowledgement of their leaders and commanding officer, and stopped doing what they had to do, started doing the same as their respective leaders, and then went back to work.} "Since then, Borelians and humans have been friends," said Apollo. Intra-ship communications have just come back on-line," reported Saul. Damage reports coming in from all over." Athena and Rigel ran over to take a look at the monitor at Athena's 'favorite' post. "Propulsion regulators are off-line," said Saul. "Yes. The engines are now on-line." "That means we can go to emergency faster-than-light speed, or not at all," pointed out Ensign Tannia. "Not acceptable," said Athena. "Many of the ships of our convoy cannot go faster-than-light speed. We'll just have to sit and wait until those propulsion regulators are repaired." There was a rumble that echoed throughout the children's center. They all looked at the doorway, to see light coming through it. There was also a loud growl as the width of that lighting increased. All the children cried out in fear. Hera said, "Don't be scared, children... That sound is us being rescued." She looked at Toria, and whispered to her, "I hope?" Sheba, Boxey, Apollo, Starbuck and Cassiopea ran over. Again, there was that loud growl as the door slid open some more. Sheba made it there first. She climbed up the doorstop to the top of the door, her hands holding onto the doorframe, and her feet were against the side of the door. Outside, she noticed the three elder Nomen outside forcing the door open. Together, Sheba pushed at the door with her feet, and the other two Nomen pushed at the door, making it open faster, and causing Sheba to lose her grip and fall. The third Nomen put out his arms in front of himself, and underneath Sheba, and caught her. That was the Borelian leader, Chancellor Maga. He carried her to Apollo, who held his arms out and took her. "I bring you a gift, Apollo," boasted Maga jokingly. "Your wife." The three Nomen let out loud belly-laughs. Apollo and Sheba laughed as well. Taba said, "We have come to help with the clean-up and repair efforts when we saw and heard about what happened to the only battleship in the fleet, Son of Adama." "We got in through a hole in the bottom of the Galactica that should be patched up shortly," said Maga. "Using the Eastern Alliance destroyer," said Bora. "We also landed in one of your landing bays. The Nomen with me are looking things over right now." "Captain Athena," Saul interrupted. "Engineering sections report that repairs are almost complete, except for a hole that was found on the underside of the hull of the Galactica." Starbuck asked, "How much longer before they are done?" Bora said to Starbuck, "Don't question our people's abilities to get the job done, Colonel." Apollo said in Starbuck's defense, "He was not questioning your people's abilities. We just want to know so that we know when we can move on. We know your people will get the job done... honorably." He turned to Starbuck and said, "Leave them to their work, Starbuck. We will know when we can move on. It is better not to interrupt them to find out because we will only delay them." "Yes, Sir," answered Starbuck. All of a sudden, the regular lights came on. Everyone looked up and around. Bora said, "A wise choice, Commander. We will know when the job is complete. Meanwhile, let's proceed to the bridge." "Anyway, how large was that hole?" asked Apollo. "And how did you know where we were?" "It was large enough," answered Maga, "for us to climb through one at a time." "And, how did you get here? I'm just curious." Maga explained. "Our shuttle meshed with your shielding in such a way that our shuttle became part of the Galactica. We opened up the top hatch of our shuttle after we connected an airlock to the hole. Then we climbed through. As we worked our way here, some of us would stop when we saw a critical system that needed repair. Most of us went to your engineering section as soon as we found it." "Then, the rest of you made your way here?" "Yes," said Bora. "Just the three of us. We got to and met at your life station, and... your Doctor Joycelyn told us that ... Doctor Cassiopea and Colonel Starbuck usually stop with you and your wife, to leave your children in the care of the Galactica's nanny, and she told us how to get here. From what she told us, you would not have had the time to get to the bridge." They got to the doorway to the bridge, and Maga said, "Allow me..." Maga and Bora both pried at the door with their bare fingers, trying to get a grip. After two loud growls in harmony, the door slid open a crack. Apollo, Sheba, and Starbuck ran over to help. The door slid open some more, and Sheba managed to get herself in the crack. Apollo, Maga, Bora, and Starbuck struggled; of course, scaring everyone on the bridge with their growling; and the door slid open again. Again, the door slid open some more, and Sheba tried the same stunt that she tried at the children's center. She climbed up to the top of the doorway, and pressed her feet against the door, with her hands against the door frame. The door slid most of the way open, causing Sheba to lose her grip. Apollo held her hands out to try to catch her in the same manner as Maga did at the Children's center. There was one problem. Apollo was not as strong or sturdy as Maga. When he caught Sheba, he fell back, with Sheba on top of him. Rigel and Athena saw Apollo and Sheba lying on the deck, and quickly drew their laser pistols. "HOLD IT!" yelled Athena. Starbuck caught that, and jumped in between the Nomen and the two bridge personnel, and held his hands out to them. "Nah-ah-ah, ladies..." said Starbuck. "Borelian Nomen are our friends, remember?" Athena and Rigel put their pistols away. "Welcome aboard the Galactica," said Athena. "I am Captain Athena, Daughter of Adama." The two Borelian Nomen smiled at her. Thank you, Athena," said Maga. "We also came to report that we sighted a Cylon basestar holding itself on the planet surface." "What is the status of our launch bays?" asked Apollo, as he and Sheba struggled to get up. Maga looked at Bora. Maga nodded to him, and then Bora said, "The launch bays are intact, Commander. But there is no communication with the viper pilots... only between them." Sheba said, "Without communication from the bridge, launching would be very crude, and can be chaotic." "I'll lead our squadrons," said Apollo. "YOU???" cried out Starbuck and Sheba in harmony. "And I will take the destroyer, and destroy that basestar," said Maga. A young Borelian walked onto the bridge. "We have finished patching up the hole, Father," he reported, and Maga nodded. "I also took the shuttle into the port-side fighter bay." Then he asked, "Why did you not want me to come along and help with the other repairs, Father?" Maga answered, "Someone was needed to seal the patch from the outside, and someone was needed to THINK to take the shuttle into the launch bay, and you are the only one who can land the shuttle in a launch bay without crashing into things. I did not think of these things, and yet, you did, my son." Apollo smiled at the young Nomen. Then Maga introduced him. "Apollo... Commander Apollo... this is my son, Mojo." Apollo and the young Nomen nodded to each other. Then Maga said, "Mojo... Prepare the destroyer in the launch bay... We go out in battle." Apollo put a hand on Maga's shoulders, and said, "When I launch with the squadrons, I will accompany you... A viper is more maneuverable and faster than a destroyer, and I will try to destroy all the weapons systems on that Cylon basestar so that YOU, Maga, could go in for the kill." In the viper launch bays, Apollo and Starbuck were carrying their helmets under their arms. Cassiopea said, "Starbuck, I need to talk to you... alone." That left Sheba tagging along behind Apollo as he headed towards a viper. Sheba said, "Why are you going? You should not be out there... You're the commander of this battlestar. And don't try telling me that it was decided that you were the best man for the job. YOU HAVEN'T EVEN FLOWN A VIPER INTO BATTLE IN YAHRENS!" "Sheba..." He put his helmet down on the floor, and put both of his hands on her shoulders. "With the Galactica under repair, what can I do? Besides, Maga is the chancellor of the Borelians in our fleet, and he's going." "Don't turn Nomen on me, Apollo... They carry entirely different customs and traditions from us." She then said, "I'm going, too, Apollo." "No, Sheba... Until my return, YOU are the commander of the Galactica. Your interim exec is up to you." "Well, don't get killed out there, Apollo... I'd rather have a husband than command of this battlestar." He picked up his helmet, and said, "Sheba, YOU are the reason that -I- WILL return." With that, he pecked her one on her forehead, and said, "Take care of the Galactica for me." Then he put on his helmet, and then climbed up into his viper. Meanwhile, Cassiopea and Starbuck were also going through something similar. "But for Sagan's sake... You're the exec of this battlestar. Bad enough that Apollo, the commander is going out there... Besides, you haven't flown a viper ever since you became colonel." "Uh, yes I did." "Yes, only to transport yourself from the Galactica to the Olympus. And, the battle that you and Boomer fought out there was only the end of it." "Cass, it has not been that long. I WILL return to you. I promise. YOU are the reason why." "All right then, hurry back to me, you old war daggit." With that, she gave him a peck on the cheek. Apollo and Starbuck were in their vipers, ready to launch. From there, the entire launch bay was cleared. Sheba and Cassiopea walked towards the lift, and Cassiopea said to her, "You could not talk Apollo out of it either, huh?" In front of the lift, a Nomen placed both of his hands on the two ladies. They both turned around. "Chancellor Maga told me to give you two this," said the Nomen. He handed Sheba some kind of scroll. Then he ran away. "They both seem to have gone Nomen on us," cried Sheba. "On top of that, he placed ME in command of the Galactica, and told me to pick my exec during their absence." "Athena..." "What?" "I would probably recommend Athena as the exec during their absence." "Exactly what I was thinking. Thanks, Cassie." She unrolled the scroll, and Cassiopea looked at it over Sheba's shoulder. "Seems like that Maga really has a high respect for Apollo," said Cassiopea. "It says that the entire ruling council of Nomen is on that destroyer, and they will do everything they can to... insure the safe return of Apollo," said Sheba. She read on. "In the event that the members of the Ruling Council of the Borelian Nomen die in honorable battle, Apollo, Son of Adama of the House of Adama is to be their next Chancellor until Mojo is ready to lead them." The two of them looked at each other in shock. Out in space, the vipers and one Eastern Alliance destroyer headed towards the planet. *I am picking up the base ship on these sensors, Commander,* said Maga into the communications system. *I'm right beside you, Maga.* Boomer announced, *Cylon fighters, heading this way.* Then Apollo said, *Starbuck... Boxey... Toria... with ME.* Three vipers broke away from the formation of vipers, heading towards the destroyer and one viper. Meanwhile, on the bridge of the Galactica, Sheba and Athena were side-by-side on the command deck. Rigel reported, "Communications has been completely restored, Captain..." Sheba and Athena started monitoring what was going on between the vipers. They heard Maga say, *It is a good centar to die.* Then they heard Apollo say, *It is a good centar to die.* After that, Starbuck also said it. "What? Are they crazy?" asked Sheba. "Nomen terminology," said Athena. "Meaning that this is more than just a blood trail. That it is time for action. Don't worry, Sheba." Sheba looked at the scroll that was placed in her hands by a Nomen. "When can we be battle-worthy?" asked Sheba. "They are doing the best they can, Sheba," responded Athena. "The Nomen, too, are anxious to get this battlestar battle-worthy, so that we can go in and help their leader." "If you say so." The basestar was on the planet surface. It really an outpost on the planet, as if they took a basestar, and converted it into a building on the planet surface, using Cylon fighter craft. Out of one of the launch bays, Cylon fighters were launching. The Eastern Alliance destroyer fired two missiles at the launch bay. One hit a Cylon fighter, and the other one, the launch bay itself. On the Cylon structure, A laser turret fired at the destroyer, missing it, and two vipers simultaneously fired their lasers, destroying it before it could do any damage to the destroyer. *YEE HAH!* cried Starbuck. *Just like old times.* The two vipers found another launch bay launching Cylon fighters. *For Old times' sake,* said Apollo. That viper opened fire, destroying two Cylon fighters. The other viper also fired several rounds, destroying the launch bay. On the Galactica, Rigel reported, "Repairs complete, Sheba." "Take us in," ordered Sheba. "Prepare to launch missiles." "Sheba," remarked Athena. "Are you sure that we are doing the right thing?" "Yes, Athena," answered Sheba. "Positive shield." "I just don't want Apollo coming back here angry with you for-" "Athena, Apollo said that -I- was in command of the Galactica during his absence... So, we do this -MY- way." "Negative shield," ordered Athena. The window showed several Cylon fighters engaged with vipers in the distance, as well as the basestar-like Cylon outpost. "Fire lasers at will," ordered Sheba. "Firing lasers," reported a bridge officer. "Are the missiles ready?" asked Athena. Rigel ran to another station, and reported, "Missiles ready." "As soon as we reach optimal distance, fire one of them," said Athena. The battlestar shook as it took a direct hit of laser fire from the basestar-outpost. Meanwhile, two vipers were in between the upper and lower main structures of the basestar-outpost. A laser turret was firing away, but in some obscure direction. One of the vipers fired at it, destroying it. *What the frak was that laser cannon firing at?* asked Boxey. *The Galactica,* answered Toria. *Oh, frak. Will my father surely be mad at Captain Sheba...* *LOOK OUT!* cried Toria. One viper did a fast 180 turn, firing its lasers, and destroying a laser turret. However, the maneuver was not fast enough. A round that was fired hit the other viper, causing sparks to emanate from its underside. *BOXEY! Are you all right?* *My proplusion systems are shot,* responded Boxey. *And I am completely out of fuel!* *The Galactica is closing in, Boxey... I've better get you out of here!* With that, intact viper fired up its turbos, and collided into the damaged one, sending it spinning away from the basestar. *I'm getting sick, Toria...* *I'll take care of you, Sergeant...* Then she said, *Cora, minimal intensity lasers to guide that viper into the landing bay.* Several rounds of lasers were fired from the intact viper, slowing down the spiraling effect that was making Boxey sick, and guiding it towards the Galactica, as well, as charring the already-ruined paint job. *See how YOU like being fired upon by your wingmate, Sergeant,* said Toria. "What the frak is going on out there between those two vipers?" asked Athena, as she watched one intact viper firing lasers at a slowly-rotating damaged viper. "That must be Boxey and Toria again," answered Sheba. "Every time one gets hit, the other one creates more damage to it attempting to guide it into a landing bay." The entire bridge was filled with laughter. "We are in optimal missile range," reported Rigel. As Boxey says, let's pulverize the pogees out of that Cylon piece of felbacarb off," cried Sheba. "Launch two missiles." Athena pressed one red button, and then another. Two missiles emerged from the Galactica, heading for that basestar-outpost. The two vipers of Apollo and Starbuck, and retrofitted Eastern Alliance destroyer moved on. One of the vipers fired at a missile launcher, creating a massive explosion in that area. *That was some explosion, Apollo,* said Starbuck. *I must have hit it as a missile was launching,* responded Apollo. All of a sudden, they heard Maga's voice screaming, *GET OUT! GET OUT!! GET... OUT!!!* Apollo and Starbuck both turned to see two missiles, one following the other, heading right for the Cylon structure. They also saw the underside of the Galactica bearing down on it, firing its lasers at it. Quickly, the three ships turned around, and fired up their turbos, abandoning the site. There was a massive explosion as the three ships escaped the site. *Thank you, Cora,* said Apollo. *Glad to be of help, Commander,* responded his C.O.R.A. unit. Apollo said to Starbuck, *Cora saved me... She got me out of here before I had a chance to hit my turbos.* *That's Cora, Commander,* said Starbuck, *always there to react to it before you do.* *Hey! Where is the Galactica?* asked Apollo. *She is back with the fleet,* responded Maga. *We DID it. Let's go home.* With that, the three vessels headed away. "... That was the most frakkin' arrogant, dangerous... stupidest felbacarb you've EVER pulled, Sheba," yelled Apollo. Maga, Bora, Taba, and Mojo, Starbuck, and Apollo were back on the bridge. Apollo was in the middle of the command center confronting Athena and Sheba. "Hey! YOU put ME in command of the Galactica, Apollo. I did what -I- had to do to save your neck, Commander... and Maga's, too... And to support its fighters as a battlestar commander is supposed to do." Starbuck just stood there beside Maga and Bora, stunned by the argument. "WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? SHEBA. COMMANDER CAIN?" screamed Apollo. "WELL YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE GONE OUT THERE THEN!" screamed Sheba back at Apollo. "YOU... are the Commander of this battlestar. YOU belong on the bridge. And, you seem to be acting like a Nomen who is upset because -I- took the glory of the kill away from you." Apollo turned to Athena. "And you, Captain... Why didn't you stop her?" "She was placed in command by YOU, Commander Apollo," exclaimed Athena. "What was -I- supposed to do? Be insubordinate? And, I agree with Sheba. You ARE acting like a Nomen with the glory of the kill taken away from you. Well, it was taken by two members of the House of Adama. You married Sheba into the house, and -I- am Athena, daughter of Adama of the House of Adama!" Maga and Bora let out belly laughs, followed by Taba and Mojo. Apollo turned around, and saw the Nomen laughing. Next thing he knew, the entire bridge was full of laughter, sounding like that there was a vain attempt to hold it back. After he thought about it, he was not so much mad that Sheba put the Galactica, the fleet's only means of defense in danger, but he was upset that he and Maga did not get the glory of the kill. Sheba and Athena were right. After the laughter died, Maga said, "Give them credit, Apollo. They got the job done, and all is well. And, your sister is right. The glory of the kill still belongs to the House of Adama." Apollo said, "You are wise, Maga." He then turned to Sheba, and said, "But our children are here on this battlestar... what if-" "They waited for us in shuttles," responded Sheba. "Along with other non-essential personnel. And all of our unoccupied vipers... have been scattered throughout the fleet. I guess that we should recall all of them." "Sure, Sheba." With that, Sheba nodded to Rigel. Bora then spoke. "You see, Apollo. Maga, Taba, and I were going to come here to invite you face-to-face, to our Fifth Yahren Day of our friendship. But- the Cylons on the planet fired two missiles at the Galactica, and we had to abide by your law that, 'Except under unusual, and extreme, circumstances, no shuttle is allowed to be out in space while there is battle taking place.' And, after finding out what had happened, we brought more Nomen to hopefully, make the Galactica battle-worthy again." "Well, thank you, and your people, for your help," said Apollo. "It is an honor to help a friend," said Maga. "We originally scheduled a visit to invite you and your family face-to-face to my son's third rite of ascension." The young Borelian looked at his father, and back at Apollo. Maga the Chancellor gave his son a hard pat on his back, and boasted, "Today, My son will become a Nomen!" "I accept," Apollo said without hesitation. "Perhaps we can have the celebration here, Chancellor... On the Galactica," boasted Apollo. "It will be GLORIOUS, Mojo, Son of Maga... recognized as a Nomen aboard a space vessel of battle." Apollo got weird looks from everyone as he acted like a Nomen. The celebration took place on the Galactica, a sectar later. It was held in one of the viper bays. Vipers were all housed in the other viper bay to make room for the big Borelian Bash. At a large table in the center sat the three Borelian Nomen leaders, the Chancellor's son, Apollo, Sheba, Boxey, Troy, Helen, Dillon, and Pandora. The Chancellor placed six sashes of laser bolls, two in front of Apollo, two in front of Sheba, and the last two in front of Boxey. "Gifts," he said. "From one honorable Nomen to true friends. My son has a large request, Apollo, that I am sure you can carry out." Mojo stood up and said, "Commander... I would like to join Blue Squadron, Red Squadron, or Silver Spar Squadron." Apollo stood up and said, "Well, Mojo... You will have alot to learn before you can join any squadron." The young newly-ordained Nomen said, "I will work hard, Commander." Maga spoke to Mojo. "In addition to serving on the Galactica, your mission for us is to learn as much as you can about these humans." He looked at Apollo, and continued on. "Perhaps, you can learn something about us as well from him, Apollo." "I'm honored, Chancellor." "My name is Maga, Apollo," said the Chancellor. "We are friends, and we are both leaders. Call me 'Maga' from now on, and let's stop the formalities between us." Apollo smiled, and said, "All right, my friend Maga." Maga stood up. "A toast to Mojo..." he announced. "For today he is a Nomen." All the Nomen stood up, and then so did Apollo, his family, Cassiopea, and the four children. Then Maga started singing. "Mojo..." The other Nomen sang in their language with Maga. 'Mojo,' was mentioned several times in the song, and Mojo, son of Chancellor Maga, stood tall as if an invisible crown had just been placed on his head. The last of the song ended with, "Mojo... @$%? $@#? Maga." Out in space, the Galactica, followed by the rest of the fleet moved on. A freighter moved towards the Galactica. A shuttle emerged from the freighter, heading for the Galactica. On the bridge of the Galactica, Athena reported, "Mojo is on his way to the Galactica, Commander. He will be landing in the port landing bay." *My son will serve you well, Apollo,* said Maga over the comm system. "Yes, Maga. Let me go and wait for him in the landing bay." With that, he said to Starbuck, "You have the bridge, Colonel, and he and Sheba waltzed off the bridge. In the landing bay, he said to Sheba, "Remember. Introduce yourself to him as, 'Sheba, daughter of Cain, wife of Apollo of the House of Adama.'" Sheba repeated it. "'Sheba, daughter of Cain, wife of Apollo of the House of Adama.' I got it, Apollo." "Great." Then Apollo looked at Boxey, and nodded to him. Boxey said, "I tell him, 'I am Boxey, son of Apollo of the House of Adama.'" Apollo nodded to him with approval. The shuttle landed, the door opened, and Mojo walked out of the shuttle with a small handbag-like case. He addressed Apollo, "Apollo, son of Adama. It is an honor to be here." "It is an honor to have you, Mojo, Son of Maga." said Apollo. Apollo held his hand out to him. Mojo took his arm, and Apollo held his with a somewhat tight grip, and they shook hands 'Nomen style.' "Let us show you to your quarters. I will have someone bring your belongings for you." He held up the small case, and said, "These are all the belongings I have, Commander." The three looked at him, surprised. As they walked, Sheba said to him, "I am Sheba, daughter of Cain, wife of Apollo of the House of Adama." Mojo nodded to her. "Yes. The WOMAN that won a fight with TWO Nomen." He had a somewhat twinkling look in his eyes. "I am Boxey, son of Apollo of the House of Adama." Mojo held his hand out to him. Boxey grabbed hold of his arm close to his elbow, and they 'shook arms.' They went past an open door to a small room with a single shelf mounted to the wall. Mojo stopped there, and said, "This would make a great room for me." Apollo then said, "Even a cell in the brig is larger than this, Mojo. Surely-" "My quarters on my ship are smaller than this, Commander." He walked into the room, and slammed his hand onto the shelf, boasting, "This would be a great place to sleep on..." He slammed his hand on it again. "FIT!... for a true Nomen. It is even bigger than the one on my ship." "Mojo," called Boxey. "Would YOU like to at LEAST see the quarters we were going to assign to you?" Mojo thought about it. "Yes." They walked out of the supply closet. They arrived at a doorway. Boxey gave Mojo a crystal. "This is the key to your quarters. I'll have another one made for the supply closet." Mojo took it, looked at the control device on the wall next to the doorway, and inserted it. The door opened. The four of them walked in, and Mojo looked around. "A good room for praying," said Mojo. "It is the time to pray." Sheba left the room, knowing that Nomen pray only in private. "We will wait for you outside, Mojo," said Boxey. "Apollo... Boxey... Wait." Apollo and Boxey turned to him. "You are right when you say that Borelian Nomen pray in private. But- we do pray with fellow Nomen warriors. Will you join me?" Apollo said, "Mojo, You are a Nomen warrior, with your own special code, a code that we don't understand or know anything about." "Apollo..." Mojo paused. "My father is the leader of the Nomen. He says that you are more worthy of being called a Nomen warrior than some of his OWN people. -I-... will lead the prayer." Apollo stood on Mojo's right, and Boxey, on his left. "Join hands," said Mojo. Boxey took Mojo's left hand, and Apollo, his right. "Join your hands, too. We hold hands so that our combined essence will make our prayers stronger." They joined their hands, forming a circle. Apollo and Boxey followed Mojo's lead in bowing down their heads. Mojo started. "I pray with these two outsiders of the Nomen of the code because they are my friends. I pray..." After a generation of fleeing from Cylon treachery, the last battlestar, Galactica, leads a ragtag fugitive fleet on a long and lonely quest. A shining planet known as Earth.