Earth 2010 - The Colonies of Kobol Reunited Chapters 16

CHAPTER 16

Elyssa DeAlma could not shake the cobwebs from her mind it seemed. She lost track of how long she had been aboard the Basestar, and she was worried about her ECO Hustler, whom she had not seen since they were attacked in the raptor. The door slid open, and in stepped Leoben, her heart rate quickened as he made his way over to her. His hands were folded behind his back, and he was smiling.

“How are we feeling today, Captain?”

“I’d be feeling better if my ECO and I were allowed to leave.” Replied DeAlma matter-of-factly.

“You realize that won’t be happening anytime soon, Elyssa. You see you have information that I need, and it would please me a great deal if you would be forthcoming.” Replied Leoben walking behind her. She continued to face forward, and could feel his breath on her neck.

“What do you want to know?”

“I would like to know how you built another Battlestar, with what resources, and from where? I want to know where Earth is, and what her level of technological advancements is.

“You know of course I won’t answer those questions, we haven’t found Earth…I don’t know how many times I can tell you that!” Leoben placed his hands on her shoulders; she could feel her body shudder, but not entirely due to fear.

“Elyssa, I don’t believe you! As a matter of fact I know you had help with the construction of a new Battlestar, I believe that help originated from Earth. He spun her around and stepped in close to her. “I’d rather not have to force the information from you. You are a beautiful woman, and even though I am a Cylon, I am also human, and do not wish to see you endure a harsh interrogation.” Removing his hands and stepping back, Leoben tried a different tactic. “You are quite alone on the GALACTICA, you find yourself unable to open up to those who couldn’t possibly understand a woman of your inner strength and intellect.”

“How could you possibly know that?” DeAlma shot back defensively.

“You are quite the talker when you’re medicated. Though nothing in the line of answers that I seek.” Said Leoben truthfully. Elyssa was elated that she did not reveal Earth’s location or other military secrets. “You are still a Captain in the Colonial military, still a raptor pilot assigned to monotonous reconnaissance patrols in search of the evil Cylons. Is there nothing more in your future?”

“Not much with you chasing us halfway across the universe.”

Leoben stepped in faster than Elyssa could react to; taking her by the shoulders, he kissed her. Kissing a Cylon was the last thing Elyssa DeAlma ever expected doing, especially kissing Leoben Conoy, the most brutal and feared of the human-Cylon series. This Leoben was neither; he had been calm and accommodating. She did not pull away; instead, she wrapped her arms tightly about his waist, a move that surprised her. What was she doing, this was the enemy she was kissing?

“Wait…this isn’t right!” said DeAlma shakily. Her head was swimming, she was not feeling any pain, but she knew something was not right.

“Elyssa, what do the humans have to truly offer you? The Cylons are the most powerful force in the known universe, we have extended our power across the cosmos…soon we will find Earth.”

“And then what? You’ll exterminate them, as you almost did with the Colonies?”

“Things have changed, Elyssa. We no longer need to fear humans, our might grows exponentially, and there is still much to learn from the human race that can benefit my race.”

“Your race? You’re machines…not true human beings.”

“Tell that to Sharon Valeri’s half human child. That ‘machine’ gave birth to a half human child…the next step in Cylon evolution.”

“We no longer have a reason to exterminate humanity; you are not a threat to us. I have consolidated power across the Cylon fleet, and soon there will be one leader of the Cylons. That one leader will be me. I have the power to grant clemency to Adama’ pathetic ragtag fleet, and I desire a lasting armistice. The decision to exterminate humanity was born out of fear, one that must be rectified. I offer you that first act of clemency.” He pulled her closer, kissing her again. She could not catch her breath, and her mind was drifting as if she was drugged. Lifting her off her feet, Leoben carried the captive Elyssa DeAlma to her bed. He gently lowered her to her feet, with a degree of gentleness that truly surprised DeAlma; Leoben removed her clothes, letting them drop to the stainless steel floor. She knew what would happen next, and decided to let it happen. She told herself that this was survival, but she knew deep down that that was a lie. The truth was that she wanted this to happen, and that feeling did not surprise her as much as she thought it should have. She removed her captor’s clothes, and the two slid into the bed and lowered the light. A red light pulsated along the base of the four walls.

D’Anna Biers was fastening the buttons on her blouse when the baby started to stir in his car seat. She glanced down at him and a wave of emotion flooded over her. What was she doing here? Lensherr would eventually find out, she had never before felt so conflicted about an action. The man on the couch was now replacing his white lab coat, a clipboard under his left arm. He gestured towards young James, “He’s hungry!”

D’Anna picked the car seat off the floor and left the room, she had been here long enough and the last thing she wanted to do was feed her son in this cold and sterile place. Securing James in the car, she jumped into the driver’s seat and sped away.

Laura Roslin was enjoying her new position as liaison between the colonists and Earth government. She was no longer the President, and there would be certain elements of that job she would definitely not miss. The office of President of the twelve colonies as planned was abolished. There were no longer twelve Colonies of Kobol to govern. Roughly, 50,000 refugees now resided on Earth with the long lost thirteenth tribe. In the year they had been on Earth, technologies were advanced, and in some cases, Earth had more to give to their new occupants than would have been expected. Medical advancements, as well as agricultural and engineering advancements were made rapidly with the help of the former colonists. Poor regions of the Earth blossomed slowly, and unemployed soon found themselves working on military armaments. Priority was given to completing the second Battlestar, and crews literally worked in shifts round the clock trying to build her.

Military aircraft builders in the five major nations switched over to viper and raptor construction, civilian aircraft builders focused on refueling tankers, and large transportation spacecraft. With the propulsion and gravity obstacles overcome, plans were being made to explore the solar system with actual human beings as opposed to remote or robotic controlled spacecraft. Laura Roslin was instrumental in getting crucial personnel from the former Colonies in charge, or employed in the vital areas now being addressed. Many of the former Colonists started to leave their temporary housing at reactivated military installations to start living amongst their fellow humans. United States President Connor McGregor was well on his way to becoming the first Earth President. No such position had yet to be created, but there was almost a feeling of inevitability to the creation of such an office. The very fact that the Colonial refugees interacted with the United States first helped catapult McGregor’s already high opinion polls in and out of the United States. The current US President and former Colonial President were currently enjoying a quiet lunch at the White House.

“Laura,” began McGregor softly. “The Cylons have been discovered within our solar system, in the vicinity of the planet Uranus to be exact.”

“Oh my Gods!” exclaimed Roslin dropping her fork on the fine china. “When did this happen?”

“According to Earth Defense Command, two weeks ago a recon patrol came upon a Cylon heavy raider. The raider was able to ‘jump away’ and warn its Basestar to the discovery of vipers. The Basestar jumped in, and a dogfight ensued between it and Terra-1. GALACTICA responded from the moon’s orbit and the battle commenced. The Cylons were able to escape, and Admiral Adama fears that they will return with reinforcements.”

“What is the fleet’s current status?” asked Laura, inadvertently falling back into old habits of Presidential authority. McGregor smiled, as President he was also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The President of the Colonies had no such mandate, but apparently, her relationship with Admiral Adama was one that she was usually kept in the loop of military matters, even if it was just a courtesy.

“Terra-1 and GALACTICA are remaining on station in the Uranus area. It is believed that if the Cylons return, they will enter through that corridor. Four fully armed viper squadrons are enroute to that location, they are being transported by the STRYKER and another transport ship that were reactivated to jump them out there seeing as how vipers are not equipped with FTL drives.

“Unfortunately that will still be far less firepower than what is needed if the entire Cylon fleet arrives. What is the status on the new Battlestar?” asked Roslin.

“EDC has authorized redeployment of personnel and materials to the dry-dock in Russia where she’s being built. We’ve pulled out all the stops to get the new ship online.”

“I’m sure you know what she’ll be called!” said Roslin, a smile forming, obviously digging for information.

“Of course!” replied McGregor. “Upon completion she will be christened the Battlestar Excalibur…I’m sure that name will remain between the two of us for the time being.”

“I like it.” Said Roslin. “It sounds strong!”

Aboard GALACTICA, Admiral Adama was sitting in his private quarters going over status reports. The silence was interrupted by the alert of his phone, and the voice over the speaker. “CIC calling the Commanding Officer.”

Adama set aside the printouts and reached for the wall-mounted phone. “Commanding officer.”

Felix Gaeta’s voice was on the other end of the line, “Admiral I have two Colonial vessels jumping into the area, the STRYKER and the Colonial Movers transport. Earth Command had alerted us earlier that they dispatched the two vessels to deliver four viper squadrons out to us.”

This was good news for Adama; sixty Mark II vipers would be added to the arsenal of both Battlestars. Realistically this was still far below what the Cylons could possibly throw at them, but every fighter helped. He would most likely have to house the bulk of the fighters due to space constraints aboard Terra-1, the civilian ships could not remain due to not being armed. “Excellent Captain, have the XO oversee the transfer of fighters to both Battlestars.”

“Aye sir. Temporary quarters have been established for the additional pilots once we initially received word of the fresh vipers enroute.”

Lee was making a fine executive officer thought Adama. The man was just as efficient as Tigh had been; he smiled to himself at having made the correct choice to succeed Saul Tigh.

Elyssa DeAlma’s eyelids fluttered, the room was dark and the only light was the pulsating red strobe that was moving in a clock-wise motion across the bottom of the walls. She was exhausted; she was up most of the night engaged in all kinds of sex with Leoben. Her whole body ached, yet she felt completely alive as she reached out with her arm to find nothing but empty sheets, Leoben was gone. She sat up immediately, seeing herself in the mirror she was surprised by the face that was reflected back at her. She almost did not recognize the woman before her. Gone was the spit and polished look of a military officer, and in her place was…what? A collaborator, a whore, a traitor? She was taken prisoner over a week ago and still had not seen Hustler. Instead, she was having sex with the leader of this Basestar, a sworn enemy of humanity. She could not figure out why she was allowing herself to be used so easily. What disturbed her more was that she realized that she had enjoyed her time with Leoben.

Her flight suit was folded neatly on a nearby table; a very soft looking ivory-colored jumpsuit lay next to it. She opted for the jumpsuit that was exactly her size. Her captors obviously wanted her to be comfortable. A pair of perfectly sized shoes was beneath the table next to her military issued flight boots. Obviously, she had been given a choice, and curiously, she opted against wearing her flight suit. As she stepped up to the door, a sensor was tripped and the door slid open. A Centurion outside the door turned its metallic head her way; she stopped cold as its fearsome red eye scanned back and fourth in her direction. The Centurion had been programmed not to fire on her, and to follow her wherever she went aboard the Basestar. She quickly stepped past it; an involuntary shudder traveled the length of her spine as it fell in step behind her. The rooms and hallways she encountered were sleek, spotless yet bland. The humanoid Cylons had no need for decorations or observation ports due to their ability to ‘project’ different environments. Projection is a Cylon ability that allows them to consciously induce an extraordinarily realistic hallucination in the form of an artificial environment around themselves, which they can choose to share with other Cylons. She walked the entire length of the hallway and found herself confronted by the humanoid Cylon known as Simon. He was wearing a white lab coat and carrying a clipboard when he noticed her.

“Good morning Captain, are you lost?” asked the Cylon.

“How the Frak do you people find your way around here, every hallway and room looks identical?” complained DeAlma. The tall black man smiled as he explained how the Cylons projected their environments as a means to navigate the confusing hallways.

“How are you feeling today?” he asked.

“I still can’t seem to completely focus, there’s a certain…’fuzziness’ in my mind.” This of course was the effects of the sedatives being secretly pumped into her room at all times. It had zero affect on the Cylons, but Elyssa DeAlma’s body was saturated with the toxin.

“That would be the residual effect of the sedatives we had to introduce to your body to keep you unconscious as we repaired the injuries you sustained when your raptor was engaged, it will wear off in time.”

“Engaged? You mean attacked!” replied DeAlma. Simon just stared at her in silence.

“As Leoben stated, you are free to roam the Basestar. This Centurion will accompany you at all times. Would you like to see our central command and control center?” DeAlma was surprised at the invitation, they were going to allow the enemy into the most sensitive and secure area of any warship. Why not, she thought, she was no threat to them at all. The three walked down a series of identical hallways and soon entered a large room populated by various humanoid Cylon models. The hackles on her neck were raised upon seeing the Sharon Valeri model.

She slowly walked up to a large basin that two Dorals and a six series Cylon stood behind, the basin contained streams of water that go over a lit up computer glass surface. Simon explained that the Cylons could interface with the data by simply placing their hands in the basins. The chamber door slid open as Leoben entered, Lucifer at his side as usual.

“Good morning Elyssa.” Said Leoben as he walked over to her and kissed her on the lips.

“Not that concerned about fraternizing with the enemy in front of your troops?” asked DeAlma mockingly.

“You should perhaps stop considering yourself the enemy, and as far as the troops go…I lead this Basestar, I don’t answer to anyone.” Replied Leoben. Elyssa looked quickly at the other Cylons; Leoben’s comments had absolutely no impact upon them. His statement of singular rule over the Basestar went against what she knew about the Cylons. She had always believed the human-model Cylons acted by consensus, that there was no single leader.

“If I’m not the enemy, then what am I?” she asked.

“You are my guest for the moment,” he began. “A permanent armistice must be obtained between Cylon and human, this war has gone on for far too long. Humanity is no longer a military threat to us, and we do not wish to continue to commit our resources to pursing you.”

“Why should I trust or believe you? I have been here a week, and still have not seen my Electronic Countermeasures Officer, I demand to know where he is…I want to see him!”

“Very well, you will see him shortly, but first, I know you have found Earth, Elyssa…the sudden appearance of a second Colonial Battlestar and fresh viper compliment just didn’t materialize out of thin air. You had help! That help could only have come from Earth, the planet you have been desperately seeking since the destruction of the Colonies.”

“I don’t have the answers you seek.” Replied DeAlma nervously.

“We shall see about that. Come, let’s take a walk.” The two left the room, Lucifer and the Centurion followed farther back.

“Elyssa, the war is over…humanity has lost. The Cylons are now the only power in the universe, the thirteenth tribe has nothing to fear from us as long as it does not conspire to extract any form of revenge on behalf of the Colonists. The Cylons will dictate the new galactic order, and humanity is welcome to take part and prosper in that order. Members of humanity that work with us will be rewarded with the reins of power in the age to come. I want you to be in that order!” He could see that she had mixed feelings; he realized that he had chosen well to use a different tactic with this one. She had aspirations for greatness and power, and he would cultivate those desires.

“What will happen to those who don’t agree to become part of that new galactic order?”

“There is no choice, Elyssa. Cylon and Humanity must coexist, our misguided attempts to eradicate your race two years ago has cost us countless resources, time and energy. Offspring created by human and Cylon are the future, we have an incredible opportunity to take the next step in each race’s evolution. With the blood, so to speak, mingled…there is no longer human or Cylon, we versus them…we become one race, with unlimited potential.”

The words seemed to flow melodically, and Elyssa understood the logic in what Leoben was saying. She was further intrigued by the offer of power promised by Leoben for those humans who worked with them. She did not see it as collaborating, she saw it as inevitable. The Cylon Empire far surpassed whatever the Earth Defense Command could throw at it in sheer numbers. There were two known Cylon/Human offspring, and Leoben was right, the potential of what humanity could achieve with such a merging of races was overwhelming.
“What about us?” asked DeAlma. Leoben stopped and turned towards her, his eyes were intense; he looked at her and took her hand gently.

“Elyssa, I have put plans in motion that will ensure my leadership throughout the empire. You will rule at my side, a rather significant promotion from raptor pilot is it not?” The thought send a dark tingle through her body, Elyssa DeAlma always chafed at authority from above, and wielded it ruthlessly to those subordinate to her. Perhaps her influence would benefit humanity; she could moderate Leoben’s handling of Earth.

The two entered a door at the end of the hallway, the room was dark and the Centurion that was posted outside the door now stood with the second Centurion outside the door. Lucifer had entered silently behind them, disappearing into the darkness.

“Where are we?” she asked.

“Here to see your ECO.” Came the reply, as the lights slowly came on. The steel cage was within the tank, and DeAlma gasped as she saw that the body within it was that of Hustler. Leoben walked over to a panel and punched a few keys, the steel cage ascended out of the tank and the slimy brown water dripped off his naked battered body. Tears began to well up in DeAlma’s eyes as she saw her friend lowered to the ground. His body was covered in puncture marks, lacerations and electrical burns. He was unconscious and barely breathing.

“Hustler has an amazing resistance, after a week of non stop interrogation he has yet to yield the location of Earth.” Said Leoben coldly. “That displeases me, Elyssa.”

The “fuzziness’ in her mind she was experiencing was soon replaced by clear, unambiguous fear. Leoben had walked over to the cage containing Hustler. “He’s quite close to death, you know. No resurrection chambers aboard GALACTICA or that new Battlestar, is there?” asked Leoben now staring deep into DeAlma’s eyes.

“Please Leoben, we haven’t found Earth…let him go!” pleaded DeAlma.

“Lucifer!” called out Leoben. The ever-present Cylon appeared as if from out of nowhere at the front of the cage. With further manipulation of the keypad the door popped open and the shackles holding Hustler up snapped open, he dropped to the barbed floor instantly eliciting a painful gasp, Hustler had regained consciousness. The hulking Cylon reached in and lifted the battered body off the floor roughly, the sound of flesh tearing as he was yanked upwards. Hustler screamed out in pain, Elyssa DeAlma felt her stomach knot.

Lucifer had one taloned hand gripped around Hustler’s neck, all 180 pounds of Electronic Countermeasure Officer’s body was suspended two feet off the deck; a puddle of brackish, brown water mixed with blood began to pool beneath him. Leoben cocked his head to the side and got within inches of Hustler’s face. “Lt. Lichtenhan…one last time now, have you located the lost thirteenth tribe, and what is the location of the planet Earth that they inhabit?”

Lieutenant Ian Lichtenhan was near death and he knew it, mustering his remaining strength, he lifted his blood soaked head and looked at Leoben with his one good eye. His voice, barely a whisper. “Go Frak yourself you soulless toaster freak!” With an incredible act of defiance and strength, he spat a combination of saliva and sputum in Leoben’s face. The Cylon merely blinked and stood erect, wiping the bloody from his face.

“Unfortunate response Lieutenant…Lucifer!” Leoben took a few steps back to ensure he was not blocking Elyssa DeAlma’s view in any way. The Cylon’s free arm shot out in blinding speed, its long taloned fingers penetrating the back of the battered human just below and between the shoulder blades. Hustler’s eyes widened in horror, as he could feel the steely fingers wrap around the spinal column. In one quick motion, Lucifer had yanked the spinal column up and out, the sound of flesh tearing and bone crunching filled Elyssa DeAlma’s ears, a sight and sound she would never be able to extricate from her psyche for the remainder of her life. The assault was so brutal, and so complete that the spinal cord was severed before Hustler even realized what happened, he was dead by the time he hit the floor. Lucifer examined the section of spinal column that he had ripped out of the human; he walked over to a traumatized Elyssa DeAlma and dropped it at her feet.

Leoben had now focused his attention on the shaking raptor pilot who was unable to tear her eyes from the bloody section of jagged spinal column. Tears flowed uncontrollably from the usually imperturbable woman, as she soon became overwhelmed with a wave of utter terror. “You now see how serious I am about learning of Earth’s location, Elyssa.” Said Leoben matter-of-factly, his steel gray eyes narrowing.

Elyssa could not utter a coherent word, she was choking up at the sight of her dead friend, and finally realized the true danger she was in. Leoben placed his fingertips under her chin and gently lifted it up so she could face him. He smiled gently. “Tell me where Earth is, Elyssa…and together we will rule this Galaxy.”

Her voice barely above a whisper, she looked Leoben directly in the eyes and finally relented. “This system contains nine planetary bodies orbiting a large sun,” she began, the words raspy. “The planet we encountered you in is called Uranus and is roughly 2.87 billion kilometers from that sun. Earth is the third planet from that sun, exactly 146 million kilometers away from it.”

Leoben smiled, and looked at Simon who stood off to the side. “At long last, we have found Earth. Download the heavy raider’s deep scans of this sector into the Hybrid and prepare a hyper light jump.”

“What about me?” Asked DeAlma, finding strength in her voice as she wiped away the tears from her bloodshot eyes.

“Your usefulness is at an end Elyssa, and I thank you for your services.” He turned to Simon who was now by the exit. “Kill it!” he said devoid of any emotion. Leoben and Lucifer walked out to the hallway followed by Simon. The two humanoid Cylons turned, facing the chambers where Hustler was tortured, Simon had punched the keys on a hand-held device and a thick glass shield slowly slid down and snapped shut into the housing at the threshold of the door. Elyssa DeAlma ran for the transparent door, slamming her balled fists against it repeatedly.

“You promised me we would rule together!” screamed DeAlma, the sound of her voice never being heard in the hallway. Leoben placed his palm against the glass, Elyssa instinctively placing her palm against his. Turning towards Simon, he nodded, and Simon worked his keypad for the final time. A large cavernous door slowly opened up on the far side of the room, and DeAlma immediately became aware she was being airlocked. One last glance at Leoben and she realized that this was his way of letting her know what it was like when he was airlocked on the order of President Laura Roslin some years ago. The lifeless body of Ian Lichtenhan was sucked out of the room along with everything not firmly secured into the cold vacuum of space. DeAlma panicked and held onto the side of a wall unit, she instinctively held her breath but it was futile. She was yanked out into the icy cold embrace of certain death. As she exited the gargantuan Basestar at high velocity, the breath she held over-distended the lungs and thorax, death was painful and immediate.

FROM THE ADAMA JOURNALS:

It has been two weeks since the loss of Terra-1’s raptor team. Captain Elyssa DeAlma and Lieutenant Ian Lichtenhan have most likely been captured by the Cylons and no doubt are facing extreme interrogation techniques. Terra-1 and GALACTICA have remained on station in this sector anticipating the arrival of the Cylon fleet. Strangely, no such fleet has arrived yet.

Fresh vipers have arrived from Earth, and the fleet (funny how two Battlestars could be referred to as a fleet) has remained at a condition two alert, the men and women aboard both ships have endured the alert status remarkably well, especially the crewmembers from Earth.

I have received updates from Earth Defense Command headquarters regarding progress on the Battlestar Excalibur. There has been amazing progress at the dry docks as construction crews have worked around the clock to complete her. The Cylon threat is enormous, and this will most likely be our last stand. May the Lords of Kobol be my witness…we will not go out like lambs to the slaughter, but like lions! So say we all!

Saul Tigh’s raptor touched down in GALACTICA’s port landing bay, as the 50 ton spacecraft was lowered into the hanger he released the shoulder harness that kept him secured in the co-pilot’s seat. He nodded a ‘thanks’ to Lieutenant Peter Moreau and stepped off Raptor 4 making his way to Admiral Adama’s quarters. He missed GALACTICA, the old ship held many fond and not-so-fond memories for him. He loved his new command, and was intent to make Terra-1 a model of efficiency and military perfection. The long walk was soon at an end, he rapped twice against the door. “ENTER!” came the gruff reply.

“Good afternoon, Admiral.” Said Tigh formally, snapping out a crisp salute.

Adama stood up and walked over to shake his hand. “At ease Saul, you know you never have to stand on ceremony when in these four walls.” Said Adama, gesturing to a stuffed chair. He walked over to a cabinet and poured two small glasses of brandy imported from Earth. He handed one of the crystal glasses to his former executive officer and sat down opposite him. “What’s on your mind, Saul?” Straight to the point was William Adama’s way, something Tigh knew better than anyone, and came to appreciate that trait immensely.

The reply was short but equally direct, “It’s too quiet! Where are the Cylons?”

“As usual, you and I are operating on the same wavelength, I’ve been wondering that myself.”

“If the roles were reversed I would jump past our position and head straight for Earth.”

“You are assuming they have Earth’s exact location.” Replied Adama.

“It’s been two weeks, Admiral. If they have Hustler and Poseidon, then they will eventually have Earth’s location. No amount of counter-interrogation/torture techniques taught at the Colonial Military Academy will hold off the Cylons forever.”

“Recommendations?”

“I would suggest GALACTICA remain on station here, have Terra-1 jump back to Earth, and remain on standby just beyond the moon in the event the Cylons do jump past you.” Said Tigh.

“Thirty vipers will not hold off a Cylon Basestar for very long, providing they just send one. Even if the land-based vipers are available it will still be an uphill battle until reinforcements arrive.” Countered Adama.

“At least this way we have the corridor to Earth, and Earth itself covered, we can adjust to wherever the Cylons arrive at first.” Adama took a sip of the brandy and kicked his feet forward.

“Saul…it’s only a matter of time before the entire Cylon armada comes raining down upon us. You realize two Battlestars…even three Battlestars won’t make much of a difference in the end.” Said Adama with a tone of resignation in his voice.

The two sat in silence for a few minutes, Tigh gazed up thoughtfully. “Then it’s the law of nature…only the strong will survive. If humanity is worth saving, then we will triumph in the end.” Adama chuckled.

“Never had you figured for a philosopher Saul, but you’re right… war with the Cylons have gone on for far too long. One way or the other the line is drawn at Earth. You are hereby ordered to withdraw to Earth orbit. Stay vigilant, and keep those FTL’s warmed up in case I need you.” The two stood and shook hands, Tigh departed for his Battlestar.