Earth 2010 - The Colonies of Kobol Reunited Chapters 20

CHAPTER 20

Forty light years from Earth’s solar system a phalanx of Cylon Basestars glide through space. Within the lead Basestar, a lone Leoben copy sits in a room flanked by two centurions. His face expressionless and his demeanor calm. The door slides open and four humanoid Cylons enter. A Leoben, Cavil, Doral and a redheaded 6 model. They stood before the seated Leoben.

The standing Leoben was the first to speak. “Welcome back brother.” The seated Leoben glanced up and merely nodded. The Six sat down opposite Leoben and spent a moment studying him.

“Your download was a near thing Leoben, tell us…what made you position a heavy raider equipped with a portable resurrection chamber outside of the solar system containing seven planetary bodies?”

A thin smile appeared across his face, the first sign of emotion since his resurrection. “I believe I had a…hunch.” Replied Leoben.

“You said you had a ‘hunch?’ Since when do Cylons have a hunch?” questioned the Six.

“Why am I being denied free access to the ship? Why am I being…detained?” Said Leoben as he glanced at the two centurions.

“We were hoping you could provide some answers to some disturbing questions.” Countered Doral. “What happened to the Cavils aboard your ship? What was your reasoning to attempt to assume a leadership role across your entire series?”

Leoben stood up to look Doral squarely in the eyes. “We are an Empire, Doral. We are the most powerful force in the universe, and empires are not maintained by consensus, force and singular leadership and vision maintain them.”

“Did you murder Cavil, and then box his remaining copies?” asked Six.

“No…I killed them all and sent the bodies out of the airlock. Cavil was a direct threat to my mission and authority. I could not allow his opposition to continue.” Said Leoben coldly. The lone Cavil model that remained silent throughout the entire time now spoke up.

“Are we now becoming no better than the humans, murdering our own?”

“I decided that if we were to successfully locate and eradicate the last remnants of humanity than we would have to proceed in a manner that we had not attempted prior. Singular leadership throughout the empire is needed, there are twelve models, with only five unidentified, and not all of those known seven models agree on the human problem.”

The other Leoben spoke up. “With consensus becoming increasingly difficult, we decided to assume complete control across the empire in order to speak with one voice, to strike with one fist. To carry out God’s will!”

“What happened to your ship?” pressed Cavil.

“It was destroyed by an intricately designed virus created by the traitor three that was responsible for the Colonial fleet destroying our outpost three years ago. The three model had help…from Earth.” He spoke the last word slowly to let the effect sink in.

“Earth?” said Doral surprised. “The Colonials found Earth?”

“Yes, and they have been busy rebuilding their military. The have constructed two Mercury-class Battlestars, much smaller than GALACTICA for reasons unknown to me, and have succeeded in creating at least 12 squadrons of vipers.”

“What are their intentions?” asked six.

“We captured a Raptor, and interrogated its pilot and ECO. The pilot was more cooperative than the ECO, and she revealed that Earth had openly provided sanctuary to the fugitives. In return, they were beneficiaries to Colonial technology that was far more advanced than their own. Adama now commands a combined Earth-Colonial military, and his sole purpose is to build their offensive and defensive capabilities.”

“To extract revenge, perhaps?” asked Cavil.

“Anything is possible. The colonists now breath clean air, treads real soil beneath their feet, and enjoys their pathetic lives free from the confines of cold space. There are Cylons that believe that the colonists wish to live in peace, but the threat of retribution is real, and it is my intention to eradicate that threat.”

“What about this virus?”

“It is far-reaching and lethal in its entirety. Even with all of my technological and specific preplanning for a long range downloading I barely made it. The traitor three has armed them with a means for our extermination.”

“Why would she do that?” asked Doral.

“According to the captured raptor pilot, she did so to protect the life of her child, and human lover. She most likely knew that her entire series was boxed after she aided the fugitives at the outpost.”

“She gave birth to a child?” said Six excitedly.

“She gave birth to a male child.” Replied Leoben. “The next step in our evolution will depend on these hybrid offspring; it is the will of the one true God.”

“We must take possession of the child, and its mother.” Said Cavil.

“At this point, returning to Earth may prove problematic. That virus was broadcast from the surface, and incapacitation and death is almost immediate.” Informed Leoben.

“We cannot assume that they have not devised a way to broadcast their virus from a mobile platform. We have to get to Earth covertly.” Said Doral “In the meantime, what are we to do with you, Leoben.”

“You can follow me.” Replied Leoben. Our survival and continued supremacy depends on one leader, one vision.”

“That is one opinion Leoben; it is not shared by every Cylon, though I would be lying if I stated I find no logic in your conclusion. This topic will be debated at length at a future point. Count on that!”

Back on board the GALACTICA, Major Nintius-Bastain had just finished stowing her flight suit and was heading for her quarters when she ran into Kara Thrace. “Hey Starbuck, how are you?”

‘No complaints Betty, I’m off duty and on my way to grab some chow with my man.”

“How is Hannibal?”

“Slow and steady.” Replied Starbuck with a devilish wink. “Things going quite well between us, and I’m amazed at how well he’s adapting to life aboard a Battlestar.”

“Don’t forget it’s all new to them, what were the chances of him and all the rest making it into outer space prior to our arrival. What we take for granted is a dream come true for most of them.” Said Nina. “You two make a great couple Kara, I’m happy for you both.”

“As do you and Falcon, I have to admit you never struck me as the marrying type, but the two of you make it look quite easy.”

“Yeah, it’s great. Falcon couldn’t ask for a more perfect wife.” Laughed Nina.

“You hear about the newbies that are supposed to be coming in today?” asked Starbuck.

“No. Who are they?”

“Some non-coms and two viper jocks.”

“Viper jocks, eh? Most likely replacing the two from Silver Spar squadron that the old man transferred back to Earth. What a nightmare those two turned out to be, Hotdog had his hands full with them. Said Nintius.

“Fraking clowns had no business being assigned to a viper, much less a Battlestar. The knuckle-draggers couldn’t keep up with the repairs to the deck that needed to be done every time they landed.”

“When are they due?”

“Sometime before 1800 hours.” Replied Starbuck.

“Well I’m sure I’ll get around to meeting them, I’m going to grab some chow with Falcon. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Good night Nina!”

In the pilot’s ready room, Captain Brandon Costanza was going over the personnel jacket of his two new pilots. With him was Silver Spar’s assistant squadron leader Steve Parsec, call sign Photon.

“What do you think Steve?” asked Hotdog.

“I think there is some promise here, both are aviators with one having an extensive military background and both with spotless records. A little different than the two jokers the Admiral sent packing.”

“Gods I hope so. I’m getting too old to nursemaid these rookies. I’m surprised Hephaestus graduated those guys, it seemed that the longer they were here the worse they got.”

“Space affects different people in different ways, those two were probably good atmospheric pilots, and it’s impossible to gauge how space flight will affect a person over time.” Hotdog contemplated his ASL’s comment; Steve Parsec was probably the best pilot in the Spars, and one of the best aboard the GALACTICA. His observations held weight.

“True, well the two newbies are due within the hour; I’d like you to be on hand when they land.”

“Consider it done skipper.” Costanza closed the personnel jackets and placed them in a leather carrier embossed with Silver Spar’s insignia. He departed the room and went to his quarters.

1800 hours
“GALACTICA this is viper 624, requesting permission to land.”

“Viper 624, GALACTICA…you are cleared to land in the starboard landing bay, call the ball.”

“Viper 624 has he ball, starboard bay.” The viper was a brand new Mark VII, and it touched down flawlessly on the starboard-landing bay. Once the magnetic locks engaged on the elevator, the viper was lowered into the hanger below. Viper 667 followed suit behind it.

With the engines shut down and helmet removed, Lieutenant Anastashia Liathain, call sign Orion climbed out of the cockpit and onto the deck. She took a long look around the cavernous hanger bay, a look of satisfaction spread across her face. Standing at 5'3" and 120 pounds, she had been an aviator in the United States Navy, flying the P-3 Orion; a land-based, long-range anti-submarine warfare (ASW) patrol aircraft. With the end of Earth hostilities, most military pilots across the world were encouraged to enter the viper-training academy in the new Earth Defense Command. Anastashia Liathain graduated second in her class and was given high praise from the lead academy flight instructor, Captain Matthew Lensherr. She would be assigned to the air wing he once commanded. Her dark red hair was pulled back tightly in a long ponytail, a style she was accustomed to but she was surprised at the less-restrictive hair lengths that Admiral Adama allowed in the fleet he now commanded.

A crew chief made her way over to Orion and welcomed her aboard. She watched closely as her Mk VII viper christened Red Lancer was immediately refueled and inspected by the deck gang. After a being given a brief set of directions to the CAG’s quarters, Orion walked off the hanger deck. Her flight bag was taken aside and would be delivered to her new quarters at the first opportunity. Within a 15-minute walk, Orion stood outside the quarters of the GALACTICA’s CAG. She rapped twice on the metallic door.

“Enter!” came the voice from within. Walking through the door, she entered a medium-sized room that was Spartan and brightly lit. A dry erase board hung on the bulkhead behind a desk with the names of pilots. The board was split into three sections titled Blue squadron, Silver Spar and Raptors. She caught a glimpse of her name at the bottom of the Silver Spar list.

“Lieutenant Anastashia Liathain reporting for duty.” Said Orion from the position of attention. She held a crisp salute, which was immediately returned from Starbuck who was standing to the side of the status board, a file with Liathain’s name on it in his free hand. Sitting on a small sofa to the side was Captain Brandon Costanza, call sign Hotdog, Silver Spar’s squadron Leader.

“Welcome aboard the GALACTICA Lieutenant, please…stand at ease.” Replied Starbuck sitting down in her high-backed chair. She stood staring at the female officer before her as if sizing her up. Not very tall she thought to herself, but very attractive and obviously in good shape. This was something she was very impressed with regarding members of Earth military, especially the officers she came to know from the United States and the United Kingdom. The physical fitness requirements were extreme.

Many of the British SAS and US Rangers and US Marines made up the ranks of the former Colonial Marine units. By strict Colonial requirements, most Colonial Marines stood over six feet tall, the average CM standing at 6’4 and 250 pounds of pure muscle. They were affectionately referred to as ‘Gorillas.’ The introduction of a more diverse group of US Marines and other Earth Special Forces units rounded off the newly reformed Marine unit nicely. While some of the soldiers of these various units complained about being referred to as Marines, they eventually relented and strove to create a unique and professional reputation for their newly formed service branch. Only the best of Earth aviators were invited to attend the initial viper-training classes at first. Teaching atmospheric pilots how to fly a star fighter was a tremendous challenge, and only the best would be taught at first. For the past year, Orion was assigned to an Earth-based fighter squadron, and she had recently requested a Battlestar assignment.

“Lieutenant, you’ve come highly recommended by Matthew Lensherr and your former commanding officers from the Navy, reading through your service records and training jacket I have to say I am impressed.” She pauses for effect and stares hard at her. “And THAT does not happen often!” She stood at parade rest with eyes straight ahead. “After consultation with Captain Costanza it has been decided to assign you to Silver Spar squadron.” She glanced to her left, “Hotdog?” Captain Brandon Costanza slowly stood up and walked over to Orion.

“Welcome to Silver Spar squadron, Lieutenant!” Said Costanza extending his hand. She averted her gaze to meet Hotdog’s and took his hand firmly.

“Thank you sir, it’s an honor to be aboard!” replied Liathain.
“You flew reconnaissance aircraft I understand, do you know Branwen from Terra-1?” He was referring to Lt. Anghard Beynon, whose call sign was Branwen. The Welsh beauty was a former Nimrod 2000 pilot assigned to 206 Squadron, RAF Kinloss.

“We traveled infrequently in the same military/professional circles prior to your arrival on Earth sir. She had a respectable reputation in recon circles if I recall correctly.”

“So I hear, though I’m hoping you’re a little less hot-headed as she is.”

“I can assure you that I will make no waves aboard GALACTICA, sir!”

“Well unless the CAG has nothing further, you are dismissed and can start unpacking your belongings. You will be sharing a cabin with Lt. St. Lynn, our assigned Raptor pilot. Her call sign is Kraken.” Glancing at Starbuck who shook her head, Hotdog dismissed his new pilot. Orion came to attention, saluted and turned on her heel and exited the cabin. Once the door sealed shut Hotdog glanced over to Starbuck.

“She has a great ass!” quipped Hotdog. Starbuck chuckled and shook her head wearily.

“I didn’t notice!” she deadpanned. “On a professional level I think she’ll do fine, Hephaestus really talks her up.”

“Hephaestus is usually blinded by feminine beauty!’ retorted Hotdog.

“But his eye for a good pilot is flawless, and you fraking know it.” Said Starbuck walking over to a sideboard. She poured two small snifters of brandy, handing one to Hotdog who downed it in one shot

“Alright Hotdog, I’ve got things to do…get out of here! Hotdog finished his drink and exited the cabin. He headed down to the hanger to ‘check on things.’ A habit he acquired from Nightstalker when he was still aboard. He missed his friend, and wished they were still assigned to the same squadron. Captain Mark Sarnex was now commanding his own air-wing aboard Terra-1, Werewolf squadron had gained a strong reputation in combat against the Cylons, and he could not think of a better man to lead them.

Back on Earth, former US President Colin McGregor was now the President for the entire planet. His ascension was almost assured when the Colonial fleet arrived and worked through him exclusively in their transition period. Many world leaders who had already viewed The United States and his presidential predecessor unfavorably initially resented this. Colin McGregor was well liked and respected across the political divide, and he was very different from his predecessor who launched a questionable war on a Middle East country years before. He had worked tirelessly with former Colonial President Laura Roslin to make the transition to Earth as smooth as possible for the remnants of the twelve colonies. Over their short span of working together, the two presidents had become close, with rumors of romance flowing just beneath the surface. The two met for a private dinner twice a week at the White House, which was now the seat of Earth leadership. They were just finishing a meal of roasted quail. A white-clad steward refilled Roslin’s glass of dry white whine.

“You look beautiful tonight, Laura. These dinners with you make me very happy.” Said McGregor.

“Thank you Colin, have you always known the right things to say to a woman?” she replied smiling.

“I always thought I was a bit shy around women, but being around you makes me feel so at ease, so happy and contented and I instantly miss you when you leave.” The two pushed back from the table and sat on a sofa before the huge fireplace, several large logs burned brightly in the old fireplace.

“I’m happy to be here with you, I have to admit that the last few years had not left me with much time to pursue personal pleasures, but you make me happy as well.” Replied Roslin, her green eyes sparkling in the light cast from the fireplace. McGregor took her wine glass and gently placed it on the antique coffee table before them. Turning back to Laura he took her hand, squeezing gently he leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips. She did not pull away.