CHAPTER ONE
BLUE SUN CORPORATE HQ - ONE YEAR AFTER COMMISSIONING OF BATTLESTAR GALACTICA
Balthazar Iblis banged his hammer upon the gavel resting on the conference room table.
"That concludes our business today, Gentlemen", he formally announced, "This meeting is adjourned".
With that the other persons at the table who made up the Board of Directors of Blue Sun Corporation stood and started to leave the room. As they were filing out, Iblis coughed lightly.
"Garris", he called to one of the members, "Could you stay back for a couple of minutes?"
The newest member of the Board of Directors nodded and returned to his chair. Garris Cain - the erstwhile commander of the Colonial Battlestar PEGASUS and recently retired from the Alliance Navy as a four-star Admiral – sat down and silently waited for the other board members to leave. After they did so, Iblis nodded to his aide who walked out of the conference room and closed the door behind him. Iblis then sat back down in his chair.
"So how goes it, Garris?" Iblis asked, "Settling into your new job okay?"
"It certainly is better than staying at the Presidential Mansion on Londinium, watching my wife get home late and exhausted each night", Cain replied, "but Sophia – pardon me: Madam President – liked the idea of me working again. She seemed to think that I was depressed with doing nothing".
"Were you?" Iblis asked.
"After everything that has happened in my life – both back at the colonies and here at the Alliance – retirement was a definite anticlimax", Cain answered, "I had originally wanted to open a bar on Caprica with my friend Bill Adama for my retirement years… until the Cylons wrecked those plans".
"You could have opened up a bar somewhere in Londinium, or even at New Picon", Iblis pointed out with a smile, "Though I don't think that after all that you have experienced, you'd settle for being a bartender".
Cain chuckled. Iblis had a point.
"Since I'm the President's Husband. I don't think that it would have been very politic to do so", Cain answered dryly, "but your job offer as Board Member responsible for Blue Sun's Astronautics Division was both 'politic', and something I could get my teeth into".
Iblis nodded. He remembered two years ago when Cain had waylaid him on the Battlestar AUSTRALIA. Iblis came away impressed at the strength and integrity of this man who had commanded the PEGASUS on its odyssey from the Colonies to Alliance Space. For his part, Cain had a guarded respect for Iblis who was a ruthless individual, but one who would never renege on a deal. When Iblis had offered him a position on the Board of Directors, Cain was at first weary, but his wife Sophia had mentioned to him that not only would it give her husband something to do other than mope about in retirement, but would also be seen as an endorsement by Blue Sun for her presidency, Cain acquiesced. It turned out to be - thus far - rather enjoyable for him.
"You know that Walter Hunter has been offered a battlestar command?" Iblis asked next, "Admiral Tolen made the offer to him: Instant commission to Commandant and command of the PENSACOLA".
Cain nodded. The PENSACOLA was the seventh of the Series Three Battlestars that Inter-Fleet Systems Technologies had completed. Those battlestars were based on the colonial VALKYRIE-class, though here in the ALLIANCE, they were called the RHODESIA-class.
"He wants to talk to you about the offer", Iblis said, "Personally, I'm loathe losing one of the best test pilots and systems engineers in the Astronautics Division, but I can certainly understand the attraction of a command of a major warship".
"It's a decision that he would need to make for himself", Cain commented, "True, we'd lose a valued employee, but the PENSACOLA would gain a worthwhile commander".
"Particularly with the upcoming operation DIASPORA: right?" Iblis asked rhetorically.
Cain nodded. He wasn't surprised that Iblis knew about that plan. It was supposed to be purely a military operation, but Blue Sun had its spies everywhere. Technically, he wasn't supposed to know about it himself, but Geoff Tolen – now the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations – had confided in him the details of the mission. Cain knew that the best people were going to be needed for it.
"In a way, I'm surprised that Parliament didn't pillory me – and by extension my wife – over the revelations made to them", Cain said.
"They wanted to very much", Iblis responded coldly, "but I pointed out to them that the potential threat needed to be investigated and that the information given to them – while late – was still provided".
Cain nodded. Left unsaid was that Iblis did not want any moves made against himself or the President, or the MP's who tried would feel Iblis' wrath…
Four months ago, Cain and the twelve MP's of parliament who represented the Twelve Colonies decided to inform the rest of parliament about the knowledge picked up by Cain regarding the fate of the original battlestar GALACTICA and its rag-tag fleet, plus the initial explorations made by the former freighter – now converted exploration vessel – SERENITY in tracking back to the colonies. While the battlestar program was not threatened because of their economy and effectiveness in protecting Alliance space, Parliament was nonetheless annoyed that Cain had been less than forthcoming earlier. They had suspected that Cain's wife had something to do with that, even though Cain had not spoken to her at all about it. Cain knew that in Sophia's position, deniability was an essential political tactic.
"I'm glad that you provided us with not only the GALACTICA's black box, but also the survey data from SERENITY, Garris", Iblis said with renewed warmth, "That shows integrity, and as you know, I respect that quality within you. Now that the Navy is ready to do an in-depth survey of not only the colonies, but the planet Kobol in order to find out what happened to the Cylons and the other colonial fleet survivors, what do you wish to do?"
"My duty is here at Blue Sun, Director Iblis", Cain replied formally, "my presence there is not needed for the success of DIASPORA".
"Admiral Tolen seems to think otherwise", Iblis said, "He had asked me to release you for it".
"The fact that Rear-Admiral Glen Sanders has been slated to command the operation means that there is already an effective officer in charge", Cain stated, "He has already established his flag on the new PEGASUS and will be in overall command of eight battlestars; each of them are commanded by competent personnel".
"There's another part of the operation that you might not be aware of", Iblis said next, "As well as the six battlestars assigned to surveying the colonies and the two battlestars assigned to surveying Kobol, it has been decided to add two extra battlestars for the purpose of exploring beyond the former armistice line".
Cain's eyes widened at that. Mal Reynolds had on his initial quick survey of the colonies found no indication of any life – Human or Cylon. That didn't mean that there was absolutely no trace, hence the six battlestars going there to do a more in-depth survey. But going into pre-holocaust Cylon space was another matter…
"Did Admiral Tolen say which ships were to be dispatched?" Cain asked.
"The GALACTICA and the SHI LANG", Iblis answered.
Cain nodded. The GALACTICA – commanded by Tom Sanders – was the last of the second-generation Alliance-built ATLANTIA-class battlestars and the SHI LANG – commanded by Maximillian Brinkman – was the second of the RHODESIA-class built. Brinkman was the best of the Alliance-born battlestar commanders and his move up to command the SHI LANG was a reflection of his command abilities.
"Admiral Tolen has offered to reactivate your commission and to establish your flag on the GALACTICA", Iblis said, "Needless to say, both Commandant Sanders and Commandant Brinkman liked the idea – not to mention Admiral Sanders".
"Admiral Sanders might think I'd usurp his command", Cain pointed out, "after all, he's only a two-star admiral, and I have four stars. But it's academic anyway as I'm needed here".
"I think you would be more use to Blue Sun out there, Garris", Iblis said next, "because when the time is right to re-populate the colonies, Blue Sun is the only conglomerate with the logistical ability to do it. Your report on the outcome of the mission would be invaluable to us".
Garris leaned back in his chair. This was a lot to absorb. Going back to the colonies was something he'd always swore he'd do, but the 150,000 year time jump that the old PEGASUS had made to Alliance Space had made his vow to avenge the Cylon holocaust seem irrelevant. The more so after Reynolds' report to him regarding what the twelve worlds were like now.
"I'd need to speak to my wife, and to Admiral Tolen before I can make a decision", Cain said at last, "and I'd regard it as a personal favor if you don't intervene".
"All right, Garris", Iblis said at last, "but DIASPORA is due to commence in two weeks. You don't have too much time".
"Will the PENSACOLA be part of the operation?" Cain asked next. Iblis nodded.
"Then I'd better suggest to Mr. Hunter that he accept the command offer. If we're heading back into harm's way, then he is going to be needed".
PRESIDENTIAL MANSION – PLANET LONDINIUM
"So what do you want to do?" Sophia asked at last. Cain had spoken to her at length regarding the conversation he had had with Iblis, and the offer from Geoff Tolen to go on the mission.
"Duty has always been my guide, my wife", Cain replied, "I swore to serve the Alliance, and as you're the Commander-In-Chief, that means that despite my position at Blue Sun, you're my boss. So what I think doesn't really matter; it's what you want".
"Garris", Sophia replied softly, "Forget that I'm the President. I'm your wife, and it's as your wife that I want to hear your desires".
Cain looked into Sophia's eyes. He saw that she was being completely sincere. He hugged her tightly. After a minute or so, he let her go.
"I would like to be able to go back and find out just what happened to the Cylons, and if there are any descendants of the HYPERION, or the GOLIATH", he said, "While Mal Reynolds' report is encouraging, it doesn't explain why the Cylons would leave the colonies or where they would be right now".
"You think that they are still out there?" Sophia asked.
"The Cylons are primarily non-human automatons. Unlike humanity, machinery can last for a very long time. If they still exist – albeit in a different form – we need to know", Cain replied.
"This expedition could result in their being led back here", Sophia pointed out, "and it's primarily because of that that I had serious thoughts about vetoing the expedition".
"I wouldn't blame you if you did", Cain replied, "but uncertainty regarding a threat like the Cylons is something that the Alliance should not have hanging over it. We need to know. Besides", Cain added, "given the apparent success of their plan to merge Cylon elements into humanity, if the Cylons see us and discover this to be the case, then we will have eliminated that threat".
Sophia reluctantly nodded. She had read the transcript of the Cylon spy and the medical reports that showed Cylon genetic attributes in the DNA of the descendants of Earth-That-Was. There was certainly a risk in going back to the colonies, but there was also opportunity as well…
"Geoff Tolen wants you to go, Glen Sanders wants you to go, Balthazar Iblis – may God curse his soul – wants you to go, so I need you to go, my husband", Sophia said at last, "Just be careful out there, and come back to me. Consider that last part of my appeal an order".
Cain stood and saluted his wife. He said formally, "I receive and acknowledge the orders of my Commander-In-Chief. Are there any other orders you have for me at this time?"
Sophia smiled…
BATTLESTAR PENSACOLA – COMBAT INFORMATION CENTER – ONE WEEK LATER
"As per orders, I – Commandant Walter Hunter – formally assume command of the Battlestar PENSACOLA BSC-19 as of this date. Orders signed by Admiral Philip Thomson, Chief of Naval Operations", Hunter intoned.
The officers in CIC applauded as Hunter put down his orders. Hunter then turned to his X.O.
"Vice-Commandant Sims, All standing orders are to remain in effect until further notice".
Calvin Sims saluted Hunter and formally replied, "Understood, Commandant. All personnel, return to your stations".
As the assembled officers re-manned their consoles, Hunter said, X.O., have Core Command take over CIC, and then have Comms, the CAG, and the Chief Engineer meet us both in the Officer's Club. I have to do that other part of command assumption tradition".
"Yes, Commandant", Sims replied. As he went over to the Core Command console to have the duty officer page the CAG and the CE, the Com-scan Officer – Major James Michener – walked up to Hunter.
"Congratulations, Commandant", Michener said as he offered his hand. Hunter shook it.
"Thanks, Comms", Hunter replied, "As the number three man on the PEGASUS, you're going to have an awesome amount of responsibility. Feel up to it?"
"Depends on how nasty the X.O. is to me", Michener said with a smile, "after all, the Comms has to do a lot of his dirty work".
"You got that right, Comms", Sims said as he walked up to join him and Hunter, "Both Captain McCluskey and Major Znamierowski are on their way to the club. I guess we should join them".
"I hope my bar tab is going to be enough to cover this", Hunter muttered to himself as he led Sims and Michener out of CIC…
BATTLESTAR PENSACOLA – OFFICERS CLUB
"Here's to the newest battlestar commandant of the Alliance Navy", Captain Ned McCluskey formally intoned as he raised his glass.
"Hear-Hear", the other officers intoned as they raised theirs to Hunter and ceremonially dank.
"And here's to the battlestar PENSACOLA, the Alliance Navy, and all the good things associated with them", Hunter responded as he raised his glass.
As they drank, another voice said "Hear-Hear". The others turned around to see Admiral Geoff Tolen walking into the club. Tolen waved them down as they started to stand.
"Welcome aboard, Admiral", Hunter said, "Can I offer you a drink?"
"As its tradition that you do so, I accept the offer", Tolen replied with a smile. The bartender gave Tolen a glass of beer; Tolen's favorite beverage.
"Pardon me for asking, but how did you get on board without my knowing?" Hunter asked.
"The Core Command Officer and myself had a little understanding", Tolen said with a smile, "as in understanding that he'd be busted to Ensign if he blabbed to you about my coming aboard". Everyone laughed at that comment.
After the laughter died down, Hunter asked, "So how is it in Naval Operations, Admiral? After Admiral Hendrix retired, it seemed like it was overhauled more thoroughly than a battlestar in dry-dock".
"That it was", Tolen replied, "I had just established my flag on the new PEGASUS when Admiral Thomson called me up to operations as his deputy. A kick upstairs, in other words. Glen Sanders couldn't wait to put his flag on the PEGASUS in response".
"A pretty big and rewarding kick though, Admiral", Michener commented, "as it got you two more stars instantly on your uniform".
"True", Tolen replied, "and being the Vice-Chief of Naval Operations turned out to be more rewarding than I thought. Still, it's good being back on board a battlestar".
"Which brings us to the next question", Hunter said, "To what do we owe this pleasure?"
Tolen said, "I need to hitch a ride with you to Londinium. I know that you're scheduled to go to Salisbury to pick up your strike wing's planes, but we have to pick up another person first".
"Who would that be, Admiral?" Hunter asked.
"Admiral Cain", Tolen replied. Everyone stared at Tolen.
"I'm swearing him back in on the active list", Tolen replied, "Admiral Thomson has fully endorsed his re-activation".
"Wow, not only my strike wing, but the Living Legend himself", McCluskey commented.
"I couldn't have put it better myself, Boom-Boom", Hunter said, using McCluskey's call-sign.
"'Boom-Boom'?" Tolen asked.
"Uh… yeah, Admiral" McCluskey replied, "That's a sound that a viper makes as it's being catapulted out of a launch tube with the parking brakes still engaged".
The assembled officers laughed at that, and then Hunter turned to Major Titus Znamierowski, the Chief Engineer of the PENSACOLA.
"Chief, are we all ready to depart Sihnon?" he asked. Znamierowski nodded.
"Both the sublight and FTL drives are ticking over nicely. We can leave at your discretion, Commandant".
"Not just yet, Chief", Tolen cut in, "The Commandant here still needs to buy another round…"