Commander Adama stood behind the dais considering the melee before him. One of the many challenges of fleet life was the amalgamation of so many peoples with as many customs and beliefs. Siress Tinia had been heading a delegation that was attempting to unite these people to focus on the positive aspects of similarities instead of the glaring differences. It was imperative that they unite as humans and come to forgive and accept variances. She had been working very hard with the Empyreans and this celebration was the culmination of her efforts.

The Empyreans were an ancient race tracing their heritage back to Kobol. As such they were proud and very set in their ways. They originated on a large island isolated from the rest of their brethren on Sagittarius. For centi-yahrens they had existed in an archaic society that respected title and lineage ahead of anything else. Even within this society of sectarians were different regimes with opposing views. The Ancient Empyreans believed in the continuance of their longstanding traditions without any deviation from the True Path. The New Empyreans had a more progressive and tolerant stance. While still having an unwavering belief in the Gods and the Book, they could see the advantages of assimilating modern advances into their lives.

This was supposed to be the beginning of the end of an age-old battle between the two regimes. The noblest of each regime was there with their eldest child. Barring any unforeseen circumstances or natural disasters, if everything had gone to plan at the end of the celebration there would have been an important announcement proclaiming the sealing of Rogane, Son of Regus, to Aurelia, daughter of Albus. Unfortunately, unforeseen circumstance had arrived in the form of Lieutenant Sheba and natural disaster in the form of Lieutenant Starbuck.