Chapter Fourteen: Everything to Lose

Olympica:

President's Office:

President Michael Fowler was reading a briefing that involved the overall strength of the Colonial Marines. General Otus Maxwell had included several ideas for how best to deploy the Marines stationed on the Colonial Fleet vessels and on the space station Amasen. Fowler knew when he took the job that there would be many details requiring his attention, but he still found himself amazed at how many items of business ended up on his desk for his review and signature.

One of the Marines guarding the entrance to his quarters opened the door and in stepped the two people he had sent for earlier. Brooke Bowman and Mitchell Cain both walked in casually enough, but Fowler sensed that there was a certain level of unease with them. It was likely because neither one of them knew why they had been summoned; Fowler hadn't given a reason for the urgency of this meeting. Truth was, he respected both Bowman and Cain. Brooke Bowman had a successful career as a teacher and had taken an active role in the Teacher's Union at her school. Mitchell Cain had lived a life as a spy and assassin with the Ministry of Intelligence, and had proven himself to be a dependable asset.

"Mister President, to what do I owe the honor?" Bowman asked.

"I was going to ask the same thing; Lieutenant Jennings didn't have a lot to say when she came for me," Cain said.

Fowler stood up and spread his hands on the desk as though he were gathering his thoughts. "There is an important reason why the two of you are here. With the recent damage done to the Quorum and my elevation in office there are several voids in the government. With that said, I am nominating both of you to run for the office of Vice President."

There was a stunned silence as the two guests took in the President's words and processed what they had just been told. Fowler looked at them, waiting for one of them to be the first to speak. Both Cain and Bowmen looked at each other and seemed to share a loss of words.

"You're wondering why, I'm sure," Fowler said to break the ice.

Cain nodded. "Yes, Mr. President, I can understand why you'd consider Mrs. Bowman for the position but I'm not sure why I'm included. I have enough to do trying to reconstitute the Ministry of Intelligence."

"You know what got me involved in politics to begin with?" Fowler asked and he saw both Cain and Bowman shake their heads.

He smiled at them. "I remember my Colonial Government professor from university. Doctor Sherry Smith was her name, and one of the points that she taught us was that politicians had a duty to serve the people and not themselves. From that point on, when I did make my way into the political arena it was a lesson I tried to live by."

"It's a touching story, Mr. President, but I serve the people in my own way. I serve the people better by doing what I did in my past life as an intelligence officer," Cain said.

"Are you telling me that you won't run for office?" Fowler asked.

Cain nodded. "Mr. President, I will not run if nominated and will not serve if elected."

Fowler wanted to say something but Cain promptly left the room.

"Well, that could have gone better," Fowler said

"To be honest with you, I don't think it could have gone worse," Bowman said.

Fowler shook his head, "Maybe there's a way I can change his mind. There's got to be some way to reason with the man."

"I believe Mr. Cain made his position clear," Bowman said.

"I don't like it; there aren't many people who I feel are qualified for the position. If I include the other two surviving Quorum members it's going to make the process of filling the position even more complicated," Fowler said.

"If that's what needs to be done then let's do it. The last thing you want is for people to question the legitimacy of your Vice President," Bowman said.

Fowler shook his head. "To me this is a time-sensitive matter. What if someone tries to assassinate me. I need someone who can immediately step in to become the new president."

"Hand-selecting your successor would put you on a slippery slope. One minute you're selecting the Vice President without an election and the next you're telling the press what they can or cannot report."

"That's what I was hoping to avoid with a runoff between you and Cain," Fowler countered.

"It's your call, Mr. President. What you decide to do next is up to you," Bowman said.

"I'd give him time to change his mind but something tells me he won't be doing that," Fowler said.

Bowman conceded his point and shook her head. "No sir, I don't see him changing his mind."

Fowler smiled at her and held out his hand for her to shake. "In that case, Madame Vice President, welcome to the second highest office in the fleet."

Canceron:

Osian Island:

Lieutenant Raquel 'Gold' Maddox gripped the controls tightly. A line of sweat was starting to form on her brow but she was only vaguely aware of it. She had set the Raptor on the route to the Northern Territories when alarms started ringing out from the console. Being over the azure waters of the Trellech Sea did not help the matter. She heard voices behind her but she mentally blocked them out. If Major Arthur Wallace was not happy with being ignored then he would have to live with being ignored until they were out of danger.

As the Raptor began to descend toward the water, she saw two islands on the horizon. At first glance they appeared to be the same distance but the question was which one would provide them with better cover while she attempted to figure out exactly what was going on with their Raptor. One of the islands looked as if it had been set on fire and the vegetation had not yet grown to the point where the Raptor could be easily hidden. The other island looked as though it had been untouched by humanity and appeared to have the necessary vegetation to conceal them from prying eyes.

She quickly diverted as much power as she could to the thrusters and by some miracle she managed to ease the Raptor into a part of the shoreline where the craft could fit under the foliage of the trees. As she removed her helmet she let out a deep breath and ran a gloved hand through her blonde hair as she pondered what had just happened.

"Well, that was unexpected," Wallace said with a slight laugh that sounded as though he were trying to make light of what had just happened.

"I think we just had a catastrophic system failure. It's a miracle we made it here alive," Major Mark 'Archangel' Hunter said as he unfastened his harness and walked to the cockpit to check on Maddox.

"If you believe in that kind of nonsense, then sure, something like that says a lot about a person," Wallace said and was disappointed to not see a rise of anger out of Archangel.

"Here I was thinking you Ministry of Intelligence types were taught to be respectful of all beliefs," Archangel shot back.

"Only if those beliefs are worthy of being respected," Wallace retorted and he took a small amount of satisfaction at irking the man.

"I can't get the ventilation systems back online; so unless you want to be stuck in a sweltering cockpit I recommend everyone get out," Maddox said from her seat as she continued to toggle the various switches to see what systems she could possibly bring back online.

"Good idea," Archangel said as he walked over and pulled the emergency hatch release lever to allow the group to exit.

With that done Archangel hopped onto the ground and then helped Cinta Melati and Lacey Tolan as they left the Raptor. When Arthur Wallace came out of the hatch Archangel stepped back and waited as the Ministry of Intelligence officer began to make his way to the edge of the Raptor. At the last moment Archangel reached up and gave Wallace a hard push off when neither of the women was looking. He looked on as Wallace hit the ground with a hard thud.

"Watch your step, Major; accidents happen all the time," he said to Wallace.

Wallace picked himself up. "Indeed they can, Archangel, and accidents can happen to anyone."

The two men looked at one another and their eyes locked. There was little doubt that this was only the beginning until they finally settled accounts with each other.

"Ensign Tolan and I are going to scout around and see if there are any Cylons we need to hide from," Melati said as she and Lacey began to head away from the Raptor.

"Don't go too far; no telling what we'll find on this island," Wallace said.

"Stranded on Canceron; at least we don't have to worry about the Basileus giving us trouble," Archangel said.

"The last time I was on this planet that was a different story. Damned thugs nearly ended my life," Wallace said.

'A damned shame they weren't better shots,' Archangel thought before saying, "They certainly didn't play around when people were on their home turf."

"I think I remember a mission where the MoI coordinated an attack on an island where the Basileus was running a smuggling operation. They worked on it with the Colonial Fleet and a Viper pilot launched four specialized missiles that turned the entire island into a massive inferno. Can you imagine the kind of pilot who could go through with that kind of mission?" Wallace asked and he waited to see what Archangel's reaction would be.

Archangel shrugged, "The kind of pilot who would follow orders and have no problem with taking out a group of criminals."

"Right; a bunch of criminals," Wallace said before looking like he was off in deep thought. "I also remember that some of those people had their families there with them on that island as well. Think of the spouses and children for a moment…not to mention any civilians who were living on that island but had nothing to do with the Basileus. I mean to just willingly murder all of those people is just cold hearted."

Archangel's hand twitched as though it wanted to ball into a fist without any command being sent from his brain. He knew Wallace was trying to bait him into a fight, though he had no idea why and he had no intention of finding out. There would come a time when he would settle things with Major Wallace, but this was neither the time nor the place.

Wallace watched as Archangel turned his back to him and he had to admit that he wasn't impressed with the Viper pilot's ability to not take the bait and start a confrontation. The amount of self-control the man had wasn't impressive, given the amount of training Archangel had received.

'Well, looks like I have to take matters into my own hands,' Wallace thought as he launched himself at Archangel and slammed the man hard against the Raptor. He felt a bit of satisfaction at hearing a pained gasp of air escape from Archangel.

Archangel grabbed at his ribcage where he had impacted hard against the Raptor, the spot where he had been injured during Dante Solis' attempted coup against the government on the Olympica. He tried to get his bearings on the situation when Wallace slammed a fist into his jaw that staggered him. Another punch to his ribcage sent a searing pain that seemed to radiate across his chest.

The two men grappled and eventually rolled onto the beach where Archangel delivered a blow to Wallace's jaw that sent him flying into the water. As Wallace clambered back onto the beach, Archangel moved in for the kill. When Archangel grabbed him by his shirt to pick him up, Wallace threw dirt into the man's eyes. As Archangel stumbled, Wallace launched himself and hit him with a flying tackle that sent both men crashing toward the Raptor.

Wallace heard noises from the woods and he figured that it had to be Cinta Melati and Lacey Tolan returning to see what was going on. He turned his head a half inch and Archangel took advantage of the situation to use his martial arts skills to land a perfectly placed kick into the sternum followed by some well-placed punches to the ribs and jaw. Before Wallace knew what had happened Archangel had taken his arm and flipped him over his shoulder and toward the emerging figures of Melati and Tolan. However this was just perfect timing on Melati's and Tolan's parts. He had a plan in place for later on the mission to accomplish what had just happened, but in truth he could not have planned it better.

Archangel watched as Wallace collided with Tolan and sent her crashing into a nearby tree. Her head hit the trunk and she immediately fell limp.

"What the frak is going on here?" Maddox said as she jumped out of the Raptor and ran over to where Tolan lay.

"That bastard attacked me!" Wallace exclaimed as he finally got his balance back to the point where he could stand up.

"Don't play the victim; you threw the first punch!" Archangel shot back.

"Frak that, you're the one who attacked me," Wallace demanded. "Just what kind of psychopath are you?"

"You idiot, you really think you're worth me losing my self-control. If I wanted you dead then you would damn well be dead by now," Archangel countered.

"It doesn't make sense for Arthur to just up and attack," Melati said.

"Just because it doesn't make sense doesn't mean it's not possible," Archangel said.

"That's the card you're playing; you really don't have a full deck," Wallace said, "Hazel Eyes, you know me. I just wouldn't randomly attack someone without justification. Archangel had been waiting for his moment to strike since before we left the station. Tank and Heavy even had to separate us."

"He is lying!" Archangel shouted as the adrenaline of the fight and his anger at Wallace was causing him to lose his calm again.

Archangel prided himself on his ability to keep his emotional control as sharp as if it were a bladed weapon. Few people had ever been able to get under his skin the way Wallace had. There was just something about the man that made his skin crawl. All he could think about were ways to teach the man a new meaning of the word 'pain'.

Melati looked back and forth between the two men and given how calm and cool with Wallace appeared to be versus the frustrated, slightly emotionally, and upset Archangel, she made up her mind and said, "I believe Arthur."

"Because you're frakking him!" Archangel said accusingly. He had remembered the reports on Cinta Melati and he decided to play the card he knew he had. "You don't have a lot of room to talk seeing as how you're a former pirate and member of the Erebea."

Maddox took her attention away from Lacey and looked at Archangel. "What does that have to do with anything?"

Archangel pointed toward Melati and Wallace. "Those two are in bed together and probably have been for gods know how long!"

"Come now, Archangel, keep talking like that and people might think you're jealous," Wallace teased. He knew he probably should not have said anything but he just could not help himself.

"Jealous of a pirate whore who's willing to separate her legs for anyone," Archangel said in disgust. The fact that neither Wallace nor Melati denied his accusation only fueled the contempt he had for the two of them. Without even thinking of what he was about to say he simply stated, "I should had killed every last member of the Erebea when I had the chance…"

Archangel's eyes went supernova-wide as he realized he just let it slip that he was on a covert mission to eliminate members of the Erebea. He saw the impact of the statement on Melati as her she became angrier than he thought a person could be. She went to launch herself at him but it was Maddox who quickly pulled her down to the ground by the waist.

Cinta Melati had not realized that the pilot known as Archangel was the Angel of Death responsible for the death of numerous top ranking members of Erebea. What her mind had not processed was the irony of the fact that it is the Angel of Death that resulted in her taking control of the Erebea.

"Enough!" Wallace yelled. When the group had quieted down he turned his attention to Maddox. "Lieutenant Maddox, how is Lacey?"

"Get me a medkit," Maddox called out as she started to examine Tolan.

"I'm on it," Melati said as she ran to the Raptor. She did not register that she was a Colonel being ordered around by a Lieutenant but in the current circumstances she was willing to let it slide. As she made her way to the Raptor she began to wonder just what in the worlds Arthur Wallace was up to and why would he bring the Angel of Death on a mission?'

"You really need to learn to control that temper," Wallace said as he chided Archangel.

"I need to control my temper?" Archangel asked with an understated incredulity, "You're the one who attacked me first!"

"Shut up, both of you," Maddox shouted at both of them, "Right now we're down a pilot."

"How do you know she won't be able to fly?" Wallace asked.

Maddox remembered some of what her brother had taught her when she was in high school; it was one of the perks of having a sibling who was a paramedic. If she could make a guess it would be that Tolan probably had a concussion.

Minutes later Tolan had been picked up and placed on the floor of the Raptor. Outside Maddox, Wallace, Archangel, and Melati were discussing what to do.

"Here's what we're going to do. Lieutenant Maddox can take Lacey's spot as the other Viper pilot. Colonel Melati can pilot the Raptor," Wallace said as he tried to make it appear as if he were trying to reassert his authority over the group.

"That shouldn't be a problem; it's been a while since I last flew a Viper but I'll be able to handle it," she said.

"You'll do fine Lieutenant; I'll be there was your wingman," Archangel reassured her, having calming down since realizing how badly Lacey had been hurt. He kicked himself over that happening, but he vowed that it would not happen again.

"Were you able to figure out what happened with the Raptor?" Wallace asked her.

Maddox nodded. "There was a connection between the main processor and the tyllium fuel regulation system that went bad. I was able to solder a new connection and it should work fine."

Melati and Archangel went back to their seats inside the Raptor leaving Maddox and Wallace still outside.

"Major, what really happened out there?" Maddox asked.

Wallace's face did not show it but he was impressed by the pilot's willingness to address the situation that happened between him and Archangel.

"The tension between Archangel and I boiled over, it was inevitable between the two of us. I regret what happened to Lacey, I never intended for her to get hurt like this," Wallace said, being honest about never intending for Lacey to get hurt. Besides, he had other plans for Lacey.

"With all due respect, sir, next time you two should just pull your junk out and see who has the bigger one. Fewer people will get hurt that way," she said she climbed back into the Raptor and began to activate the systems to take off.

Wallace laughed and shook his head. "I like you. Lieutenant; you are destined for command one day but if I had done that Archangel would had killed me when he realized mine is bigger…it is not even close."

Archangel rolled his eyes and planned for what he would end up doing to Wallace once the mission was over. Wallace was having a laugh right now but when the time was right Archangel would make sure that he settled the score with the man.

Maddox rolled her eyes as she went through the pre-flight routine to fire up the Raptor's engines. In the brief time that she had been onboard the Hunley before the mission she had heard rumors of Wallace being a womanizer beyond compare. She wondered if there were any truth to what she had been told, but those were thoughts she banished from her mind. There was a mission that needed to be finished. She just hoped that when they reached their destination there would not be any further 'hiccups' to contend with.

Moments later the Raptor lifted off and was on its way toward the Northern Territories where the secret Ministry of Intelligence base awaited them.

Orbit of Amasen Station:

Warstar Svalin:

Admiral's Conference Room:

The newly promoted Vice Admiral Antonio Ramos sat at the table that took up the middle of the room and he shared a look of mutual agreement with Rear Admiral Lewis Ware. The third flag officer would be joining them soon although neither of them thought he really should be there.

"From a Colonel to a Rear Admiral," Ware said with a shake of his head in disbelief.

"It's amazing what a last name like Stryker can make possible," Ramos said, "He's at least providing us with the Viper support we need against the Cylons."

"My father was a Viper pilot during the war. He was always one of the biggest proponents of keeping the battlestars and their squadrons as a top priority when he was on the budget committee," Ware said.

"I've never understood why you went into gunnery instead of aviation. It seemed that with a father as famous as yours you'd have been guaranteed any posting you wanted," Ramos said.

Ware gave him a knowing smile. "It kept me from getting promoted based on my last name alone, something Alan Stryker should have kept in mind. I wanted to forge my own career in the fleet and this seemed the best way to do it. I think there's something to it because my daughter became a Viper pilot."

"I thought I read that she was on the Stryker when the Cylons attacked," Ramos said.

"Yeah, but now she's on the Maytoria as a Viper instructor. She may be going into this battle with us…not that it's a pleasant thought," Ware said.

Ramos was going to say something when the door opened and in stepped Rear Admiral Alan Stryker. The man who would be overseeing the battlestars looked as though his uniform had just come out of the factory. He gave both men an apologetic look.

"Sorry for being late, but the tailor on the Olympica took longer than expected to get this uniform ready," he explained.

"I understand, at least you're here now," Ramos said before asking, "Have you spoken to the commanders of the Maytoria and the Xanthus?"

Stryker shook his head. "No, but those battlestars won't be the ones coming with us."

Ramos raised an eyebrow. "Care to explain?"

"While I was on the Olympica I spoke to President Fowler and convinced him to lend us both the Victorious and the Ark Royal for the mission," Stryker said.

"I thought the Ark Royal was on patrol duty while the Victorious was undergoing repairs?" Ware said before Ramos had a chance to ask the same question.

"The repairs are finished on the Victorious and she's as ready for battle as she's going to be. Adding the Ark Royal to the force gives us more Vipers than we'd have had if we had taken in the Maytoria and the Xanthus," Stryker explained.

Ramos was not entirely convinced and asked, "What about defending this station and the civilian fleet?"

"President Fowler is going to issue an order to rush the work on the Libran and Gemenon to finish whatever work is being done on them. The Stryker and Helios can pick up the slack," Stryker said.

"I can see your logic but it doesn't mean I'm entirely thrilled with the idea," Ramos said.

"I was told that you weren't going to like it, but the president said that you would have to learn to fall in love with the idea quickly," Stryker responded.

"Coming from a politician, that's not surprising," Ramos grumbled before saying, "When we get to Aquaria the plan is for the Victorious and the Ark Royal to stay on the edge of the battle and launch Vipers. The Svalin, Guardian, and Defender will each lead a column of cruisers to assault the baseships; there is some flexibility in our plan. The idea is for the Raptors to get us surveillance footage of the Cylon forces so that I can amend our strategy if needed."

"I'm planning to use the Victorious as my flagship," Stryker added.

"I decided that the Macon will be my flagship," Ware said.

Ramos nodded. "I'm staying here on the Svalin. Now that is settled, let's prepare to leave in half an hour. Dismissed!"

Ware and Stryker left the wardroom to head to the Raptors that would take them to their respective ships.

For Antonio Ramos, something about it did not sit well with him. He had no problem with running a diversionary assault on Aquaria; it was nice to get in some offense against the Cylons but a few things bothered him. One was the decision to allow the Victorious and the Ark Royal to be used as part of this force. They were two frontline battlestars that were among the most powerful that the fleet possessed outside of the Colossus, and the only gods knew where that ship was.

The other was perhaps a bit more sentimental. He thought of the Victorious as Admiral Tolan's ship, and having Admiral Stryker take it over seemed a bit out of place to him.

There was no time for him to dwell on these things for too long, he had a mission and he was going to make the most of it. There was an old copy of the Sacred Scrolls on a bookshelf across from the conference table. He picked it up and opened it up to the page at the front where his father had written a note to his only son to tell him that should he ever find himself lost in the darkness that the Sacred Scrolls would light him a path.

His father had hoped that his son would go into the priesthood as he had. Ramos however felt the calling of the Colonial Fleet. The ironic part was that his two children had told him that they wanted to serve the gods when they finished school. If his father had been alive then he would have certainly appreciated the situation.

He read a few passages before putting the book back into its place on the shelf. He was not sure if the gods were going to watch over them or sit this one out, but that was a matter he could not concern himself with. Since the Cylons had obliterated everything he knew and loved, his attitude was one that if the gods were going to help then he would welcome it and if they were just going to sit by then they had better stay out of his way and let him do his job.

Olympica:

Argonne Plaza, Forsyth Restaurant:

The two women sat on the balcony that overlooked the Olympica's main plaza. With the cobblestone- lined street and fake sky overhead it seemed as though the two were sitting in Caprica City's Historic District. Brooke Bowman and Emily Tolan sat at their table for two with a bottle of wine that had already been opened.

"This came from a vineyard on Scorpia; now I'm curious as to how it tastes," Emily said as she swirled the red liquid in the glass before raising it to her lips to take a drink.

"And what's the verdict?" Bowman asked.

"I've had better from Caprica, but I think it's just my bias showing," Emily said with a laugh.

"You're allowed those," Bowman said before exhaling a deep breath, "Vice President Brooke Bowman, something I never thought I would hear. I think Artimus would be as much in shock as I was when the job was offered to me."

"Now you'll go from being a member of the Quorum to being the person with the deciding vote," Emily commented after taking another sip of wine.

"You really think that's going to happen?" she asked.

Emily shrugged her shoulders. "Right now the Quorum is reduced to two people so you are in an interesting position. I just wouldn't go overthinking it if I were you. If you dwell on it too much it'll drive you mad."

"Something you would know from experience," Bowman said.

"Yeah, I've had a lot of time to reflect on things since I woke up from that coma. Now I'm feeling more like myself and my husband is missing in action. Truth is, I think finding ways to keep myself busy helps me to hold onto my sanity. If all I did was sit around thinking of Scott I'd be overwhelmed."

Bowman nodded. "I realized a while back that if all I did was wonder what was happening with Artimus and the Hermes I wouldn't be an asset to many people."

Emily pointed at her with the hand that held the glass of wine. "Exactly, and that is something I've come to realize. We have our friends and family at least."

"You have family, I think I only have you as far as I can tell," Bowman said.

"You know the kids think of you as their aunt as much as Lacey does, and Andrea has a high opinion of you too. You're as much family to us as our own blood relations. If you ask me that's a thing of beauty," she said.

Bowman nodded in agreement and clinked her glass with Emily's, "Indeed it is Em; indeed it is!"

"Speaking of Andrea, she's staying on the Solace for now. At least when the baby does come she'll be right there where she can be taken care of," Emily said.

"I have to ask, are you sure you'd rather be on the Olympica instead of the Solace?" Bowman asked.

Emily thought it over before responding, "I know it may sound strange but staying on the Solace would be like admitting defeat. I was comfortable here on the Olympica, and I'm not going to allow fear to keep me away from here."

"Now I just have to figure out if that stubborn streak is because you're a Graystone or because you became a Tolan and it was part of the wedding package you acquired," Bowman teased.

Emily gave her a sly smile. "I'll never tell."

"Right, and I'll never tell you if I'm calm and peaceful or a bundle of nerves over this press conference that's going to take place soon."

"Just think of all those interviews you gave during the strike back on Caprica. Just give them that same kind of determined look and the tough questions will just melt away," Emily said.

"I did not have that kind of look," Bowman protested.

"Artimus saw that on TV and said it was the same look he'd gotten when he was on your bad side," Emily said and mentally chuckled as she remembered that day.

"I'm sure Scott got that look just like that a few times from you if I'm not mistaken," she replied with a knowing look.

"Yes he did, and believe me when I say that he earned every one of them!" Emily exclaimed and the two women shared a laugh.

"I'm still trying to wrap my head around this. I remember some of the past vice presidents were bored to tears with the job," Bowman said.

Emily clinked her glass against her friend's. "In that case, Brooke, be glad we live in interesting times. I don't think you're going to have to try really hard to be bored."

"I'll drink to that," she said.

Olympica, Icefish Grille:

"Sweetie, you can have all of your drinks on the house," Lucie Marais said as she passed a shot of Aerilon whiskey across the bar to him.

"That's not why I'm here, besides I'd feel wrong taking free stuff like that," Cain said.

Marais smiled at him. "You saved my life not too long ago; I know for me it probably would have been it if you and your friends hadn't been here."

"I was just doing my job there, you honestly don't owe me anything," Cain retorted but he saw by the look on her face that there was no point in arguing.

"Care to buy a girl a drink?" a familiar voice said from the seat to Cain's right.

He turned and saw Helen Octavia, and this time she looked like she was dressed to go to some sort of office job instead of a night on the town.

"I think Lucie can get you something to drink," Cain said with a smile.

"What'll it be?" Marais asked.

"I'll have a One Night Stand, Caprican," Octavia said as she ordered what was perhaps her favorite mixed drink.

"All dressed up and I think you have somewhere to go," Cain said.

Octavia smiled. "There's a huge press conference coming up in about half an hour, give or take. Looks like we're going to get to question the new Vice President."

"I think she's going to do a great job," Cain said before taking a sip of his drink.

"Anything you can tell me about her?" she asked.

"A few things, but I know she and I were two finalists for the job," Cain said.

"You could have been Vice President?" she asked.

Cain nodded. "Fowler wanted a run off between the two of us but I told him that I had no intention of running for the office."

Octavia fixed him with an inquisitive look. "You had a chance to move into the second highest office and you turned it down. Why?"

"Helen, I'm a spy and it's what I've known most of my adult life. I have a chance to rebuild the Ministry of Intelligence and use it for a force of good like it was supposed to be."

"But if something happens to President Fowler you'll be able to use that office for even greater good than you could as head of the MoI," she argued.

"I'm sure most people would look at it that way, but until that were to happen I'd be stuck in a job that I hate. I'd be stuck on the sidelines with nothing to really do," Cain said and then he had a question come to his mind, "If you're going to a press conference why are you drinking alcohol?"

Octavia's face became defensive. "It's only one drink, back in college it took more than that to get me drunk! Besides, it's my first major press conference and I wanted to have at least a little liquid courage for when I got to ask a question."

"Fair enough, well I can promise you that if I watch the conference I'll be keeping an eye out for you in the audience," Cain said.

"If you're watching then you damn well better be looking for me," Octavia said with a giggle.

Cain downed the rest of his drink. "When you're done with the conference come find me here, I'm taking the day off and I'd love to talk to you some more."

Octavia finished her drink and gave him a sly look. "You just want to get me alone so you can strip this outfit off of me."

"I'd be lying if I told you the thought hadn't crossed my mind," he said.

"I'll come back here after the press conference and we'll see where the day leads," she said as she leaned over and gave him a quick kiss before leaving.

Cain sat there silently spinning the empty glass on the counter before Marais came back with a refill.

"So, you turned down the chance to run for Vice President?" she asked.

Cain nodded. "Yeah, I just had a hard time convincing myself that I would be the right fit for the job."

"I think you'd have been a good fit for the job, you would have been considered an inspired choice," she said.

Cain shook his head. "I'm a retired spy who at one point in time was used more as an assassin than as an intelligence officer. The MoI had a reputation for playing fast and loose with the rules and in some way I'd be a reminder of those days."

"So you think this Brooke Bowman is ready for the job?"

"Yeah," Cain said as he remembered the dossier on her, "She's got leadership skills and she has had her share of involvement in politics from her days with the Teachers Union."

Marais poured him another whiskey and passed it to him. "I don't know if I agree with you but I respect your convictions."

"I'll be happy knowing I have your respect," he said as raised the glass in salute before taking a drink.

Battlestar Victorious:

Commanding Officer's Quarters:

"What happened to taking our time in getting the Vic back up to strength?" Colonel Celina Cruz asked when the news had been delivered to her.

Commander Andre Graystone held up his hands in mock surrender. "Don't shoot the messenger; I got the news not that long ago."

"All those emergency repairs…" Cruz said as she struggled to find the words, "The reports made it clear the Vic needed those repairs or else she wouldn't make it through her next battle."

"Now those repairs are finished and the higher-ups believe the Vic is ready to go into battle, along with the Ark Royal. I talked to Commander Ortiz and she got the news about the same time I did," Graystone said.

"Any other news you wish you let your XO know about before we jump into battle?" she asked.

"We're going to be a flagship again. Admiral Stryker has chosen our ship to fly his flag during the battle so you know what that means," Graystone said and he was pleased to see Cruz pick up on what he was implying.

"That means more time on cleaning stations for the crew so that the ship can look extra nice and shiny for Admiral Stryker. You can call me 'crazy' but I don't think the crew is going to love you more for this."

Graystone let out a laugh. "In the all the years I've known you since flight school I've called you a lot of things, and 'crazy' is one I've used on a few occasions."

She smirked at him. "You're a smartass."

Graystone started moving his hand in a circle. "You're a smartass…?"

"Sir," she said with a roll of her eyes. She knew she could only get away with doing that with Graystone, it was those moments that showed that their friendship had stood up to the challenges of recent events.

Before he could say anything more, the door opened and Major Rockwell 'Rock' Alston stepped in. The Victorious' CAG closed the door and looked at both Graystone and Cruz, "I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

"Not at all, the XO was just about to make her way to the CIC," Graystone said.

Once Cruz had closed the door Graystone turned to Alston. "Have our pilots returned from the Olympica?"

Alston shook his head. "Not yet, sir, word was sent out cancelling shore leave but some of our pilots are proving harder to find than others."

Graystone shook his head, "That's what happens when leave is cancelled suddenly in the middle of a war."

"If I may ask, why are we going into battle when repairs were just finished?" Alston asked.

Graystone ran a hand through his auburn hair. "Gods only know why that idea was greenlit but it comes directly from President Fowler's office."

"What does Admiral Kronus say about this?" Alston asked.

Graystone shrugged. "I'm not sure, but considering the order stands I don't think he's in a position right now where he can countermand the President."

"We're just going to have to make sure the workers do their job and everything holds," Alston said.

"That's what I'm hoping, but the good news is that if the worst does happen we won't live long enough to complain about it," Graystone said.

"I understand that, sir. I'll see how my Raptor pilots are doing with their ferrying duties," Alston said before leaving the room.

He saw a picture that was taken over two years ago before he became estranged from his family. He knew he could not get back the years he had lost, but he was determined to make it back so that he could continue to make up for lost time.

Graystone adjusted his uniform jacket and left the room to head to the CIC. In half an hour the Victorious would be ready to go.

Olympica:

First Class Dining Room:

The members of the press corps had gathered in the First Class Dining Room in anticipation of President Fowler's announcement. A black backdrop had been arranged at the far end of the room, obscuring a large painting of Caprica's Fortuna Bay back in the days when the area was a verdant wilderness.

Fowler walked over to the podium and tapped the microphone to make sure that it was working properly. He stood and waited for the reporters to quiet down before speaking.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," Fowler began, "Recent events have only added to the tragedy that has fallen upon all of us. Not only have we had to deal with the aftermath of the Cylon attacks but we have also had to deal with the civil unrest that has rocked the government that has bravely tried to come together and lead in this time of great peril. Since I found myself thrust into this position by the attempted coup of Dante Solis and his cowardly followers it has been necessary to fill the position of Vice President. After a short but very thorough search I have found such a person."

There was a commotion as Brooke Bowman stepped out from behind and made her way to the podium where Fowler stood. There was the sound of notes being scribbled and pictures being taken. For Bowman it was a hectic rush as she tried to not let the situation feel overwhelming to her. She shook Fowler's hand and embraced him as he turned back towards the podium to address the reporters.

"Brooke Bowman has selflessly served as the delegate for Caprica on the Quorum of Twelve. In the face of tragedy of her lost friends and fellow teachers on Caprica, and the uncertainty of whether or not her husband and the battlestar he commanded have survived against the Cylons she stepped forward to make a statement that she is here to serve the people of this fleet and to do everything she can to make sure that our freedoms and way of life continue," Fowler stepped back and motioned for Bowman to step up to the podium.

It was not long that the first question was asked by Albany Wade. "Madame Vice President, for those out there who do not know, what is your husband's name and the name of the ship he commanded?"

Bowman took a deep breath. "My husband is Commander Artimus Bowman and he commanded the battlestar Hermes."

The next question came from Montague Burke. "Could you please elaborate on your profession before the Cylon attack?"

She smiled as she remembered her life back then. "I was a teacher at Wilson Elementary in Caprica City, and I was a part of the Teacher's Union."

The next question for her came from Helen Octavia. "Considering the events since the Cylons attacked, what are your views on the effectiveness of having a new Quorum?"

She had thought of this and while she had not mentioned it to Fowler. "What I'm going to propose to President Fowler is that we get rid of the Quorum altogether and develop a plan to get the people of this fleet better representation. The civilian ships will each elect a representative, and these representatives will be able to better plead the cases of their respective people much better than we could have when we were using our old Colonial government system."

Bowman glanced quickly over to where Fowler was standing off to the side of the stage. She saw the look on his face was an impassive one but she was not sure yet if he approved of what she had just said.

For the next half-hour, the press peppered the new vice president with questions. They wanted to know everything about the woman who would end up being a heartbeat away from becoming the president should something happen to Fowler.

Admiral's Quarters:

Stryker paced back and forth not only thinking of what was to come but to also think of where he was. He had heard of the events that led to Admiral Tolan transferring his flag from the Victorious to the Colossus. Now here he was using the Victorious as his flagship. He thought of what his father would think of the fact that one of his children had finally made it to flag rank.

He thought about Admiral Tolan and wondered what conversations had been witnessed here in the time since the Cylons had attacked the Colonies. He knew his father detested the Tolan family and done all he could to argue against Scott Tolan's promotion from Commander to Rear Admiral. He took a cup from a nearby cupboard and filled it with water. He had two guests due to arrive at any moment and he figured the quick drink would do him some good.

The hatch opened and in stepped two familiar faces. Both wore their blue officer uniforms and he knew both favored their father greatly. His two guests were his nephews, Ensigns Joseph 'Flame-Out' Stryker and Paul 'Torch' Stryker, and thanks to the influence of President Fowler they were now going to be allowed to continue to serve as pilots on the Victorious.

"Let's drop the formality and give your uncle a hug," Stryker said to Joseph and Paul.

"It's good to see you, Uncle Alan," Paul said.

"Granddad would be proud of you," Joseph said.

"I'm sure he'd be proud of the two of you also," Stryker said with a smile.

"You were the one who Granddad always said would make it to flag rank. The way the two of you got here has been something out of the movies," Joseph said.

"Both of you had your own adventures," Stryker said before continuing, "You both have had Viper experience and you both have spent time as resistance fighters."

"Yeah, that does sound like a plot out of a movie too," Paul conceded.

"I know I have to get to the CIC and the two of you need to get to your squadrons, but know I'm damn proud of the two of you and the three of us are going to kick some Cylon ass here shortly," Stryker said before giving the two a fatherly clasp on the back.

When they left he was once more alone with his thoughts, and they went back to that fateful day on the battlestar Talos. That day had been like any other day and after flight ops had begun disaster struck…that day when he had been informed that his career in the Colonial Fleet was over. He had pushed himself as hard as he could in physical therapy but unfortunately for him his career had indeed ended.

This was going to be one of the biggest challenges he had ever faced. He also knew he had to make sure that both of them survived the upcoming battle because their parents would never forgive him. He downed his glass of water and sat it down on a nearby table. Now was the time for him to get to the CIC and lead his battlestar task force into battle.

Canceron:

Over the City of Pavo, Northern Territories:

"The Cylons did a number on this place," Maddox said as she looked down on the ruins of Pavo.

"They were thorough when they hit the city," Wallace said.

Compared to other cities of Canceron, Pavo paled in terms of size but it was the largest city in the Northern Territories. As a result of that it must have been one of the targets that the Cylons had flattened during their initial attack on the colony. The roads and footprints of the buildings were still visible but little else remained to show that there had been any kind of recent human habitation.

Archangel looked at the unconscious form of Lacey Tolan and he wished that the events on the island had gone differently. He may not have started the fight between him and Wallace but her getting injured was an unfortunate result of it. His thoughts were interrupted by a loud ping coming from the ECO station where he was sitting. They were getting closer to their target and soon they would uncover whatever secrets were waiting for them at this Ministry of Intelligence base.

Wallace kept his focus on the horizon as Maddox brought them closer to their destination. When it came to planning he was playing the long game and there was a prize waiting for him when this was all said and done. If he played his cards right and fortune smiled upon him then everything might work out like he was hoping it would, it was just a matter of surviving getting from Point A to Point B.

Victorious:

CIC:

"Admiral on deck," Ensign Jared Simons called out and immediately the crew of the CIC came to attention.

"As you were," Stryker said as he walked over to Command and Control where Graystone and Cruz were involved in some type of discussion.

"Commander Graystone and Colonel Cruz, I've read the reports on both of you. The Victorious is in good hands," Stryker said as he shook hands with both officers.

"Admiral Stryker, it's an honor to have a flag officer with such a prestigious name," Graystone said.

"I second Commander Graystone," Cruz said.

Stryker smiled. "Thank you for the kind words, have there been any reports from Admiral Ramos or Admiral Ware?"

"Colonel Cruz just informed me that word had come from Communications that the battlegroups are ready to jump," Graystone said.

"Excellent," Stryker said before asking, "What about the Ark Royal?"

"I've spoken with Commander Ortiz and she informed me that the Ark is ready to jump into the battle and I quote 'put the Victorious to shame'," Graystone said.

The three officers laughed at Ortiz's words, a sign that even in a time of war there was still something of a rivalry between the crews of the two sister ships.

"What are the odds that the Ark can back up those words?" Stryker asked.

"Those frakkers don't have a chance," Cruz said. When she saw the amused looks on Stryker's and Graystone's faces she quickly added, "The Ark will have to try hard to do better than us."

Stryker chuckled and took the phone out of its cradle at Command and Control. He pressed a button and everyone on the Victorious was standing at attention to listen to whatever was about to come through the speakers.

"Crew of the Victorious, this is Rear Admiral Stryker. As you are aware, we are about to head into battle; our target is the Cylon fleet stationed at Aquaria. This will be our chance to charge into battle and go head to head with the Cylons. Instead of running we will have a chance to attack and deal them some damage for a change. For those of us who are from Aquaria this will be a chance to fight for our beloved home colony. For those who are not from Aquaria this a chance to not only strike a blow for the Aquarians but a chance to strike a blow for your own home colony. I know the Victorious has seen its share of battle since this war began but know this, your ship has been tested time and time again and each time she has answered the challenge and come back for more. You're trained for this, you've survived this before, and if you trust in your ship and your shipmates then we will all see our way through this battle and live to fight another day," Stryker said and then he turned to Tactical and Communications.

"Ensign Simons, enter the coordinates for Aquaria and prepare for FTL jump."

"Aye aye, sir," Simons said as he went about carrying out Stryker's orders.

Stryker turned his attention to Lieutenant Enid Branwen at Communications, "Lieutenant Branwen, inform Admiral Ramos that the Victorious and Ark Royal are ready to jump on his command.

The Victorious and the Ark Royal moved away from Amasen and made their way to the outlying area where Ramos and Ware's task forces were awaiting them. Moments later the black horizon was filled with the bright flashes of the ships jumping away from Amasen to Aquaria for the battle with the Cylons.