The Uneasy Alliance
by AJ Marks
Part 29
Tigh looked over the bridge crew, so far they had operated with effectively considering how quickly they had been tossed together. He was also impressed with how well the people who had come aboard knew the systems so well. Tom explained it was due to the fact they could have the information downloaded into them though the interface which could connect them to the Matrix.
The whole Matrix thing confused him, but at the moment it seemed to help tremendously in training new recruits. Tom seemed to know a bit bout ships and was competent in his abilities in handling others.
He looked up as Apollo and Starbuck walked onto the bridge. They had been ferrying the remaining people back up to the Enterprise but right now they looked concerned more than anything else.
“What’s wrong?” Tigh asked.
“We heard from Niobe,” Apollo stated, it was a name Tigh was familiar with and had to recall she was one of the ones on the planet they first met. “Its Morpheus and Zion.”
“What happened?” Tigh asked, hoping a war down on the planet’s surface had not broken out.
“Niobe said he went to the city but has yet to return,” Apollo said. “Something is going on and the quicker it ends we might be able to get some more help on the surface of the planet.”
“Yes, something I’ve been concerned with as well,” Tigh said, knowing the people of Zion might be able to help grow crops or other foods. “I’ll contact Adama and see what he has to say.”
He turned looking at the communications officer and nodded as she hailed the Galactica. It only took a few microns before Omega’s face appeared.
“Colonel, what can I do for you?” Omega asked.
“I need to speak with the commander,” Tigh said as Apollo and Starbuck stepped up beside him.
“All right,” Omega said, as the screen switched and Adama’s face appeared.
“Commander, we might have a problem on Earth,” Tigh said.
“The machines?” Adama asked his face showing concern about what might have happened.
“Um, no, actually is the humans in Zion,” Tigh said watching as Adama seemed to think about that before his face changed. “Their council, or should I say one member, Zack.”
“Father?” Apollo asked wondering what was up.
“With all these events I had forgotten about him,” Adama said. “I’ll be heading over to the Enterprise, Tigh, head back take command of the Galactic and the fleet.”
“And the Enterprise?” Tigh asked, now confused.
“I can take command short term,” Tom said speaking up from where he stood, close enough to hear by not be seen by Adama. “I can maintain the patrols, get the ship up to operational status while you take care of this problem.”
Tigh noticed Adama was looking at him, waiting for his reply. “He’ll do fine,” Tigh finally said.
“We’ll shuttle you over and bring the commander back,” Apollo said, indicating him and Starbuck.
“I’ll inform you of everything when you arrive,” Adama said to Tigh.
The communications ended and Tigh hoped he would learn what was going on soon before leaving the ship in Tom’s command heading to the hangar with Apollo and Starbuck.
*****
Adama stepped out of the shuttle after it landed on the planet and leaving Tigh in charge of the fleet and two battlestars. They were keeping an eye on the basestar while getting the Enterprise up to full operational status. He looked around to see several people moving forward to enter the shuttle and service it.
The landing pad and surrounding area had been built up and with a lot more humans around. It had a dedicated landing pad now, some buildings off to the side which looked more like something humans would be in and what appeared to be fuel supplies. He spotted Doctor Wilker heading towards him along with DE.
“Commander, welcome,” he said.
“I see things are moving along,” Adama said.
“We’ve been busy getting things set up for a joint machine and human area,” DE said surprising Adama. “If our alliance is to work we need places where we shall work together.”
“Of course,” Adama said, a bit surprised at how well the groups appeared to be working together.
“What brings you down here commander, we’ve heard some things about what is going on, but communications is a bit slow,” Wilker said.
“Yes, there is some plans for that to change,” DE said.
“Oh?” Adama asked.
“We’re working on a station, which we can use to have a direct contact between the surface and space,”Wilker said.
“Interesting,” Adama said. It would prove to be very valuable in the future until they managed to clear the sky before getting back to his reason for being here. “Any news from Morpheus or Zion?”
“No, and that worries me,” another voice said. He turned to see a woman approaching who looked familiar.
“What do you mean?” Adama asked.
“Last I heard the council was still ignoring the fact of what was going on here,” she said.
“Then I need to go and confront him,” Adama said seeing Apollo frown.
“Not sure that’s going to be wise,” the woman said even as Apollo asked confront who.
“One of your councilmen isn’t who he says he is,” Adama said seeing the confused look on their faces. “He’s Count ilbis.”
The name had the desired effect on Apollo and Wilker but het woman seemed unfazed by the name.
“Are you sure?” Apollo said.
“Yes, the Beings of White are also involved, they told Sheba to come get me, and they spoke to me as well when I returned to the Galactica. But with everything going on it wasn’t until now that I have a chance to even confront him,” Adama said.
“Who is this Ilbis?” DE asked.
“A powerful being who delights in destruction of civilizations.” Apollo said.
“And he is controlling the council?”
“It does appear so,” Adama said.
“You’re not going to face him alone,” Apollo said giving an indication he would be coming with him.
Adama found himself going down with Apollo, Boomer and Niobe, the woman he was talking to who he finally recalled her name. He looked over watching as she and Apollo drove down to the city.
Stopping at the doors it took a few moments before anyone did anything, but two people walked through to greet them. Adama walked out as well, having the feeling he would be needed to get inside.
“I’m sorry, if you come in you’ll be arrested,” one man said.
“Turner, things are much greater than you realize,” Niobe said.
“I can’t Niobe, you know that, the Council is tightening its control,” Turner said.
“And not everyone on the council is as they seem,” Adama said causing Turner to pause and look back at him. Adama thought he recognized him from the last time he came.
“What do you mean?”
“Exactly what I said,” Adama said. “One of your council members isn’t human,” Adama said. “In fact, he’s someone we’ve encountered before.”
He watched as Turner seemed to think about that. “You realize how far-fetched that sounds?”
“He goes by the name of Count Ilbis, and he’s destroyed countless civilizations already,” Apollo stated, “and almost destroyed ours.”
Adama waited a few seconds to see what might happen next. Turner seemed hesitant to do anything.
“This councilman who we think is Count Ilbis, he will do anything and everything to remain in power when challenged. He is also highly charismatic, and almost too charming, easily wooing people with words that when you look at them, are empty,” Apollo stated to him.
Adama could see Turner shifting on his feet as if he knew the truth as well.
“It might explain some things,” Turner finally said.
“Let us talk to him,” Adama said. “If he is who we think, we can help.”
“Not everyone is on his side, but we haven’t been able to do anything at all to challenge him,” Turner said finally looking at Niobe. “He’s gotten stronger since you left. People are afraid to challenge his supporters.”
“Then let’s change that,” Adama said moving forward. “Boomer, stay here and guard the transport.”
He heard boomer acknowledge the order before moving forward though the doors, past a stunned looking Turner and into the wide open cavern, which was surprisingly well lit up. He paused waiting for Turner to catch up to them.
“Lead on to the council,” Adama said, as Apollo and Niobe followed.
A few others looked on stunned as they walked past, a few others did a double take and some had a hostile look to them. They had to be supporters of Ilbis before they walked into room which reminded him of a theater, with a table at the floor and several people already seated. They all looked up as they entered the room.
Adama walked forward looking the people over. He noticed two women, and a couple of men, but one caught his eye from last time. He returned Adama’s stare as they both seemed to understand what was going to happen as Adama cleared his mind for the upcoming fight.
“I was unaware that we ordered visitors to be brought to the council,” the man said.
“We both know why I’m here Ilbis,” Adama said, seeing some of the others look on in surprise. A few others about eh room shuffled in their seats or on their feet but no one else moved.
“Ilbis?” the man replied. “I am Zack.”
“That’s what you say you’re called, but we both know differently,” Adama said. “The Beings of Light already know you’re here.”
Adama watched carefully for any signs of movement by people. So far things remained peaceful, and he had no idea how much longer that might last. Zack slightly flinched at the mention of the Beings of Light, as if he knew they were there, and watching him.
“You thought that electrical cloud might mask your presence?” Adama said moving forward slightly to the center of the room watching as everyone seemed to focus on their conversation, including some of the other councilmembers. He might be able to gain some allies.
“You are deluded,” Zack replied.
“No, you spread your poison, saying you’ll save them when it’s your intention to destroy them all along,” Apollo stated stepping forward as well. “It’s all you know how to do, how many countless people have you killed?”
Adama watched as the man’s face flickered slightly as anger took over.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about, these people are mine,” Zack said.
The phrase only confirmed that this man, Zack, was indeed Count Ilbis.
“Yours?” Adama replied back as Ilbis froze. Both seemed to realize the importance of what was spoken.
“They look towards me for guidance, so any leader will think of the people following them as theirs, they are my responsibility, you understand that weight of leadership,” Zack, or Ilbis said. Adama had the feeling he was trying to backtrack on what he said.
“Yes, but you clearly said they are mine,” Adama said seeing a few others around him listening in even closer.
Looking around he spotted several different groups and looked back at Apollo who had already spotted the different groups. He now wished he more than just Apollo with him at the moment.
“Now commander, are trying to make things difficult?” Ilbis asked.
“No, only getting at the truth,” Adama relied back to him. “I’ve seen what you can do, gathering those around you to blindly follow you, silencing anyone who might challenge you.”
“You’re exaggerating commander,” Ilbis replied back to him.
“I am, then why do you not wish for the people of Zion to defend themselves, or did you promise to protect them, as you have countless others,” Adama replied back to him.
The atmosphere appeared very tense and now everyone was watching the discussion doing on between the two of them. Adama knew if they wanted Zion on their side he had to win this battle.
Instead of any reply Ilbis made a motion to several others causing Adama to back up slightly as several people came forward.
“This discussion is over, you will be placed in jail and held,” Ilbis replied.
Even as he said this, about a dozen people came forward, Apollo drew his own weapon and things rapidly spiraled out of control. Even as he tried to think of a way out of this he heard more weapons armed and pointed in their direction.
End part 29
Continued in part 30