{"id":1287,"date":"2016-02-05T07:21:13","date_gmt":"2016-02-05T13:21:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=1287"},"modified":"2016-02-08T07:13:15","modified_gmt":"2016-02-08T13:13:15","slug":"second-face-of-evil-part-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=1287","title":{"rendered":"Second Face of Evil – Part 1"},"content":{"rendered":"

Second Face of Evil<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

by AJ Marks<\/span><\/p>\n

Part 1<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The Battlestar Galactica slowly made its way around the large gas giant which was part of the solar system. Behind it was a large fleet of ragtag civilian ships.\u00a0 Bringing up the rear of the fleet was the Battlestar Pegasus covering for anything which might try to attack the fleet from behind.\u00a0 Close by was a force of Earth warships providing escort into the system.<\/p>\n

Tigh understood that the fleet probably would not be there if the Earth military had not intervened when they had. Since the battle they had been given permission to enter Earth\u2019s system and along with the Colonial patrols Earth ships were keeping an eye out for any Cylon warships.<\/p>\n

On the bridge of the Galactica Tigh was able to move around without a member of the council for the first time in yahrens. He once again had the ability to react quickly to a threat to the fleet without having to gain permission from the council.<\/p>\n

\u201cAny news from our ambassadors?\u201d Tigh asked, knowing the answer but asking anyways to waste time.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir,\u201d the reply came back. Everyone on board felt a bit nervous about how the talks would go.\u00a0 If a common ground could not be forged he had no idea where they might go next.\u00a0 The fleet had moved forward with the promise of finding Earth, the Thirteenth tribe.<\/p>\n

Tigh also felt nervous for another reason. He had an uneasiness in his gut that he was missing something critical, but could not figure out what it might be.\u00a0 He kept coming back to something Commander Adama told him, some sort of message.<\/p>\n

The last message from the ambassadors indicated they arrived on Earth without any problems. He hoped the political situation on Earth was stable and not something Ziers might take advantage of.\u00a0 His only real hope lay with the fact Starbuck and Terrance were on his side.<\/p>\n

Tigh had wanted to go down as well, but with the situation of Cylons everything had changed. He did not feel comfortable leaving his post under such circumstances.\u00a0 He would place his hope that Starbuck would do a good enough job.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Starbuck made his way into the capital building feeling a bit out of place. All around people were dressed in non-military uniforms while he walked around not only in his uniform, but armed.\u00a0 He almost felt threatening to everyone, but no one seemed to even give him a second glance.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me sir,\u201d a blue uniformed man said as Starbuck and Boxey made their way inside. \u201cYou\u2019ll have to check in your weapons over there,\u201d he said pointing to a side area.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Starbuck replied, as he and Boxey walked over to the side area. Taking off the blaster he handed it over to the waiting person who handed him a ticket telling him to hold on to it for later.\u00a0 The same was repeated for Boxey.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou may retrieve your weapons when you leave, hand the ticket back to me,\u201d the man said.<\/p>\n

Starbuck and Boxey quickly caught back up with the others passing by several pictures on the wall.<\/p>\n

\u201cWonder who they are?\u201d Boxey asked as they walked by another picture.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re the remaining pictures of the various leaders of the countries of history. Few pictures survived the invasion, and we dedicated this hallway to the past leaders.\u00a0 We also have a hallway which lists all the known countries and empires of the world,\u201d Mitchell said walking behind them.\u00a0 \u201cI forgot to mention the security procedures to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo big deal,\u201d Starbuck replied, shrugging it off. He had expected something like that to happen anyways.<\/p>\n

Mitchell appeared slightly relieved by the statement. Starbuck considered the man honest for the most part, but he was a politician and capable of dishonesty.\u00a0 He figured he was loyal to keeping Earth safe, and the military part of him would be a bit friendly to the fleet.<\/p>\n

They continued on into the interior of the building.<\/p>\n

\u201cMost of the council is here, called to a special meeting,\u201d Mitchell said as they walked along.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey kiddo, you all right?\u201d Starbuck said putting a hand on Boxey\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm, yeah, just fine,\u201d Boxey replied, moving along again.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Starbuck said with a grin. He had not been fooled at all.\u00a0 He also saw the young woman walking by then and made eye contact with Boxey.\u00a0 Starbuck glanced back seeing the young redhead look away having been noticed and smiled.\u00a0 He was relieved that Cassiopeia wasn\u2019t here or she would have belted him for looking.<\/p>\n

He entered the main room, full of people. He wondered if they were all part of the council, and if so how did they get anything done?\u00a0 He looked over at Terrance who also took it all in.\u00a0 He realized with so many they should find some allies, but then again so could Zeirs.<\/p>\n

He looked over at the man seeing Ziers sitting down in front of the room as they were being led off to the side. He hoped the man had done nothing to undermine the threat that the Cylons posed to Earth.\u00a0 They knew the Galactica was nearby and would be concentrating their efforts on the fleet soon.\u00a0 He focused his attention on the man standing up to address the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cLadies and Gentlemen, the President of Earth, Steven Hiller,\u201d the man announced to the room. Everyone watched as the President made his way down the center of the room towards the podium.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, it\u2019s my honor to present such an important day in Earth history,\u201d he said to the gathered crowd. \u201cWe again have visitors from beyond our system.\u00a0 Unlike last time when the aliens only wanted to eliminate us all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starbuck watched several people in the crowd nod their agreement with the statement. He had heard a bit of what happened and knew most of these people either lived through it or fought in the battle.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowever, today we have a new reason to look to space, for allies,\u201d Hiller stated. \u201cThere has been recent developments in space, like an attack on our listening station, and a group of refugees who are under attack by the same group of aliens.\u00a0 We can only assume that among the stars there are others, those who would attack us to destroy us, and those who would work with us for survival.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starbuck was a bit impressed, but also noticed several who seemed to deflate at the knowledge of another war. He understood their feelings.\u00a0 He had been hopeful when the Cylons expressed a desire for peace.\u00a0 It led to the destruction of his home, causing him and everyone else in the fleet to become drifters.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs many of you know, the listening post at Pluto was attacked and destroyed. At first we assumed it was attacked by a large warship, and our forces captured such a ship, only to find out our outpost was destroyed by their enemies, a race calling themselves Cylons,\u201d Hiller said to the group.\u00a0 Starbuck figured the President had been briefed on everything, as had many in the council as they expressed no shock.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat we were not expecting was the ship we found was manned by humans,\u201d Holler said, which caused the biggest shock in the room. Hiller waited a few seconds as the commotion calmed down for a few seconds.\u00a0 \u201cI asked that they send over a couple of representatives of their government over to peak with us on a couple of things.\u00a0 The first is this new race called the Cylons, and the other they are asking for permission to stay.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starbuck watched the group of people as many shifted in their seats, talking with the people next to them. A low buzz of conversations filled his ears until finally order was brought back.\u00a0 He looked over seeing that Ziers appeared unaffected by the entire thing, at least not yet.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeveral members of their government and military are in attendance today, to answer questions and give us information,\u201d Hiller said, making Starbuck groan slightly. He did not aware he might be making a speech.\u00a0 Hiller gestured towards them to come forward.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll begin with introductions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starbuck walked up with the others standing in a line.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy name is Ziers, and I am the head member of the Council of Twelve, our main government institution,\u201d Ziers said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am Councilman Oris, also a member of the Council of Twelve,\u201d the second council member said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am Councilman Terrance, also a member of the Council of Twelve,\u201d Terrance said standing next to Starbuck.<\/p>\n

\u201cCaptain Starbuck, blue squad leader aboard the battlestar Pegasus,\u201d Starbuck said, feeling slightly nervous about standing in front of such a crowd. This was Apollo\u2019s foray, not his.<\/p>\n

\u201cLieutenant Boxey, blue squadron of the battlestar Pegasus,\u201d Boxey said standing next to Starbuck.<\/p>\n

The five men stood in front of the Earth council waiting for what might happen next. Starbuck could tell that Boxey was as nervous as he felt.\u00a0 He hoped they were asked nothing too much at the moment.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u201dWhat type of government do you have?\u201d one councilman asked, which Ziers answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have a Council of Twelve, they are elders who are elected to the council who give their wisdom to the other smaller groups, or that was how it worked before. With smaller numbers the council is about the only head government,\u201d Ziers said.\u00a0 \u201cWe make all decisions concerning the fleet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starbuck stopped himself from rolling his eyes. It was the council which had done a lot of damage over the years in their quest for peace.<\/p>\n

\u201cSince leaving our homeworld we have had to work closely with the military to assure our survival,\u201d Terrance said, jumping into the conversation.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn what way?\u201d another council member asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe military has much more say, and for a while we were under martial law,\u201d Terrance replied. \u201cLiving on board ships in space makes some groups more powerful.\u00a0 The military was the most efficient group after we left.\u00a0 The Council only gets involved in major decisions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are your military capabilities?\u201d another council member asked, as they all looked towards Starbuck and Boxey.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid we can\u2019t answer that question,\u201d Ziers said before Starbuck could say anything.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have two battlestars,\u201d Starbuck said, knowing he risked the personal attention of Ziers later on, but he also knew that they already knew that. He was sure that the Earth commander would have taken note of the capabilities of the battlestars during the battle.<\/p>\n

He noticed that Terrance looked over as well as the glare Ziers gave him. Starbuck shrugged it off looking back at the councilman who asked the question.\u00a0 He was looking down at a piece of paper before looking back up at them.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly two? You\u2019re fleet indicates it\u2019s over two hundred, or is there some mistake?\u201d the senator aksed.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly two, the fleet is made up of civilian ships,\u201d Terrance said.<\/p>\n

\u201cSurely you had a larger fleet if you\u2019re at war against these Cylons?\u201d another person asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe rest were destroyed by the Cylons,\u201d Starbuck replied, a mixture of sorrow and anger in his voice as he recalled the day.<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like you were there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was. I saw the betrayal of our people that led to an ambush which killed millions,\u201d Starbuck said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s enough!\u201d Ziers stated, anger in his voice as he looked at Starbuck.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were not there, you did not see you\u2019re comrades explode, or the other battlestars explode when they never had a chance because of the folly of the Council,\u201d Starbuck said back to him, not backing down.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy you,\u201d Ziers said, his face red with anger.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold on,\u201d Hiller said, placing himself between the two men. Starbuck was ready for anything, but remained calm.\u00a0 He looked around at the group seeing some with sympathetic faces, as if they understood.\u00a0 He looked back at Ziers and wondered how he managed to gain so much power when he had done nothing to help the fleet or its people.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are your intentions here?\u201d another councilman asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, according to our records there were thirteen tribes of Kobal, twelve settled close to each other, the worlds we came from. The thirteenth tribe left for a distance planet called Earth,\u201d Terrance said.\u00a0 \u201cWe hope to settle here, rebuild our civilization and military to cone day strike back and reclaim our home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if you continue on your way and pass us by,\u201d another one asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Cylons are aware of your presence here. Regardless if we are here or not, they will attack you because you\u2019re human.\u00a0 Their goal is to wipe us out,\u201d Starbuck said.<\/p>\n

There was a murmur of conversation until Hiller regained order in the council and turned to the group. \u201cWe need time to discuss this.\u201d<\/p>\n

They were lead out of the room and Ziers now was able to get close to Starbuck.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat were you doing?\u201d he asked when they were alone.<\/p>\n

\u201cTelling them the truth, they already know the capabilities of a battlestars as they had people on board, and with the battle they were able to see how many ships we had,\u201d Starbuck said back to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see you\u2019re court martialed for this,\u201d Ziers said, moving off.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo ahead,\u201d Starbuck said, unconcerned with the threat. He knew in such a case there would be no winners, and both of them could lose.\u00a0 In fact Ziers had more to lose than Starbuck did.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Apollo paced the bridge of the Pegasus in nervous anticipation for some communication from the planet. He knew there would be political battles, both from their people and Earth\u2019s in addition to Ziers and Terrance.\u00a0 Would Ziers find more important political allies, or would they?\u00a0 He also had reservations about Starbuck.\u00a0 His friend might be a great pilot, but a politician he was not.<\/p>\n

\u201cApollo, would you sit down,\u201d Athena said to her brother. \u201cYou\u2019re making us all dizzy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Apollo paused to look at his sister for a few seconds. Her attention was diverted away from him and back to the screen and frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cApollo, come take a look at this,\u201d she said, motioning him over to the console. He looked down at the screen seeing the long range scanners picking up a couple of large ships headed their way.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet me Commander Tigh,\u201d Apollo said heading back to the command chair. He only had to wait a few microns before Tigh\u2019s face appeared on the screen.<\/p>\n

\u201cApollo, something wrong?\u201d Tigh asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cLong range scanners picked up some large whips headed our way,\u201d Apollo replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cCylons?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, the war book can\u2019t identify them,\u201d Apollo said, which had confused him.<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep an eye on them and report back if the situation changes,\u201d Tigh said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Apollo said, and now wondered if he had two things to worry about instead of one.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

The small crew sitting at the listening outpost near Saturn were glad things had calmed down after the past couple of days. They lost the outpost at Jupiter, and now the outer system had a large fleet consisting of over two hundred ships.\u00a0 Add in the fact the recent memo of a new threat, and they were glad for the new calm.<\/p>\n

A young woman sat on duty watching the screen as it scanned for multiple frequencies and scanning space for any unknown ships. She paused seeing the sudden change, something she was trained to find.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm, Joe?\u201d she said to the person closeby. He leaned over looking at the screen and froze as she had.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think intelligence needs that now,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

They quickly relayed the information back home hoping it was wrong as she switched over to the speaker, a low rumbling sound came through. The entire crew sat in silence knowing what it meant.<\/p>\n

End part 1<\/p>\n

Continued in part 2<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Second Face of Evil by AJ Marks Part 1 The Battlestar Galactica slowly made its way around the large gas giant which was part of the solar system. Behind it was a large fleet of ragtag civilian ships.\u00a0 Bringing up the rear of the fleet was the Battlestar Pegasus covering for anything which might try […]
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