Phoenix -Bill Adama understands loss. It has hit him many times. Each time the pain seems worse . The war with the cylons is another tragedy that threatens to tear apart all he has left. As he fights to ensure the survival of the human race ,his officers face personal battles that could bring their downfall.
Chapter 1- the beginning of the end
30 years ago Caprica city Caprica
William Adama gently gripped the tiny thumb of his newborn thumb. The infant's blue eyes seemed to look into his own, studying him. "Hello Leland Joseph Adama, my son" he greeted. He had not known what he'd feel when his first born was finally delivered. Would it be excitement, or absolute terror. He and Carolanne had not planned to have children for at least a couple more years. So he'd considered himself unprepared to care for such a fragile looking little man. But now as he held his son gently and stared into the dark blue eyes he found an overwhelming love fill him. All the doubt in his mind rapidly faded. Nothing would ever be more wonderful than this moment. He felt the glow of parenthood settle upon him.
He's so beautiful', he told his exhausted wife. She smiled warmly, 'yes he is darling'. I am not sure I am ready to share him with the world yet". She reached over and gently took the baby out of his arms. There was an almost fierce look in her eye now. "Once we've done the presentation ceremony, we can take him home and enjoy him for a few days, before we are descended upon by the relatives"
The presentation ceremony was a tradition established 150 years ago. All the babies born within the last two months were taken to a platform erected on the side of a hill overlooking the city. There they were presented to the people of Caprica as their citizens. An oath was read out where everyone present vowed to support and cherish the development of their newest citizens. After the formalities a celebration with food and drink followed. There would be thousands in attendance, so it definitely was not a private time where you could adjust to becoming a parent.
Bill was thankful that at least the media would not swarm over them and their child. He looked over to where Captain Nagalla sat rocking his own infant son in his arms. Harrison Neyson Nagalla had been born just two hours ago. Captain Nagalla had been the youngest man to gain that rank in Caprica's history. He was tipped to make admiral one day, and Bill had no doubt that would be the case. He doubted the same could be said for him simply because he did not know the right people.
Dragging his gaze away from his family Bill stared at the man that paced up and down nervously as he awaited the birth of his own child. He was another one the media would be interviewing. Richard Adar was a politician whose ideas were gaining momentum with the population. Like most politicians Bill had met he was ambitious, and envisioned himself becoming president of the 12 colonies one day. He already had 2 daughters, and had been heard loudly proclaiming that he did not want another one.
Bill heard 1 hour later that his wife given birth to a son. They called him Tyrus Adar.
Several hours later Bill and his wife sat upon the large train that would take them down the hill to the viewing point for the celebration. He felt nervous about leaving his infant son in the care of the maternity hospital staff. There had been a large number of babies born and it felt like the nurses and doctors were barely coping. Richard Adar had already loudly complained about the quality of medical care. But then maybe that was just a vote grabbing exercise. It had worked , because the hospital management had promised to enlist the aid of more doctors.
Arriving at the bottom of the hill Bill and Carolanne were escorted to their seat. They looked upward at the platform. It was too high to see what was happening . Large screens were set up so that everyone could view the proceedings. They were still blank at the moment as everything was still being organised. He imagined them all setting up the babies in rows from oldest to youngest. That meant they would not see Lee being presented until near the end of the night. As he waited he wondered what Lee would want to do for a career. Secretly he hoped his son would join him in the military. That was just a selfish desire, to always be near his son. Carolanne would not agree with him. She thought that a life aboard vipers, and battlestars was far too dangerous. One day they may have a very heated discussion about their sons future. Today was not that day.
The seats behind them rapidly filled up, and soon the introductory music was loudly blaring. Bill was thankful for the large screens as all he could see in front of him was the overly large head of Captain Nagalla. Bill clasped his wife's hand tightly as they looked at the large screen. The first babies were being removed from their cribs and held aloft for all to see. Bill clapped loudly as each baby was introduced then formally welcomed . Soon his hands began to ache. Beside him Carolanne looked tired. It had already be an overly long day.
One hour and twenty minutes later and finally they were ready to present the babies born over the last couple of days. "Look there he is", his wife pointed at the screen . There in the row of babies lined up in alphabetical order on the platform was Leland Joseph Adama. He looked rather peaceful sleeping in his crib.
Bill felt a surge of love hit him again. He rubbed his neck. It was sore from looking upward at the screens. So he moved his gaze downward for a few seconds. Now all he could see were the giant supporting beams. Those beams had held that platform in place for many long years. They had never been replaced or updated. In a way they were like the oath to protect the new borns, solid and unmoving. Yet as the first baby was taken put of his crib to be presented, a loud cracking sound overwhelmed the music. "What was that?", Carolanne nervously proclaimed. She looked around , trying to find the source of the noise. He was unfortunately looking straight at the source. Giant cracks were suddenly appearing in the supporting beams. They snaked downward rapidly. With a horrible feeling of dread he knew exactly what was happening. "Get the babies off the platform it is collapsing", he screamed.
His voice blended with all the others around him. People were no longer celebrating, they moved quickly and desperately ,surging forward toward the screens. It was as if they thought they could reach inside the picture and prevent what was happening. "Hurry, help the babies", his voice mingled with those around him. Up on top of the platform the officials and hospital personal finally seemed aware of the danger and were hurriedly pulling babies from their cribs and then running around unsure what to do next. Their eyes were wide with shock and they were panicking. That meant they were not thinking clearly. "Get off the frakking platform you idiots", Bill's voice was raw from screaming.
In the seconds that he had turned his gaze to the adults on the platform, he had lost sight of his son. Beside him Carolanne's eyes were also desperately searching. "Do you see him?. Is he off the platform", she begged as she tugged hard upon his arm.
"I can't see him", Bill replied. He could hear the panic in his voice.
Feeling totally helpless he prepared himself for a long fast run back up the hill to the platforms. Others had the same thoughts and were already clambering onto the trains, overwhelming them. They were all still in shock mode, unable to think or act rationally. He was pushing his way out of all the crowds when a loud thunder-some explosion silenced everyone.
Then came the sight that would curse his dreams for many years to come. The beams supporting the platform, blew apart, showering everyone with thousands of splinters. He felt shards hit him in the arms and legs. But he hardly even noticed because his eyes were watching as the platform tilted and buckled, then came crashing downward.
It took exactly 3 hours to find out that his infant son was one of the 375 souls that died in that accident.
Lee's name was etched into the stone underneath the fallen platform .This place became a memorial .
He thought on that day that no pain could be ever worse than what he and Carolanne had felt .Both of them had grieved differently. He had devoted himself to his work, not wanting to step foot into his home and see the empty nursery. Carolanne had emptied that nursery, then locked it up. She told him never to mention Lee's name. It was like he never even existed. When Zac was born a few years later, she called him her first born. He never went through the presentation ceremony.
Zac did decide to follow in his father's footsteps. He and Carolanne were already separated when Zac was accepted into flight school.
They did see each other again though. He looked into her pale grief filled face as they watched Zac being buried. Training to be a viper pilot had proved to be a fatal mistake for Zac Adama.
xxxxxxx xxxxxxx
Present day- several hours before the Cylon attack
Bill pulled his mind back from his memories. He was sitting in his favourite chair in his quarters aboard the Battlestar Galactica. Tears were falling from his eyes as he mourned not only for his lost children and broken marriage but for the impending loss of his career and ship .
Outside on board the aging battlestar all of the crew were preparing for the decommissioning ceremony. They all saw this time as a celebration ,of the amazing career of two old warhorses, one human, the other a ship.
He reached over to pick up a photo of the log cabin, built upon the top of a mountain, where he'd spend the rest of his life.
"You'll become a lonely old man, who will never want to talk to anyone", Starbuck's words circled through his mind.
She was his almost daughter in law and had always been unafraid to speak her mind. "Not true", he countered. "You can still come to visit".
Starbuck had hesitated then. That was because she carried painful memories as well. Looking into his eyes was a reminder of Zac and all that he'd meant to her. Starbuck had applied for a position on the Atlantia. Bill had given Admiral Nagalla a glowing recommendation of her abilities as a pilot. Unfortunately he could not lie about her tendencies to buck authority. Bill had doubts she'd actually get the posting . That was the Atlantia's loss.
He poured himself a large drink. There were still hours before he had to go and face the media and the crew. He'd use that time to try and look like he was actually going to enjoy what lay ahead.
xxxxxx
Caprica City- Caprica
"Come", the clipped military order, always made him squirm. When he entered the room, he'd not be looking at his father, he'd be in the presence of greatness, the Admiral of the flagship of Caprica, the Battlestar Atlantia. Making sure he did not slouch Captain Harrison Nagalla entered the room.
His father's eyes swept over him, seeking imperfections in his dress uniform. He'd already spent hours ensuring his father would never find any faults.
"You are passable", his father grunted. Harrison felt his hands clench. His father never gave him any credit. He was always a strict taskmaster who expected the best from his only son.
"Now remember you are my representative for the decommissioning ceremony. You will fly Bill Adama's old viper in a flyby manoeuvre,over the heads of all the dignitaries . Make sure ,you don't stuff that up".
Harrison ground his teeth. He did not like to be reminded that his father graded him as 'an average pilot'. That was unfair as he'd graduated at the top of his class. He should have been given a posting on the flagship. But his father thought that would be seen as favouritism .So he served aboard the Battlestar Pegasus.
He''d be rejoining his ship after the ceremony.
"Here wear this", his father was passing him a ribbon.
He fingered it, softly, slowly. Of course he'd heard many times that he was a survivor of a terrible tragedy, that he was fortunate. The ribbon was worn by all of the survivors as a way to remember those who had died.
Sometimes being a survivor was a heavy burden. "You were lucky enough to be pulled off that platform in time son. Bill Adama's own son died in that accident. In other circumstances that son might have been the lead pilot today. But now that honour must fall to you. You must show everyone how much you value this opportunity. Use it as a time to honour all of those who died." His father actually had tears glinting in his eyes. Harry did not mention that fact.
All he said was ,"I will not disappoint you father"..
He got a stiff military nod, before being told to leave with a clipped ",dismissed".
Harrison had only gone half way down the corridor from his fathers office when he saw Tyrus Adar, coming toward him.
He made sure that he would intercept the Lieutenant. With a wide smile upon his face he told the other man, "I am going to fly in the decommissioning ceremony ".
Tyrus scowled at him, 'I had hoped that I might be given a chance to be the lead pilot. But oh no daddy had to chose his son".
Harrison smiled widely knowing he would annoy the Lieutenant . The two of them were very competitive and always vied to see who could attract the most positive attention. He really wanted Tyrus to know that he was the most important one. "Well I don't think he'd have chosen a politicians son Tyrus". The media might think he has bias". So I guess you will be hearing the sad facts from him directly." He raked the other officer with his gaze, noting sourly that nothing was out of place on his uniform. He even wore his commemorative ribbon.
Tyrus held his gaze. He personally loathed the Captain, and thought that his promotion was more about his relationship to the Admiral, than any great skill. Tyrus believed he was the better pilot. His flying skills were called brilliant. Where he'd gotten the talent, he did not know. He was the only member of his family not involved in politics.
Vipers were his main love and he'd spent a great deal of time refining the art of flying. He believed he was more dedicated than Harrison Nagalla. But that did not seem to make any difference. Harrison had already been promoted to Captain. Maybe he should tell Admiral Nagalla that he felt he was being treated unfairly. Yet if he did, he imagined that Admiral would just glare at him, and tell him to not bother him.
"I will go now, before I am late", he told Harrison, as he quickly sidestepped the Captain . He waited for the order that would freeze him in his steps. Harrison would love it if he was late. But nothing happened. Harrison had no need for pettiness today, he was going to be the star of the decommissioning ceremony. Pulling his mind back from that unpleasant though Tyrus knocked on Admiral Nagalla's door.
"Enter", came the command. He shuffled forward, and stood at attention in front of the Admiral.
"Lieutenant, I asked you here to inform you of a special duty", the Admiral told him. Tyrus felt himself frown, had Harrison actually been lying and he was going to be appointed the lead pilot in the decommissioning ceremony.
"They are turning the Galactica into a school, and I'd like you to escort our Minister of Education to the ship to oversee the refitting", Admiral Nagella told him.
Tyrus felt himself flush. His father had been having an affair with Laura Roslin for many years. He'd only recently broken off their relationship, feeling that it might hurt his political career. His father was married to someone else after all.
He fully admitted that he could not like Roslin. She had probably just used her father, to further her own standing. Tyrus felt a 'no' threatening to come bursting out of his lips.
Admiral Nagalla ground his teeth together as he remained silent. "The next words out of your mouth should be yes sir", he shouted.
Tyrus clenched his fists and tried to hold out on obeying. "If it's not a yes sir, then you will be spending time in the brig and a formal reprimand will go on your record. That will definitely hurt your career. I know what your problem is with Roslin, and frankly I don't care. Your father wants her escorted to the Galactica, and you are the obvious choice to do his bidding",Nagalla yelled
"Yes, sir", Tyrus tried his hardest not to make those words sound sour. "I expect to hear that Roslin was treated respectfully Lieutenant", Admiral Nagalla said firmly.
"You will not hear anything untoward", Tyrus informed him. He really hoped that he could keep his mouth shut and not blurt out some unkind words to Roslin.
xxxxxx
Caprica City- Caprica
May Gulden walked barefoot over the sharp rocks, searching the ground. She was looking for anything she could give to her grandmother to sell. Every day on the 'fringes' of the city was a battle for survival.
Even out here her grandmother needed to pay an exorbitant amount to remain in their home. She knew this because she'd met the person who had tried on many occasions to evict them.
If they left here, then their only option was the streets. "We will find a way May", her grandmother told her. So far those words had been true.
May thrust her hand downward as she saw something shiny. Seconds later a thin gold necklace nestled in her fist. It was so beautiful. She wished she could keep it as a present for her 5th birthday. But if she did, then probably they would not eat tonight.
Tucking the necklace into her pocket May continued on over the stones. When she heard the loud roaring of ship engines she turned rapidly and ran toward the old landing pad, close to her home. She was not alone, other children came from their homes and joined her. So now it was a race, with the winner getting the spoils. May was not going to let anyone else get to the ship first. She actually elbowed a few other children out of her way. Some of them fell onto the hard ground and began to cry. The wailing did not slow her down. Soon she was skidding to a halt next to the landing pad. "Robbie", she panted as her favourite courier exited his ship.
"Hey little one", he said ruffling her hair. Robert was not supposed to be in the fringes. His offical delivery route for the day was firmly set. But each day he'd make the side trip here to bring the people of the fringes food and medicines.
All of the things he brought them were appropriated from large shipments. He took only small quantities ,hoping that the companies would believe the losses of items were just packing errors. If he ever got discovered he'd lose his job. Then he'd end up in the fringes, fighting for survival.
He knew what a harsh existence that was as he'd grown up here.
"What did you bring me Robbie", May asked him. He'd just started handing her a few apples, when the other children finally made it to the pad. One of them was a larger lad of around 12 years. He had a bleeding knee. "You'll pay for that later May", Lars Friar grumbled.
"Leave her alone Lars, or I will make sure you won't get anything", Robbie responded harshly. The boy just glared at him. "I could tell someone important what you are doing", he stated. Robbie felt a chill along his arms. "Then you definitely won't get any supplies", he stated firmly.
"It might be worth it",Lars stated. "You give May special treatment Robbie". "That makes her a target.'
The courier clenched his fist. He knew this young boy was capable of injuring May and her grandmother. After he'd done that, he'd turn him in to his superiors in return for credits. There was no loyalty or compassion when you were fighting to survive. He needed this job. So he had better placate him. "Alright, I will bring you some special items, just tell me what you want", Robbie asked. Lars smiled, "I'll work out a list", he stated.
Soon that list rested in his hands. Lars had asked for 6 speciality items. "You don't need these types of things", he told the boy.
"Just get them, or I'll report you. It's easy enough to bribe the next courier", Lars taunted. Robbie gritted his teeth and nodded.
He hurried back to his ship and returned to his route. His next stop was just outside of the markets at Caprica central.
The huge crate secured by several ropes was due to be delivered there. This was one crate he could not break into as it had an offical seal. He wondered what was inside this crate.
Landing his craft. Robbie moved back into the hold and tried to move the large crate. He could not budge it ,even a small amount.
That meant he needed help. Hopefully whoever was here to receive the crate had brought some helpers with them.
He opened cargo hatch, and stared out. There was only one person waiting for him. She was a tall blonde, who smiled widely. "Finally, you have arrived", she told him. "Yes, he agreed. "Look miss, you are not going to be able to move this crate by yourself",Robbie warned.
The tall blonde ignored him. She stepped into the cargo hold , bent down, and lifted the crate upwards.
Robbie found a surprised gasp issuing from his lips. That gasp was echoed by the young girl who'd been hiding behind the crate. "You are so strong", May remarked. Robbie stared at May in horror. It was illegal to carry passengers, and the punishment was instant dismissal.
He quickly turned to the tall blonde. "Please don't tell anyone you saw this young girl aboard my ship", he begged.
The blonde stared at the little girl. She looked so unkept, with wild dark hair, and dirt all over her arms and legs. "She does not belong on this ship", the blonde woman stated.
"No, she does not . But I did not invite her on board, Robbie told her honestly. "I will take her home immediately".
"Then you will be late delivering the rest of your load",the blonde said. "Some people might think it was the end of the world, if their packages do not arrive on time".
"Well their world won't end. So they can wait", Robbie replied firmly. "Please don't say anything", he asked again.
The blonde smiled, 'very well I will not". She turned and walked out of the ship, with the large crate in her arms.
"Wow, she was incredible, May enthused. "She must work out alot".
"Yes, she must", Robbie agreed. "Now May, we should get you back home. I am sure your grandmother will worry",Robbie told her.
"I was just hiding from Lars. He was still going to hit me". Possibly he might have given up searching by now", May replied.
Robbie guessed he'd have to escort her right to her door. That would make him very late. But there was no other alternative.
He was going to fly back to the fringes.
The blonde watched the ship leave. She smiled widely to herself. "Don't worry courier all your troubles will soon be over. Your packages will never arrive, and it really will be the end of the world." Number 6, ripped off the side of the crate, revealing the shiny metal bodies of the Cylons stacked inside. "Be ready", she told them.