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“A Shining Planet by Matt Butts |
There are those who believe Some believe that there may yet be Colonel Tigh saw it first. It was a large spherical planetoid which moved through the northern quadrant. He turned to Athena to see what she had picked up on her video monitor. “Diameter 5,389 metrons, atmosphere negative, origin unknown. There is a small installation on the surface.” “Possibly a Cylon outpost,” Adama snarled, retreating to his desk. “Apollo, how long will you need to get Blue Squadron ready to go take a look?” “Less than a microcenton.” * * * “Commander Koenig!” Paul Morrow said, looking up at the Main Mission screen. “There are five unknown ships coming right at us!” “Computer confirms,” Kano added. “They’re armed!” “Red alert!” Koenig shouted, pushing a button on his desktop. Klaxons sounded all over the base as emergency crews moved into position and combat eagles took off. “We should try to communicate,” Victor said. “How do we know they’re hostile?” “They’re war machines, Victor... we can’t take any chances.” “At least try, John!” “All right. Sandra, open a channel.” “Channel open.” “Attention, oncoming ships,” Koenig said. “This is commander John Koenig of Moonbase Alpha. Identify yourselves.” There was a momentary silence before Apollo responded. “This is Captain Apollo of the Battlestar Galactica. Where are you from?” “We are from the planet Earth.” * * * A stunned silence fell upon the flight deck of the Galactica. Tigh turned to Adama. “It could be a Cylon trick, Commander.” “I don’t think so. For some reason I trust Commander John Koenig.” He approached his desk and broke in on the communication. “Commander John Koenig. This is Commander Adama of the Battlestar Galactica. I request to meet with you... on your terms.” “We will receive a small, unarmed delegation.” “As you wish. I shall look forward to meeting you, Commander Koenig.” * * * Adama’s face vanished from the screen in Main Mission. Koenig turned to face Helena Russell and Victor Bergman, who were in his office. “What do you think they want from us, John?” Victor asked. “I don’t know.” “Adama seems rather nice,” Helena added. “I trust him.” “Paul,” Koenig asked, turning to Morrow. “What about those ships?” “They are retreating.” “Let me know the minute Adama’s delegation arrives.” * * * The lights inside the android’s transparent head flashed several different colors as it stepped through the door into the huge throne room. “By your command.” The ominous figure atop the pedestal turned to face his sub-commander. “Speak, Lucifer.” “We have located a small planetoid near this ship.” “So? There are countless planetoids in this galaxy. Why should this one warrant our concern?” “Because there is a small installation there inhabited by some 300 people. It is nothing of ours.” “And I doubt that it is a colonial base. Watch it... closely.” * * * Koenig and Victor were waiting at the entrance to the travel tube when Alan Carter stepped through, escorting the party. Adama followed by Starbuck, Athena, Apollo and Boxey, and the mechanical daggit known as Muffy. “Welcome to Moonbase Alpha, Commander Adama,” Koenig said diplomatically, extending his hand to the elderly battlestar commander. “Thank you, Commander Koenig.” I would like to confer with you in private, if that is all right with you.” “Very well, Adama. We’ll use my office. Your people may make themselves at home.” “Your hospitality is appreciated, John Koenig.” * * * Starbuck gazed out over the stark lunar landscape. He could see the patterns where that the rains had made when the moon passed Ariel, yet he did not try to understand them. “What a desolate place,” he commented. “According to their record tapes,” Apollo remarked, this installation, Moonbase Alpha, was completed on February 17, 1997, and was blasted away from earth by a freak accident on September 13, 1999.” “What else have you found in those tapes?” “This.” He picked up a disc and slipped it into the viewer as the scenig pictures appeared on the screen, one by one. “What planet is that?” he asked. “That,” Apollo commented, “is the planet Earth.” * * * “To tell you the truth, John, I would give my life to know the location of Earth.” “I’m sorry that I can’t help you there, Adama. But we on Alpha lost track of the position of Earth long ago. We could give you a vague idea of the general direction, but nothing better.” “I understand, Commander. But now I would like to make you an offer. You are uncertain of your future on this moon. You should face the realistic possibility that you may never find a new home. That is why I am willing to take you and your people aboard the Galactica. We can’t promise you a more certain future, but we can help one another.” “That’s very generous, Adama. We will consider it.” “I hope you do.” * * * “By your command.” “What is it this time, Lucifer?” “We have located the origin of the moon. It once orbited the planet Earth... the thirteenth colony that Adama seeks.” “What of the Galactica?” “We cannot locate it. But we do know that a colonial transport has landed on Moonbase Alpha. These Alphans possess knowledge which is dangerous to us. They must be eliminated.” “No! Not yet! The knowledge they have could be valuable. I suggest that we visit them. I want a live Alphan aboard this base star in 25 centons!” |
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“A Shining
Planet Known As Earth” ©1978 by Matt Butts |
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