That fact that Gar'Tokk was the one who had translated the message—was, in fact the only one who could have—had made him into a bit of a celebrity among the Colonials. Unfortunately, Borellian Nomen are not comfortable with celebrity, and Gar'Tokk took to staying more and more in his quarters. But in due course he had to leave to confer with Apollo.
Having read through the tablets in the space ark, Gar'Tokk had a strong feeling that part of the message was information about where the colonial fleet should head next. This he imparted to Apollo as the commander was in the midst of dealing with too many civilians for too few ships. All of the military ships left in the fleet had been outfitted with additional quarters. They also converted as many cargo containers as they could spare into living spaces, filling the rest of them with food, supplies, and as much tylium as they could carry.
The logistics of creating enough room so as not to have to leave anyone behind consumed Apollo and Tigh, Athena and Starbuck. Boomer, Trays, Dalton and Troy flew dozens of missions a day, ferrying goods and materiel from the planet to orbit, then from orbit to the fleet's foundry ship and other destinations. The Council of Twelve had reaffirmed that Tigh had their full authority and backing, while at the same time issuing a proclamation of imminent emergency, which squarely placed acting authority back on Apollo shoulders. There was no more dissention. Everyone was focused on the task at hand.
And then the day came when Dr. Salik informed them that the giant red sun was getting ready to contract. Severe ion storms that played havoc with their communications confirmed the fact. But the timing was propitious: the Galactica, the Daedalus and the rest of the cobbled-back-together fleet were ready to go.
Apollo stood on the bridge of the Galactica, Boomer at his side. He spoke with Athena at her station aboard the Daedalus. All was in readiness. They would have to use conventional drive to move some distance from Paradis and the red star system before they could engage their faster-than-light engines. As they pulled out of orbit, a crowd gathered on the bridge to watch the departure.
Apollo gave the order to leave, unable to take his eyes from the visual display as the planet, so seemingly perfect, slowly grew distant on the giant screen. Apollo realized that someone had a hand on his right shoulder, and someone else his left: Cassie and Starbuck. They exchanged glances, but said nothing.
Finally, Cassie spoke up. "This was an important stop along the path we are traveling."
They gave her curious looks. "We learned that we are still under the guidance of the Lords of Kobol. We arrived here through Apollo's vision, and our discoveries here validated that vision. We learned once more that we must trust Apollo's guidance for the fleet. Those of us that ever doubted it, I mean," she added with a smile.
"And it gave Apollo a rare chance to play the hero and save my life for a change," added Starbuck.
"Well, we all make mistakes," said Apollo with a straight face. "Live and learn."
"Yeah," said Starbuck. "I learned that the moment my back is turned my best friend will try to marry the girl I love."
They all smiled at that.
"And I learned that the love and trust of a true friend is worth more than anything in the universe," Apollo said.
"Stop, Apollo!" Starbuck said. "You make me feel like cracking open a bottle of chilled ambrosa and having a good cry."
"Hey!" said Boomer, "I'm right there with you! Except for the crying part, of course."
There was one member of the Galactica who did not go to the bridge to see their departure from Paradis. Baltar was in his quarters, in his bed, covered with cold sweat. He had been having nightmares again. He had sought his bed for rest only because he had disdained sleep for way too many centons. Even the pain in his head could not prevent him from falling off. Now, having shaken himself awake, he lay there panting, thinking to himself It's only a dream. But he knew better. The nightmare images had coalesced into one great menacing message: Put out the welcome mat, Baltar, the Cylons are coming.
Battlestar Galactica-05-Paradis Page 25
