Judge Judith Schwein
Civilian Official
Judge, 1st Terran Circuit Court
I'm a Judge, not a general. Okay, I'm a general too.
Posts: 123
Registered: Nov 30, 2010 23:40:44 GMT -6
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Post by Judge Judith Schwein on Mar 6, 2013 20:24:10 GMT -6
"Well Captain, are you going to invite me in or is this for boys only? And where is the good General Yolander?"
Judith stepped inside the room when Captain Markus smiled and stepped aside. Looking around the room, she laughed a little.
"I see the planners put more effort into the guest quarters than they did yours, either that or you like the spartan look. So, have I missed anything interesting or were you three just talking trash on a simple terran judge?"
Judith was well aware of the conversation. She could tell by the look on the Captains face that he had been given a mission that he really did not want nor was he the most qualified person to lead it. Or was he? Phineas was no dummy and he wouldn't have chosen someone at random. She knew of the Captain's military and civilian service record. No, Captain Markus was probably THE one man who should be leading this mission, no matter how doomed it were. She was glad Clayton was involved. Judith had not had feelings for any man in many years and it wasn't as if she were falling for this particular man. Still, being around him made her feel comfortable and secure. She had so much she wanted to share with the two of them but time was growing short. Soon, she would be back on the planets surface, dealing with the mess the Nationalists had created in the void left by the resignation of Phineas. Looking at them both, Judith sat down in one of the chairs.
"Gentlemen, we don't have much time. Your Chief Engineer is almost finished with the repairs and we'll be heading back to terra soon. The cylons are going to be attacking not only the remnants of the fleet but will be assaulting the planet as well. I can tell by your faces you are surprised I would know these things. Apparently, you two haven't been paying attention. I really do know everything that happens around this place, or on the planet. So Captain, what are your plans?"
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Carl 'Doc' Savage
Colonial Merchant Fleet
Chief Engineer, CMS Marauder
Posts: 24
Registered: Dec 9, 2012 18:22:13 GMT -6
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Post by Carl 'Doc' Savage on Mar 12, 2013 17:03:15 GMT -6
Carl had stopped at the hatch and knocked after seeing Judge Schwein enter. He knew then that the Skipper was in. He wanted the Captain to take charge of the Drexl character. If it were up to the bronze man, confinement to quarters would be the minimum and brigging would be peferred. He waited for the hatch to open and ushered Drexl in. The steel-shod foot clumped on the deck-plates as the man limped past, giving Savage a nasty look. Carl knew by the look that if he had worked for the man, he would either be unemployed or airlocked.
Sure enough, there was Judge Schwein, and there was Captain Markus. The Skipper looked tired, and Savage knew that only his regimens kept his own fatigue from showing on the bronze face. The Judge appeared to study him. He knew of her reputation as being fierce on the bench. He was certain that she was passing her own judgements on him.
It was the other figure in the room that caught Doc's eye. The face was unmistakeable, as was the head and the posture. The other man's eyes locked with Savage's, hazel to the Bronze Man's piercing blue. They stood for a moment, during which Drexl chuckled. Doc could see the smirk on the man's face underneath the fine black hair that flowed from the opening in the clear skull-shield.
"My, my, I do believe we have a reunion here," Drexl spoke. Doc didn't favor him with any recognition, though he did not turn his back or senses on the man. He stood and gave a slight bow and nod.
"Clayton Dualla," Doc said simply.
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Capt. Joseph Markus
Colonial Merchant Fleet
Captain-CMS Marauder
Civilian Captain, Colonial Citizen
Posts: 307
Registered: Apr 5, 2010 20:21:41 GMT -6
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Post by Capt. Joseph Markus on Mar 16, 2013 20:44:47 GMT -6
Joseph was distracted by the sudden appearance of his engineer and then almost as sudden, Drexl, no less being ushered in by the man most of the crew referred to as Doc. Joseph was still trying to listen to the judge but this scene was too much. Looking at the judge, he interrupted her.
"Excuse me Judge, please."
Stepping over to Doc, he couldn't help but smile just a tad. Seeing that the man had locked eyes with Clayton, Joseph was immediately reminded of the two imposing men's intertwined pasts.
"Doc, what can I do for you?"
From the looks of the situation, he was certain Drexl had overstepped his boundaries and intruded into Doc's area, a definite no-no on the ship. Even Joseph didn't go treading into the Engineering spaces, announced or not. He didn't need to. The very life of this ship was completely due to the skill and expertise of Doc and Joseph had no need to go peeking around. If there were a problem, Doc always let him no, just like now.
"Mr Drexl, I have a feeling you've been where you shouldn't be."
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James Sirius Zachary Drexl
Civilian Official
Director, Terran R&D
Life, which you so nobly serve, comes from destruction, disorder and chaos
Posts: 97
Registered: Oct 9, 2012 18:40:26 GMT -6
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Post by James Sirius Zachary Drexl on Mar 18, 2013 17:08:47 GMT -6
James had to decide quickly. Would he put a look of shocked innocence on his face and use the 'Whatever do you mean?' routine, or would he fake being outraged at such an accusation (though probably true, James knew his way around). He chose a path which showed more of what James Drexl was. His eyes narrowed slightly and a bit of the ruthless man who had connived, conquered, and killed his way to where he was showed.
"Captain, I knew where I was and," he turned to the bronze man, "I wish to offer my heartfelt apologies to Mr. Savage for having intruded into his sanctum sanctorum. But I am a technologically-minded man. I wouldn't be Terra's Director of Research and Development if I wasn't. I mean no disrespect or ill-will. I was just admiring the work of a colleague, a kindred spirit." This he meant. Even those who he considered enemies or prey were respected if they had excelled in their science or craft. Such respect usually brought a relatively painless death to that unfortunate person, but at least they were spared the genetic labs.
James now looked from the blond man to the bald one. His smirk came back slightly. "So you two know each other, as I surmised. How about sharing for the good Captain and I how that came about?" James knew that Dualla and Savage had a shared past aboard the Battlestar Galactica; he just wanted to hear their perspectives on it.
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Judge Judith Schwein
Civilian Official
Judge, 1st Terran Circuit Court
I'm a Judge, not a general. Okay, I'm a general too.
Posts: 123
Registered: Nov 30, 2010 23:40:44 GMT -6
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Post by Judge Judith Schwein on Mar 24, 2013 17:51:22 GMT -6
Judith was growing weary of the machismo coming from Drexl. Finally having reached her fill, she stepped closer to the man and Captain Markus.
"Enough already. I do really despise these pissing contests. We have a real crisis staring us down the throat gentlemen. I suggest we concentrate on that as opposed to this locker room banter."
Turning to Markus, Judith made known her displeasure.
"Captain, any chance that we could possibly get this ship back to Terra? If this coup is to fall apart, we really should be where the action is. Besides, your two guests from your Admiralty are growing restless, I'm sure. Corinth would be a good destination choice."
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Clayton Dualla
Colonial Retired
Colonel
Terran Senior Technical Advisor
Posts: 5,380
Registered: Jul 3, 2011 19:48:16 GMT -6
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Post by Clayton Dualla on Mar 25, 2013 16:30:53 GMT -6
Clayton gave a sidewise glance to the bronze man, one he hoped Savage would remember. "Watch her", was the same way he signalled when Drexl began his lines. With Harry, the three engineers had come a good way in sending messages with eye contact and other non-verbal signs. It helped when working in the loud din of the Galactica's FTL chargers, or in absolute silence when a vocalization could shatter a crystal.
"I agree, we got away from the ambush, now we go back more on our own terms." The warrior in Dualla was awakening. With Doc, it felt more like old times. He was dying to ask about Galactica, but that would wait. Both engineers were professionals.
He'd watch the Director even more for the man obviously was trying to play Dualla and Savage some way, either off each other or against each other. Whichever way, it was, the Drexl was sizing Markus and Savage up as he had Clayton.
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Carl 'Doc' Savage
Colonial Merchant Fleet
Chief Engineer, CMS Marauder
Posts: 24
Registered: Dec 9, 2012 18:22:13 GMT -6
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Post by Carl 'Doc' Savage on Mar 25, 2013 16:37:05 GMT -6
Carl caught the signals - both of them. He'd play it cool until he could find out more from his friend. Piercing blue eyes looked at the Captain.
"Sir, my engines are ready to take us back to Terra, or wherever else the Captain orders." He would have loved to 'remind' Markus how they made point-five past lightspeed on the Corellian run, but that would be revealing one of the special modifications that had been made to Marauder. Especially with Drexl in the room. He was no dummy; it didn't take a mentat to figure that out. Savage and Markus both knew that Marauder has got it where it counts.
The bronze man did step forward and offer his right hand. They gripped forearms tightly.
"I have something that I've been holding for you. Let's go back to Engineering after this."
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Clayton Dualla
Colonial Retired
Colonel
Terran Senior Technical Advisor
Posts: 5,380
Registered: Jul 3, 2011 19:48:16 GMT -6
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Post by Clayton Dualla on Mar 26, 2013 17:48:11 GMT -6
"Indeed?" Clayton replied to his old friend, left eyebrow climbing toward his bald pate. "Thanks." He turned to Judith.
"Coup fall apart? Fascinating." This was bizarre news. First Doral resigns, then Judith mentions a coup. Clayton knew that a coup was an overthrow, but Doral resigned. Did this imply that he was forced to step down? What could anybody have held on the Cylon that would cause him to relinquish his position? Couldn't Doral maintain the high standards of the first Cylon President of the Colonies?
Still, Dualla knew that there had to be something else going on. He understood plainly that he knew only what was essential for him to carry out the tasks that were being assigned and the liberties he had. He was just cutting down into the tip of the iceberg. It would be some time before he sorted out the schemes, intrigues, and machinations enough to know who really was friend and who was foe. He glanced at Markus.
"It's your ship, Captain, I'm just a passenger." Atleast I know that. Clayton was waiting to see whether or not Drexl would be allowed to be part of the action, or would he be sent to his quarters. Clayton hoped that the Captain would at least let Drexl be kept an eye on by a senior individual aboard ship. At the same time, Dualla wanted to do what he was supposed to - or so he thought: work with the Director to develop and improve Terran tech, as well as re-discover the lost knowledge and technologies that Terra had. That would be a challenge he could really sink his teeth into. If he could enlist Doc Savage's help as well, maybe they three - Drexl, Savage, and Dualla - could work as well as the Galactica's old Engineering group did. They just need another down-to-earth fellow like Quinn McCall was, who kept the eggheads from diverging too far from the practical and into the theoretical.
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Clayton Dualla
Colonial Retired
Colonel
Terran Senior Technical Advisor
Posts: 5,380
Registered: Jul 3, 2011 19:48:16 GMT -6
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Post by Clayton Dualla on Mar 28, 2013 18:39:09 GMT -6
:Marine Public Relations: Setting up next to the mic, Sergeant Brock spoke softly as he held onto his tablet; "This is the official statement released not just by the Marine Corps but by the Special Forces. Sometime ago, a bloody coup started with the Nationalist party taking the lead resulting in more than half of all Terran Marines joining them and slowly starting to wipe out the SF ranks. 2 days ago during the retake of Corinth, Cylon raiders detonated an estimated 20 kiloton warhead over Corinth resulting in the destruction of the Frigate Venture; casualties are still coming in and its estimated over 2/3's of the cities population is dead. As for the rumors of Atlantis, the SF's would like to remind everyone that Atlantis doesn't exist and the bulk of the Nationalist were held up in the city of Atlanti here in Gondawa territory. The rumors are just that and if there was proof of Atlantis it would have revealed itself a long time ago. As for Sparta, we can confirm that the city population is dead and that it is on lockdown by the Cylon force as for any retake has to be planned and shall be executed in coming time. We can confirm the city of Alpheus, it still under rogue Marine control and has Nationalist in charge, at least for now the issue has been contained and until further notice any plans for recapture are deemed classified. Thank you for coming and hope to bring peace back to Terra." All argument ceased as everyone turned their attention to the repeater that the message sputtered from. When it ended, the silence continued. This was a major, large-scale attack. Clayton, as well as most of the others in the cabin, had witnessed either directly or indirectly the destruction of the Colonies. and Clayton had beheld the nuking of Earth in a repeat performance of the Colonial massacre. Now, his new home was in the nuclear sights.
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James Sirius Zachary Drexl
Civilian Official
Director, Terran R&D
Life, which you so nobly serve, comes from destruction, disorder and chaos
Posts: 97
Registered: Oct 9, 2012 18:40:26 GMT -6
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Post by James Sirius Zachary Drexl on Mar 28, 2013 19:44:55 GMT -6
James made sure that he looked as shocked as the others. He had his own facilities in the devastated cities, but they were hardened even against the full-scale nuclear attack that eradicated the Colonies. His rivals and the Government flunkies who had tried day and night for years to discover those hidden factories and laboratories would be all gone. Though this was a fringe benefit of the operation, it was the only thing that Drexl cared about. Those pathetic Nationalists could go frak themselves and their Cylon cohorts as well as any mesbegotten Brown Coat who wanted to join the orgy of destruction that so characterized political zealots. The lot of them could wipe each other our along with Dualla, Markus, Schwein, Doral, and anybody else who entertained illusions of 'honor'. That would leave more for him, which was, after all, the one truly important thing.
To further obfuscate the buffoons that were crowding up the room and wasting his oxygen, he added his voice to the chorus of concern
"If this is part of the coup, then I agree with Her Honor that we've dillydallied enough. I for one hope that it the coup 'falls apart' before any more cities are bombed." For all he cared, the coup and the legitimate government could fall apart.
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Judge Judith Schwein
Civilian Official
Judge, 1st Terran Circuit Court
I'm a Judge, not a general. Okay, I'm a general too.
Posts: 123
Registered: Nov 30, 2010 23:40:44 GMT -6
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Post by Judge Judith Schwein on Mar 29, 2013 20:23:03 GMT -6
Judith stood there, listening to the report. Her anger was growing, so much so that she realized Markus was staring at her. She hated surprises and the fact that Corinth had practically been destroyed, without her knowledge, irritated her beyond words. Sparta was a different matter. The Cylons had already firebombed the city during their last attack so any new casualties should have been low. Still, the loss of the two major cities on the planet was not a good sign. The fact that the Nationalists had now chosen to reveal themselves as the lead conspirators in this coup pleased her. No need to be sneaky in dealing with them any longer. Looking at Markus, she gave him some instructions.
"Captain, I know this is your ship but I must ask you to indulge for a bit. Your ship is armed, correct?"
Markus was about to say something to Clayton when the Judge spoke. her last sentence intrigued him somewhat.
"Yes, for offensive and defensive purposes. Why do you ask?"
Judith smiled.
"Let's just say I have a little surprise for the Nationalists. Can you deliver missiles, launch them, at multiple targets?"
Judith was fully aware of the Marauder's capabilities but wanted to see how much the Captain would tell her.
"Yes, of course. Our weapons systems rival those of the battlestars, with a few even they do not have. I take it you have targets already in mind?"
"Yes. Perhaps as we make preparations to head to the surface, we can go over that on the Bridge."
Joseph looked at Doc.
"Chief, get your people ready for a bumpy re-entry. Clayton, would you be so kind as to keep the Director here company while we head back, but be ready to assist the ship should the need arise?"
Looking at the Judge, Joseph spoke.
"Your Honor, shall we?"
"Of course, Captain. Thank you."
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Capt. Joseph Markus
Colonial Merchant Fleet
Captain-CMS Marauder
Civilian Captain, Colonial Citizen
Posts: 307
Registered: Apr 5, 2010 20:21:41 GMT -6
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Post by Capt. Joseph Markus on Mar 29, 2013 20:23:53 GMT -6
Judith stood there, listening to the report. Her anger was growing, so much so that she realized Markus was staring at her. She hated surprises and the fact that Corinth had practically been destroyed, without her knowledge, irritated her beyond words. Sparta was a different matter. The Cylons had already firebombed the city during their last attack so any new casualties should have been low. Still, the loss of the two major cities on the planet was not a good sign. The fact that the Nationalists had now chosen to reveal themselves as the lead conspirators in this coup pleased her. No need to be sneaky in dealing with them any longer. Looking at Markus, she gave him some instructions.
"Captain, I know this is your ship but I must ask you to indulge for a bit. Your ship is armed, correct?"
Markus was about to say something to Clayton when the Judge spoke. her last sentence intrigued him somewhat.
"Yes, for offensive and defensive purposes. Why do you ask?"
Judith smiled.
"Let's just say I have a little surprise for the Nationalists. Can you deliver missiles, launch them, at multiple targets?"
Judith was fully aware of the Marauder's capabilities but wanted to see how much the Captain would tell her.
"Yes, of course. Our weapons systems rival those of the battlestars, with a few even they do not have. I take it you have targets already in mind?"
"Yes. Perhaps as we make preparations to head to the surface, we can go over that on the Bridge."
Joseph looked at Doc.
"Chief, get your people ready for a bumpy re-entry. Clayton, would you be so kind as to keep the Director here company while we head back, but be ready to assist the ship should the need arise?"
Looking at the Judge, Joseph spoke.
"Your Honor, shall we?"
"Of course, Captain. Thank you."
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James Sirius Zachary Drexl
Civilian Official
Director, Terran R&D
Life, which you so nobly serve, comes from destruction, disorder and chaos
Posts: 97
Registered: Oct 9, 2012 18:40:26 GMT -6
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Post by James Sirius Zachary Drexl on Mar 31, 2013 8:33:45 GMT -6
James listened attentively while watching the circus. When he and the former Colonial were alone, he replied dryly to the Captain's order
"Colonel, I do believe that we have been pushed aside." Making himself at home, he walked into the kitchen area and rummaged until he found some liquor and a glass. He took a sip from the tumbler, his eyes filled with mirth.
"Didn't think it would happen to you, did you?"
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Clayton Dualla
Colonial Retired
Colonel
Terran Senior Technical Advisor
Posts: 5,380
Registered: Jul 3, 2011 19:48:16 GMT -6
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Post by Clayton Dualla on Apr 2, 2013 20:38:01 GMT -6
Clayton turned at the mocking comment Drexl made. The left corner of his mouth quirked and he walked casually over to the other man. Smoothly, Clayton removed the glass of liquor and put it to his own lips. Taking a taste, he smacked his lips for effect.
"Tauron Bourbon. Goes down smooth, then kicks you in the head before you pour the second glass." Clayton was a Colonial soldier, and had had his share of hard drinking. His eyebrows bounced as he took a second slip.
"I don't know how much blowing off you've had to deal with, Director, but I had my share from my superiors in the Fleet. I was observant enough to see that there was sound military reasoning behind it. Sometimes, you'd have to look pretty far, but it was there. It's no skin off of my nose. Now, if we don't want to overextend our welcome in the Captain's quarters, I think we should be off to find our source of alcohol somewhere besides his private stock."
Dualla walked toward the hatch, stopping as he undogged it. He turned his head to the side.
"Letme tell you what'll happen the next time you invade Savage's territory. You'll hear a moan like a bullfiddle, then it'll be nighty-night. You might wake up in the brig, and you might wake up to find yourself lashed across the top of the FTL coil right before a Jump. That won't be pleasant, believe me."
Clayton turned to exit the open hatch, wondering what Doc had for him. He did not stop, smiling faintly as the sound of a steel-shod foot struck the deck.
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Capt. Joseph Markus
Colonial Merchant Fleet
Captain-CMS Marauder
Civilian Captain, Colonial Citizen
Posts: 307
Registered: Apr 5, 2010 20:21:41 GMT -6
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Post by Capt. Joseph Markus on Apr 13, 2013 20:42:32 GMT -6
Three months prior to current events Joseph sat there in his quarters, waiting for the President to arrive. He had received the mans message the day before asking to meet with him. What Joseph found so odd is the President had insisted the meeting take place here on his ship. Joseph had only been on the surface a few days, having just returned from the mission to the Colonies. Hell, he hadn't even fully briefed the man on the situation back home. What could possibly be so important that the meeting had to be here, when it could have easily been done a few days ago? Joseph had done his customary thing and had his Security Chief look into the happenings of the fleet and government while they were gone. He was no dummy. He knew something was amiss. Things had been going too smooth for too long. What could it be this time? Cylons on the warpath again? Browncoats messing things up? Terran rebels perhaps? Joseph was in no mood to play games with the government, or the fleet for that matter. There was a reason he had hung up his uniform many years ago. Joseph also was growing weary of waiting for the President. President. It didn't fit well on this man, a Cylon. Of course, he wasn't the first Cylon to hold the title. There was the short-lived reign of one Skulbaka, that sexy little Eight. Of course, SHE had proved her loyalty to the human cause. She had served in the fleet for some time, before revealing herself to be a machine. Joseph didn't fully trust any of them and that was the reason none of them were permitted on his ship. This would be the first time a Cylon had ever stepped foot on board the Marauder. He was about to pick up the wireless and call the bridge when a rap came on the hatch. "Who is it?"The voice of his Security Chief, Master Chief Petty Officer Jen Kimcha, answered from the other side. "Captain, the President is here."Joseph stood up, straightening his jacket. "Come in Master Chief."The hatch opened and the President stepped inside the room, looking around, then to Joseph. "Captain Markus, a pleasure to see you again. Thank you for humoring me with this meeting. May I sit?""Of course Mr. President, by all means. Master Chief, make certain there are no interruptions and would you ask the galley to send some lunch this way?""Aye Captain."Closing the hatch, Master Chief Kimcha muttered just loud enough to be heard a scathing revelation. "It was only a matter of frakking time before this ship was infected."Joseph looked at the President and smiled. "My apologies. We've never had a, uh, well..""No apologies necessary Captain. May I call you Joseph?"" Of course Sir. SO, what brings you way out here to the shipyard anchorage? Why the secrecy?"Phineas looked at Joseph, leaning forward so he was closer to the man. "I need someone I know I can trust Captain, someone not embedded in the fleet or the government, someone who can operate outside of the norm so to speak.""In other words, you need someone expendable, someone you can disavow any knowledge of?""Nothing of the sorts, trust me Captain. No, I need someone with certain skills, someone who can be the card in the hole. I need someone that nobody else sees coming. From what I've read of your record, that person is you."Joseph was just now beginning to understand what was taking shape. To need an outsider meant you couldn't or didn't trust your own people. That spelled only one thing. Coup. But from whom? What the frak would anyone in the fleet gain by taking over the government? Hell, the terrans were the ones actually... That had to be it. A power struggle within the terran ranks. Well, that was real smart of the fleet giving them their own fleet. Now there was that to deal with. Looking at the President, Joseph offered the man a drink. "Terran wine, pretty tasty. So, how long has a coup been in th works Mr. President?"Phineas was a little surprised. "You catch on pretty fast. Another reason I need your help. You have contacts within the fleet, contacts that are loyal to back home. It's not our fleet that is of concern. This is the terrans, trust me. The faction known as the Nationalists. Ultra-conservative, they long for a return to past glory and power. Terra for terrans kind of thinking. They're not anti-colonial, just anti-gondawan. And in order to achieve their goal of wiping them out, they need to be in control of the government."Phineas was about to continue when there was a knock at the hatch. "Captain, lunch from the galley Sir."Joseph strode over to the hatch and opened it, taking the cart from the young Specialist. Thanking the woman, he closed the hatch and wheeled the cart closer to where they were seated. "It's not five-star Caprican cuisine but it's not bad. Dig in."Joseph was more interested in hearing more of what the President had to say than he was in eating. "So, if this is a terran issue, how does that involve our government, and our fleet?""There is no us government and them government Captain, there hasn't been for some years. Sure, we provide the upper echelons of leadership but the terrans are the physical government-power, agriculture, manufacturing- so on. They have the people in the field. That means they control every aspect of life on the planet. Hell, it is their planet, they should be in charge. Which brings me to my next thing."Phineas took a big sip of his wine, setting the glass back on the table in front of him. "It's time for the terrans to take over the reigns of government, fully. For that reason, I have decided to resign and dissolve the Colonial government. The main reason for this is practicality. We can't have TWO functioning governments here nor can we have TWO functioning Colonial governments. From you initial report of life back on the Colonies, there is a restored government there, as well as a small but growing fleet. Do you see the paradox?"
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