Terran Battleship Freedom

[J Castorious, CMC (Ret)]

At the new Presidential office on the grounds of Corinth University, near the airport

Timeline: Three weeks after having arrived in the Capital

It had been almost three weeks now since J and Captain Markus, along with several of the new Quorum members and a security detail from the CMS Marauder, had arrived in the capital city. Having set up temporary space in the Mayors office and finally getting the word out to the citizens of Terra and the Fleet that the government was being re-formed, J was ready to finalize the announcement with a personal message to everyone.

The city was still in disarray and ruin from the massive Cylon attack a year ago so getting the media outlets to get their equipment to the capital and setting up the satellite feeds had taken much longer than expected and it was frustrating J to no end. Already the quarreling between the various factions had begun-the Federalists set against the Spartists, the Isolationists in the Southern Hemisphere against the Monarchists in the north, just south of the Capital, the Gondawans against the Expantionists, and the Quorum crying about being left out. J secretly wished he had just gone to the Independence Brig and not immersed himself in this debacle and experiment in futility.

What the frak was Ben Little thinking when he started to re-form the government? Doral was probably onto something when he disbanded the Colonial government, as illegal as it may have been. Looking at his new Chief Aide, Neko Goor (the former woman having decided to pursue a different path in the new government by accepting the post of Agriculture Secretary), J smiled and nodded that he was ready. Looking at the array of cameras and recording devices, J cleared his throat and read from the teleprompter in front of him.

"Ladies and gentlement of Terra, the Colonial and Terran Fleets, citizens of the Terran system, and mostly, our Cylon allies and fellow Colonial citizens: For those of you who do not yet know who I am, allow me to introduce myself. I am J Castorious, former Acting President of the 12 Colonies of Kobol and Colonial Marine. Ever since President Phineas Doral announced some almost two years ago the disbandment of the Colonial government, our combined societies have been in an upheval and in total disarray. Fortunately, the late President Benjamin Little saw the error of that decision and was in the process of re-forming the government when he was killed by Cylon forces, done so while saving several thousand souls doing what he knew best, being a warrior. We shall never forget his actions those months ago and for that reason, I am formally announcing the reforming of the Colonial government, a government that will be for all citizens of Terra and her fleets and stations and settlements. This action is effective immediately. In the coming days, I will be announcing the members of my cabinet and will be visiting the various ships and settlements, as well as condcuting a goodwill tour of Terra herself. I thank you all and may the Gods continue to look down upon us with favor."

[Carlie McPherson]

Carlie entered the Council Chambers, scanning the room for specific faces. Of course, everyone was here. The news outlets and other media types were there as well. This would be broadcast to the entire planet and to all the Stations, settlements, depots and anything else that had humans in attendance. The time was now to make the official announcement and to begin the evacuation of the planet and system. As she walked towards the front of the Chambers, she smiled and nodded to those near the aisle, waving to others. She hated this part of the job. Actually, she hated the job itself but thanks to J Castorious, she had been given no other choice but to accept the reigns of power. Smiling at the Speaker of the Council, Josephine Goodall, Carlie stepped to the podium. Gesturing for the room to become quiet, she waited a few seconds before speaking.

"My fellow citizens, I speak to you today about a grave matter, one which by now most, if not all, of you are aware of in some manner or form. Several months ago, a supernova was detected some 40 to 50 light years away from here. The effects, the radiation, was detected about 30 light years from our system, which means the wave of the supernova is already on its way through the galaxy. Since there are so many variables and factors that will define the strength of the radiation before it arrives, we must take prudent, severe measures, to ensure the survival of our civilization. Preparations have been underway since the discovery of the supernova to, well, make certain our society and way of life continue. Those preparations include the launching of several missions to find a suitable new home for our people."

Carlie paused for a moment and took a sip of water from the glass in front of her.

"Ships, loaded with supplies, equipment, and personnel have been dispatched to several locations already known to us. Although it has been decided on one location to serve as our new home world, a few other locations will still be utilized as well. It has been decided that we will concentrate our efforts on settling on Kobol."

Carlie stopped. She looked at the expressions on the faces of those in attendance. Terrans, Colonials, Gondawans, Federalists, Nationalists, every sect and party and group on the planet had their representatives here. For just a second or two, there was a hushed calm. Then the shouts began. Carlie held her right hand up and the room quieted.

"We have held many, many discussions regarding this matter, every party and group was represented. The decision, while ultimately mine, was agreed upon by everyone. Unanimously. Now, we know not everyone will wish to leave, that there will be many who will want to take their chances. They will be given that right, the same as anyone who wishes to go to one of two other locations. Those locations are Avalon, the very well kept secret location known as the Alpha Site and of course, New Caprica. The decision to not return to the Colonies of Kobol was stressed by the Colonial delegates. Too much time has elapsed back on the 12 Colonies, so much that any sudden return or arrival of not just Colonial citizens but Terrans as well would cause a political and most likely military situation that would not benefit anyone involved. We have ships heading towards Kobol as we speak, and there are ships heading to Avalon and New Caprica as well. Since we have a total population not just here on Terra but throughout the Fleet and the solar system of a little over 3 billion souls, the logistics are very daunting."

Taking another sip of water, Carlie continued.

"We are fortunate to have at our disposal the Drex Star, which as I speak, is being fitted to accommodate 1 billion stasis pods, which are also being constructed at several sites across the planet. There is also a ship that belongs to the Gondawans, hidden all these two thousand plus years on Terras smaller moon and which was just recently discovered by the Fleet last year. The ship already has stasis pods on board so they are being duplicated, which is why we are able to construct them so quickly. Within a year, the Drex Star will be ready to begin the boarding process. As for those wishing to go elsewhere, ships are available and being assigned to that purpose solely and will begin departing as soon as supplies and assigned personnel are loaded. I want to make this abundantly clear to EVERYONE, no person or group will be left behind that does not wish to remain here. Ships Captains and shipping companies will be fairly compensated by the government. There will be no profiteering taking place. Anyone or any company discovered doing so shall pay a very stiff penalty. You will lose your ships, crews and assets, immediately. There will be no graft taking place either. Accept a bribe, you will be left behind, on the surface. I promise you this. I wish to cut this announcement short. There will be more information to follow within a few days. Thank you."

Carlie hurriedly left the podium and exited stage left, escorted by her security detail and staff. She still had a meeting with the head of TerraBankCorp and of course, the Judge. She could hardly wait.

[NPC Official]

As Lukana Moldoran, Assistant Secretary of Labor (NPC)

Standing in what now constituted as her office (a tent that was erected on the grounds of the University of Corinth), Lukana stood at the podium, preparing to address the crowd of people before her. She looked at her assistant to make certain they were ready to broadcast. Clearing her throat, she spoke into the microphone.

"Ladies and Gentlemen of Terra, my name is Lukana Moldoran and I am here to announce that your government is still here and we are in the process of rebuilding as I speak. Do not listen to the message of a former member of the military, one how has decided to take by force, the reigns of leadership. General Harperson is not in charge, I am. I hereby declare that any and all persons who take up arms against my duly appointed government and the citizens of this planet, those persons shall be arrested, tried and executed immediately, regardless of who they are. I am also declaring that ALL military personnel and assets are hereby under the control of the newly constituted government. Since our fearless President decided to evacuate herself and her friends from Terra, I am officially assuming the office of President of Terra, complete with all powers and authorities therein. More information shall be provided in the future. Thank you all."