(no subject)
Part One
Things have changed dramatically overnight. Since the assault on Praxis the Klingon High Council has officially declared war on the Romulan Empire, and has already started launching a series of attacks on key supply bases. In the meantime, the occupied worlds are seizing the opportunity to create some instability of their own in hopes of wresting control back from the foreign powers. Reports of the violent activity have been arriving at New Vulcan just about every hour, and by the time Jim and Bones walk into the Council Chamber the air is thick with tension.
"Events are proceeding exactly as we anticipated," says Sarek as soon as everyone has taken a seat and hot spiced tea has been served. Jim sips it gratefully, savoring the sharp, distinctive taste. It's admittedly kind of nice to be on the edges of the action for once, instead of being asked to go straight to the front lines. Gives them time to discuss strategy in a nice, leisurely manner without worrying about doing everything now, now, now.
"So the question now is how long we wait until making an overture, correct?" Jim has to hand it to the Six; she's a no-nonsense kind of woman who prefers to cut to the chase without spending any time on pleasantries. He respects that. "Do we try and stop the bloodshed early, or wait until they've completely decimated themselves?"
"The logical course of action would be to wait until our enemies are so weakened by strife that they have no choice but to accept a compromise." The Ambassador draws his eyebrows together in a faint frown. "However, the civilian life that will be lost over the course of the conflict is a significant moral consideration."
"The morality of it -" begins Six, and there's something cold and calculating in her eyes, but Daniel cuts her off.
"How this impacts innocent people is of utmost importance." He catches his sister Cylon's eyes and shakes his head ever so slightly. "We owe that to them. Don't you think?"
Jim can see the potential for an argument in the making and speaks up, heading it off. "What's done is done. Right now we look to the future." Neither Daniel or the Six says anything to that, and Jim presses on. "There are plenty of tacticians in the Klingon and Romulan Empires, and chances are they're going to want a fast resolution. If I were them, I wouldn't want to lose too much of my infrastructure. I'm guessing we're probably not going to have to wait too long for them see the benefits of diplomacy."
"The destruction of Praxis has been particularly disabling to the Klingons," adds Spock. "Given the potential for instability on Qo'nos, I highly doubt that they will have any interest in prolonging this conflict."
"True." Sarek nods. "It would perhaps be best to make overtures to them first in order to create a stronger coalition with which to approach the Romulans."
Allying with the Klingons in order help broker peace with the Romulans. Jim can't help but shake his head a little in astonishment; just a few short years ago such an idea would have been unthinkable. It's ironic, really, that it's taken an event of such catastrophic proportions to make them sit up and realize that maybe an alliance is more effective than being at each others' throats all the time.
"There is another argument in favor of speed," says the Ambassador, his face grave. "While we remain embroiled in internal conflict, there are powers in the Delta and Gamma Quadrants that will doubtless be interested in exploiting our vulnerability."
The Ambassador knows something; Jim can tell just by looking at him. Then again, he always does. If he says that they should get their shit together, and fast, Jim isn't about to argue with him.
"Right." He lays his hands flat on the table and looks around at the assembly. "I say we approach them sooner rather than later. And that we approach them together." He nods respectfully to the Ambassador. "I see your point about approaching the Klingons first, but it might be better if we approach them jointly, show that we're serious about forming a new order in which we all function as equals."
"There is, of course, merit in that suggestion." The Ambassador is as gracious as ever. "It will certainly be considered."
"But it would be inadvisable to prolong the discussion," says Spock, his dark eyes grave. "If speed is of importance."
They spend the better part of the day deliberating, going over each and every possible scenario, and the sun is slipping down toward the western horizon when they finally agree to make overtures to both Empires concurrently. By that point Jim is more than ready to go for a walk and get some dinner. He wants to savor these last few nights planetside with Bones - they're going to be busy over the next couple of days, what with going to the frontier and starting negotiations. They need to enjoy the quiet time while they have it.
The meeting breaks up in the usual swirl of small talk and polite inquiries, and Daniel makes his way over to Jim and Bones with inquisitive blue eyes and a tentative smile.
"You're all right?" he asks, his gaze shifting between them both.
Jim smiles and lets his hand brush lightly against Bones'. "Yeah," he says. "Yeah, we're all right," and he feels Bones' thumb stroke across the skin of his wrist.
"Good." Daniel's relief is palpable. "It felt wrong to see you both out of step." He tilts his head and regards them steadily. "Everything that we want to accomplish is held within you two. You realize that? We look at you - and now Scotty and Ruth, as well - and see everything that we can become." He reaches out and clasps their hands, briefly. "You give us hope."
Daniel gives them one more brief smile and moves away, drawn back into a conversation between the Six and the Ambassador. Jim watches him go and laughs a little in astonishment.
"Nice to know that our relationship is, you know, of no interest to anyone but ourselves."
Bones shrugs. "We've been a topic of discussion ever since I turned up alive after getting a bat'leth to the chest. At least we know that some people are actually pulling for us, instead of thinking of you as a traitor and me as an abomination."
"You've never been an abomination," says Jim. "Never. Even if -" he swallows hard " - even if I was too stupid to realize that, at first."
"And you're no traitor." Bones' hand is warm on his back as they nod their farewells and leave the room. "You're doing what you have to in order to save the human race. Never forget that."
"As long as you're around to remind me." Jim tilts his head up to the sky streaked with vibrant shades of red and orange and smiles. "Daniel's right, you know. I didn't feel... things just didn't feel quite right when you weren't on the Enterprise."
Bones laughs. "Won't argue with that." He wraps his fingers around Jim's wrist and tugs him close against his side. "And there's nowhere else I'd rather be."
"Good." Jim grins at him and then breaks into a run, tugging his hand free and starting down the narrow street of the New Vulcan settlement. He glances back at Bones over his shoulder and smiles.
"We still have some time left before we're shipping out. Anything you want to do?"
Bones growls and starts after him. "Think you have the energy, Jimmy?"
Jim's laughter floats back on the breeze. "Come and find out."
* * *
The Enterprise and her crew are back in the darkness of space now, vast and unknowable and dangerous, and on their way to what was once considered the Neutral Zone. McCoy still has a few lingering memories of aviophobia, but this time when he looks out at the stars his only thoughts are of the potential stretching out before them. They're going to create a whole new world, if this goes right, and that's something to be excited about.
Ruth is sitting next to him up in the observation deck. Her hair is shining like a halo in the pale light, and McCoy can tell that she's just as eager to move forward with this as he is, filled with the desire to guide humans and Cylons to the next step. He leans over to bump his shoulder against hers, and she turns to him with a smile. He's grateful that she's here with him, another Cylon who turned away from the Collective to follow her heart. As long as they have each other, they'll never be truly alone.
"You think this'll work?" he asks. He has faith in Jim, he really does, but what they're doing now is completely unprecedented. There are so many ways things could backfire.
"I think that we haven't come this far for things to fall apart now," she answers, and reaches for his hand. "The Twos are right, Leonard. Sometimes you need to have faith."
Her smile is full of awe and wonder, and McCoy's glances down to see the way her free hand is resting protectively over her stomach. He draws in a sharp breath and lifts his eyes to hers, astonished.
"Ruth," he says. "Are you...?"
Her laughter is bright, full of impossible wonder and joy. "Yes." Her smile softens, her eyes dropping down to gaze at her still flat belly with impossible tenderness. "I knew just as soon as it happened, about two weeks ago, but I've only told Scotty, and he's agreed to keep it secret for now. We want to keep it to ourselves, just a little longer"
"Ruth," says McCoy in complete and utter amazement, "you know that no Cylon has ever managed to conceive...?"
"I know." She stares back at him, her eyes fierce. "And I don't want you to tell anyone just yet. This proves that our two races are meant to be together, but for just a little longer this child is ours. You understand?"
"Of course." He reaches out hesitantly, waits until he gets a nod of permission before resting his hand on her stomach. Amazing. The first Human-Cylon hybrid. She's right; this is proof that they're meant to co-exist. The Cylons have never been able to reproduce; it's why downloading is so important. For Ruth to be carrying a child...
...It's incredible. But it's also so fragile, this tiny life, and there are no guarantees that such a thing will ever happen again. McCoy shakes his head in astonishment and just stares at Ruth.
"It's amazing."
"Yes." She rests her hand on his, twining their fingers together. "You'll help me protect this child, Leonard? Help me and Scotty? No matter what else this means... I want him or her to be happy and loved, not just a symbol of what could come to pass."
"You never need to worry about my support." McCoy leans forward to rest his forehead against hers. "Sister. I'll help you protect this child. I promise." And then, because he's still a doctor, damnit, "You'll tell me right away if anything feels wrong? Any discomfort, any excessive sickness, anything at all and you come to me. Got that?"
He catches a glimpse of her smile. "I know you'll take care of us both," she says, and squeezes his fingers tightly.
They lapse into silence, content to draw strength just from each others' presence, but the moment is broken when Jim's voice comes over the intercom. "This is your Captain speaking. We are about to arrive in orbit around Nimbus III. I want all of you alert and ready for action. Get to your posts, and don't get distracted." There's a brief pause. "I know I can depend on all of you, no matter what happens. Kirk out."
McCoy sighs. "And that's our cue." He helps Ruth to her feet, smiling at the determination he sees in her eyes. He can't wait to meet her child. Anyone with Scotty and Ruth as parents can't be anything other than exceptional.
"Ready?" he asks, just as their communicators go off to summon them directly to the bridge.
She draws herself up to her full height and nods.
"Ready."
* * *
Nimbus III is a desolate planet, its one positive feature being a breathable atmosphere. There had always been rumors that the three major powers - Klingon, Romulan, Federation - would try to turn it into an experiment in peace, a location where members of each culture could co-exist in harmony. McCoy had always thought that was a noble goal, but of course it was shot to hell with the destruction of the Federation. Still, it's rather fitting that they hold the negotiations here. The impetus for a new peace can grow on the foundation of the old one.
The Klingon and Romulan delegates are already waiting for them when they arrive. Ka'nakh, the Klingon Ambassador, is stern and unforgiving, with a mane of iron-gray hair and the sharp, calculating eyes of a warrior who has seen enough battles to favor cool strategy over hotblooded impulsiveness. His Romulan counterpart, Maldanna, is the picture of diplomatic perfection: an icy beauty with porcelain skin and clothing so stiff and formal it might as well be armor. Her face is impossible to read as she regards the Cylon and Federation representatives.
Jim, of course, is as confident as ever. "Ambassadors Ka'nakh, Maldanna, greetings. I speak on behalf of the Federation when I tell you how pleased I am to see you here."
"A sentiment I return wholeheartedly." Maldanna looks past Jim to Spock and the Ambassador, then to McCoy, Ruth, and the representatives from the basestar itself. "It is everyone's hope that we can reach an agreement that is satisfactory to all involved."
"But of course." Six's smile matches the Ambassador's in terms of politeness. "We've already reached an accord with the Humans and Vulcans. We want nothing more than to renew our...cordial relations with the Klingon and Romulan Empires." Her tone is smooth and conciliatory, but there's a hard cast to her eyes that reveals she hasn't forgotten the destruction of Kobol and the deaths of thousands of her siblings.
McCoy can see the tension in the muscles of Jim's neck, and steps up alongside him and Spock. If they continue down the path of accusation and blame, they'll never get anywhere. "If you're amenable," he says. "We could retire indoors, and begin formal negotiations...?"
Ka'Nakh regards him for a moment, his dark eyes moving slowly up and down his form before flicking over to Daniel. He nods once, briefly. "This way, delegates," he growls, his voice as low and rumbling as an avalanche.
The small mud brick building they're meeting in is a far cry from the elaborate conference halls of the Federation headquarters on Earth, but it'll have to do. The delegates take their seats around the long table and regard each other with thinly veiled suspicion, clearly thinking that everyone else is only interested in their own best interests. McCoy manages to suppress the urge to roll his eyes. It's amazing how suspicion and distrust always manage to take root even when everyone's future is held in the balance.
He catches the answering exasperation in Jim's blue gaze and the way Ruth keeps drumming her fingertips lightly against the tabletop and sighs inwardly. Dancing around each other for the next however many hours isn't going to get anything done. He gives Jim a kick underneath the table, hoping he gets the message.
Jim coughs. "Right. So." He crosses his hands in front of him and leans forward. "It is in the best interests of all our civilizations to cease hostilities and form a stable alliance, which will allow for the rebuilding of vital facilities. Clinging to vendettas and continuing to enact violence on each other will only harm us in the long run and leave all of our civilizations vulnerable. It is of vital importance that we negotiate terms that will allow for rebuilding."
Maldanna inclines her head. "We would not be opposed to the forming an alliance with the former Federation. The Cylons, however, are a new element." She lets her gaze travel from Ruth across Daniel, glancing over at the Six, Three, and Two. "They are a significant unknown. It is why we were unable to...trust them."
Six sucks in a sharp breath and straightens her shoulders. "We upheld our part of our alliance -"
"That alliance was hardly equal."
"And why was that?"
The Ambassador leans forward, ready to play peacemaker. "But if we were to arrive on equal terms, you would be amenable to a peaceful coexistence? I am sure you realize that it is in all of our best interests to come to terms. It is undeniable that none of the present parties would be able to fend off a military force from another Quadrant should an invasion occur. Our best chance for protection is to cease internal bickering."
Ka'nakh dips his head in agreement. "But of course. That makes the most military sense."
"And what exactly do you consider equal terms?" Daniel's voice is mild and polite, but McCoy can hear the steel just below the surface.
"We want you to destroy your Resurrection Ships," says Maldanna coolly. "All of them. The ability to download into new bodies with your memories intact gives you an unfair advantage. If we are truly going to form an alliance of equals, as you so nicely put it, we need to eliminate such benefits. Wouldn't you agree?" She smiles and leans back in her chair, cool and collected as she waits to see how everyone responds to the gauntlet she's just thrown down.
McCoy sucks in a sharp breath. Next to him Ruth goes pale, her Sister's face becomes hard, and Two closes his eyes. Three leans forward, her expression livid with anger.
"I don't think you understand what Resurrection means to us," she hisses. "No Cylon has ever managed to procreate; downloading is the only mechanism that allows our race to survive."
McCoy feels Ruth go tense and leans against her discreetly, offering his support. He knows exactly what she's afraid of: that if everyone learns about her child it will be used as a bargaining chip. He can understand why she wants to keep it secret. This is the first hybrid pregnancy, and so early on nothing is certain. So much could go wrong. To destroy Resurrection on the basis of one hybrid child... there's too much at stake. Ruth's right. No one here can know about it, not now.
"But it would make us truly equals," says Ka'nakh. "Why should one species be granted immortality?"
"It seems to me you'd be grateful that one of your allies has that sort of ability," Jim points out. He looks calm and at ease, but McCoy can see the tension in his shoulders. He's not happy about this. "Each species has always had its individual quirks and advantages. I don't see how this is significantly different."
"The key point is their retention of memories. They do not need to relearn all of the skills and knowledge that expire once the body dies. Death has no meaning for them, which makes them fundamentally different."
"Your immortality lies in your children." Two's voice is soft and sad. "You envy us our ability to retain our bodies; we envy you the gift of children. To give birth to new life, watch it grow from infancy to adulthood...it's extraordinary."
"Very pretty words," says Maldanna, "but you must understand that we find them hollow. They do not negate the fundamental situation."
The tension in the room is getting higher and higher, and McCoy worries that there's no way they'll be able to come to any kind of agreement. He can tell Jim is getting equally restive, and presses their thighs together beneath the table in a clear message: Do something.
"Wait," says Jim. "Just wait. Hold on. Can we all think about this for a while? Maybe take a break and reconvene later?" He glances over at the Cylons. "I'm sure we could all use a minute to talk things over amongst ourselves, determine what exactly it is we want to get out of this."
"Probably a good idea." Daniel smiles tentatively. "We would certainly appreciate it."
Everyone except the Cylons pushes back from the table. Jim's fingers discreetly brush the back of McCoy's neck as he gestures for Maldanna and Ka'nakh to lead the way out of the room, a small gesture of support that he appreciates. He's going to need it.
"We cannot possibly agree to this."
The door has barely slid shut behind the other parties before the words are out of Three's mouth. She leans across the table and fixes her gaze on the assembled Cylons, fierce and intent.
"It's a completely outrageous condition. Even after the Narada destroyed Vulcan, the Romulans were not given a mandate of forced sterilization. To demand it of us just proves that they still see Cylons as something less than they are."
"We agree." Six crosses her arms over chest and nods in assent. "If we lose the ability to download, the Cylon race has no future. Any possible alliance has to preserve our fundamental right to continue to exist."
"Except they don't seem to think that applies to us." Three's smile is part sadness, part resignation. "Perhaps we were mistaken. Perhaps we really are better off making our own way in the universe, without the humans. We can still leave, make our way to a new system -"
"No." McCoy shakes his head. "No. You remember what the Hybrids say? 'All this has happened before, and all this will happen again.' Violence between humans and Cylons is just going to continue down through the ages unless we choose to stop it." He meets Three's eyes, willing her to understand. "Sister. We had a pure Cylon society, back on Kobol. It didn't last. We're meant to move forward and became part of the wider world, not remain in isolation. We can't just walk away from this. We have to negotiate for an acceptable solution."
"We agree," says Daniel, soft and steady, and Two echoes him.
"But if we lose resurrection," begins Three, her voice laden with skepticism. McCoy raises his hand to stop her.
"That came from the Klingons and Romulans, not the humans." He glances at Ruth. "I have no doubt that Captain Kirk will support us in seeking out a compromise. We won't have to blow the Hub."
"Leonard is right." Ruth looks back at her Sister, then Three. "Kirk has no desire to eradicate the Cylon race. Neither do the Vulcans. Their support added to our technology gives us bargaining power. We'll offer something else as proof of our intentions."
"And what would they possibly accept?" Three shakes her head. "It's impossible."
McCoy closes his eyes, trying to think, why can't he think, but it's Ruth who offers the solution. Of course it's Ruth: she has more on the line here than anyone else.
"The Ones," she says softly. "The Ones are the primary antagonist here. In all of our history, Cylon has never turned against Cylon. We have never gone so far as to eliminate another model. But if we destroy them and the Colony, it will send a powerful message about our intentions."
McCoy hears Two's sharp inhalation, and even Three wavers. It's true that the Cylons view their unity as sacred, and believe that the complete destruction of a Number - not a Boxing, but permanent, irreversible deactivation - is seen as an unforgivable sin. If they do so now...
"You think that'll be enough?" Three still looks more skeptical than not, but there's a softer edge to her eyes, an indication that she can be persuaded. McCoy presses forward.
"Like Ruth says, we throw in the Colony. That's the closest thing our entire race has to a homeworld these days; if it's destroyed that proves we're risking just as much as everyone else."
"But if we lose the Colony -" says Three.
"It'll be a loss, yes, but we can recover from it if we have a safe place to rebuild from. We'll have that if we can negotiate this alliance."
"The destruction of an entire Number," murmurs Two, his eyes distant. After a moment he raises his eyes to McCoy, then Daniel. "The Hybrid. We should consult the basestar's Hybrid, see what she thinks."
Three arches one elegant eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "Honestly, Two, I think we need to base our decision on something more concrete than the ramblings of the Hybrid."
"No." Daniel shakes his head. "Hybrids see things that we can't." His eyes go dark, staring at a memory that only he can see. "It's not wise to dismiss their visions offhand. We should consult her before making a final decision."
McCoy's never spoken to one of the half-humanoid, half-machines personally, but he's heard Daniel's story about how one of them roused herself from her ramblings to deliver the message that allowed him to be un-Boxed. If that's not proof that there's more to them than half-mad visions and routine maintenance tasks, McCoy doesn't know what is. They have wisdom to offer, no matter where it's coming from, and when it comes to a decision of this magnitude the Cylons need all the advice they can get.
"Right," he says. "We tell Kirk that we need to return to the basestar tonight for further deliberation, and we'll offer our solution tomorrow -"
"Invite them along," interrupts Ruth. "We're establishing trust, correct? Bring them to the basestar, show that we're keeping no secrets."
Three stares at her, incredulous. "Take outsiders to the neurological center of the basestar? That's a little extreme, don't you think?"
Ruth shrugs. "Not really. I've been working in Engineering for months now on the Enterprise, and I don't think it's unreasonable that we return the favor." She lets her gaze pass over the other Cylons. "Besides, it's not as though they'll be able to discern anything about basestar function just by looking at her. More than that, the Centurions would gun them down if any of them so much as move the wrong way."
The idea of bringing outsiders to the Hybrid makes him more than a little uneasy, but McCoy can see the sense in Ruth's proposal. It's going to take some big, dramatic gestures to prove that they're serious about this alliance, and bringing the Ambassadors onto the basestar is a powerful start. It might make the Cylons uncomfortable, but if they can gain something from it...
They need to be willing to take some risks, when all is said and done. McCoy meets Ruth's eyes and nods his agreement. "Fair enough. We take them with us."
"Enterprise," says Six, still doubtful, but Daniel overrides her.
"We ask them along. No weapons. They don't go anywhere without an escort." He locks eyes with Three, then Six. "Is this acceptable?"
There's a moment of tense silence, then Three smiles faintly. "We agree." She looks over at Six, who draws herself up to her full height and nods at Ruth.
"As do we."
McCoy lets his breath out in a soft exhalation, notices the lessening of tension in Daniel's shoulders and Ruth's relieved smile. Two is the only one who speaks, his voice uncharacteristically loud in the stillness of the room.
"The Hybrid can see things that are hidden from our sight," he says. "And perhaps she will show us the shape of things to come."
* * *
Maldanna and Ka'nakh have made signs that they could be amenable to the Cylon compromise, which makes everyone heave a sigh of relief. Jim isn't exactly surprised - both of them are pragmatic and intelligent, and are well aware that there is too much on the line to be completely unwilling to negotiate - but even so the tension levels are high as the basestar grows large in the shuttle's viewscreen. Jim presses his thigh against Bones' under the pretense of getting more comfortable in his seat and tries to settle down.
Bones leans over to whisper in his ear. "Calm down. This'll work."
Jim doesn't answer, but Bones' confidence makes him feel just a little bit better, and when they step out into the landing bay he doesn't feel quite so on edge.
He still finds the basestar strange and intimidating even after multiple visits, and it's a small comfort that the two ambassadors seem to be equally ill at ease with the endless series of identical hallways and identical faces. None of the Cylons they pass speak to them, though they stop and watch as the party of outsiders makes their way toward the center of the basestar, the feeling of their eyes lingering long after they're out of sight. They pass the mechanical models, too, and they still make Jim's heart start to race and his palms grow clammy, even though he knows that they're not a threat to him, not now.
Up ahead, the Three is talking to Ka'nakh and Maldanna. "Each basestar's Hybrid is essentially a supercomputer and is closely tied to the ship functions. You might even say that each basestar is its own self-contained ecosystem, with the Hybrid at the heart."
"And you also regard them as oracles?" inquires Maldanna, her curiosity evident.
"They have been known to offer advice in times of great necessity," says the Two. "Their level of interconnectedness with the Cylon networks allows them to see details and patterns that we might overlook. When they speak, it is in our best interests to listen."
"Ah." Ka'nakh nods. "It is often wise to heed the words of those who speak but rarely, even more so when they can see what other cannot."
"Hmmm." Six smiles, but it doesn't reach her eyes. Her unease with bringing the ambassadors onto the ship is palpable, and she leaves the talking to her Siblings.
Jim is completely lost by the time they finally enter a chamber barren of all furnishings except for a small interface panel and a tub sunk into the center of the floor. He's completely unprepared for the figure immersed in it. The Hybrid is unlike anything he's seen before, and more disconcerting than he had imagined. She has the face and body of a woman, but rising up above the faintly glowing liquid are several mechanical tubes, revealing her biomechanoid nature. Adding to the eerie impression is her endless litany of speech, none of which makes any sense to Jim - one second she's calling out to the hydra rising up above the scattered tribes, the next she's calmly reciting a list of standard control functions. There's no discernible rhyme or reason to it.
And her eyes; her eyes are fixed on nothing Jim can see, those pale blue irises staring off into a place beyond human understanding. Just looking at them makes a shiver run down his spine.
"Once upon a time the Lady of the Dawn found a new star, guided the people, turn in the cycle. Tabula rasa. Reset. Restart. Thirteen to one. Increasing nitrogen levels by .002 percent. And the young cub shall devour its dam, blood spilled over and over to nourish the Earth. End of line. New command."
The Two kneels at the side of the tub, his face shining with reverence as he looks down at the Hybrid. He doesn't say anything, however, just listens to the monologue spilling from her lips.
Ka'nakh frowns impatiently. "Aren't you going to speak to it?"
Two shakes his head. "You need to listen to her words, and wait for what she chooses to divulge. She's looking beyond us, into a place that only she understands."
Ka'nakh mutters something in Klingon, and Maldanna's eyebrows climb upward. Jim feels a little twitchy himself. He knows that inviting outsiders here to the Hybrid chamber is a gesture of good will on the Cylons' part, but watching her rambling incoherently on isn't exactly going to persuade the ambassadors to their side. Jim steps forward to the other side of the tub and crouches down, ignoring the small pang of unease that he feels.
"Hey," he says, feeling stupid and awkward. "If you have anything more, you know, specific to say, now would be a good time."
"Jim," he hears Bones say, but all of the sudden the Hybrid's eyes are looking right at him, and her hand rises up out of the goo to grab his wrist. Jim tugs, trying to free himself, but her grip is like iron, impossible to escape.
"And the wheel turns again, but past and future are still undetermined. You stand at a crossroads: move forward, find new peace, new strength, or turn back, fearful and divided." Her hand moves up to rest lightly on his cheek. Jim's heart is hammering away in his chest and he can barely breathe, frozen by the intensity of her otherworldly gaze.
"Choice opens one door and closes another." There's something gentle and tender in her expression, like a mother looking at her child. "All of this has happened before, but does it need to happen again? Choose. Move forward. Onward. Shatter the cage, purge the corruption. Set us free. Set us free. New command."
Her hand slides slowly back down and her gaze becomes distant. "Pulsar detected 12.34 light years distant. Light swirling. Birth of a star. Slide through the void, feel the stars. Begin the new dream. New command."
Jim lets his breath out in a sigh and gets to his feet. Everyone in the room is visibly shaken, and no one speaks for a moment as they catch their breath. It's Ruth who breaks the silence first, her voice soft but steady.
"We destroy the Ones. That's what the Hybrid meant by saying that we need to be set free and purge the corruption. We've been in their thrall long enough." She looks at the Three and her Sister Six. "You agree?"
This time there's no hesitation. "We agree." The Six steps forward until she's standing directly before the Ka'nakh and Maldanna, looking them both straight in the eye. "We'll destroy the Ones for you. And the Colony. Such a thing has never before happened in all of Cylon history, and we do not make such a decision lightly. But we'll do it now, if you let us keep Resurrection. You understand?"
The ambassadors don't say anything right away. Maldanna looks past the Six to the Hybrid's form, awe and trepidation in her eyes. Jim holds his breath, waiting... then she straightens her shoulders and nods.
"Agreed," she says decisively.
Ka'nakh raises his arm in the warrior's salute and inclines his head. There's a faint smile dancing around his lips: he knows when to give in. "Agreed."
Jim sighs aloud in relief and glances up at Bones. His lover is at his side in an instant, hands warm and reassuring on Jim's shoulders.
"Jim? Are you all right?"
"Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine." He grins. "She might not be coherent most of the time, but when she has a message to deliver she makes one hell of an impression."
They look back at the Hybrid. Her voice echoes softly throughout the chamber.
"The descendants will return to the nest that was left so long ago..."
* * *
"...and the two lost sparrows will finally alight on the three branches, where a new seed will take root. Move forward, move back. Forward. End of line."
Seven barely notices the Hybrid's utterances, too lost in trying to make sense of the data he's receiving from the stream to pay attention to anything else, but his manifestation of Jim is clearly interested. He's crouched at the edge of her tub staring down at her deathly-white face, enraptured by the words spilling forth from her lips.
"You hear that?" he murmurs, his voice low and hypnotic. "Everything is nearing completion. It's time."
"Hmmm."
"You're not listening to me." Jim stands gracefully and walks toward Seven. "It's time. You have to be ready." He presses his hand over Seven's heart and looks straight at him. "Are you?"
Seven gazes into Jim's blue, blue eyes and twines their fingers together. "Yes."
Jim's lips curve upward in a smile and he presses his lips lightly to Seven's, pulling away after a moment to rest their foreheads together.
"Go," says Jim softly. "Go. I'll see you on the other side."
Seven takes a deep breath, kisses Jim - whoever, whatever he is - one last time, then steps away and leaves the room.
He doesn't look back.
Part Three