BSG: Fragged (4)

Back in the brig on Galactica, Laura’s ramblings makes the corporal stand up and take notice. “It sounds like she’s quoting the scrolls of the prophet Pythia,” he says to Billy. “She foretold that a leader would bring humanity to salvation.” The corporal reveals that he is from Gemenonon, where “we believe in the literal truth of the Scriptures.”

Billy seizes his chance and asks the guard if he knows about chamalla, the herb used by priests to aid in visions.

Cut to Tigh’s quarters where he’s getting his drink on with Ellen. He laments about his various stresses – Adama is still in surgery, the press wants a piece of him and the Qurom wants to see the President. Let them, Ellen says. She assures Tigh that Laura is so crazy, once everyone sees her, all of the military’s actions will seem justified. And Tigh will be in complete control, since the vice-president is missing or dead. Just until the old man gets back, he says. Of course, she says.

Apollo’s raptor makes the jump to Kobol with the rescue team.

On Kobol, Callie dutifully practices setting up her weapon over and over again. Baltar has another vision. Number Six warns Baltar that someone will betray the others during the mission. Crashdown gives Baltar a weapon then puts on the dog tags of Socinus and Tarn, presumably for good luck.

Dualla calls Tigh in his quarters and informs him that the Quorum is adamant about seeing the President. He tells her to tell them to shove their demand up their collective asses. On the other end of the line Dualla rolls her eyes and makes the universal sign of drinking to Gaeda. She remains professional on the phone and repeats the Quorum’s request and says she needs instructions for the sentries. Tigh laughs and says, “Tell them they’re going to get to see what has become of their precious President.” Tigh smiles at Ellen, who giggles, loving this shit.

The religious corporal comes through and returns from the infirmary with a bottle of chamalla extract which he hands off to Billy.

Apollo’s Raptor approaches Kobol and locks on the transponder of the downed Raptor.

Crashdown’s group takes one last look at the Cylons. Crashdown orders Callie to take the point, but then Tyrol notices that there are five Cylons below, not the three that they counted before. Tyrol interprets this to mean that the dish is unprotected. He urges Crashdown to consider a new plan – go back and take out the unguarded dish instead of attacking all five Cylons head on. Crashdown refuses to listen. He can’t be sure that there aren’t still two Cylons at the dish.

As they are arguing whether there are five Cylons or seven, they hear a sonic boom overhead – the Raptor has entered the atmosphere. That seals it for Crashdown. He orders them to follow his plan and move out. Again he orders Callie to go down and create a diversion.

Only, she can’t do it.