Disclaimer: The characters and situations of the TV program Battlestar Galactica are the creations of SciFi, RDM, DE and many others and have been used without permission. No copyright infringement is intended by the authors. The ideas expressed in this story are copyrighted by the author.

Loyalty with Teeth ~ Apollo’s Lady

He wound his way through the corridors. He’d barely evaded capture when he jumped off the shuttle onto the deck. He’d almost gone to the bear-like one he recognized on the deck. He’d been one of the men who continually messed with his food bowl. Jake knew he wouldn’t be a reliable provider. He was tired of being last on the food chain. He needed someone dependable.

He’d learned many things in his time aboard ships. He knew exactly what direction to head to on even this, an unfamiliar vessel.

He dodged and ran, defeating those that would stop him. He was continually amazed these humans considered themselves superior to a canine. He had four, agile legs to maneuver with. They had only two. It was obvious who would win.

He bounded around the final corner certain he’d lost his pursuers, when he crashed to a halt. Before him was an enormous cavern. It was filled with people and equipment like none he’d ever seen before. He scanned all directions for options and saw a small counter. He could tuck himself under it and observe the room with little chance of detection.

It didn’t take him long to spot his target. The man strode confidently through the room and delivered orders in an austere fashion. There was great dignity and honor about the man. He was clearly in charge.

There were two others who seemed to hold some power. One was tall and hulking. He might have made a suitable pet, but Jake sensed an underlying sense of behemoth under the man’s exterior. He didn’t want to clean up the human’s messes. The other man barked his orders viciously. People jumped to comply, but Jake didn’t like the tension surrounding the man. He was looking for a little less strife in his life.

So, it would be the dark haired man with the mottled face. This would be his new pet. He would surely have the ability to maintain a life worth of Jake. Jake had earned it. How many meals had he lost to help the humans escape the cylon threat? As of yet, no one had thought to repay him. He knew no reward was coming. He would have to find his own relief.

When the time was right, he ran through the room. Shouts of alarm and cries of surprise echoed in his ears, but he ran on. Stopping at the heals of the man, he raised a paw, tapped the uniform leg and curled up on the deck at his feet. ‘If this doesn’t work, nothing will.’ His tail thumped against the floor and Jake perked his ears forward, giving the man his most charming grin. ‘Humans are so gullible.’

“What the…” Adama looked down at the dog curled around his feet. “Where did this dog come from?”

Tigh glanced at the animal and roared. “How did a frakkin’ dog get into command?” His eyes darted around the room. He noticed Dee immediately punch in some numbers. He knew she was calling someone.

Lieutenant Gaeta tried for a moment to maintain decorum, but broke into a fit of laughter. “It’s Jake.” He dropped to his knees and scratched the dog behind his ears.

Jake leaned in to the affection, wondering if his decision had been wrong.

Helo spoke next. “You know this dog?”

Gaeta smiled. “We used his dish to communicate.” His eyes darkened as he met Colonel Tigh’s own hard eyes. “I’ve wondered what happened to him. It’s nice to know he made it off the planet.”

Adama grumbled. “He seems resourceful. HOW DID HE GET HERE?”

Chief ran into the CIC out of breath. “We’ve been chasing him since he came on board. We lost him in the halls.” He bent over, hands on his thighs in an attempt to calm his breaths.

“You let a dog on board?” Helo asked, just before Tigh could shout it out. He absentmindedly leaned over to pet the dog. Jake growled and Helo snapped back. “He’s a menace!”

Tigh couldn’t fight the grin. He decided the dog had good taste. “He doesn’t like you.”

Gaeta stopped his affections. “He seems to like you, Admiral.”

Adama rolled his eyes. “Get this thing out of here.” He shook his leg to emphasize his point.

Jake cocked his head upward, as if glaring at his new pet. He sensed the wave of guilt pass through the human. If he could smile, he would have. He sensed victory near.

The chief noted the look. “He seems to like you.”

Adama gave Tyrol a look which silenced him further. He looked between the chief and Gaeta. “You two fix this problem. You seem to like him. You find him a home.”

Gaeta grabbed Jake’s scruff. “Come on, boy. Let’s get you somewhere more appropriate.”

Jake growled and curled up tighter.

Gaeta backed off stunned. Others chuckled. He blushed and redoubled his efforts. “Jake! Let’s go. You don’t belong here.”

Again Jake growled, this time baring his teeth.

“He doesn’t seem to want to go.” Gaeta stammered.

“Let me try.” The chief added. “Come on, boy. Guess what? I bet my son Nick would love you. What do you think? Want a family?” He spoke softly to the dog to entice him.

“Good idea, Chief. Every boy should have a dog.” Adama commended.

Tigh raised an eyebrow, knowing full well Adama’s own sons had begged for a dog. “Since when?”

Adama glared at his XO.

Tigh chuckled. “Maybe you should give him to Apollo?” He glanced at Dee, who had been paying close attention to the goings on. Her eyes widened in surprise.

Adama paused long enough to make those around him wonder if he was considering it. “Apollo has no time for a dog.” He noted Dee’s sigh of relief. “Chief, take him home.”

Tyrol was himself unsure of bringing the dog home, but he knew Cally would eventually come to understand his desire to save the dog. “He can stay on board, sir?”

Adama groused. “As long as I don’t see him or any sign of him, do I make myself clear?”

The chief nodded. Turning back to Jake, he pulled at the dog’s scruff and managed to separate him from the Admiral. It was obvious the dog wasn’t going to cooperate, so he pulled him into his arms.

Jake fought with all his might. He squirmed and wiggled, disrupting the chief’s hold.

The chief had managed to carry the fighting dog to the exit, when Jake broke free and ran back to the admiral. He sat obediently at his new pet’s side, looking at him with extreme loyalty. His eyes sent the message that he was his now.

Adama’s anger simmered. It was obvious to all. “Get this dog out of here before I shoot him!”

Tigh laughed. “I dunno, Bill. He looks like he might be a good watch dog. We could reassign some of your marine guards.”

Jake barked in apparent agreement.

Bill glared at his XO. “Thanks for the help.”

Tigh merely smirked.

Adama turned his glower on Tyrol and Gaeta. “Ideas?”

Gaeta stammered several possibilities. The chief studied Adama and the dog next to him. He was about to recommend drugging the dog, but an imperceptible move on the part of Adama’s hand stopped him.

He watched as ever so slowly, Adama’s fingers stretched out and touched the top of the dog’s head. Jake’s head, in turn, stretched ever so slightly higher to receive the touch. Tyrol knew in this moment what needed to happen. “Maybe you should keep him, sir.”

Adama noted Tyrol’s gaze and was stunned to find his hand resting on the dog’s head. “I can’t keep a dog.” He tried to make his words sound harsh, but it hadn’t worked.

“Why not?” Tigh asked. It wasn’t that long ago he’d considered getting his friend a dog to enjoy during his retirement. At that time it didn’t seem there would be anyone else in his life. He certainly wasn’t talking to his son back then.

“I can’t work with a dog constantly at my feet. Besides, it’s not like we have…” He coughed, “grass or something else for him to us.”

Tyrol nodded his head. “I’m sure I can figure something out.”

Adama scowled. “It won’t work. Get him out of here.”

Jake sensed a turn in his battle. He yelped. It was pitiful. He sensed the tensions in the room freeze. It had been the perfect touch. To solidify his victory, he stepped a short distance away from the man and curled up under the table. His head was upright and his ears alert. His tail thumped in rhythm with some form of equipment near him.

“I think Jake made up his mind.” Helo said under his breath. It wasn’t intended to be loud enough to share, but it was heard.

Adama growled. “So now a simple dog can defeat us? Let’s hope he’s not working for the Cylons.”

The chief chuckled. “No, he’s definitely on our side. He’s your new aide, sir.”

The look shot from the admiral’s face was enough to send the chief quickly out of command.

Loyalty with Teeth, part two

As soon as Adama moved to leave at the end of the shift, Jake jumped to his feet and moved to the leader’s side.

Adama shook his head in disbelief. Tigh began to chuckle, but was silenced by a glare from his commanding officer. Adama was about to tell the dog to ‘come on’, when he stopped himself. He wasn’t about to encourage the animal in public. He merely walked away.

Jake fell in line at his side. Adama did his best to ignore the glances and smiles from his crew as he walked to his quarters. He reached his hatch and was about to step inside when Jake whimpered and stopped.

“What?” Adama growled, ignoring the amused look on his marine’s face.

Jake whimpered again.

“If you don’t want to, you’re welcome to leave. I didn’t invite you here.” Adama couldn’t believe he was standing here reasoning with a dog.

The marine coughed. “I think he needs to, um… use the head, Sir.”

Adama shook his head. He silenced the cursing which on instinct wanted to escape. Recalling the chief’s words, he made for the deck. Jake followed.

“Chief! The dog needs…” It sounded so absurd to him, he couldn’t finish.

The chief smiled. “Got it all figured out, sir. Step this way.” He lead the admiral and Jake to a rear corner of the deck, revealing a small penned off area, just big enough for Jake. “Have at it boy.”

Jake knew immediately what to do and ran over to see to his own needs.

“Care to explain why this will work?” The admiral asked. He expected to be more annoyed he was waiting for ‘his’ dog to do his business.

The chief smiled. “This is the sloppiest area of the deck, so it gets scrubbed down most frequently. Because of the chemical potential, it goes to a separate cleansing system. Jake can um, do his business here and it will get cleaned up daily as part of regular operations.”

Adama nodded at the logic. “No extra work for anyone.” As Jake returned, an additional bounce in his step, he rested a paw on Adama’s shoe. A thought occurred to Adama. “What about dirt? I can’t have him spreading…”

The chief waved the concern off. “If he enters through this path, he should stay clean enough.”

Adama scowled. He could command an army, send men to their deaths, fight wars, but he couldn’t seem to get rid of a dog. He was further annoyed because part of him didn’t really want to.

Tyrol sensed the frustration within the admiral. “Thank you, sir. Jake saved us down there. He did his own part and he’s just as much a hero. He’s a good dog.”

Adama sighed. “What about his owners? They must miss him.”

Tyrol thought about it. “I’ve been thinking about it. Cally said the same thing. I don’t think Jake would have left them unless he had to. He’s loyal.”

“Understood, Chief. Thanks.” He walked off, never doubting Jake would follow.

When they returned to his quarters, Jake bounded in between his legs, almost knocking Adama to his feet. He loosened his uniform buttons and began to settle in for the night. Cooking himself a bowl of noodles, he settled into his favorite chair to read the evening reports. Jake sat facing him and yipped.

“What now?”

Jake tilted his head and eyed the bowl of food.

Adama rolled his eyes. “I guess you need to eat, huh.” He went to the galley, retrieved a bowl and filled it with water. Setting it on the deck, he stepped back. “There.”

Jake lapped up a bit and stepped back, obviously wanting more.

“What n…” Adama wanted to slap his head. The dog needed to eat. He rummaged through his cupboards, searching for something.

Meanwhile, Jake sauntered over to the now cold bowl of noodles. He barked quickly and wagged his tail. Adama looked over. “Noodles? You want to eat noodles?”

Jake barked again.

Adama smiled and shook his head. “Have at it.”

The dog jumped up on the chair and grabbed the edge of the bowl. It was awkward, but he managed to pull the bowl safely to the floor and happily slurped up the rest of Adama’s dinner.

Once they were both satisfied, Adama again settled into his chair. This time Jake was contentedly curled around his feet.

Before the knock sounded, Jake jumped to his feet and barked. Adama silently envied the canine ears. It would be a handy skill. It would certainly help avoiding people who caused him difficulty. “Come in.”

Jake waited for his pet’s acceptance and relaxed.

Lee and Ana stepped into the room. “So, it’s true. I’ve got a new brother.” Lee was smiling and Ana gently slapped his arm to stop his teasing.

Adama raised a questioning brow. “He’s not your brother. He’s a dog.”

Lee assumed a mocking scowl. “Dad, we begged for a dog for years. Now, YOU get one? You could have at least given him to me.”

Before Adama could reply, Lee stepped in. “Now, Lee. I told you. Dad didn’t adopt Jake. Jake adopted your dad.”

Lee laughed. He dropped to the deck and held out a wadded up sock.

“What’s that?” Adama asked. “You bring my dog a sock?”

Lee smiled. “It’s a toy for my new brother.”

Adama growled. “He’s not your…” He stopped as Lee worked to entice Jake over. “It’s an old sock, Lee. What if he starts stealing them from me?”

Lee smiled. “Not mine. I stole it from Kara’s locker. Maybe he’ll attack Kara now.”

Jake looked longingly at the offering. He glanced quickly up to Adama. “Go ahead. Go play with your new playmate.”

Both Adama and Ana laughed as Jake bounded over to Lee, trying to take the sock from him. Lee giggled like a young boy as Jake tugged on the sock. They tugged for a few minutes, each employing tactics to win. Lee managed to pulled the sock away and threw it across the room. Jake bounded to get it and ran full out to return it. As he neared Lee, he leapt in the air and pushed Lee to the floor, eliciting squeals of laughter.

Both Adama and Ana laughed at the sight before them.

Loyalty with Teeth, part three

Adama and Jake quickly settled into both public and private routines. Publicly, the dog followed the admiral everywhere. He’d even made a trip to Colonial One. Adama had tried to leave him behind, but Jake wouldn’t have it.

Alone in the rear of the raptor, Adama considered his dog. “Understand this, if we run out of atmosphere, I’m not sharing a suit. You’re history.” He swore Jake scowled.

Beyond his quarters, Adama hardly acknowledged the existence of the dog. Jake got more than his fair share of attention though. He wandered about CIC getting love and attention where ever he stopped.

One afternoon, Helo and Sharon entered CIC to bid farewell. They had a three day pass and wanted to thank the Admiral before they left. As soon as Sharon stepped into CIC, Jake was on his feet, his hackles raised. As Sharon neared the Admiral, Jake jumped in between and growled like never before.

Helo immediately went to his sidearm. Sharon paled, knowing she was causing the reaction in the dog.

“Lieutenant! Stay your weapon.” The Admiral barked, angered Helo would resort to a weapon with the dog.

Gaeta quickly defended the dog as well. “He probably recognizes her from New Caprica.”

Several heads nodded. Sharon backed out, pulling her husband’s hand. “We’ll be going now.”

Adama eyed his dog with wonder.

Safe from smiling eyes, Adama relaxed with his dog. They formed comfortable habits and spent each evening enjoying the other’s company.

Several times a week, Lee would come to play. The dog seemed to provide his son with a natural outlet. Adama admitted he enjoyed watching the two at play. Lee never took the dog out of Adama’s quarters and nobody other than the Adama family knew of Lee’s affections for the dog. It was their private, family secret.

Adama had been stunned the first night, when he pulled back the covers and slipped into his bed, only to have Jake jumped up and settle in at his side. The dog nuzzled in close and Adama felt a surge of unconditional love. He never let on. No one would believe the tough military commander would allow his dog to sleep in his bed.

Several months had passed. No one questioned Jake’s presence and no one doubted Jake would accompany the Admiral to the surface of the small moon they just stumbled across. It contained one region with plant life which proved to be edible.

Since New Caprica, they’d learned to be leery. There was no public outcry from settlement or pause. They wanted merely to gain what supplies they could and be off. Adama himself announced his decision to check out the surface. Lee smiled, knowing his father wanted only to allow Jake time to run freely.

They’d been on the ground for several hours when Adama finally had to call Jake in. Jake ran to the raptor, but stopped just short. Hearing something in the wind, he turned and ran back into the woods.

Lee laughed. “Yep, he’s an Adama. Does what he wants.”

Adama scowled at his first born. “Just like his brother!”

Adama jogged off to heel his wayward canine. “Jake!”

The dog’s path was obvious. He followed the trail of trampled underbrush. Jake’s frantic barking alerted him to a dangerous presence. He knew the dog well enough to know, he was upset.

Following the dog’s noise, he slowed as the hairs on the back of his neck rose. He glanced over his shoulder, noting the great distance they’d followed away from the ship. He felt painfully alone and vulnerable. He called more softly to Jake. “Here, boy!”

“He’s here waiting for you, Admiral.”

Adama immediately recognized the chilling voice he’d heard so long ago on Ragnor Anchorage. It was the Cylon, Leobon.

Adama stepped forward, drawing his weapon. Pushing through some brush, he stepped into a small clearing. Before him was a large canon. Growling and pacing in front of the canon was Jake. Behind the canon was a model of Leobon.

“Your dog discovered us.” He glanced at Jake, who had moved to Adama’s side. “Pity. Now this will get sloppy. All I had to do before was shoot the ship down. No one would be the wiser.”

Adama growled. “Good dog, Jake.” He leveled his weapon at Leobon. “I’ll give him a steak later.”

Leobon smiled. “I don’t think so.” He paused. “Have you ever thought about the development of the humanoid models? God, in his wisdom, didn’t go right to humans. He began with lesser species.”

“Fascinating.” Adama supposed sarcastically.

Leobon smiled. “Meet Hans.” From behind him stepped forward a large animal. As it stepped fully into view, Adama saw a large, black and tan dog, easily twice the size of Jake. The dog snarled and growled at the human and canine.

Jake immediately assumed a defensive snarl of his own, his hair rising and teeth exposed.

Leobon laughed. “Who do you suppose will win? Cylon or Human dog?”

Jake wasn’t about to stand down. He lunged across the space. As soon as Jake was in motion, Hans sprang into action as well.

Hans, being large, fell against Jake sending the two dogs into the brush. The two bi-peds heard only the snarling and gnashing of teeth as the dogs fought.

Adama used the chance to fire at the control panel on the canon. He wasn’t willing to take the risk of its firing. Leobon jumped at Adama. It was only then clear the Cylon was unarmed.

In the fight, his weapon was knocked away. The human and cylon fought fiercely.

A loud whelp roared through Adama’s ears. He glanced toward the scrub that hid his dog.

It was enough distraction for Leobon. He delivered a strong left and Adama fell backward against the canon’s base. Adama was stunned.

Leobon snapped up the weapon and moved to fire.

From beyond them a blur of fur flew through the air and forced Leobon’s shot to fly wide.

From the back of the clearing another shot rang out and Leobon slumped forward.

Lee stepped through, his gun still raised. Several marines followed. “You alright?”

Adama nodded, and looked down to find Jake, tattered and torn, but calmly sitting by his side. “Jake saved me.”

Lee frowned.

The bushes rustled and Hans limped to his master’s side. He whimpered and then looked up with a fierce growl. Lee raised his weapon at the animal. Before he could fire, Jake jumped and lashed out at the cylon dog.

Jake quickly seized Hans under the neck. Hans shook him off. They paused their battle. Hans glared at Jake and abruptly turned and ran into the woods.

Lee stared stunned. He finally found his words. “Way to go, Jake!”

Jake stood in front of Adama, wagging his tail in expectation of praise. Adama smiled. “Good dog, Jake. Good dog.”

Later, back on Galactica, it was Lee who carried the tray into his father’s quarters.

“What brings you here?” He raised an eyebrow. “Jake can’t play right now.” He pointed over his shoulder to the dog, who slept soundly on Adama’s rack.

Lee smiled. “I brought him dinner.”

Adama frowned. “Dinner?”

Lee removed the towel and grinned. The plate on the tray held a juicy steak. Father and son looked over as the scent reached Jake’s nose. His head rose sleepily and he hopped off the bed, stretched and strolled over to sniff at the plate.

Lee set the plate on the deck and Jake went quickly to work on it.

Adama smiled at the obvious enjoyment of the meal. “Where did you get???” He stopped seeing Lee’s expression. “Never mind…”

Adama settled himself on the couch and Lee took one near him as well. When Jake was full, he sauntered across the room and jumped onto the couch between the two men, resting his head on Adama’s lap, thumping his tail against Lee’s thigh.

The Adama men were happy and content.

AN: Initially, Jake killed Hans… BUT the real Hans took great offense to it and I had to revise.