Disclaimer: The characters and situations of the TV
program Battlestar Galactica are the creations of SciFi,
Not Again ~ Apollo’s Lady
You Shouldn’t Kiss me
like this (Toby Keith)
I've got a funny feeling
The moment that your lips touched mine
Something shot right through me
My heart skipped a beat in time
There's a different feel about you tonight
It's got me thinkin' lots of crazy things
I even think I saw a flash of light
It felt like electricity
You shouldn't kiss me like this
Unless you mean it like that
Cause I'll just close my eyes
And I won't know where I'm at
We'll get lost on this dance floor
Spinnin' around
And around
And around
And around
They're all watchin' us now
They think we're
falling in love
They'd never believe we're just friends
When you kiss me like this
I think you mean it like that
If you do maybe kiss me again
Everybody swears we make the perfect pair
But dancing is as far as it goes
Girl you've never moved me quite
The way you moved me tonight
I just wanted you to know
I just wanted you to know
You shouldn't kiss me like this
Unless you mean it like that
Cause I'll just close my eyes
And I won't know where I'm at
We'll get lost on this dance floor
Spinnin' around
And around
And around
And around
They're all watchin' us now
They think we're falling in love
They'd never believe we're just friends
When you kiss me like this
I think you mean it like that
If you do baby kiss me again
Kiss me again
Kara actually smiled as she left his quarters. She loved the Adama men. There was simply no denying it. She couldn’t believe what had just transpired. Had William Adama, her father, beloved mentor and commander, just told her to pursue a relationship with his only surviving son? He had. He’d told Lee the same thing. She wondered if Lee was having the same thoughts. Was he equally flabbergasted?
“I’ve been speaking with President Roslin about the
future.” Adama said matter of fact.
“Are you two finally gonna go
public with your relationship?” Kara
grinned.
Lee was so stunned by her question; he spit out the sip
of coffee he’d just taken. “What?”
Kara looked at him, her grin expanding. “What Apollo?
Don’t want a new mommy? Don’t you
want your old man to be happy? I
do.” She beamed as she left a dumbstruck
Lee to look back to the Commander.
“Are you through?”
Adama asked, unfazed. When she
nodded, he continued. “You’re not so far
off.”
Before he could continue, Kara burst in. “I KNEW IT!
Madame President has the hots for your son and
you’ve given her permission to pursue a relationship!” By now, Kara was so amused with herself she
couldn’t contain her giggles.
Lee stood up and roared.
“LIEUTENANT
Kara nodded. When
she settled back into her chair, she winked at the Commander. “Ready, Sir.”
Adama continued as if nothing had happened. “As I was saying the President and I were
talking about things that might need to change in order for the human race to
survive and flourish.”
“Destroying the Cylons isn’t
enough?” Lee asked. He was half-serious and half-kidding in order
to prevent the inevitable accusation of having a stick up his ass after the
meeting.
Adama knew exactly what Lee had meant and suppressed a
small chuckle. The President had
certainly been right about these two.
“No. It’s not. There are important things to consider, such
as repopulation.”
Kara groaned. “Not
making babies again! I am NOT becoming a
broodmare.”
“No one is asking you to.
However, because of the genetic issues with such a relatively small
population to work with, it seems we might need to consider easing up on the
regulations.”
“What regulation might possibly need adjusting,
Sir?” Lee asked.
“Fraternization, for one.”
“Fraternization?” Lee continued to question. Kara sat silently, already understanding the
ramifications.
“Between officers and enlisted men, for
example. We might need to
lighten up on the restrictions. We need
to do our part to ensure genetic diversity.”
Lee didn’t like the implications. His mind was starting to buzz through all the
possibilities. “So we throw the rule book
out the window? I don’t think that’s a
good idea, Sir. I mean the regulations
were put in place for a reason. People
who get involved…” He stumbled over his words.
“Well, they might not make decisions for the right reasons. Emotions will get in the way.” He swallowed hard when he finished.
“I understand that, Captain. I know it is a risk but I’m afraid it is a
risk we’re going to have to take. We’ll
deal with each situation on an individual basis. Besides, I told the President I would ease up
but I’m not advertising it. I don’t want
my pilots simply frakking whoever they want whenever
they want.”
“Killjoy!” Kara quipped.
Adama frowned at her.
“I believe in this instance the President is correct. We’ll give it a try and see how it works out.”
“Give it a try, Sir?”
Lee asked with a scowl on his face.
“Are you saying we should set someone up?”
Adama laughed.
“No. I’m just saying, let’s not
worry about it.”
“Fine.” Lee answered, not convinced. Inside he fought every instinct. He wanted desperately to look at Kara and see
her reaction. The only thing that
stopped him was the uncertainty. He knew
he had feelings for Kara, but how far did they go. He was his brother’s fiancé. She loved his brother, most of the time he
felt like she was more his sister. Could
they really change this? A thought then
occurred to him. Were his father and the
President trying to set them up? Why was
Kara here for this conversation? Oh
lords! They were.
“Ok, so we don’t get to frak
anyone we want, but we do. Why am I
here?” Leave it to Kara to get to the
heart of the matter.
Adama’s expression didn’t change. “You’re the lead pilot. You two will set the example.”
“Huh?” Lee gulped.
Adama had to grasp his armrest to keep from
laughing. He probably shouldn’t enjoy
his son’s discomfort, but it was charming.
“By your reactions to seeing it, Captain.” He punctuated his words.
“Oh.” Lee blushed
hard. Part of him wanted to crawl into a
hole and die.
Kara laughed.
“Relax, Lee. I won’t be frakkin’ your bones any time soon.”
Adama raised an eyebrow her direction. “Unless you order it, Sir. Of course.”
Lee ran his hand through his hair in frustration. “Kara.”
“You’re dismissed, Lieutenant. Captain, I still need to talk with you about
the next flight schedule.”
Kara stood and strolled out the door without
comment. Lee remained glad the
conversation was over.
**BSG**
The next few weeks were awkward for Kara and Lee. Both spent time soul searching. There were lots of conversations that took serious turns, only to stop abruptly.
“This is ridiculous Lee. We’ve got to get this over with.” Kara and Lee had just danced around each other in their quarters. Luckily they were alone.
“What? What do we need to get over?” He didn’t want the conversation he knew was coming.
“Frak you!” She slammed his shoulder. Her fingers tingled at the touch of his skin. He was dressing for CAP. She’d just returned. “We have to talk about us!”
Lee turned into his locker to avoid her intense glare. “What about us?”
“Your dad gave us permission to pursue a relationship. Are we or aren’t we?” She demanded.
“What? He did no such thing. He wasn’t talking about us. He was…” He stopped, running out of excuses.
“He did so. Everyone knows it but you. Everyone else sees it but you. Fine!” She threw her hands into the air. “Whatever. I guess that’s my answer.” She slammed her own locker shut and then fumbled to reopen it. She cursed the whole time, not getting the latch to function.
Lee laid a hand on hers, stilling it. “I’m sorry. I…” He paused and turned her to face him. “I don’t know how to do this. I do… I do have feelings for you. I’d…” He sucked his lower lip in and shook his head to clear his thoughts. “Your Zak’s.”
Kara shook her head. “Zak is dead.”
“Exactly, which makes it harder.” He admitted. He intended to continue to explain, but Kara cut him off.
“WHAT? Because I KILLED HIM?” She demanded. The pain was obvious in not only her voice but also her face.
“NO! That’s not what I meant. I mean… You two never got the chance you deserved. I feel like I’m stealing something from him… from his memory.”
Kara was touched by his words. She hadn’t thought about that. “He’s gone Lee. He wouldn’t want us to be unhappy. He’d be the first person to tell us to go for it.”
Lee was quiet. “You think so?”
She smiled and moved closer. “I do.”
“We might really frak things up between us.”
“Well, you might. You might over think this relationship.” She moved even closer, drawing nearer his face.
“But, once we go here, there’s no going back.” He leaned in slightly to meet her.
She reached her hand behind his neck and pulled him closer. “So you better not frak it up.” She pulled his lips to her and they both felt the spark. Lee reached his strong arms and encircled her waist, deepening their kiss.
She began to smile and their kiss broke. She pulled slightly back. “See what happens if you don’t think?”
He returned her smile and his eyes danced with a devilish glint. “Got it. No thinking.” He kissed her this time. Again the sparks flew.
As if absorbing his concerns, she pulled back. “We have to promise one thing though.”
Lee nipped at her neck and tried to ignore her question. She slowly pulled farther back. “I mean it, Lee.” She took his face between her hands and made him focus on her face. “If this doesn’t work out, we stay friends. Got it!”
“Friends?” He asked. In his mind, he knew it wasn’t going to be a problem.
She shook his head. “I’m SERIOUS, Lee. No angry break up. No hostility. If it ends, we end it right.”
He laughed. “You’re worried about ME not getting hostile?”
She suddenly saw his logic and they both broke into laughter. Lee stopped laughing first and simply enjoyed watching her as she did. He unexpectedly grabbed her face and kissed her. She melted into his touch.
They might have gone all the way in that moment, had it not been for the announcement.
“Pass the word for Captain Adama and Lieutenant
When they arrived, the flush to their faces was credited to their hasty arrival. Lee spoke first, noting no alarms. “You wanted to see us, Sir?”
Adama pointed to the pictures on the table. “Recon just brought these back. It seems to be a deserted Cylon base. Quite small, but their might be something there. I want you to organize a party to check it out.”
Lee nodded, agreeing with his father’s assessment. “What did you have in mind, Sir?”
“Small and quick. Even if the Cylons are long gone, I don’t want to hang around long. Take a raptor. Fly in. Check it out. Fly out. The atmosphere isn’t perfect, but Cottle agrees it shouldn’t be a problem for too long.”
**BSG**
Adama rarely left CIC during a time like this but a nagging feeling wouldn’t leave him alone today and he felt compelled to go to the deck. Apollo and Starbuck’s vipers were both cold and a raptor was receiving final clearance. The two pilots were doing their own final mission checks. They stood at Starbuck’s viper, which was being repaired by the chief.
“Sir!” Both Lee and Kara snapped to salute.
“At ease.”
Both relaxed and Lee looked puzzled. “What brings you to the deck, Sir? Last minute change?” Lee hoped his father wasn’t here to check up on him.
Adama smiled and shook his head. “No, just had a desire to be closer to the action. I know you’re both ready.”
Lee nodded. “Very well then, Sir. I’ve got to get going.” Lee walked away toward the raptor.
Adama called after him. “Le… Apollo. Good Hunting.”
Lee didn’t miss the odd expression on his father’s face. Was that worry? He made a mental note to ask his father not to come to the deck again. The look threatened to unnerve him. Lee flashed his dad a big grin. “Thanks!”
Kara noted the expression too. “What’s wrong?”
Adama didn’t like being read. “Nothing. Good hunting.”
“Don’t frak with me. I know something’s up. Is there something you’re not telling us?” She demanded as if she were the superior officer.
He laughed. “No. Nothing.”
She solidified her stance and placed her hands on her hips in challenge. “Look. This is me we’re talking about. What’s up?”
Adama knew he shouldn’t burden her, but it slipped out. “I… I just have a bad feeling about this. Be careful out there.”
She smiled. “I’m always careful and Lee is the definition of careful.” She was about to continue to tease him when she saw the look that flashed across his face at the mention of Lee’s name. “That’s it, isn’t it? You don’t have a bad feeling about the mission. You have a bad feeling about Lee? Don’t you.”
He shook off his misgivings. “No. You’ll both be fine. Good hunting.”
She shook her head. “Don’t worry, Sir. I’ll take good care of him.”
Adama smiled. “I know you will.”
**BSG**
“Cut out the chatter, you two!” Adama ordered from safe within the CIC on Galactica. Off mic he turned to Tigh, his XO. “Order the fleet to ready for jump. As soon as we clear this, I want to move on.”
Tigh nodded and made the appropriate orders. They all waited, listening to the return of Starbuck / Apollo banter and teasing. It was obvious the two were feeling relaxed about the situation.
Next came Apollo’s cool, strong voice. “Apollo Galactica. I think it’s safe to say there is nothing left here and no signs of where they went. Almost all the equipment is non-functioning and there’s no power left in the generators.”
The next thing CIC heard was the sharp pierce of weapon fire.
“FRAK! CENTURIONS!” Apollo yelled. “NO. DON’T!”
The crew on Galactica held their breaths.
“APOLLO! BEHIND YOU!” Kara screamed.
“Ugh!” A few seconds later followed. “Ka...” Then nothing.
The silence in CIC was palpable. Adama held his breath until he heard his son’s voice. He couldn’t bear to think of listening to his son die again. It was too much.
Kara hadn’t shut off her comm. link. “Damn it, Lee. Help me. You bastard. You’re not dying here.”
The speakers filled the CIC with grunts of pain and groans of anguish. Adama paled but issued the command. “Order the fleet to jump.”
The minutes ticked by.
“Starbuck Galactica. I have a medical emergency. Repeat MEDICAL BETTER BE ON THE FRAKIN DECK WHEN I LAND!”
**BSG**
Not only was medical on deck, but Adama as well. As soon as the hatch flew open, Adama jumped in and was drawn on instinct to his son’s body. His first thought was that Lee was already dead. He dropped to the floor and pulled his son’s limp form into his arms. It was only then that he felt the faint gasp and shudder. Lee’s eyes flittered open, they made contact and then they slid shut. Lee never drew another breath.
Medics pulled at Adama, not knowing Lee was already gone. Adama roared. “GET THE FRAK AWAY FROM HIM!” He pulled his son’s body closer to his chest.
“Sir?” Kara’s weak, timid voice cut his despair.
He looked up at her. “Happy? You’ve killed both my sons now.”
Kara staggered backwards, muttering “no” over and over again. “I didn’t. I swear. I did everything I could.” It didn’t change anything. She had let Lee Adama die, just as she had let his younger brother a lifetime ago. She fell numbly into the seat and stared at the wall.
A strong set of fingers pinched her shoulder. As she dragged her eyes open, she heard the words only. “That isn’t exactly a good place to sleep. You have a perfectly good rack, you know.” Cottle was urging her to leave.
“Thank you for saving him.” She looked over to the new voice and saw William Adama.
She pulled back. “I didn’t.”
He grabbed her chin. “He is still with us and he is still fighting. You, of all people, can’t give up on him!”
She didn’t say it, but in her mind she scream. ‘I have to.’
**BSG**
Twelve hours later, Adama sat at Lee’s bedside. His son was pale and many machines obscured his body. He held firmly onto Lee’s hand, despite assurances from Doctor Cottle that Lee would live.
Kara stood nearby, not allowing herself to sit. Her eyes were glued on her beloved Commanders. The fear and pain were etched in his face. He was terrified at the thought of losing his son. She wished Lee could see this. He needed to know just how much his dad loved him. She thought about her own love for the remaining Adama son.
Lee’s head snaked slowly back and forth. “Son?” Adama sprang to his feet to lean over and see his son’s face better. He squeezed his hand and felt a slight response. He grinned broadly from ear to ear. “You’re going to be fine.”
Lee’s raspy voice came through the oxygen mask he wore. “Kara?”
Kara stepped up and took Lee’s other hand. “I’m fine, Apollo.”
Lee’s lips turned up slightly before he drifted off again. Kara glanced over to find the Commander looking at her. “He cares about you. We both do. You saved him today. Thank you.”
She dropped Lee’s hand. “He would have done the same for me.” She walked away from the bed. In that moment, she had made a decision. She and Lee Adama would never be anything more than friends. She couldn’t give him more then that. Adama men who loved her any more then that had a habit of dying. She wouldn’t deny William Adama of both his sons, not again.