Disclaimer: The characters and situations of the TV
program Battlestar Galactica are the creations of SciFi,
Pyramids ~ Apollo’s Lady
Prologue
The quiet knock at the door so early in the morning worried William Adama, Commander of the Battlestar Galatica. At this hour, it usually meant bad news. Since the attack in CIC, he had taken to locking the door to his quarters at night. He knew it was silly as he’d been shot in CIC but for some reason, he slept better with it locked. He strode across the room and twisted the lock open. As he pulled the door, he was surprised to find his son, Lee.
“Lee! Morning. What brings you by so early?” Adama was always most cheerful in the morning.
“Morning, Dad. I hope I’m not disturbing you.” Lee’s voice was quiet and expressionless.
“Not at all. Is there something you needed?”
“Um.” Lee was obviously anxious. “I just wanted to stop and wish you a Happy Birthday.”
For a split second, Adama was stunned. Of course, he knew it was his birthday but he hadn’t expected Lee to remember it. It had taken him a few years, but he’d finally managed to convince his crew to ignore it. He didn’t hate birthdays. He wasn’t foolish enough to pretend they didn’t happen every year. The older he got, however, the more he used the day for quiet introspection. He liked it that way. “I… thank you, Son. I appreciate it.” He didn’t know if Lee knew that his birthday typically wasn’t mentioned on board but decided not to say anything. If his son were sending him wishes, he’d even go to a party.
Lee stuck out his arm. In his hand was a cigar. “I… Um… Kara told me you gave her your last. I didn’t have anything else. I thought you might like it.”
Adama was moved at his son’s gesture. He was pretty sure Lee didn’t have a stash of stogies anywhere. “Thanks again. This is a nice way to start the day.” He looked at his son’s face for the first time and worried. Lee didn’t look well. He looked gaunt and pale. There were large dark circles under his eyes. He knew this couldn’t have happened overnight and wondered how he’d missed it. It was true that since Lee’s reinstatement, he’d been flying under the radar, but something was obviously wrong with his son. “Say, I was just heading to breakfast. Care to join your old man, getting older by the minute?” He grinned. He knew the chances of Lee opening up to him about a problem were slim and none but he’d give it a try.
“No thank you, Sir. I have a lot of work to do, including rearranging the schedule.”
“Have you eaten? Work can wait. You’ve got two days downtime, don’t you?” In a pilot’s world, downtime meant no flying. Most of the time, pilots hated it, but being short staffed as they were, downtime was cherished.
“I’m not hungry and no, I have CAP today. Leadfoot sprained his wrist last night. Doc won’t give him flight status until the swelling goes down. I’ll take his shift but I still need to redo the schedule before I go.”
Adama sighed internally. He knew Lee was too young to be the CAG. He was barely a captain. It was an enormous responsibility. He had accepted without question and as always, Lee refused to fail at it. “CAP’s get long on an empty stomach.”
“I’ll be fine, Sir. Thank you. Enjoy your day. Perhaps you can get a break today.”
Adama chuckled. “I’ve had enough time off recently.”
Lee turned to leave. Before reaching the door, his father called out to him. “Son?”
Lee turned back and Adama continued. “How about dinner?”
Lee cursed to himself. All he’d wanted this morning was to wish the old man a happy birthday and get on with the day. She’d be happy he did it. He didn’t want to spend time with him. He didn’t want to spend time with anyone. In fact, he hadn’t wanted to wake up that morning. “I wouldn’t plan on it, Sir. You never know what’s going to happen. Another time, maybe?”
Lee left Adama to his newest worry.
BSG…BSG…BSG
CAP had been uneventful. He’d returned in time for a dinner with his father after all but managed to make himself unavailable. He hid out in the CAG’s small office area and caught up on some paperwork. It hadn’t been much, but as his mind wasn’t in it, it took much longer. Returning everything to its proper position on the desk, he rose to leave. He didn’t feel hungry, but decided he had better eat something. As he neared the mess, he could hear the flurry of activity within and he felt panic and sadness well up within him. He didn’t want to be near happy, laughing people. He wanted to be alone. Ignoring dinner, he went straight to his rack. Without even bothering to take off his boots, he climbed in and pulled the curtain shut. Maybe tonight he’d sleep free? Maybe tonight the dreams wouldn’t torment him? Maybe tonight he wouldn’t have to be reminded of everything he had lost?
Doctor Cottle appeared to many as a sarcastic, chain-smoking, bully of a doctor. He had worked years to perfect the façade. Few people understood how seriously he took his job. William Adama did. So when Cottle had asked to see him about one of his men, he immediately set everything aside and waved the doctor in.
“I think we might have a problem.” Cottle lit a cigarette without permission.
Adama had long ago given up trying to stop the smoking. “With whom?”
“One of your pilots.”
Adama was curious. This wasn’t normally a matter that came to him. It would first go through Lee. He knew this wasn’t good and hoped he was wrong about his suspicion. “Which one?”
“Captain Adama.”
To himself, Adama said. “I was hoping I was wrong.” He didn’t realize he’d said it loud enough to be heard until he saw Cottle’s expression. “What’s wrong?”
“I was hoping you’d tell me. About two weeks ago, he came in and asked one of the nurses for some stims. He said he was going to lay in a supply for the pilots in case of an emergency.”
“So?” Adama did not want to keep going down this path.
“Last week, he came in and got another bottle from a different nurse.”
“And?” Adama knew the worst news had not yet been delivered.
“Today he asked me, using the same excuse. He must not have realized we log everything.”
“There aren’t any pilots currently taking stims.”
“I know.”
“You think he’s using them?” Adama asked.
“Have you seen him lately? He looks like hell.”
Adama was quiet. “I know.” Both men were silent. “How do you want to handle this?”
“I can call him in. I’d like to do a blood work-up. I suspect he isn’t sleeping, so he’s using the pills to keep going. It may be depression. It’s not as if he doesn’t have good reason.”
Adama nodded. Flying on stims was allowed only in worst-case scenarios but flying when you were taking sleeping aides was strictly prohibited. Many pilots chose stims.
“Do it and keep me posted. I want to know results before he does.”
BSG..BSG..BSG
“You so needed this… You’re too tense to relax and Captain, you need to relax.”
The only response to her words was the low, guttural moan from deep within him. She was right and as always, she knew how to relax him. Her hands moved slowly up and down the outsides of his spinal column. She used a musky scented oil to hasten her movements. As she reached his neck, she used her fingers to rub small circles and then continued to work her magic down his arms.
Lee Adama was in heaven. Gods, how he loved this woman! He smiled to himself, hatching a plan. Without warning he flipped himself onto his back causing her to lose balance. Using his powerful arms, he pulled her hips onto his lap and then pulled her shoulders down to his chest. She was the perfect fit for him. He truly believed the Gods had created her to mold to his body. He planted kisses across her face and ran his hands up and down her body. Although still clothed, she moaned at his touch.
They heard voices and she balked but he held tight. “Lee, knock it off. Someone will see us.”
“So?” He looked deep into her eyes. “What difference does it make anymore?”
When a commander and the chief medical officer enter a room, it gets a lot of notice. The few pilots gathered in quarters, stood at immediate attention. Adama called out a quick, “at ease!” and they complied. The two men moved to Lee’s rack and Adama slowly pulled back the curtain. Lee was turned on his side, facing away from them, obviously asleep. The two officers exchanged glances and Adama closed the curtain.
They moved a few feet from the rack. Cottle spoke first. “I don’t want to wake him now. I’ll just have them pass the word to him that he needs to show up in the morning.”
“Very good. Keep me posted.”
On that note, both men left the room. Lee let out a long-held breath. Despite his dream, he had easily woken when the two men had entered. Rather than panic, he regulated his breathing to appear asleep. It seemed to have worked but he did hear that he was to report to Doc Cottle in the morning. He knew he needed to get control of things or his whole world, or what was left of it, would become even more intolerable.
With luck and a lot of evasive maneuvers Lee managed to avoid both his father and the doctor the next morning. He planned on using his time on today’s CAP to figure a way out of this predicament. He knew he’d have to admit he wasn’t sleeping. He knew they’d want to run tests. He didn’t want to tell them it wasn’t physical. There was nothing alive that was going to take his pain away and make him feel better and he sure as hell didn’t want to start talking to everyone about it. There wasn’t a single person on the Galactica who really knew him. He’d entered their family. They had always had each other. He wasn’t supposed to even be here. The Atlantia, his ship, had been one of the first targeted by the Cylons. His world and life were gone. He didn’t seem to be making much headway in building a new one here.
He was flying CAP with Bellhop, a rook. He was showing some skill at handling his viper, but hadn’t really been tested in combat. Every now and again, Lee’s thoughts were interrupted by a question from the anxious pilot. Lee was glad the kid showed interest in improving, but wasn’t giving him overly enthusiastic answers. They were making their final run around the fleet about to return to Galactica, when three Cylon raiders jumped in to their left.
Galactica was notified and Lee and Bellhop immediately pursued. Lee easily destroyed the first ship. The remaining two raiders split up, flying in different directions parallel to the fleet. Bellhop went left. Lee went right. He was having a tough time locking in on the raider in front of him. He fired, but noticed that the response from his weapons seemed to be sluggish. He knew he needed to at least chase the raider out of the fleet, so he kept firing. The alert fighters would soon be here to take over.
There was a lot of combat chatter being relayed through his comm, but one stuck out. He followed the coordinates given and stared in horror at the sight. A civilian shuttle was attempting to emergency land on the nearest ship. Lee knew they didn’t have enough time. He glanced back at the raider and saw his worst nightmare come true. The raider saw the shuttle as well, changed course and moved to attack the defenseless craft. Lee followed. The flight lines were in his favor. He would get to the shuttle before the raider was in range to fire. Lee swooped in close enough to see the panicked faces of the passengers. He pivoted his viper and directed it to the incoming raider. As the raider came into range, Lee pressed his finger on the fire control and left it. The first shots flew out but missed. As he held the button down, fewer and fewer shots left his guns. He was either running out of ammo or there was a mechanical problem. The Cylon raider fired. Lee could see that the small missiles would take out the bow of the shuttle. He nudged the controls and sent his ship to intercept.
The next fractions of a second seemed to move in slow motion. Lee could see the shots coming his way. He actually turned his head and watched them impact his tail and engines. He felt the inertia push him forward in his cockpit as his ship began to explode and felt his harness tug him back toward the danger. He looked to the shuttle and saw it intact, close to the landing bay. He turned back to the raider, which was dangerously close to him. Lee smiled. “Looks like I’m takin’ you with me.” With what little power he had left, he veered his viper toward the raider.
Suddenly the raider exploded. The alert vipers had arrived. Debris and shrapnel pounded onto his canopy. The Cylon ship had been too close and his shield cracked. Another piece seared entirely through the protective cover and buried itself into Lee’s right shoulder. He cried out in pain. Even with the stims that had become his lifeline in his system, it was too much and Lee slipped into oblivion.
BSG..BSG..BSG
It was voices that finally woke him. He willed his eyes to remain closed. He wasn’t ready to rejoin the world of the living yet. His dreams were so much better. There he was safe, loved unconditionally and happy.
“I already told you. He needs this rest. We aren’t just healing the injuries from the battle. We’re cleaning the stims out and getting his chemical balances back in order.” Doctor Cottle was tired of battling this stubborn man who was both father and commander to his patient.
“But if we wake him up, we can get him back on food.” Adama was tired of battling the
physician. He wanted his son awake. It had been three days since Lee’s viper had
been recovered. It was a miracle that
the whole thing hadn’t blown up.
“Even if he woke up right now he wouldn’t be eating solid foods for days. That’s the last of our worries right now.” Cottle set his face in stone. It wasn’t easy refusing a man like William Adama, especially when it concerned the man’s son. “I don’t know why he hadn’t been eating, but knowing you, he will be force fed soon enough.”
“No.” The garbled voice from the bed hit both men’s ears at the same time and they turned to look at Lee.
“Lee?” Adama moved quickly to his son’s side. “Wake up, Son.” Adama placed his hand on Lee’s uninjured shoulder and gently shook him. “Come on.” Cottle looked on, wondering if Lee would indeed come around fully.
“No, force feeding…” Lee still hadn’t opened his eyes and his voice was rough and scratchy.
Adama smiled. “That’s my job. If you don’t feed yourself, I’ll have to do it. Like now.” Adama had grabbed the glass with a straw on the stand next to Lee’s bed. He held the straw to Lee’s lips and told him to drink. Lee did so and had to admit, the cool water going down his throat felt wonderful.
“Thanks.” The voice was still quiet, but sounded less painful. Lee still hadn’t opened his eyes. He wasn’t ready to make the final step back to reality. Doctor Cottle forced the issue by checking his pupils with a mini flashlight. It annoyed Lee and he meekly tried to swat the offender away. He finally dragged his eyes open and met his annoyers. “How long?”
His father answered. “Three days.”
Lee rolled his eyes. “Am I alright?”
Before his father could reassure him, Cottle answered. “You tell us.”
“Tell you what?” Lee was suddenly very confused. He wondered if he had done something wrong that he didn’t remember.
“Captain, when did you last eat?” Cottle pressed him.
Lee shook his head slowly. “I’m not even sure what happened to land me here, much less when I last ate.” He looked to his father for help.
“What about the stims? Are you gonna try to deny using the stims?” The venom in the doctor’s voice surprised even Adama.
Lee took a deep breath. “I wasn’t sleeping well, so I was using stims and I just wasn’t hungry.”
“No more, Captain. Understood?” The doctor waited for Lee to nod agreement then he looked at Adama. “Don’t stay long. He needs his rest.” Lee yawned, accentuating his point.
Adama turned back to his son. “You had me worried.”
Lee offered a small, childish smile. “Who me? Mom said I was the child you two never worried about.”
“Your mother used to stretch the truth a bit. We always worried about both of you.” There was a quiet moment as both men considered their lost loved ones. It was bittersweet.
Adama grew serious. “Why weren’t you sleeping?”
Lee was not going to share the content of his dreams with his father. They contained powerful emotions and the pain was too close to the surface and too personal. No one here would understand. They didn’t know. Sure, many had lost loved ones, but not like this. He wasn’t going to beg for sympathy or worse, suffer their potential pity. As a matter of fact, Lee knew his father would be angry if he knew the truth. He didn’t want that battle either.
“I don’t know. I just wasn’t. Haven’t you ever had bouts of insomnia?” Lee was getting tired and he almost wished Cottle would return and usher his father off.
“Not for weeks at a time.”
“Dad, thanks for the concern, but don’t worry about me.”
“I have to, that’s my job.”
“Maybe twenty years ago. I’m a grown man. I can take care of myself.”
“No one can live in isolation, Lee. You have to let someone in to help sometimes.”
The comment angered Lee. His father should have been the one helping him throughout his life, but he wasn’t. He chose his career. Now he was trying to tell Lee he had to let him in. Lee physically bit his tongue a brief moment to keep from exploding. “I am tired, Dad.”
Adama nodded. He knew he had struck a nerve. He just wasn’t sure if it was the right one. “Get some rest.”
Lee was physically feeling better two days later when Kara Thrace stopped by his bed for the second time that day. “Up for a little company?”
He yawned and rolled over to see her. “You were here already today. Go away and let me sleep. Haven’t ya heard? I need my rest.” Relations with Kara Thrace had been strained. Lee just couldn’t let go of the fact that somehow, whenever something bad happened in his life, she was somehow involved. It angered him. She’d tried to resume their normal friendship when she returned from Caprica, but he didn’t. He couldn’t bring himself to do it, especially now that the dreams had started. He had too many feelings to deal with.
“It’s not me. It’s someone else who wants to say thank you.” She pulled on his good arm. “Straighten up, Soldier.”
Lee growled at her, but nonetheless sat up in the bed and straightened the covers. Seeing him in order, Kara left and returned in seconds with a young boy. “This is Travis. He really, really wanted to meet you. So, I brought him down.”
Lee glared at her briefly with annoyance and then looked plainly at the boy. “Hi, Travis.”
Travis’s eyes flared open at being spoken to. “Hi, Captain. Do they really call you Apollo, like the god?”
Lee blushed slightly. “Yeah, I guess.”
“That’s the perfect name for you.”
It was obvious to Lee that this boy had a case of hero worship and it bothered him. “Why’s that?”
“You saved us all. Only one of the gods could have done that.”
“What do you mean, I saved you?” Lee asked, confused.
“I was on the shuttle you saved the other day. My dad was helping out on another ship and I went along. You saved us both.” The eager boy wanted to go on, but waited.
“Why not stay with your mom?” Lee asked, a bit more interested in the boy. He was fascinated with father/son relationships that seemed to work.
Travis looked at the floor for a few seconds. “She’s dead.” A tear formed in the corner of his eye. Lee noticed it. “I miss her.” Travis swiped harshly at the tear that now rolled down his cheek and told himself to knock it off and quit acting like a baby.
Things settled for Lee at that moment. “It’s ok to cry because you miss your mom.”
Travis stared at him with wide eyes. “Not if I’m gonna grow up and be a warrior like you.”
Lee allowed a small laugh to escape his lips. “I miss my mom, too. It makes me sad.”
Travis sniffled. “It does?”
“Sure.”
Travis thought for a moment. “You still got your dad, right?”
Lee nodded. “So that makes it ok?” Travis asked optimistically.
Lee answered before he even knew what he was saying. He wondered if he really believed it himself. “It helps a lot.”
Travis nodded. He moved a little closer to the bed and leaned in to Lee. “Can I tell ya a secret?”
Lee nodded and Travis continued. “I might not want to be a warrior.”
“That’s ok.”
“Are you sure? I’ll do it if ya need me, but I’d kinda like to repair things like my dad.”
“That’s a great idea, too. You can do whatever you want.” Lee smiled.
Travis answered with a big grin. Kara, who had been silently observing, was overwhelmed at the conversation. Before she could stop him, Travis jumped onto the bed and threw himself at Lee’s chest for a hug. If it hurt Lee, he never let on. He simply hugged Travis back with his good arm.
When Travis finally pulled back, Starbuck helped him off the bed. Lee looked a little pale and she knew she needed to let him rest. “We should be going now, Travis.”
“Do we have tah?” Travis whined.
“Yeah. Captain Adama needs to sleep so he can get back to fighting the Cylons.”
Travis’s eyes went wide again. “You really give ‘em hell, I mean, heck, don’tcha Captain.”
Lee chuckled. “I try. Looks like one gave me a little heck the other day.” He smiled, raising his injured arm ever so slightly. “Tell ya what, Travis.”
“Yes, Sir?”
“Lt.
“Ya mean you’ll beat all them Cylons before I’m big enough?”
“Yep. Just for you.”
“Cool!” He ran from the room, screaming for his father, who was several decks away discussing a problem with Chief Tyrol.
“I’d better go catch him.”
“Yeah.” Lee smiled at what had just transpired. She’d be proud of him. He was doing the right thing. He needed to keep fighting. He felt a small spark of life deep within him. It warmed him as it had once before.
It was a few more days before Lee was released. He wasn’t allowed any duty yet. His dad and Kara closely monitored him. One day as he wandered the halls, he suddenly found himself in the lower hallway off the landing bay. He normally avoided it as it was filled with the thousands of pictures of loved ones lost to the Cylons. He moved slowly down the hall, looking at the various faces. His heart ached. He wondered if he would have hung a picture up. He didn’t bring any with him. He was only supposed to be on Galactica for a day.
Bill Adama frequently took the hallway with the memorials. He used it as a reminder of their purpose. He’d never seen Lee in the hallway until today. He stopped short at the sight of his son. Lee stood still, his forehead leaning against the wall. Until that moment, it hadn’t occurred to him how much his son had lost. Lee hadn’t planned on staying on the Galactica. He hadn’t brought any personal effects with him. He had nothing to remember his mother or brother.
Adama turned on his heal and marched the opposite direction with determination. Later that afternoon, Colonel Tigh found his commander buried in boxes in his office.
“What’s this all about?” He asked, shaking his head at the mess.
“I’d packed a lot of stuff up. I needed something.” Adama answered without stopping his search.
“What’s so important?”
“Pictures.”
“Pictures?” Tigh wondered if the stress had indeed gotten to his friend.
“Yeah. I had an idea for Lee.”
“Oh.” Tigh didn’t really care to know further. He still harbored anger toward Adama’s son.
Adama ignored the tone and continued. “He came here for the day. He doesn’t have any mementos. I thought I could gather some for him. See, I found this album.” He held up the small leather book. “I thought it might improve his mood.” He noted Tigh’s expression. “Saul, he’s trying. He really is.”
“He isn’t the least bit sorry for his actions.”
Adama dropped his head. “I know.” It hurt him more than his friend knew.
Later that day, Adama presented Lee with the album at dinner. “I was thinking that maybe you’d like some of these.” He handed Lee the book.
Lee took the book and flipped through the pages that had captured his childhood. He was caught up in the images of happiness. “Thank you. But, these are yours.”
Adama hadn’t expected Lee to question the gift. “They are as much your memories as mine, probably more so. There’s no sense them sitting in a box in storage.”
Lee nodded. “Thanks.”
Adama took the chance for a trip down memory lane with his son. They looked at the pictures and shared their versions of the stories behind them. In no time, the evening had passed and Lee was yawning.
“I’ve kept you too long. You’d better hit the rack. I don’t want Cottle on my case for tiring you out.” Adama placed a tentative hand on Lee’s back as they walked to the door.
Lee stopped at the door and looked at his dad. “Thanks for this, Dad. It’s nice to have some memories.”
Adama closed and locked his door, feeling pretty confident as a father. It was the first time in a long time. Somehow, he felt Lee was on the way to healing.
A few days later, Kara dragged Lee to a pyramid game. He’d been given permission to resume light duties the next day and she convinced him he needed to enjoy his final night. The game progressed and spirits flowed liberally. Lee wasn’t drinking. He was still taking medications and he wanted no reason for Doc Cottle to delay his return to duty. As the evening went on, the stories of past grandeur flowed. As Lee glanced around the table, he realized he was the only one who hadn’t been assigned to the Galactica. Everyone present had served with his father for at least a year.
When they referred to a former shipmate, they always toasted him before continuing the story. Kara was definitely winning and congratulating herself with hefty slugs of Ambrosia. Lee had no idea where she had gotten a whole bottle and decided he really didn’t want to know. She began to relate the story of the former CAG’s bachelor party. The rest joined in and shared their part in the event, which was apparently of historic proportions. Lee sat silently listening to them. He allowed his mind to drift and think about the shipmates he’d lost when the Atlantia was lost. He’d been stationed there for three years. He proudly considered Admiral Nagala as one of his mentors. He thought about Ying, Yang and Battleaxe. They’d left the day before he did. How had they fared in all this? Where had they lost their lives?
“Lee?”
“Huh? What?” Lee came back to the game.
Kara slugged him harmlessly on the arm. “Pay attention. It’s your bid.”
“I’m out.” He dropped his cards on the table and shifted back in his chair.
Kara ignored him. “Ah HA! More for me. Come on fellows, who’s got the guts to see this game through?”
Lee looked back at him blankly. “No. I don’t even know who Trendy is.”
He finished out the game and left. Kara watched him go and then glared at
“I forgot. It seems like he should have been here with us.”
“Well, he wasn’t.”
Helo had stayed out of the discussion until now. “He lost his own shipmates that day. He’s got memories of his own.”
Kara looked back at the vacant door. “Yeah, and no one to share them with.”
Pyramids*1
Commander William Adama was tired. He’d been in the military for over forty years. He was used to the “normal” grind. He wasn’t entirely sure he could ever get used to dealing with all the pressing military issues and now the civilian ones as well. Certainly, the president was in charge of the civilian matters, however, there always seemed to be something needed from the military as well. It wore him down.
The mission to Kobol had been successful to a point. They’d not found an exact location for Earth, but there had been enough evidence to indicate that it did indeed exist and where they needed to head. It had taken him some time to convince Laura Roslin and the Quorum that they couldn’t just go directly to Earth. Until they had identified all the Cylons in the fleet, they could still be followed. What good would it do them to find Earth and bring the Cylon menace with them? It couldn’t be risked. Not to mention the sheer distance they needed to travel. None of the pressures were going to end soon.
The fleet was back as a whole, working together to keep things going as best they could. It seemed a never-ending pattern of a Cylon attack, quick FTL jump to new region, scavenge for any possible supplies and a Cylon attack to begin it all again. That much he could handle, it was the political unrest, which threatened to do in the commander. He didn’t understand how humanity, after surviving a holocaust, couldn’t come together to support the common goal of continued existence. It seemed each Colony had its own ideas of what had to be done. Some wanted to go back to Caprica. Some wanted to just find a new home. Others wanted to surrender. He could easily admit one thing. He did not envy Laura Roslin. How she handled it all was a mystery to him.
This morning seemed to be shaping up as most others. CAP was just about to change over. Lee flew the night shift. Adama thought about meeting him when he landed and seeing if he would have breakfast with him. No one would ever describe them as close. Lords knew they still had their share of differences. However, it did seem to Adama that both men were trying to repair the damage done to their relationship over the years.
He pondered his son. Lee had taken on a very somber tone. Kara complained frequently that Captain “Tightass” had disappeared to be replaced by an automaton. He didn’t remember the last time he heard his son laugh. Smiles were infrequent. He socialized, but never revealed much of himself. He was never impolite, but always distant. Whatever had been bothering Lee awhile back seemed better, but left a scarred man. Both he and Kara had long given up trying to get Lee to open up. The most he would say was that he was no different then anyone else in the fleet.
Adama’s thoughts were interrupted by a warning beep from the Dradis console. Lt. Gaeta was immediately on it. “Dradis contact. Waiting for signal.”
“Warn the CAP and prepare the Alert Vipers.” Adama gave the order to no one in particular, but Petty Officer Dualla immediately reacted.
A shocked expression came across
“Colonial?” Adama
looked to
“Yes, Sir. All fleet ships present and accounted for.”
“Lieutenant?” Adama turned back to
“It’s identified as Colonial Battlestar Pegasus.” He stuttered as he delivered the news.
A civilian present might have been thrilled, but the well-trained Galactica crew knew better. They knew to look for a wolf in sheep’s clothing. “Have they seen us?”
“Sir!”
“Patch it through.”
A female voice, distant but clear, rang through CIC. “Battlestar Galactica. This is Admiral Cain of the Colonial Battlestar Pegasus. Do you copy?”
Adama nodded at
There was a faint laugh. “You took the words out of my mouth. Thank the lords of Kobol. Commander, before we progress to the stories of how we each came to be here, I need to be sure you are secure. Please provide your access code.”
Adama smiled, not liking having been trumped, even if it was
by an Admiral. “Now you’ve taken my
words. Sending code,
now.” Adama walked over to
“We’ve received them and are sending ours.” After a minute of silence, Admiral Cain spoke again. “Commander, prepare a party to join us. It appears we have a lot to talk about.”
Adama coughed slightly. “Admiral, might I suggest the meeting include the president of the colonies?”
There was clear disbelief in the Admiral’s voice. “You have President Adar in the fleet of ships you’re escorting?”
“No, I’m afraid President Adar died in the attack. Laura Roslin assumed the Presidency according to the Articles of Succession.”
“Very well, please bring her.” There was a pause. “Commander, I know this might be a rough question, but is your son with you?”
“My son? He is currently on CAP.” Adama couldn’t help but wonder what interest the Admiral would have in his son, much less know of his presence on the Galactica prior to the attack.
Cain’s smile was evident in her voice. “Please include him in your group.”
“I shall of course be bringing a security contingent as well.”
“Of course. I’ll see you shortly.”
“Yes, Sir. Adama out.”
Lee hadn’t heard much of the conversation. He was simply too stunned to see the second battlestar before him.
Of all the ships, it was the Pegasus.
His heart compressed into his throat and he wondered if he’d stop
breathing.
They landed on the massive landing bay of the Pegasus. The deck crew swarmed Lee’s ship and got him out quickly. He jogged over to his father and the rest of the group who were just stepping out of the raptor. Across the bay, the gang doors swung open and Admiral Nelina Cain strode confidently into the bay.
Commander Adama and President Roslin lead their group forward to meet Cain. Roslin spoke first. She didn’t even wait for introductions. “Thank the Lords for this miracle. How on Caprica did you find us?”
Admiral Cain laughed. “Actually, we stumbled across you. I assume you are President Roslin?”
Roslin laughed. “Yes, I’m sorry. This is just so extraordinary. Are there any other survivors with you?”
“No, I’m afraid not. We haven’t seen a human alive since the destruction. We’ve been jumping around trying to stay one step ahead of the bastards. We’d heard rumors that there was a surviving fleet. We had no idea where to look. We were evading a Cylon fleet when we jumped here.”
“You heard rumors? How? How large was the Cylon fleet?” Adama asked concerned how they would hear rumors when they’d had no contact.
The admiral smiled at him. “First things first, Commander.” She looked past him and stared at Lee. “Captain Adama?”
Lee stepped forward hesitantly. “Yes, Sir?”
She looked him over top to bottom. “You’re not looking very well.”
Lee was stunned. He was too caught up in emotions to catch on to what she was saying.
“You look pale…”
Adama cut her off. “Admiral, I can assure you he is fit.”
She smiled at the father. “No. He is definitely pale. I think he needs to report to my ship’s doctor this instant.”
At that moment, as Lee’s dreams could be possibly coming true, the reality of her words hit him. He stumbled over his words. Both Roslin and his father looked at him concerned and confused. “Yo… your.. ship’s… doctor???” Lee felt for sure his heart was about to explode. He did need medical attention.
“Yes. She’s quite competent. A civilian, but in these days we have to be grateful for what we have, right Captain?” She smiled brightly, obviously enjoying the moment.
“Yes, Sir. I do think I need to see her.”
“Badly?”
“Very, Sir.” Lee had enough presence to turn to his father. “Requesting permission to see the Pegasus’ doctor, Sir.”
“Lee?” Adama had no idea. The only guess he had was that Lee somehow knew this doctor.
For a moment, Lee thought his father was going to say no. He cringed at the thought of another mutiny, but knew he’d do it nonetheless.
“Go.” Adama had no idea why he said it.
Admiral Cain indicated to one of her junior officers. “Show Captain Adama to life station.” He saluted and left. He had to run a bit to keep up with Lee’s pace.
The admiral turned back to the confused group from the Galactica. “I’d love to go see this, but we have business to discuss. Follow me and we’ll figure out what has happened to everyone and what we’re going to do about these damn Cylons.”
Adama knew he had no choice but to assume a professional mode and ignore this strange event in his son’s life. He knew one thing for sure; he saw a gleam of hope in Lee’s eyes that he didn’t think he’d ever seen before.
BSG…BSG…BSG
Lee kept taking wrong turns because he insisted on going faster then the lieutenant who was to be guiding him. Finally, Lee saw the signs for himself. He stopped at the hatch. He waved off the Lieutenant and stood composing himself. He could hardly breath. The last thing he wanted to do was see her and pass out. He raised his eyes toward the ceiling and sent a prayer to the Lords as well as his gratitude. His hands were shaking and he was sure his flight suit had shrunk two sizes. He tugged at the collar in a vain attempt to increase his comfort. He ran his hand through his hair and took a few more deep breaths. He talked to himself the whole time, finally berating himself for being nervous to see the woman he loved, the woman he thought was dead all this time, the woman who increasingly haunted his dreams.
He pushed the door and stepped into the room. It was virtually empty. One medic walked by and asked if he needed help. “Doctor Davis?” was all he could say. She smiled and pointed over her shoulder. He advanced a few steps and froze at the sight. She was sitting in the corner on a rolling stool. In typical fashion, she had her headphones on and her foot tapped to the music in her ears. She had no clue anyone had come into the room. He continued to watch her. A different med tech handed her a folder and she spun around a few times on the chair and stopped with her back to him. She took that moment to remove the headphones. Lee could hear the music still playing and smiled, very typical.
“Um…” Lee coughed. “Admiral Cain ordered me to see a Doctor Davis.”
The woman’s shoulders froze and her foot settled onto the floor. She didn’t move.
“Hello? I was looking
for this incredibly sexy, smart, beautiful woman doctor I’ve been hearing
about.” Lee was nervous. He didn’t understand the reaction. He moved a few steps closer. She still said nothing and refused to turn
around. “
“No.”
“No? What?” He didn’t understand.
“No, I am not going to turn and look at you.”
“Why not?”
“Because it hurts too much.”
“Why?”
“Do you have any idea how long I have dreamed about that voice? Do you have any idea how many times I thought I saw the man attached to that voice? I’d run after it only to find out it was just a dream and I was still all alone.” She sniffled and wiped at the tears that must have been streaming down her cheeks.
He smiled. He knew he would feel the same way if the roles were reversed. He walked closer and with each footfall, he saw her body shake more. Her head hung low and her trembling became more intense. When finally he stood right behind her, he said, “Look at me.”
She couldn’t talk now and simply shook her head “no.” He rested his hands on her shoulders and her head snapped back. In a voice barely above a whisper, she cried. “This is too real. I won’t survive this if it’s a dream again.”
“I’m no dream. Please look at me. I need you to look at me.” As if pulled by his words, she slowly turned. She wouldn’t raise her eyes to him. He reached his hand down and lifted her chin gently to look into her eyes. “I’m here. I’m real.”
She had no idea how she found the strength to stand but she did. She slowly moved her hand to his cheek and stroked his face. Tears continued to roll unfettered down her cheeks. Lee moved his hand from her chin to wipe at the tears with his thumb. “No more tears, my lady. No more tears.”
“You’re really here?”
He smiled and nodded.
“You’re not a dream?”
“No dream.”
“Oh gods, please don’t ever leave me again, Lee.” With those words she collapsed into his open arms. He enveloped her and continued to hug her tighter to him.
She pulled back from him and looked into his eyes. “I can’t breath.” They laughed. “It’s really you!”
“I could say the same thing.”
She smiled, now calm and strong. “I told you we were meant to be together.”
He laughed. “I will never doubt you again, my lady. Never!” He pulled her to him again but this time lifted her chin and they met in a crushing, passionate kiss.
The two workers stood behind the couple and applauded. It didn’t immediately halt the kiss, but soon
the reunited lovers broke for air.
“What? Where? How?” Questions began to spill from
“Where can we talk?” He asked in earnest.
She pointed over her shoulder to a door that seemed to lead to her office. They moved quickly and shut the door behind them. Once inside with the door shut, Lee again pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply.
Lee feigned a brokenhearted puppy expression, but pushed her back into a chair. He pulled one up for himself and sat across from her as he recounted what had happened since the day he had left her.
When he finished, she sat stunned. “48,000 survivors on ships?”
“Yep.”
“And everything you’ve been through, oh my lords, Lee. I should have been there.”
He smiled. “You were. It just took me a while to figure that out.”
She returned his smile, once again mesmerized by those stunning blue eyes that had instantly won her heart so long ago. Her expression told him he needed to explain his last statement. “You were always in my heart. I just lost you for a while. When I finally knew you were with me still, I began to hear your voice again in my mind and I could handle things again.”
“Ouch.” Lee was angry with his best friend for speaking to her this way, but also relieved to hear that he had been here to help her through the times.
“He was right. I was pretty pathetic.” She paused. “We always knew losing one another would be possible. I promised I’d handle it. I needed to be reminded of what you would have wanted me to do and that was pick up and carry on.”
Lee nodded. “So, tell me what happened to you.”
She drew in a deep breath. “You mean after we said goodbye at the hangar bay?”
“No, yesterday at lunch.”
“Oh, that’s easy, we…” She stopped, leaned forward in her chair and captured his lips once again. “I still can’t believe you’re really here.”
He felt his emotions threatening to overwhelm him and he didn’t want that again, so he changed the topic. “So, lunch yesterday?”
She pretended to slap him, but stopped her hand short of his cheek and ran her fingers down his jaw line. “Don’t be flip. We left you and got to the Pegasus, just as the Cylons began the attack on Picon. We literally landed as they made the jump.”
“Jump?”
“To escape, the Pegasus made a blind FTL jump. We had no idea where we were.”
“And since then?”
“Just jumping around, trying to stay one step ahead of the Cylons.” As if an afterthought, she added. “Did you know that the Cylons have evolved and now look exactly like…”
He cut her off. “Humans.”
She chided herself. “Duh. One shot your father. Sorry. This is just so…”
“Unbelievable?”
“That’s one way to describe it.”
He leaned his head in again. “What’s another way?”
She leaned in to meet his. “Perfect.” They met in another kiss.
Again,
He smiled, scrunching up his lips. Still the same
“And being CAG? That’s a huge responsibility, Lee. I’m so proud of you.”
He laughed and the blush spread across his cheeks. “I don’t know how good I am, but someone had to do it and I was ranking pilot.”
“Don’t even try. It’s too hard.”
“You’d be so proud of the goofballs. They’ve been fabulous.”
Lee looked stunned, as if his day could get any better. “They’re all here?”
She smiled. “You didn’t see them in the bay?”
He shook his head.
“We’d better go find them. They are gonna be so happy to see you.”
Lee stood and offered his hand to
She wrapped her arm around his, while keeping their fingers laced. “Most of the crew had been released for extended leave. Ya know, Axe was supposed to meet up with his friend, but he’d already left the ship.”
“So you just jumped with whoever was on board?”
“Yep.”
“That’s how you became ship’s doctor?”
“Well, it’s not like I wasn’t going to help out. Doctor Carsten was already on leave since I was going to oversee the medical refit.”
Soon the two found themselves back on the bay. Across the large space, Lee saw his father, the President and the Admiral inspecting Pegasus’s vipers. They looked in far better shape than Galactica’s and Lee found himself hoping they’d get an influx of additional ships.
“
Lee turned to face the shout. There stood his three best friends. “I can’t believe the Cylons haven’t shot your pathetic asses out of the sky by now… How did you luck out?” Lee shouted back at them. The four men rushed together and exchanged a litany of high fives and hugs.
“Damn, Lee. I can’t believe it.” Ben “Battleaxe” Custer hugged Lee and held him at arm’s length.
“I don’t believe it myself sometimes.” Lee looked over to the other two men who had
taken positions on either side of
Dennis “Ying” Martin leaned in to
Tommy “Yang” Bescotti chimed in to defend his partner. “Yeah, after all, he did imply that the Cylons would have blown us out of the skies by now. That’s not nice either.”
Lee laughed. “Yeah, no one’s explained that yet.”
Battleaxe punched his friend. “That’s because we didn’t have to worry about trying to make your sorry ass look good.”
Lee laughed. “Oh yeah. That’s right.”
Commander Adama had seen Lee enter with a beautiful woman on his arm. He assumed this was the mysterious doctor. They would be leaving soon and he walked across the bay to gather his son and meet the mystery woman. He hadn’t been willing to ask the Admiral, as he wasn’t willing to admit to anyone that he knew nothing about her.
Yang picked at the CAG patch sewn onto Lee’s flight suit. “What frakin’ moron thought you could be a CAG?”
“That would be me.” Adama had entered the group unaware. “And he’s earned that patch, Lieutenant.”
Lee fumbled at the compliment from his father and again he
flushed.
Adama looked at
“Doctor Davis, I’m sure the pleasure is all mine.”
“Please call me
Ben had met the commander on a few occasions and felt a bit bolder then the others who were still embarrassed by their previous blunder. “Calliope, you should introduce yourself properly to your future father-in-law.”
She blushed and through gritted teeth, told him to shut up. “It’s my first name, but only people with death wishes call me that, Sir. Ignore him.”
“Ignore Calliope? I can’t. She was the greatest love of the god Apollo. It seems the fates put you two together for a reason.”
“Dad…” Lee knew his father was covering his anger. “I…”
Adama looked at his son. “What Lee?”
“I… I was bringing
“I cut you off then.”
He turned to
“Yes, Sir.” He hesitated to push any buttons, but he had to try. “Um, Sir?”
“Yes?” Adama knew what was coming and he was prepared.
“I have my viper here. May I stay awhile longer?”
“No. Chief Tyrol will need to get your viper serviced and you’ve just come off CAP. You’ll need to do your reports.”
“Yes, Sir.” Lee veiled his disappointment well. He knew this was his father’s revenge.
Adama turned to
She offered the imposing commander a disarming smile. She was famous for them. “On one condition.”
“Name it.”
“You’ll call me
He laughed. “I think that’s worth it. Until tomorrow then.”
“Til then.”
Adama turned and left.
Lee reclaimed
With one look from her, the three other men begged off with
promises to catch up later.
He smiled, pulled her hand to his lips and kissed it. “The absolute best day of my life.”
She smiled. “Mine too.”
They began to walk over to his Viper, which was already moved to the launch tube. He held her hand until the last possible moment. He glanced over his shoulder and saw that the President, his father and the Admiral were now watching them. He shrugged and slowly released her hand, one finger at a time. She grabbed his hand back, unwilling to let him go. “I can’t do this already.”
He dropped his head and considered his options. “I’m here now.”
Tears welled up in her eyes and she tightened her hold on his hand. “No, you’re leaving me again.”
Lee shook his head. “I don’t want to go either but it’s just for a short time. I promise.”
He tried to pull his hand away, but she didn’t relent.
“I can’t do it. I can’t let go.”
Lee looked over her shoulder and saw Ben approaching. Ben nodded to him and Lee knew he would help the situation. Ben came up behind her and placed his hands under her arms and picked her off the ground, pulling her back. Between the surprise attack and Lee’s own backward step, their hands came free. She knew she’d lost and she slumped into Ben’s firm arms. Lee looked from her to Ben. “Thanks for takin’ care of her, Ben.”
“Always, Lee.”
Lee turned to go. Ben called out to him. “Lee!” He stopped. “Thanks for not becoming a Cylon casualty.” Lee smiled.
Ben turned and walked away again.
She smiled. “I know. Same here.”
Lee gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and ran back to his ship before he got into more trouble.
Pyramids*2
Laura Roslin had obviously enjoyed the romantic scene on the bay. She was grinning with excitement. “So, Lee had someone special in his life. I’m so happy for him. He never mentioned her. They make a beautiful couple.”
Part of Adama was thrilled for his son. Another part was angered that he had no clue who this woman was. What had Axe said? He’d called him her future father-in-law. So Lee was engaged and had never mentioned it. “Madame President, I would have thought you would be more excited to have another battlestar and an Admiral to go along with it.”
Laura smiled at him. “I am. I can’t help but think the lords have finally heard our calls for help.”
“Things are certainly going to change.” Adama mused out loud. Internally, he had his doubts as to whether it was for the better or worse.
Adama waited for his son to land and met him at the bottom of the ladder. He couldn’t help but notice the grin on his son’s face and the aura of happiness that surrounded him. Despite this, he wasn’t about to let the matter drop. “Captain, when you’ve finished your post flight inspection and reports, report to my office.”
Lee had enough presence to compose himself. “Yes, Sir.”
The change in Lee was immediately evident to all on the deck. Chief Tyrol even went so far as to ask the Captain if he was feeling well. Lee laughed at him. “I’m fabulous, Chief. Never been better in my life.” At this point, he couldn’t control his returned enthusiasm for life. He flew through his inspection and reports. Even the thought of facing his father and the impending argument couldn’t leaden the bounce in his step.
“Whoa. Hold on there. This can’t be Captain Lee Adama?” Kara had yanked hard on his arm to get him to stop as he grinned at her when they passed in the hallway.
“It most certainly is, Lieutenant. Was there something you needed?” He smiled.
Kara decided to test his mood. “Well, there was that transfer. I know it’s late, but I still can’t find a pencil.”
“Sure. How about the Pegasus? I’m sure we can trade Battleaxe for you.” Lee was joking of course, but it was a little too strong for Kara. She’d heard the news of the additional battlestar like everyone else, but she wasn’t prepared to be traded. Her face sobered. Lee groaned. “Come on, Kara. I was kidding. I wouldn’t trade you for Battleaxe.” Seeing her expression soften, he added. “Maybe Hotdog?”
“Lee, listen. I know we’re all excited to have help, but don’t you think you’re a little too happy about this?”
“Too happy? Hmm… Let me think. I found out an hour ago that my three best friends survived the holocaust and that the woman I love did as well. I dunno. I think I have every right to be happy. I have my life back.” He paused briefly. “Course, now I have to go face down the old man.” He stepped around her and left.
Kara didn’t know what she was more upset about. Lee had just told her so much, yet so little. She didn’t begin to know where to start processing. Lee’s three best friends? What about her? And a woman he loved? Lately, she’d been praying to have that honor in his heart. How could he be in love with a woman and never have mentioned her? And what was this business about getting his life back? Who did he think he was? What had he been living these past months? What about her? Didn’t he consider her to be part of his life? If Lee Adama was soaring at new heights of happiness, Kara Thrace had just plummeted into a dark pit of despair.
Lee knocked on his father’s office before stepping in. “You wanted to see me, Sir?”
Adama ignored his son while he pretended to finish reading a report. He had spent the entire time trying to figure out how to start this conversation. He finally put the paper down and motioned for Lee to sit. Lee hesitated. “Will this take long, Sir?”
“Why? Do you have plans elsewhere?” His father’s face was expressionless.
Lee decided to appease his father and sit. It was indeed his father he was talking with, not the Commander. That much was clear. “I… Well, I was hoping I might return to the Pegasus.”
“Why?”
Lee smiled. “I thought my friends were dead. I’d like to spend some more time with them.”
“There’ll be plenty of time to catch up. You have duties here.”
Lee dropped his head and gathered his thoughts. He had to slow down his mind, which was racing much too fast for this conversation with his father. He was libel to say something that would ruin his chances of ever getting to visit the Pegasus. Raising his head to face his father, he continued. “I am currently caught up and don’t have CAP until tomorrow afternoon.”
Adama ignored the comment. He decided to stop playing the game and get to the point. “I take it you were engaged to this doctor?”
Lee nodded. “I assume we still are. She was still wearing my ring.”
“How long had you been engaged?”
This was the part Lee was dreading. “Several months before the attack, Sir.”
“And you never felt the need to let me know?”
“We weren’t exactly speaking back then.”
“And of course, there hasn’t been a chance these past few months?” Adama’s tone was biting.
Lee knew this latest event in their relationship had really hurt his father. He had no idea if he would be able to help his father understand. “I couldn’t.”
“Couldn’t what?”
“I couldn’t talk about losing her. It hurt too much.” Lee’s voice was quiet. The admission was costing him as well.
“I’m your father, Lee. I would have understood.”
Lee felt a sudden stab of anger. “Really? You would have understood? What would you have understood? That I was sent here to attend a decommissioning against my will? That I left everything I valued behind me to come here for a day? That I had nothing left? That I should have died on the Atlantia with the rest of my shipmates?” Lee was quiet for a moment, drawing in deep breaths to steady himself. Adama was overwhelmed and said nothing. Lee continued in a controlled voice. “You never even frakin’ asked me.”
“Asked you? About what?”
Lee laughed angrily. “About ANYTHING, DAD! Never once in all these months have you ever once asked me about anything in my life prior to that day. NOT ONCE!” Adama was shocked at the anger and brutal honesty in his son’s words and he wasn’t done. “How was I supposed to tell you anything when the only things you have said to me was a pathetic ‘I’m sorry’ the day mom died and then hand me a bunch of pictures months later like that’s gonna heal my pain and loss. TELL ME WHY I WOULD THINK YOU COULD HELP!”
Lee hadn’t been in control. He didn’t even realize he’d stood and been shouting in his father’s face. He reddened from embarrassment, wondering how far across the ship they’d just heard him yell at his father. He collapsed back into the chair, breathing deeply. He fought back tears that threatened to escape his eyes. He didn’t remember a time in his life when he had let such anger go, not even when Zak had died. Lee risked a glance at his father, expecting to see hatred. He wasn’t sure what he saw. His father sat still, staring at a paper in the upper corner of his desk. His first impulse was to think his father, as always, wasn’t listening, but that thought faded.
Adama couldn’t look at his son. It had been silly of him to think that Lee would have come to him with this. He deserved everything Lee had just hurled at him, no matter how much it hurt. He longed to apologize, but he knew it wasn’t enough. He mumbled it anyway. “I’m sorry.”
Lee didn’t want to say it, but he did anyway. “Those are just words, Dad. Look.
I love that we have a relationship now, dad. But… But we’ve still never talked about what
happened before the attack. Anything we
have now has been built since the attack.
“What can I do?” Adama’s request sounded so honest, Lee was moved. “I thought I tried, but I guess I assumed too much.”
“I’m sorry, too.”
Adama finally looked at his son. “You’re right. Everything you said. I have no excuses.” He looked away again and mumbled. “You can’t build a solid house on sand.”
Lee thought about
Again, Adama looked confused.
“She was always on my case about our relationship.”
“And you were gonna marry her?”
Lee smiled. “Hell, yes. She was always very subtle. Besides, she’s so amazing, I had to allow her one flaw.”
Adama laughed. “It seems we have something in common.”
Lee cocked his head to one side. “What’s that?”
“We fall in love with amazing women.”
Lee returned his smile. It felt so good to talk about her. “You’ll love her too, Dad. Everyone does. She’s infectious.” Lee had no idea what exactly had opened the floodgates but he went on. “She’s the first person I’ve ever loved, that loves me 100% unconditionally.”
Adama wanted to argue with him, but stopped. He supposed it was possible; after all, parents always have expectations for their children. He plied Lee for more information. “Had you set a date?”
Lee laughed even harder and shook his head. “Yep. You’ll never believe it.”
“Try me.”
“Your birthday.”
Lee had been right. Adama didn’t believe him. “Why that date?”
“We were at mom’s birthday party when she and Michael
announced their engagement.” Lee paused
to remember that magical evening in his life.
“
“So, my birthday was just coincidence, right?”
Lee grinned. “No. It was planned.”
“Why?”
“I think it was another subtle ploy by my fiancée. She said that since we got engaged on mom’s birthday, we had to get married on my dad’s.”
Adama chuckled. “I like that girl’s logic.”
Lee quietly laughed. “I told you you’d love her.”
“So your mother met her?”
Lee laughed a little louder.
“They had lunch all the time. I
used to tease mom that she loved
“What?” Adama found himself caught up in his son’s joy and truly wanted to know.
“Mom and
Adama interrupted Lee’s thoughts. “So, this explains your insomnia?”
Lee again looked at his feet. “For the first few months, it was fairly easy not to think about her, but it got harder and harder the closer it got to that date. Gods! Dad. I love her so much it just hurt too much. I didn’t even have a picture of her with me. I had nothing but my memories and I’d panic. There were times when I wanted to imagine her face and I couldn’t. It felt so disloyal.”
Adama interrupted again. “You were under a lot of stress. It makes sense.”
“I didn’t like it.”
“I don’t imagine you did.” Adama stretched back in his chair. He didn’t really want to end this conversation with his son. It was rare that they both actually communicated with each other and yet, he knew there was something more important that needed to be done. “So, tomorrow night she’ll be here for dinner.”
Lee nodded. “Thank you for inviting her, Dad.”
“You’d better escort her over.”
Again Lee nodded.
“So, go get her.”
“Sir?” Lee didn’t understand.
“I’m placing you on leave effective immediately until eighteen hundred hours tomorrow. Based on her comments, I believe Admiral Cain will have quarters for you on the Pegasus.”
Lee stammered. “But,
Sir… I have CAP tomorrow.”
“We have other pilots.”
Lee couldn’t believe he was allowing his brain to control the situation. “But what if there’s a Cylon attack?”
Adama raised an eyebrow. “You can’t launch from the Pegasus?”
Lee grinned, stunned at this change of heart from his father. “I don’t know how to thank you.”
Adama looked his son in the eye. “You already have. Thank you for opening up to me. We don’t often get this talking thing right.” He stopped then added. “And promise me we’ll keep working at it.”
Lee nodded. “I’m sorry I shouted.”
“I can’t blame you.” He added quickly. “Let’s not make a habit of it.” He quickly added, “But the talking? That’s something we can make a habit of, especially about the past.”
Lee nodded. “Yes, sir.” Lee continued to sit across from his father. “You know that won’t be easy.”
“I do. What are you waiting for? Go see that doctor of yours.”
“Yes, sir. And thank you sir.”
Adama nodded. Lee practically ran to the door. “Lee?”
Lee stopped short of his goal. He wondered what he’d done wrong.
“I bet your mom was thrilled to have a doctor in the family.”
Lee grinned.
“Lee, I know I fraked up my marriage and was horrible at being a father, but I want you to know one thing.”
“What’s that?” Lee was truly curious about what his father would say after that intro.
“Our marriage didn’t break up because I didn’t love your mother. I loved her when I met her, when I married her, when we divorced and I love her still.”
Lee smiled and the bridge of his nose scrunched up. “She said the same thing, Dad.”
Adama hadn’t expected those words from his son and strong emotions welled up inside him. He drew in a deep breath to keep control. It was his turn to whisper. “Thank you!”
Lee didn’t even bother to stop at his locker. He ran straight for the flight deck and
grabbed the first available viper. As
predicted, Admiral Cain welcomed him aboard and
“You’re back!” She launched herself into his arms. “How did you manage it?”
He laughed. “You’ll never believe it.”
“Try me.” Not caring who saw,
“I talked to my dad.”
“Talked?” There was doubt in her voice. “You do have permission to be here, right? I won’t be visiting you in hack, will I?”
He laughed and suddenly drew her mouth to his. When he was temporarily sated, he added. “Ok, I shouted a little.”
“How long can you stay?” She asked hopefully.
He grinned mischievously. “I am to escort you to dinner tomorrow evening.”
Her jaw literally dropped. She gulped before speaking. “So… You get to spend the night AND the day tomorrow?”
“Yep.”
“Hmmm…” She returned his grin. “Whatever will we do?”
Lee assumed a very diplomatic attitude. “Well, I thought we could find the guys and play some pyramid.”
He smiled more wickedly now. “Did you have any other ideas?”
“Well…” She bit her lower lip, as if she was thinking. Lee teased her about the habit, but she knew he secretly loved it. “I do have very nice quarters.”
“Really? Who do you share with?”
“No one.”
Lee acted impressed. “Wow, I’m the Commander’s son and I still sleep with the other pilots. How do you rate?”
“Your quarters? Sure. We could talk.” He moved his hand slowly up and down her arm, enjoying the goose bumps he raised.
“Yep, we could talk.”
Lee nodded. “Lots of talking.”
“Lots and lots of talking. We have a lot of talking to make up for.”
“True. We’ll have to talk about lots of different things too.”
“Yes.”
“So, how far away are your quarters?”
She didn’t answer. She grabbed his hand and pulled him through the bay. As they walked, she muttered over and over again. “See, I told you your dad had to be a good man.”
Pyramids*3
“I don’t get you.” Lee was frustrated.
“What? Lee, the rules haven’t changed. NO!” She slapped his hand away from her toothbrush. They were battling for space in her small bathroom. Steam still hung in the air from their recent shower. They weren’t really running late for their dinner on Galactica but Lee knew things always came up and he didn’t want to risk it.
“I just don’t get it. We have shared everything. There isn’t a single part of your body that I haven’t touched…” To emphasize his point, he began rubbing her arms slowly. “Kissed….” He bent his head down to the nape of her neck and planted several soft kisses along the beat of her heart. “Or even tasted…” He gently nipped at the tender flesh, knowing it drove her crazy. He abruptly stopped, to her frustration and continued his point. “But you won’t let me use your toothbrush?”
She turned to face him and pulled his face down to kiss him deeply. Her tongue boldly penetrated his mouth and flicked inside. As he began to respond in kind, she released him. “Nope.”
She brushed past him and moved into the bedroom. Lee watched the towel drop as she pondered the perfect outfit to wear. Lee shook his head. “Well, the least you could have done was clean my teeth while you were in there.”
She laughed and leaned back. “It’s not my fault you came unprepared.”
Lee rolled his eyes. “Well, please forgive me if I was a little too excited to get over here to see you. You’d think that would count for something.”
She leaned back again. “It meant a lot to me, my lord. You’ll just have to make a quick stop when we get to Galactica. You can shave and brush your teeth there.”
“And leave you alone with my father?” Lee left the bathroom and dressed. “I don’t think so.”
“Why not? Afraid I’ll fall for him and leave you?” She teased.
“Frak that! Fine. But if that’s the plan, you have about three minutes to finish getting ready.” He was dressed already and he sat on the edge of the bed watching her. “I think you’re the only woman in the fleet who survived annihilation with a full wardrobe.”
She looked crossly at him. “It wasn’t my fault. I travel prepared for anything.” She looked back at her closet. “Lords help me. Lee? I don’t know what to wear to meet your father. This is awful.”
He walked up behind her and wrapped one arm around her bare waist and used the other to pull a simple navy blue dress from the hanger. “This will be fine. You have already met him.”
“Fine?” She grumbled. “Sure, if all you want me to do is look fine.” She pulled herself from his arm and finished dressing.
Lee returned to the rumbled bed and resumed watching her. She was beautiful and yet she was completely unaware of the affect she had on men. She wasn’t overly tall, but she had long legs. She was slender and nicely proportioned. Her hair fell a few inches past her shoulders. She cursed it, but he loved the natural curls that cascaded down in shimmering strawberry blond waves. When she was working, she most often wore it back in some way, but in off hours it was down. She cursed her non-descript eyes too, but he loved them best of all. He could lose himself for hours in those expressive eyes. They were her heart and soul. They sparkled when she was happy and shimmered with unspent tears when she was sad. She was the most genuine person he had ever met. What you saw, was what you got. She didn’t play games and pretend to be anything other than what she was.
She stood before him and twirled. “Presentable?”
He twisted his lips in uncertainty. “If that’s the best you can do, I suppose. Let’s go.”
She slapped him on the arm. “Lee Joseph Adama, you’re horrible.”
He grabbed her waist and pulled her to him. “Calliope Amalia Davis, you’re beautiful.”
She leaned in and kissed him quickly. “Thank you, but you do love living on the edge don’t you?”
He knew she hated being called by her full name. She frequently cursed her parents for their choice of names. “Hey, my dad loved it.”
She looked at him with determination. “Don’t think he’s safe, even if he is a Commander and your father.”
Lee laughed. “I’ll warn him. Now, can we go?”
“My lord, I’ve been waiting for you.” She kissed him quickly on his forehead.
BSG…BSG…BSG
Few people understood the pleasure Bill Adama got out of cooking. It surprised many that he had a small kitchen in his quarters. Prior to the Cylon attacks he used it more often, even if it was for simple meals. Since the fleet really didn’t have much food to spare, he had all but stopped cooking in his room. He stuck to the rations as everyone else did. Tonight was special though. He wanted Lee to know that too. He’d gone to the kitchens and raided his private stash of food. It was probably the last time he’d be able to make such a grand gesture, but he was happy to do it.
As he rolled the dough for the pasta, he thought about Kara Thrace. He hadn’t even considered her to be a player in this new twist, but after the way she had barged into his office this morning, he was worried.
“Why am I all of a sudden acting CAG?” Kara hadn’t bothered to knock.
Adama ignored her ire.
“Good Morning, Lieutenant. Is
there something you needed?” He
continued to examine the reports on his desk.
“Where’s the frakin’ CAG?” She demanded.
“If your referring to Captain
Adama, he’s been given a few hours of leave.
I believe you know that. You were
asked to cover the morning briefing, were you not?”
“I don’t believe your condoning this. You of all people.”
This struck a chord.
He obviously didn’t follow her reasoning. “Excuse me?”
“This can’t possibly be good for Lee.” She was serious.
Adama recognized that they had stepped out of official
roles. “I’ve never seen Lee
happier. Why wouldn’t I want my son to
be happy? More importantly, why wouldn’t
you want your friend to be happy?”
She knew she couldn’t argue his point without expressing
feelings that she wasn’t prepared to admit to publicly. Her tone calmed. “I do want him to be happy. I just can’t believe this woman is the one
for him. It’s too perfect, Sir. Consider the timing.”
“You think she’s a Cylon?” Adama had to admit, he held a measure of
distrust for the recent addition to the fleet.
It was simply too much to accept.
“Why not? What better way to distract us?” She was thrilled to have found an argument
that seemed to be holding weight in her Commander’s mind.
“Distract Lee, maybe, but certainly not the whole fleet,”
he countered.
“He’s valuable to this fleet. That’s why you took him back.”
Adama refused to debate his reasons for reinstating Lee
with Kara. She of all people should know
better than to question his judgment in such matters. Lords knew she had often been on the
receiving end of similar decisions. He
looked directly at her. “What is the
problem here, Starbuck?”
“I… We… We just got him back. I don’t want to lose him to her. Like you said, he’s my friend. I don’t want him hurt.”
Adama laughed softly.
“That’s noble of you. I’ve always
been happy that Lee has had you to count on.
It will certainly be different for a time. We owe that to Lee and to
“You’ve barely met her and you’re already defending
her?” Kara was heartbroken at the turn
of events.
“Kara, Lee is always going to be your friend, even
married.”
Kara’s mind reeled.
Married? Gods No! She couldn’t handle that. She wouldn’t handle that. This was all happening too fast. She prayed so hard each night that she would
have a second chance to prove to Lee that she was the one for him. It had taken her so long to realize it
herself. She was not going to stand for
losing that chance. She’d never admit to
Adama that Lee didn’t count on her.
She’d screwed up once too often with him. “Fine. I’ll take the briefing, but I won’t be doing
any of his paperwork.” She turned to
leave, feeling more defeated then ever.
“And he had better not expect this kind of frakin’ sacrifice often. This once, that’s IT!” She charged through the door.
With the arrival of the Pegasus, there was suddenly a new command structure to implement. He hadn’t had time to dwell on the conversation with Kara until now. He’d heard from others that she was not to be trifled with today. Suddenly, Adama wondered if he had misinterpreted Lee and Kara’s relationship all this time, at least from her perspective. He knew Lee and Kara had met in flight school and been friends long before she had met Zak.
Dangerous questions flooded his mind and he tried hard to ignore them. Had Kara really wanted Lee all these years? Had that contributed to her guilt over Zak’s death? Lords, he had to stop this line of thinking. He had a hard enough time accepting her involvement in Zak’s death. The more he looked at it, there was only one word to describe her behavior: jealousy. Was it simply jealousy that Lee would have a second chance with his love and she wouldn’t or was Kara Thrace jealous of Mali Davis? He paused long enough to consider what he knew of his future daughter-in-law. He hoped she was strong enough to battle the mighty Kara Thrace. He also hoped his son wouldn’t get caught in the crossfire.
BSG…BSG…BSG
Lee and
“I don’t suppose it would make a good impression on your
father to arrive at dinner heavily medicated?”
“No. No relaxants. You can do this.” Lee pulled her over to the chair in the farthest corner. She made no move to defy him. She simply did as he instructed and drew in deep, cleansing breaths.
As Lee clicked her belt in place, he pulled a small radio from his pocket and handed her the earpieces. “Here.”
She was just about to put them in when Martin and Bescotti appeared in the hatchway. She groaned, knowing the flight was about to get more miserable.
“Hey, wait for us.” Bescotti grinned. “We got permission from Admiral Cain to visit Galactica tonight. We can fly the good doc back home for ya, Captain.” He was obviously pleased with himself.
Martin coughed to cover his snicker and then added. “We thought we’d look up ol’ Starbuck and see
if we can win some money off her while you folks have dinner and get to know
the old man.” Both men climbed past Lee
and Bescotti slipped into the pilot’s chair, while Martin took the ECO’s. Martin
grinned at Lee and then nodded toward
Lee smiled at her and then looked at his two friends, who were obviously enjoying themselves. “Don’t worry, my lady. They wouldn’t DARE try anything to upset you.” His eyes lowered to slits and he glared at them using the command presence that the Galactica crew was most familiar with. “Would you, guys?”
Both men nodded and quickly turned to take care of preflight
business. Lee sat quietly next to
Lee smiled. He didn’t know why he expected anything to be different. He was reassured that she was still the same. She hated flying. She could handle being on the battlestars, as they were large enough to make her feel secure, as long as she didn’t see any windows. Small transport ships like the raptor, terrified her. She almost always took a medication to calm her nerves when she was required to travel with them. The day she’d left for the Pegasus, she was already half asleep when they said their final goodbyes. Ben had been traveling with and as always, had promised to protect her from the antics of Ying and Yang, who loved to exploit her weakness. She’d argued long and hard about their assignment to her transport. She’d begged Admiral Nagala for anyone else. Lee chuckled at the thought. Lee Adama, the man who some thought was born to fly a viper, was utterly in love with a woman who couldn’t stand it. His mother did always say opposites attract.
Lee’s warnings to the inseparable duo had worked and they
flew smoothly and directly to Galactica’s landing
bay. He compliment them on their flight,
as any good CAG would and winked at Mali, who was only now starting to breathe
normally. He stood up and offered his
hand to
She returned his smile half-heartedly. “Ready! I’d rather face the inquisition than fly back.” Lee chuckled and escorted her down the hatch.
Word of Captain Adama’s returned fiancée had spread like
wildfire through the ship and there seemed to be a high population of
crewmembers continuing to work this late in the day. Chief Tyrol and Cally were working in front
of them on a Viper. As Lee and
When the group had cleared the deck,
“You have to go to crew quarters. I don’t. I can go directly to your dad’s.”
“You think you can get there by yourself?” Lee challenged.
She looked down the hallway in front of her and nodded. “I have spent quite a bit of time on battlestars in recent years. I think I can do it.”
Lee loved to challenge her, so he bowed to her and wished her luck. As he and the other two men moved in the other direction, he called over his shoulder. “I’ll give my father your regards when I see him.”
She shouted back that she would do the same. Her confidence made Lee just a bit nervous and he picked up his pace. Martin and Bescotti took every opportunity to chide him for it. They three men entered crew quarters and Lee asked the first person where Kara was.
She had heard him and called out from her rack. “Sleeping. She’s tired from doing the CAG’s frakin’ job.”
Lee grinned and exchanged roguish glances with the other two. “Too bad. I had a present for her.”
Kara’s head popped out from behind her curtain. She immediately saw the two newcomers and jumped down. “I’ll be damned. Ying and Yang survived the Cylons? Whatcha do, hide under a rock?”
Martin laughed. “No, we hid in the Pegasus’s landing bay.”
Bescotti, able to read his partner’s mind, continued the reunion joking. “Course, we really didn’t have to. The way we hear it, the great Starbuck has been kickin’ so much Cylon ass, they are running in terror now.”
She moved to the men. “You just remember that.” Suddenly she lunged into them and all hugged. Stepping back, she looked them up and down. “You boys look like you’re ready to play some cards.”
Both men nodded. “Same old Starbuck.” They didn’t even move to the officer’s lounge, they took seats at the table and started dealing the cards.
Lee chuckled at the group as he retrieved his shaving gear and he continued to listen to their banter as he cleaned up. He took extra time brushing his teeth, enjoying the replay of the earlier conversation as he did. He continued to replay yesterday’s events in his mind. He actually pinched his arm to assure himself it wasn’t a dream. Kara’s laugh filtered into his ears for a moment above the other noise. He thought about his run in with her in the hallway. As he replayed it, he realized he hadn’t been very kind to her. He was pretty caught up in his own happiness. He decided to talk to her about it before he went to dinner. For a moment he wondered if he should invite her to come along. No, she would have more fun here.
Fresh shaven and in a clean uniform, Lee checked the mirror
one last time before closing his locker.
He wondered if it was possible that
“Not now, Lee.” She obviously was winning.
“Please, Lieutenant?” He added her title, hoping she would think it was official business.
She looked at her fellow players and announced that she was giving them a moment to try and plan a strategy that would defeat her. She started to lay her hand face down on the table, but hesitated and gathered them into her hand. She motioned to the Captain that he should lead, and they moved to the hallway.
Before Lee could start, Kara was in his face. “If you think for one second, I’m gonna cover your ass for a second day so you can enjoy some more reunion fraking, you’ve got a whole ‘nother thing coming, Sir.” She added the title for fun.
He looked at his feet, feeling a bit guilty. “Thank you, Kara. I wouldn’t ask that of you again. I was stunned myself when dad gave me the time off. He was pretty mad at me.”
He watched her face for a reaction but got nothing. “I figure, you might be kinda mad at me too.”
She looked at him with fire in her eyes. “Why would I be angry with you, Captain Adama?” Her voice dripped with sarcasm.
Lee thought to himself, yep, she’s mad. He was struggling to find the right words. He thought about what he’d said to his father, but that didn’t seem right. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about her. I…” He looked into her eyes. “I just couldn’t talk about it and then to top it off, yesterday in the hallway, I was a selfish ass.”
Kara cursed to herself. Damn those penetrating blue eyes. Damn him for always seeming to know what to say, even if she did tell him he was wrong about it and most of all, damn him for not choosing to love her. All she could say was, “You should be.”
“Kara, I know you’ve been trying to rebuild our relationship lately. I know you have. I haven’t been helping at all. I… I just didn’t care about it anymore. I didn’t care about anything or anyone.”
Kara didn’t like what she was hearing. If he even hinted that life was perfect now that she was back, she’d scream. She waited.
“I was wrong. I know that now. We are still friends. Lords willing, we always will be.”
Kara closed her eyes a moment to shut out the pain. It didn’t work. “What about her?”
He smiled. “
Kara shook her head. “Lee, if you marry her, things can never be the same.”
“What?”
“It won’t. Trust me.”
“That’s not true, Kara. We’ll all be friends, good friends.”
Kara shook her head. “Fine, Lee, whatever. Go be happy with your little fiancée.”
She turned to reenter the pilot’s quarters.
Lee grabbed her arm. “Kara, I don’t get it.”
“Exactly, you don’t get it.”
“What is it you want me to do?” He was lost. He had hoped to make things better between them and it appeared as if things were now worse then ever.
Starbuck groaned. She knew he didn’t get it. She also knew he was trying. She wasn’t about to spell it out to him here and now. “Just promise me one thing, Lee.”
He smiled and his eyes flashed with optimism. “Name it.”
Kara was deadly serious as she spoke. “Just promise me you will think long and hard before you actually marry this girl.” Before he could question her further, she walked away, leaving him more confused then ever. Kara would spend the remainder of the evening innocently plying the Pegasus pilots for information on this new enemy in her life, as if the Cylons weren’t enough.
Lee shook his head in frustration and began walking toward the Commander’s quarters.
BSG…BSG…BSG
She was startled at the voice so near and jumped a bit as she turned to it.
“I’m sorry. I certainly didn’t mean to frighten you.” He offered her a disarming smile.
She looked at the man with a sense of knowing him but did not know from where. She finally found her voice. “I… I was looking for Commander Adama’s quarters. I’m expected.”
“Really?” Gaius Baltar couldn’t help but wonder what the commander was expecting from the vision of loveliness before him. He knew he hadn’t seen this strumpet before on board. “And he didn’t send anyone to escort you? I mean, after all, someone very recently tried to kill him. How do I know, you aren’t here to finish the job.” He laughed, letting her know he was joking.
She suddenly got an odd feeling about the man, as if something was quite right about him. “I had an escort, but well, I lost him.”
“Really? Stupid man. I should inform the Commander so the man is properly punished. How dare he lose a beautiful creature like you?” Baltar was positively purring with desire.
“Oh no, it’s nothing like that. I meant to lose him. We had a bet.”
“I see and will you win?”
She risked a small smile, unwilling to lose to a little nervousness. “It depends on whether you’re going to help me or not.”
“It would be my honor.” He held out his arm as a gentleman would. Six was immediately at his side warning him to be careful. “She’s dangerous Gaius. She’s not for you. Let her be.” Gaius managed to ignore her dulcet tones and went on flirting. “I recall getting lost more then a few times in my first days on board.”
She accepted his arm and he lead her down the hall. “I hate to say this, but I feel as if I should know you, um…”
Baltar mockingly smacked at his forehead. “Of course, how silly of me.” He stopped, moved in front of her and made a dashing bow. “Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Gaius Baltar, at your service.”
“Doctor Baltar?” She asked in disbelief.
“The one and only. Of course, I’ve added the title of Vice-President as well.” He hoped she could be swayed by titles.
“It’s nice to meet you.
I’ve heard a lot about you.” Last
night hadn’t been entirely about physically reuniting their love. Lee and
“You have? Wonderful. Now, have I heard wonderful things about you?” He craved her name and was beginning to think he wouldn’t have it. Again, Six wrapped herself along side his body and coo-ed warnings to him.
“Try me.”
As they came to a fork in the hallway, she bought herself some time. “This way?” She pointed to the left.
“No, the other.” He replied and they walked on.
“This is a big ship.” She marveled.
“Not as big as the Pegasus. You can bet the fleet is sleeping easier knowing they have our backs now.” It hit him that the newcomer may be from the Pegasus. “So, you aren’t sharing your name? That’s not very nice. We’re nearly to the Commander’s quarters and I won’t be able to properly present you. Not nice at all.”
Six murmured, “she’s playing with you.”
They stopped in front of the Commander’s door and
“Please, call me Gaius.” He showed no sign of leaving. He knocked on the door himself, hoping to at last find out the elusive vixen’s name.
“Ah ha! So you are the famous fiancée of our dear
Captain Adama. I should have
known.” Baltar was fumbling for a
recovery now. “As you can see Commander,
I have delivered your future daughter-in-law soundly into your hands, so I’ll
be off now.” He turned to
Adama noted that Baltar seemed to be stalling. “We don’t want to keep you from your work, Doctor.”
Baltar balked. “Yes, that’s true. That’s me, busy, busy, busy. Many things to check on and of course, be in charge of… yes… well. Good night. Enjoy your evening.”
Adama swept his arm across the open doorway, motioning to
As he walked away, Six taunted Gaius. “I told you.”
Baltar muttered his anger. “Damn that man. What is it about the super frakin’ Captain Adama? What does he have that I don’t have? Why do all the women want him?”
Six rubbed her hands down his chest. “I don’t want him.”
Gaius smiled at her. “Well, yes, of course not… BECAUSE YOU DON’T EXIST FOR HIM!”
Six was miffed at his tone and lack of appreciation. “Although, he does have those wonderful blue eyes and his chest is very impressive…” She let her words sink in for Gaius as punishment.
Gaius puffed out his chest to try and compensate. “He could never love you like I do.”
She smiled seductively at him. “True. Very true.” She pulled him into the next vacant hallway and he pushed her against the wall and released his exasperation into her.
Anyone walking by would have seen the Vice-President dry-humping the wall. It wasn’t a pretty sight.
A far prettier sight greeted William Adama in his quarters. “Come on in. Can I get you something to drink?”
“A glass of water would be nice.”
“Just water? I have stronger. It’s a special occasion after all.” Despite what Lee had always said about his father, she suspected Lee had inherited his smooth ways from his father. The William Adama standing before her was certainly no less a charmer then his son. She grinned at the comparison, knowing it would drive Lee nuts. She would save it for a special moment.
“No thank you. I seldom drink. I don’t handle it well.” She paused. “That’s not the kind of impression I’d like to make this evening.”
Adama handed her a glass of water. “The impression is already made.”
“Oh, dear.” She feigned fear. “Dare I ask?”
“It’s very favorable. I’ve never seen Lee happier.”
She quietly mumbled. “That’s not exactly saying much all things considered.”
“Touché!” He smiled at her and invited her to sit down. After she had settled on the couch, he took a chair across from her. “You don’t beat around the bush do you?”
“I don’t like pretense, Commander. It messes things up in most cases. I prefer to get to the heart of things.”
“That’s not always easy.”
“No, but it’s usually worth it.”
Bill had already decided that she was an amazing woman and that his son was a lucky son of a bitch to have found her, but he decided to respect her and honor her philosophy. “Are you a Cylon?”
She laughed. “No, but would I tell you if I was?”
He smiled and lowered his eyes. “No, but I had to ask. Admiral Cain tells me you developed a Cylon detector as well. Perhaps you and Doctor Baltar can compare notes. His isn’t exactly trustworthy.”
She frowned at the suggestion. “Work with Doctor Baltar? Ok. I’ll remember to bring my mace.”
Again Adama laughed. She was a good judge of character. “Why Lee?”
She coughed on the sip of water she’d just taken in. “Pardon me?”
“I suppose I didn’t phrase that correctly. What are your intentions for my son? Is that better?”
“I always thought the girl’s parent’s asked those kinds of questions.” She took a deep breath and gathered her words. “I love him. I loved him the moment I met him. I can’t explain it. I’ve never felt anything like it before.” She coughed into her hand and then chuckled to herself.
“What?”
“I… I can’t. You’ll laugh.”
“I promise I won’t.”
She stared into his eyes and believed him. “I once told Lee that I felt like he reached into my heart and soul with his own and merged the two. I didn’t think I could live without him.”
Adama’s reply was quiet. “You did.”
She nodded. “It didn’t happen overnight and it wasn’t anything more than existence.” She looked him in the eyes again. “What is it you really want to know?”
“Where’s my son?”
She laughed, breaking the tension. “He’s cleaning up. He didn’t bring any supplies with yesterday and I won’t let him use mine…” She trailed off, embarrassed at the candid comment. “I’m sorry. That wasn’t actually to be shared out loud.”
He laughed and returned a warm smile. “He was a little excited.”
“Thank you for sending him. We really needed that time.” She coughed and continued. “Now, I ask again, what is it you really want to know? You know you want to ask it before Lee gets here, so ask.”
“You’re not military.”
A smile of understanding spread across her face. His comment also revealed a valuable piece of information that Lee hadn’t. Lee hadn’t told his father everything. “No, I’m not.”
“Any marriage is difficult, but military marriages, well… They are beyond hard. Damn near impossible. Why should I believe you two are any different?”
“Who said we are?”
“I don’t want to see my son hurt.”
She raised an eyebrow his direction. “An interesting comment coming from you.”
He acknowledged her skepticism. “I won’t deny that Lee and I have our difficulties. That doesn’t change that he’s my son. We fix what we can and work around the rest.”
“I like that. Lee and I are very aware of what lies ahead of us, or at least we were. Things have obviously changed. May I be blunt?”
He laughed heartily, wondering what the conversation had been so far. “By all means”
“Lee is determined not to repeat your mistakes. We both agreed we would do what is necessary to make our marriage work. We are committed to each other.” She wondered if the Commander would pick up on the huge piece of information she had laid in his lap. She watched him ponder her words.
“Lee is a lucky man.”
“I consider myself to be the lucky one.”
Further conversation was stopped by Lee’s arrival. He knocked and entered without waiting for permission. “You’re here.” He had to admit, he wasn’t disappointed.
“I cheated. I got help.”
“I knew you would.”
He nodded to his father and moved quickly to the couch, where he planted
a chaste kiss on
“You look much better.” She laid her hand on the cushion next to her, indicating for him to sit.
Lee sat and looked at his father. “I’m sorry I’m late.”
Adama looked at his watch.
“
Lee knew he wasn’t late, but it was nice of his father to acknowledge it as well. “Please tell me he hasn’t told you horrible stories from my childhood.”
She laughed. “Na, your mother already told me those.”
Adama excused himself to check on the meal. Lee took the opportunity to steal a few more kisses and then began his own interrogation. “Seriously, no awful stories?”
She shook her head reassuringly. “No. Honestly, we didn’t talk much about you.” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “He doesn’t know everything, does he?”
Lee looked away from her for a brief moment to check his
father’s location. “Look at how we’re
living
She took his face in her hands. “It’s alright. I understand. All that matters is that we’re together. We need to value every moment we have.”
He kissed her again and whispered his love for her. His father returned. “Looks like we’re ready to eat. Lee, would you like to pour the wine?”
Adama cut Lee off and offered
A few minutes into the meal, Adama raised his glass to
“What?” Laughter abounded as Lee told the story of the night they met.