All copyright applies. See first section.
Pyramids*10
“Admiral, I didn’t realize there would be a tour this
morning.”
“Sorry. I can’t miss
an opportunity to show off my ship, though, can I?” Cain grinned proudly, waving to the
group. Before
Admiral Cain took pity on her and ushered the group to
something else across the room. As the
group thinned, movement in the doorway distracted
“Doctor Davis, there’s one more member you should meet.” Fisk had no idea of the chaos he was about to start.
Lee watched in horror from across the room. There was no way to stop what was about to happen. One of his nightmares was about to come true. He moved toward them. His legs felt like lead.
“Doctor Davis. So nice to meet you…” Tom Zarek’s hand dropped back to his side as he stared at the face before him. She’d aged, but there was no denying who it was. His world suddenly imploded. He had no idea how he managed to say her name, “Calliope?”
The initial reaction passed and pure, blind fury replaced
it.
“Calliope, no.” Tom shook his head and tried to reach out to her. Any plans he had for his future were quickly crumbling before him.
Lee reached the group and soon the whole quorum had turned
to face the smaller group. “
Lee was too late.
The visitors in the room were coming closer. Lee was trying to move closer to
Zarek bravely attempted to save the situation. He called out to her again. “Calliope, please. Listen to me. I’m not the same man.”
Lee knew she had lost it. He jumped to her side and pulled her to him. She fought him. She pounded her fists into his chest and struggled to free herself. All along, he whispered words to try and calm her. At the same time, he gently urged her backward toward her office. He had to get her out of here.
Admiral Cain stepped into the middle of the foray. “What is going on here?”
Zarek couldn’t think. He was lost in the past, present and future, which were swirling around him. “Calliope Wescott.”
Cain didn’t understand. “What? Mr. Zarek, this is Doctor Davis.”
She spoke only to Lee, with venom and pain in her voice. “You knew. You knew he was here, alive, all along. How could you?” Her volume rose. “How DARE you keep this from me?” She pushed Lee away and he stayed back.
Admiral Cain grabbed
Zarek spoke. “This is Calliope Wescott. The only living witness from my trial.”
Admiral Cain shook her head.
“No, this is Amalia Davis.” She looked at
No one had noticed President Roslin enter the room, so it surprised them all when she began directing people out of the room. She understood completely why Lee had run from her. This was not a scene anyone wanted. She placed a hand on Zarek’s back. “Mr. Zarek, perhaps you should leave now.”
Tom said nothing, but nodded. He started to turn, but stopped and turned
back to
Roslin debated her next move. She knew Lee and
“Are you sure? Would you like to talk about it?” Roslin prodded.
Again,
Lee nodded and tried to take
Roslin was startled by the reaction. She tried to soothe the distraught
woman. “
“
“REALLY? What was your intent, LEE?”
Lee took a deep breath. “What could I do?”
“TELL ME THE TRUTH?” She pushed passed the two people trying to comfort her. She stormed through the corridors until she reached her quarters and locked herself inside.
Roslin was lost for a way to comfort the distressed man before her. “I’m sorry, Captain. I only wanted to help.”
Lee didn’t look at her. “Me, too. See how well it worked.” He turned and left Laura Roslin alone.
Roslin picked up the phone and ordered the operator to connect
her with Commander Adama on the Galactica.
She waited a few moments until she heard his voice on the other
end. “Commander, I think you need to
come to the Pegasus.” It was obvious he
asked why. “Did you know that
BSG…BSG…BSG
Lee made every attempt to work in his office. He’d stopped by
When William Adama entered his son’s office, he found him pounding his head on his desk. “Is that helping?”
Lee stopped with his head on his desk. From that position, he responded. “Physical pain is better.”
“I bet, but it really won’t help.” Adama took the chair in front of the desk. “Wanna talk about it?”
Lee laughed sickly. “Who told you?”
“Roslin called me. Want to tell me about it?”
Lee, his head still on the desk, rolled it back and forth. “What’s to tell?”
“
Lee laughed, but finally pulled himself up. “Go figure.” He sighed. “It was almost a year before she told me. I thought I was going to lose her then. I’m pretty sure I have now.”
“How’d you find out?” Adama pressed, not willing to allow this would be an end to the couple.
Lee laughed again. “We were drinking and playing some stupid game. I don’t even remember what the question was, but I admitted that I had read Zarek’s book.”
Adama interrupted him. “You’ve read it?”
Lee nodded. “Ah, ha! I’ve seen
that reaction before, except
“You learned that from your mother.”
Lee displayed a small smile.
“Yep.
“You weren’t a child. I remember hearing her testimony. Man, she sealed Zarek’s fate, as if there had been any doubt.”
“I just wanted to protect her a while longer, Dad. I wasn’t dumb enough to think she’d never find out.”
Lee sounded so pathetic, Adama felt momentarily lost for a way to help. “What does she say?”
Lee’s voice was dejected. “She won’t say anything. She locked her door and won’t take calls.”
Adama nodded. “She needs time to accept all this.”
Lee whispered. “How long? How long will it take her to forgive me?”
“You don’t need her forgiveness.” Lee looked at his father, confused. Adama went on. “She’s hurt right now. You didn’t do anything wrong. It was natural of you to want to protect her. She’ll see that.”
“I don’t know. I’ve never seen her like this.”
“Let’s go find her.”
“Dad, she’s not ready.”
“We won’t know until we find her. Let’s go.” Adama rose and directed his son to the door.
“Dad… I don’t think this is right.” Lee argued, but complied.
“I know.”
As they made the last turn to
Lee said nothing, but Adama did. “Good idea.”
The crewman finished and stepped back. “Unlocked now.”
Adama thanked him and pointed Lee to the door. “We’ll go first.”
Cottle tried to stop them. “I’m sticking close.”
Lee looked at him. “You don’t really think she’s hurt herself, do you?”
Cottle studied the anguished lover. It was obvious they hadn’t discussed everything since their reunion. “I’ve brought a sedative for her. She needs a clear head to handle this.”
Lee stepped into the darkened room. “
Lee knelt before her and reached out slowly to her. “
After settling her in, Cottle prepared a syringe. Lee questioned him with a glance. “Does she need a sedative in the condition she’s in?”
“That’s exactly when she needs one.” She swabbed her arm and continued. “She’s not resting. This will settle her and calm her nerves.” He checked her pulse and breathing quickly. Convinced she was physically ok, he stepped back. “She should rest for six-eight hours, now. Let me know if she needs another.” He added. “I don’t want her to wake up alone.”
Adama responded. “She won’t.”
Lee looked at his father. He was suddenly embarrassed that he had allowed his father to take charge. Once again, he had failed in his father’s eyes.
Cottle and Roslin left the men alone with
Lee shook his head. Inside he screamed ‘no’ a thousand times. Finally one escaped his lips.
“What?” Adama asked.
“No, you can’t.” Lee stammered.
“I can’t what, Lee?” Adama returned to Lee’s side.
Lee looked up at him. “You can’t do this. It’s my first day. You can’t go asking for personal favors for me…”
Adama cut Lee off. “Lee, I know you don’t like this kind of stuff, but it’s really not like that. It’ll be fine.”
Lee shook his head. “No, dad. You can’t. I… I have to be the CAG here. I can’t go getting personal favors my first day. I have to do this.”
“Do what Lee? You
have to be here.” He pointed to
Lee shook his head in frustration. “I know that, but I can’t. I just can’t.” Lee felt himself falling apart. He didn’t know what to do. He wanted desperately to be here with
Adama saw his son’s dilemma. “What would you like me to do?”
Lee thought for a moment. “Can you stay with her?”
Adama wasn’t expecting that. His first instinct was to say no, but he saw the pain in Lee’s eyes and consented. “If that’s what you want, yes.”
“I’ll see if Axe can come relieve you when he gets in from CAP.” Lee went on, the picture becoming clearer to him
“Fine.”
Lee stood. “Thanks, dad.”
Adama smiled. “I’m told that’s what dads do.”
Lee grinned. It was small, but help them both. Lee stopped in the doorway and hesitated. Adama watched him. Lee swallowed a few times, gathering his wits. “Am I doing the right thing?”
Adama didn’t want that question. He didn’t know how to respond. He was quiet too long. Lee panicked.
“I’m not, am I?” He asked.
Adama shook his head. “No. It’s not that. I don’t know what to tell you. My first instinct is to protect you. If that were the case, I’d be in Fisk’s office already. The timing stinks.” He stopped. He knew he wasn’t helping. “Lee, I just don’t know. I don’t think there is a right answer, but I think you’re doing the best you can. I can’t think of any other way to handle it right now.”
Adama settled into the chair Lee had recently vacated. He glanced around the room, but saw only medical books to read. He wasn’t that bored yet. He thought about what he knew of the situation.
Calliope Wescott survived the bombing of the embassy when Tom Zarek himself swept in and carried her to safety. His actions placed him at the scene and he was found guilty. It was an ironic twist. Had he not saved the girl, he might have been free and Lee might never have met her, as she would have died with her parents. It was when Zarek carried her away as she looked over his shoulder, that she watched her parents die, caught in the fireball and debris from the building.
Adama didn’t realize he’d drifted to sleep until he woke
with a start. He checked his watch and
noted that four hours had elapsed. He
watched
Suddenly,
After several minutes, her body went slack. Adama assumed she slept again and laid her back on the pillows. As he pulled back, he met her eyes. She blinked and her hand slowly rose to wipe at the tears on her face. There were too many. Adama reached for a tissue and blotted the wet stains on her cheeks himself.
“You should be resting,” he chided her tenderly.
“Why are you here?” she asked softly.
“Why not?” When the humor went nowhere, he added. “Lee couldn’t be here right now. We thought you’d sleep longer, so I said I’d sit with you.”
She turned away from him. “I’m sorry. I can’t imagine what you must think of me.”
He pulled her chin back to face him. “I think I am gaining an amazing daughter-in-law.”
“Maybe not.”
“Don’t be angry with him. He was caught. Yes, you want him to have told you, but what would have changed if he had told you sooner? Would you rather have this feeling now, or have had the time you had with him, without this hanging over you?”
She closed her eyes. He knew his words had hit home. He dared more. “He thinks he’s going to lose you over this. Will he?”
She said nothing.
“Will he?”
Tears again rolled down her cheeks. “I don’t know.”
“Why would you take this out on him?”
“I didn’t do this. It changes everything,” she argued.
“Why? What does it change? Does Tom Zarek change how you love Lee? Lee knows what happened, it hasn’t changed his love for you.”
“He lied to me.”
“He did not. Did you ask him if Tom Zarek was alive?”
She turned her head quickly away again. She muttered her answer. “No.”
“So he didn’t lie to you.”
She pushed her head further into the pillow, wishing it would suck her in entirely. “You don’t have to stay. I’m fine.”
Adama laughed. “You may think so, but I promised my son I would. I don’t break promises to my son easily.”
She looked at him and raised an eyebrow. He knew what she wanted to say and admired her for not saying it. “So, wanna tell me about the dream?”
Her improvement vanished. “Same old dream.”
“Not for me.”
“I relive the whole damn nightmare.”
“Tell me about it.” He urged her. He didn’t wish it for her sake as much as his interest.
She drew in several deep breaths and shifted in the bed. She was silent for some time. Adama figured he had his answer then suddenly she began to tell him of that fateful day.
“My mother was a good woman. She used to tell me how she married my father, expecting to settle down and become a wife and mother. She ended up a famous and well-respected diplomat. My father gave up his career to support hers.”
“We were traveling to Sagittaron so mother could act as mediator. Both sides had invited her. She knew it would be intensive, so we arrived early so we could spend some quality time together as a family. We had big plans that afternoon. I can remember getting scolded because I was being too impatient. She simply wanted to check in with the people at the embassy.”
“It happened so fast. I remember pulling free from my mom and dad and running down the stairs of the building. I was so far ahead of them. I heard my dad yelling at me to stop. I was getting too close to the street. I planned to stop there anyway. He didn’t know that. I turned around to watch mom and dad come. Someone stopped them. They stood there talking for a while and then they started toward me again.”
“The next thing I knew, I felt myself being lifted. I thought someone was trying to kidnap me so I started screaming. I could see my parents panicking. My dad was running down the steps. Then suddenly there was the loudest noise I have ever heard. As Tom Zarek ran away from the building with me, I watched as a fireball came out from the building and consumed everything in its path.”
She stopped. She looked up and studied Adama’s face. She was stunned at how she could relay the story so matter of fact. It was almost like she was someone else telling the story of what was seen.
Adama spoke quietly. “You can continue if you want.”
She nodded. “My mother was just behind my father. She was consumed first. When the fire hit her back, she screamed. She screamed so loudly. Dad stopped and looked back to her. There wasn’t time for him to move. The fire jumped from her to him. It swallowed him whole. He went from my dad to a giant flailing ball of flames. He turned back, you know.”
She saw Adama’s confusion. “He had been facing mom and after he caught fire, he turned back. I could see the flames eating away at his face, but…” She stopped. Silent tears streamed down her face.
Adama took her hand and held it. He knew she had to finish the story now. “But what?”
Her lip trembled as she spoke and the river of tears swelled. “He still called out to me. I can hear him screaming for me to this day.” She paused. “I screamed back to him. I screamed for him to save me. Can you believe it? I’m watching my father burn to death and I expect him to save me. How sad am I? Maybe your son is better rid of me. I have high expectations.”
Adama shook his head. “You were a child. Of course you wanted your dad.” He wondered briefly how often his own sons had needed him.
“Zarek dropped me three blocks away. He grabbed my shoulders. He looked me in the eye and said he had to do it. He was sorry about my parents. They weren’t supposed to be there. Then he left.” Her tears dried up and she finished the details, as if giving a report. “I was taken to my aunt and uncle’s. Everyone bugged us for interviews. After my testimony, no one would leave us alone. My aunt and uncle sold everything and moved us out to the country. They bought a small farm that never did well and raised me as one of their own.”
“You’ve grown into a wonderful woman. I suspect not only are your mom and dad proud of you, but your aunt and uncle as well.”
She chewed her lower lip. “I don’t know about that. I guess so. My mom always dreamed I’d be a doctor.”
“And your dad?” Adama asked.
“He didn’t care. He taught me to sing, so he made it happen.”
“How’s that?”
“I was able to work my way through medical school by singing in nightclubs.”
“I see. I still haven’t been graced with a taste of your music. I hope I won’t have to wait until your wedding.” He added optimistically.
She chuckled. “You sure you still want me to join your family?”
“Why not?”
“I bring a lot of baggage.”
“Don’t we all?” He grinned.
“I was a lounge singer. Don’t you think that’s a little below you?” She asked bluntly.
“No. Not as long as you’re good at it.”
“I hate flying?” She continued to find reasons for him to dislike her.
“We’re working on that.”
She sobered. “I’m tired.”
“Not surprising. Doc figured you’d be out longer and telling that story can’t be easy.” He added. “Thank you for trusting me.”
“Thank you for listening. You know I haven’t told that story to many people.”
“Lee one of them?”
She smiled, sensing his concern. “Yes, he knows.”
Adama breathed a sigh of relief. “Whew. Wouldn’t want to face that one.”
She teased him. “Coward.”
He softly slid his fingers down her eyelids. “Rest.”
She snuggled into the sheets and then murmured. “You don’t have to stay.”
“Yes, I do.”
“No, really. I’ll be fine. Go find Lee, tell him I want to talk to him later.”
Adama saw her logic. It would do Lee well to hear that news. “Are you sure?”
Eyes closed, she nodded. “Yeah, I’d rather he not worry.”
He sat at her side until he was sure she slept and then sought out his son.
Adama made his way through the Pegasus as if it were his own. He figured he’d find Lee in CIC. That was his destination. His entrance caused a bit of a stir.
Commander Fisk greeted him warmly. Fisk was no idiot. He knew Cain and Adama had the type of personalities that would clash when it came to command. He also knew that Bill Adama deserved the admiralty far more than Cain. Cain knew it too. That’s what caused the problems. Bill Adama had never made his career about advancement. He was a man born to lead. His leadership inspired his crew and at times led him to make decisions that alienated his superiors. In truth, they were jealous. Cain was no different. “Things calming down?”
Adama smiled and nodded. “Captain Adama around?” It did feel strange to him to ask for his son in this way. He respected his son’s challenge and didn’t want to do anything to undermine him.
“He went to inspect some viper parts. He’ll be back soon.” Fisk turned back to some reports.
“Mind if I check in with Galactica?” He paid his fellow commander the respect of asking.
Fisk tilted his head in the direction of communications. “Help yourself.”
Adama checked in with Tigh on Galactica. Upon finding out that all was in order, he invented inane questions to occupy his time. He thought about simply leaving Lee a note and heading back, but didn’t want to miss the moment to follow through with his son. Tigh made it abundantly clear he was through with the conversation when he offered to set the phone down and allow the old man to continue to ramble on. Adama said good-bye and hung up.
He didn’t need to wait much longer. Lee strode into CIC and went immediately to his desk. Adama met him. Lee didn’t note his presence. Adama coughed. Lee finally looked up. “Commander?” Uncertainty flashed through Lee’s eyes. He scanned the room quickly and lowered his voice. “What are you doing here?”
“Everything’s fine.
Lee wasn’t happy with his father for leaving her; that was obvious. “You left her alone?”
“Yes, she was fast asleep. Lee, she’s fine. She told me to come find you. She said to tell you she wants to talk later.”
“She did?” Lee was both stunned and excited.
Adama chuckled. “She did. I told you, things will be fine.”
Lee grew somber again. “She doesn’t know it all yet, Dad.”
“But she’s willing to listen. That’s a big help.”
“Sure, so she says. She’s still got you fooled.” Lee lamented.
“I’m not so gullible, Son. I’m not saying she won’t be angry when she finds out you spent time with her mortal enemy.”
“Gee, thanks for the pep talk, Dad.”
“Listen, I need to get back to my own ship. Let me know if I can help.” Adama’s manner was easy and believable.
Lee nodded. As Adama was about to turn around, Lee called to him. “Thanks. I mean for helping today.”
“You’re welcome.” He leaned in to Lee. “It was nice to be needed. It felt good.”
Lee couldn’t quite comprehend the change in their relationship. It almost seemed too much to accept. Less then a year ago, he hated this man. He laughed. “You know, I make a point of not having crisis’s that need my father.”
Adama smiled. “Yeah, I know. But you have to admit, it was nice I could be here when one did hit.”
Lee shook his head, grinning all along. “Don’t you have a ship to command?”
“Alright, I’m going.” He stopped smiling. “But seriously, keep me posted. We may not be on the same ship, but I’m still here for you, always.”
“I know. Thanks. Now go!”
Adama was about to make a clean get away when Admiral Cain appeared before him. There was no emotion whatsoever in her voice. “Commander, may I speak with you in my office?”
Adama complied and followed her. Once inside, she got right to the point. “Your presence here today is unacceptable.”
“Pardon me?” He asked.
“Why are you here?” She asked, point blank.
“I was asked to come.”
“I would have thought your son was a stronger man then that. Perhaps I have misjudged him. Perhaps the time on your ship has weakened him.”
The anger he felt, flashed in his eyes and its tones could be heard in his words. “With all due respect, Sir. My son didn’t call me. President Roslin called me after the incident with Tom Zarek. She felt my future daughter-in-law could use some support and since Lee is busy with his duties, I came. Lee didn’t ask me. I take offense at your attack on his character.”
She ignored every word he said. “Am I to assume your duties on Galactica are so negligible that you can easily slip away whenever you want?”
“My duties are certainly lighter since you took away my pilots and assigned me rooks.”
“You don’t think it’s important to properly train new pilots?” She asked with an edge.
Adama knew the gloves were off. “It certainly doesn’t require the full-time attention of a battlestar commander. I have well trained crew to do it and they do it far better without interference from their superiors.”
Cain stood her ground and actually stepped closer to Adama. “Are you implying something, Commander?”
Adama raised an eyebrow. “Why would I imply anything?”
“So say it.” She demanded.
“I have a hard time understanding why you take such an interest in the every day operations of your ship. You have a fully qualified commander crew. You undermine each and every one of your officers with your meddling. I don’t want that to happen to my son. As you’ve pointed out, he’s better then that.”
“Those are awfully bold words, Commander. I could throw you in the brig for insubordination,” she threatened.
“I’ve heard it’s not so bad. I know some fine people who have spent time there. Just what is it about my words that you don’t like, Admiral?” Adama didn’t buy her threat. He knew she was bluffing.
“Commander Adama, how I run my ship is my business. As for you, understand this. You are not welcome on this ship unless I specifically order you to appear. Do I make myself clear?”
Adama cringed inside. He hadn’t thought of that option. She’d played that card well. “Understood, Sir.”
Neither could say more, as a knock at the door interrupted them. It was President Roslin. “Oh, Commander. I didn’t know you were here as well.”
Cain cut her off. “Really? I was under the impression you summoned him here.”
Roslin immediately understood that she’d walked into something serious. “I did. I felt he was needed.”
“As a military commander?” Cain eyed the President in an attempt to unnerve her. It didn’t work.
“No, as a father…” She had no idea where it came from, but
she quickly followed it with, “-in-law.
It was obvious
“And yet you’ve faced Cylons on several occasions, Madame President.” Cain offered.
“I didn’t witness the destruction first hand, Admiral.”
“So, neither of you knew
“You make it sound like she’s the criminal. She goes by her own name. After what she went through, I don’t blame
her.” Adama spoke up in defense of
Roslin spoke before Cain had a chance. “Certainly, Admiral Cain didn’t intend to vilify Doctor Davis.”
“Of course not.” Cain understood she wasn’t going to get any further with these two present. “Was there something you needed, Madame President?”
Roslin smiled. “I was just coming to say Good bye and thank you for hosting the Quorum on such short notice.”
Cain smiled, vainly. “My pleasure. I wish it had gone smoother. Had we known Doctor Davis and Mr. Zarek had a past…” Her words trailed off.
“Mr. Zarek has a past with all of us. It was his own doing.” Roslin insisted.
“Is he still on board?” Cain asked.
“No, he left shortly after the incident.” She informed both officers.
“At least he had the sense to duck and cover,” Adama added.
“It does create an interesting predicament for him,” Roslin mused out loud. She resumed her original purpose. “So, my shuttle is ready to leave.”
Adama saw his chance. “May I catch a ride, Madame President?”
Roslin was surprised. “You’re leaving so soon?”
“Yes, things are calm here.” Adama looked pointedly at Admiral Cain. “I’m needed elsewhere.”
“I’d be happy to give you a lift home.”
The two departed. Cain expressed her frustration by slamming her hand on her desk. The jolt knocked several items to the floor. She left them there.
BSG…BSG…BSG
Zarek paced back and forth in his quarters. He cursed his own luck. He had finally come to a position in life where he might actually do something good for the sake of humankind and WHAM! He’s knocked back on his ass. Calliope Wescott was alive and well and marrying one of the most popular men in the fleet. When he’d boarded the Astral Queen on his way to the parole hearing, he’d wondered if she would show up. It had been his first chance at parole. He didn’t figure he had much of a chance and knew his chances were even slimmer if she did show up.
The knock on the door disrupted his thoughts. Meier and Hanson appeared in the frame and both spoke at once. “What happened?”
Zarek waved them in. “The only thing that can kill my bid for the presidency.”
Meier, as always, took control of the situation. He was a secret supporter. He’d been Zarek’s most prominent aide until he attempted a coup on Kobol. He’d been badly injured and upon his medical release, he was sentenced to fifteen years in prison on the Astral Queen. He’d remained loyal to Zarek throughout the entire process. He staunchly maintained Zarek’s innocence. For that reason, he was given limited freedom on the ship. “What could possibly stop you? Has Roslin been magically cured?”
“Worse.” Zarek rubbed his face. He had a hard time even saying it aloud. “Calliope Wescott is alive and on the Pegasus.”
It was obvious that Tom Hanson had no idea what this meant. He was a youngster, who hadn’t been long out of diapers when Zarek was convicted. However, Meier paled. “Are you sure?”
Zarek laughed sadly. “Oh yeah! It gets worse.”
Meier sat down on the end of Zarek’s bed. “How could it get worse?”
“She’s been living under a different name.” Zarek offered.
Hanson tried to provide something to the conversation. “So?”
Zarek spoke in a dejected manner. “Doctor Amalia Davis.”
Meier’s eyes crossed in thought. “Why do I know that name?”
Hanson smiled. He knew who she was. “That’s Adama’s girlfriend, isn’t it?”
Zarek nodded and Meier groaned. “Frak!”
Hanson was back to being lost. “Why is she so important?”
Meier stood and faced him. “She’s only responsible for putting Tom behind bars.”
“And now she’ll keep me from the Presidency,” Tom bemoaned.
Hanson was young enough to remain optimistic. “Only if she speaks out against you. Can’t you talk to her? Show her how much good you’ve done and how you’ve changed.”
Zarek shook his head. “Even if Adama would let me close to her, she’d never listen. She watched her parents blow up because of a bomb I planted. She’ll never forgive that.”
Hanson urged Zarek not to give up hope. “You did what you had to do.”
“She’ll never believe that.”
Meier looked Zarek in the eyes. “Maybe we’ll have to convince her.”
Zarek said nothing.
Lee was on his way to
Slamming his helmet on the ground, he stormed back to CIC. He was in time to catch the chaos there. Cain was yelling demanding answers from Fisk. “How many ships have jumped?”
“Thirteen and more every second.” Fisk answered calmly.
“How many of our vipers are engaged?” Cain demanded.
“We had one on CAP and two alert vipers launched.” Fisk again answered
“TWO! Where the hell is our alert?” Cain was livid now.
Lee knew he was going to take the fall for this. To a certain degree he knew it was only right. He was the CAG. However, he wasn’t going to take the entire blame for Galactica out flying them. “That’s a great question. They’re still in the tubes.” He confronted Cain and Fisk.
Cain glared at Lee. “Why are you here?”
Lee didn’t cower. “My ship wasn’t even close to prepped.”
From the side, a voice called out. “The fleet is away. Galactica has recalled all vipers and is prepared to jump. Our ships have landed there.”
Fisked replied, “Are we set to jump to the same coordinates?”
“Ready.”
“Jump,” Cain added.
There was a moment of silence as the Pegasus jumped. As soon as the confirmation of rejoining the fleet, Lee harboring his own anger at events, dared to ask questions. “Was there some confusion about the coordinates?”
Cain looked at Lee calmly, but if one looked closer, they could see simmering rage. “Confusion? The fleet followed Galactica’s coordinates.”
“The Galactica dispenses the first set of coordinates at the end of each jump. Right before the next, they send out confirmation. I suspect they did so on instinct this time as well.” It all made perfect sense to Lee.
In a tight, clipped voice, Cain stated her position. “The Galactica is no longer in charge of the fleet.”
Lee had no idea where the challenge was coming from. He thought he had banished all defiant desires. “Perhaps you had better issue new coordinates now, before Galactica has a chance.”
As much as Cain detested Lee’s presumptuous attitude, she knew he was right. “Commander, issue the next jump coordinates.”
“Aye, aye, Sir.” Fisk left to consult with the communications officer.
Cain turned back to Lee. “Captain, can you explain to my why Galactica and her rooks managed to out fly our pilots?”
Lee met her challenge. “It would have helped if your crew was more experienced.” Lee could tell she didn’t understand and didn’t appreciate his comments. “Galactica has been perfecting this situation for months now. The crew could do it in their sleep. The Pegasus crew is fine, but hasn’t lived to provide for the safety of over 48,000 people. When you focus on the security of the fleet, it quickens your feet.”
Cain couldn’t argue with his logic, but she didn’t have to like it. “Captain, remember a few things. This is not only my crew; it is now yours as well. You won’t get far if you don’t start practicing that. Secondly, it’s your job to run that crew. I don’t care what you tell them. Galactica will NEVER respond before us again. Do I make myself clear?”
Lee’s bravado lessened. “Yes, Sir.”
BSG…BSG…BSG
Lee checked on
After several hours, many pilots from the Galactica had finally arrived. Lee saw to settling them in. He called an evening briefing and outlined the changes in pilot requirements as well. He didn’t even consider the potential hostility. He knew he didn’t have time for such trivial issues. When he’d dismissed the pilots, Starbuck and Axe stuck around.
“Good day?” Axe chided Lee.
“Yeah, it was definitely interesting. I think I made a great impression,” Lee replied.
“I wouldn’t worry about an impression with these Pegasus morons, Lee,” Starbuck added.
Axe spoke before Lee could. “You worried about anyone’s impression?”
“Not yours,” she retorted.
Lee ignored the two bantering. He resumed reading a report in his hands. Starbuck pulled the report from him. “Give it a rest, Sir.”
“Unlike you, I have work to do. Lots of it. Cut me some slack,” Lee insisted.
Axe was running interference as well. “Have you eaten yet? At all today?”
Lee didn’t hear him. “Lee? Captain? SIR!” Axe got louder with each title.
“Huh?” Lee stared at his friends, confused.
“That’s it. Come with us.” Kara grabbed his arm.
Lee pulled back. “No,
I have work to do and if I’m going anywhere, it’s to see
Ben had seen this side of Lee many times over the years. The good news was, he knew how to handle it. “Compromise?”
Lee looked suspicious. “What?”
Ben looked to Kara and then back to Lee. “We’ll go check on
“I…” Lee tried to decline, but then saw an evil gleam in Kara’s eye and decided he better concede. “Fine.” As an afterthought, he added. “But if she’s awake, come and get me.”
Ben and Kara left him in the briefing room and made their
way to
Kara grinned. “Why? ‘Fraid I’m gonna scare the poor thing?”
“Yes,” he said frankly.
She pushed past him and he quickly followed.
She stood beside him. She leaned in and whispered. “See? Doctor Perfect is fine. Let’s go.”
Ben rolled his eyes, but complied. He turned quickly and moved toward the door. Before she joined him, Kara gave a quick glance around the room. She hoped to find something to use against the woman. A small smile lit her lips as she saw that a folded piece of paper was drifting to the floor. She recognized Lee’s handwriting immediately. It must have shifted from the table when Ben moved. She glanced quickly to Ben, who’s back was to her and she debated picking it up. She opted not to. She couldn’t stop the smirk on her face the whole way to the mess.
BSG…BSG…BSG
Sometime in the night,
Lee fell asleep working at his desk, dreaming of a seemingly
impossible future with the woman he loved.
It was a vision filled with love and light. It was warm and happy. The house they’d bought together was finished
by their own hands exactly how they wanted and in the front yard, a dog bounced
after a ball thrown by a small version of
Cain rubbed lotion into her elbows and then stretched out on her bunk. She knew sleep would be long in coming. She was too filled with anger. Adama had beaten her again today without even trying. She knew she’d never have true control of the fleet until they forgot about Adama. That wasn’t going to be easy. She had hoped that reducing his involvement would make an impact, but if she was honest with herself, she knew it wouldn’t be enough. She had to find some way to keep Adama occupied with other issues. She didn’t like having to manipulate situations like this, but she saw no other way.
BSG…BSG…BSG
She showered and dressed in a hurry. On her way to life station she grabbed a
quick bite and breezed into the medical facility in a good mood. Diana, a nurse who had become a good friend
in recent months, greeted her. “You look
happy.”
“I feel great. I slept really well, although I had some weird dreams,” she chatted back.
“Really?” Diana mused.
“I guess the dreams can be explained by yesterday’s events.” She moved a bit closer and laid a comforting
hand on
Diana pulled her into her arms. “I’m sorry, honey. I really am.”
Diana tried to reassure her suffering friend. “It’s gonna be ok. Lee’s here. That’s got to help.”
BSG…BSG…BSG
The morning briefing went better for Lee. It helped to have familiar faces in the crowd. He reiterated his criticisms from the previous day and several pilots squirmed. Lee would see them later. They’d been on alert duty the previous day and had been out of the assigned area. They didn’t know it during the briefing, but they were about to see a side of Lee Adama that they’d never forget.
Lee address the two pilots after the briefing and delivered a dressing down like never before. He pointed out the potential loss of life that could be caused by their dereliction and the shame they brought upon the ship by the slow response time. Kisticky, a senior lieutenant, took the reprimand, as an officer should. He apologized and promised the Captain it would never happen again.
The Junior Lieutenant, Dobson, was too cocky to accept the consequences of his actions. He showed absolutely no remorse for his actions, which brought further wrath from the CAG.
When Lee left, Kisticky slammed the man hard against the nearest wall. “Don’t be a moron! You blew it and he caught you. Heed his advice.”
Dobson shook the older man off. “Don’t tell me you’re going to cow tow to that glory boy? He’s nothing but piss and I got no intention of heeding anything he says.” He glanced quickly around them. “He’ll get what’s coming to him. Just you wait and see.” Then he narrowed in on Kisticky and jabbed his chest. “I suggest you remember what side you’re on. When Adama’s gone, someone else is gonna be CAG. You never know who it’ll be.”
After getting the day back on the right track, Lee decided
to indulge in a visit with
”How is she?” he asked.
Diana shook her head. “Not great. She thought she dreamed everything.”
Lee muttered, “Frak.” He looked at Diana and smiled. “Thanks for the warning.”
“Good luck.” Diana knew all to well that Lee was walking into a tempest.
He knocked, but didn’t wait for a response. “Morning!” He smiled and assumed a chipper mood.
She said nothing. She continued to skim the files in front of her as if she heard nothing.
“I’m sorry. I really am. I never wanted this.” Since chipper failed, honesty was the only route.
“Fine.” It was all
Lee came around the desk and turned her chair to face
him. He may have physically moved the
chair, but she refused to meet his gaze.
“
“Why?” she asked, trying to turn back.
He held firmly to her chair. “Let’s start with what exactly is making you angriest right now? Dad said you understood. Did he lie to me?”
“No, yesterday I understood,” she replied with a voice, just starting to quiver.
“So, what changed?”
“Never mind.” Suddenly,
Lee had had enough. He reached out and pulled her chin to face him. “No. That’s not going to work.”
“You were gone all night.” She watched his face. She saw some guilt flicker through his eyes. She quietly added, “I needed you.”
He released her chin. “I know. I wish I could have been there the whole time. I wanted to be. I…”
She finished his statement. “Needed to the CAG instead.”
“It was a terrible day in more way then one,” he reflected. “I told you to call me when you woke up.”
“When?” she asked quickly. “When did you tell me that?”
He looked confused. “In the note.”
“What note, Lee? I never saw a note.”
“I left it on the bed table. You should have seen it when you woke up.” He was truly alarmed.
“There was no note, Lee.”
“I left it. It was obvious.” Then more proof came to him. “Ben had to have seen it.”
“Ben checked on me?”
“I asked him to. He had to have seen it. We’ll ask him.”
She wanted to believe him. She really did, but her heart was too disappointed. “So let’s find Ben and ask him.”
Lee began to move to the door and stopped. “He’s on CAP.” Then another idea came to Lee. He smiled slightly. “
She bluntly stated, “I discovered I was alone.”
He shrugged. “No, I mean what exactly did you do?”
“What do you mean?” She was curious where he was going with the line of thought.
“Last time I checked, you weren’t a huge fan of alarm clocks. As a matter of fact, you usually haul off and hit the clock.”
She blushed slightly. “So?”
He stretched out his arm to her and wiggled his hand until she accepted it. He pulled her out of the chair and toward the door. When they were in the hallway, she asked him again what it was all about. “Did you think maybe the note fell on the floor?”
Lee laughed. “See, I’m not a horrible man. I do love you. I was thinking of you. If you weren’t such a grouch in the morning, none of this would have happened.”
“I’m not a grouch.”
“Are too. I’ve never met anyone grouchier. You make Tigh look pleasant.” He smiled at that jab. She hadn’t known Tigh long, but even she’d know that insult when she saw it.
Her reply was a slap.
Lee pushed open her door and confidently strode to the side of the
bed. The note was indeed, nowhere to be
seen. He flipped through the sheets and
ran his hand down the back of the table.
There was no note. He looked up
and met
She spoke first. “I’m sorry. It’s silly of me to doubt you.”
“I swear I wrote it,
“I know. I believe you. You would have been with me if you could have been.”
“I would. It wasn’t easy to leave you and I know I should have told you about Zarek.”
She nodded. “You took care of me. You sent your dad and Ben. Who better?”
“Me,” he said softly. “There’s more though, Mal.”
She sat down on the bed next to him. Before she spoke, she drew in a deep breath. “Tell me everything.”
Lee related the various run-ins he had with Tom Zarek in the preceding months.
A few days passed without incident. The tension of the merged crews showed only
small signs of lessening. Lee and
BSG…BSG…BSG (mature
content)
The boy looked at her with large tears in his eyes. He said nothing, but sniffled as if trying. The man with him smiled. “This is my son, Travis. I’m Garrick”
Travis instantly straightened up. “I ain’t scared!”
“I’m gonna be a Colonial Warrior and they don’t get scared. I’m just… Well, it hurts.” Travis insisted.
“I see. Well, if you’re going to be a warrior, we better get you well. What’s wrong?”
Travis’s lip trembled a bit, but he was better. “My foot.”
Travis clammed up. His father rubbed his shoulder. “It’s all right, Travis. He was helping me fix an engine and he dropped the iron mallet on his foot.”
Travis eyed her, as if judging. “How do you know that?”
“Well, I happen to know some warriors.”
Travis got excited. “I do too.”
His father corrected him. “You do not.”
Travis elbowed his father. “I do too. I met them when you were working on Galactica.”
“Oh?” The teasing father exclaimed.
Travis didn’t like giving up his information. “You tell me first.”
Travis shook his head. “Nah uh! I bet you don’t know him as well as me.”
“He saved our lives.”
“Yeah, and Lieutenant
“She did? That was nice of her.”
The medic finished and pushed the unit out to develop the
films. As
She exchanged a wink with his silently laughing father. Travis ignored it. “So, you think you know him better?” He challenged.
“Hmm… That’s tough. You tell me. I’m gonna marry Captain Adama.”
Travis’s jaw dropped. “What?”
“Yep.”
The jaw sprung back into a scowl. “That’s not good.”
“TRAVIS! That was rude!” Garrick chided.
“If he marries you, he won’t have time to beat the Cylons.”
“Did he tell you he would beat the Cylons?” She asked.
The medic returned with the film and
“He sure did. If said he would do his best to beat them so I don’t have to be a warrior.”
“That was nice of him.” Clicking off the light, she smiled. “Not broken. That’s a good thing. We’ll wrap it up. I suspect if you stay off it for a few days and get lots of treats, you’ll be good as new.”
“That’s great news.” Garrick sounded relieved.
“Ok. Will Captain Adama be with you?” He asked hopefully.
“I think he might come around.”
“Did you know his call sign is Apollo?” Travis asked, still trying to feel special.
Travis’s eyes grew wide. “No, how?”
From behind them rang a booming voice. “That’s not a story for you to hear now, Travis.” Lee’s arm shot through the curtain and pulled them back. He stepped inside. “I hear my favorite future pilot is here. What are you doing?”
Without waiting for an invitation, Travis sprang from his father into Lee. Lee reached out in time to catch him in a hug. “Careful, buddy.”
“The doctor says you’re gonna marry her. Is that true?” Travis was obviously skeptical.
“Nope.” Lee said.
“Can I come to the wedding?” Travis asked boldly. Again, Garrick chided him.
Lee laughed. “You sure can. You can sit right up front with my dad.”
Travis looked like he’d died and gone to heaven. He finally stammered out. “I could meet the Commander?”
Lee nodded. “Yep. He likes to meet future warriors or specialists too.”
Travis and Garrick left to many thank you’s and promises to see each other soon. Lee and
“So,” Lee managed between laughs. “Maybe we should set a date?”
“Are you in a hurry?” She kissed him quickly and for a moment, the exhaustion surrounding her eyes seemed to disappear.
“Depends on you.” He leaned in close and whispered in her ear.
She pulled back slightly and looked quizzical. “Are we talking about the same thing?”
His answer was to pull her across the room and into her office. He shut the door behind him and quickly checked the other. Seeing that they were safe, he swept down on her and pulled her into his arms. He began a powerful assault on her lips and then worked down her neck.
“Lee?” Her voice kept breaking as she tried to stop his advances. “Lee? Now? Anyone could…” She lost her words as his hands pulled her blouse from her skirt and then proceeded in free range over her tingling skin. ‘Hell, he locked the doors.’ As his hands glided upward, her breath came in gasps. She hadn’t allowed herself to think about intimacy since seeing Zarek. She didn’t want to feel pleasure. Lee’s motions reminded her that she was deluding herself. She needed him. She needed to feel alive.
Lee had spent a great deal of rack time planning this attack. He intended to tantalize her and torment her into wanting more. It was to be fast and passionate, enough to rewet her fervor. Once that was accomplished, he’d tackle the nightmares. While one hand slipped inside her bra and titillated, the other moved to the hem of her skirt. He yanked it up, his mouth ever in play on her shoulders, neck, face and lips. She’d long since given up trying to speak and her hands were now clutching his back. He grinned. She was so consumed she couldn’t think to move.
A wayward hand found the waistband of the simple panty she wore and pulled it down. Her legs responded in an attempt to assist him. He smiled even more. It was working even better then he hoped. All his planned attacks should work like this. It was definitely more fun. Originally he’d intended to stop at this point, but his own body wasn’t going to allow that to happen. A point of no return had been hit and he had no desire to rectify the situation himself. He wanted her but did force himself to stop.
“What?”
Lee forced himself to step back just enough to allow the colder air to hit her heated flesh. “I don’t know.” He exhibited an evil grin, taunting her.
“Please…” She looked desperate.
“Please what?” He asked confidently.
“Don’t leave it like this.” She tried to move closer to him but he again pulled back.
“I won’t. Tonight. We’ll take the whole night.” He leaned in and pressed a passionate kiss into her wanting lips.
“No… Not tonight, now!” She demanded through her pursed lips.
Lee raised an eyebrow. “Now?”
She pulled him closer and he responded. “Now and tonight.”
It was exactly what he needed to hear. He clutched her shoulders and turned her around. He gently pushed her over and brought his own body along. He pressed his demanding member into the small of her back and whispered into her ear. “So many ways, so little time.” He kissed and nipped at her ear and down her neck, then leaned back. She stayed still, anticipation coursing through her veins. She didn’t dare look back, the sound of his zipper and the rustle of his pants was enough to flood her inner walls in eagerness. She held her breath.
Lee, too, kept taking deep breaths. The very sight of her perfect backside waiting for him inspired even more growth. He wasn’t about to be patient. He wanted inside her and wanted it now. He stepped forward, gave one teasing stroke along her lower back and then placed himself at her expectant entrance. He continued to tease a bit and then all at once slammed into her. Glancing at her face, he could see her biting her tongue to keep from calling out. It was all the encouragement he needed to thrust further and faster. He knew she was every bit as involved as he was. Her hands reached back and he grasped one. He leaned over a bit more. The adjustment brought on a moan that shot straight to his member. With his free hand he found her aroused mound. It was so sensitive, he felt her clutch him tighter after a few light strokes.
Moments later she convulsed underneath him. Feeling her waves of pleasure brought him to an especially virulent eruption within her. His body rhythmically thrust until there was no more in him. He fell softly onto her back and stayed within her. It simply felt too good to end.
She mumbled something. “What?” He asked as he kissed her upper back and slowly began to ease up.
She turned her head further to the side and smiled. “I’m so glad we weren’t in a hurry.”
“Me too.”
BSG…BSG…BSG
After some makeshift cuddling and lots of teasing, the couple had righted their clothes and cleaned up the strewn items that had fallen victim to their antics. A knock on the office door caused them both to straighten up and blush.
It was Diana. “President Roslin is here to see you, Doctor.”
Laura Roslin wore her own bemused grin. “I’m sorry to bother you, am I interrupting?” As if she hadn’t known he was there, she feigned surprise when she noticed Lee in the chair. “Oh! Captain Apollo. You’re here too. This is perfect.”
Lee moved to stand, but she waved him back. “Stay where you are. I’ve been worried about you
Laura Roslin didn’t always like being the President. This was one of those times when she had to put the good of the fleet ahead of what she knew was right. “You do have a choice, you know.”
“I’m sure you know Zarek is running for the Presidency.” Roslin looked to Lee for confirmation.
“Yes.”
“There’s no way he’d win a single vote if you spoke out against him.”
Lee did now stand. “Madame President, surely…”
Roslin smiled, defeated.
“I disagree but I understand.
It’s not always a fun place, this world of politics.” Part of her wanted to push the doctor harder,
but with Captain Apollo present, she knew she simply couldn’t. He loved
Roslin drew in a deep breath and stared at her shoes a minute. While still looking down, she said. “I have one other request.” She raised her head in time to see the perplexity on both their faces.
“Name it, of course.” Lee added respectfully.
“Well, it’s silly actually. I think I know your answers already.” Laura chuckled to lighten the tone.
Lee smiled. “We could all use a laugh these days. What is it?”
“Well, it seems you two are very popular figures in the fleet. Captain Adama and his long lost love are reunited under these incredible circumstances. The press is demanding more and the fleet is eating it up.” Roslin finished and searched for an opinion in their faces.
“I had no idea.”
Roslin smiled. “Word travels surprisingly fast through the fleet.”
Lee didn’t like where this was going at all. “What do you want from us?”
The question was direct and blunt. Roslin didn’t like confronting an Adama who didn’t like an idea. “Several media crews have requested an interview with the two of you.” She quickly added. “Before you say no, please understand, I hate asking you both. I don’t think this kind of attention is anything either of you wants. The only reason I ask is that hearing your story may go a long way to bring hope and improve the morale around the fleet.”
Both
“Oh, I understand. I really do. I know how hard it is to handle the press. I only asked because I thought you might consider the fleet.” Laura applied the guilt she knew her Captain might succumb to.
Lee frowned and shook his head. “I don’t think so.”
Roslin was actually stunned. She wasn’t used to Lee Adama defying her. She was actually offended by his next question.
“Do you plan to order us to comply?” He didn’t face either of the women in the room.
Roslin stuttered. “No. I… I mean, Admiral Cain gave it her blessing if you agree, but no one is going to force you…” She let her words fall off.
It was
Roslin nodded. “I couldn’t very well bring a camera crew on board with out asking. I’ve learned my lesson.” She teased them, again, hoping to sway their opinion.
“If the Admiral didn’t order me to cooperate, then we decline.” Lee stated, his tone indicating that the discussion was over.
Roslin smiled. “That’s fine. Thank you for considering it and for your time.”
“You’re welcome.”
On her way out the door, President Roslin turned slightly
and reminded
BSG…BSG…BSG
Lee went back to work, every now and then allowing himself to think about the evening to come. He wasn’t paying full attention to his surroundings.
Starbuck was lying in her new rack, cursing her new home, when a call came up for a shuttle pilot. She jumped at the opportunity to get off the ship she now cursed and ran for the deck.
William Adama was doing some cursing of his own. President Roslin had requested his presence
at a dinner on the Pegasus with Admiral Cain and Commander Fisk. She said she wanted open lines of
communication between the civilian government and the primary military
commanders. He smiled wryly, wondering
just how annoyed Cain was to have he and Fisk there as
well. The only bright spot was the
thought of checking in on
In a darkened room, somewhere in the fleet, a report was made. “Everything’s set. By this time tomorrow, our problems will be solved.”
She nodded to the Lieutenant as she climbed inside the
shuttle. Starbuck said nothing.
Kara cursed her luck after hearing the flight plans from the
chief. Of course it was a medical
mission, what else could it have been?
Sure, it was flying but with the one woman in the fleet she wanted to
avoid. The only thing that kept from
backing out was the thought of how uncomfortable
“Decktop 36, checker is green
ready for launch on medical mission.”
Kara spoke into her headset.
After a few stony minutes of silence,
Kara nodded. “Kid needs a doctor.” She couldn’t leave it like that though. “Course, you could learn to fly yourself, but no… You can’t. It’s too much for poor little you.”
Starbuck didn’t care about reason. “That’s not the point. You won’t even get in a damn ship unless someone’s life is depending on it. That’s pathetic.”
“Not everyone has to love flying!”
Starbuck turned to face her and raised an eyebrow. “You’re admitting how pathetic it is?”
“So?” Starbuck asked, actually interested what it was about shuttles that terrified the doctor.
“Why are you afraid?”
“I never said I was afraid.
It’s not fear, it’s guilt.”
“Oh, this just gets better.” Although the comment was tinged with sarcasm, it was obvious Kara wanted to hear more.
“My father was a pilot. Well, he started out as a school teacher, but when my mom’s career took off and she was always traveling, he got his license so we could travel together.”
“Ah, isn’t that sweet. The perfect frakin’ family.” The whole image already sickened Kara. So what if Zarek had blown up her family. She still had had a loving aunt and uncle to raise her.
Kara’s flippancy angered
Kara winced imperceptivity at the reply. “Fine. So you don’t want to fly because flying to Sagittaron is what killed your parents. Whoo hoo! That’s not guilt. It doesn’t even make sense. They didn’t die in the shuttle. That’s pathetic.”
“THAT’S not why! GODS, why do you even care?”
Starbuck laughed. “Because, it’s a chink in your armor. It’s always best to know the enemy.”
Starbuck met her gaze confidently. “I know I do. Lee won’t need much longer to see that things have changed between you and he. It’s already happening. Life ain’t so perfect now is it?”
“And it didn’t? Why were you hurrying?” Kara asked, sounding a little too interested.
“Dad was giving me a flying lesson.” She laid it out simply.
This did intrigue Kara all the more. “A flying lesson?”
“Yeah. I ran ahead of them because Dad was teaching me to fly and I wanted to hurry him up. If I hadn’t…” She sucked in a deep breath. “If I hadn’t been rushing, I’d have been with them. We always walked the same way, Mom on my left and Dad on my right.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “I could have died with them.”
Kara understood this all too well. “Survivor’s guilt.”
Kara didn’t have time to reply, warning lights began flashing on her console. “Frak!” She switched on her headset. “Starbuck Gal… Pegasus. We’ve got an emergency. Starbuck Lucernta. Prepare for an emergency landing.”
A distance voice rang through the small craft. “Pegasus Starbuck. What’s the nature of your emergency?”
Starbuck grumbled. “OH, I don’t know. Just about every frakin’ system is going crazy. I have no response from thrusters and life support is fading in and out. Engines seem to be fading out too. I’m making an emergency landing on Lucernta.”
Next, a new voice cut in. “Lucernta Starbuck. Do not land. Repeat. Do not land. Our landing systems have just suffered catastrophic failures and we can not, repeat CAN NOT pressurize the deck.”
“FRAK THAT! I got nothing here. I need to land.” Chatter was coming in through the lines, but Kara ignored it all. It took two hands for her to control the failing shuttle. Over and over she cursed.
BSG…BSG…BSG
His eyes were already too swollen to open. They were useless. Despite the agony that cried out from all areas of his beaten body, he could think of only one thing: getting to her. She was in danger. Lack of sight would hamper his efforts but not stop him. He knew there was danger in more ways than his attackers, if he dragged himself the wrong way, he’d find only the frigid vast expanse of space. Temperature! He needed to go toward warmth. The warmer the air, the closer he would be to helping her.
Even though his forearm was unnaturally bent, his shoulders were intact. He used their waning strength to inch forward, keeping only her face in his mind. His damp uniform did nothing to aide his advance. The friction created by the sticky blood that poured from his wounds hampered his efforts to find help. He didn’t even think of the trail it left in the tube. Would the next pilot use this crimson guide to launch?
Overwhelmed by his efforts, he rested. He had no choice. Try as he might, his lungs heaved for air. Thoughts of his impending death flooded his brain. If she too indeed passed over this night, the solace of being together infinitum warmed his rapidly cooling body. He prayed that if it were to be so, her passing would at least be gentle and fast. She’d suffered enough in this life. She’d earned peace in the next. His thoughts gave him pause and when the ironic laugh was expelled, blood came along. Hadn’t he suffered? The tickle of the combination of blood and saliva annoyed him, even against the various other painful demands from his body.
BSG…BSG…BSG
Lee flashed in her mind. He called out to her. He needed her. She forgot all about her own plight and that of the child she’d rushed to save. She opened her eyes and greeted reality. She watched as Kara Thrace fought with the shuttle controls. She noted that the temperature had dropped and sensed a loss of oxygen as well.
Outside, the Lucernta’s landing
bay hurled nearer.
Kara’s order dispersed
As her fingers tightened on the armrest, she considered the
automatic response of her fighting pilot.
Kara was actually concerned for her safety.
Despite her able pilot’s best efforts, the ship’s bow dipped at the last minute and it initiated the head over heels flips that tore against both humans. No amount of safety harness could completely protect the human body from the jolts. The jarring lurches didn’t stop until the shuttle had smashed into the far wall. Both humans succumbed to darkness.
BSG…BSG…BSG
Lieutenant Ben Custer didn’t like the tension on the ship. It annoyed him that in light of the constant threat of total annihilation, people squabbled over stupid things. He, Ying and Yang had been thrust directly in the middle of these petty debates. They’d flown with the Pegasus crew for months now and yet were ever loyal and fine with Apollo’s leadership assignment. It hadn’t been easy. He didn’t mind fighting for his friend but he wished he didn’t have to. Approaching his viper, he smiled at having these hours of peace and quiet. As a man of both thought and action, the CAP was a good place for him to be.
He was early. Although his viper was in place for launch, he knew the crew hadn’t done pre-flight inspections. He’d always preferred to do them himself. So had Lee at one time, but he noted time constraints seemed to have killed that impulse in his CAG. Ben wondered if it had been hard for Lee to give up that control over his fate. The launch area was still quiet. Ben preferred it this way. He liked having time to commune with his ship. Flying a viper was the perfect union of man and machine. It needed to be respected. Paying respect to your ship was the most important, unwritten rule of flying. He wondered if the rooks understood that?
He walked slowly around his ship. His hand running along her smooth metal occasionally marred by some former attack. The cold metal intimidated some, but Ben felt only its power. As he neared the snout of his partner, he thought he heard a noise in the shaft. He glanced into the darkness and trained his ears for a repeat of the sound. He neither saw nor heard anything.
Leaving his hand on the end of his ship, he stepped around and began to trail along the other side. Again, his ears detected a noise. This time it was more distinct. He glanced around the deck and saw crew working in the distance. Perhaps someone was working in the tube. The thought stopped him. If someone were working in the tube, there would be lights on, at least flashlights. He turned back and walked over to the launch tube control panel. He hit the light button with his fist and stared down the as the overhead lighting systematically switched on one after another.
“Lords!” Ben shouted for help as he took off in a run down the shaft. Someone was dragging himself toward the deck. He continued shouting for help in vain, knowing his voice was projecting forward to the blackness of space, rather than to the light of the deck behind him where crew could hear. He knew it was more to let the injured soul in front of him know he was coming. Help was on its way.
Shortly before Ben reached the uniformed body, he saw the arms give out and slump in defeat. He prayed he wasn’t too late. As he dropped to his knees at the officer’s side, his eyes tracked the trail of blood that delineated the arduous journey of the victim. As he rolled the man over, he spoke confidently. “You didn’t work this hard to give up now. Hold on Buddy.”
He stared into the grotesquely swollen and bleeding face of a man. It took an instant to even recognize the identity but then horror set it. “LEE!”
Ben knew he had little time. He could see the struggle of Lee’s body to take in oxygen. He grasped Lee’s limp body under the shoulders and pulled him toward the deck. He knew his cries for help would never be heard from within and refused to leave his friend alone.
He pulled Lee over the threshold into the bright light of the deck and screamed for medics and help. He could hear feet rushing and alarms being sounded, but he focused only on his friend.
Rasping breaths filled his ears. He fell back to the floor and pulled Lee’s upper body to rest against his chest. He could feel a slight improvement to the shallow, painful breaths. It wasn’t much, but it was all he could do. Lee’s head lolled on his shoulder. From this position, Ben could see at least two gapping wounds in Lee’s chest. The once blue uniform was dark with blood, hiding other potential injuries. He had no idea who it was, but he sensed the arrival of others. He saw other hands press into the bleeding wounds in a vain attempt to feel useful. Ben knew it was useless. He could feel Lee’s life force fleeing.
The pressure on the wounds sent a shock of misery through
Lee’s body and he moaned audibly. Using
the little air his lungs could hold, he mumbled for
Ben pulled him closer, terrified. He spoke to Lee in as reassuring a voice as possible. “It’ll be ok, Lee. Hold on. I’m here. You HAVE TO HOLD ON.”
Lee was drifting through a million different worlds. Somewhere happy and some were cold and dark. Somehow, the reassuring voice of his friend cut through and he fought to make his own needs clear. He needed no eyes, “Beeennn…”
“I’m here, Lee. I’m here. Save your strength. Don’t try and talk.” Ben murmured the comments over and over.
Faster then expected, medics swarmed around. They pulled Lee from Ben’s arms and set about evaluating the situation. Ben moved only far enough to give them space. He snaked a hand through their fury and touched Lee’s face. He wanted his friend to know he wasn’t alone.
Lee began to fret. His head rolled back and forth as the medics attempted to cover his nose and mouth with an oxygen mask. Ben couldn’t understand why Lee fought them. He moved back and leaned in close to Lee’s head. “Let them help you, buddy.”
“
“Calm down, Lee.
She’ll be here soon. Don’t
worry.” Ben offered. It then occurred to him that
Lee struggled even more. “No… No… Danger… Hurt her…” He coughed out the words. The effort was costing him.
Ben’s heart was instantly seized with dread. “Lee, was
Lee shook his head. “Danger…”
Ben let go the breath he didn’t know he’d held. “I’ll protect her, Lee. She’ll be safe.” His words worked. Lee allowed the mask to be placed. Ben stepped back as the medics moved Lee on to a stretcher and rushed him off.
As a third medic packed up the medical boxes, Ben stopped him. “Where is Doctor Davis?”
“She’s out in the fleet.” He answered off handed.
“WHAT? We don’t have a doctor on board?” Ben demanded an answer.
“No. We’ll check on who’s closer.” He ignored the officer, picked up the emergency kits and left.
A nearby specialist approached Ben. “Sir, should we contact Commander Adama?”
Ben nodded. “He can come over with Doc Cottle.”
The specialist shook his head. “No, he’s on board.”
Ben’s eyes flashed. “GET HIM TO LIFE STATION NOW!”
Ben’s first instinct was to follow his friend, but he’d made a more important promise and knew Lee would want him to keep it. He sought out the Chief. “Where’s Doctor Davis?”
A polite tension had existed all evening but no one had broached the elephant looming over the room. Laura Roslin early on discovered her plan was a mistake. The tension between the military leaders was thick. She wondered if it was standard or personal to these few. She longed for the evening to end. Little did she know it was about to become an even longer, more dreadful experience.
The officer from the CIC reached the admiral’s private quarters at the same time as Ben. He knocked first. As they waited for a response, the Petty Officer looked to Ben, trying to hide her distress. “We have a problem.”
Ben nodded. “You know about the CAG already?”
She looked at him confused. “The CAG?”
Just then the door opened and Commander Fisk greeted them. He had heard the last question. “What’s wrong with the CAG?”
The question was asked loudly enough for the visitors in the room to hear. Adama immediately stood and walked toward the group. The junior officers quickly entered. Roslin and Cain soon joined them. Cain demanded to know what was going on.
Ben was too anxious to worry about the CIC. He looked directly at Commander Adama and spoke with controlled emotion. “Lee’s been attacked. He’s…” He started to lose control of his emotion as images of his friend’s beaten body flooded his brain. “It’s not good, Sir. They’ve taken him to Life Station, but…”
He was cut off by the Petty Officer. “But Doctor Davis isn’t on board.” Her concern was evident in her face. She knew she was about to make the situation even graver. “As a matter of fact. She was en route to the Lucernta on a medical mission, when…” She gulped. The five serious faces unnerved her.
It was Ben who demanded to know more. “Then WHAT?”
“Her shuttle developed system failures and they crashed in the Lucernta’s bay.”
Adama was stunned, but didn’t wait for the line of command. “What’s Lee’s condition?”
Ben looked him squarely in the eye. “Not good, Sir.”
Adama swallowed hard. “And Doctor Davis?” He now looked at the petty officer.
“It’s also bad, Sirs. The Lucernta suffered a pressure system’s failure shortly before they crashed. The shuttle is on their bay, but they can’t pressurize the deck to get to them.”
Cain actually felt sympathy for the Commander. She turned to Adama. “Go with the Lieutenant to be with your son. We’ll get Major Cottle here immediately.”
As Adama moved toward Ben, Cain asked the petty officer who the shuttle pilot was. Both Adama and Ben stopped when she answered. “Starbuck.”
BSG…BSG…BSG
William Adama had waited in Life Station before concerning his son. It was all too recently in his opinion. After Lee’s ship had been hit protecting the shuttle, he thought he’d lose his mind waiting for Major Cottle to let him know Lee would be fine. At the time, he couldn’t have imagined a worse scenario. He wouldn’t have come close to this.
He paced the small waiting lounge. Not only was his son fighting for his life with only medics to treat him, but the two women he thought of as daughters, lay fighting for their lives or perhaps dead on some foreign landing deck. He could do nothing about either. He suddenly had a feel of how Lee must have felt when he’d been shot. It was agony to know someone you loved was dying and there was no expert to help.
He shook off his ominous thoughts and watched Ben. The long time friend stood still in the corner; his head tipped back, eyes closed. Adama admired his calm. “Cottle had returned to the Galactica when I left. He’ll be here soon.”
Ben shifted and looked at the man speaking. “Good.” Ben drew in a deep breath, as if he wanted to say something.
“Is there something else, Ben?” Adama asked.
Ben shook his head. “It’s too weird.”
“What?”
“Lee… He was worried
about
Adama walked over to the grieving man and placed a strong hand on his shoulder. “You’ve never failed him. You’re a good friend.”
Ben shook him off and straightened his own shoulders. “You don’t understand, Sir. Lee’s… I didn’t even recognize him right away. His face… the beating… the blood…”
A tear threatened to escape and he rubbed at his eyes to hide it. “Some warrior I turned out to be.” He tried to offer a confident smile.
“Ben. Don’t do this to yourself. Lee’s your best friend. You just got him back. I understand what you’re going through. Hell, I’m the one he didn’t speak to for two years. I do understand. It’s ok.” Helping Ben was good for Adama.
Ben looked at him with intense pain. “Sir. I don’t think Lee’s gonna make it.”
Adama heard the words and felt his heart go numb. He turned and marched through the doors to the ward that held his son. Medics and nurses swarmed the bed. Adama ignored their looks and comments and moved to his son’s side. Being there didn’t remove the cold that gripped him.
Exposed skin that wasn’t marred by angry red cuts or deep purple bruises was ghostly white. A tube strapped down to his mouth replaced the reported oxygen mask. His lips were already dry and cracked. One arm was in a preliminary splint and the other displayed frequent deep tissue bruises. Lee’s body was still. The only movement was the mechanically timed rise and fall of his chest. Adama knew immediately that if the oxygen the machine insisted on pushing through his chest didn’t cause the action, Lee’s own body wouldn’t have. The erratic beeping of the heart monitor raised his own tension. He longed for a soothing, consistent rhythm. Although a thin sheet covered his son to his chest, thick bandages, tinged in red, could be made out. He was still losing blood. He looked to the clear liquid being pumped into his son. He hoped the Pegasus’s blood stores were filled with what Lee would need. If it were the Galactica, he knew that any number of crewmen would line up to save the CAG’s life. On Pegasus, someone had tried to take it.
BSG…BSG…BSG
Kara Thrace shook off the numbness in her head. It was replaced by a throbbing and she wondered which was worse. She slowly moved her limbs and rolled her neck to check for injuries. Although she knew she’d hurt like hell tomorrow, she was glad to find instinctive training on crash positions had worked perfectly. She could tell the shuttle had landed on its side. One whole side was caved in. She could hear the small hiss of a hull breach. She knew immediately that the bay hadn’t been pressurized yet. Oxygen was escaping. She was safe, as her flight suit contained several hours worth of air. She could settle back and wait for help. She double-checked that her comm was indeed dead.
A small moan from behind reminded her she wasn’t alone. She released her harness and turned to see
“Ha, Ha. Aren’t you the funny one?” Kara offered a hand to pull the doctor from her chair. She thought of Lee and how he would have also offered a joke in a time like this.
Starbuck remembered the hull leak. She might have air, but
BSG…BSG…BSG
Somewhere in the back of his mind, Adama acknowledged the rise in activity behind him as he held his son’s hand. He knew Doctor Cottle had arrived and suspected he was being briefed. In a short minute, he felt a hand on his shoulder.
Cottle was serious, but caring, none of the usual sarcasm. “We have to take him to surgery now, Commander.” He dropped his hand to rest on the worried father’s when he saw no immediate response. “You have to let go.”
Adama did so slowly and stepped back. Major Cottle stayed at his side as two orderlies wheeled the bed containing his critical son away. Adama spoke next. “Will he live this time?”
“I’m not gonna blind you. It’s bad. It might be days until we know for sure. He’s got two stab wounds and took an incredible beating. As if the wounds aren’t enough, you run a high risk of infection from knife wounds. Any one injury is enough to kill him.” Cottle found himself hating his position for the first time in his career. He didn’t want to be telling this father, a man who’d endured so much already and yet still kept them safe, that his son was most likely going to die. He actually cursed himself for giving Lee the shot. If Lee Adama was to die today, at least he might have left behind more then a legacy of memories. He’d seen so much death lately and suddenly it was too much for even him.
Adama walked slowly back to the waiting room and found Laura Roslin and Admiral Cain waiting as well. The President spoke first. “How is he?” Her voice relayed her fear.
Adama shook his head. “Doc’s taking him into surgery now.” He paused. “But it doesn’t look good.”
Cain changed the conversation. “Lieutenant Custer was just saying that Lee didn’t say a thing about his attackers.”
“Attackers? Admiral, what makes you think there was more than one?” Adama asked, skeptical that the woman even cared a bit about his son.
“The Lieutenant said the Captain had been badly beaten. He’s a trained warrior. I have a hard time believing that one person could have done the deed alone.”
Adama couldn’t explain why, but he suspected the Admiral knew more than she let on. “Either way, Lee had to have gotten in some kind of hit. Whoever it was should be sporting some evidence.”
Cain nodded. “I agree. The Sergeant of Arms is already investigating the incident.”
Adama snapped. “INCIDENT? Admiral, one of YOUR crew just tried to MURDER his CAG. That is hardly an incident.”
Cain spoke coldly in response to the exclamation. “Commander, I know you’re concerned about your son’s welfare. I’ll forgive that outburst in light of the situation.”
“Admiral, in light of the situation, as soon as my son is able, he’ll be transferred back to the Galactica.”
Cain’s eyes flashed with anger. “You are in no position to be giving me orders, COMMANDER. And assuming your son lives,” She emphasized her last word. “He’ll remain here as ordered.”
Adama ignored her insinuation that his son would die and continued his argument. “Admiral, if you cared about the welfare of your officers, you’d acknowledge that someone or someone’s on this ship want my son DEAD. I’ll not leave him here for them to try again.”
Laura Roslin was stunned by the obvious hatred between the two. She finally found the courage to interject. “ADMIRAL! COMMANDER! That is ENOUGH!”
Both officers silenced.
“Obviously the most important things right now are Captain Apollo’s life and finding the person or person’s who tried to end it.” She turned to Adama. “I’m sure Admiral Cain has every intention of providing Lee with round the clock security.”
Adama had long since stopped fearing the President. “Galactica will provide the security. We have no idea who to trust on this ship.”
Roslin smiled. “That’s an excellent point, Commander. I agree.” She turned to Admiral Cain and smiled sweetly. “Don’t you, Admiral?”
Cain nodded. “I don’t like the accusations the Commander is making about my crew, but under the circumstances, I can agree.”
Laura smiled. “Good. Now, then, Admiral, I suspect you’re going to begin the investigation?”
Cain nodded. Next Roslin turned to Adama. “I suggest you contact Galactica and have the necessary people sent over. I assume you’ll remain here with Lee until we have further word.” Adama nodded.
“Good.” As if she just noticed him, she looked at Ben. “Are you alright, Lieutenant?”
Ben nodded. “If I may, Sirs. I’d feel a lot better if I could do something. Permission to take a raptor to the Lucernta to be of assistance with rescue operations there?”
The admiral, seeing the agreement in Roslin’s face, agreed and left.
Ben moved to follow but was stopped by Adama’s arm. “Bring our girls home safe, you hear?”
“I will, Sir. I promise.” He left.
Roslin stayed. Adama wandered across the room, away from her. She smiled. She knew he really didn’t want her there. “Do you mind if I wait with you?”
“I’m sure there are better uses of your time.” He muttered in reply.
“I care about him too, but if you’d prefer I leave, I will.” She didn’t really want his permission to stay, but hoped he would give it.
“Do you miss him as an advisor?” Adama asked.
Roslin smiled. “Yes, but I think it’s better for him if he’s not. He’s a lot like you, you know? I think although he did the job, he hated it. I don’t think he liked feeling pulled between us. I can see now. It was unfair and very selfish of me.”
Adama couldn’t believe what he was about to say. “You needed him.”
She was stunned again, almost speechless. “I did and I still do.”
Adama shook his head slowly. “I don’t know how he does it.”
“Does what?”
“Manages to hold his cool as often as he does. He keeps getting stuck in between opposing forces.”
“We were opposing forces?” She asked, not liking the thought.
“To a degree, you know that. Now, he’s stuck between the Pegasus and the Galactica.”
“If I can be blunt, I don’t think he really wants to be here.” Roslin observed.
“No, I don’t think so either. But, he does his best.”
Roslin smiled. “As always. Is that why he got his call sign?” Adama looked at her questioningly. She explained. “Apollo is the god of healing. It seems to me, when he gets caught in between these opposing forces, as you call them; he does his best to bring them to understanding. A perfect call sign I think.”
Adama actually laughed at the President’s insight. “Well, that’s not how he got the call sign, but you might be on to something.”
Roslin smiled more brightly. “How did he get his call sign?”
“Nope. That’s a story he’ll have to tell you.”
“I’ve asked. He won’t.” She admitted.
Adama suppressed a grin. “That’s his choice.”
The moment was interrupted by the appearance of Ying and Yang in the doorway. “Ah, Commander?” Ying spoke in an uncharacteristically quiet manner. “How’s Lee? I mean, Captain Adama? We just heard.”
Adama smiled at their concern. “He’s in surgery. We won’t know anything for some time.”
Both worried men nodded.
“We were on CAP. We saw him just
before we left. He was pretty
happy. He and
Yang finished his thought. “Will you notify us when you know more, Sir?”
Adama nodded and offered his thanks before the two men left. When they were again alone, Roslin spoke. “He inspires loyalty doesn’t he?”
Adama smiled with pride. “That he does. It’s the makings of a fine officer.”
She smiled. “He gets that from you, you know.”
Adama turned from her saying nothing. If she didn’t know better, she could have sworn she saw a hint of the infamous Lee Adama blush spread across his father’s cheeks. She smiled to herself. Something else he got from his father.
BSG…BSG…BSG
Ben “Battleaxe” Custer formed a soft seal with the Lucernta at the closest hatch to their landing bay. He was happy to be here, doing anything, rather then sitting in a waiting room doing nothing but worry. He didn’t envy the Commander. At the same time, he feared what he would find here as well. He’d briefly flown past the bay entrance and caught a glimpse of the wrecked shuttle at the other end. It didn’t look good.
As he entered the ship, its Captain met him. “Nice to have you abroad, Lieutenant. We could use the help. I’m afraid this kind of situation isn’t something we’re used to.”
“What’s the situation?” Axe asked, ignoring pleasantries.
“I’m not sure why, but the shuttle was on its way here and lost control. Ironically, at the same time, we suffered a small fire in the electronics room, which caused our failure.”
The captain was about to go on, but Axe stopped him. “What do you mean? The doctor was flying here on a medical mission. You called her, didn’t you?”
The Captain shook his head. “I know that’s what they told us but as I told Pegasus. We never summoned anyone. We don’t have any sick child.”
Ben’s anxiety level skyrocketed. It was clear that someone wanted Lee and
“Is their communication with the shuttle?” Axe asked.
“No.”
”Do you have space suits?”
“No idea. We assume the pilot was in a flight suit.”
“How long until you can pressurize the deck?” Ben’s questions continued.
“At least another couple hours.”
“Frak! They might not have air for that long. I guess I’ll have to get them then.” Axe said aloud.
“You? What do you propose doing?” The Captain asked.
“I’ll take the raptor in, seal on and cut through the shuttle bulkhead.”
“But, if there’s an air leak, the torch could blow the whole deck. Isn’t it risky?” Captain Jurgen was a mild manner man, who seldom took risks. He knew the colonial warrior was well trained, but the whole idea sounded bad to him. “Lieutenant, this might be a moot point.”
Axe eyed him suspiciously. Was he part of the plan? Was he stalling on purpose? “Why?”
“We have no idea if the pilot and the doctor are even alive. We don’t get life readings and look at that damage…” He trailed off when he saw the venom in the pilot’s face.
“I don’t care what you do. As a matter of fact, you can sit here and continue to do nothing. I am going to save those two women.” Axe stormed back to his own ship. He wasn’t letting Lee down.
Axe piloted the raptor as if he always did. He needed to. He was going to have to maneuver close enough to the shuttle to dock, but not damage it. He didn’t know how stable the hull was. He landed and moved to connect the soft seal equipment. It wasn’t easy. The shuttle was badly damaged.
Once he established the seal, he climbed into the channel created by the connection and tested the hull of the shuttle for strength. It seemed intact. He pounded a few times and shouted his presence. He prayed the women inside could at least hear the noise, if not his words. He lit the flame on the torch and set about cutting through the barrier.
Kara was more concerned with how to get oxygen to the doctor. There was no way to share the lines in her suit. If she disconnected her helmet, the flow would automatically cut off. As she tried to seal the breech in the hull that leaked the precious gas, she made frequent glances over her shoulder at the now unconscious woman. For a moment she allowed herself to worry about the pain it would cause Lee to lose her. She also knew very well, that if Lee lost another loved one and she was even slightly involved, there would never be a romantic future, much less a friendship between the two. Zak’s death would forever haunt her. She almost wished she’d never told Lee about her indirect involvement with his brother’s death.
The slight movement in
Suddenly, she thought she heard a clanking noise. She turned to the far wall and surged with
hope when she saw a bright blue flame cutting through the dark metal. She muttered her thanks to the lords and bent
down to pull
Axe felt his pulse racing as the final few inches of metal began to give way. As soon as the circle was brought to it’s beginning, he began to push with protective gloves. After increasing his efforts, he was rewarded by tumbling into the crashed shuttle.
Starbuck smiled, expecting Lee to turn and face her. It was Axe. “What the frak are you doing here?”
He eyed her quickly.
She seemed fine. He noted
Starbuck shook her head inside her helmet. “No idea. Let’s get her out of here.”
Axe leaned
“So, we get the kid and get them back to the Galactica?” Kara climbed into the pilot’s chair and began throttling the engines.
Axe didn’t look up.
He was holding the mask above
He was now worried not only about Lee, but
BSG…BSG…BSG
Adama had managed to be patient, even pleasant the first hour of his agonizing wait for news. That was over long ago. He wasn’t even sure how long Lee had been in surgery now. He marched over to the phone and dialed CIC. “Has there been any news from the Lucernta?” He listened to the response and nodded at the information he was hearing. Laura Roslin watched him for signs. When he hung up, she asked him for the news.
“Axe just took off with them. They’re on their way here.” He paced the room now, his head alternating
back and forth between the door to the hallway and the one to surgery. Time seemed to have stopped progressing. Adama tried to recall Lucernta’s
position in the fleet and imagine how long it would take for the return
trip. Galactica was probably closer, but
the doctor was here. Adama wondered if
Cottle could even leave Lee if he was needed for Kara or
Axe rushed into the room, carrying
Nurses urged him to bring
“Oxygen deprivation. We ran close to out in the shuttle while we waited for help.” It was Kara who answered.
Adama went to her side and scooped her into a hug. After kissing the top of her head, he examined her for signs of injury with his eyes. “Are you alright?”
She nodded. “I had my flight suit.” She noted Lee’s absence. “Where’s Lee?” Kara was confused and had a bad feeling. “What happened? Why would Lee send someone else to save us? And why did Axe call the medical mission a trap?”
Axe ignored Kara’s questions as he had during the entire
flight. Adama breathed deeply, not
wanting to deliver the news. He was
about to speak, when coughing erupted from the bed, he moved quickly to
Dragging her eyes open, all could see her confusion. She stilled and then calmly reached up to pull the mask away. Slowly, she raised herself up on her elbows, scanning the assembly as she did. “What happened? How did I get here and where’s Lee?”
Before anyone else spoke, Kara did. “That’s what I’d like to know. Anyone willing to answer her, at least?”
Three sets of eyes glanced nervously around, seeing who would go first. Adama did. “It seems someone on Pegasus isn’t anxious to have you and Lee around. Your medical mission was a trap. I suspect when we examine the shuttle; we’ll find evidence of tampering.”
“And Lee?”
Adama controlled his response. “He was attacked.”
The nurse, Diana, took over. “He’s still with us. He sustained major damage to his left lung. They’re having difficulty keeping it from collapsing and, well, there’s other damage. He’s still in surgery.”
Everyone but
“Yep.” Daina confirmed.
Diana returned with a report of no change from Major Cottle
and instructions for
It was several hours later when the surgical door finally opened and even from that distance, Adama could see Cottle looked exhausted. He thought about preparing himself for the worst but then found it to be a ludicrous idea. How did he prepare himself to lose a son?
Cottle didn’t even wait for them to ask. “He’s in critical condition and we can’t seem
to get him stable. The lung is proving
to be the most difficult. We may have to
go back in and remove it. There was
minor damage to his kidney and spleen, but I think they’ll pick up soon.” He debated saying no more, but saw the
clinical look on
As a doctor, based on the information she had,
“First?” Kara asked. “Why can’t we all see him? He needs us.”
“Infection.”
Cottle clarified. “When the lung is this badly damaged, it has to be protected at all costs. We can’t do anything that might bring him germs he can’t fight. The last thing he needs right now is any kind of respitory illness. We’ll limit visitors to once an hour for five minutes and only in gowns, hats and masks.”
“What?” Several voices called out at once.
Kara nodded. To anyone listening, she asked. “Does anyone know who did this?”
Adama shook his head. “No clue. They hit both of you at the same time.”
Laura Roslin studied the group gathered and despite her own
worry, knew that she didn’t belong here at the moment. “I need to get back to Colonial One.” She looked at
Cottle took control of the group. “Ok, I know how this is gonna
go.
The anger and fear in her expression did nothing to calm the
others, who followed the major back to the area of Pegasus reserved for the
direst of cases. As soon as the group
departed, two security guards took up post just outside
As they wound through life station to the rear, no one spoke. They stopped at a window. On the other side was a small medical control room and next to it was a changing room. Above the consoles in the control room was another large window overlooking a sterile white room that contained one bed. In that bed was the target of their angst.
Tubes moved fluids in and around Lee Adama’s body. His left arm was now bandaged in a cast. It obviously had yet to be fused. There were greater worries at the moment. The bedding was folded at the waist, leaving the bandaged stab wounds exposed. There were tubes draining bloody fluids from each. A feeling of dread spread over the group. It was too dire to imagine, much less see. There were two nurses, dressed in sterile scrubs, hovering near Lee at all times. After allowing the Captain’s true condition to settle on those gathered, Cottle broke their thoughts. “Sorry kids, but I’m guessing his father gets first dibs on a visit.”
Adama nodded and didn’t wait for an invitation. He moved to the door of the small changing
room. He allowed a nurse to help him don
the required sterile gowns and moved into his son’s room. He purposely pulled a chair up so his back
was to the observation window. Grief was
washing over him like a morning shower and he didn’t feel the need to share it. Fear of losing his son gripped his
heart. He whispered. “I’m here Lee.
BSG…BSG…BSG
Laura Roslin strode to her office on Colonial One with singular determination. Billy was sitting behind her desk working and was embarrassed when she arrived unannounced.
“Madam President. I didn’t expect you.” He worried about his next question. “How’s Captain Adama?”
She didn’t recognize that he’d been working at her desk. He had quickly vacated her seat and she took it up. “Not good at all.”
Billy choked. He had to admit a bit of hero worship for the brave captain or maybe it was envy. He didn’t know. Either way, he was also worried about the attack. “And Doctor Davis?”
“She’ll be fine. Lieutenant
“Do we know any more about who did it?”
“No, but I want you to get to work on that.” She said, matter of fact.
“Me? What can I do?” He stuttered in his usual bashful way.
“We need to get as many feelers out as possible. This has to be Zarek’s work. We need evidence.” She quickly scrambled names on paper and handed it to him. “Start with these people.”
“Are you sure it was Zarek?” He asked.
“Who else has more to lose?” She insisted.
“But. Why harm the Captain?
“If
“So, I’ll go make some calls.” He stated.
“Yes, and Billy. I don’t have to tell you to be discrete, right?”
Billy smiled wanly. “Discrete has become my middle name, Madam President.”
She stopped and truly looked at him for the first time since entering. “It has, hasn’t it? I’m sorry about that. Damn politics. You know I never wanted this, right?”
He smiled to reassure her. “I know. Don’t worry.”
“Thank you, Billy.”
“I serve at the pleasure of the President, Ma’am.” He offered her a small bow, impish smile and stepped out.
BSG…BSG…BSG
Axe and Starbuck left the commander to be alone with his
son. Axe walked out to
After the last time, when it seemed the world was at an end to her, Ben had slept in her bed to offer comfort. There’d been nothing sexual or intimate. It was simply a friend offering solace to the wounded soul. He didn’t hear Kara approach.
“You wouldn’t dare allow yourself to hope Lee dies right now, right?”
Her bite was sharp and so was the palm of his hand as it crossed her cheek. “Don’t play games, Kara.” He had turned on her. “Or was that the voice of guilt? Is that what you thought about while she was out? Did you wonder if you could step in to comfort Lee if she died or did you realize that he’d have no reason to love you at all, seeing as how you’d have been responsible for two of his loved ones deaths?” He read the shock on her face. “That’s it, isn’t it? You know it’s true. Did it kill you to save her?”
“Frak off!” She left him there. As soon as she’d cleared life station, her pace increased. Soon, she was running through the halls. She needed to burn off the fury that raged within her.