Moving On
By Katrina
Title:  Moving On
Author:  Katrina
Rating:  PG.
Disclaimer:  This story is for fan enjoyment only.  It in no way is
trying to infringe on the rights of Universal Studios or "Others".  No
profits are being made of any kind.  

This story starts 5 minutes before the end of Hand of God
***********************************************************************************************

As Apollo climbed down from the Cylon Raider, he quickly scanned the
landing bay.  His father was running from the turbo lift towards him,
followed closely behind by Boomer, Cassie, Boxey, Athena and Sheba. 
Sheba.  Thank the lords she was okay.  A micron later, Apollo was
greeting his father.

"Apollo, What happened?  We started to activate the laser turrets.  If
it wasn't for Boomer figuring out you were waggling, I don't want to
think what might have happened," Adama said gruffly, the relief evident
in his voice. 

"I dropped the transmitter as we were climbing out of the core.  We
stayed as far away as we could from the battle until we thought it was
safe to come back to the Galactica.  Starbuck told Boomer if we lost the
transmitter, we would waggle," Apollo stated as he picked Boxey up in
his arms and hugged him.

"I told Apollo we didn't need any of that electronic felgercarb,"
Starbuck said as Cassie threw herself into his arms.

Boomer just shook his head and gave each of them a look, wondering what
he was going to do with them.  "You two are incredible," he said.

"I'm glad you're back Dad," Boxey said happily. 

"So am I son, so am I," Apollo told his son quietly.  "Why don't you go
and find Muffit and head to the rec. center.  I'll catch up with you
later, okay?"  

"Sure Dad.  See you later."  Boxey agreed rather reluctantly.  He wanted
to spend some time with his father, before staying the night with his
grandfather.

After putting Boxey down, and watching him slowly make his way towards
the turbo lift, Apollo looked around.  Sheba was gone.  Where did she
go?  He turned back and hugged Athena to him.  

Athena laughed and punched Apollo in the arm when he let go of her. 
"Don't you dare do that to us again," she said blinking the tears from
her eyes.

Apollo smiled "I'll try to be more careful from now on.  Did you see
where Sheba went?"  He tried to ask causally.

Athena looked around her; surprised that Sheba had disappeared. Then she
smiled.  'He's noticed that Sheba is missing already. Maybe Apollo is
finally ready to acknowledge his feelings for Sheba.  One can only
hope,' she thought.

 "She was here a centon ago.  Maybe she went to check on Bojay once she
saw you and Starbuck were okay," Athena said slowly, trying to gage
Apollo's reaction.

"What happened to Bojay?"  Starbuck interrupted after shaking hands with
the Commander.

 "He took a minor hit and Dr. Salik is checking him out in the Life
Center," Cassie quickly replied hugging Starbuck tighter, much to
Starbuck's discomfort.  

"Hey Cass, squeeze any harder and you'll break a couple of ribs.  Then
where will that leave us?"

"Sorry Starbuck." Cassie replied, her face red, as she loosened her
grip.

"So, shall we join the celebration in the Officer's Club?  There is a
grog with my name on it," Boomer asked everyone gleefully, rubbing his
hands together.

"I'll catch up with you all later," Apollo said quickly as he dashed for
the landing bay turbo lift.  He needed to find Sheba.  He had a lot he
wanted to talk to her about.  Apollo chuckled to himself; that wasn't
all he wanted to do.  He wanted to kiss Sheba senseless too, but first
he had to find her.

Starbuck watched and smiled as Apollo headed towards the turbo lift. 
"It's about time buddy," he whispered.  

Starbuck turned his attention back to Cassie and smiled. "I'd better go
clean up.  How about I meet you in the O' Club in 20 centons?"

"That sounds great.  I need to check in with Dr. Salik and make sure he
doesn't need me for anything.  Boomer, I'll see you later.  You too,
Athena," Cassie said as she waved and headed off to the Life Center.  

"Catch you later, Cassie," Boomer yelled after Cassie, as Athena waved
good-bye.

Starbuck turned and said "Boomer, I'll see you in the O'Club. Hope to
see you there Athena.  You too, Commander."  Then he headed to the men's
locker room.

Boomer looked over at Athena.  "So how about you?"

"I'm looking forward to a grog myself.  Can I meet you in the Officer's
Club?  I want to go to my quarters and change first," Athena smiled at
Boomer.

"Sure, I'll meet you there," Boomer told her.  "How about you,
Commander?"

"Well, I just might stop in and have a drink myself.  But first, I'm
going to go and check up on Boxey," Adama told the two of them.  "Ride
up with me?" 

Athena, Boomer and Adama walked over to the landing bay turbo lift and
stepped inside when it opened.  "They deserve a medal for this mission,"
Athena told her father as the doors closed and each had pushed their
deck level. 

"Yes and I am going to make sure they get them," Adama stated firmly. 

The lift stopped and Athena stepped out into the corridor.  "I'll see
you soon."

Athena headed towards her quarters, which she shared with Rigel.  'First
a quick turbowash, then a change of clothes.  I also want to stop in the
Life Center to see how Bojay is doing.  Then I'll head to the Officers
Club.  I fully intend to celebrate this victory tonight,' she thought.
************************************************************************************************

Apollo was starting to think he was never going to find Sheba.  Where in
the frack did she go?  Apollo stood in the corridor, hands on hips,
staring at the ceiling.  Suddenly, he knew where to look for her.  The
Celestial Dome.  That was where he'd find her. 

Apollo took off down the corridor that led to the engineering section
and the way to the celestial dome.  He grabbed a pair of ear protectors
as he headed for the lift that went to the engine room.  Apollo tapped
his foot restlessly as he waited for the door to open.

"Come on and open up!" Apollo said as he banged on the door.  Just then
the doors opened and he stepped inside, pushing the top button quickly.

"She's got to be up there.  I've looked everywhere else on this
battlestar. Besides, she knows this is a special place and if she wanted
to get away for awhile, the Celestial Dome is the place to go."  Apollo
said rather loudly as he waited impatiently for the lift to stop.  As
soon as the doors opened, Apollo headed quickly down the corridor, a
smile on his face.
************************************************************************************************

Sheba sat alone in the quiet of the Celestial Dome.  The faint humming
of the thruster engines the only sound to stir the quiet.  She loved it
here.  Apollo's private place.  He had shown it to Starbuck, Cassie and
herself just last night cycle.  He had called it "The Hand of God." 
Yes, that was a good name for it.

Sheba felt as if she could just reach out and touch the stars.   They
were so close.  The stars that twinkled back at her as if to say they
knew something she didn't.

Sheba could remember many nights growing up on Gemon when she and her
father would lie outside in the backyard of their home and stare up at
the stars.  How Sheba would tell Cain that one-day she would be flying
through the stars with him, exploring the vastness of space. If she
closed her eyes, Sheba could see the backyard, the far off lampion
flickering in the dark of night from the back porch.  She could almost
feel the soft, cool grass on her back and the warm breeze off of the
southern ocean on her face.  'I wonder if my father is looking out at
the stars now, and remembering those nights.  I wonder what he would say
if I told him that I was in love with Apollo?' she thought.

Sheba opened her eyes and looked out the dome.  She came here from the
landing bay after seeing for herself that Apollo and Starbuck had made
it back safely.  Sheba didn't know what to say to Apollo after their
one-sided conversation in the raider where she told him, in around about
fashion, how she felt.  So, she came up to the Celestial Dome to think.

She had seen the surprise and possible confusion on Apollo's face after
she had kissed him.  She also saw something else that she couldn't
identify.  This was the reason she fled the landing bay.  Sheba was
afraid.  Afraid she had destroyed their chance for a relationship
because she had acted so impulsively.  "Why couldn't I just have waited,
dammit."  Sheba's soft voice filled the empty dome as she stepped down
from the platform of the control station.  But she knew why.  Because it
might have been her only chance to tell him that she cared.

Sheba walked to the front of the dome and traced her finger along the
cool, smooth surface of the bubble.  She wondered what other adventures
lay ahead of them.  "Hopefully, no more Cylons to deal with or crazy
missions for Apollo to volunteer for," Sheba whispered.

Just then, Sheba heard the hatch door to the dome click and open.  She
had her back to the door, but knew who was coming up through the hatch. 
Apollo.  Sheba was suddenly afraid to turn around, so she just stood
there staring out at the stars.

As Apollo climbed through the hatch, he saw Sheba standing with her back
to him.  He quickly closed the hatch door, then took off his ear
protectors, laying them down on the platform of the control station. 
Apollo took a deep breath and said, "I've been looking all over for
you.  I finally figured out you were probably up here."

Apollo walked over to where Sheba was standing.  She still hadn't turned
around.  Apollo reached out his hand and gently, but firmly turned her
to face him.  

Sheba refused to let anything show on her face.  If he was going to yell
at her for what she said in the raider let him.  But he wasn't going to
see how much she loved him, not if she could help it.

"What do you want Apollo?" Sheba voice sounded strained.  She was a
bundle of nerves inside.

"We need to talk.  I've done some thinking and there are a few things we
need to discuss," Apollo said, never taking his green eyes off of her
brown ones.

Sheba glanced away; wishing the floor would open up and swallow her
right now.  Here it comes, the "Thanks but no thanks for your concern,
see you around sometime" speech.

"Fine, what do you what to discuss?" Sheba said as sternly as she could.

Apollo realized Sheba wasn't going to make this easy for him, but why
should she.  She had been the one to take the initial risk in telling
him how she felt.  Now it was his turn.

Apollo cleared his throat and very softly said, "While Starbuck and I
were sneaking around in that baseship, I realized that life is too
precious and time too short to waste it.  Sheba, I'm tired of fighting
my feelings for you and truthfully, I don't want to anymore.  I love
you, Sheba.  I have for quite a while now.  I just couldn't tell you."

Sheba's mouth dropped open and she couldn't believe what she had heard. 
Apollo said he loved me.  Sheba closed her mouth and looked at Apollo. 
Tears started to run down Sheba's face as she said, "I love you too
Apollo."

Apollo reached out and pulled her into his embrace.  He leaned down and
captured Sheba's mouth with his own.  When they broke apart, they were
both breathless.  Apollo looked down at Sheba and smiled.  She was
smiling also.

"We still have a few things to discuss," Apollo said as he led Sheba
over to the ledge to sit down, her hand held firmly in his own.  "I
loved Serina.  When we were sealed, I thought I would spend the rest of
my life with her.  But then she died on Kobol.  I didn't know how I was
going to survive.  I definitely didn't want to fall in love with another
woman, especially another warrior, but then I met you.  You have
challenged me from the very beginning.  I thought I was betraying Serina
by having feelings for you, but I know now that's not true.  Starbuck
helped me realize that she would have wanted me to go on with my life. 
Be happy and live again.   I have accepted the fact that Serina is gone
and I am now ready to move on."   

Sheba searched Apollo's face to make sure he meant it.  "Are you sure,
Apollo?"

 "Yes, I'm sure. I've been putting her memory away a little at a time
since the day I met you.  Since the day, you almost blasted me out of
the stars."  Apollo couldn't help reminding Sheba how they met. 

Sheba smiled and looked down.  "Definitely not love at first sight," she
whispered as she looked back up into Apollo's green eyes.

"No, not love at first sight, but I definitely felt an attraction to you
and started fighting it every way I possibly could.  When Count Iblis
tried to kill you, I realized I had fallen in love with you," Apollo
told her as he brushed her soft golden brown hair away from her face.

"You are the most amazing person I have ever met in my life and I want
to get to know all of you better.  I want to give a relationship a try
and see where we go from here."  Apollo's voice was quiet, but
determined.

Sheba smiled at Apollo and said, "I want to give a relationship a try
also.  I felt an attraction to you, as well, when we met, despite the
problems we had concerning our fathers.  But I didn't understand the
conflicting signals I was getting from you.  I knew that I loved you
Apollo, when I thought Count Iblis had killed you.  Athena told me about
Serina and helped me to understand what you were going through
concerning her death.  That I needed to give you time to work everything
out for yourself.  But then you had to go and volunteer for that mission
to the baseship and I panicked.  I had to let you know I cared about you
before you left."  

Sheba took a deep breath before she continued.  "I want to apologize for
that death wish remark.  That was wrong of me and I'm sorry. " Sheba's
hand caressed Apollo's cheek.

"No, don't be sorry.  I can see how it must have looked.  I consciously
don't have a death wish.  I have Boxey to think about, but maybe I
wasn't quite as careful as I should have been when it came to
*volunteering* for everything."  Apollo smiled reassuringly.

Sheba smiled and pulled Apollo's head down to hers, kissing him.  When
they broke apart, they were both smiling. 

"I need to go and get changed.  Do you want to meet me at the O' Club in
about 30 centons for the party tonight?" Sheba asked Apollo when she
could speak again.

"You bet," Apollo told her quickly.   "Boxey is staying with his
grandfather tonight, so I'm going to fool around up here for awhile,
then I'll meet you at the party.  Boomer installed a gamma frequency
signal booster on the scanner before we left on the mission.  Hopefully,
I'll pick up another signal."

"You still think that signal didn't come from that baseship?"  Sheba
picked up her ear protectors to put them on.

"I have a funny feeling that it didn't."  Apollo placed his hand on
Sheba's face and gently caressed her cheek.  Then he leaned down and
kissed her tenderly.

Apollo let her go and pulled open the hatch when Sheba had her ear
protectors on.  "See you later," she shouted above the thruster noise. 
Apollo nodded his head and Sheba went down the ladder.

**************************************************************************************
The party was in full swing when Athena entered the Officer's Club.  In
the corner behind the bar, a group of drunken Warriors were inventing a
ballad about the recent victory. The crowd milled around them, some
joining in, while others just listened.

Dietra, Rigel, Starbuck, Cassie, Boomer, Apollo and Sheba were already
at their table celebrating.  As Athena approached the table, Bojay
appeared by her side.   "Bojay, I thought I left you in the Life Center
arguing with Dr. Salik?"

" Dr. Salik released me 5 centons ago.  I came here hoping to catch up
with you and to celebrate our victory over the Cylons," Bojay said as he
winked at Athena.

"Well then, come and join me and we can celebrate together." Athena
linked her arm with Bojay's.  

As Athena and Bojay made their way through the crowd over to their
friends, Rigel noticed that Athena and Bojay made an interesting
couple.   She had seen the concern on Athena's face when Bojay signaled
he'd been hit during the battle.  

"Well, look who Athena found on the way to the party.  I was wondering
when you were going to show up, Athena," Rigel teased her friend.

"I just had to stop in the Life Center and see how one of our other
heroes was doing," Athena told her, blushing as she saw the knowing look
in Rigel's eyes.

"Bojay, what are you doing out of the Life Center?  I mean, I'm glad to
see it, but so soon?"  Sheba asked, surprised.

"Yea, how did you talk Dr. Salik into releasing you so soon?"  Starbuck
asked as he polished off the last of his grog.  Starbuck wanted to file
this bit of information away for the next time that *he* was stuck in
the Life Center.

"It was just a minor jolt and after convincing Dr. Salik that I was only
shaken up a bit, he agreed to release me."  Bojay said as he put his arm
around the back of Athena's chair after they had sat down.

"Convincing Dr. Salik?  That must mean you were arguing with him until
he couldn't stand it anymore," Sheba said as the merriment danced in her
eyes.

"Well, I for one am glad that you could join us this evening," Athena
said, smiling brightly at Bojay.

Apollo noticed the smiles and glances being exchanged between Bojay and
his sister.  He was glad for Athena.  Bojay was a good man and Athena
deserved to be happy.

Apollo looked at Sheba and saw her answering smile.   

Sheba was watching Bojay and Athena, wondering why she hadn't set the
two up herself.  But then, Apollo had been taking up most of her
thoughts lately.

Apollo's arm tightened on Sheba's shoulders and he leaned over to
whisper in her ear.  "So, did you have anything to do with setting up
Athena and Bojay?"

"No, but I wish I had," She whispered back.  She was happy for her two
friends.

"Anyone need a re-fill?"  Boomer asked as he stood up, glad for a chance
to stretch his legs.

After several affirmatives, he headed to the bar.  Bullock was on duty
tonight as usual.

"How many do you need Boomer?"  Bullock asked as the warrior leaned his
hands on the bar.

"I need six grogs," Boomer told him over the noise.  

"Coming right up."  Bullock turned away to get the drinks.

Boomer leaned his back on the bar and looked over at his friends.  They
were all in high spirits and so was he.  It looked like Apollo and Sheba
had finally gotten together and Starbuck had Cassie.  Even Athena seems
to be starting something with Bojay.  Maybe it was time for him to do
something about Dietra.  He had been putting off any type of
relationship because of what Apollo went though with Serina.   Maybe it
was time for him to start living again also.

Boomer turned around to face Bullock as he filled the mugs.  He was well
over 60 yahrens, but Bullock still had the physique of a man half his
age.  His jet-black hair was turning gray and his face was covered with
the deep laugh lines of a man who knew how to enjoy life.  Boomer knew
Bullock had lost his only son, Abram, during the Destruction, but
Bullock never talked about it.  Instead he treated the warriors like his
own children and they, in turn, treated him like a father or favorite
uncle.

"Here you go Boomer.  Say, you Warriors did a fine job today.  Everyone
should be proud.  Just tell Apollo and Starbuck to hold onto that
transmitter next time," Bullock said as he placed the drinks on the bar,
a knowing grin on his face.

"Thanks Bullock.  We lost some good people out there.  That means a lot
coming from you.  And believe me, when I get through with Apollo and
Starbuck, they'll think twice before they lose another transmitter." 
Boomer told him, a wicked grin on his face, as he gathered the drinks
and headed back to the table.

Bullock watched Boomer head back to his table and friends.  He had no
doubt Boomer would extract some type of payment from Apollo and
Starbuck.  As Bullock started to wipe the bar down in front of him, he
glanced to the end.  When a Warrior didn't come back from a mission or
battle, it was Bullock who set up each of the fallen Warriors a mug of
grog, at the end of the bar.  Tonight was no different.  Five mugs of
grog were lined up at the end, one for each of the fallen Warriors. 
Tomorrow a memorial service would be held and the names of the fallen
would be added to the memorial wall in the Chapel of the Faithful.

******************************************************************************

"Boomer, nice juggling act," Starbuck joked as Boomer set the six grogs
down carefully on the table in front of him.  

"Real funny Starbuck.  Next round is on you, good buddy.  You two clowns
owe me for the waggling," Boomer replied as he took his seat next to
Dietra.

"And we appreciate it Boomer," came Apollo's wholehearted reply, as he
lifted his grog in a silent toast to Boomer.

"Well, you and Starbuck can start showing me that appreciation anytime
now," Boomer told them, arching his eyebrows, much to the amusement of
the others.

******************************************************************************

As the festivities continued in the Officer's Club, Colonel Tigh was on
duty on the Galactica's bridge.  Sergeant Ajax appeared by the Colonel's
side.  

"All repairs to the Galactica should be completed by 0600 centars
tomorrow Colonel," Ajax said.

"Good, Sergeant.  Let me know if anything changes.  Dismissed," Tigh
replied taking the report from Ajax.  

After reading the report, Colonel Tigh glanced around the bridge.  All
was quiet and he hoped it would continue.  There were no more raiders
making suicide runs at them and as far as he could tell, there weren't
any more Cylon raiders period.  But, he knew they couldn't let their
guard down.  "Status report, Bowfinger."  

"All is quiet Colonel.  There is nothing on long-range scan and Red
Squadron is still on yellow alert.  Greenbean and Giles are due back
from patrol in two centars.  Captain Picus is still checking on the fuel
status for all ships in the fleet.  He should be reporting back before
the end of the cycle," Bowfinger replied, glancing back at the Colonel.

"Continue to monitor long-range scan closely, Lieutenant and let me know
the moment Captain Picus returns to the Galactica," Colonel Tigh said as
he rubbed the bridge of his nose before going back to his reports.
******************************************************************************
"Well, I think I need to call it a night.  Boomer and I have patrol
tomorrow morning.  Besides, I'm beat.  If I don't get some sleep soon,
you are going to be picking me off the floor," Sheba said as she covered
a yawn with her hand, then smiled at Apollo.

"I'll walk you back to the women's barracks.  I can't have you falling
asleep on patrol tomorrow," Apollo said as he stood up and pulled
Sheba's chair out.

"We'll see you all tomorrow," Apollo said as Sheba waved and they headed
out of the Officer's Club, hand in hand.

"Shall we take our leave as well, Starbuck?"  Cassie asked coyly,
smiling at the brash Lieutenant who had stolen her heart.  

"That we shall.  Goodnight everyone," Starbuck replied a huge grin on
his handsome features, his blue eyes twinkling.  Putting his arm around
Cassie, the two left the O'Club and headed towards her quarters and
their own private celebration.

"Well, as Sheba said, I have patrol tomorrow morning.  I guess I'd
better head back to the barracks.  What about you, Dietra?  Can I walk
you back or are you going to stay for awhile yet?"  Boomer asked, his
deep chocolate eyes bright.

"I'll walk back to the barracks with you Boomer," Dietra replied,
smiling invitingly at Boomer.  Boomer returned her smile as he pulled
her chair out. 

After bidding Athena and Bojay goodnight, Boomer and Dietra left for the
evening.

"Well, looks like everyone is leaving except us," Bojay said to Athena. 
He was having a wonderful time with Athena and really didn't want to
leave.  He was hoping she wouldn't want to leave either.

Athena looked at Bojay.  She wasn't ready to leave and hoped Bojay would
be willing to stay.

"That doesn't mean we have to leave.  I am not on duty until noon cycle
and the night is still young.  What do you say we continue to party?" 
Athena asked, a hopeful smile on her face.

"I was hoping you would say that.  I'm grounded tomorrow by Dr. Salik,
so lets stay awhile longer," Bojay told her, a totally beguiling grin on
his face.  With that, Athena and Bojay spent the better part of the
night talking, getting to know one another and discovering that they
shared many of the same views and dreams.
******************************************************************************

As Apollo and Sheba walked down the corridor to the women's barracks,
neither one of them wanted to say goodnight.  As they passed a supply
closet, Apollo couldn't resist pulling Sheba into it.  

"Apollo what...?" Before Sheba could finish her sentence, she was in
Apollo's embrace and he was kissing her.  

"Apollo, if you keep kissing me like that, we are never going to get any
sleep tonight," Sheba said when she could talk again, noticing that
Apollo looked mighty pleased with himself.  

A grin lit up Apollo's face.  "Do you have any idea how many times
tonight I just wanted to reach over and kiss you?" Apollo asked as he
ran his fingers through Sheba's long, soft golden brown hair.

"Probably as many times as I wanted you to do just that," Sheba said as
she traced her finger along Apollo's lower lip.

"Oh, lords, I had better let you go or we're never going to leave this
closet tonight," Apollo told her quite seriously.  But he had to kiss
her one more time.

After pulling her into his arms and kissing her, Apollo led Sheba out of
the closet.  Unfortunately, Boomer and Dietra were standing outside in
the corridor.  Upon seeing Apollo and Sheba, Boomer and Dietra started
to laugh.

"See, I told you I thought I heard voices coming from the supply
closet," Dietra told Boomer between fits of laughter.

Apollo and Sheba both turned red.  "Umm..Boomer, Dietra.  We'll say
goodnight now.  See you both tomorrow," Apollo choked out, as Sheba
tried hard not to laugh herself.

"See you both in the morning," Sheba smiled.

Apollo walked Sheba down to the door of the barracks.  He gave her a
tender kiss and said, "Goodnight.  I'll see you tomorrow."

"Goodnight, Apollo."  Sheba turned and walked into the barracks.
******************************************************************************

Bojay sat his empty mug on the table, and looked at Athena.  "I love
kids too.  I have always wanted a large family someday.  When I was
growing up, I didn't have any brothers or sisters. My parents weren't
able to have anymore children, so it was just the three of us.  They
died when I was seventeen in a navel accident.  Sheba is the closest
thing I have to a sister or any type of family left.  I guess that's why
I'm so protective of her, what with Cain missing and all," Bojay said.

"I can understand that.  You and Sheba are family and families look out
for each other.  You have know Sheba since she was what, five yahrens
old?"   Athena asked.

"Yes, since she was five and I was nine yahrens old.  She was climbing
up a tree in Colonial Street Park to save a feline, when the branch
broke.  I ran to try and catch her, but didn't make it in time.  Sheba
ended up breaking her arm, but we became fast friends," Bojay explained,
remembering that day.

"Cain was home on leave at the time.  You should have heard him when he
found out how Sheba broke her arm.  He actually told her that next time,
she needed to learn how to fall and roll like a Warrior, but that he was
proud she didn't cry," Bojay said smiling.

"I guess that was when I started picking up those over-protective
instincts where Sheba is concerned.  I have always felt like her big
brother and I suppose that comes with the territory."  Bojay told
Athena, leaning back in his chair.

"Apollo has always been over-protective of me.  You know, being the big
brother and all.  It was just his responsibility with Father being gone
so much and Apollo is good at it.  In fact, it can be quite irritating
at times, but I've gotten used to it," Athena said with a rueful grin on
her face.

"So, is Apollo going to give me the third degree after tonight?"  Bojay
asked, halfway seriously.

"Probably, but *you* could always turn the tables on *him* and ask *his*
intentions towards Sheba," Athena replied, a wide and mischievous grin
on her face.

Bojay's answering grin was all Athena needed to see.  Apollo was about
to get a taste of his own medicine.  Athena couldn't be happier.  She
loved her brother, but sometimes he interfered way too much.

"Do you want anything else to drink?  I think Bullock is about ready to
close," Bojay asked, glancing back towards the bar.

"I don't think so.  In fact, I had better get back to my quarters.  It's
already 0230 centars and I have to report at noon cycle," Athena replied
sadly.

"I'll walk you back if it's all right?"  Bojay asked, hope lighting up
his hazel eyes.

"It's more than all right," Athena replied happily.

As the two left the O'Club, Bullock watched them from the bar.  They
were among the last to leave this night cycle. 

As he went to the end of the bar, his eyes filled with tears as he saw
the grogs.  Five of *his* Warriors didn't make it back.  Bullock picked
up the five grogs and poured the contents down the washbasin, as a
single tear escaped from his tired blue eyes.
******************************************************************************

"Colonel, Captain Picus has returned to the Galactica.  He is on his way
to the bridge," Bowfinger informed Colonel Tigh.

"Thank you, Lieutenant," Colonel Tigh replied looking up from the
monitor he was studying.

Tigh hoped that the news was good, but he doubted it.  It had been some
time since the fleet had stopped to refuel.  He knew that the Galactica
alone was down to about one-third fuel capacity.  He reasoned that the
other ships in the fleet were probably worse off.  Soon he would know
for sure.

Colonel Tigh paced the bridge as he waited for Captain Picus to arrive. 
As he heard the lift doors open, Tigh turned around to face Captain
Picus as he walked up onto the bridge deck.

"Captain, what do you have to report?"  Colonel Tigh asked.

"It doesn't look good, sir," Captain Picus replied.  "More than half of
the fleet is down to about 20 percent of maximum fuel levels."

"The rest of the fleet is not much better.  I would estimate that given
current levels and with no unnecessary expenditures, the fleet has about
a two sectons supply of fuel remaining."  Captain Picus wished he had
better news for the colonel, but he didn't.

"I expected as much.  Thank you Captain Picus.  I will be informing the
Commander.  If he has any questions for you, I will contact you. 
Dismissed," Colonel Tigh replied.

As Captain Picus made his way off of the bridge, he glanced back at
Colonel Tigh.  Tigh was speaking into his headset, presumably to the
Commander.  As much as Picus wanted to deliver good news, he couldn't. 
The fuel shortage was once again rearing its ugly head and he doubted
there would be any spare Cylon fuel tankers to use this time.
******************************************************************************

"Colonel Tigh, increase recon and long-range patrols immediately.  We
must find the fuel we need before the fleet comes to a halt," Adama
replied as he rubbed his tired eyes.

"Then, I want a meeting scheduled for 0700 centars in the briefing
room.  Have all senior officers present. I want a plan of action in
place for when we find the fuel we need," Adama said as he started
getting dressed.  He would get no more sleep this cycle.

"Yes, Commander.  I'll have it all in place by the time you reach the
bridge," Colonel Tigh responded before he signed off.  
*******************************************************************************

The next morning, as Sheba performed the routine pre-flight check on her
viper, she watched Apollo walk across Alpha Bay towards her.  

"So, what brings you here so early this morning?  I thought you would
still be having morning meal with Boxey," Sheba asked as Apollo stopped
in front of her.

"Boxey and I have finished morning meal and I wanted to see you this
morning before you left," Apollo told her, smiling.

"Did everything check out okay?  No problems?"  Apollo asked Sheba as
casually as he could.

But Sheba wasn't fooled.  She knew he was worried and understood why. 
"Everything checks out perfectly, with no problems."  Sheba smiled,
tenderly.

"I'll be on patrol with Starbuck by the time you get back, but would you
have evening meal with Boxey and me?" 

"I would love to have evening meal with Boxey and you, Apollo," Sheba
told him happily.

Apollo smiled and cupped her cheek with his hand.  "Great!  Boxey was
very excited when I asked him about it this morning."

"I'm glad," Sheba replied.

"Be careful out there," Apollo told her quietly, as he caressed her
cheek.

"I will.  I promise," Sheba told him.
******************************************************************************

"Boomer, are you ready to go?"  Sheba asked, as she sat in her viper,
the engines ready for launch.

"Ready, willing and able, Sheba, " Boomer replied.

"Galactica launch control, this is Blue 3 and Silver Spar 2.  We are
waiting for launch instructions," Boomer signaled Rigel on the bridge.

"Blue 3 and Silver Spar 2, this is launch control.  You are cleared for
launch.  Launch when ready."  Rigel's voice replied in both Boomer's and
Sheba's headset.

"Copy that Launch Control.  Blue 3 and Silver Spar 2 launching now." 
Boomer and Sheba pressed down on the viper's controls in unison.  The
white-hot streaks trailing the two vipers dissipated quickly.  And
another routine patrol was started.

<><><><><><><><><><><>
Sheba glanced at her scanner.  Nothing.  No settlement traces, no useful
animal or plant life and definitely no traces of tylium. So far during
their patrol, she and Boomer had found nothing that could be of any use
to the fleet. Sheba shook her head and grimaced.  She could still see
Colonel Tigh's face, his intense expression, as he made it abundantly
clear that morning cycle how critical their situation was becoming.  As
a result, their patrol parameter was extended to the limit of their fuel
and life support levels.  

Sheba glanced at those levels and noticed that they would have to turn
back for the fleet as soon as they scanned this system.  Sheba sighed as
she wished they would find something, anything.  They were investigating
the farthest solar system possible for this patrol and likely wouldn't
get another chance at it.  

"Boomer, are you picking anything up on your scanner?"  Sheba signaled
on the comm., looking over at Boomer.

"No, nothing."  Boomer glanced over at Sheba.  He could almost make out
the frown on her expressive face.

"I'm not giving up hope yet, so don't you give up.  We still have four
other planets in this system to check out.  Tell you what, you take the
first two planets, and I'll take the last two. Maybe one of them will
have the necessary tylium we need. The one to finish last buys the first
round in the Officer's Club after the memorial service. "  Boomer smiled
and waited for Sheba's reply.

"You're on, Boomer."  Sheba laughed and Boomer's viper veered off to the
left.

As Sheba watched Boomer's viper head for the outer two planets, she
smiled after her friend.  His optimism was usually contagious.  However,
she couldn't help wondering just how long it would take to replenish the
fleet's fuel supply.  During all deep space and routine patrols,
scouting for tylium, useful animal or plant life and basically any
useful resource had become part of the primary directives.  In the past
sectar, while they had come across several habitable planets, only trace
amounts of tylium had been found. 

'If the fleet is having this much trouble finding the necessary fuel,
how much trouble is Father having and just where in Hades is he?' Sheba
thought briefly.  The last time she had seen her father, she was on a
stretcher, being transferred to the Galactica.  Apollo and Starbuck
didn't know what happened to the Pegasus after the two baseships
exploded, but Sheba felt in her heart that her father was alive,
somewhere.  She couldn't explain why, other than the fact that her
father seemed to make miracles out of invincible odds.  There was also
that time, about a sectar after Cain had disappeared, when that evil
Count Iblis had told Sheba that she would see her father again.  Sheba
didn't know if he was just telling her that as a way to gain her trust
and loyalty, or if it was really true.  Sheba decided to go with her
heart.  And her heart was telling her he was alive.  The only problem
was knowing for sure, and she realized she might never truly know for
sure.

Sheba quickly pushed those thoughts aside, knowing full well that her
father would chew her out good for not concentrating 100 percent on the
job at hand.  Sheba turned her viper in the direction of the farthest of
the two planets.  As she approached the small bluish-gray planet, Sheba
started scanning the atmosphere.  While the planet was definitely a
beauty, it was also very deadly.  Initial scans indicated the atmosphere
was made up mostly of compressed carbon dioxide, and no traces of
tylium.

"So much for this planet's charms.  Maybe the next one will be a
winner.  Oh, Lord's, I'm starting to sound like Starbuck," Sheba winced
and chastised herself as she turned her viper in the direction of the
larger medium blue planet.
<><><><><><><><><><>
"Captain Apollo, here are the reports on all navigational systems,
planned fleet course changes and fuel computations if you're ready to go
over them," Jenny smiled and waited patiently next to Apollo's viper,
fully aware he would be expecting the reports as soon as he finished his
pre-flight.

"All right, Jenny, let's get going," Apollo finished looking over his
left stabilizer, then took the reports from her.

Starbuck had already gone over his stats with Jenny a few centons ago. 
Having finished his own pre-flight check, Starbuck was sitting in the
cockpit of his viper, getting ready to launch.  He had started out the
morning in a wonderful mood, having woken up in Cassie's arms.  He was
starting to realize just how much he loved Cassie, more than any other
woman in his life, thanks in part to the mission he had just come back
from.  In fact, he had once told Chameleon that Cassie was the only
woman he had seriously considered being sealed with someday.  Not that
he was thinking of going in this direction anytime soon though.

Starbuck's good mood quickly vanished when he heard how critical the
current fuel shortage had become and the double patrols he was about to
pull.  There went his big plans for the secton.

"Hey, Starbuck, you about ready?"  Apollo asked from the cockpit of his
viper.

"Yeah, I guess so.  You know Apollo, you'd think we would get a break
considering the mission we just came back from.  But noooo!  Fuel
shortage has to rear its ugly head again, not to mention the double
patrols we now have to pull," Starbuck complained as he lowered the
canopy on his viper.

Apollo just smiled and shook his head at his friend.  Starbuck will
never change.  He'll complain until he's blue in the face, but if he
weren't in the middle of whatever crisis there was, he wouldn't be
happy.

"Galactica launch control, this is Blue Leader and Blue 2.  We are ready
for launch instructions," Apollo signaled the bridge.

"Blue Leader and Blue 2, this is launch control.  You are on stand by as
Red 2 and 5 are up for launch," Rigel responded.

"Copy that launch control, standing by," Apollo reached to adjust his
scanner setting.

"So, you have Athena flying with Giles.  He should keep a pretty good
eye on her," Starbuck signaled Apollo on the private comm. Even though
things didn't work out with Athena, he still cared about her and
probably always would, as a close friend.

"Yes, he should, but I'd like it a whole lot better if she were on the
bridge where it was safe," Apollo replied grimily.  He'd like it a whole
lot better if Athena wasn't a pilot period, but knew she longed to fly
and leave bridge duty all together.

"So, is Bowfinger taking over Athena's duties?"  Starbuck glanced over
at Apollo. 

"I suppose so.  This morning cycle I had to request that Colonel Tigh
pull Athena off bridge duty since I had to use all the reserve pilots to
help cover the extra patrols," Apollo replied absently, his mind clearly
on the patrol ahead.

"Blue Leader and Blue 2, this is launch control, You are cleared for
launch.  All systems transferring control.  Launch when ready," Rigel's
voice replied in both Apollo's and Starbuck's headset.

"Copy that launch control.  Blue Leader and Blue 2 launching now,"
Apollo signaled back as he and Starbuck launched from the Galactica.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> 
Boomer finished scanning the last of the two large planets on the outer
edges of the solar system.  While they were beautiful in their red
color, neither planet offered any hope of assistance.  Both planets
where comprised of compressed hydrogen and helium.  
Boomer let out a deep sigh in frustration.  Considering this was
supposed to be the way to Earth, this didn't broad well for finding the
lost thirteenth tribe. Without the necessary tylium, the fleet wasn't
going anywhere fast and only the lords knew where the Cylons were now.

Since the destruction of the Colonies, the fleet had been on a constant
run from the Cylons, slowing down only long enough to gather whatever
resources they could find.  Boomer knew that in the past several
sectars, they had collected many useful plants and grains, but had been
unable to find an adequate fuel source.

Boomer reached up and rubbed his forehead through his helm.  He was
starting to get a headache, and was looking forward to the end of this
long patrol.  For a centon Boomer let his thoughts drift to the family
that he had lost.  His parents, who would have been celebrating their
fortieth sealing anniversary at the end of the secton, to his brother
and sisters and niece and nephew.  

His parents were your typical middle class couple.  His father worked at
the Caprican Institute of Science, teaching molecular biology.  His
mother stayed home and took care of the family.  She was always involved
in every aspect of her children's education, from being an instructor's
aide in the classroom to president of the Parent Instructor
Association.  

Boomer's brother and sisters all followed their father into the academic
world, becoming instructors at various institutions on Caprica.  His
sister, Kate, was the only one with children before the Destruction.

Brittany, his niece, so loved to dance.  She had told Boomer right
before the so-called Peace Accord, that she wanted to become a famous
ballerina and dance at the Caprican Center.  She had asked Boomer to
attend her recital that was coming up in a few sectons and she was so
excited.  Boomer promised her that he wouldn't miss it for anything, but
that was before...before their Worlds were destroyed.

And then there was Benji.  Benji wanted to become a Warrior, like his
Uncle Boomer.  He would ask Boomer dozens of questions about flying a
viper whenever Boomer came to visit.  In fact, Boomer had taken Benji to
the Academy and let him sit in one of the vipers the night before the
Cylons had attacked.

Boomer quickly snapped out of his memories, not wanting to stir up "what
might have beens."  He pushed the memories to the back of his mind,
determined to concentrate on the job at hand.

Boomer decided he had better hook up with Sheba.  Her viper signal was
fading in and out, and it was starting to trouble him.  Boomer didn't
want to lose track of her.  While Sheba was one hell of a warrior, she
had become like a baby sister to him and he didn't want to lose her. 
Besides, the lords only knew what Apollo would do to him if anything
happened to her.

As he headed for the planet Sheba's signal was coming from, Boomer
double-checked their position.  They were on the outer fringes of their
patrol parameter, in an obscure solar system, and a long way from the
Galactica.  According to his fuel and life support levels, it was almost
time to head back to the fleet.  

As Boomer approached the blue planet, he hoped Sheba had better luck
than he had.

<><><><><><><><><><><>
Sheba's viper approached the larger of the two blue planets.  Its medium
blue color reminded Sheba of the dark cornflower marbles she had as a
child.  Bojay and she would play with those marbles on the back porch
for centars, until it was dark and the light coming from the lampions
wasn't enough to let them continue playing.  

Sheba tried scanning the planet's surface, but a high magnetic field
coming from the planet was interfering with her scanner, preventing her
from getting any useful readings.  Biting her lip, she decided she would
have to fly low over the planet's surface for these scans. 

Sheba's viper swept low through the planet's atmosphere and she
restarted her scan of the planet's surface.  The magnetic field was
still interfering with her scanner, but she was able to get some initial
readings, which did indicate an oxygen atmosphere and adequate animal
and vegetation requirements. No human lifeforms registered and so far,
only a small amount of tylium registered on her scanner.  

The Northern Hemisphere was a mixture of high mountainous terrain and
beautiful green valleys.  There were several large lakes in this area. 
A large animal population inhabited this section of the planet.  The
Southern Hemisphere was covered with thick vegetation indicating a
jungle environment, before giving away to desert terrain.  It was within
this hemisphere that trace amounts of tylium where registering.  There
also appeared to be several ruins peaking out of the thick overgrown
vegetation.  But what kind and who had left them, Sheba didn't know.

"Hey Sheba, find anything interesting?  And by the way, the first round
is on you."  Boomer pulled his viper along side of hers, as she was
about to start her second pass through the atmosphere.

"Boomer, this planet seems to have a little of everything we could use,
including the tylium.  However, my scanner is indicating small amounts
so far.  There also seems to be some kind of ruins in the Southern
Hemisphere, but I'm registering no lifeforms other than the animal
population.  I want to make another pass of the planet's surface.  This
magnetic field is wrecking havoc with my scanner.  What are you picking
up?" Sheba asked, ignoring the fact that the first round was on her.

"The same interference you're experiencing.  Let's make that additional
pass and see what shows up.  Then we have to head back to the
Galactica," Boomer replied.

As Boomer and Sheba scanned the planet's surface, a lone figure watched
their progress through the planet's atmosphere.

"My scanner seems to be working better, at least for now.  I'm getting
some more detailed scans of the planet.  You know Boomer, this planet is
kind of strange and I'm starting to get a very weird feeling, but don't
ask me to explain it," Sheba felt a shiver run through her body as she
waited for Boomer's response.

"It must be the magnetic field this planet is generating.  My scanner
has been going in and out same as yours, but I know what you mean. 
Besides, it's probably just how close to the numbers we have to fly this
patrol," Boomer replied, glancing over at Sheba.

"Yeah, you're probably right," Sheba said ruefully.  

As the scanner continued to relay data back to Sheba's display terminal,
it suddenly started flashing: tylium deposit 97% pure at coordinates 31
degrees South by 105 degrees West.  It wasn't an overly large deposit,
but it was adequate.

"Boomer, my scanner is now picking up a nice deposit of tylium over the
Southern Hemisphere, near where those ruins are located.  Are you
getting the same readings?" Sheba asked.

"Yes, I'm receiving the same data you are.  Let's try to concentrate our
scanners on those coordinates, and make sure it's not a ghost reading." 
Boomer signaled back.

Both vipers headed for the coordinates indicated by the scan, unaware
they were still being monitored.
<><><><><><><><><><><>
"Athena, did you have a good flight?" Bojay greeted Athena as she exited
the Decontamination Unit.

"Yes, it felt great to be in a viper again even for a short patrol,"
Athena's exuberance was apparent from the spring in her step to the wide
beautiful smile on her face.

Bojay smiled back.  He had been waiting for Athena's patrol to get back
for over a centar, alternating between pacing back and forth in the
landing bay to sticking his nose into the repairs being made to his
viper.  At one point, he thought Jenny was going to shoot him for
standing over her shoulder as she worked on the fuel pump in the number
three turbo engine.  He finally had the presence of mind to leave her
along and come wait near the Decontamination unit.

"We have about 30 centons before the memorial service is scheduled to
start.  How about we go and get a bite to eat in the mess hall?"  Bojay
looked hopefully at Athena.

"I'd love to.  I didn't eat much for breakfast during morning cycle, and
I'm famished," Athena smiled at Bojay, her blue eyes twinkling.

"Great, lets get going!"  Bojay, grinning ear to ear, extended his arm
to Athena and they headed for the mess hall. 
<><><><><><><><><><>
"Colonel Tigh, Lt. Boomer and Lt. Sheba's patrol is overdue and there
has been no communication with either of them."  Bowfinger's voice was
steady, but he wasn't able to hold back the worry he felt.  He had known
Sheba since they were assigned to the Pegasus together six yahrens ago,
coming to the Galactica when Cain transferred the majority of the crew
before he took on the two baseships at Gomoray.  This just wasn't like
her.

Colonel Tigh stood straighter at the terminal in front of him and pinned
Bowfinger with a sharp look.  "How long overdue are Boomer and Sheba?"

"They are coming up on one centar overdue, Colonel," Bowfinger replied
hastily, swinging back around in his chair.

"It's still early yet, monitor all channels and let me know the moment
you pick anything up," Colonel Tigh's face was stoic, but inside he was
concerned.  It wasn't like Boomer or Sheba to be one centon late, let
alone one centar.

As Tigh went to inform the Commander, he felt his stomach churn with the
unease he was feeling.  Not only did he and Adama have to worry about
the fuel shortage, and the Council Meeting scheduled to start in 2
centars concerning the deal to release Baltar, now two of their best
warriors were overdue.  What else was going to go wrong this cycle?
<><><><><><><><><><><><><>
 "Apollo, as far as patrols go, that was the most boring one I've had
the misfortune to be on.  We didn't even come across a planet worth 2
cubits of fuel," Starbuck complained as he jumped down from his viper.

"Starbuck, after yesterday, a boring patrol was just fine with me. 
However, I wish we had found something useful," Apollo told Starbuck as
they approached the Decontamination Unit.
 
"Come on, Starbuck, we're going to be late for the memorial service if
we don't get moving," Apollo entered the Decontamination Unit and waited
for the doors to close.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Athena and Bojay stood in the front row on the left side of the Chapel
of the Faithful with the members of Silver Spar Squadron.   Behind them,
Jolly, Greenbean, Giles, Brie and Dietra along with the other Warriors
from Blue and Red Squadrons were assembled.  On the other side of the
chapel Omega, Bullock, Rigel, Dr. Salik and Cassie along with various
personnel from the Galactica were standing quietly, waiting for the
services to begin.

Athena looked around the small chapel, admiring the stain glass panel in
the center depicting the 12 Lords of Kobol.  Then starting to the right,
the walls of the chapel were covered with smooth, black granite panels
measuring 2 meters by 4 meters.  Names of all the Warriors assigned to
the Galactica through the yahrens that had died in the line of duty to
the Colonies were engraved on those panels.

Panel after panel of names lined the entire walls of the chapel.  With
the destruction of the Colonies, the last panel had been started.  The
names on this panel began with the Warriors that died during the
Destruction.  Athena couldn't make out Zac's name from where she was
standing, but knew it was there, as well as Abram's, Bullock's son, and
many others.  Serina's name had been added a sectar after the
Destruction when she died at Kobol.  Since then, many other names had
been added.  Now today, five new names were engraved on that panel. 

Above each of the panels, the following passage was written:  "Here in
Lies the Names of the Fallen, Our Warriors who Sacrificed Their Lives
for Their Fellow Man.  May Their Sacrifice Be Not in Vain." 

This passage always brought tears to Athena's eyes.  They all had lost
so many friends and family members.  After Zac's name had been engraved
on the panel, Athena found herself coming here many times to talk to
him.  To try and deal with everything she had lost and the anger she was
feeling.  The anger she felt because Apollo had to leave Zac behind in
order to warn the fleet about the Cylons.  She didn't blame Apollo, she
understood he had no choice and blamed himself more than he should, but
she was angry that Zac died within reach of the Galactica. Then there
was the anger at her mother for not coming to the Galactica when the
Peace Accord was to be signed.  No, her mother wanted to be home,
preparing a special celebration for them all.  But that celebration
never happened.  When all was said and done the anger Athena felt
towards the lords for letting the Cylons destroy their Worlds outweigh
them all. Her faith took a big hit during the Destruction.  Losing her
brother right before her eyes and then her mother had almost been too
much.  This Chapel was helping to heal her in a way no one else could. 
And in the process, Athena was rediscovering her faith.
 
Athena continued looking around the chapel before turning with concern
to Bojay. 

 "Where are Boomer, Sheba, Starbuck and Apollo?  Shouldn't they be here
by now?"  Athena asked quietly.

 "I don't know Athena, but if they don't get here soon, the memorial
service is going to start without them," Bojay looked over at her,
noticing the concern in her expressive blue eyes.

Just then, Apollo and Starbuck quickly entered through the door.  After
scanning the room, they joined the squadrons at the front of the chapel.

"You made it just in time," Athena whispered to Apollo and Starbuck, as
Commander Adama and Colonel Tigh entered the chapel and took their
positions.

"Where are Boomer and Sheba?"  Apollo asked with alarm, noticing right
away that the two were missing.

"I don't know.  I haven't seen either of them," Athena looked at Apollo
with equal concern, as the Reverend Patriarch rang out the bells
signaling the start of the service.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
"Father, we have to go and find Boomer and Sheba!  We can't just leave
them out there, they need our help!"  Apollo's voice was desperate,
laced with the fear he was feeling inside.  His hands were clenched on
the corners of Adama's desk.  If anything happened to Sheba, God, he
couldn't even think about that.  Apollo felt as if his world was caving
in on him and by the lords, he wasn't going to let that happen, not
again.

"Apollo, don't you think I want to go out there and find them myself! 
My God, Sheba and Boomer are like my own children to me and it's killing
me to think that they might be in trouble.  We don't have the fuel to
spare in organizing a search party.  We don't have any clue where they
disappeared and we can't go searching all over the star system for
them.  We just don't have a choice!"  Adama's voice raised above that of
his son's as he stood up from behind his desk.

Adama looked at Starbuck, Athena and Bojay.  Their feelings were clearly
written on their faces.  They wanted to go out and find them, the same
as Apollo.  Adama looked at his oldest son, the pained expression on his
face, the fear that he couldn't hide.  Adama knew Apollo loved Sheba. 
He had seen the sparks fly whenever they were in the same room, the
crackle in the air when they looked at the other.  Yes, they started out
as adversaries, but quickly became close friends.  Adama had known from
the start that they were made for each other, soul mates like Ila and
him.  He just had to wait for Apollo to realize that same fact.

Last night, Adama had noticed the new closeness between Sheba and his
son.  When he stopped in the Officer's Club to offer a silent toast to
the warriors lost in the battle, he had seen the looks being exchanged
between them, had seen Apollo's arm around Sheba's shoulders.  He had
smiled and realized Apollo was finally moving on with his life.  Adama
had come to love Sheba as if she were his own daughter and knew the two
needed each other.  Now, Boomer and Sheba were overdue from their
patrol.

"Father, we know the patrol parameter they were investigating.  We just
follow the same patrol pattern they would have taken.  Without their
report, we don't know what's in that parameter and we'll need that
information.  And if we come across their trail, we find them also,"
Apollo looked at his father expectantly; hoping this new argument would
change his mind.  He was going to find Sheba and Boomer, with or without
his father's blessing.

"That's right Commander, we need to know what's in that parameter.  We
don't want to be surprised by any more Cylons," Starbuck added, as
worried as much about his friends as he was Apollo.  Apollo had that
wild look in his green eyes.  Starbuck had a pretty good idea what his
friend might do if Adama didn't let them go and find Boomer and Sheba.

"Besides Father, what if the tylium we need is in that parameter?  We
can't afford to leave any stones unturned," Athena noted as her father
paused to consider the possibilities. Athena looked at Apollo, his fists
clinched by his side, waiting for their father's decision.  She glanced
at Starbuck and knew he was as worried about Apollo as she was.

Bojay decided to remain quiet and wait for fear of pushing the Commander
too far.

Adama rubbed his left temple.  He was tired and knew he wasn't going to
get any rest soon.  In fact, he had the Council to deal with in a matter
of centons.  He looked at the four people standing in his quarters.  By
the looks on their faces, they were going after Boomer and Sheba with or
without his consent.  And to tell the truth, he wanted them to.  

"All right.  Apollo, take a viper patrol out into that parameter and see
what you can find.  No chances, if you can't find a trace of them, you
get back to the Galactica.  Do you understand, Captain?"  Adama
stressed, wanting his son's assurance before he left. 

"Yes sir!"  Apollo was already heading out the door, with Starbuck,
Bojay and Athena on his heels.

Adama closed his eyes and said a silent prayer for them all, but most
importantly for Boomer and Sheba's safety.  He didn't want to think of
the consequences for Apollo if that wasn't the case.

Adama sat back down at his desk and reached for the communication
videochannel.  As soon as Colonel Tigh's face appeared on the screen he
said, "Colonel, Captain Apollo will be taking a viper patrol out into
the same patrol parameter that Lts. Boomer and Sheba were assigned. 
With any luck, they will find just what we are looking for."

After a brief pause, Colonel Tigh said tightly, "Understood Commander." 
Then he stressed softly into his headset, "Also, I just saw several
members of the Council entering the chambers as we're speaking." 

"Thank you, Colonel.  I'm on my way," Adama noted as he stood up and
braced himself for the meeting to come.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"Apollo, I want to come with you," Athena told her brother, grabbing his
arm as they headed towards Apollo's quarters to talk to Boxey.

"No way, Athena!  You are not coming along.  We have no idea what
happened to Boomer and Sheba, and I'm not going to have you out there
also!"  Apollo's face was stiff with tension and fear.  He wasn't going
to risk Athena on this patrol.  He already was worried enough about
Sheba and Boomer, he didn't need to add Athena to the list.

"Apollo, their my friends too!  I'm a good pilot.  I can handle this
patrol. Besides, Bojay is going and Dr. Salik hasn't cleared him for
patrol yet!"  Athena's voice raised as she saw the full force of
Apollo's stubbornness in his bright green eyes.  'Well, I can be just as
stubborn as Apollo,' Athena thought. 

"Athena, I'm the Flight Commander!  I have complete control over the
pilots and I'm not letting you come on this patrol!  Bojay is on his way
to get Dr. Salik to clear him for this patrol and if he doesn't, he's
staying here also.  Now, I'm going to go talk to Boxey and then meet
Starbuck and Bojay in the launch bay."  Apollo turned and headed angrily
down the corridor.

Athena stood with her hands on her hips, staring after her brother. 
'Apollo, I'm going with you whether you like it or not.  Someone has to
keep an eye on you right now and if that means I have to launch without
permission, than so be it,' Athena thought as she turned and headed for
the launch bay.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Commander Adama tapped the gavel down on the table three times
indicating the special session of the Council of Twelve was to begin. 
He braced himself for what was to come in this session.  How he hated
the constant battles with the Council.  If he weren't afraid what the
Council would do in haste and ignorance, he'd leave them to their own
devices.

"Members of the Council of Twelve, I call this session to order.  I
would like to begin by laying down the facts concerning the deal I made
with Baltar."  Adama glanced around the table meeting the eyes of each
Council member as he spoke, noticing the grim expressions on each of
their faces.   

"Yes, I'd like to hear what you have to say about this matter Adama,"
Sire Udall's sarcastic comment resounding through the chamber.  Sire
Udall was the newest member on the Council and was already proving to be
a thorn in Adama's side.

Deciding to ignore Sire Udall for the centon, Adama began, "First, in
exchange for critical information concerning the Cylon Baseship, I made
an agreement with Baltar for his conditional release.  The information
he provided us made it possible for Captain Apollo and Lieutenant
Starbuck to infiltrate the Cylon Baseship and destroy her scanners. 
This allowed us to launch the first attack without being detected.  It
gave us the military advantage we needed to defeat the Baseship."  

Adama looked at Sire Dorma and noticed his skeptical expression.  Sire
Udall's wasn't much better.  Sire Anton and the other members of Council
however appeared to be receptive to what Adama was explaining to them.

"The conditions of Baltar's release are to drop him off on an
uninhabited planet, with adequate shelter and provisions.  He will have
short-range communications ability, but that is all.  It is my plan to
find the remotest planet within shuttle range of the fleet and deposit
him there.  In all likelihood and by the grace of the lords, we will
never hear from him again!"  As Adama finished he noticed the
uncooperative expressions on several of his fellow council member's
faces, but especially Sire Dorma.  He was going to be a problem.

"Adama, do you really want us to release the greatest traitor ever known
to mankind? We're just going to let him go?  After everything he has
single-handedly done to destroy us?"  Sire Dorma's voice rose as he
looked at Adama.

"Sire Dorma, we have made the deal with Baltar and whether we like it or
not we must keep our word," Siress Tinia interrupted Sire Dorma's
tirade.

Adama looked at Sire Dorma, and took a deep breath, "Yes, it was the
deal I made.  I do intend to release him, but not where he can harm us
ever again!" Adama paused a moment before he continued, "I would rather
leave him behind on some isolated planet than continue to bring him with
us!"  Adama's voice conveyed his determination in keeping the deal.

Siress Tinia straightened in her chair, clasping her hands in front of
her on the table, said,  "I don't like the idea of turning Baltar free,
but at least we will be getting rid of him and marooning him on a
deserted planet may be just what he deserves.  Think about it.  We don't
have to worry about him escaping and taking us hostage again and we
don't have to share our resources with him anymore either.  Whether he
lives or dies will solely be in his hands on that planet!" Siress Tinia
managed to get the attention of quite a few council members. 

"Good point, Tinia. I know I would like to see him at his own mercy.  He
probably wouldn't be able to make it a yahren on his own.  That would
definitely be fitting," Sire Anton spoke up from his seat at her right
side.  

The other members of Council grew silent as they considered the words
spoken.  Finally, Sire Dorma let out a heavy sigh and looking at Adama
stated, "Against my better judgment, I will not oppose this release
further.  However Adama, I hope our decision to release Baltar instead
of keeping him a prisoner will not come back to haunt us.  And if it
does, the responsibility will rest on your head, not mine."

"Thank you for you support Sire Dorma," Adama smiled, inclining his head
in understanding.

"I call for a vote on the release of Baltar as agreed upon by Commander
Adama," Siress Tinia decided to end this discussion as soon as she saw
the opportunity to do so.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>><><><>

"Starbuck, is Apollo back from talking to Boxey yet?"  Bojay rounded
Starbuck's viper on the way to his own.  Thank the lords Jenny had
finished the repairs to his viper earlier.  

"No, but he should be here any micron.  Did Dr. Salik clear you to go
with us?"  Starbuck looked up from examining the underside of his viper
to glance at Bojay.

"Yes and even if he didn't, I would still be going!  We have to find
Boomer and Sheba!"  Bojay hurried over to his own viper and started his
pre-flight check.  He wanted to leave as soon as possible to begin the
search for his friends.

Starbuck could understand where Bojay was coming from.  Starbuck had
known Boomer since their Academy days.  He was also one of his best
friends.  Apollo, Boomer and he had been through some tough times and
they still had more adventures ahead of them.  And ever since Sheba had
come to the Galactica, she had become like a little sister to him. 
Starbuck was determined to find Boomer and Sheba.  They were part of his
family and by the lords, he wasn't going to lose them.

Starbuck looked up as he heard footsteps approaching his viper expecting
to see Apollo, but instead he saw Athena carrying her helm under her
arm.

"Athena, you're not going on this patrol are you?"  Starbuck asked even
though he knew the answer.

"I'm going on this patrol Starbuck!  Apollo may not want me on this
patrol, but someone besides you needs to keep an eye on him!"  Athena's
blue eyes sparked, daring Starbuck to say anything.

Starbuck saw the look in her blue eyes and knew from first hand
experience that she wasn't going to be swayed from going.  God help us. 
When Apollo gets here, it's going to be one hades of a battle.  Each
sibling could be just as stubborn and determined as the other could.

"Starbuck!  Bojay!  Let's get going.  It will just take me a centon to
get my pre-flight done," Apollo yelled as he approached his viper.  He
glanced towards Starbuck and saw Athena standing there with her helm and
stopped dead in his tracks.

"Athena, you are not going on this patrol!"  Apollo marched over to her
and stood with his hands on his hips, his green eyes flashing in anger.

Starbuck quickly backed away and headed to his viper.  He didn't want to
be anywhere within reach when Athena and Apollo squared off.

Bojay heard the initial exchange, and considered going over to the two,
but saw Starbuck shake his head negative and remained near his viper. 
He had to agree with Apollo.  He didn't want Athena going on this patrol
either.  They didn't know what had happened to Sheba and Boomer and he
didn't want to worry about Athena out there also.

"Apollo, I am going with you whether you want me to or not!  I am not
going to be left behind so you can go off and get yourself killed!" 
Athena stood straight in front of Apollo not backing down for a centon.

"What are you talking about, getting myself killed?"  Apollo yelled back
at her, grabbing her arm and leading her over to a more private area in
Alpha Bay.    

"I'm talking about your so called death wish.  Ever since you lost
Serina, I have watched you volunteer for every dangerous mission that's
come along!  I've already lost Zac; I don't want to lose you too.  I
couldn't deal with that!"  Athena finally spoke the words she had
believed since Apollo was almost lost on Equillus, right after Serina
had died.

Apollo was stunned.  Why did everyone think he had a death wish?  He
didn't have one!  Did he?  No!  At least not any more.  Hades, he had
Boxey to take care of and now he had Sheba in his life.  Sheba.  He had
to find her and fast!

"Look Athena, I may have taken some chances in the past, after Serina
died, but I don't have a death wish.  I have Boxey to think about and
now I have Sheba.  I need to get out there and find her, not stand here
and argue with you!" Apollo stressed, clearly aggravated.

"Apollo, look at yourself!  You have that haunted look in your eyes,
just like you did after Serina died.  I promised Sheba that if anything
ever happened to her, I wouldn't let you go off half-cocked.  I promised
myself that I would look out for you, like I wasn't able to look out for
Zac and that's what I intend to do!"  Athena's clear blue eyes pleaded
with Apollo to let her go and not be left behind again.

The guilt that Apollo felt concerning Zac bubbled to the surface.  He
knew he had no choice but to leave Zac behind, but that didn't make him
feel any less guilty.  He was supposed to look out for Zac, and he
wasn't able to.

"Athena, I'm coming back and I'm coming back with Sheba and Boomer.  You
don't have to worry about me taking unnecessary risks anymore.  I know I
have too much to lose," Apollo reached up and squeezed Athena's
shoulder.

"Apollo, please, let me come.  I promise if anything happens, I will
head directly back to the Galactica and let them know what's happening. 
I promise I will do exactly what you say, just let me come and keep my
promise to Sheba and to myself," Athena reached for Apollo's hands and
held them in her own.

Apollo closed his eyes and let out the breath he didn't realize he was
holding.  Frack!  How was he supposed to deny Athena now?  Taking a deep
breath, Apollo opened his eyes and studied Athena's face.  He saw the
torment swirling in the depth of her blue eyes and knew he had lost.

"Okay, you win.  You can come, but you will do exactly what I say and if
I tell you to get back to the Galactica, you had better high tail it
back here as fast as that viper can fly.  Understood?"  Apollo pinned
Athena with his green eyes, extracting one more promise from her.

"Understood, Apollo.  I promise to obey orders.  Thank you for letting
me come.  I know we'll find them both," Athena gave Apollo's hands one
final squeeze and the two siblings headed for their vipers in
preparation to go.

"Starbuck!  Bojay!  Give Athena and me a few centons and we'll be ready
to leave," Apollo called out.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"Captain Apollo's patrol just launched," Bowfinger informed Colonel
Tigh.

"Very well, Lieutenant.  Maintain scanner contact for as long as
possible," Colonel Tigh responded.  He prayed that they would find
Boomer and Sheba.  Not just because they could ill afford to lose any
pilots, let alone two highly trusted, accomplished pilots like Boomer
and Sheba, but because they were like his family.

"Omega, start gathering data on the habitable planets in the nearby
quadrants.  Commander Adama is going to want that as soon as the Council
meeting is adjourned," Colonel Tigh ordered.  

"Yes, Colonel. I'll see to it immediately," Omega glanced at Colonel
Tigh, noticing the shadows under his dark eyes.  

"Shall I put together a list of the needed supplies for the most optimal
planets and include that in the report for the Commander?"  Omega
inquired.

"Yes, that would save us a step in the long run.  See to it, Omega,"
Tigh said absently, his mind clearly on another matter.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"Starbuck, have you picked up anything on your scanner yet?"  Apollo
asked tightly, afraid of the answer he knew he was about to hear.

"No, Apollo, I haven't picked up a frack'n thing!"  Starbuck's
frustration was reaching the breaking point.  He was going to find his
friends if it took him all secton!

"Apollo, we've been out here a long time.  How much further until they
would have had to turn back for the fleet?"  Athena asked as she glanced
out the cockpit window.

Apollo was silent.  He knew they were nearing the turn around point, but
he wasn't able to voice that knowledge aloud.  He wouldn't permit
himself to think about the possibility that Boomer and Sheba were lost
to them.  He couldn't give up hope yet.  He wasn't going to lose someone
he loved again.

"They would have had to turn around in another 30 centons, no more.  We
haven't been able to find a trace of them or anything that would explain
their disappearance.  We have to comb every square metron of space in
this quadrant until we find them," Apollo finally answered. 

"Apollo, I'm picking up a solar system on the outskirts of the patrol
parameter.  It's just coming into scanner range now.  There seems to be
six planets orbiting a red dwarf star.  We're still too far off to pick
up any definite life readings however," Bojay interrupted impatiently,
knowing this was going to be the last system they would be able to
investigate or they ran the risk of not having enough fuel to make it
back to the fleet themselves.

"I'm picking it up now too.  It stands to reason that Boomer and Sheba
would have made this their last stop before heading back to the fleet,"
Starbuck injected, glancing over at Apollo.

"All right, let's go in and find them.  Stay together everyone.  I don't
want to have to come looking for any of you," Apollo replied, his voice
full of the tension he was feeling.  Every nerve ending in his body was
telling him to be on guard, but for what, he didn't know.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
The four vipers entered the solar system containing the red dwarf star
and six planets.  Apollo stared hard at his scanner, waiting for it to
show some sign, any sign, that Boomer and Sheba were somewhere within
this solar system.  The scanner's readout started flashing across his
screen, showing no human lifeforms.  Apollo let out a deep breath, but
refused to give up.  He knew that until they scanned each and every
planet, they couldn't be certain of these initial readings.  Besides,
every nerve ending in his body was telling him that something was here.

"Starbuck, let's start with the first two planets in this system.  You
and Bojay take the first planet, Athena and I will check out the second
one.  I want detailed scans of every planet, no matter how uninhabitable
it appears.  And another thing, be careful, I don't want to have to come
looking for either of you," Apollo's voice was steady, and in control as
he turned to look at Starbuck on his right.  

"You got it, Apollo.  We will find them.  Besides, I still owe Boomer 50
cubits and I don't think he would leave without collecting them,"
Starbuck replied, trying to inject some humor into the already grave
situation.

"Starbuck!"  Athena interjected angrily.  She knew Starbuck liked to
crack jokes when he was nervous, but by the lords, why now of all times?

"What?!"  Starbuck replied, his voice carrying a trace of annoyance as
Bojay and he turned for the first planet.

"That's okay, Athena.  I know what Starbuck is trying to do and I
appreciate it.  Come on, let's go check out the second planet," Apollo
said evenly, apprehension still consuming his every thought.  Something
was wrong here.  Something that he had to be on guard against, for all
their sakes.
<><><><><><><><><>

Starbuck started his scan of the first planet. Its dull, drab color
reminded Starbuck of modeling clay. Its surface was pocked with craters
from meteorite bombardment and the surface seemed to be covered in dust
from the countless impacts.  

Glancing at his scanner as it finished with the readout, Starbuck felt
his spirits start to sink as low as a Pieces swamp serpent.

"Bojay, there is nothing here but rock...barren rock.  There isn't even
an adequate atmosphere to land, let alone breathe!"  Starbuck replied
testily.

Bojay looked at the planet; it's dull gray surface offering no sanctuary
for a weary pilot or two.  He glanced over at Starbuck, "Starbuck, it's
only one planet.  There are still five other ones they may be on.  Come
on, let's meet up with Apollo and Athena, okay?"

Starbuck closed his eyes and let out a deep breath, "Okay Bojay, let's
meet up with Apollo and Athena. Maybe they had better luck than we did."
<><><><><><><><><><><>><>

"Athena, stick close and follow me," Apollo ordered as he bought his
viper into a high orbit around the second planet.  It was veiled in
clouds and according to his scanner, those clouds were made up of
sulfuric acid.   As data continued to flow from his scanner, Apollo
noted sadly the carbon dioxide atmosphere and the volcanic eruptions on
the surface.  They wouldn't find Sheba and Boomer here.  At least not
alive.

Apollo felt his heart miss a beat at that last thought.  He finally had
the courage to confront his deep feelings for Sheba and as soon as he
did, something happens to her.  Was he cursed?  Did he do something to
offend one of the lords?

No sooner was he happy with Serina, when she was suddenly taken away
from him by a Cylon laser blast shortly after they were sealed.  He had
known Serina only a short time before she died.  Apollo immediately fell
into a deep depression, wondering how he was going to survive, how he
was going to take care of Boxey, Serina's son, and now his son as well.  

Then out on patrol one day, Starbuck and he came across Sheba and Bojay
out on patrol from the Pegasus.  Before he knew it, the two Pegasus
warriors had started to open fire on them.  It had taken all his skill
as a warrior to try and evade Sheba's pursuing viper, until she had
realized who they were.  It wasn't until later, in the Officer's Club,
that Apollo actually met Sheba.  To say that they didn't get along at
first would have been an understatement, mostly due to the conflict
involving their fathers.  But they were able to move past all that and
become close friends.  Now a yahren later, their relationship was
growing deeper and they were taking the next step.  Was Sheba following
in the same ill-fated path that took Serina?  Was he destined to lose
another woman that he loved?  

"Apollo, there's nothing here.  We need to meet up with Starbuck and
Bojay," Athena's soft voice broke into Apollo's dark thoughts.  She knew
the tension was taking its toll on Apollo and she prayed that no matter
what they found, he would be able to accept it.

"Yeah, let's go.  The sooner we find them, the better," Apollo replied,
shaking off the dark thoughts.  'Oh God, please let Sheba be all right!'
Apollo thought as they left the planet behind.
<<><><><><<><><><>><><><><><><><>>

"Starbuck, did you and Bojay find anything?"  Apollo asked as soon as
they joined up with the other two pilots.

"Nothing, Apollo.  Not a damn thing!"  Starbuck was frustrated and just
wanted to find out what happened to Boomer and Sheba.

"The second planet was negative also.  We still have four more planets
in this system to check.  Boomer and Sheba have to be on one of them. 
There's no other possibility.  Let's head for the next two planets,"
Apollo replied stiffly as he reached up and ran his hand along the back
of his neck, trying to ease the tension there.  

"Apollo, I'm picking up an intermitting distress signal transmitting
Boomer's identification code!"  Starbuck exclaimed as all four vipers
approached the next two planets.

"I'm picking it up too!  It's coming from the fourth planet in this
system," Apollo said in a rush, feeling both excitement and fear at the
same time.

"Come on, buddy, let's go get them and bring them home!"  Starbuck
smiled for the first time since Sheba and Boomer had disappeared.

As the four vipers headed for the medium blue planet, a solitary figure
started to laugh.  The ominous, almost haunting sound of laughter filled
the air over the fourth planet.  Everything was going as planned.  Soon,
soon he would have everything he wanted and more.
<>>>><><><><><<><><><>><><><>

"Boomer, this just doesn't make sense!  There is no logical reason why
our vipers just lost all power!  We've gone over them and nothing is out
of the ordinary," Sheba ran her hand through her long hair in
frustration, pushing it off her forehead.

"I know that Sheba.  But that still doesn't change the fact that our
vipers won't function.  Something on this planet is either preventing
them from functioning or has somehow disabled them," Boomer replied
cautiously.  It was approaching dusk on the planet and they still needed
to finish setting up camp.

"Boomer, do you really think that the magnetic fields being generated
here might be the cause of our engine problems?"  Sheba asked as she
bent over to pick up another log for the campfire. 

"It's the only logical reason I can come up with at this point.  The
only funny thing is, that the magnetic field intensified the moment we
flew over the ruins a second time," Boomer observed as he gathered
several more logs for the fire.

"We should head for those old ruins at first light.  Maybe we can find
out what's happening here.  It's going to take us several centars to
hike to them," Sheba noted, as they made their way back to their
makeshift camp next to their vipers.

"I was thinking the same thing.  If we take too long getting off this
planet, we will never catch up to the fleet, especially with our fuel
and life support numbers," Boomer remarked, as he glanced at Sheba.  He
saw her press her lips together as she contemplated what to say.

"Boomer, do you really think that the fleet has slowed down to give us a
chance to catch up?"  Sheba just had to ask, her voice reflecting the
fear she couldn't hold back.  Ever since they had made an emergency
landing on this planet, she had been afraid she would never see Apollo
again, and what that would do to the both of them.  She had never been
in love before, but she knew she loved Apollo with all her heart, to the
very bottom of her soul.  She couldn't imagine trying to live without
him.   She had loved him for so long now, waiting on the sidelines for
Apollo to put his grief for Serina away.  Then came the suicide mission
to the Baseship and Sheba had taken the chance and told Apollo, in a
round about way, how she felt.  When he returned, Apollo had gone
looking for her, finding her in the Celestial dome.  And there, just
last night cycle, they had declared their love for one another.  Now
today, she was facing the very real possibility of never seeing Apollo
again.  

Boomer paused as he looked at Sheba, seeing the fear in her brown eyes,
and knowing it was in his as well, "I have to believe that, Sheba.  If I
don't have any hope of getting off this frack'n planet and back to the
fleet, then I don't know what I'm going to do."

"Well, at least we got one of the distress signals to work.  If we're
lucky, the Galactica decided to send out a patrol to look for us and
they will find our distress signal," Sheba replied with some hope.  She
wanted off this planet.  For some strange reason, it made her skin
crawl.

Sheba dropped her load of firewood and went over next to Boomer.  She
watched him stack the wood and brush into the circle they had dug out of
the ground to contain their campfire.  When he was done, she asked
smiling, "Do you want to shoot it or shall I?"

"Hey, go for it if it will make you feel better," Boomer said with a
smile as he stood back for Sheba to start the fire.

"This is not how I envisioned spending tonight.  I was suppose to have
dinner with Apollo and Boxey," Sheba aimed at the wood and fired her
laser, setting it on fire.

"Yeah well, I'm suppose to be having dinner on the Rising Star with
Dietra," Boomer replied as he adjusted the logs in the campfire until he
was satisfied.

"So, you finally asked Dietra out?"  Sheba inquired innocently as she
glanced over at Boomer.

"Yes I did.  And before you start asking questions, I'm just testing the
waters here, seeing if I want to get my feet wet," Boomer replied as he
sat down to work on some rather crude perimeter lampions.

Sheba raised an eyebrow but decided not to say anymore on the subject,
at least not until after dinner.  As she went about getting their
emergency rations together and prepared, suddenly an ominous, almost
haunting sound of laughter rippled though the early dusk air.  Sheba
quickly dropped everything and laser in hand went over to Boomer.

Boomer, who had been sitting next to the fire, was on his feet, his
laser in his hand in a micron.  He glanced down at Sheba as she came to
stand beside him, "What in the blazes was that?!"   

"I haven't a clue.  I thought this planet registered no lifeforms other
than animal, and that was no animal," Sheba replied quietly, concern
raging through her body.

Boomer and Sheba continued to survey the area around them.  Sheba didn't
see anything near their camp, but every instinct inside her was crying
out to be very careful.

"Boomer, do you think someone else is on this planet besides us?" 
Sheba's asked as they continued to watch all around them.

"That definitely sounded like a human laugh if I ever heard one. 
Someone is out there.  That much I know for sure," Boomer replied as he
kept his laser trained on the perimeter of their camp.

After a few centons, Boomer looked to Sheba, the worry evident in his
eyes, "I don't see anything, but that doesn't mean nothing is out
there."

"I don't see anything either.  I guess I'll start to get our dinner
together again while you keep guard.  I don't like this.  I don't like
this at all," Sheba carefully returned to preparing dinner, looking all
around their camp every centon, concentrating on every sound that echoed
in the early evening air.  Every fowl call, every rustle of the near by
brush, caused Sheba to glance in that direction along with Boomer.

They ate their lackluster rations sitting back to back by the fire,
their eyes constantly surveying the area around their campsite, their
hands always on their lasers, ready for whatever was coming.

Dietra walked slowly into the Officer's Club, trying to stem her worry
over Boomer and Sheba.  Ever since Rigel had told her that they were
missing, she had tried to deal with her worry as calmly as possible, and
now she needed a grog.

As Dietra approached the bar, Bullock wandered over to meet her.  While
she appeared calm and in full control, Bullock could see the slightly
clenched jaw and the one dark hand curled into a fist at her side.  He
had heard about Boomer and Sheba.  In fact, he was worried about them
himself.  They were his warriors that were missing and he was constantly
praying for their safe return.

"So, what will it be?"  Bullock's voice was a deep soothing baritone. 
He leaned his hip against the bar, waiting for Dietra to settle into one
of the tall stools at the end.  

"Just a grog, Bullock," Dietra replied softly, as she let out a small
sigh.

"Coming right up," Bullock turned and picking up a clean mug, he pulled
the tap, filling it with the dark liquid.  When he was finished, he
carefully sat the grog down in front of Dietra and waited.

"Thanks, Bullock," Dietra said as she took a quick drink.  "Do you know
I was supposed to be having dinner on the Rising Star tonight?  Well, I
was.  Boomer finally asked me out, after all these sectars, and now..."
Dietra quickly swallowed another drink before she looked up into
Bullock's compassionate blue eyes.  He understood.

Bullock gently laid a comforting, warm hand on Dietra's arm, as he gave
her a reassuring smile, "Don't you be giving up on Boomer and Sheba just
yet.  Those two are very good at what they do and we just have to have
faith in their abilities.  I heard Apollo took a viper patrol out
looking for them and we just have to believe that he will find them. 
Until then, all we can do is have faith in God and the lords above and
pray for their safe return."

Dietra gave Bullock a half-smile as she laid her hand on top of his,
giving it a squeeze in thanks.  "Thank you, Bullock.  I needed to hear
that just now.  I know the Commander has slowed the fleet down as much
as possible and that has bought them some more time.  I just wish I was
out there looking for Boomer and Sheba too.  I guess, I just have to
believe that they'll find them."

"We all must keep believing that... and praying," Bullock spoke with
gentle firmness.

"So, have you had anything to eat recently?"  Bullock's voice held a
hint of parental concern as he studied Dietra face.

"No.   Actually, I haven't eaten since this morning cycle," Dietra
replied ruefully.

"Well, let me see what I can rustle up for you.  You just stay right
there and I'll be back in a couple of centons," Bullock turned and
headed for the small cookery in the back of the Officer's Club before
Dietra had a chance to say no.

She smiled as she shook her head.  Bullock was one special man.  Despite
all the adversity he had faced, he still approached life with all the
inner faith of a truly blessed individual, embracing all those around
him.  She marveled at his resilience and thanked the lords she had him
as a friend.
<><><><><><><>><><><><><><>><><><><>

Adama paced the bridge deck.   Still no word from any of the people he
cared most about.  His whole family, both his biological children and
his "adopted" children were all out there, somewhere.  Ever since
Colonel Tigh had informed him of Boomer and Sheba's disappearance, he
had been feeling... uncomfortable.  At first, he thought it was just
because two of his children were missing and the effect he knew that was
going to have on Apollo.  But during the last several centars, that
uncomfortable feeling had turned into foreboding.  

Glancing at the navigational chart and fuel status reports, he knew he
had bought them as much time as he dared.  He had ordered the fleet to
slow down, to give the patrols a chance to catch up, but that still
didn't buy them much time.  At most, they had twenty-four centars. 

Looking at Omega, he lifted an aged, white eyebrow in question and
watched as Omega sadly shook his head negative, no sign of either
patrol.  Closing his blue eyes briefly, he said another prayer to the
lords to watch over all his children.  He had a strange feeling that
they were going to need all the prayers they could get. 

Adama continued to pace.  His blue uniform swishing as he turned. None
of the earlier patrols that had been sent out had found an adequate
source of tylium. And if the fleet was to continue on its journey to
Earth, they needed to find that resource soon.  

He still had another problem to deal with...Baltar.  Glancing down at
the notepad in his right hand, he studied the habitable planets report
Omega handed him after the council meeting.  Two of the planets met all
of the requirements that he was looking for.  The main requirement being
isolated; and the second, uninhabited.  While the council, in the end,
didn't oppose Baltar's release, he knew full well that it wouldn't take
much to aggravate the situation.  The sooner Baltar was dropped off, the
better he would feel. 
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"Starbuck, Bojay, I'm picking up an intense magnetic field coming from
the planet's surface.  No wonder we didn't pick up Boomer's distress
signal before now."  Apollo reached to adjust his scanner's controls,
hoping to compensate for the magnetic interference.

"Thank goodness protocol dictates we check each of the planets
individually," Athena's voice reflected her relief.  She was so grateful
that they finally had a clue where Boomer and Sheba were.   She was
still worried about Apollo and what they might find, but at least he
seemed more in control than he had in their father's quarters.  However,
he had been very quiet.

"Well, you know Apollo, Athena.  He certainly likes protocol," Starbuck
replied, a trace of humor in his voice.

"That he does, Starbuck.  Kind of reminds me of Father now and then,"
Athena's voice carried a hint of a smile.

"All right you two, let's concentrate on finding where Boomer's signal
is coming from or do you want me to just leave you up here?"  Apollo
interrupted.  As he enter the atmosphere of the fourth planet, he felt
an intense wave of trepidation come over him.

Athena immediately noticed the change in Apollo's tone.  Something was
wrong.  "Apollo, what is it? What's wrong?"  Athena asked nervously as
she brought her viper into orbit next to Apollo's.

"I don't know what's wrong, Athena.  Let's just locate Boomer's viper
and find out where they are.  Then get the hades out of here," Apollo
replied, the concern fully evident in his voice.

"Apollo, I've got a lock on Boomer's distress signal.  It's coming from
the Southern Hemisphere, in a clearing near the jungle line," Bojay
spoke up with excitement. 

"Let's go get them.  Stay close and keep your guard up.  It's nightfall
so keep a close eye out for anything.  Athena, stay close to me.  I
don't know why, but I've got a bad feeling about this planet."  Apollo's
voice was full of the trepidation he was feeling.  

As Apollo flew low over the planet's surface, a smile broke across his
face.  Straight ahead, on the edge of the jungle line, were two colonial
vipers sitting on the planet's surface.  Next to them, a campfire was
burning, laminating two figures sitting along side it.

"There they are!  Let's set down beside them and see what happened,"
Apollo felt the relief run thought his body at seeing Sheba and Boomer. 
And for a brief moment, he ignored the fears he felt concerning this
planet.

<><><><<>><<><><><><><><><>

The night temperature was dropping rapidly and promised to bring with it
a cold, uncomfortable night for the two stranded warriors.  The campfire
flickered briefly in the cool breeze, casting shadows on the rich brown
soil.  An occasional fowl call could be heard echoing through the trees.

Sheba nervously rubbed her right hand along the barrel of her laser. 
Whatever was out there was watching them.  She could feel it.   The
hairs on the back of her neck were standing straight up.  

Sheba could remember her father telling her numerous times to always
trust your instincts; they would never let you down when it counted.  
And right now, every instinct was screaming for her to be on guard. 
Ever since that ominous sounding laughter rippled through the air, she
had been unable to shake the feeling of dread that had come over her.  
It was like somehow she knew there was something dangerous out there and
they needed to be very cautious.

Sheba still had her back pressed against Boomer's.  They had stayed in
that position after eating their emergency rations, each scouring the
perimeter with anxious eyes, looking for any sign to tell them what was
out there.

"Sheba, we need to finish the perimeter lampions before it gets any
darker.  Think you can keep watch while I take care of them?"  Boomer
spoke quietly as he turned around to face her, his brown eyes reflecting
the disquiet he was still feeling.

"Sure no problem, Boomer.  I need to stretch my legs anyway," Sheba
tried to keep the apprehension she was feeling out of her voice as she
stood up and started to stretch her arms out in front of her.

"Yell if you see anything," Boomer called after her, his attention
already focused on the unfinished lampions at his side.

"Oh don't worry, I was planning on it!"  Sheba looked back as she
grabbed her small utility light before setting out.

As she started patrolling the perimeter of their camp, Sheba kept a
sharp eye out for any movement among the dense underbrush and tall
narrow trees along the edge of camp, her laser at the ready in her right
hand.  Pausing momentarily to look up into the darkened sky, Sheba
couldn't help but notice the way the stars twinkled back at her as they
made their appearance that night, the planet's small irregular shaped
moon casting pale shadows on the ground.  If she had been on any other
planet, she would have appreciated their beauty, but not here, not under
these circumstances.

Sheba circled back again, kicking a small round stone in her path, when
she thought she heard a tiny scraping sound coming from a group of dark
bushes, unlit by the pale light of the moon. Stopping and aiming both
her laser and small utility light at the area in question, Sheba waited,
breath caught in her throat.  Suddenly a small field rodent scurried out
from underneath some loose grass.  Letting out a nervous laugh in
relief, Sheba shook her head briefly at the offending rodent, glad that
that was all it was.  

"Boomer, this place is making me jumpy.  I just about fried a field
rodent!"  Sheba yelled as she ran a shaky hand through her long hair.

"Yeah well, this place isn't doing anything for my nerves either.  Come
over here a centon and hold this end.  I need to tie it off," Boomer
called back, looking up from the lampion pole in question, his eyes
glancing around quickly.

Sheba looked around once again before walking over to the large round,
half-rotten log they had been using as a bench.  Sitting down beside
Boomer, Sheba studied the crude lampions that he was finishing putting
together.  "You really think those things are going to work?"

"Have a little faith, will ya," Boomer replied, a smile in his brown
eyes, as he showed her where to hold the loose strings.

"I do have faith.  I just don't see how those are going to burn longer
than..." Sheba suddenly broke off speaking as overhead the unmistakable
sound of several viper engines roared though the night air.

"Oh my God, Boomer, they found us!"   Sheba jumped up with Boomer, each
hugging the other as they realized that soon they would be off this
strange, unsettling planet.

"Come on, they're landing.  Let's meet them and get the hades out of
here!" Boomer grabbed Sheba's hand and they ran to meet the landing
vipers.
<><><><><><><><><><><><<><><><><>
As soon as Apollo's viper was down on the surface of the planet, he hit
the canopy release lever.  Before it could open completely, he climbed
out and jumped to the ground to meet Sheba and Boomer.

"Apollo!"  Sheba couldn't keep the relief she felt out of her voice as
she ran toward him. 

Catching Sheba, Apollo quickly enveloped her in his strong arms, holding
on tightly.  Closing his green eyes filled with tears of relief, Apollo
rested his head along side hers as he just held her for a centon,
reassuring himself that she was okay.  After saying a brief prayer of
thanks to the lords for her safety, Apollo looked up to see Boomer
standing there, a smile on his face.  Letting Sheba go, he reached out
his hand to Boomer in gratitude that they were safe.

"Boomer, you both had us pretty scared," Apollo replied, the relief in
his voice, as he put his arm around Sheba's waist.

"Boomer!  Sheba!  What happened to the two of you?"  Starbuck hollered
as he, Athena and Bojay quickly ran to join the group.   

As soon as Bojay could, he quickly pulled Sheba into a hug.  The relief
that he felt at seeing her safe and sound draining away all the pent up
tension he had been feeling since Boomer and Sheba's disappearance. 
"Sheba, what happened out here?" Bojay asked as he let her go, his eye's
full of questions.

"Two dead engines, to start with," Boomer replied over Bojay's own
questions of what happened, as he returned the hug Athena gave him.

Interrupting, Athena inquired; "What do you mean two dead engines? 
That's impossible!" Athena's blue eyes reflected her bewilderment as she
stood back beside Bojay.

"What do you mean to start with?"  Starbuck injected, frowning not only
at Boomer's response, but also at Bojay as he casually draped his arm
across Athena's shoulders.

"Impossible or not, both of our turbo engines have malfunctioned. 
Hades, we were lucky to get one of the distress signals to work!" 
Boomer started shaking his head in disgust.

Apollo's apprehension returned at that explanation as his arm tightened
around Sheba's waist.  "Both of your engines malfunctioned at the same
time?"

"Yes, about the time we were flying over some old ruins not far from
here.  We were investigating a possible deposit of tylium, when they
just lost all power.  We had to set down immediately."  Boomer still
didn't believe that it was a coincidence.

Sheba began to feel an odd sensation of eyes boring into the back of her
head.  She quickly turned knocking Apollo's arm off her waist, hoping to
see what was watching them.

Apollo noticed the concern on Sheba's face and in her wide brown eyes,
concern that matched his own.  "Sheba, what is it?  What's wrong?" 

"I...I don't know, Apollo.  I felt as if someone was watching us. 
Hades, I've felt like this since that strange haunting laughter rang
through the air earlier."  Sheba again scanned the area with her eyes,
hoping to figure out what was scaring her, but she found nothing.

"Strange haunting laughter?  Sheba, are you sure about that?  We only
picked up two human lifeform readings as we landed," Starbuck questioned
as he ran a hand though his blond hair.  'How can you hear laughter on
an uninhabited planet,' Starbuck thought skeptically.

"I heard it too, Bucko.  It sent chills up my spine before it subsided,"
Boomer quickly interrupted before Sheba could utter the sharp retort
already forming on her lips.

"Look, I'm sorry I doubted you, but it just sounds so ... strange,"
Starbuck looked apologetically at Sheba.

 "Don't worry about it, Starbuck.  If our positions had been reversed,
I'd probably think you were hearing things too," Sheba smiled
good-naturedly.

Athena listened as Boomer and Sheba recounted everything that had
happened since they found this strange planet.  She also watched Apollo
grow paler by the centon, as he would stop them to ask a question or
two.   Something was definitely wrong here.  

Glancing at Starbuck as he stood with his hands on his lean hips, a
frown on his handsome face, Athena couldn't help but feel reassured that
he was close by as she unconsciously moved closer to him.  Ever since
Boomer and Sheba started describing what had been happening she had been
feeling unsettled and just wanted to leave this planet and head back to
the Galactica.

"I don't like the sound of this one bit.  While I'm sure the magnetic
field being generated here may be the cause of your engine problems, I
don't want to wait around to find out.  Let's break the camp you've set
up and head back to the Galactica.  Boomer, you can ride with Athena and
Sheba will ride with me.  We'll take new scanner readings on that
possible tylium deposit as we leave and let the Commander decided if we
should bring a full team back."  Apollo voice was full of authority as
he spoke, but everyone heard the trace of unease in it as well.

The group went back to the campsite that Boomer and Sheba had set up. 
Quickly dousing the campfire with dirt, Boomer made sure that it was out
completely.  Using their hand held utility lights, Apollo, Sheba and
Bojay packed up all the supplies while Starbuck and Athena retrieved the
two helms from Boomer and Sheba's vipers.  All the while, they worked in
silence, each having misgivings about the planet they had landed on. 
The sooner they left the dust from this planet behind, the better.
<><><><><><><><><><>
A shadowy figure watched the group from one of the top branches of a
tall forest tree.  He couldn't help but smirk at their belief that they
could just leave this planet without his permission.  Oh, no.  If they
thought he was going to let them leave now, after everything he went
through to get them here, they were sadly mistaken. 
<><><><><><><><><><><>
Helping Athena up into the jumpseat of her viper, Boomer quickly
followed her into the front seat.  "Are you sure you don't mind if I fly
this thing back?"  

"Not at all Boomer.  Besides, you wouldn't be comfortable in this
jumpseat.  Hades, I barely fit," Athena smiled at Boomer's
thoughtfulness.  Not many male pilots would have asked if she minded,
but Boomer respected her and her abilities.  Their friendship had grown
strong since the fires on the Galactica over a yahren ago.

"I'm sure I could have managed," Boomer responded back as he lowered the
canopy on Athena's viper.

"Everyone ready to head back to the Galactica?"  Apollo signaled on the
comm. 

Receiving everyone's affirmative, Apollo reached and flipped three
ignition switches and then pushed the three turbo buttons in order to
ignite the engines on his viper.  Nothing happened.  With a sinking
feeling in the pit of his stomach, Apollo pushed the three buttons in
order again.  Again the engines failed to start, not even giving an
indication that they were capable of firing.

"Starbuck, Boomer, Bojay, my engines are malfunctioning.  I can't get
them to ignite," Apollo spoke in a quiet tone; depression settling on
his shoulders as he realized this nightmare was not over and probably
had only just begun.

"For Sagan's sake, I'm in the same fix, Apollo," Starbuck grunted as he
roughly pushed the ignition buttons again in irritation.

"Copy that here, Apollo.  We're not going anywhere!"  Boomer ripped off
his helm as his canopy opened, throwing it in a rare display of anger. 

<><><><><><><><><><><>

The campfire crackled as it slowly died down and sparks danced up into
the cold night air.   A gentle breeze was blowing, swirling the thin
cloud of smoke off into the distance.  

Boomer stood up and placed another log on the fire, staring into its
depths in search of desperately needed answers, as the conversation
drifted around him.  He didn't understand what was going on here and
wasn't all too sure he really wanted to find out.  He did, however, want
off of this fraking planet as soon as possible.  

Glancing off to the left, he saw the six vipers that sat useless,
knowing that if they didn't find a way to get them working soon, they
were going to spend the rest of their lives here.  Apollo had told him
the Commander had ordered the fleet to slow down, but that only bought
them so much time.  And that time was counting down faster than he cared
to think about.  

He also knew that the Commander would not risk any more lives to try and
find them.  They would be considered lost and the fleet would be forced
to move on without them.

Running a hand along the back of his neck, Boomer looked up into the
clear night sky, not really seeing the stars or the pale moon that
shimmered back at him.  Instead he saw flashes from his past, from the
long voyage and sequence of events that had brought him to his present
position.  Starting with the Destruction and loss of his entire
family.   Moving to the decision to set out and find the lost thirteenth
tribe that began their journey for Earth.

When the fleet had fled the Colonies, they had used every possible ship
that could fly, but still some survivors had been left behind.  There
simply weren't enough ships to carry everyone.  Boomer had searched in
vain for any surviving member of his family - his parents, his brothers
and sister and Brittany and Benji - but had found none.  In the end, he
had to accept the fact that he was alone, except for his close ties to
his best friends Apollo and Starbuck.

Boomer closed his eyes as more thoughts and images invaded his mind,
thoughts about the virus that he almost died from a sectar after the
Destruction.  The same virus that had also spread to the majority of
viper pilots aboard the Galactica.  Because of it - because of *him* -
Serina was trained as a viper pilot and shortly thereafter met her death
at the hands of a Cylon on Kobol.

The guilt Boomer felt about that chain of events had weighed heavily on
his shoulders for a long time.  If only Jolly and he had followed
standard procedure and gone through decontamination, maybe none of the
other pilots would have gotten sick.  And Boxey would still have his
mother.  

But he had learned to live with that decision.  

While Boomer had his doubts about Apollo's relationship with Serina, the
pain he had watched Apollo go through, along with the pain of losing his
own family, had caused him to live one part of his life on the outside,
looking in.  He dated, but only causal acquaintances, never getting
serious with anyone.  He didn't want to feel that kind of pain or guilt
ever again. 

As Boomer's eyes opened to see Athena sitting quietly between Starbuck
and Bojay, his thoughts turned to the fires aboard the Galactica that
almost took both of their lives.  They came close, too close as far as
Boomer was concerned, to dying.  But because of it, his respect for her
abilities and her fighting spirit had deepened that day, as did their
friendship.  And he valued their friendship greatly.  

Letting out a deep sigh, Boomer's mind turned to the last few days and
their first real victory over the Cylons since the Destruction of the
Colonies.  He and Sheba led the squadrons during that attack, finally
striking a blow against the Cylons.  Afterwards, they had waited on the
bridge for Apollo and Starbuck to make it back from the basestar.  If he
hadn't recognized them waggling, the Galactica would have destroyed
them.  

Then at the victory celebration, he had made the decision to get on with
his life, to stop putting it on hold and start living again.  He had
asked Dietra out for evening meal, to try and see where things might
go.  He had been attracted to her since she permanently joined the
squadrons after Kobol.  Only this time, the Fates intervened and were
probably laughing as they threw him another curve or detour as the case
may be, in the path that was his life.

Dropping his dark-skinned hand down by his side and pushing the memories
to the back of his mind, Boomer walked over to check on the lampions
that were burning brightly.  They were working just as he thought they
would, casting enough light to see all along the perimeter of their
makeshift camp.  He still felt as unsettled as he did earlier, keeping a
sharp eye out for any sign of the person or *thing* that was out there. 
He knew in his gut that something was watching them, waiting for the
desired moment to make itself known.  The only problem was; what did it
want from them?

<><><><><><><><>
Starbuck was sitting on the cold hard ground with his back pressed
against another round log they had dragged over to the campfire from the
edge of the woods, his blue eyes troubled as he watched Boomer prowl the
perimeter of the camp.  In all the yahrens he had known him, he had
never seen his friend so rattled.  'What in the frak is going on here? 
Nothing makes sense,' Starbuck thought as he ran his hand through his
sandy blond hair.

Getting up quickly, Starbuck started to pace, his warrior's jacket
brushing against his laser as he went.  The day started out with such
promise, only to end with the six of them stranded on this fraking
planet.   It was like something was keeping them from leaving this
place.  But that didn't make any sense either as far as Starbuck was
concerned.  

Glancing over at Athena as she quietly talked with Bojay, he noticed how
the pale moonlight shimmered off of her long dark hair, reminding him
how he loved running his fingers through it any chance he got.  Closing
his eyes, he remembered numerous times he had buried his fingers in her
hair, feeling its silky softness as it overflowed in his hands.  He had
made her promise to never cut her hair he loved it so much, loved the
feel of it against his skin.  If only he could feel it once again.

'Good lords of Kobol, where did those thoughts come from!' Starbuck
quickly snapped open his startled blue eyes, as he ran his hand through
his blond hair once again.

Dragging his gaze away from Athena, he looked over at Apollo and Sheba,
their heads close together as they talked quietly.  Apollo was deeply
concerned over their present situation, but at least he was acting more
like his old self. 

Turning his head back around, he walked over toward Boomer, his hands
resting lightly on his hips.  Stopping just behind him, Starbuck let out
a deep breath as he asked, "It'll be light soon.  How far off did you
say those ruins were?"

Without turning around, Boomer quietly replied, "About a few kilometrons
southwest of here.  I'd say about a centar or two's hike."

"Just what I love, an early morning hike to get the blood going,"
Starbuck rolled his eyes at the unpleasant prospect.

"Yeah, you and hikes never did get along," Boomer grinned slightly,
turning to face Starbuck.

"Hey, I don't remember hiking being one of your favorites either,"
Starbuck replied in self-defense.

"True, but at least I don't mind them," Boomer smiled slightly, glancing
back toward the campfire.

"What's really got you so unnerved," Starbuck suddenly asked in a quiet
tone, as he studied Boomer's face closely.

"What's not to be concerned about here?"  Boomer's smile disappeared and
he shifted his eyes uneasily away from Starbuck, trying to avoid his
friend's penetrating stare.  

"Not much, but something is bugging you and I want to know what it is,"
Starbuck pressed, not letting his friend off that easily.

"Look Starbuck, I wish I knew for sure what's bugging me, but I don't. 
I keep getting the feeling that something is out there watching us,
waiting for ...  something."  Running a hand along the back of his neck,
Boomer continued, "Hades, maybe I just think something's out there
because I don't understand what's going on here. Or maybe it's the
possibility that we're going to be stuck here on this planet for the
rest of our lives if we don't get our vipers flying again soon!"  
Boomer's earlier optimism fading.

"Come on Boomer," Starbuck returned, "we've faced the possibility of
being separated from the fleet before and everything managed to work out
okay."

"Maybe you and Apollo have faced this possibility before, but I
haven't.  Remember, I'm the one who normally comes and rescues you,"
Boomer couldn't help pointing out.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, but Boomer, we're the best," Starbuck quickly brushed
that point aside.  "Whatever is going on here or if something is
watching us, we'll figure it out and deal with it.  Then we'll be on our
way back to the fleet," he replied with his usual flourish.

"Starbuck!  Boomer!  Let's get going.  The sun is starting to come up
and I want to get moving," Apollo yelled over to them as he doused the
fire in front of him.

Glancing at Starbuck, Boomer quickly replied, "I hope you're right," as
he made his way back to the others.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Sunlight filtered in through the thick green leaves of the tall trees
within the jungle, creating a multitude of patterns on the uneven
ground.  Branches from various smaller trees and bushes swiped at the
clothing of each warrior as they passed by.  Several unidentifiable
high-pitched animal noises could be heard as the group of warriors made
their way to the site of the old ruins.

Sheba was starting to feel an intensive gnawing in the pit of her
stomach and it wasn't from hunger.  The closer they came to those ruins,
the more intense the feelings of dread she had, down to her very soul. 
She couldn't explain it.  She didn't know if she wanted to try.  She
hadn't felt this gut wrenching fear in a yahren, the last time being the
day she thought Apollo had died.  

But that had been light yahrens away from here and Count Iblis had been
responsible for that.  He had disappeared immediately afterwards with
the mysterious ship of lights.  And she hadn't seen either of them
since.  

No, he couldn't possibly be responsible for what was happening here. 
There had to be a logical explanation for why all of their vipers
malfunctioned.  Maybe some type of ancient technology was still
operating within the ruins and all they needed to do was figure out a
way to deactivate it.  Possibly with a simple push of a button or turn
of a dial, and everything will be fixed. Or perhaps they could figure
out when the magnetic field was at its weakest point, then they could
get the vipers functioning, or ... nothing.  It was useless to speculate
at this point, with so little information available.  She would just
have to wait and see what they found in and around the old ruins. 
'Hopefully, we'll have some answers soon,' she thought as the frown on
her face deepened. 

<><><><><>
Athena was watching the array of emotions crossing Sheba's face and
wondered what her friend was thinking about; what thoughts were making
her so apprehensive.

In the yahren she had known Sheba, Athena had never seen her so
unsettled.  She hoped that whatever was bothering her would resolve
itself quickly.

Athena had to admit she wasn't feeling all that comfortable either.  Any
other time she would've been enjoying the break from their forced
confinement aboard the fleet, her constant bridge duty left behind in
favor of breathing the fresh, clean air.  Enjoying the sight of all the
foliage, the green grasses, the tall jungle trees, the smell of all of
nature's wonders, but for some reason she couldn't.  There had been too
many coincidences in the past twelve centars for her to feel comfortable
here.  Or maybe she was feeling this way because she wasn't here by
choice, but stranded until they figured out a way to get their vipers
working again.

As the heat from the morning sun beat down through the tall trees, beads
of perspiration ran down Athena's back, making her wish for the cold of
the night once again.   Resigning herself to the fact that it was only
going to get worse, she quietly followed Apollo and Boomer through the
humid, dense, partially shadowed jungle.  Sheba was beside her with
Starbuck and Bojay bringing up the rear.  They had started out for the
old ruins over a centar ago and should be almost on top of them.
 
Pulling her hair away from her neck, Athena wished she had something to
secure it back with.   Deciding to distract Sheba from her thoughts, she
glanced hopefully at her friend, her voice wistful. "You don't have
anything I could use to tie my hair back with by any chance?"

"I wish I did.  Hades, it's hot already.  Why couldn't we be further
north of here where it's cooler?" Sheba grimaced as she too gathered her
golden brown hair together at the base of her neck.

"Because then it would be too easy wouldn't it?"  Athena grinned, a
trace of amusement in her voice as she sidestepped a fallen tree branch.

Agreeing and glancing quickly at Apollo, Sheba whispered, "So tell me,
how did you get Apollo to let you come along to look for us?" She had
been dying to ask her friend this question and now was as good a time as
any.

A small sly smile came over Athena's face. "I wouldn't take no for an
answer and showed up with my helm under my arm."  Then glancing up ahead
at Apollo, she continued quietly; "I told him that I wasn't going to let
him go off and get himself killed.  That I had made a promise to you and
myself that I wasn't going to let him go off and do something stupid. 
That I was going to look out for him the way I wasn't able to look out
for Zac."

"Wow!  You don't pull your punches.  How did Apollo take that?  I mean,
he wasn't too happy with me the first time I brought up that particular
subject."

"Well, at first he was angry, but he did eventually listen to what I had
to say and in the end, he let me keep my promises.  Of course, he had to
extract one of his own," Athena replied ruefully.

"What promise was that?"  Sheba raised an eyebrow in question.

"That if we ran into trouble and he told me to high tail it back to the
Galactica, that I would do so without question," Athena just had to
smile at the irony of the situation.  If only she could head back to the
Galactica now.

Sheba had to laugh.  That was Apollo.  He just never gave up or in, even
if he lost an argument, he just had to get the last word in edgewise. 

"Well, regardless of the situation, I'm glad that you're here.  Maybe
between the six of us, we'll figure out a way off this planet," Sheba's
voice held a trace of amusement as she reached over and squeezed her
friend's hand, feeling a little better.

Athena smiled as she returned the gesture, glad that Sheba wasn't
looking so troubled anymore. They continued walking in silence, each
lost in their own thoughts.  Athena glanced briefly over her shoulder,
glad to see Starbuck close behind.  Personally, she was glad that
Starbuck was here.  If anyone could figure out a way off this planet, he
and Apollo could.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Starbuck was frustrated.  And not only because of their current
situation.  Of all the people in the fleet, why did Athena have to get
involved with Bojay?  All night cycle, he had watched as Bojay and
Athena shared smiles and occasionally hold hands.  He was no good for
her; would eventually hurt her.  Starbuck knew this for a fact.  Athena
was the type of girl you brought home to meet your mother, but Bojay? 
He was a charmer, a 'wine and dine her before taking off for greener
pastures' type of guy.  Just because he had decided it was time to grow
up, didn't mean he was going to.  

Starbuck knew Bojay.  He was too much like himself.  He gambled, smoked
fumarellos; a womanizer who had probably dated a fourth of the women on
the Galactica and was a pilot, not as good a pilot as himself, but good
enough.  And now he had set his sights on Athena.  He had to think of
something to curtail the relationship.  If Bojay thought he was going to
allow him to hurt Athena, he had another thing coming.  Although, if
Athena found out he was interfering in her life again, she was going to
kick his astrum good.  Well, tough!  He was not about to let her get
hurt.  'A quick, quiet warning to Bojay, and that will be that,'
Starbuck thought as a satisfied smile crept across his face and into his
blue eyes.

Motioning for Bojay to fall back a ways behind the women, Starbuck tried
to get down to business.  "Ah Bojay, I was wondering ... I mean, I
couldn't help noticing that you've been spending some time with
Athena..."

Interrupting, Bojay stood with hands resting lightly on his lean hips,
suspicion in his voice, "Starbuck, what exactly is it that you're
getting at?" 

Frowning, Starbuck continued, "I noticed that you seem to have taken an
interest in Athena and I want to know what you're up to."

With his lips tightening slightly, Bojay cautiously replied, "Not that
it's any of your business, but yes, I'm definitely interested in
Athena.  But what's it to you?  You broke up with her sectars ago and
you have Cassie."

Stemming the anger that was quickly building up, Starbuck pointed his
index finger at Bojay, nearly poking the other warrior in the chest,
"Well pal, it is my business.  I care about Athena and I'm not about to
let you hurt her!"

Pushing Starbuck away angrily, Bojay tried to keep his voice from
attracting the attention of the others, "I'm not going to hurt her,
Starbuck!  I really like her and I'm hoping to build a serious
relationship with her.  Besides, if anyone's hurt her, it was you from
what I hear.  You asked her to get sealed; she asked you for time and by
the next day, you're in the launch tube with Cassie!  Heck, you even
double dated them once if the rumors are true.  What is it Starbuck,
things getting a little too serious with Cassie that you have to start
caring for Athena again?"

Shocked, Starbuck stood stock-still for several microns, before lashing
out against Bojay in anger and quietly spat, "You don't know what you're
talking about!  Cassie has nothing to do with this!  In the end, Athena
called it off with me, but that's beside the point.  She is still a part
of my family and I care about her.  I always will.  I'm warning you
right now, you hurt her and you'll have to deal with me!"

Leaving Bojay standing there, Starbuck stomped off to catch up to the
others.  He couldn't believe Bojay had the nerve to tell him that he had
hurt Athena.  Running his hand through his hair, he tried to calm down
before someone noticed he was upset.  Okay, yes technically, he had hurt
her, but not on purpose and not because he didn't care.  He cared, cared
deeply.  Maybe too deeply, he thought sometimes.  And just because it
was over with Athena, didn't mean he couldn't still care about her, want
her to be happy.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Apollo had a very uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach, a gnawing
sensation that was slowly tightening, threatening to squeeze the very
life out of him.  It had been growing steadily since they had set out
this morning.  Actually, it had been growing in intensity since the
micron he had realized Sheba and Boomer were missing.  Last night, for a
brief time, he had been able to block out those feelings of dread, of
down right fear, but not any longer.  It felt like it was trying to
overtake him, to overwhelm him, as he approached the clearing that lead
to the old ruins. 

With his left hand hovering above the laser in his holster, Apollo
stepped out into the full sunlight of the clearing, Boomer and the
others right behind him.  Straight-ahead was a courtyard that led to a
weathered, stone temple.  It stood straight and tall, as it reached for
the heavens.  It had to be several millennia old, if it was a day.  

Entering the courtyard, Apollo glanced around, taking note of the
different garden areas within the courtyard, each with a doorway that
appeared to lead to a different part of the temple.

A stone staircase led up to the open main entrance of the temple,
matching columns flanked the doorway.  Stopping at the base of the
stairs, Apollo glanced behind him, feeling as if someone was watching
his every footstep.  Taking his laser from its holster, he noticed that
Boomer had done the same.

"Let's take a look around out here first, before we go inside. 
Starbuck, Athena, Bojay, start to the right and Boomer, Sheba and I will
start to the left.  I've got a funny feeling about this place," Apollo
absently rubbed the back of his neck, trying to ease the knots of
tension that had settled there.

"Yeah, I know what you mean," Boomer murmured as he started over toward
one of the individual gardens that contained a one metron long stone
bench which rested in front of a reflecting pool.  Behind and to the
right, on the wall of the temple, a bronze door rose 5 metrons high.  

Stopping in front of the bench, Boomer glanced into the reflecting
pool.  For a split micron, the face staring back at him was not his own,
but that of a young boy.   Rubbing his eyes with his hand, he looked
again into the pool.  This time his own reflection stared back at him.
'Hades hole, what is going on with me? I must be over tired.  I'm
starting to see things that couldn't possibly be,' Boomer thought as he
rubbed his eyes once again.  Letting out a deep breath, he walked over
to the bronze door, studying the many different symbols engraved on it.

Sheba had walked over to another of the gardens.  Stopping beside a
clear gazing ball, which rested within the mouths of three stone
amphibians, the sunlight sparkled in the direction of its companion
door.  "This is amazing!  Apollo, how old do you think this temple and
the gardens are?"  Sheba glanced around for Apollo, the awe she was
feeling evident in her excited voice.

"Probably several millennia old," Apollo walked over to stand in front
of her, admiring the craftsmanship of the stone amphibians.  As much as
he wanted to stay and study the temple and surrounding areas, he knew
that they had to get to the bottom of whatever was interfering with
their vipers and soon.

"Starbuck, anything over on that side of the courtyard," Apollo called,
as he turned in search of Starbuck, Bojay and Athena.  They were
exploring another of the garden areas, this one with a giant X and O
game board with nine spaces, the size of a triad court, ending at
another 5 metron high bronze door.  

"Nothing that screams out," Starbuck replied absently as he studied in
detail the markings on another bronze door.  

Athena was only vaguely listening to the conversation going on around
her.  She was fascinated with the game board.  She immediately
recognized the game.  It was one she had learned as a child.  The object
of the game was to try and get three X's or three O's in a row before
you're opponent accomplished the same feat.  She loved playing the game
with Apollo and Zac as a child.  Actually, she and Omega where known to
still play the game in the Officer's Club from time to time.

"Hey Athena, how about a game?"  Bojay whispered in her ear as he smiled
gently down at her.

"Isn't this garden wonderful!" she replied, her blue eyes sparkling.

"Not as wonderful as you," Bojay replied, not taking his eyes off of her
upturned face.

Starbuck's fascination with the huge door quickly faded as he noticed
how close Athena and Bojay were at that moment.  Frowning, he called
over to them.  "Athena, Bojay, come look at the markings on this door. 
Do you recognize any of them?"

"Coming Starbuck," Athena quickly responded, not sure if she was ready
to take Bojay up on the unspoken message she had read in his eyes.

"Apollo, the markings on this door are extraordinary!  They look a
little like the ones found on the temples in the deserts of Scorpia,"
Athena called out excitedly, when she stood in front of the huge door.

"This whole place is extraordinary and very unnerving.  Is the door
locked or can it be opened?"  Apollo started over for the door closest
to him, Sheba following close behind.

As soon as everyone was in front of one of the huge bronze doors, an
energy field emanated from each door, capturing its prey within its
grasp, holding them confined within the beam.  

An amused, ominous laugh echoed throughout the air as everyone searched
frantically around with his or her eyes for the source of that
laughter.  As the ground trembled beneath their feet, and the wind
increased in intensity, Apollo grabbed Sheba close to him, trying to
protect her as best he could, as the source of that laughter appeared in
front of them.

Count Iblis. 

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"Greetings and welcome to my humble gardens.  Captain Apollo, I see you
are looking quite ... alive.  And Sheba, my princess, we meet again.  I
did tell you there would come another time and another place when we
would meet again.  Don't you remember?"  Count Iblis scolded, his voice
a rich baritone, which she remembered all too well.  

He stood before Apollo and Sheba, his long, white robes flowing around
his physical form, stirred by the winds that continued to blow.  A
malevolent smile graced his distinguished features as he waited for an
answer.

"I remember.  I also remember the Ship of Lights punished you and sent
you away," Sheba tried to keep her voice steady, but the fear gripping
her soul, caused it to sound weak even to her own ears.

Apollo quickly stepped in front of Sheba, pushing her behind him;
shielding her from Iblis's evil stare.  He pointed his laser squarely at
Iblis.  "Leave her alone, Iblis!  She is of no concern to you.  What is
it that you really want?  Are you responsible for us being here?" 
Apollo spat the words out with all the anger and hatred he possessed for
the evil creature which stood in front of him.

"Ah, but you are wrong Apollo.  She is of great concern to me because
she belongs with me, not you.  You stole her away from me and now you
both must pay.  All of you must pay for your sins against me," Iblis
glared at Apollo before shifting his penetrating eyes toward Sheba's
frightened brown ones.

"She only turned to you because I couldn't admit my real feelings to
her.  You took advantage of her when she was vulnerable," Apollo
replied, tightening his grip on the handle of his laser.

"That weapon can't hurt me, Apollo.  You might as well put it away
before you hurt yourself . . . or someone close to you."  Iblis laughed
as Apollo's face paled, the laser slowly dropping to his side.

Turning to his left, Count Iblis watched as Starbuck, with his laser
still in hand, stood in front of Athena, trying to shield her as best as
he could.

"And Lieutenant Starbuck, trusty sidekick of the Captain here, I trust
you remember what happened the last time you fired that weapon at me." 
Iblis watched with a twisted smile on his features, as Starbuck slowly
replaced his laser, remembering the last time he had fired it at Iblis. 
He - or it - had turned into a hideous creature as the energy passed
harmlessly through his physical form.  It was a sight that Starbuck
would remember all the days of his life.

"Whatever it is you want, I'm sure it's as evil and demented as you
are," Starbuck glared at Iblis, taking satisfaction in watching the
smile fall from his face.

"Insolence doesn't become you, Lieutenant!"  Iblis swung his angry gaze
away from Starbuck, pausing momentarily to study Athena's defiant
face.   Smiling, he winked at her before walking over towards Boomer,
taking in the guarded expression on his face.  

Boomer watched Count Iblis closely as he walked over to stand in front
of him.  He remembered the conversation he'd had with Starbuck about
what had happened on the mysterious red planet.  The planet where
Starbuck and Sheba thought Apollo had died at Iblis's hand.  He
remembered also the strange sensation that had come over him when Iblis
asked if he could play triad against Starbuck and Apollo, through him. 
He could barely remember the game; it was so hazy. 

"Yes Boomer, I quite enjoyed playing triad through you that evening. 
Was it not exhilarating to finally defeat Captain Apollo and Lieutenant
Starbuck?" The courtyard filled with laughter as Count Iblis enjoyed
watching the guilty expression that flashed across Boomer's face, along
with the mirror expressions of disbelief on the faces of the others,
especially Apollo and Starbuck's.

"Iblis, whatever it is you want, get it over with!"  Apollo yelled, his
patience totally gone.   The sick feeling in the pit of his stomach was
churning again, warning him that whatever evil Iblis had planned, all
their lives were in danger.

"In due time, Captain."  Iblis walked back over to stand in front of
Apollo again.  "Are you really so eager to take my little test?"  

 "Test?  What test?  What are you talking about?" Apollo asked, with a
sinking feeling in his heart and soul.  He felt Sheba tremble against
him as Iblis's smile became more malicious, more demented.  He saw a
sickening expression spread across Starbuck's face as Iblis started to
explain.

"Why, the test that is going to deliver each of your souls to me before
the sun sets," Iblis broke out into demented, haunting laughter as he
waved his left arm and everything went black for the six warriors.
<><><><><><><>

The first thing Boomer became conscious of was a splitting headache. 
The next was that he was lying on the soft green grass in the temple's
courtyard, near the reflecting pool, the mid-morning sun beating down on
his face.  And he was alone.

Getting to his feet carefully, he noticed that his laser pistol was back
in his holster.  Running his hand along the smooth barrel, he searched
the courtyard with troubled dark eyes, trying to figure out what exactly
was going on.  Where were the others?  Where did Count Iblis go and what
test was he talking about?

"Hey, I can see my reflection in the pool.  Come over here and let's see
yours!"

Startled, Boomer quickly turned around, laser pistol in hand, to see the
same small young boy that he had seen for a split micron when he had
first looked into the reflecting pool.  Only this time, the boy stood
beside the pool, waiting for an answer.  

Swallowing the lump that was stuck in his throat, Boomer closed his eyes
for a moment, positive that he was hallucinating.  There was no way that
he was seeing this young boy in front of him.  He looked just like his -
No!  It was a trick!  It just wasn't possible!  When he opened his eyes
again, he saw the boy patiently waiting for him, a questioning look on
his young face.  Not sure what was going on, Boomer cautiously made his
way over to the boy, returning the laser pistol to its holster.   
"What's going on here?  Who are you?  What's your name?"

Just smiling and turning back to the pool, the boy reached out a
dark-skinned hand to gently touch the cool water, sending ripples across
the surface.  "See, I can even make all kinds of ripples in the water,
depending on which way I move my hand."

More than slightly confused, Boomer stopped beside the small boy and
watched the ripples as they fanned out across the water, before coming
to a halt against the sides of the pool.   "Yes, the ripples are moving
out in all directions across the surface of the pool."  Pausing a micron
to study the boy, Boomer continued, "What's your name?  Where did you
come from?"

Glancing around at Boomer, the boy looked puzzled.  "You know who I am,
Uncle Boomer.  Come on, I don't want to play that game now.  Let's look
at your reflection in the pool."  As soon as he finished, the boy leaned
back over the edge of the reflecting pool, ignoring the shocked, pained
look on Boomer's face.

Taking a deep breath as he ran a hand around the back of his neck,
Boomer cautiously demanded, "I know who you look like, but you are not
my nephew, Benji.  He died almost two yahrens ago, in the destruction of
our worlds.  Who are you?  What kind of game are you playing?  Did Iblis
put you up to this?   Is he responsible?"

Confusion spread across the boy's dark eyes, as he straightened up from
the pool.  "Uncle Boomer, why are you saying I'm not Benji?  I am.  I'm
your nephew.  I'm not playing a game with you.  I just want you to look
at your reflection in the pool here because it's so beautiful."  Trying
to hide the hurt, the boy returned to staring into the water of the
pool.

Exasperated, Boomer let out a deep sigh, realizing he wasn't going to
get anywhere with the boy - the boy, who looked just like his nephew,
his Benji.  Shutting out the pain he was feeling deep in his heart,
Boomer looked at the boy as he went back to playing in the reflecting
pool's water.  What was going on here?  Who was this boy that looked so
much like his nephew?  

Moving closer to the boy, Boomer decided to play along with him.  Maybe
that way, he could figure out what was going on.  The boy wanted him to
look into the reflecting pool.  Okay, he would.  Maybe then the boy will
tell him what he wanted to know.

Boomer moved his dark eyes from the boy to the water in the pool.  At
first, all he saw was his reflection.  Then a strange sensation overcame
him . . . dizziness, spinning round and round, hearing a far off child's
chant as it sang: "Ring around the roses, … we all fall down."  

Instantly, he began seeing flashes from some of the most difficult times
in his life.  Images, thoughts and feelings he had tried to bury deep
within, along with a great deal of sorrow and guilt. 

When he was eight yahrens old, his friend Anton was hurt falling out of
a tree fort.  He had tried to help him, but there was nothing he could
do.  Anton's mother blamed him for encouraging her son to climb the
tree.  It didn't matter that Anton had climbed any number of trees
before or that it wasn't Boomer's idea.  Her son had been hurt and she
desperately wanted to blame anyone other than Anton.  His parents tried
to convince him that it wasn't his fault.  That it was an accident and
no one was to blame.  Boomer tried to forget the accusing expression on
her face, but he still felt guilty for being there when Anton fell, for
not preventing his fall in the first place.

Time skipped forward to the eve of the destruction of the colonies. To
that last day he spent with his family on the Caprican seashore.  They
were celebrating the accord that was to be signed the following day. 
They were celebrating the hope of peace.   He remembered his feelings of
helplessness the next day as they tried to combat wave after wave of
Cylon fighter attacks that occurred just before the so-called peace
accord signing. He remembered his realization that the dream of peace
was gone, as were their home worlds.

When the first wave of the attack ended, Boomer had gone down to what
was left of Caprica, looking for any member of his family, but he had
found none.  There was nothing left of any of their homes, only piles of
rubble.  He had even searched the computer listing of survivors, hoping
he had missed someone, but no members of his family were listed.  He had
to accept the fact that he was alone.  He had to accept the guilt that
he felt for not protecting them, not saving them from the Cylons.  He
was a Colonial Warrior, highly trained, highly skilled.  He had taken an
oath to protect the Colonies, to protect the ones he loved, with his
very life.  And he had failed.

"The guilt is yours, Boomer.  You failed to protect your family, to
protect young Benji here.  He turned to me because you failed to save
him," a voice as soft and soothing as a gentle breeze echoed through
Boomer's anguished mind. 

Despair filled Boomer's soul, eating away at his strong faith in the
Lord, as the images and feelings continued to bombard him, overwhelming
his ability to deal with his emotions.

His thoughts were directed to a sectar after the destruction, to his
decision to skip decontamination, which ultimately lead to the death of
Serina.  Jolly and he were so eager to get to Apollo's bachelor party,
that they decided to skip it.   That decision nearly cost him his life,
along with the majority of the viper pilots.  It did cost Serina hers on
the sands of Kobol.  

Why didn't he follow standard procedure?  It only took fifteen centons. 
What was fifteen centons compared to the safety of the fleet?  Nothing
that's what it was - nothing.  If he hadn't been so stupid, so reckless,
Boxey would still have his mother.  

Somehow, he had learned to live with the guilt, but every once in a
while when he looked at Boxey, he relived the moment he learned about
Serina's death.  No one blamed him, not even Apollo or Boxey.  But he
knew better.   He had started the chain of events which lead to her
death.

"Yes Boomer, it is your fault that Boxey no longer has a mother.  Listen
to me and I will take away your pain."  The voice returned again, just
as soft and soothing as before.

Time leaped forward as the images continued to weave their way around
Boomer's heart, mind and soul, causing him great emotional pain and
grief.  Some of them from his memories, but others from sources
unknown.  He relived Ortega's murder and how Apollo and he discovered
the true murderer's identity.  How Ortega was blackmailing Pallen
because he knew that Pallen was really Charybdis, the one who helped
Baltar by sabotaging Caprica's defenses the night the Cylons attacked. 
He could hear Chella describing how he paid Ortega to let him on board
the Rising Star, how a child was left behind in his place.  But why was
he seeing images of this event?  Why was he hearing Chella describing
how he came on board the Rising Star over and over again?

"Haven't you figured it out yet, Boomer?"  Count Iblis laughed softly. 
"Benji was the child left behind in Chella's place.  He was left to die
because you didn't find him in time.  Benji was left to die because you
failed again," Iblis's voice grew in intensity as the realization of
what had happened sunk into Boomer's consciousness. 

Feeling the dizziness cease and the waters of the reflecting pool come
into focus once again, Boomer closed his eyes trying to shut out the
images and thoughts replaying over and over in his mind's eye.  Bowing
his head, he prayed for strength.  

"Uncle Boomer, are you all right?"  Benji asked with concern as he
gently touched Boomer's shaking hand.

Raising his head, Boomer could only stare at the boy, agony clearly
written on his dark face.

Count Iblis sat watching the pair from the stone bench, a satisfied
smile gracing his distinguished features.  Rising after a moment and
extending his left hand toward Boomer, he proceeded with his plan. 
"Benji is under my control now, under my protection.  I can help you.  I
can help ease your feelings of guilt and remorse.  I can help you right
a wrong.  I will release Benji from my care, free him if you will.  All
you have to do is take my hand . . . "

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"Wake up, Athena!  You're going to miss all the fun!"  Zac laughed as he
pulled the pillow away from Athena's face.

"Go away, Zac.  I'm tired . . . what fun?  What are you talking about?" 
Athena grumbled as she slowly started to wake up, opening one blue eye
to stare at her younger brother.

"It's mom's natal day, silly! Father and Apollo are already down in the
kitchen making flapdaniels!  You should see the mess!"  Zac laughed
again as he turned to leave Athena's bedchamber.  "You are coming,
aren't you?"  He paused when he reached the door, a charming grin on his
handsome face.

"Yes, I'm coming.  I can't let you guys destroy mom's kitchen, she'll
never let us hear the end of it," Athena groaned before an amused smile
formed on her lips as she pushed the covers aside and slipped out of
bed.

"I'll see you downstairs.  And hurry up!"  Zac smiled, waving both arms
in the air at her to hurry up, before disappearing down the hallway.

Athena walked over to the closet shaking her head at her younger
brother's antics.  She reached into the closet, pulling out a pale blue
cotton jumpsuit and froze as a painful realization hit her.  Zac and her
mother were dead.  They died over a yahren ago, during the Destruction.  

Closing her eyes to the pain, Athena thought back to her mother's last
natal day.  It started out just like this one.  Zac, home from the
Academy, had come into her bedchamber and woke her up.  Father and
Apollo had been home on leave, the same as she, and they had started
cooking the morning meal.  They had made such a mess by the time she had
entered the kitchen.  And now it was all happening again.  

"This can't be real," she whispered.  A single tear escaped from her
blues eyes as she opened them again.  She was finally putting their
deaths behind her and now . . . now she was seeing Zac, talking to him
even, like nothing had happened.  What was going on?  

The last thing she remembered before waking up here in her supposed
bedchamber was Count Iblis telling them . . . something.  "What's going
on?  Why is Zac here and more importantly, where are the others?  What
evil is Iblis up to?"  Athena chewed on her lower lip as the jumpsuit
floated to the ground in a forgotten pale blue puddle.

"Hurry up, Athena!  Mother is going to be done in the garden soon and
then we're all in trouble!"  Zac's voice carried up the stairs, as
Athena was trying to make sense out of what was happening.  Soon, the
aroma for cooking flapdaniels and porcalsia links penetrated Athena's
consciousness, making her stomach grumble in response.
 
Shaking her head, Athena ran an unsteady hand through her long dark
hair.  Zac was dead. She heard him die.  She was there when the
survivors gathered to remember the loved ones that perished during the
Holocaust.   For well over a yahren, she would go and sit in the Chapel
of the Faithful everyday, trying to understand why the Lords of Kobol
and God had let the Cylons destroy their worlds, their civilization.  
And why they had let Zac and her mother die.  And now, he was here.  She
was just talking to him.  He still . . ..  How can this all be
happening?  It must be some type of trick.

"Athena, why aren't you dressed yet?"  Zac demanded from the doorway, an
impatient expression on his face.

Startled, Athena spun around to see Zac standing in the doorway, with
his hands on his lean hips as he waited for an answer.  "You are not
real.  You are not Zac.  I don't know who you are, but you are not my
brother," Athena said hastily as she stared at the image of her baby
brother.

"What are you talking about?"  Zac's voice was filled with puzzlement
and concern as he stared at Athena.

Swallowing the lump in her throat as she continued to stare at the image
of her younger brother, Athena paused a moment before she continued,
"You may look like Zac, sound like Zac, but you are not Zac."

"Athena, did you . . . did you have something strange to eat or drink
last night when you and Starbuck went out?"  Zac took a careful step
into the room, waiting for her response as he studied her expression.

"There is nothing wrong with me!  Who are you and why are you doing
this?"  Athena held her ground as the Zac image slowly approached her
position by the closet door.

"Athena, I don't know what you're talking about, but I think we better
go downstairs and get Mother to take a look at you."  

"Mother is dead, just like you are.  I am not going anywhere with you." 
Then looking around the room, seeing the familiar sky blue walls and the
white linens on the canopy bed she remembered, she yelled aloud, "Iblis,
it's not going to work.  This . . . image is not my brother!  Show
yourself or are you afraid of me?"

"I am afraid of no one, Athena," Iblis replied smoothly as the image of
Zac metamorphosed into that of Count Iblis.  After having read her
thoughts, he realized that this initial approach wasn't going to be
entirely successful and needed to change tactics.  

"If you are not afraid of me, then why the parlor tricks.  I know who
you are and what you are.  Apollo told me everything that he could
remember about you," Athena replied with hatred for the evil figure in
front of her.

"I wouldn't believe everything Apollo tells you, Athena," Iblis smiled
with malice at the untruth, as the walls of the room faded back into the
lush gardens of the temple.  They were standing on opposite ends of the
X and O game board in one of the gardens.  

"Oh, I'll believe Apollo any day, Iblis.  He's had first hand experience
dealing with you, remember?"  Athena took a small amount of satisfaction
at seeing Iblis's soulless hazel eyes harden in response to her own
jibe.  

"Oh, I remember Apollo dying at my hand, if that's what you mean,
Athena," Iblis countered, smiling as she straightened her back at
Iblis's taunt.  

"But, that was then and this is now.  I understand that you are quite
apt at the game of X's and O's.  I relish the game myself and haven't
had a worthy opponent in many, many hundreds of yahrens.  Somehow, I get
the impression that you would give me quite a challenging game.  How
would you like a chance to win your freedom and the freedom of the
others?"  Iblis inquired offhandedly, all the while hiding an evil smile
behind his carefree charm.

Frowning at him, Athena wasn't sure what to make of Iblis's so-called
offer.  She was sure he was up to something, but . . . maybe, just
maybe, she could beat him at his own game and protect her family, so
long as she made sure the rules were clearly spelled out.   It was her
chance, her opportunity, to protect what was left of her family.  The
chances would still be slim.  But maybe if she … "And how would this
game, this chance for freedom work?  Not that I'm agreeing, but let's
say I'm interested enough to ask," Athena placed her hands on her hips
and watched Iblis's face for any clue she could use to her advantage.

Turning to conceal his delight, he walked along the outer border of the
game board before he responded, "We'll play the game and if you win, you
win your freedom plus that of the others.  If I win . . . I get you.  To
make this a little more interesting, we'll play the best of three, to
give you a . . .  better chance of winning."  

Athena felt her heart pounding heavily within her chest as she
contemplated the offer before her.  Should she dare challenge Count
Iblis as Apollo had - a challenge he had ultimately lost according to
Starbuck and Sheba? Or should she turn him down and see what other
diabolical plans he had in mind for her? However, this offer seemed like
the best opportunity of getting out of here and back to the fleet.  

Taking a deep breath, pausing to hold it a micron, Athena closed her
eyes as she tried to make her decision.  She was good at the game but
she would have to be even better than that, using all her wits to win
and then some.  She had to take the chance . . . for her family.  "Okay,
I'll accept your challenge on the condition that you play fair, no
cheating.  And if I lose, you don't get my soul.  You may keep me here,
but you don't get my soul," Athena replied determinedly.

After studying her for a moment, a smile formed on Iblis's features as
he realized his plan could still work beautifully even if he didn't get
her soul in the game.  He would still possess her and that would destroy
Apollo.  And that in turn would destroy Athena and give him her soul. 
"Agreed," Iblis replied as he smiled graciously.
 
"Athena!  Get away from him!  Don't let him get any closer to you,"
Starbuck yelled, a sense of increasing panic in his soul as he and Bojay
ran down the temple stairs toward the garden where she was standing.

"You're too late, Lieutenant.  She has already agreed to play the game,"
Iblis took great satisfaction in watching the horror spread across
Starbuck's face as he realized what had happened.

<><><><><><>

Athena watched the horror spread across Starbuck's face as he came
running across the garden towards her.  

"Well, Iblis, she's going to back out of playing the game with you! 
Athena, tell him you changed your mind," Starbuck ordered, swinging his
head, first from Iblis and then to Athena.

"Didn't you hear me, Lieutenant?  It's too late.  She cannot change her
mind now.  She is in the game until the very end."  Iblis smirked at
Starbuck, an idea forming on how to handle the brash man before him.

Ignoring Iblis, Starbuck took hold of Athena's arms as he continued,
"Athena, you can't challenge Iblis.  You have to stop this now and tell
him you won't play whatever game you've agreed to."

"I've agreed to play the game, Starbuck.  I'm not backing out now.  If I
win, he's agreed to let all of us go, no strings attached."  Athena
didn't like the way Starbuck was ordering her around, even if it was out
of concern for her welfare.  He gave up that right when he chose Cassie
over her.  Anyway, why was she thinking about their ill-fated
relationship?  It had been over for a yahren.

"No strings?!  Are you crazy?  Athena, you can't trust him, no matter
what he's promised.  He tried to kill Sheba, and I swear he did kill
Apollo the last time we met him.  I'm not going to give him a chance to
hurt you, or anyone else this time around!" Starbuck couldn't believe
Athena wasn't seeing reason; he knew firsthand what Iblis was like.  He
knew what was at stake.

"I'm not crazy, Starbuck.  I know I can't trust him.  But, this is my
chance to protect my family and get us out of here.  I've accepted this
challenge under the condition that he plays fair, no cheating.  I know
what I'm doing."  Athena was trying to convince Starbuck as much as she
was trying to convince herself.

"I'm not going to let you do this, Athena!"  Starbuck tightened his hold
on her arms, feeling a deep-seated panic stirring in his gut.  He was
not going to lose her!
	
"You have no say in this, Starbuck.  The deal, however . . . crazy, has
been made and I intend to keep my word."  Athena shook off Starbuck's
restraining hands as she took a step backwards, her blue eyes flashing.

"See, Lieutenant, the challenge has been made and accepted.  There is
nothing you can do," Iblis chirped in that patronizing tone Starbuck was
all too familiar with.

Starbuck swung around to face Iblis, his hands clenched into tight
fists, rage swirling within his blue eyes.  "I'll find a way to defeat
you, Count!   I won't let you win!"

"We shall see, Lieutenant," Iblis countered, a satisfied smile creeping
across his face.

While Starbuck's attention was focused on Count Iblis, Bojay walked over
to Athena, opposed to her accepting any type of challenge himself. 
'Apollo should never have let her come along on this mission,' he
thought.  Touching her arm, he watched her face carefully as she turned
to him.

"Athena, are you sure about what you're doing?  From the little that
Sheba told me about this Iblis person, I have to agree with Starbuck. 
And you know how much I hate doing that.  You can't let Iblis trick you
into doing something you're not up to facing.  You would only be playing
into his hands.  Please, reconsider your decision to accept his
challenge.  I don't want to lose you now that I've finally found you." 
Bojay hoped that by appealing to this side of Athena, she might listen
to what he had to say.

"Bojay, I've made up my mind.  As far as I can see, this is our best
option out of this mess.  I'll be careful.  I promise.  I'm not about to
stay here for all eternity with Iblis."  Athena squeezed Bojay's right
hand appreciating his concern.  She was hoping to build a relationship
with him too.  But they had to get out of this situation first.

"Athena, something. . . " Bojay began.

"Enough!  It is time to begin the game.  Athena, if you will take your
place here beside me, we can begin.  Starbuck and Bojay, if you wish to
remain and observe this challenge, you may move the game pieces into
place for us.  However, I will tolerate no interference.  Athena has
chosen to accept this challenge of her own free will.  And if you chose
to stay, you will abide by the rules," Iblis dictated, his flowing white
robes swirling around his form in the wind.

"Why you pompous astrum!  Move your own frakin' game pieces. Since
Athena isn't interested in listening to reason, I'm staying right here
to keep an eye on you.  You agreed to play fair and I'm going to make
sure you do!"   Starbuck's hand was itching to pull his laser and fire
on the Count, even though he knew it would only amuse the evil creature
standing in front of him.

"Starbuck, don't!  That's not going to be of any help here," Athena
reached out to grabbed hold of Starbuck, trying to stop him from doing
anything stupid.  She saw his hand caressing the barrel, knew what he
was contemplating.

Looking into Athena's worried blue eyes, Starbuck let out a long,
frustrated breath, "I know.  Athena, please, don't do this.  You can't
trust him."

"I have to do this, Starbuck.  Have some faith in me.  I'm a lot
stronger than I look," she smiled before walking over to join Count
Iblis on the old weathered stone game board.

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