After The Fire by Ruthann Sequel to After the Pegasus June 12, 2005 From Colonel Tigh's journal: It has been three days after Commander Adama's surgery and the prognosis is a full recovery. The Galactica is up to eighty percent normal operations and still climbing. A full military service for all of the personnel that died in the fire is to be held shortly in the chapel. I will be attending as will many others to celebrate the lives of those who gave there lives so that others would survive the journey. Tigh stopped and read what he had entered in the log. It was odd to be doing this but it had to be done. Oh, he'd written his own personal log but nothing official. He looked about his quarters and felt so tired. He hadn't slept since the cycle before the fire started. Thanks the Lords of Kobol Adama survived. It sure was easier with the two of them running the Galactica than just one. Tigh closed the entry and got ready to stop at the bridge before going on to the service. Captain Apollo and Lt. Starbuck stepped on to the bridge in their dress uniforms. They saw that Colonel Tigh wasted no time getting them put back to order. Tigh was in dress uniform too. His back faced Apollo and Starbuck with his hands clasped behind his back. His whole back was tense. "Omega, status reports on that Pegasus Patrol!" Omega calmly turned to face the Colonel from his post and said, "No communication, sir." "Very well. I'm going to the service. When that patrol gets back, I want to see them ASAP!" Colonel Tigh said as he proceeded to look at his monitor and log off. Apollo and Starbuck gave Omega a questioning look. Omega went over to them and said very quietly, "He referring to Lt Bojay and Lt. Sheba's patrol. He's been calling them that because he hasn't had time to properly look over the records and place them in Red or Blue or Green." Apollo pondered that for a micron and said, "How late are they?" "Just going on a quarter of a centar," Omega answered. "They were early to launch and late coming back. To top it all off, the Vipers' tanks are bone dry." He paused and said, "Here he comes. I'll see you later." "Apollo, Starbuck are you ready?" the Colonel said as he approached them. "Yes, Sir," Apollo quickly answered. He did not want to add more stress to the Colonel by asking him what was going on. As they followed him off the bridge, Starbuck said ever so carefully so Tigh couldn't hear him, "Finally, we are off the turbo flush list." He was grinning ear to ear. Apollo just said back, "Yeah, but where are they, Starbuck? Until he vents on them who do you think he'll vent on?" Starbuck hissed out, "They better get back here fast!" "Step it up or we'll be late too," said the Colonel. Colonel Tigh, along with Captain Apollo and Lt. Starbuck, arrived at the makeshift chapel area to give the firefighters their last official military act. The mood was very heavy and somber amongst the official dress uniformed group. Colonel Tigh broke off and went up to the front of the room while Apollo and Starbuck spotted Boomer and Jolly. They quietly but quickly filled in the empty places that they had obviously held for them. Right in front of Jolly and Boomer was what remained of the Kobol Unit. Athena, Dietra, Brie and Mackin all stood there in there dress uniforms. While most of the female pilots went back to shuttlecraft duty, it was Dietra, Brie and Mackin that remained Viper pilots. Apollo thought, "So far I've been lucky and given them patrols where they won't get in to trouble. Athena has felt it was her duty to help Tigh run the Bridge with Father in the Life Station." Apollo noted that Omega and Rigel had remained on the Bridge. He felt good about that. "About time you two made it!" Boomer whispered. "Yeah, mother hen here was getting worried," Jolly chimed in. Starbuck was the closest to Jolly and said with glee, " Never mind us, Bojay and Sheba are on Tigh's turbo flush list!" "So you got off by default, Bucko?" Boomer quietly chimed in. Jolly thought for a moment and whispered, "Are you sure they supposed to be here?" Athena and Dietra turned their heads and gave a censuring look. The four men quieted down immediately and the women turned forward again. Apollo was closest to Boomer and whispered, "What is Jolly talking about?" Boomer gave him a long suffering look and said, "Giles and Greenbean wanted to be here and asked them to switch." Boomer paused to make sure he didn't incur the wrath of Athena and Dietra. "How come your not up to speed?" he asked in a puzzled tone. "Didn't they change the log and make you aware of it?" Nothing more could be said because Col. Tigh began the service. Col. Tigh was giving a few opening words from Commander Adama. "As most of you know, I am stepping in today because the Commander has not been released form the Life Station." As everyone listened and looked on in earnest, Apollo's mind started to wander about what Jolly and Boomer had said. 'What's going on here?' he thought. Ever since Zac died, Apollo had made it an unofficial rule that anybody switching patrols in his squadron had to make him aware of it. Apollo scanned the crowd with his eyes. Sure enough he spotted Giles and Greenbean standing next to one another. Apollo began listening again to what Colonel Tigh was saying and to give all his attention to the seriousness of the occasion. A few moments later his mind wandered again. He tried to think of what kind of patrol Giles and Greenbean were slotted for. There patrol was extended range while Bojay and Sheba's was short range. So why did the Bridge think they should be back before the service? What bothered Apollo was that they had launched early. No great infraction of rules because he and Starbuck had done so before so Apollo could be back by the time Boxey was done with primary lessons. He was about to fully engage his attention to the service when an awareness came over him. He looked up above him very slowly and saw both Pegasus warriors on the narrow walkway where the pipes were serviced. They were not missing a word of what Tigh had to say. Their eyes were trained on Tigh. Apollo felt the relief wash over him that they were there but in the next micron wondered why they were up there. Starbuck, who had been basking in the glory of being off Tigh's list, noticed Apollo's interest and looked up too. "I know this is standing room only but they're carrying it a bit too far." Apollo spoke, "We better start paying attention or we will be back on the list." Starbuck dropped his gaze so fast that Apollo had to smile. Then sternly reminded himself of the occasion. He and Starbuck listened for a while. As Tigh finished listing the names of the fallen firefighters, he whispered, " I can't stand this! Those two are making me nervous. They look like two birds of prey waiting for their next meal." Apollo dared to look up again. Sure enough, Starbuck had been accurate. Bojay and Sheba were hunched down with there capes around them. So far no one noticed them. Then in a micron that changed While Sheba and Bojay had given the impression that they had been watching with rapt attention to the Colonel's service, they were scanning the crowd below them and whispering ever so quietly you couldn't see there lips move. "Still clear," Sheba said with anticipation in her voice. "Our tip better be on the true or we'll look very silly..." Bojay started to say in exasperation when Sheba and he caught the movement they were waiting for. A council garbed person slowly started walking in from Tigh's right side. "There's one," she whispered. They intensely scanned the room. "And there's the back up," Bojay whispered back. Another had entered from a rear exit in the back. The Warriors watched and then hunkered down to get a closer look. They put on small field optical scanners. "They are packed," Sheba whispered. "Close enough. Let's tag them," Bojay said. With that both warriors put their scanners away and split up. They walked softly on the skinny walkway and seeing their prey go for a concealed weapon. The robed figures had pulled their weapons just as Sheba and Bojay jumped over the railings and were rolling and gaining control of the guns. All mayhem broke loose. Athena flew to Bojay's scuffle and then was accompanied by Starbuck and Jolly. They tried to get a bead on the attackers pistol, but Bojay's grip on his assailant was strong. On the last roll, Bojay got on top and slammed the gun and the hand on the floor. Not a sound came out of the robed figure. Sheba's quarry had pulled out a smaller weapon but a more deadly one, a colonial grenade. Sheba landed on his back and rode him down to the floor. She grabbed his wrist and knew at all cost don't let him push the button. She dug her nails in and the attacker tried to roll her off but none of that worked. He bared his teeth as if to bite. Sheba felt this movement and because her arm was stretched out along side of his, she turned his own arm on himself. That did make him hollow. Sheba pried his fingers off in one shot. Since they were in the very back of the area, the colonial grenade rolled slightly away and hit Brie's oncoming boot. Dietra pushed her away from it while Boomer scooped it up and looked at Apollo. "It's not activated," Boomer said with relief Apollo went forward to Sheba. The two of them were still locked in combat. She kneed him and pushed him over and down to the ground. Commander Adama's voice spoke up. "What is the meaning of this!" All heads were turned to the front of the area where Bojay was. Adama and Dr. Salik were in the first row on the end on Tigh's left side away from the attackers entrance. Everyone gasped. "What's he doing here?" The crew was shocked to see Commander Adama there in civilian clothes. Colonel Tigh was stunned. Sheba's eyes remained on her prisoner. She could not let him get the upper hand. As the two of them got up she could hear everyone gasp and exclaiming that the Commander was there and not in the Life Station. Apollo rushed forward to assist and along with Boomer, Dietra, and Brie. They started moving toward the front where Bojay was. Bojay wouldn't take his eyes off his prisoner. He knew that they were too close to taking out quiet a few good seasoned warriors. A hole like that in the ranks would take way too long to fill. Athena had gone to push Colonel Tigh back when Starbuck and Jolly couldn't get a bead on the perpetrator. "WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS!?!?!?" was again said by the Commander. Dr. Salik walked with Adama towards Bojay. Sheba was bringing up her prisoner from the rear. Just as Sheba brought her quarry up to Bojay's area, the two council garbed figures brought their shoulders up as if they were stiff and started to fall to the floor, but Bojay and Sheba wouldn't have any of that and held them up. Dr. Salik stepped forward and checked them for vitals and said, "You both can let go of them. They are dead." Sheba and Bojay exchanged looks of "You've got to be kidding!" while the rest of the room gasped again in surprised. Apollo was about to speak when Reese burst in and said, "Arrest Lt. Bojay and Lt Sheba for excessive force," to his minions that came in. Castor stepped forward and said, "This is a military function which you don't have jurisdiction." And before Reese could open his mouth further. " Judging by the attackers intentions, deadly force was warranted because I witnessed it." "Both attacks?" Reese challenged. "Yes," Castor replied back with a calm voice. He walked up to Reese who took a step back and finished with," I was also up there and saw it all. I came in late as did the two lieutenants. I saw them go after those council garbed people and alerted your security force, which by the way, let them in. Council Security was supposed to secure the perimeter." Reese spurted, "They looked like Council members." Colonel Tigh shrugged off Athena's hand and exploded at this point and shouted, "Reese that will be enough! This is the last official military act for these brave firefighters! I will not have this here and now." Tigh looked around apologetically to Adama who gave the nod to carry on. "Lieutenants Bojay and Sheba, take the deceased along with Lt. Jolly and Sgt. Castor to the deceased station. Reese, you and your staff are not warranted to be here." Reese and his crew lead the way out. Apollo and Starbuck looked as if they wanted to follow, but Boomer pulled them back with a light tug on their capes. "You two wouldn't want to be back on that list now would you?" Boomer smiled. Colonel Tigh said, "Let us resume where we left off." Commander Adama nodded to Tigh and he and Salik, along with the rest of the crew, went back to giving the fallen firefighters their last act. Apollo and Starbuck exchanged looks. "I want to know what's going on with Bojay and Sheba," Starbuck hissed out. "You're not the only one," Apollo answered with two thoughts on his mind. There wasn't much left to do and after the ceremony. Athena, Dietra and Brie reluctantly went to there assigned duties. Boomer and Jolly had a patrol to fly so they left with instructions of wanting to be briefed when they came back. That left Apollo and Starbuck to go with Colonel Tigh and Commander Adama to the deceased station. Dr. Salik said, "Commander, you aren't officially released so you are excluded from this." Adama was about to protest this, but thought the better and said, "You're the doctor, but I'll want a full report." He headed back to his life pod to be checked over by a hovering Cassie, who had been briefed by Bojay and Sheba. "Commander, we've been waiting for you," she said with a smile. Tigh and the rest entered the waiting area outside the autopsy room where Sheba, Bojay and Castor waited to hand in their report. Col Tigh looked at the group before him. Lt Bojay, Lt Sheba, both of the Pegasus, his not so recent command of the Pegasus still in his mind, and Sgt. Castor of Council Security stationed at the Galactica. Tigh noted that both Bojay and Sheba had very dark circles under their eyes and looked like they had lost weight, judging by the fit of the dress uniforms on them. Castor had a tired look to him also but Tigh thought, 'It's from the toll the fire took on us all.' He then turned behind him and looked at Apollo and Starbuck and noted that they didn't look as tired or drained. 'Well what do you expect? Bojay and Sheba just fought off two attackers.' Tigh did say, "Let's move this to the ready room." They all nodded in agreement, and promptly filed out with the Colonel leading the way. Castor first, then Bojay and Sheba who walked together side by side with Starbuck and Apollo bringing up the rear. They walked in silence and while Apollo was gathering up his questions to ask. Starbuck whispered in earnest, "Do you think they are on the turbo flush list?" "Is that all your thinking about?" Apollo asked though clenched teeth. As much as Starbuck was his closest friend, he couldn't believe, after all this time, Starbuck's boldness. "No," Starbuck answered back. "I'm also wondering if they had a clue something was a foot because Sheba 's hair is still up." Although Bojay was in front of Starbuck, his eyes kept darting back and forth to Sheba. Apollo answered, without hesitation, "Maybe she hadn't the time to take it down." "So you did notice!" Starbuck whispered with glee. "Makes me think they knew something." They arrived at the Ready Room and entered. Tigh started the vid recorder. The Colonel said, "Who would like to go first?" Bojay, Sheba and Castor lined up in front of Tigh. Starbuck and Apollo took up positions on each side of Tigh but a step or two back from him. The dress uniforms made this very formal. Bojay and Sheba were at strict military attention. Castor cleared his throat. "I believe I'll let the Lieutenants go first." He withdrew to the side. Bojay didn't know if he should be grateful or not that Castor opted to go last. But he looked at Sheba and she nodded so he pressed on. "We came back from Patrol and noticed that we still had time to catch most of the service. As we entered the room, we saw it was standing room only. So, instead of being crushed up against the doors, we noticed a ladder and climbed up. We found a spot where we could see and hear the service. When the two council robed people started to make their way through the crowd, I asked Sheba who they were. There faces weren't on the council list we had looked at." Bojay took a breath. Sheba smoothly interjected, "When I couldn't identify them as either an aide or the actual member their robs signified, we became suspicious. So, we visually tracked them. We became increasingly concerned about them because they weren't showing body language of people looking for a better vantage point." Bojay picked it up from there and went on to say that, "I saw a bulge on both of them that could have been a concealed weapon. And I asked Sheba, 'Now why would they have ANY weapon on their person?' " "I answered they shouldn't but let's be very sure about this. And we pulled out our optical scanners to verify this," Sheba said. While this whole report was going on Apollo 's mind was ticking. He had noticed that Sheba always had her hair up when she flew patrol and even though she had been rolling around with the assassin, it was for the most part in place. He also noticed that her face had taken on a haunted look in the last few days. Her eyes had very dark circles. Her face looked gaunt, and she looked thinner. Bojay also looked the same way, but he didn't have that haunted look. He wondered why. Starbuck was taking it all in and snuck a look at Apollo who was looking at Sheba. He smiled to himself and looked forward again. "We verified they were packed and split up to stop themm" Sheba finished. Bojay then went on to say, "They started to reach for the weapons and we took action to stop them. I believe you saw the rest Colonel." "Indeed I did. Sgt. Castor what is your report?" Tigh turned to where Castor had been observing the proceedings. "I also came in late and spotted the Lieutenants up at a good spot. So I followed suit but I was back a ways from them." Castor continued on, "When they moved, it caught my attention and I went to investigate. I knew we need more security to evacuate the area. Both the lieutenants had the situations under control so I went to alert them. I think you know the rest," Castor finished. Tigh said, "Sounds exactly like it happened." He turned to Apollo and Starbuck and said, "Any other questions?" Apollo and Starbuck looked at Colonel Tigh. Apollo stepped forward and asked, "How come you two were on early patrol instead of Giles and Greenbean?" Starbuck stayed where he was to observe facial expressions and body language. Being a gambler, he prided himself on knowing when someone was bluffing. Plus he wanted to see where Apollo's line of questioning went and what the answers were. Bojay picked it up from there and said, "Sheba and I were approached in the nutrition center by two of Blue squadrons warriors to swap patrols. Giles and Greenbean both wanted to be sure they were back in time to attend the service. So we talked it over and we did." Bojay finished very calmly. "Giles and Greenbean's patrol were for extended range while you and Sheba were short range," Apollo remarked. Bojay's eyes were locked on Apollo and not giving any indication of waving. Apollo walked over to the computer and pulled up the patrol rooster. "According to the rooster you two were on short range not extended range. Why wasn't it changed?" He looked at both of them now. Starbuck was growing impatient. He couldn't pick up on anything in Bojay's demeanor. He thought, 'Either it is the truth or he gotten very good at hiding his feelings.' Sheba had enough but she held her anger in check. Sheba leveled her gaze at Apollo and said, "Captain Apollo, I entered the data in to the unit closest to the nutrition center." Now she had his attention as well as the rest of the room. Sheba calmly went on to say, "With all the damage that was done to Galactica from the latest attack, it is possible that although the change appeared to have gone through, in all actuality it did not. Thus making it appear that we didn't follow procedure." Sheba was looking straight in to Apollo's eyes as she said this. "Lt Starbuck do you have any questions?" Sheba knew Starbuck was watching them to gage their facial and body language. Apollo, the living lie detector she thought. Starbuck was having too much fun watching these two that he was caught off guard and stammered for a micron. "If you landed late then how come you have capes on?" "We brought them along with us on our patrol to expedite ourselves to the service," she answered smoothly and with that angelic smile that Apollo had seen back on the Pegasus. Apollo sensed that Sheba was about to change the line of questioning in the proceedings so he quickly said, "Tell us again. How did you know they were not council members or aides?" He watched her face very carefully. Something just didn't add up he thought to himself. "When we first came aboard the Galactica, the Council had assembled. That's when we saw them." Sheba paused to let that sink in and continued on with, "Bojay and I gave the Battle of Molecay information to the Galactica's Information Officer on the bridge. We were invited to check the records to see if any of our friends survived the Holocaust. The Council was the first records we came across." Sheba finished looking Apollo directly in the eyes. 'This is way more than a simply after action report,' she thought. Colonel Tigh had remained silent, but now thought to end this debriefing with, "Lieutenants, when can I expect your patrol report?" "Already done, Colonel," Bojay said with a smile. Colonel Tigh took a double take, but didn't ask how that happened. "Castor do you have anything to ask?" "Just I'm glad these two are on the Galactica now." What Castor didn't say was, "If I thought things were starting to get routine before, they're down right interesting now." Colonel Tigh switched off the recorder and said, "I'll expect your after action report within the centon. Then I want you two to get some rest. That's an order Lieutenants. Dismissed." He looked meaningfully at Bojay and Sheba, and turned and left the room. "Just how did you two get that report filed and get to the service?" Starbuck asked with an incredulous look. He couldn't figure it out. "Well Starbuck," Sheba said with that same smile she turned him down on his bet before their mission, "We landed, filed the report, and put on our capes while we walked to the service. You see that's why I didn't have time to take my hair down." She finished with a flush. "So who do you think is on the Colonel's turbo flush list now?" Bojay added as Sheba and Bojay exited the room. Apollo looked at Starbuck and said, "Well one thing's for sure. They have excellent hearing." Starbuck just looked flabbergasted and said, "Let's leave that part out when we tell Boomer and Jolly." Athena was on the bridge talking to Omega when Bojay and Sheba handed in their report to Tigh. They watched from her station as the two warriors talked to Tigh. Omega also saw the two Lieutenants and said to Athena, "Was it true that those two stopped an internal terrorist attack?" Athena looked at Omega and marveled how Omega could get information so fast. "There was an attack, but it looks like they just handed in their after action report. We will have to wait and see." She followed Bojay with her eyes. 'He looks really stressed,' she thought, but she wasn't the only one following the two. Omega stated, "They look really beat. I was hoping to welcome them aboard but I guess it will have to wait till later." He noted as the two left the bridge. Athena just kept watching and said, "Yes, they do." "Athena, Omega." Colonel Tigh looked down at them from his command station. "Yes, sir." They both answered in unison. "I'm going to get some rest. Contact me in quarters if something should come up. Those two look as tired as I feel," he added, meaning Sheba and Bojay. "Understood, sir," Omega said and nodded. They parted company and went back to there respective stations. Athena went to check her messages and saw that she had one form her father. It said that Dr. Salik would be allowing her father to have a day pass to his quarters tomorrow and could she get a meal planned for the occasion? He would be having seven or eight guests. Athena replied no problem. She would be over to get his menu. "This must be special if he is asking me to do it instead of his steward," she muttered to herself. "Who is he inviting is the next question." Athena signed off and went to the Life Station. Sheba and Bojay were walking and taking off their capes when they arrived back to the landing bay. They put their flight jackets back on. "Whew! Glad that's over," Bojay said. "Yeah, me too." Sheba scanned her eyes around and now one was in ear shot so she said, "I think they pretty much bought it." She looked at Bojay for a reaction. "Like I said stick as close to the truth and we would be okay. You definitely have your mom's acting abilities. You did well." He smiled at her. "Well, you would have made a great stage actor. Nothing phased you in the least," Sheba said and noted that Bojay was as stressed as she was. "Thanks, but when you got Starbuck towards the end after Tigh left, that was priceless. I would have paid good cubits to see that again," Bojay said with a relish. "Oh, I think your parting shot about turbo flush list was even better." She smiled at the memory of Starbuck's face. "Apollo's living lie detector got a short circuit there." Sheba looked at her chronometer. "We have one more thing to do before we get some shut eye." "Yeah, I know. Lets go meet with them." He raked a hand through his hair. "I hope they're feeling better than we are." Bojay's hand came back down and he had hair in it. "What the Hades?" Sheba peered closer and saw what he had. She did the same thing and got her own hair in a clump. "Two things, I'll bet. One is stress." "The other?" Bojay prompted. "We are allergic to something on this ship," she finished. "Let's bring that up to the table." "You got it," Bojay said as they left their vipers and went about their way. They deposited the hair in a waste receptacle. "Hey, I don't think this is functioning proper." They didn't hear the sound indicating it went in to the system. "I'll report this. You head up. I'll be microns behind you." Bojay noted the ID number and they split up. It took even less time than Bojay thought to find someone. He called out to a sanitation worker. "I just want to let you know that receptacle over there isn't functioning properly," he spat out in a hurry to join the meeting. "What did you put in it?" the worker asked. He didn't look Bojay in the eyes. Bojay just rolled his eyes and said, "Loose hair off our heads. I've got a meeting to get to, so can you handle that?" "Oh, for sure, no problem." The worker headed off.. 'He looks familiar. But where?' Bojay shrugged it off and ran to catch up with Sheba. The worker opened the receptacle and said, "Oh this isn't refuse. This is a treasure." He placed the long hair in his pocket and strode away not fixing it. Sheba was moving right along when she ran in to Athena. "Sheba, just the person I was looking for." Sheba was flushed form moving right along and said, "Can it wait? I've got to follow Tigh's orders." "Oh, Commander Adama has requested your presence at the Life Station." Athena sensed she was in a hurry. "Is he up for visitors?" Sheba asked. "Yep." Athena didn't get to say anymore when Sheba said, "I'll go right know and see him." Sheba ran down the corridor to the Life Station. Athena just stood there. Her brow knotted in puzzlement. "She's going to collapse at this rate." Athena went about the dinner plans. Sheba made short work of the journey to the Life Station and went right to Adama's pod. He was dressed and sitting up, reading an electronic book. He looked up to see Sheba. "Sheba, that was fast." "Commander, you wanted to see me?" Sheba tried not to be in a hurry but the meter was ticking. "Yes. I am having a small dinner tonight in my quarters and wanted to invite you," he said watching for a reaction and he got it. "Salik is discharging you?" she asked with sincere surprise. "Well, he's allowing me out for dinner. Then I have to come back here to see how I'm doing." He waited for a response. Sheba stumbled verbally around for a moment. "OH, oh Commander, I am deeply touched but I just couldn't. Bojay and I have orders from Colonel Tigh to get some rest. I'm breaking an order right now talking with you," Sheba finished smoother than she started out with. "Oh, I'll talk to Tigh and please bring Bojay too, as I was going to invite him also." He was still looking at her in askance. "Well since you put it that way. What do you want to know?" She smiled. "This is just a simple dinner. Nothing more." He gave her a charming smile. "We will be there. What's the dress code?" she asked. "Whatever you can find. Uniforms if that's all you've have," he answered. "See you then." In a flash, she was on her way again. She exited the back door as Apollo came in. He could feel the vacuum of her exit. His father had a thoughtful look on it. "She looks like she's on a mission," Apollo said simply and quietly. Adama turned his head around and said, "Apollo glad you stopped by. Yes, apparently Sheba has been ordered to get some rest." "Yes, Tigh had to make it an order," Apollo answered but was looking out the door Sheba just exited from. "From what I just saw Apollo, she looks very stressed." "I agree, father but we all are." Apollo looked down at his face. Adama said, "You know son, some good did come out of this fire. It has bonded Sheba and Bojay to the Galactica. They proved their mettle and I for one am happy they're here instead of the Pegasus. They have had more of an load to carry than the rest. Now tell me what do you and Boxey have planned tonight?" Adama finished that part of the conversation and Apollo knew it wasn't open for discussion. Bojay couldn't believe Sheba wasn't here yet! 'Where the Frack is she?' he thought. Just then the doors opened and the very person came running in. The chatter in the room stopped. "I was unavoidably detained," Sheba said as she placed her cape next to Bojay's on the table. "Please accept my apologies." She looked over the crowd. Every person in the room was from the Pegasus. "Let's begin," she simply said. Bojay looked at her as Sheba talked to the crowd. He saw she was flustered from what happened between the landing bay and here. He joined in the group discussion. Back at the Men's billet, Boomer and Jolly found their prey. "Well, what the deal?" Boomer asked, just a tad frustrated that he and Jolly had to track him down like a sick dagget. "Yeah Starbuck. If I didn't know you better you were avoiding us," Jolly piped up, looking at Starbuck "So spill it. What'd they say for themselves?" Starbuck was standing in front of his locker and said," Oh, it was just as it happened." "Yeah, right!" Jolly said exasperated. "Now tell us the real story!" "What a micron. You just cleaned up and have a fresh uniform on," Boomer interjected. "Where are you going?" Starbuck took this chance to change the subject. "Hey look, I don't want to discuss this here. Too many ears if you now what I mean." He pointed his finger around the room. There were a few of Red Squadron's warriors sleeping. "Meet me I the O'Club in two centons okay." "We'll be there Bucko and we better hear the rest of the story." Jolly felt robbed but he'd get the story latter. Boomer just looked at Starbuck's back as he exited. "Boomer, I think there is something Starbuck doesn't want us to know," Jolly said. "So how do we find out?" he asked perplexed. "We can't ask Tigh." "No, but you're friends with Castor aren't you?" Jolly asked with a knowing look. "Hey, your right!" Boomer said with glee. "Now let's grab something to eat and find Castor," Jolly said as he turned back to the door they came from. "That's what I like about you Jolly. You have your priorities straight." Boomer laughed and they walked out to the nutrition center. The End