Caprica Day

May 15, 1998

{Fair warning-this story doesn't exactly settle with the story line we
saw in the series, but I decided that Starbuck is just gonna have to
live with it. Besides, with any luck, the sequel will set it all
straight. With a huge 'thank you' to Lessa.}

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

It was Caprica Day, and the excitement hung in the air. This was a day
of celebration, and when they had their mind set to it, nobody
celebrated like the Capricans; and today they celebrated the most jovial
holiday of all, the day when long ago, the refugees of Kobol had arrived
to the first of the 12 colony worlds, and founded what will become the
biggest colony, Caprica. 

The plans for this yahren's celebration were as grandiose and fantastic
as ever. The Caprican battlestar, the _Galactica_ ,was back home in
Caprica, after another successful mission in her glorious history, and
her Vipers were set to be the main attraction, making a special flight
over Caprica City, saluting the city, its population and the ancient
founders of Caprica.  

Everyone involved, from the first Flight Ensign to the last Council
member were nervous and excited about the aerial display, and every
citizen in the city was anxious for it to begin. People flowed to
Caprica City from all over the planet, just to behold the magnificence
of the _Galactica's_ illustrious Blue Squadron slicing the sky above
Caprica City.  The excitement hung heavy in the air, and sang in the
blood of any born Caprican; and the few who could not be among the
crowds filling the streets that night, were feeling very disappointed.
Especially one boy who spent his nights and days dreaming about flying
those very same Vipers.

That afternoon, only a few centars before the celebrations were due to
begin, that same boy was sitting cross-legged on his orphanage bed,
looking to all the world like a very subdued young boy.  The youth
across from him, though, knew better. 

"Starbuck, I know you're up to something. You're never this quiet unless
you're up to something." 

"No, I'm not."

"Yes, you are. You have that spark in your eyes that you get when
you're  trying to steal one of Ms. Merywether's ginger cookies." 

"That's not true, Kyle!", Starbuck protested. "I was trying to save her
the trouble of getting it *for* me."

"Fine. Whatever!" Kyle gave up, laughing. Keeping track of his younger
brother's mind was something that he fully expected the Lords of Kobol
themselves to fail. "But you're still up to something, and it's got to
do with the Vipers' flight tonight. Right?"

"Easy for you to talk! You're taking what's-her-name-"

"Clarissa", Kyle supplied.

"Yeah, Clarissa, to watch the flight tonight, and I'm stuck here, just
because I'm 6 yahrens younger than you!" 

"Well, that's because I'm 16 yahrens old, and you're 10.  That's 6
yahrens too young, boy."

"Oh, and how much wisdom have _you_  gained in those 6 years, huh?"
Starbuck was never one to back away from an argument. 

"Enough to be allowed out, dear brother mine." Kyle grinned at his
brother. 

Starbuck glared at him, and threw himself back on his bed. "I still say
it's not fair. Watching it on the screen isn't as much fun as actually
seeing them." 

"Life isn't fair, Starbuck. And watching it on the screen is better than
not watching it at all. Which is exactly what you'll be doing if you
don't get yourself down stairs and get going on your homework right
now!" The orphanage supervisor stood akimbo at the door, half smiling,
half frowning at the two brothers. 

"See what you've done?!?" Starbuck threw over his shoulder as he passed
his brother on his way out. 

"Why, that little rascal!", Kyle grinned at the supervisor, who gave him
an amused sigh. 

"He's not taking the restriction very well, is he?" she asked. 

Kyle shook his head. "No, but that was fairly expected. He's been
dreaming about Vipers for as long as I can remember, and this, well-" he
gestured at the window, trying to envelope the whole celebration with
the single hand movement, "anyway, he's disappointed.  He'll live,
though. He'll drive me crazy in the process, but he'll live." 

"Still, I'd better keep a close eye on him. He's like fireworks waiting
to explode on days like this." She smiled, and moved to the door. "I
better get down there, before the kids tear the house down. You have fun
on your date, Kyle, and don't worry about a thing."

Kyle nodded his gratitude as she left the room. When he was alone, he
sat down on his  bed. The two shared the room since they were
transferred here, about 2 yahrens ago. Being the sole survivors of their
family after the raid on Umbra, the brothers would not be separated,
not even during the nights.

He reached his hand under his pillow, and pulled out a small, framed
picture. The woman in it couldn't be mistaken to be anyone else, but the
boys' mother. She had Kyle's blonde hair, and Starbuck's blue, twinkling
eyes. The smile on her face was the same flashing smile that both boys
wore, unfortunately so few times since the destruction of their home. 
Kyle sent a wistful look at the picture standing on the desk. He saw
himself and Starbuck, both laughing at something the camera couldn't
capture, hair falling on their faces, cheeks flushed and dirty from a
long day of hiking.  He drew his gaze back to the picture of his mother,
and sighed; his kid brother didn't know the picture existed, and Kyle
decided not to tell him. Starbuck didn't remember his parents at all,
and Kyle found no point in reminding him of what he could never again
have. 

"Mom, what am I gonna do with him? Was I like that at his age, too?
Probably was. He *is* my brother. It's just not fair, you know. We
should both be out there, with you and dad, watching the celebrations. 
Or just being at the celebration in Umbra, at home. I know life isn't
fair, I know it's not anyone's fault. But I can't help it! All this is
simply so cruel, so wrong. Oh, Mom, why did you have to die and leave us
all alone?" 

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

In the _Galactica's_ spacious landing bay, Lieutenant Adama was
finishing the last steps of his pre flight. His Viper, like the ones of
his squadron mates, shown brightly,  ready to fly. After the aerial
display, the Vipers would land in the Colonial Academy, where they would
stay for the duration of the _Galactica's_ repairs, allowing the people
of Caprica city  a chance to see the crafts up close. 

The lieutenant smiled. This day was going to be a special one indeed.
The Galactica was home, and the Commander had granted extended leaves
for the crew. Adama planned to spend his leave, which would start as
soon as his Viper touched down at the Academy, with his family.  His
wife, Ila, and his three children, whom he hadn't seen for so long. His
youngest, Zac, was starting to make his first shaky steps around the
house, Ila had told him over the com-unit, and Adama hoped he would see
more of this miracle than he had with his 2 older children.  His eldest,
Apollo, was turning 11 the coming summer, just the right age to shower
his father with a constant stream of 'why', 'how' and 'what's that...',
and Adama was never too tired to satisfy his son's inquiring mind. And
Athena. His middle child, his only daughter. At the age of 7, she was
blooming with a childish beauty. Adama could imagine himself scaring the
pants off her future suitors. Yes, this leave would definitely be a very
successful one, the Lieutenant concluded. 

Noticing the sun outside was slowly beginning to set, he glanced at his
chronometer.  Half a centar until the briefing on the bridge, a full
centar before they were to launch. Just enough time to call home and
make the last arrangements to meet with his family at the touch down
point.  Whistling cheerfully, Adama strolled out of the landing bay. A
fine Caprica Day, indeed. 

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

Starbuck bounded up the stairs, rushed through the door to his room, and
ran full tilt into his brother, who was adding the final touches to his
appearance.  

"Hey, watch it! I've been working forever to get this thing tied right!"
Kyle exclaimed, trying to rearrange his tie in a suitable manner.

Starbuck surveyed his big brother. Tie, jacket, pants with no holes in
the knee area, impressive.  "Aren't you all dressed up. Taking Clarissa
someplace special after the celebration?" He asked, with a mischievous
grin.

"Non of your business, rascal!" Kyle grinned back.

"Ha-huh..." 

Kyle stifled a laugh. "Don't even think about it." He ignored Starbuck's
feigned offended expression, picked him up, and placed him on the upper
bed. "Okay, kid, listen up. I'm not going to be here tonight to make
sure you behave, so I want you to promise you won't do anything that
might get us in trouble. Okay?"

"Aw, what can they do to us? Transfer us, again?" Starbuck shot him an
exasperated look.

"Well, for one, they can. And personally, I'm kinda getting to like this
place."  Kyle admired himself in the mirror.  He put on a bit of scent,
then made one last check, breathing onto his hand then sniffing it. 
Good, Clarissa wouldn't think he didn't care about basic hygiene. "Cut
that out!" he told his brother firmly, noticing the grin starting to
form on his face. "You've got a dirty mind for a 10 yahren old."
 
"Me?!? Your young, sweet, naive, baby brother?" 

"Yes, you! And that innocent charade doesn't work with me.  I've known
you longer than you've known yourself, so you can't fool me. Now,
promise me you'll behave yourself." 

"But...." Starbuck tried to slide a protest in.

"No but, kid. Promise. You'll be old enough to go to the celebration
next year."

"But the _Galactica_ won't be here next year!"

"You know, the _Galactica_ isn't the only battlestar with Vipers on it."

"Yeah, but it's the only _Caprican_  battlestar with Vipers on it.
Unless you want to take me to the celebrations on Sagittara." 

Kyle was starting to develop a sinking feeling that his kid brother was
gaining the upper hand. Which he wasn't supposed to do. "Starbuck, I
don't have time for this. Promise you'll behave, or I'll tickle you to
death."

"You wouldn't!" 

"Try me."

"You would, wouldn't you. And enjoy it, too. Okay, okay, I'll behave.
I'll try, anyway."

Kyle smiled. "That's all I wanted to hear."

"But I won't enjoy it!"

This time, Kyle couldn't stifle his laughter. When he gained some sense
of seriousness back, he ruffled his brother's hair. "You don't have to
enjoy it, you rascal. Remember, no school tomorrow, because of the
holiday, so I'll take you to have some ice-cream. 'kay?"

Starbuck pondered it. "With chocla on it?"

"You're incorrigible. Fine, with chocla on it. Happy?"

"Thrilled. What's inco--, incorijible?" 

 "You when you get rolling," Kyle grinned. "Now get out of here. I need
to get ready." 

Starbuck was already halfway out when he turned to his brother again,
"Hey Kyle, do you think I could-"

"Out! Now!" A pillow flew across the room, to hit nothing but the shut
door. Starbuck managed to escape it on time, and his older brother heard
him giggling all the way down. 

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

Starbuck wondered through the orphanage's corridors. He found out pretty
quickly that sitting quietly at the large hall and listening to the
teachers telling stories about fairies and elves that helped the first
founders of Caprica City out wasn't for him. He knew all too well how
cities were founded, the same way they were destroyed-with blood and
suffering. Vipers, Battlestars and laser pistols-that was how you kept
alive, not by sitting under the bush and waiting for  some elf to show
up.  Not that Starbuck enjoyed having this knowledge; he much preferred
having his Mom and Dad back. Not that he remembered any of them, too. 
But then, living here with Kyle wasn't all that bad either. Kyle was a
good brother, even though he sometimes got carried away with it,
Starbuck decided.  

Just then, he heard the muffled roar of the Vipers' engines.  A glance
at the large chronometer hung on the wall told him that the display was
about to begin. Starbuck ran to the large window, dragged a chair near
it, climbed up, and peaked through the window. If he strained his neck
long enough, he could make out the thin line of smoke the Vipers left in
their trail.  

"Oh, great! They're about to start, and all I can see is smoke!"
Starbuck muttered under his breath. The street under the window was
already full of people, all heading towards the main square of the city.
Starbuck sighed. If only he could be in that square tonight. But then
again, he didn't really need to be _in_ the square. Just a few metrons
away from the house.  He should be able to see the Vipers from there, at
least when they start to land. The orphanage was near the Academy, only
a few blocks of buildings blocked the Academy's landing area from
Starbuck's bedroom window. 

Starbuck quickly tiptoed his way to the front door.  He could hear the
noises from the big hall, where all the other kids were gathered to
watch the celebrations.  That meant he only had a few moments before
someone remembered to check up on his whereabouts. He grabbed his coat,
and reached for the doorknob.  He froze for a moment, remembering his
earlier promise to Kyle.  "I said I'd _try_ ! Nobody said nothing about
succeeding!" He told his conscience firmly, and sneaked out the doorway.

As soon as he was out of eyeshot of the orphanage, Starbuck stopped to
survey his surroundings.  After a while of deciphering the street signs
around, he started running down the street leading to the main square
area.  When he arrived, the Vipers were already in full swing, showing
off their skills to the masses below them.

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

The Blue Squadron pilots were enjoying themselves. Immensely.  The
exhilaration and thrill of this flight were causing the adrenaline to
run in the pilots' veins, and  for  all the right reasons.  They were
saluting the people they were usually protecting, and receiving wave
after wave of pride and admiration from the people of Caprica City. To
the average Colonial Warrior, who was used to being called a warmonger
by people who wouldn't recognize a Cylon centurion if it hit them square
on the head, it was a refreshing, well-deserved change. 

"Blue Squadron, let's show off a bit, shall we?", Captain Leucippe
radioed to her squadron. She was as proud of them as the people cheering
down below. They worked hard, and were ready to put their lives on the
line for each other. Two qualities which made the Galactican Blue
Squadron, now under her command, illustrious. There were rumors around
the Star Fleet that the commanders of the _Galactica_  pinpointed the
best young cadets the minute they joined the academy. Those serving on
the _Galactica_ knew the simple truth. Blue Squadron was the best out
there, and every Caprican cadet wanted to be worthy of it. And so,
through the years, the various captains of the squadron were expected to
live up to the high standards set by their predecessors. Leucippe was
proud to think that she managed the job well. Blue Squadron was as
illustrious, and as reckless, as ever. She hoped that the one to follow
her was worthy of this special squadron, for she was leaving the
Colonial Service. Health problems, homesickness and exhaustion were
taking their heavy toll on the veteran captain.

"I thought that's what we were doing, kippie, uh, ma'am." Lt. Tigh
jokingly teased.

"Call me 'kippie' one more time, lieutenant, and I'll have you charged
with insubordination.  That goes to all of you. Yes?" She tried to keep
up the old show of irritation with the nickname they'd lovingly given
her.  Truth be told, she confessed to herself, she was going to miss
that. 

"Yes, ma'am, Captain Leucippe, ma'am!" The joint chorus of the pilots
reached her over the com-units. 

"Good. Now, let's show them civvies what Colonial Warriors are made of!"

**********

Starbuck hardly noticed the centars passing by, so absorbed he was in
the fabulous flight display he was witnessing. He had heard of the Blue
Squadron before, like any other kid on the 12 colony worlds, but
actually seeing them fly...Starbuck couldn't possibly imagine something
more impressive than this. 

The skies were multicolored with the lights shining from the thousands
of holidays lamps spread throughout the city, and they gave the Vipers
slicing through them an almost unrealistic touch, as they pulled up
higher and higher, until they were but little shining spots in the sky,
as they prepared for their grand finale. 

The roar of the engines got suddenly stronger, jolting the watching
crown back to full alertness. The Vipers dove from high above the city,
pulling up their noses and straightening out above the main square,
waving and waggling their wings, in a final salute and display of
skill.  The crowd cheered and waved after the departing Vipers. The
pilots aimed their crafts for the Academy landing area, and their own
night of celebration. 

Just as soon as the Vipers were safely out of the way, the fireworks
shot up to sky, coloring them in a variety of sparks and shapes. 
Starbuck never noticed them. He was still caught in the sights of the
Vipers. As soon as he couldn't see them anymore, he turned on his heels,
and ran back the way he came, turning away from the orphanage, and
heading to the Academy landing area.  When he came to a stop at his
destination, the last pilot was climbing out of his cockpit, on his way
to join his fellow warriors.  

Starbuck didn't give him a second glance, for he suddenly found himself
not a metron away from a real, life-sized Viper.  Heat was still
emanating from the engines, but the hull was already chill to the touch,
as Starbuck stretched out cautiously to brush his fingers against the
cold metal. Starbuck stared at the machine with awe. Being this close to
a _real_ Viper. That was worth all the sorts of trouble which will
surely descend on his head. 

"Hey, kid, what are you doing here?" A voice boomed over his head.
"Shouldn't you be home, with your parents?" 

Starbuck turned around hurriedly, to see a tall warrior standing behind
him, leaning against the Viper.  "I'm sorry, sir. I just wanted to see
the vipers from a bit closer."

The warrior smiled down at him. "I figured as much. Still, you shouldn't
be here all alone. Why don't you tell me where you live and I'll take
you home?"

Home. That was one place Starbuck _didn't_ want to go to. "Oh, that's
okay, I live just over there," he gave a vague gesture at the buildings
behind the Academy. "I can get there myself. I don't want to bother you.
You're a Colonial warrior, right?" 

Adama smiled at the hasty change of subject. Just like his son, Apollo.
They seemed about the same age, too. "Yes, I am. And you still hasn't
answered me. 'Over there' is not good enough. Tell me where your parents
are, and I'll get you home. It's not safe for you to walk alone in the
streets at this hour."

Starbuck frowned. He looked up to the warrior. Something told him that
he wouldn't be let off that easily. He got that same look Kyle used to
get when he _knew_ Starbuck did something, but didn't know exactly
_what._  "I don't know where my parents are. I'm an orphan, and I live
with my big brother in the "Good Hope" orphanage." 

"That's more like it." Adama kneeled down, so he wouldn't tower over the
boy. "Now, I suppose you have a name?"

"Starbuck, sir." 

"Well then, Starbuck, I'll tell you what I'm going to do. I'm going to
show you the inside of that cockpit, since you obviously saw all the
other parts of that Viper, and then, I'm going to take you home.  Think
you can live with that?" Adama watched as Starbuck nodded eagerly,  then
frowned. "What is it?"

Starbuck hesitated a moment. "I, uh, I'm not supposed to talk to
strangers."

"A bit late for that, don't you think? And you're right, you shouldn't."
Adama smiled at him. Yes, just like Apollo. "But, it _is_ late, you
_are_ alone, where you're not supposed to be, I know where that
orphanage is, _and_ I'm a Colonial Warrior. I took an oath to protect
and serve the colonies, and their people. Given the situation, I think
they'll understand, don't you?" 

"Well, if you put it that way, I guess it's okay." Starbuck grinned. 

"Now that we have that settled," he hefted Starbuck on his shoulders,"
In the cockpit, you go."

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

Adama and Starbuck spent the next moments examining every possible
instrument in the cockpit. Starbuck was having the time of his life, and
Adama, on his part, was discovering more and more similarities between
his own son, and Starbuck.  There were two important differences though,
Adama concluded. Starbuck could ask a whole lot more questions per
minute than Apollo could, and he looked like he was storing all those
questions, just waiting for the person he could approach for the
answers.  Which, in fact, was the truth. Starbuck, unlike Adama's son,
simply had no one to ask.  Adama sighed, and ruffled the boy's hair,
drawing his attention from the control stick. 

"As much as I hate to say it, Starbuck, it's time I got you home.
They're probably worried sick by now."

Starbuck infectious smile disappeared, but he nodded with approval.
"Yeah, I think they've passed the angry phase, and reached the worried
sick part, too."

Adama climbed out of the Viper, and reached back up to help the boy
down. Once they were both touching the ground, Adama took Starbuck's
hand in his, and started walking across the field.  When they reached
the small building, Adama pulled Starbuck inside after him. Near a large
table, sat a bunch of men, all warriors, all chatting amicably. 

Starbuck was slightly taken aback. A room full of warriors...that was a
bit overwhelming, after the day he'd just had. Adama pushed him over to
the table, causing the gathered warriors to stop their chatter. 

"Guys," he said, "This is Starbuck, he's gonna be a pilot one day, and
right now, he knows more about the Viper's control panels than all of us
together."  Then he turned to the dumbfounded boy. "Starbuck, those are
the pilots of the _Galactica's_  Blue Squadron."  They all watched as
Starbuck's jaw fell to the floor. "Anyway," Adama turned his attention
to his long-time friend, "Tigh, if Ila and Apollo come while I'm gone,
tell 'em I'll be right back." 

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

A few moments passed, and Adama and Starbuck were walking towards the
orphanage. Starbuck had not yet uttered a sound.  Adama noticed the awe
on his face, and smiled inwardly.  Maybe he should get this boy and his
son together. They were bound to get along. A new friend would do Apollo
worlds of good. But than, Adama wasn't really sure he wanted to expose
his son to the cruel world just yet.

"Were those _really_ the Blue Squadron pilots?" Starbuck's voice brought
him back from his revere. 

"Yes, they were. Blue Squadron, in the flesh."

Starbuck fell silent for a while. "Do you think _I_ could be in the Blue
Squadron one day?", he suddenly asked.

"Well, when you're old enough, I'm sure you can. You know more about the
Vipers than some of the pilots back there." 

Starbuck fell silent again, obviously taken aback by the compliment. 
"So, Starbuck, how old are you? So I'd know how long we don't have to
worry about you making us look like old daggits."

The boy smiled. "I'm 10 yahrens old. I think. We're not sure." 

"Not sure?"

"Yeah, you see, our parents died at the raid of Umbra, and I was too
little to remember anything." 

"And your brother?"

"Kyle? He doesn't know either. Umbrans don't do birthdays, I guess." 

Adama nodded. "I see. Well, you look about the same age as my boy, and
he's about 10 too. So I think you have a pretty good idea of your age.
Tell me, why do you want to be a Colonial Warrior?"

"The Vipers are neat, I guess. I don't know, really." Starbuck admitted.
"I think I just want to fly. See the stars up close, you know.  And
there's this part of me that wants to get back at the tin-cans for
killing my mom and dad." 

"Fair enough, I suppose. So, if you're not from here originally, how do
you like Caprica City? I was born and raised here, so it's kinda routine
for me."

"It's okay. I mean, it's big. Really big!" he grinned. "We've been to
all sorts of places since we left Umbra, but the City is the biggest
place I've ever seen.  And sometimes we can see the Vipers landing at
the Academy from the attic. I can tell how long a cadet has been flying
by how close he gets to the flags row."

Adama broke a laugh. "I actually chopped off a flag pole on my first
landing. Today, I can do it with my eyes closed."

"I'd just as soon you didn't." Starbuck wryly told him. "I don't think
you'll like the relapse." 

They passed another corner, and reached the block where the Orphanage
stood. A figure looked their way, and gave a cry. "Starbuck!" 

"Kyle!", Starbuck exclaimed, and left Adama's hand to meet his brother
halfway. 

Adama stayed in the shadows, watching the reunion. Kyle knelt down and
swept his brother to a rib breaking hug. When he finally released him,
he held Starbuck at arm's length, and looked him over, wearing an
expression of immense relief. 

"I don't know if I should punish you, or just be glad you're okay, you
little rascal." He told his baby brother, with the slightest trace of a
smile. 

"Why don't we celebrate my home-coming with that ice-cream cone
tomorrow, and then you can punish me all you want, 'kay?" Starbuck
flashed a mischievous grin. Kyle simply shook his head at him, the
relief on his face making room for some exasperation. 

"Incorrigible. Just like Apollo." Adama mumbled to himself, with a
knowing smile.

"Oh! I almost forgot!" Starbuck struggled free from his brother's
embrace, and dragged him over to where Adama stood. "Sir, this is my big
brother, Kyle. I think I kinda ruined his date." He added,
conspiratorially. 

"You sure did, rascal." Kyle frowned at him. "You owe me one. Big time."
He smiled at his brother. "Now get inside, before you catch a cold."  

Adama kneeled to face Starbuck. "He's right, kid. You should get inside.
It's been fun knowing you, Starbuck." 

"It's been fun knowing you, too. Thanks for letting me sit in the
cockpit, I had a great time," the smile was back, bigger than ever. 

"It's been my pleasure. Now be a good boy, and do as you're told."

Starbuck nodded, and turned to go. When he was at the door, he turned,
and waved at the Warrior. 

Kyle smiled at his brother, and turned to Adama. "I really appreciate
you bringing him back. I don't know what he was thinking, sneaking out
like that. He could have gotten lost, or worse. I'm very sorry he
bothered you."

Adama surveyed the young men. "He didn't bother me at all. I had a very
good time with him. He's a good kid, Kyle."

"Yeah, he is. He's just doesn't stop to think before he does anything."

"He's a kid, that's what they do. He just wanted to see the Vipers, and
nothing bad happened to him. You should have seen the smile on his face
when I told him I was gonna show him the inside of the Viper."

Kyle smiled, as he imagined the picture. "Yeah, I can imagine.  Anyhow,
thanks again for bringing him home. Most people wouldn't bother."

"No harm done, and I'm pretty sure he won't do it again. He didn't mean
to worry you, or disobey you. Just tell him how worried you were, and
he'll never even dream of doing it again. Go easy on him this time,
okay?"

"I'll take that advice, thanks. I really was worried, though. He's all
the family I got left, I don't know what I'd do if something happened to
him." 

"Like I said, No harm done. He's a great kid, and he'll make a fine
warrior some day, if he puts his mind to it." Adama told him. "Anyway, I
have to get back, my wife and  children are probably worried about me by
now, and I've got 3 kids who will _not_ go easy on me, if I don't get
back there soon."

Kyle nodded, and reached out his hand. "Thanks," he said.

"My pleasure," Adama replied, and shook the offered hand. 

After Adama was gone, Kyle went looking for his brother. He found him at
the dinner table, chewing away on his food. Kyle sank to a chair across
from him, and stared at his brother until he swallowed and looked back. 

"So, did you get yelled at already?", he asked. 

Starbuck shook his head. "Nope, she said you'll get to do the honors
this time."

Kyle sighed. "You know, I am going to have to punish you."

Starbuck nodded. 

"So," Kyle continued, "no chocla on your ice-cream tomorrow." 

"But-"

"Ah!", he shook a finger at Starbuck, who fell silent immediately. "Take
it or leave it."

Starbuck frowned. "Okay, I'll take it. Just because you asked so
nicely." He added with a sly grin. 

"Oh, thank you, your highness, for that generous agreement." Kyle
feigned a deep bow. "Speaking of generosity, Starbuck, you should ring
that warrior tomorrow, and thank him."

Starbuck stopped to think. "I can't, Kyle." He finally said. "I never
got his name."

Kyle stared at his kid brother. "You never got his name? And you let him
take you home? Where was your mind, boy?"

Starbuck didn't seem bothered. "He's a Colonial _Warrior_ , Kyle!"

"So?"

"So?" Starbuck went back to eating. "So, he took an oath to protect the
colonies and their people. And Colonial Warriors always keep their
word."

---The End

Ok, that's it. You can come out now. :)

Ayelet
lushkov@netvision.net.il