Title: Clipped Wings: A Cutting Room Floor Story from Lost Planet of the Gods Author: Melissa August 4, 1999 Summary: It's the morning after Serina's death. Apollo and Adama make a decision that affects Athena's life forever. Disclaimer: Like I'm really gonna try and publish this somewhere... sheesh. =) Oh well... No, I don't own these characters and I don't have any intention of laying claim to them at any point in time. HOWEVER, should they be left on the front porch one day, I will gladly adopt them. ************************ Adama sat at his desk, staring blankly forward at nothing in particular. In his hand was a list, a list that he had seen before, but with a few less names on it now. At a time when it looked like all might be lost, these inexperienced pilots had taken the responsibility of defending the fleet without question or hesitation. It was time now to reward those remaining for their valiant and successful efforts. 'The old-fashioned romantic in me tells me that placing women in danger is wrong,' Adama reasoned with his decision. 'Yet, the practical leader in me says that the natural strength and composure that women exhibit in times of crisis makes them better suited than men to be warriors.' Adama chuckled at the thought of suddenly putting the new female viper pilots in charge of all the squadrons, only to have this rare moment of cheery imagination interrupted by the door chime. "Enter," Adama answered, refocusing his thoughts and preparing himself for the argument that he was certain would occur. "You wanted to see me, Father?" Apollo asked softly upon entering his father's quarters. Adama looked up at his remaining son and immediately felt a lump in his throat. It was obvious that Apollo had not gotten much, if any, sleep the previous night and the redness of his eyes told of many tears being shed. "I won't even ask how you are," Adama said sympathetically. He knew exactly how his son felt and he knew that there was nothing that he could say that would make it any better. "How is Boxey this morning?" "As good as can be expected," Apollo replied. "Yet, with everything he's been through the last secton, it amazes me that his spirits are good at all." Adama rose from his chair and placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "Boxey is a strong and bright boy. He knows there are a lot of people here who love him. I'm sure they will help him get through this." Apollo nodded as he controlled the tears beginning to well in his eyes. "Athena came by our quarters and sat with him until he fell asleep. I can already tell she's going to play a major part in his life." "Yes," Adama agreed. "While I have no doubt in your abilities as a father, Boxey will need a maternal influence. It is good that he is so fond of Athena already, and she of him. He might even help her to deal with her own grief." "Father, is this what you wanted to talk to me about?" Apollo asked, certain that Adama would not have formally sent for him for such a personal matter. "No," Adama grinned at the intuitiveness of his son. "No, Apollo, I asked you here to discuss the status of the new pilots." "Their status? Well, the squadron suffered about a twenty-percent loss over Kobol," Apollo stated in as a professional tone as he could. "But I don't see why it matters now if all our active viper pilots are well and ready for duty." "Dr. Salik has informed me that, while our pilots have been treated for the virus, not all of them are ready to resume full duty yet," Adama explained. "Even so," Apollo immediately broke in, "there are enough of them that can at least pull a regular patrol. I can work a temporary schedule around those who are well and weave in the other pilots as Dr. Salik releases them." "That sounds adequate, for now," Adama concurred. "And with the new pilots being rotated in..." "The new pilots?!" Apollo interrupted. "Father, you can't be serious? After what just happened, you want to keep sending them out there?" Adama took in a deep breath. This was precisely the argument he had prepared himself for. "Apollo, they're good pilots. They've had proper training and have proved themselves. They were our only defense against the Cylons this past secton and who knows what might have happened without them." "Yes, father, I agree with you," Apollo plead his case. "But they can keep their status as a reserve squadron that can be called up if..." Adama shook his head. "No, Apollo, they deserve better than that and we need all the good pilots we can get. I like the idea of having a reserve squadron, but it should be filled with new cadets who will be trained and readied for combat. These pilots have had the training and have been in combat. I want them assigned to squadrons." Apollo folded his arms across his chest and stared at his father. "All of them?" he asked. Adama caught the look in his son's eyes and tried to feign ignorance. "What do you mean?" "You know exactly what I mean," Apollo didn't flinch. "And don't tell me that you haven't thought about it." Adama looked away from Apollo and walked towards the portal. "Apollo, I cannot make any special considerations here. With the Cylons following us so closely, we need good pilots." "And we have good pilots," Apollo said, releasing his defiant stance. "We'll always have good pilots." Apollo paused and walked towards the desk. While he was certain that his argument was transparent, he couldn't bring himself to come out and say it. "But you always said that it's hard to find good bridge officers." Adama couldn't bear to look at Apollo. He knew exactly what his son was getting at and he was ashamed to be engaging in the conversation. While it was true it would be more difficult to replace a trusted and experience bridge officer than a viper pilot, he knew it was a lame excuse to keep his daughter out of the cockpit. Sensing there was still a chance to change his father's mind, Apollo walked over to the portal to influence the final decision. "Father, you kept her out of harm's way from the beginning. When Athena came aboard the Galactica, you had her assigned to bridge duty to keep her out of a viper..." "And I have never regretted that!" Adama broke in. "She had always exhibited leadership abilities and I always thought she was better suited on the bridge. I knew it was only a matter of time before she would stop dreaming of following you and Zac out to the stars." "And you made the right decision," Apollo agreed. "She's one of your executive officers and she is invaluable to both you and Colonel Tigh." "But she's earned the right to fly a viper if she chooses," Adama said softly, knowing that she would choose to be a pilot. "Not if she's not given the choice," Apollo concluded. "How can I not give her that choice, Apollo?" Adama asked in surprise. "I told you I cannot make any special considerations here. It wouldn't be fair," he shook his head and walked back towards his desk. "And would it be fair to you or I to lose another member of our family?!" Apollo shouted. "Would it be fair to Colonel Tigh to have to train someone to take her place on the bridge so she could pull routine patrols everyday?! Would it be fair to Boxey?! You said it yourself that he's going to need her and I totally agree with you!" "All right, all right!" Adama threw up his arms and shouted in return. "I don't want Athena to be assigned to a squadron, but I can't give her special treatment just because she's my daughter! Besides, she would never..." Adama calmed himself and sat down in his chair. "She would never forgive me for denying her that which she has always wanted." Apollo ached inside. The last thing he wanted was to yell at his father. He had to make Adama understand that now, more than ever, they had to do whatever they could to keep what was left of their family... no matter what it took. "Father," Apollo started gently. "If you asked her, Athena would tell you her first duty is to you and the Galactica. If you explain to her she is needed more on the bridge than in a viper, she'll understand." Adama's silence worried Apollo. He decided that he had to make his last point to insure his father would fold on the matter. It was going to hurt, but losing Athena would hurt more. Apollo took a deep breath, walked forward and knelt by his father's chair. "I didn't want Serina flying a viper," Apollo began, choking back tears. "You couldn't give me special consideration then. But this works both ways. You think you're giving Athena special consideration if you keep her out of a viper, but at the risk of losing her on the bridge, you're giving her special consideration by giving her the option. For the good of the fleet, Father," he concluded, knowing he couldn't say anymore to convince him. Adama sat quietly, almost numb, for a few microns. Then he picked up the pilot list, deleted his daughter's name and handed it to Apollo. "Captain, assign these pilots to squadrons," he said flatly. Relieved, Apollo stood, placed an assuring hand on his father's shoulder and answered gently, "Yes, sir." As he left the room, he heard his father utter, "For the good of the fleet." After Apollo left, Adama sat at his desk and stared blankly at nothing in particular. ******************************** "That _is_ very exciting news, Dietra," Rigel addressed the image on the comm. "But, as I said, Athena was up... um... very late last night and I really don't think that I should wake her." "I don't think many of us slept much last night," Dietra added mournfully. "If she wakes up soon, let her know the assignments will be posted within the next centar." "I'll tell her," Rigel replied, then smiled in parting and turned off the comm. She was somewhat startled when she heard the soft voice behind her. "Tell me what, Rigel?" Athena emerged from her bedroom, the dark circles under her eyes telling the previous night's tale. "I didn't know you were awake," Rigel said gently. "I know you were up late and thought you might want to sleep in." Athena sighed. "Believe me, there is nothing I would like more than to close my eyes, fall into a deep sleep and wake up to find that the past secton has been a dream." "I know what you mean," Rigel nodded in agreement. "Did you get any sleep at all?" "I must have," Athena shrugged. "I didn't see Star..." She quickly stopped. While she wasn't embarrassed her and Starbuck had comforted each other that night, she wasn't one to kiss and tell either. Sensing her roommate's discomfort and wanting to ensure her trust, Rigel smiled at Athena and said, "He left about a centar ago." Athena saw the understanding in Rigel's eyes and couldn't help but return the smile, upon which they both giggled a bit. It felt good to be happy for a moment, but Athena could feel her insides tugging at her. She felt as if she had no right to be remotely happy after what had just happened to Apollo. How could she even think about the prospects of rekindling her romance with Starbuck while her brother was mourning the loss of his new wife? "So who was on the comm?" Athena changed the subject. Confident that Athena would confide in her if, and when, she was ready, Rigel replied, "It was Dietra. She said Apollo had informed her the pilots from Reserve Squadron were being assigned to regular squadrons per the Commander's orders." "Are you serious?!" Athena's eyes widened. She understood what a difficult decision that must have been for her father to make. "That's what Dietra said," Rigel answered as she walked towards the dining table to finish her java. "She said the new assignments would be posted within the centar." "Wow," Athena exclaimed, albeit cautiously. "I would've thought that, with the experienced pilots healthy again, Reserve Squadron would've sat around collecting dust. I guess I was wrong." "Guess so," Rigel shrugged. "It's going to be strange not seeing you on the bridge." "It's going to be strange not _being_ on the bridge," Athena added. "To be honest, I never thought my father would allow me off the bridge. At first, I thought he was going to find a way to keep me off of Reserve Squadron." "There was no way he could do that," Rigel noted. "Not with all the pilots in the Life Center. He needed all the good pilots he could get." "That's true," Athena agreed as she walked into the kitchen to get her own cup of java. "But I know he feels responsible for what happened to Serina. I guess I'm just surprised he would turn around the next day and assign me to a squadron." "It's just like you to analyze too much," Rigel chuckled. "Stop trying to figure out his motives and be happy you're finally getting your wish... to be a viper pilot." Athena smiled and rolled her eyes. "You're right, you're right. And I suppose I should get dressed and go find out who my new boss is going to be." "Like you don't already know?" Rigel teased. "Rigel, there is nothing written in stone that says I have to be assigned to Blue Squadron," Athena defended. "Besides, I might be better off in a different squadron where I'm not under the prying eyes of my brother." "You have a point there," Rigel conceded. "But what about Starbuck? You said you enjoyed flying with him." "I did," Athena remarked thoughtfully. "And... I still would, but... I don't know. Under the... um... circumstances," she gestured towards the bedroom, "I don't know if it's such a good idea to be in the same squadron." "Again, I see your point," Rigel nodded knowingly. She gulped down her last bit of java and rose to leave. "I've got to be on the bridge in ten. Let me know what squadron you get," she said as she approached the door. "Will do," Athena replied as Rigel exited their quarters. Once left alone, she tried to collect her thoughts. So much was happening so quickly, she didn't know how to make sense of it all. It was hard to believe that any good could come out of so much tragedy, and yet suddenly her life seemed to be changing for the better. While she thought for sure that Zac's, and now Serina's, death would keep her on the bridge indefinitely, she was now getting the chance to fulfill a dream. And, when she had thought she had lost Starbuck to Cassiopeia... "He came to _me_ last night," she said aloud, almost trying to convince herself it had actually happened. Quickly, she shook her head as if trying to shake any fantasy out. "I have to remain focused," she decreed. "I have to find a way to balance my pilot duties with my teaching schedule and still have time for both Starbuck _and_ Boxey." Her thoughts turned to her nephew. "He's going to need his family, now more than ever." With new resolve, Athena finished her java and returned to her bedroom to dress. Instinctively, she reached for her blue bridge uniform, then, with a slight smile, moved it aside and grabbed her tan pilot's uniform. ********************************** "What squadron do you want, Dietra?" Bree asked her friend as they walked down the corridor. "I really don't care, to be honest," Dietra replied. "As long as I'm out there on a regular basis." "You really like flying a viper, don't you?" Bree said, not so much as a question, but as a statement of fact. "Are you kidding? I don't know how I'll ever fly a shuttle again," Dietra remarked. Since getting into the cockpit of a viper, Bree had noticed a definite change in Dietra. There was a more determined look on her face and a longer stride in her walk. Being a viper pilot agreed with her. "I know what you mean," Bree agreed. "But Apollo did say we would still be flying shuttles now and again." "Yeah, but we won't just be shuttle pilots anymore," Dietra explained with satisfaction. "There won't be a division between shuttle pilots and viper pilots. Everyone is going to pull their share of both duties from now on." "Hey guys! Wait up!" Athena called ahead to the two women. "You got my message," Dietra said as she and Bree stopped and turned to greet their friend. "Yeah, although I couldn't quite believe it at first," Athena remarked as she caught up to them. "I was a bit surprised when Apollo called me this morning," Dietra admitted as they began walking again. "But then I decided we deserved to be permanently assigned to squadrons. I quickly got over the shock." Athena and Bree both laughed. "Dietra, I think they should give you your own squadron to command," Athena teased. "I'll bet you could even give Apollo a run for his cubits." "Don't laugh," Dietra smiled confidently. "That might just happen some day." "I don't doubt it," Athena declared. "Ah, looks like the assignments have already been posted," Bree noted as she saw the other female pilots gathered around a monitor. Athena took a deep breath as they approached the others to view their new assignments. While she considered all of them her friends, she had heard a murmur or two about "preferential treatment" when they had first started training. She shrugged it off as she had for most of her life, but she admitted it did bother her a bit, especially when she didn't think she had received any such treatment. If anything, Apollo had been harder on her than the other cadets. Some had thought Apollo had assigned Starbuck to be her wingmate, but the truth was Starbuck had chosen her on his own. But how would people react to her assignment now? If she got Blue Squadron, then they would think it was special treatment. If she got Red Squadron, it would look like Apollo didn't want her. Either way, Athena knew she had to ignore any petty whispers and do her best in whatever squadron she was assigned. Only one problem presented itself as she looked at the monitor. Her name didn't appear at all. "Dietra, I knew _you_ would get Blue," said one of the other female pilots as Dietra looked on. "And I got Blue as well!" exclaimed Bree. Athena stood in silence amongst the excitement and tried to keep her composure. She couldn't believe what she was seeing... or _not_ seeing. "Um, Athena..." Dietra started to speak as she realized what was going on. Also noting the omission, Bree looked up and said, "I'm sure it's just a mistake." "No," Athena said flatly. "There's no mistake." Athena quickly turned and headed back down the corridor to the main barracks. Dietra and Bree looked at each other, both unable to share in the joy of their own assignments as they watched their friend go in search of answers. The range of Athena's emotions practically blinded her as she walked along the corridor. To not be assigned to a squadron was one thing, but to be left off the list without prior explanation and to be embarrassed in front of her fellow pilots was inexcusable. While she was fully prepared to confront Apollo, her first thought was to find someone else... someone she _thought_ she had trust in. 'How could he do this to me?!' her thoughts screamed as she remembered the previous night. 'He must have known about this and he didn't tell me!' Athena fought back tears as she rounded the corner. The last thing she wanted was to walk into the barracks looking like a crying child, although recent events would allow it and no one would question it. Nevertheless, this had nothing to do with Serina or Zac or even her mother. Athena wanted to handle the situation with grace, and a little anger thrown in. As she rounded the last corner, she and the object of her anger almost ran into each other. "Whoa," Starbuck exclaimed as he grabbed her to stop himself from running her over. "Hey, I was just coming to see you." "Oh really?" Athena stepped out of his grasp and defiantly folded her arms across her chest. "Perhaps you remembered something you forgot to tell me last night?" Noticing her obvious demeanor, Starbuck tentatively asked, "Um, are you okay?" "No, I'm not okay," Athena answered threw gritted teeth. "Starbuck, if there's one..." She realized her voice was getting louder and led them away from the main corridor so as not to cause a scene. "If there's one thing I always expected from you, it was honesty. If you didn't think I was a good pilot, you should've told me!" "But... you are a good pilot," Starbuck responded, obviously confused. "I don't understand. What's this about?" "Don't pretend you don't know about the squadron assignments," Athena replied in disgust. "But then again, I guess you were just too _busy_ last night to mention it to me." "Now wait just a centon, Athena," Starbuck quickly broke in. "I don't know what's gotten you so angry, but don't bring last night into it. Last night was very important to me." Athena's anger diminished for a moment as she saw the sincerity in his eyes. Last night _had_ been important, for both of them. She regretted her trivial remark. "I'm sorry," she conceded, "but I still can't believe you didn't tell me about this." "About what?!" Starbuck finally demanded. "The squadron assignments!" Athena exclaimed. "Apollo assigned all the reserve pilots to squadrons! Starbuck breathed a sigh as he quickly understood, or thought he understood, the root of her anger. "Ah, let me guess, you weren't assigned to Blue Squadron? That's not a big deal, Athena. You didn't want Apollo breathing down your..." "I wasn't assigned to _any_ squadron, Starbuck!" Athena interrupted. "I was left off the list entirely!" "What? I... I don't understand..." "What is there to understand?" Athena replied. "Apollo didn't want me flying a viper in the first place and neither did my father." "Yeah, but to assign the other pilots and not you..." Starbuck began. "Is completely unfair!" Athena finished his sentence. "Unless they had reason, of course. Did you give me a bad report, Starbuck? Did you say anything that would keep Apollo from assigning me to a squadron?" A perturbed expression came over Starbuck's face as he replied, "Of course not! You're a good pilot, Athena. I've told both Apollo and your father that." "Then why..." Athena stopped herself from going further. Deep down, she knew the reason why, but she didn't want to admit it. It was the same old song and dance she had heard since boarding the Galactica a few yahrens ago. It didn't look like things were ever going to change, no matter how she proved herself worthy otherwise. Understanding her frustration, Starbuck put his hands on her shoulders and said, "Look, I don't know why. If you want, I'll talk to Apollo. Maybe I can convince him..." Athena shook her head and calmly replied, "No, Starbuck. Thank you though. I don't think anything you say will change his mind, no matter what his reasoning." Reluctantly, Starbuck nodded in agreement. He had a pretty good idea why she was left off the list. While he knew that it wasn't fair, he admitted he was glad. After what had happened to Serina, he knew he would feel better knowing Athena was on the bridge. Granted, it wasn't one-hundred percent safe, but it was safer than being in a viper. Still, Starbuck knew how badly she wanted to be a viper pilot and he was a bit angry Apollo had treated her so callously. "Hey, why don't we go somewhere and talk? It might make you feel better," he suggested with a smile. Athena couldn't help but smile in return and, for a micron, she considered allowing Starbuck to change her mood. Yet she realized she needed to keep her edge in order to get real answers from Apollo. She assumed he would be ready for her. Certainly he didn't take such action and not expect an angry response? "While the offer is tempting, I really do need to find Apollo and find out exactly what is going on," she decided. "I understand," Starbuck conceded and, still trying to keep her mood light, added, "and if you decide to kill him, I promise you're my first choice to replace him as my wingman." Athena laughed and responded, "I'll let you know. It might just come to that." Starbuck leaned in and kissed her softly. "Come find me later," he whispered. "I will," she replied as she once again considered losing herself in his smile. Unfortunately, she knew she had to settle the matter with Apollo before she could enjoy herself with Starbuck. *************************** "At any rate, gentlemen, these pilots have earned the right to join us and that's exactly what's happening, effect immediately," Apollo concluded as he briefed his squadron. "Any questions?" "Just one," Jolly replied, grinning slyly. "Do we, uh, get to choose our wingmates?" "Jolly, I'm hurt," Boomer teased. "You'd actually trade me in?" "Sorry, Boom," Jolly shrugged. "But Athena is a lot prettier than you." "Can't argue with you there," Boomer conceded. "Ahem," Apollo interrupted. "Sorry, Jolly, but Athena won't be in Blue Squadron." "Well then can I be transferred to Red Squadron?" Jolly joked. "She, uh, won't be in any squadron," Apollo hesitated. He hadn't anticipated having this discussion and he really didn't think it was anyone's business to know why he and his father were keeping Athena out of the cockpit. Jolly shuffled his feet a bit, looked at Boomer and said, "That's a bit of a surprise." "Tell me about it," came Athena's voice behind them. She stood at the door to the barracks, her arms folded and her eyes fixed on Apollo. "Hey," Jolly turned. "I'm sorry we won't be flying together. I was even willing to give up Boom here," he gently punched his wingman on the arm. "Why did you decide not to join a squadron?" "I wasn't given the choice, Jolly," she answered, her eyes never leaving her brother who was noticeably squirming. "Um, I don't understand," Jolly remarked, followed by a quick nudge from Boomer. While Boomer didn't know exactly what was going on, the body language between the siblings told him it was best to stay out of it. "I don't either, Jolly," Athena replied sarcastically. "Perhaps Apollo would care to explain it to us." Apollo's discomfort turned to annoyance at his sister's remark and he quickly said, "Gentlemen, this concludes the briefing. You're dismissed. Lieutenant," he addressed Athena sternly. "I'll speak to you privately." "Oh, are we pulling rank now?" Athena said bitterly. "Funny, I don't think it matters much now that you're no longer my direct superior." Upon being dismissed, the rest of the squadron had tried to nonchalantly ignore the escalating tension, but Apollo knew it would be all but impossible to ignore what looked like an impending shouting match. He quickly walked towards Athena, grabbed her by the arm and led her out of the barracks. Once in a more private area, Apollo turned and barked, "How dare you embarrass me in front of my squadron!" "And how dare you embarrass me in front of mine!" Athena yelled back. "How could you make a decision that greatly affects my life without consulting me first?! And how do you think I felt standing with the rest of the reserve pilots and being the only one not assigned to a squadron?!" "You are an executive bridge officer, Athena," Apollo argued but was quickly cut off. "Not by _my_ choice, Apollo!" Athena bit back. "I graduated as a Colonial Warrior just like you. Just like Zac. I should've been assigned to a squadron the moment I stepped aboard the Galactica. Father assured me my bridge assignment was only temporary and it was to show me the other options available." The expression on Apollo's face was a mixture of both anger and guilt. He was still miffed she had confronted him and shown disrespect in front of his squadron, but he also knew she had a legitimate complaint. He, too, had been a little surprised when she was given a bridge position, but over time, and especially now, he understood his father's reasons. "But appears that I never really had the option, did I?" Athena stated, once again folding her arms defiantly across her chest. "You and Father had it all figured out from the beginning. I can't believe I was even allowed to go to the Academy. Perhaps you would rather I had been home with Mother..." "Don't say that!" Apollo fiercely grabbed her by the shoulders. "That's not fair!" "No, it's not!" Athena shouted back. "None of it is fair, Apollo!" She realized her next words would hit home and changed her tone accordingly. "We've all been through a lot, Apollo," she said gently. "We've all lost a lot. Serina died defending the fleet, as have many others. It could happen to any one of us at any time. Keeping me on the bridge won't protect me and I'd much rather be out there where I think I can do the most good." Apollo could feel her words breaking through his defenses, but he forced himself to focus on the conversation he had had with Adama earlier. While it was initially their father's decision to assign her to the bridge yahrens ago, this latest choice had been his own. He had argued Adama into backing him on it. This might not have been a fair decision for her, but it was for the good of the family as a whole, especially for Boxey. "That is what you are not understanding, Athena," Apollo calmly told her. "The bridge _is_ where you are doing the most good. I know you've always dreamed of being a viper pilot and maybe, when the Cylon threat isn't so great, we can rotate you into a squadron. But right now, you are needed more on the bridge." While Athena did understand his argument, she knew deep down it wasn't the real reason for keeping her on the bridge. She also knew, however, that this was a battle she would never win. While she had always hoped to make her own destiny and get out of the shadow of her brothers, it was obvious that a path had already been chosen for her and there was no escaping it, short of resigning her commission. Her shoulders seemed to droop in submission as she said, "Let me guess... for the good of the fleet?" Apollo tried to hide his relief as it appeared that she was giving in and finally accepting the situation. "Yes," he smiled warmly, "for the good of the fleet. Then you do understand?" "More than you know," she replied flatly. She might have accepted the situation, but she certainly wasn't happy about it. Her only consolation was the thought that, if she completely threw herself into her work, she would one day outrank her older brother and exact some sweet revenge. Still sensing her aggravation and feeling some genuine sympathy, Apollo pulled Athena into an embrace. "You know, a lot of people are having to take on new responsibilities to help in our survival. Look at Cassiopeia. She's training to be a med-tech now and..." Athena abruptly pulled herself away and glared at Apollo. "Apollo, that was an extremely poor choice to use as an example." "Uh, sorry," Apollo cringed, kicking himself for the faux pas. "I didn't mean..." "Never mind," Athena waved it off. "I don't think I have to worry about her anymore anyway." "What do you mean?" Apollo inquired warily. He had been so involved with Serina since the Destruction that he hadn't paid much attention to what had happened between his wingman, his sister and the ex-socialator, but he did know it hadn't been pretty. A long time ago, Athena had ordered her brother to stay out of her personal life, especially her relationship with Starbuck, and she wasn't about to break her own rule now. "Oh nothing," she replied nonchalantly. "But I do need to go. I have only a little while until I'm due..." She paused and winced as if she was swallowing a bitter pill, "On the bridge. I'll stop and see Boxey afterwards, unless you had other plans with him." "No, no, that would be fine," he quickly acknowledged. He was anxious to create an even stronger bond between his sister and his new son. He knew it wouldn't replace the bond Boxey had with his mother, but it would at least give him some kind of maternal comfort. "Okay then, I'll see you later," she said, then turned and walked down the corridor, leaving Apollo emitting a sigh of relief that bit of the dirty work was done. While he hadn't liked doing it, he knew it was the best thing for everyone. Meanwhile, Athena was heading for the turbolift with a deep sense of failure. She had so hoped to carve out her own niche, but she knew she no longer had any control over her career. 'But that doesn't mean I don't have control over my life,' she thought as she headed towards the Officers Club. 'Maybe not my professional life, but I do have control over my personal life. I can still achieve _those_ goals and, after last night, things do look promising again for Starbuck and I.' The End