Weight of the World

Space, an endless sea of blackness interrupted occasionally by the faint
light of distant stars. Perhaps the faintest of all were the ones that
were left behind so many yahren ago. Yet those stars burned on, even
without the civilizations that had depended on them. It was only now,
looking back toward them that the true enormity of space was realized.
Life, planets, stars, all were insignificant compared to the enormity and
majesty of the universe. And as Apollo sat in the chair of the old
communications bubble, he looked out at the great expanses and felt the
full weight of the universe sitting with savage quietness upon his
shoulders. 

Soon the sight of space became too much for him. He had to seek out
something close by to distract him. And as usual, it was the beleaguered
fleet of civilian ships who had crawled so far away from their homes that
caught his eye. The sight of the fleet drifting through space, waiting,
seemed to put an even greater weight on him than the enormity of the
blackness that lay beyond them. Just as the weight seemed as though it
would overwhelm him, a sound. The distraction he needed to pull him from
his thoughts. 

As he looked down toward the direction of the sound, he noticed the
latches of the access hatch being opened from the other side. The opening
of the hatch followed and through it entered his long time friend,
Starbuck.

"I thought I might find you here," Starbuck said as he climbed through
the hatch.

"I might have known you would be the one to find me," Apollo said with a
small grin barely showing on his face. The grin was more for the relief
from his thoughts than for the sight of his friend. "How did you find me
anyway?"

"Well, what can I say? I have a natural instinct for that sort of thing,"
Starbuck said, knowing that Apollo would see right through that
explanation. After a raised eyebrow from Apollo, Starbuck conceded, "Of
course I did look everywhere else first. So, I tried to think of the most
unlikely place anyone in the fleet would go, and here I am."

"I just thought a little privacy would give me a chance to think some
things over. I'm worried that we are about to encounter a fight tougher
than one with the Cylons," Apollo said, the stain apparent in his voice.

Starbuck said in an effort to lighten the mood, "Well, this place would
certainly seem like a good place for peace and quiet. Nothing but you and
the stars around."

The strain only deepened with that statement as Apollo remembered some of
his previous thoughts. "One star in particular may be the cause of our
impending problems." Apollo motioned with his hand toward the yellow star
around which they were orbiting. 

No more words were necessary for Starbuck to understand what was on
Apollo's mind. It was the same thing that had occupied his thoughts for
the past two yahren. The Sun. Earth's Sun. 

"That's why I've come to find you. There was another demonstration. There
were several injuries this time. It is getting harder to control the
people of the fleet now that we have been so near it for so long."
Starbuck watched as Apollo closed his eyes as if to shield himself from
the news.

"I know," Apollo said at last. "We should have never stayed here this
long. There is just nowhere else to go. Everyone left their homes with
the hope that they would find their brothers of the Thirteenth Tribe on
earth. What they never considered was that the people that they found
wouldn't be able to withstand a possible attack by the Cylons. It was my
father that started them on this journey and gave them hope of a better
society. Since his death they have looked to me to deliver what he
promised. And now I can't do that."

"Maybe you can't give them exactly what he promised, but you can give
them a home if you start the inclusion process," Starbuck said, already
knowing the answer.

"No. I can't do that. Putting the possible Cylon attack aside, the social
ramifications for the people of Earth would be a disaster. Trying to
place our people into their society will not work. We are too advanced
for our people to remain in their society for long. You can see what it
has been like when the people of the fleet have had to do without a few
of what they consider the basic comforts. What would it be like for them
if they had to give up all of them to live in a more primitive society?
The only thing I can do is turn the fleet back out into space and find a
suitable planet to colonize."

"It won't be easy to make them leave earth. How do you plan to convince
them," Starbuck asked.

Looking straight at Starbuck, "Anything I have to do or say, I will." 

Starbuck knew from the hard look in his eyes that, even though it would
be a last resort, Apollo would use force to make them go. 

                                   Council of the Twelve

After his discussion in the bubble with Starbuck, Apollo went back to his
quarters to refine his thoughts and arguments for the meeting of the
Council of the Twelve that he planned to call that day. Much to his
surprise, there was a message waiting for him upon his return. It was a
message from the council that he was to come to the council chambers for
a meeting called by someone else. So, taking his time and working on his
arguments along the way, he headed for the meeting.

As the door slid open Apollo could see that all of the members of the
council were already present. As he entered the room a hush fell, and
everyone turned to watch his approach. Upon reaching his chair, one of
the council members said, "thank you for joining us Commander Apollo.
Please have a seat. We have very serious decisions to discuss."

Sitting Apollo said, "I'm sorry for being late. I came as soon as I got
the message."

Sire Uri, the current President of the council, said to Apollo, "We have
called this meeting as a result of the latest demonstration. It is the
opinion of the council that things can not be delayed much longer without
all control of the situation being lost. There were several serious
injuries in the demonstration today; we will not let things go on this
way until someone is killed. Therefore, it is the recommendation of this
council that the integration program begin immediately. I can see by the
look on your face that you are not pleased by this decision, but before
you say anything understand that aside from one dissenting vote, the rest
of the council has voted for the plan. So, nothing you could say right
now would make any difference in the outcome."

Even though he was stunned, Apollo recognized that Uri had said there was
one dissenting vote. Of course he knew whom that had come from. Tigh. His
father's dearest friend. After Adama's death Tigh had retired to civilian
life. Apollo had always thought that it was a ploy his father had come up
with so that he would have two votes on the council. It had worked. Tigh
was elected to the council shortly after his retirement, and Apollo had
taken the thirteenth seat at the council, the honorary seat usually
reserved for the military commander. Technically it was just a position
from which the Commander could voice concerns to the council, but the
important thing was that it also carried a vote with it. But now, now the
fools had acted too quickly and had taken that vote away. 

Apollo looked back at Sire Uri and said, "I'm sorry, but I can not accept
or support the council's decision."

"Well, as it happens it doesn't matter if you support it or not. You see
Commander, the council has predicted that you would react the way you
did. It has also been decided that, since you will only try to hinder the
efforts of the council from this point on, you are hereby removed from
your position on the council. You will remain the military commander for
so long as you continue to follow the council's directives, but should
you stray from those directives you will be removed from that position as
well."

Gone. Every inch of ground Adama had gained with the council was now lost
by his son. In an instant, the power of the voice of the military
commander was taken away. If Apollo tried to fight against the council
now they could take away the last position with any bargaining power left
to him. He knew that the council had anticipated his reaction to all of
this news, so he made no attempt to hide the stunned surprised look on
his face. Finally, after what seemed an eternal silence, a thought popped
into Apollo's head and immediately made its way to his lips. "'When
sorrows come, they come not single spies, but in battalions.'" 

The questioning looks on the council member's faces told Apollo that it
was not the response they had expected. He had taken them by surprise. He
had weakened their position in a slight way. And at that point, he saw
the question that they would ask, and he knew what his final words to the
council would be.

"What do you mean by that," Uri asked? "What are you trying to say?"

"Shakespeare," Apollo said. The council members did not recognize the
name and looked just as confused as ever. Apollo stands to go. "Most of
the school children on earth have studied Shakespeare during their
education. If you plan to integrate into their society, I suggest that
you study your earth history a bit closer." 

No one said a word as Apollo turned and walked for the door. Even after
he was beyond the door and it had closed behind him, Apollo knew that a
word had yet to be spoken. Their confidence was shaken. He had made them
realize that perhaps they are not completely ready for what they
proposed. And if they, the great men and women of the fleet weren't
ready, what about the rest of the people of the fleet? He knew that this
would only be a momentary diversion for the council. In the end, they
would only bow to the pressure put on them by public opinion. But,
perhaps that time would be enough. Apollo hoped he could find a way to
stop the integration without alerting the council and causing them to
take away the only power he had left. And at this point, he had no idea
where to start. Stopping it in time would take a miracle.

                                      One Last Patrol

I don't know why I still do this, Starbuck thought as he waited for the
lift to reach the launching bay level. It just isn't like it was in the
old days. No Cylon attacks in two yahren. Stuck here in this system with
nothing to do but go out of our minds waiting for some action. I would
almost pay to run into Cylons on this patrol. Anything out of the
ordinary would be great. There has to be a fight somewhere in the
universe that needs a hot pilot to even the odds. Starbuck walks off of
the lift and heads toward his viper. I remember a time when I would be
excited to go on this patrol. There was always something new and
different to see out there. Now I dread these patrols more and more with
each launch. So just where did the adventure turn into a job, he thought
as he sat in the seat of his viper and placed the helmet over his head.

"Well, are you ready for another boring day at the office, Boomer,"
Starbuck asked through his internal com system?

"Some of us don't get this chance every day, so don't ruin it."

That was not Boomer's voice in his ear. Starbuck turned to look at the
viper next to him and was shocked to see Apollo in the seat. It had been
some time since Starbuck had seen him in anything other the blue uniform
of a bridge officer, but there he was in his old brown warrior's uniform.
A grin spread across Starbuck's face. Now he realized that this wouldn't
be the same old kind of patrol. Having Apollo back in his rightful
position made Starbuck feel as though they really were getting ready to
head off to face the Cylons side by side again. 

Apollo could almost sense Starbuck's thoughts. "Now don't go soft on me
now, Starbuck. This may be my last patrol. I need the best pilot in the
fleet at my side just in case we run into trouble."

Starbuck knew that Apollo was stoking his ego, but he was never one to
correct someone when they were praising his abilities. "I can guarantee
you that I'll be ready for any trouble we may run into."

Just then the voice came over the system telling them that they were
cleared for launch. Microns later, they were outside the Galactica and on
their way to the edge of the solar system.

Their conversation on the way was constant. Starbuck was still feeling as
if old times had returned, and Apollo was enjoying the chance to get away
from the pressure of leadership. They talked about everything it seemed,
except the integration program and Apollo's struggle with the council.
Finally, after they had just cleared the last planet of the solar system,
the topic turned unavoidably to the council.

"Apollo, there is something I have to ask you," Starbuck asked wishing he
didn't have to. "Back in the launching bay, you said that this may be
your last patrol. Why would you not be able to go on any others?"

After a brief pause, while his mind returned to the command mode, "I went
to the Council with the intention of explaining why I thought we had to
leave earth as soon as possible. It turned out that the news of the
latest demonstration had prompted them to call a meeting themselves. By
the time I arrived, it was too late. They had already taken the necessary
votes to begin the integration. They knew that I would not support the
decision, so they removed me from my seat on the council."

"What! They can't do that!"

"They can, and they did. I have been told that if I try to hinder their
efforts in any way, I will be removed from my position as military
commander as well." Apollo was silent for a time and then said, "They
know I will do something to try to stop them. They want me to. Some of
them would like to see me go just to get revenge for some time when my
father showed one of their grand ideas to be a path to certain
destruction."

"So, what exactly are you going to do?"

"I don't know yet. I know that I have to come up with something soon, but
so far I haven't come up with any argument that they might listen to."

"Well, you know that you can count on nearly every warrior in the fleet
to back you up, no matter what," Starbuck said with a serious tone in his
voice.

"Easy there Starbuck. I will try to find a way without causing a mass
mutiny. If I can't find a way to stop them, I will have to mutiny myself
anyway," Apollo said losing himself in his thoughts.

"Why?"

"To keep the council from destroying the Galactica. They won't see it as
our only defense. They will only see it as a dangerous reminder of our
past. An easy target for enemy scanners. If the Cylons do show up, and
the Galactica is not here to try to stop them, they will destroy all life
on earth. The people of the fleet know what we are running from, but the
people of earth would be caught off guard and completely defenseless."

Starbuck was stunned into silence. It was obvious to him why Apollo was a
good candidate to follow his father as commander. He realized that Apollo
had Adama's gift for thinking about a problem and seeing clearly the way
things would unfold in the future. Starbuck realized that he himself was
lacking that ability. He would have never predicted such an event until
it was too late. "Well, then I would say that you won't be alone in your
mutiny. Besides, the Galactica would be an easy target without some viper
protection."

"So, you think you can defend it by yourself against who knows how many
baseships?"

"Hey, I've been storing it up for the past two yahren. I think I just
might be able to go up against the whole of the Cylon Empire right now."

"I wish I had that much confidence in my ability to fight the council,"
Apollo said with a smile at Starbuck's enthusiasm.

"Is there anything the rest of us can do to help you?"

After a short time to consider, Apollo looked over at Starbuck in his
viper and said, "Pray."

There was no time for Starbuck to respond to Apollo. There was a sudden
high-pitched noise that caused both of them to grab at the sides of their
helmets to try to shut it out. It caused them to become light headed and
disoriented. In no time they were unconscious. If they had been able to
resist a bit longer, they might have seen the gigantic bright light move
up quickly behind them. They were soon overtaken and their vipers were
swallowed up by the light.

They did not know how much time had passed, but they eventually awoke in
a place that was instantly familiar to both of them. The ship of lights,
Apollo thought. He stood, looked around him, and, finding no one there
other than he and Starbuck, yelled, "John!"

Responding to the command, a figure appeared in the room with them. It
was John. He looked the same as always. He was well groomed and stately.
He was dressed in the same solid white suit he had always worn. Apollo
then remembered that this was not John's true form at all. This was only
an appearance he took on to make them feel more comfortable. He had said
once that in actuality he had no physical body. What they saw was simply
a reflection of his spirit. Apollo then noticed that, as always aboard
the ship of lights, he and Starbuck's uniforms had turned the same white
as the one that John wore. That made him wonder if, while on this ship,
they were only reflections as well. 

"Hello. It is good to see you both again. My congratulations to both of
you on your promotions Commander, Captain. I trust you have been well
since our last meeting." John said in a friendly tone.

"I'm sure you have a better reason for bringing us here than to talk
about our current positions and our health," Apollo said wishing to get
to the point of the visit. In the back of his mind he remembered that it
was partly the clues as to earth's location that John had given them that
had led them to a planet full of people with no hope of fighting off the
Cylons. 

"Well, I have found that the more primitive societies usually engage in
one form of pleasantries or another before any serious discussion is
held," John responded, sounding a bit as though Apollo's harshness had
offended some sense of expected protocol. In the end he just reminded
himself that he was dealing with a primitive and therefore unpredictable
race.

It was Starbuck who tried to give John a little of what he was looking
for by asking, "Why is it that every time you pick us up you have to
sneak up behind us and knock us out with that awful noise?"

"Oh. Sorry about that, but I'm afraid it is necessary. The details of why
would be beyond your level of comprehension so I won't even bother to try
and explain," John responded.

"All I want to know," Apollo said, "is why you directed us toward earth
when you knew that the culture was not advanced enough to sustain our
own. There had to be a hundred other planets you could have pointed us
toward that would have been better than earth."

"Oh, more than a hundred I can assure you," John stated. "But it was
imperative that you stop at this one first." 

"Why imperative?" Apollo asked.

"How do I explain this so you will understand. Believe it or not, even we
do not fully understand why this situation with earth is the way it is."

"What situation?" Starbuck asked.

"You have found earth, but you have not reached your destination."
Starbuck and Apollo looked at each other more confused now than ever
before. John continued by saying, "You see, for some reason unknown to
us, there are two Earth's."

"What!" Apollo and Starbuck exclaimed simultaneously.

"We know of no other occurrence of this phenomenon anywhere in the
universe. Somehow the two planets are linked. They are evolving exactly
the same way. Their solar systems are the same. The planets are the same
in every microscopic detail. Including their inhabitants. The two planets
seem to be evolving exactly the same history." John paused due to the
utter shock on the faces of the two men of the Colonies. After a while it
was Apollo who regained his composure enough to think of a question
pertinent to the fleet.

"As fascinating as that is, what is the point? You say that we have not
yet reached our destination, but, if our destination is still earth, what
good will it do us to search for an earth no better than the one we have
already found?"

John smiled a pleasant smile and said with just a touch of excitement in
his voice, "That is one of the more fascinating twists to this whole
puzzle. The two planets evolve the same history, but the one you seek is
far in advance of the one you have found."

"How is that possible?" Starbuck asked.

"I don't know. We like to think of it as just a wonderful accident of
creation."

"So, why did you need for us to find his one first?" Apollo asked.

"The history Apollo. We have found that everything that happens in the
history of this planet affects the history of the other," John explained.

Starbuck was utterly confused by this statement. He asked, "How can this
planet affect the history of a planet that has already passed that part
of its history?"

John realizing his mistake, "I'm sorry, but you are just going to have to
trust me on that one. I forgot that your people are so one-dimensional.
I'm afraid it will take a bit more evolution for you to understand the
principles involved."

"So again," Apollo said, "I have to ask, why did you need for us to find
this one first?"

"Because you play a part in the history of this planet."

"How?" Starbuck asked.

"Not long after you found earth, you started flying your fighters and
shuttles around inside its atmosphere. The people of earth spotted your
craft on numerous occasions. That started a wave of so called UFO
sightings. I'm sure you also remember that shortly after your arrival,
you were discovered by some Cylon patrol craft. You jammed their signal
so they could not transmit back to their base ship. But you still had to
destroy the ships themselves. You managed to get all but one in space.
That one Cylon ship entered the earth's atmosphere. Your fighters
pursued, but they only managed to cripple the craft. It managed to evade
you. However, too much damage had been done to the ship for it to remain
airborne. It crashed in a place that was to become very well known. It
was a place called Roswell, New Mexico. The government of that country
captured the ship and managed to keep it a secret until centuries later.
The important thing is that they studied that ship from one end to the
other. It was beyond repair, but they learned enough from it to begin
building ships of their own that used many of the technologies learned
from that one ship. So you see, if you had not come to this earth, you
would have never shot down that Cylon craft, and the history of the other
earth would have been altered. We don't know exactly what would happen if
the histories suddenly diverged, but we do know that it could cause the
destruction of one or both worlds. I don't have time to explain all of
the interactions that the people of the other earth have had with other
planetary civilizations, but trust me when I say that a divergence could
very well rip apart the fabric of the universe along with the planets
themselves." John had concluded his speech and he could tell that each of
the men was totally convinced that he was telling the truth. It was
suddenly amusing to him to think that one reason why they might believe
him is because they think that no one could make up a story like that.

Apollo suddenly knew why John was here telling them this. Everything fell
into place without any further explanation. He said, "You have come here
to warn us to leave earth instead of going through with the integration.
In earth's history, we came and were seen but did not stay. If we do stay
then the history will diverge. We could hold the key to unraveling the
universe."

John was impressed. "Well, we may have to reconsider our opinion of just
how primitive you are. Your ability to put these facts together surprises
me. Well done."

"So how do we make the rest of the fleet and the council understand all
of this?" Starbuck asked. "Are you going to sneak up behind the entire
fleet and knock them out with that infernal noise too?"

John had to smile at Starbuck's statement. "I'm afraid that would be out
of the question. Such interference would not be allowed. All we can do is
warn you of the danger and hope that you make the right choice."

"Even if there is a possibility that the choice we make will destroy the
universe?" Apollo asked.

"Even then," John responded. "We know of no other time when this
possibility existed. However, we think that we have come to know your
people well enough to know that the right choice will be made, one way or
another. It may take actions which to us are barbaric, but those actions
are your methods and we must tolerate them. And now, I'm afraid it is
time for the two of you to leave. The sooner we can get you back to your
people the better."

The next thing Starbuck and Apollo remembered was waking up back in their
vipers. They were on a heading back toward the fleet, and the ship of
lights was, as expected, nowhere in sight. 

"Well, at least their method for returning you to space is more
comfortable than their extraction procedure," Starbuck exclaimed.

Just then, a large number of objects appeared on their screens.

"Do you see that on your screen too Starbuck?"

"I sure do Commander. I haven't seen it light up like that since we had
our last big encounter with the Cylons," Starbuck said with the thought
that maybe he had gotten the wish he had made in the launch bay.

"Easy Starbuck. Let's not jump to any conclusions. Just give the attack
computer a micron to identify the ships."

It was only a short time after that when the attack computer displayed
the image of a viper on the screen.

"Their ours Starbuck."

"So, what are they doing flying around in such a big group?"

Apollo tuned in his com system and said, "This is viper patrol to viper
craft, please identify."

"This is Boomer, Commander. Is Captain Starbuck with you?"

"Yes, of course," Apollo replied. "What are all of you doing out here in
attack formation?"

"Looking for you," Boomer said. "Not to attack you that is, but to find
you. We thought the Cylons had gotten you."

"Who ordered you to come out after us?"

"The Colonel did Commander."

Sheba. I might have known she would get worried when she found my message
about going on this patrol. I didn't expect an armed escort back to the
fleet though, Apollo thought with a grin he was glad no one else could
see. I suppose that's the kind of things people do when they care about
each other so much. It is too bad we have to hide our feelings form the
others, but it might seem to be somewhat of a conflict of interest if the
Commander was openly declaring his love for his next in command.

"I'm surprised the council didn't order you to bring me back on a leash,"
Apollo joked as his thoughts came back to the current situation.

"Well it isn't as though the Commander goes on a deep space patrol every
centon," Boomer commented. "We weren't too worried that you would be all
right, but when you didn't return within the time when your fuel would
have run out there was no holding us back."

"How long have we been gone?" Starbuck asked. 

"Going by earth time, two days," Boomer said. "Really, we didn't have a
choice about coming. Boxey was going to go even if he had to steal a
viper to do it. Sheba reasoned that it was best we should all go, since
we would have to go out after Boxey anyway."

"Boxey," Apollo said, "are you there?"

"I sure am dad. There was no way they were leaving me behind on this
one."

His mother would be proud of him, Apollo thought. I wonder how he would
feel if he knew about Sheba and I. Would he resent me for not remaining
loyal to his mother? No. He knew that I loved her.

"So," Boomer asked, "where have the two of you been?"

"There will be time for explanation later Boomer. Right now we need to
get back to the Galactica. I have an important meeting with some old
friends," Apollo said as he hit the turbo thrusters. 

                                   Return of the Warrior

When Starbuck and Apollo landed back on the Galactica, they were greeted
by all of the warriors (including the ones who had gone out to find
them), everyone from the bridge crew who was not currently on duty, the
landing bay personnel, and nearly everyone else on the Galactica who was
not currently engaged in an official duty. It was as if they were
returning as heroes. Starbuck thought, I guess our disappearance gave
them something out of the ordinary to break up the boredom. They are
probably just trying to thank us for putting some excitement in their
lives.

Apollo, however, was struck with a more accurate realization. All of
these people are genuinely glad to see that we are safe. I think each one
of them would have dropped everything to come and look for us themselves.
Our long wait here so near earth has not dulled their loyalty at all.
They will follow their Commander. Not because he is the son of a great
leader, but because they truly have put their lives in his hands and
trusted him to make the right decisions. If I told them we had to leave
earth, they would ask no questions before they ran to their stations to
make ready for the trip. And this realization of their absolute loyalty
brought a single tear to his eye before he gained control of his
emotions.

It took quite some time for Apollo to make it through the crowd. Once he
had made it out of the landing bay the going got much easier. In the
corridors he was only occasionally stopped by men and women welcoming him
back. He had a thought that maybe he should go to the bridge where Sheba
would undoubtedly be waiting to see him safe with her own eyes. Other
thoughts were stronger and more in need of immediate attention. So
instead of taking the path that would lead to the bridge, Apollo headed
straight for the council chambers. He knew that the council would be in
session at this time. They were probably going over the details of the
integration. 

As he approached the door to the council chambers, Apollo realized that
he had not bothered to change out of his warrior's uniform and back into
his bridge officer's uniform. Well, if I'm going to go to war with the
council I might as well be dressed for it, Apollo thought. The door slid
aside and Apollo walked into the room and over to the head of the table
as the stunned council watched.

Sire Uri finally said, "Well, Commander, during your absence you have
apparently forgotten that you are no longer a member of this council.
From the looks of your clothing it would also seem that you have
forgotten that you are the Commander and not a warrior."

"I assure you that I am in full command of this fleet, and anyone who
doubts that I am a warrior can step forward and have it proven to him,"
Apollo said leaving no doubt that he meant what he said.

I hope you can see this Adama. Your son is finally recognizing the full
power of his position. No one on the council has taken Apollo up on his
offer. He has surprised them once again. He has placed that little
thought in the back of their minds now, so they will deal with him more
carefully in the future, Tigh thought with a smile.

Trying to recover control of the situation Sire Uri said, "I assume you
have some good reason for barging in like this. The council is in the
middle of some very important business."

"I'm sure you were. Discussing the integration? Well, you can stop
discussing it because it isn't going to happen."

The council lost its composure with that statement. They began whispering
comments back and fourth to one another. The reactions ranged anywhere
from confused to frightened to incredulous. 

After losing his composure for just a moment, Sire Uri said, "Your little
vacation from the fleet must have done something to your memory
Commander. Have you forgotten that the council has already made the
decision to go ahead with the program? Or could it be that you intend to
try to take control of the fleet so you can make all of the decisions
yourself."

"I have some new information that will make it clear to you that pushing
on with your plans would be unwise and possibly dangerous."

"What information could you possibly have come up with that would make us
reconsider?" Sire Uri asked.

"Starbuck and I had another meeting with John," Apollo said.

"Who?" Sire Uri asked as the other council members made signs that they
did not recognize the name.

"The ship of lights," Tigh said understanding Apollo's reference. "What
did he tell you?"

Over the next few minutes, Apollo related every detail of his meeting
with John. He told them all about how the histories were intertwined. He
related the facts about the Cylon ship and what it was to mean to the
future technology of earth. Nothing was left out. Apollo was amazed at
the accuracy of his memory. He suspected that John had something to do
with that though. He would have wanted Apollo to leave out nothing that
would convince the council to see things his way. He was sure that the
council would see the obvious reason why they should indeed change their
decision. How could they not do so when the entire universe may be at
stake? He was greatly encouraged by the fact that no one on the council
made any move to make a comment during his retelling. When he had
finished, he just stood there looking at the council, which was still
completely silent as if overwhelmed by the flood of information they had
just received.

As Apollo expected, it was Sire Uri who was the first to move to speak.
"Do you really expect us to believe all of that Commander?"

Apollo was stunned. It never occurred to him that they would accuse him
of lying.

"I have related everything just as it happened."

"I think what you have related is a story devised by you and Captain
Starbuck during your extended absence," Sire Uri stated with contrived
overconfidence. "I think it is very convenient that this so called ship
of lights should show up now. Why didn't they come to tell us all of this
right after we arrived here? No, Commander, I believe that it is too much
of a coincidence."

"So what you are saying is that you think Starbuck and I just drifted
through space for two earth days while we came up with this story?"
Apollo asked. 

"No. I think the two of you landed on earth somewhere and imagined this
whole thing while you sat on some tropical beach somewhere," Sire Uri
said half jokingly. 

"The Galactica's scanners would have picked up any attempt we would have
made to land on earth."

"Oh please! Do you expect me to believe that the Commander of all
military forces within the fleet would not have the means of making sure
that the right heads were turned at the proper moment?" Sire Uri said
knowing that his recent comments had brought the council back to his
side. "We understand that you are against the planned integration, but
this feeble attempt to sway the council with words of impending doom are
an insult to your position, your honor, and this council's intelligence."

One man. That was all it took to destroy all of the progress that Apollo
had made with the council. It was hopeless now. He had already been
painted as a liar, and there was nothing he could say that would bring
the council back to him. 

Sire Uri continued, "I think all of your business with the council is now
done. You are dismissed Commander."

Apollo was incredibly angered due to the dismissal. This old fool. He
can't get past all of the times my father put down what he had thought to
be some of his best ideas. He had always been jealous of father's
popularity among the fleet and the council. Now he was ignoring this
issue just to gain some measure of revenge. And the rest of the council,
they just sat back and let themselves be swayed by his allegations of
falsehoods. I know that Tigh will vote in my favor, but there is nothing
I can do to convince the rest of the council that what I have said is the
truth. I have no proof, only my word. Apparently that isn't enough for
them any more.

This last thought made Apollo move his hand to rest it on his hip,
however, since he was still wearing his warrior uniform, his hand gave in
to old habits and came to rest on the top of the laser pistol he wore at
his side. Everyone on the council took notice of the move and sat
perfectly still in fear that he would open fire on all of them. Apollo
caught on to the change in attitude very quickly. He saw that his
unintended move made the council very nervous. He let them squirm for a
short while before saying, "I just want all of you to know that you have
made this decision with my utter contempt."

He let that sink in for a moment and then turned, walked toward the door,
and did not look back even after the door had closed behind him. 

Even after Apollo had left the council chambers, it was some time before
anyone had regained themselves enough to speak. Sire Uri had been perhaps
more terrified of violence than anyone. He knew that Apollo would blame
him for the decision not to heed his warnings. He was still a bit shaken,
but he had to make the best of the moment for himself in front of the
council. "Well, I think what we just observed was an overt threat. It is
obvious that he will only try to block any of our efforts to enact the
integration program. I wouldn't be surprised in the least if he resorted
to using force to stop it. With this in mind, I think the best course of
action would be to relieve Apollo of his command at once," Sire Uri said.

"You can't do that," Tigh commented.

"And just why not?"

"Because the law states that in order to remove a commander from his
position, you must have a full council. Since you voted to kick Apollo
off of the council, you are one chair short," Tigh responded.

"But the vote doesn't have to be unanimous. It only has to be eleven out
of the possible thirteen votes," Sire Uri said.

"So, my vote wouldn't make a difference since I'm sure you already know
what it will be. The law is quite clear on this point however. There must
be thirteen votes cast be they for, against, or an abstention."

"This is absurd," Sire Uri exclaimed. "Are you telling me that he would
have to still be a member of the council in order for us to remove him
from command?"

"Someone has to fill the seat. Perhaps you should have had the insight to
remove him from command before you booted him from the council," Tigh
said with a small bit of satisfaction. "And since my vote is of no
concern at all, I think I will join the commander in the ranks of those
who are former members of the council." He then walked away from the
stunned council and moved to the door and out into the corridor beyond.
That should buy Apollo some time. It is hard enough for that pack to
decide on one person to fill a vacancy, lets see how swiftly they move to
find two. Hopefully it will be enough time for Apollo to find some way
out of this mess. It may be some time before he can relax again.

                                       In the Shadows

After leaving the council chambers, Apollo walked down the corridors of
the Galactica lost in thought and paying no special attention to where he
was headed. It wasn't long before he found himself at the door to his
quarters. My mind says that I should be on the bridge checking on the
current status of the fleet, but my body seems to have overruled that
decision in favor of rest. 

One touch to the control panel and the door slid aside to allow Apollo to
enter. The room was dark except for the light spilling in from the window
facing almost directly toward the sun. Apollo had always liked this view
when he entered the room. The light entering through the window splashed
up against various objects in the room. There was the odd reflection of
light here and there. To Apollo it was a pleasant mixture of light and
shadow. He slowly made his way to the window to take a look at what ships
might be drifting outside his window at this time of day. He could name
every ship in the fleet by sight now. The light from the sun was so
bright that Apollo could only view the ships for a short time before his
eyes became irritated and dry. When this happened, Apollo closed his
eyes. As he stood there basking in the light from earth's sun, he began
to let his mind drift back to remembrances of Caprica. He light on his
face made him remember the light of his home planet and how it had felt
when it touched his face. He could almost smell the flowers in the field
where he once played as a child. 

Apollo had become so lost in his thoughts of home that he did not notice
the sound of a shadowy figure moving in the room. He was unaware of the
mysterious visitor lurking in the shadows, creeping closer and closer to
where he stood mesmerized by memories. The figure moved up behind Apollo
and reached out its hands to grasp him around the waist.

At the first touch Apollo was pulled back to the present, but still did
not open his eyes. A wide grin appeared on his face as the arms encircled
his waist.

"I missed you Apollo. I'm so glad that you're all right. You had me so
worried," Sheba said almost in tears. "Please don't just run off like
that again."

"I'm sorry Sheba. I just had to get away from the Galactica for a while,"
Apollo said knowing that he would have missed Sheba just as much if he
had known how long he had been gone.

"Well, at least take me with you next time," Sheba said.

"Don't you think it might turn some heads if the Commander and his
Colonel disappeared to some tropical paradise together?" Apollo asked.

"I know. But it is a nice thing to think about."

"It may not matter for much longer though," Apollo said.

"Why do I get the feeling that there's something I don't know?" Sheba
asked suspiciously.

"It's a pretty long story," Apollo said as he turned to face his love.
"Why don't we get something top eat and I'll tell you about it before I
get some rest."

"I thought you might be hungry, so I have everything all ready and
waiting for you."

Apollo looked into Sheba's eyes and could see that she really did miss
him tremendously. He knew at that moment that he would never be able to
leave her behind again. He pulled her closer to him and kissed her
gently. During this kiss, Sheba moved her hand down to Apollo's hip and
was surprised when her hand came to rest on the laser strapped to his
hip. Her shock caused her to pull back slightly. Taking a better look at
Apollo, she realized that she had not noticed his change in uniform. It
was thrilling to her to see Apollo in his warrior uniform. No other
Commander had ever worn the uniform of a warrior other than her father.
Oh father, you would be so proud of him. He commands the same type of
loyalty from his men and women as you did. He is not yet the living
legend that you were, but already he has gained the trust and admiration
of the fleet. He is a good man father. Never have I seen a purer heart.
Never have I loved another so much. 

Sheba led Apollo to another room where there was a romantic dinner for
two set with candlelight. During the meal, Apollo barely thought of the
pressing issues of his job. Instead, he discussed everyday matters with
the woman he loved. He was informed of some of the more interesting
rumors that were constantly circulating about Starbuck and his
ever-interesting love life. Apollo had to laugh at these rumors. He knew
that Starbuck liked to have the rumors flowing about his escapades. He
suspected that Starbuck started most of the rumors himself. Only someone
as close to him as Apollo would know that in actuality the rumors were
just a cover to support a fictionally glamorous lifestyle. In actuality
Starbuck and been completely devoted to Cassiopeia for some time. 

Apollo laughed many times at many things before the dinner was over. He
knew that it was only his attraction to Sheba that kept his mind off of
the integration policy. Eventually toward the end of the dinner, Sheba
began to ask Apollo questions about recent events. He told her
everything. Every fact. Every hope. Every fear. She is the only one he
would share the last two with, with the exception of Boxey.

Sheba listened intently to Apollo's words. She was shocked at the
council's behavior toward Apollo. She asked questions now and then to
clarify a point, but mostly she just let him get everything off of his
chest. He looked so tired and weary. By the time Apollo had brought his
telling of recent history to the present, he looked as if he may be too
tired to walk to bed on his own.

"That's enough talking for now Apollo," Sheba said with concern. "If you
don't get some rest soon you won't be in any shape to command a shuttle
much less the entire fleet." He would sit here for as long as I wanted to
talk no matter how tired he was. 

Sheba helped Apollo into the bedroom and turned the covers down while he
changed into his bedclothes. His head had no sooner hit the pillow than
Apollo drifted off into a deep much needed sleep. Sheba stayed at his
side for a while and watched him sleep. She knew that everything was
stacked against Apollo in his fight to stop the integration, but she had
to smile with joy at seeing him sleep so peacefully. She wished that she
could take away all of his troubles while he slept so that he could be at
peace when he awoke as well. There must be something I can do to make
things easier for him. I wish I could fight the council for you Apollo,
but I know that I am not strong enough of a warrior to do it alone. Then
she had a thought of exactly how she could help Apollo. She could not
fight for him, but she could make him seem like more of an imposing
warrior. And she knew just how to do it. 

                                         Inspiration

Sheba could not stay with Apollo for the duration of his sleep. She had
duties to see to on the bridge. She had not realized the extent of his
exhaustion, but he was still asleep. By reports, Starbuck was also
sleeping quite a long time. It would soon be a full 24 centares since
Apollo had gone to sleep. She had ordered that Apollo and Starbuck were
not to be disturbed. 

While Sheba ran the fleet from the bridge of the Galactica, Apollo lay in
his bed still in a sleep so deep that he did not dream. It was as if his
mind knew that he was resting too soundly to dream, because Apollo had a
thought in his sleep that a figure he was seeing in his mind should not
be there unless he was sleeping more lightly. How can I be having
conscious thoughts in my current state? I feel as though I'm awake and
yet I know I'm far from it. There is something familiar about this figure
I see. Focus Apollo. Come closer, Apollo thought. As if by command, the
figure did start to move into better view.

"Father!" Apollo exclaimed hearing his voice in his own head as clearly
as he had ever heard it when he spoke.

"It is good to see you again my son," the figure of Adama spoke back to
him.

"Father! Is this a dream?"

"You are asleep my son, but it is no dream. I am as real as is possible
in my current state," Adama said.

"Oh father. I have missed you. So much has happened that I wish you could
have been here for."

"I have been Apollo. I am always here watching over my family and my
people."

"Then you must know the trouble we are in now," Apollo said.

"Yes. I have seen the trouble. I had tried to get John to visit you
sooner to warn you, but he is bound by some set of rules that I may never
understand," Adama said.

"John? You mean you can talk with John now?"

"Oh yes. Believe me, it came as quite a shock to me as well. His people
have allowed me to come to you now to advise you about how to deal with
the council," Adama said.

"Then you know a way to stop the integration?" Apollo asked.

"Much of it is up to your decisions. You see, I am also bound by some
rules. I can't just tell you what has to be done. All I can do is provide
a hint as to where to find a piece of useful information. What you do
with it from then on is up to you."

"That is the part that scares me. What if I make the wrong choice? The
fate of the fleet is at stake, and John tells me that we can potentially
destroy most if not all of the universe. I don't know if I can make that
decision," Apollo said.

"You can. I believe in you as much as those people who greeted you when
you returned to the Galactica. Never doubt yourself. Follow your
instincts. They will lead you in the right directions."

Another figure appeared and moved to stand beside Adama. The usual white
suit gave it away to Apollo even before he had come into viewing range.
It was John.

"I'm sorry Adama, but time is of the essence. Apollo will have to make an
appearance on the bridge soon. Give him the clue and send him on his
way," John said.

Adama looked sad at the idea of leaving Apollo once again, but he knew it
had to be this way. "I had just finished putting a program into the
computer right before my death that will translate the ancient texts.
They are waiting to be read Apollo. Narrow your search to the history of
the council and the laws that govern it."

"What file name should I look under?" Apollo asked.

"Kobol," Adama answered.

And with that word they were gone. Apollo awoke instantly. He still
remembered everything. He wanted to run to the computer to begin his
search, but then he remembered what John had said to his father. He would
be needed on the Bridge soon. The search would have to wait. Apollo got
out of bed and went to put on his uniform. When he opened the door to the
closet, he was momentarily stopped in his tracks by what he found. Apollo
smiled at the sight.

It had been a relatively quiet day on the bridge. Sheba had overseen the
normal shuttle traffic and sent out the scheduled patrols. All in all
Sheba thought it was a fairy typical day. Then suddenly the person
manning the scanner station yelled that a shuttle had strayed from its
course and was making a run for earth. No. Not now, Sheba thought. Now is
the worst possible time for this. The Council has basically given
permission for people to integrate, but what Apollo has told me makes it
imperative that I try to stop them.

Everyone was looking at Sheba to hear the order. She just stood there
contemplating. Everyone knew it was a difficult decision. The tension was
thick on the bridge at that moment. More so than it had been at any time
since the last Cylon attack. What do I do? 

From an entrance to the bridge, the answer came. "Launch vipers to
intercept that shuttle," Apollo ordered as he stepped onto the bridge.

Everyone turned to look at his Commander. It was a shock to them all to
see him now. He was nothing like he was before. It was the uniform that
was so different. He stood before them in a warrior's uniform, but not
just any warrior's uniform. It had been modified with gold bars on the
shoulders and other additions that made it look identical to the uniform
worn by Commander Cain. Apollo could see the effect that the uniform had
on the bridge crew. Just wearing it gave him some of the power that
Cain's legend had given him. Seeing Apollo as the image of a young
Commander Cain made the crew quick to carry out his order. 

Boomer and Jolly were already in the launching bay preparing for a patrol
when the order came down from the bridge. Microns later they were in
pursuit of the renegade shuttle. "So, what do we do if they refuse to
return to the fleet?" Jolly asked Boomer.

"Fire a warning shot," was the response from Apollo on the bridge. "If
that doesn't make them turn around, destroy it."

Boomer and Jolly looked over at each other. They both had trouble
believing that Apollo had given such an order. Something had changed in
the harshness of the orders he gave. They had expected to have to follow
the shuttle down to the planet and arrest the people in it in order to
get them back. The knowledge that they may have to destroy a shuttle
carrying colonial survivors did not make them feel anxious to catch the
shuttle. No warrior had ever done such a thing.

"Please confirm that order," Boomer said. "If they do not respond to an
order or a warning shot we are to destroy the shuttle?"

"That's right Boomer," Apollo said understanding why the question had
been asked. "I'm afraid we can't take a chance on that shuttle reaching
earth. I can't explain why right now, but trust me when I say that the
entire fleet will be in extreme danger if they get anywhere near earth."

That was enough for Boomer and Jolly. They did not know the reasoning
behind the decision, but they knew that their Commander and friend had
given the order. No matter what had happened to him during his absence
from the fleet, they were sure that Apollo would not give an order like
that without it being absolutely necessary. So, they both hit their
turbos and sped on to their rendezvous with the shuttlecraft.

"Attention shuttle craft," Boomer said. "Return to the fleet. You have
not been authorized to leave. You are ordered to turn your shuttle around
and rejoin the fleet. This order has come directly from Commander
Apollo."

They waited. There was no communication from the shuttle and no change of
course. Boomer waited longer than was really necessary to give them every
chance to respond. When they didn't, he fired a warning shot that
narrowly missed hitting the shuttle. That did it. The shuttle turned in
the tightest maneuver it was capable of and set course for the fleet. A
sigh of relief was given by both Boomer and Jolly at not having to
destroy the ship.

"Viper intercept, you are to escort the shuttle directly to the prison
barge before continuing on your patrol," came the voice of the flight
controller on the Galactica.

One possible disaster averted, but Apollo knew there would be more unless
he could find a way to stop the council from going through with the
integration. So, he pulled Sheba aside and thanked her for what she had
done to his uniform.

"It was nothing," she said. "Who do you think did all of the work on my
father's uniform?"

Apollo wanted to kiss her right there, but he knew he couldn't. They both
had the same thought about that. They were kissing each other in their
minds and that would have to do for now. 

Before Apollo turned to leave, he said, "I have some research to do so
you are in command until I finish. Don't hesitate to use the same orders
to stop any further attempts to leave the fleet." And he turned and
walked away before the urge to say that he loved her got any stronger.

His research did not take as long as he expected. When he got back to his
quarters, he got into the correct file in the computer and began sifting
through the entries. Apollo was only 3 millicentons into his research
when he found what his father must have been referring to. Apparently,
knowledge of earth history wasn't the only thing the council was lacking.
They should have studied more council history as well. They would lay
their downfall in his hands and they didn't even know it. He sat back in
his chair and thought out his next course of action. The fate of the
integration program was sealed. All he had to do was wait for the right
moment. 

It was amazing to Apollo how much it felt as if several of the weights
that were on him had just been lifted. His thoughts began to deal with
matters of what to do and where to go when they left earth. He rose and
walked to the window to look out at the fleet. As he looked out the
window, Apollo caught the sight of his reflection in the glass. He would
have to find some special way of thanking Sheba for what she had done to
his uniform. It had provided him with the added touch he needed to secure
the loyalty of his crew and later would serve him well in his dealings
with the rest of the fleet. He smiled as he thought of how the council
would react when they saw his new appearance.

                                             Law

Less than two centares after Apollo had found the information his father
had mentioned, he was on the bridge making plans for the upcoming voyage
away from earth. He did not tell anyone else what he was making plans for
other than Sheba. He was going over the star coordinates when the entire
council walked on to the bridge.

Apollo saw the entrance of the council and said, "Well, to what do we owe
this honor of having the council come to us?" Apollo, doing a quick
count, determined that they had indeed filled the two vacant positions on
the council. He suspected that they had come directly from the induction
of the two new council members. Let them try to spring their trap now,
Apollo thought. They will be surprised at how quickly it can backfire.

They wasted no time in seeking out Apollo. Once they saw where he was
they made their way straight to him. As they neared him they were
momentarily stopped in their tracks by the sight of Apollo in his new
uniform as he turned to give them the full frontal view. Apollo could see
in their faces, as they looked him up and down that they were affected by
the uniform as the bridge crew had been. He saw the fear in some of them
that he would turn out to be a foe equal to that of Commander Cain. It
was only a momentary fear as they remembered the vote they had just
taken.

"Commander you have gone too far this time," Sire Uri said. "Why did you
order that shuttle returned to the fleet? There is no reason why they
should have been detained. Everyone will head for earth soon. What
difference did it make if a few went a bit sooner? And to have the ship
fired upon by vipers with an order to destroy it with the next shot is
unthinkable."

"So, is it the intention of the council to continue with the decision to
integrate?" Apollo asked.

"It is," Sire Uri said.

"And do the new members of the council support this decision?"

"We have taken a new vote, and it was unanimous," Sire Uri said. "As I'm
sure you are aware, we have also taken another vote Commander. In light
of your recent willingness to ignore the council's decisions, we have
decided to...."

"Wait," Apollo broke in. "Before you inform me of your most recent vote,
allow me to give you some news of my own."

"Oh, very well, but be quick about it," Sire Uri said impatiently.

"As Commander of all Colonial military forces, I hereby order that the
entire Council be placed under arrest for violation of Council law,"
Apollo said in a voice loud enough for most of those on the bridge to
hear.

The Council members went wild with confusion and indignity. It was
obvious to Apollo that they had no idea what law they had broken. They
were all making comments to one another wondering what they could have
done. As usual it was Sire Uri who spoke out the loudest. 

"What are you talking about Commander? The council has broken no law.
This is just a trick of yours to delay things once again. You knew we
were here to remove you from your command. This effort of yours will not
avail you the result you had hoped for. Security, arrest the Commander on
charges of treason."

Some of the members of the council security team began to move toward
Apollo. They had only made a couple of steps before they were stopped by
the sound of lasers being drawn form their holsters. A look around the
room showed the council what they had failed to notice before. Expecting
this meeting, Apollo had made sure that the bridge was occupied by a
large number of warriors. Those warriors were now pointing weapons at the
council and their security. Apollo had gambled that they would all defend
him, and he had won.

"You should read the ancient texts more often Sire Uri. Perhaps then you
would understand why you now face this situation. It is written in the
ancient laws that no member of the council is allowed to make any
decision that may bring widespread harm to the people they represent. If
another member of the council raises concerns about such a decision, the
council is obligated to explore each of those concerns in depth to decide
if they have foundation. Such concerns may likewise be raised by the
military Commander in the event that the person holding that position is
not a member of the council. If the council should disregard any such
concerns, they are subject to removal from the council, they may be made
to stand trial, and they must be exiled."

Sire Uri was stunned. He had never heard of such a law. Of course, he had
never been much for studying the ancient texts. For the first time in his
memory, he was speechless. Apollo had said the words with such confidence
that even he did not doubt that what he heard was the truth. What a fool
I have been to underestimate this boy. Boy. Not any more. He is as much
of a man as his father ever was. And now he is more dangerous than his
father ever hoped to be. With the council in ruins, I know what his next
step will be.

Apollo continued after some of what he had said had time to sink in. "In
these types of cases, it is the council who would ordinarily decide the
punishment for such an offense. It appears though that the ancient
lawmakers planned on only individual members being affected. In this case
where the entire council is at fault, it falls to me in my current
position as Commander to act as the party who decides what is to become
of you all."

The council took a collective deep breath when it heard this. Apollo had
taken such a hard line on things lately, and now he stood before them as
the young Commander Cain. They expected that their punishment would be
slow and painful if Apollo had anything to say about it.

Apollo continued once again, " I have decided that it will defeat the
purpose of this whole mess if you are all exiled since it is obvious
where you would go. Therefore, you are all hereby stripped of all
political power and are to be returned to the fleet to live as normal
citizens. Never again will you be allowed to seek a public office, nor
may you be appointed to one in an official capacity."

Here it comes, Sire Uri thought.

"Since there is no council to administer to the governance of the fleet,
I am enacting the powers of my position and declaring martial law,"
Apollo said knowing that he had just said what Sire Uri had been
expecting. He could see it on his face.

The council had breathed a sigh of relief when the sentence was declared,
but they had the breath knocked out of them when they heard Apollo's last
statement. 

"I will provide the translated text as evidence to anyone who doubts that
the existence of this law is factual," Apollo said knowing that a great
many requests would indeed be made for the document.

After a moment of silence, Sire Uri said, "Well, Commander, it looks as
though David has defeated Goliath once again."

Apollo had to give a small smile at this comment. He understood that Sire
Uri was trying to put as much humor into his predicament as possible. It
was his way of showing Apollo that he had been studying some of the
history that he had been accused of not understanding. Even without
viewing the document, Sire Uri had conceded to Apollo. By appearances, so
had the rest of the council. Apollo just hoped the people of the fleet
would be as easy to convince. It was too late to turn back now. The
course Apollo had to follow was set. It was time for the fleet's journey
to continue. It was time for Apollo to inform the fleet of the departure
and the reasons for it. And he knew exactly where he should start.

                                        Preparations 

As the council members were returned to the fleet, rumors began to spread
about their current situation. He knew that what he had to do would have
to be done very soon, but first, he wanted to test out the procedure on a
group who might be the least convinced by his words.

Apollo stood in a small room on the prison barge looking out the window.
Starbuck was with him. He had insisted on coming along. He seemed to
think that Apollo needed constant protection of late. Apollo had to admit
that there might be some truth to Starbuck's fears. The members of the
council had already began spreading rumors of the way they were
dismissed. The stories got more and more elaborate every day, and none of
them were designed to make Apollo look like one of the good guys.

"I really don't think you should be doing this right now," Starbuck said
not trying to hide the concern in his voice. "Couldn't you just let the
situation cool off a little?"

As he turned to face his friend, Apollo said, "I'm afraid not Starbuck.
The longer I let this go on without doing something, the more I'll have
to worry about a fleet wide mutiny. You've heard some of the stories.
Much longer and I could find myself being tossed out into space without a
ship."

"Well, I still don't see why you had to do this first," Starbuck said.

"I have to see what effects my words will have on a sample of the
population of the fleet to get some idea of the reaction I can expect
from the others."

"I suppose you're right," Starbuck conceded, "but I still don't have to
like it." 

A moment of silence followed as Apollo turned to stare out the window
again, and Starbuck continued his nervous habit of pacing the floor. It
was only a short time later when the door to the room opened. A tall
muscular guard stepped into the room followed by three prisoners. A
second guard posted himself right outside the door.

Apollo turned and saw the new arrivals. "Thank you. Will you please wait
outside," he said to the guard who had brought them in. The guard made no
verbal response, but he turned and shut the door behind him as he exited
the room.

Apollo made a mental note that Starbuck had stopped pacing for the first
time since they had entered the room. He could also see out of the corner
of his eye that Starbuck's hand was resting on his weapon. 

Turning his attention to the three in front of him, Apollo said, "Thank
you for coming to see me. Please have a seat."

"As if we had a choice about coming," said the young woman on the right.
The man and the woman who accompanied her gave a reproachful look at the
girl causing her to give a bit of a snort, as she looked Apollo squarely
in the eyes with every bit of pride she could muster.

Apollo responded by giving a small smile and sitting on one side of the
table himself. The three hesitated briefly, but eventually sat in the
three chairs on their side of the table. Starbuck took up a defensive
position in the corner.

"First of all," Apollo began, "I would like to apologize for having to
order the vipers to fire on your shuttle."

The three were obviously surprised by the apology. 

"I have come here today to tell you the reasons that made such an action
necessary," Apollo continued.

"We would all be very interested to hear that explanation," Jaharen, the
man seated in the middle, said. "I know that the official word had not
been given for the settlement to begin, but why pursue one shuttle when
everyone will be going soon anyway?"

"I'm afraid not Jaharen," Apollo stated firmly. The three were shocked
upon hearing this news. 

As Apollo sensed that their shock was beginning to wear off, he began
telling them the story he had told the council. As before, he related all
of the facts of the entire time spent with John and what he had told
them. Several emotions crossed the faces of the three during the telling.
It seemed to Apollo that he was getting through to them, but it had
seemed that way with the council as well. When he was through, he just
sat back and waited while the three sorted out their opinions of his
words.

After a while it was the prideful young woman, Tala, who said, "How are
we supposed to know you didn't make all of that up just to lend support
to your side of the argument?"

Apollo should have guessed she would be the one to ask that question. He
had done some research on the family sitting before him now. Tala was
Jaharen's daughter. She was also one of the leaders of the young peoples
movement for integration. She was one of those who had grown up and spent
the majority of their lives as a member of the fleet. Apollo had known
that she would be the hardest to convince.

"I can offer you nothing in the way of physical proof," Apollo said. "The
best I can do is give you my word that I am doing what is best for the
people of the fleet. I think my record will show that I have always put
the needs of the fleet above my own feelings. And most importantly, like
your parents, I too have a child that I would do anything to protect. A
parent can never make a decision without thinking of the welfare of their
children. In a way, the people of the fleet act as an extended family for
me. I know that my father always felt that way about it. I came to
understand that feeling shortly after taking command. It's as if I am a
parent tending to the needs of all of my children."

There was another short pause while they weighed Apollo's words. It was
Kara, Tala's mother who spoke next, saying, "You father would be proud of
you Commander. In this case it seems as though you have not only the best
interests of the fleet in mind, but the interests of the people of earth
as well. We are indeed fortunate to have had two Commanders who cared so
much about the people."

Jaharen looked at his wife and then turned to Tala to see if she had any
further questions. Then he turned to face Apollo and said, "It would
appear that you have made a very convincing argument Commander. I can see
that the actions you took, although harsh, were justified."

Apollo let a small smile show on his lips. Perhaps there was hope after
all. 

"Well, it looks as though I'm going to have a bit of time on my hands now
that we are leaving earth," Tala said. "You sure know how to bring the
end to a movement Commander." She thought to herself for a moment before
asking, "I don't suppose that son of yours ever has any time off does he?
Not that he would ever want to visit a girl on the prison barge anyway."

"I guess he wouldn't, but I think I can arrange for him to get some leave
time after you get resettled on your ship," Apollo said.

"You're setting us free?" Jaharen asked.

"Of course," Apollo responded. "There is no real law that requires that
you be held. Besides, I may need you to help explain my position to the
others aboard your ship."

So, the three prisoners were escorted directly out of the room and to the
shuttle Apollo and Starbuck had come in. Starbuck piloted the ship while
Apollo spent most of the trip talking to Tala. He was asking her all of
the normal questions to find out if she was the kind of girl he would
want his son dating. It didn't take long to recognize that Apollo was
extremely impressed with Tala. Even after the shuttle had landed, Apollo
talked to Tala all the way to the door of her quarters. Starbuck was not
happy about that situation at all since he had been ordered to 'watch the
ship' by Apollo. Starbuck was at the point of going to look for him when
he finally came back to the landing bay. Starbuck hadn't seen him smile
like that in a long time. All the way back to the Galactica, Starbuck
tried to pump Apollo for information as to the reason for his smile, but
Apollo wouldn't say. The only thing he would say was that he had had a
stroke of genius when thinking of how to bring the two children together.


It was only as they neared the Galactica that Apollo's smile began to
fade. His thoughts were once again drawn to the task before him. Now he
had to explain himself to the entire fleet. He knew that they might not
be as forgiving.

Once back aboard the Galactica, Apollo made his way directly to the
bridge. As he expected, Sheba was waiting for him to enter the room. He
knew that she had likely been watching him on the internal monitors since
he set foot off of the shuttle. He wanted to hug her and tell her all
about his trip to the prison barge, but at the moment there was work to
be done.

Instead of the tender words he would have liked to say to Sheba, Apollo
kept the words official in every way by saying, "Colonel, send a message
to the commanders of all of the ships of the fleet. Tell them that their
presence is requested here on the Galactica for a meeting tomorrow at
nine."

"Is there anything else you want me to say to them?" she asked. "They
might ask some questions as to what the meeting is about."

"Good. Their curiosity will see to it that none of them are late," Apollo
said with no hint of humor.

That uniform is making him act more and more like father every day, Sheba
thought with a smile.

Once Apollo was sure that the message had gone out to all of the
commanders, he left Sheba in charge and went to his quarters to make
plans for the meeting he was to hold the next day, and perhaps more
importantly, the meeting he would call after that.

Apollo looked out over the room adjoining the council chambers at all of
the fleet commanders. They had responded to his request for a meeting
much faster than he had anticipated. Apollo suspected that most of them
were of the belief that new council members would be named. They were
hoping to gain the positions for themselves. They'll just have to wait a
while on that one, Apollo thought. Right now I have more immediate
concerns in mind.

As Apollo looked at the commanders assembled, he began to pick out
familiar faces. Tigh. He had reluctantly accepted the command of the
prison barge, but Apollo was able to bring him around in the end. I still
think you should be commanding the fleet Tigh. Command of the prison
barge is such a waste for a man with your talents.

As Apollo again looked around the room, he spotted Commander Omega. Ah!
Yet another of my commanders who deserves the chance to command a
battlestar. It's a shame there may never be another. I'm afraid the
science ship will have to do for now. Apollo then made a mental note to
himself to talk with Omega about a project his people had been working
on. Time for that later though.

His eyes fell on Athena next. Athena had asked Apollo for command of the
agro ship when the command was vacated. The request had shocked Apollo.
He had thought she would never want to leave the bridge of the Galactica
unless she was launched out in a viper to battle Cylons. He thought now,
as he had on the day of her inauguration, how proud his father would be
if he could see Athena in command of her own ship.

When Apollo stepped up to the speaker's podium, the noise in the room
instantly died away and gave way to a nervous silence. This silence spoke
more to Apollo than any word uttered to him since he had entered the
chambers. They were all scared. Apollo knew that the former council
members had managed to spread rumors as far as the command level. There
was no telling what the commanders may have thought the purpose of the
meeting was. For most of them, the worst thing would be that Apollo would
live up to one rumor and replace all of the commanders with people loyal
only to him. Apollo smiled at that thought. Right now I don't think I
could find enough people to fill all of the positions.

"Thank you all for coming," Apollo began. "I have called you all together
to let you be the first to officially hear that it is my plan to leave
earth and seek out a better destination."

A murmur spread across the room upon hearing Apollo's words. Apollo knew
that they had all been hearing stories that he would do such a thing. It
was possibly only hearing the rumors before, which kept them from rushing
to depose him now. Instead they waited for him to explain. So, when the
room had settled down, he once again told the story he had told to the
council and the people on the prison barge. The commanders all remained
silent during Apollo's telling. Some of them shuffled their feet at some
places in the story, but no one interrupted. 

When it was over, Apollo said, "And that is the reason why I have made
the decision to leave earth. I feel that under the circumstances, it is
the best thing not only for the people of the fleet, but for the people
of earth as well."

Apollo didn't give them any time to ask any questions before he said, "I
will be making the announcement to the entire fleet shortly after you all
arrive back on your ships and take the necessary precautions. Thank you
all for coming," Apollo said before turning and walking off of the stage
and out of the chambers.

The group of assembled commanders talked among themselves about the plan,
but none of them wasted any time making their way to their shuttles. All
of them were expecting to be making preparations for what may be a fleet
wide mutiny. Although some of the commanders had reservations about the
plan to leave earth, none of them were willing to challenge the Commander
of the fleet on it. At least they had the good sense to think what might
happen if they were wrong. And may the Lords of Kobol help Commander
Apollo if the people of the fleet chose to disagree with him.

Apollo had been pacing the bridge since leaving the meeting with the
commanders. He checked the time in unusually short intervals as if trying
to will it to pass faster. He finally judged that enough time had passed
for the commanders to make their arrangements. Some of the slower ones
were just finishing up when the broadcast to the fleet started. Once
again Apollo told his story of why they must leave earth. He was a bit
uneasy with the telling of the story this time. Every other time he had
been able to look the people in the eye and gauge their reaction, but now
he was just looking at his own reflection in the monitor that was
carrying his image to every ship in the fleet. 

When it was over, he just sat back in his chair and waited. He had no
idea what the reaction would be. When he couldn't stand to sit still any
more, he resumed his pacing from earlier. He wondered how soon the call
would come to send warriors out to help with riots. He waited. And he
waited. Yet no messages were coming in.

"Something has to be happening out there," he said. "Why haven't we heard
anything yet?"

"Maybe it isn't as bad as you think," Sheba responded. 

"I want a situation report from all ships of the fleet," Apollo said.

Everyone on the bridge who was at a communications terminal sprang into
action calling the ships. As time passed with no responses, Apollo asked,
more to himself than anyone in particular, "What is going on out there?"

"Transmission coming through now Commander," Sheba said from the station
she was monitoring. "It's from the Rising Star. They report that there
are no major problems to deal with Commander."

"No riots," Apollo asked almost unwilling to believe it? 

"No reports of anything even remotely similar, Commander," Sheba said.

Soon, reports began to flood in as every ship in the fleet reported a
similar story. Apparently there were only a few individuals in the entire
fleet who had to be detained for any disruptive behavior. Overall, the
mood of the fleet seemed good as they discussed the different aspects and
ramifications of Apollo's announcement. 

Once they had counted all of the ships of the fleet as having responded,
Apollo told Sheba to, "Send another message to the commanders and ask
them to please join me again first thing tomorrow for a meeting to plan
our next course of action." After that, Apollo left Sheba in command on
the bridge while he went back to his quarters to do some pre-planning for
the meeting. As well as a few other little matters.

                                          The Lake

Apollo had his meeting with the other ship commanders. They decided upon
the course the fleet would take after leaving earth as well as many other
smaller details. Everyone realized that they would have to stock up on
the things they would need for an extended journey. That would mean
sending a few of the colonists to earth to gather the raw materials they
required. Apollo realized that it was risky sending such a number of them
to earth. There was always the danger of one of them running off to try
to blend in with the native population. It was also necessary to avoid
trying to gather the materials from a place where they would be missed.
So, the mountainous region that was chosen seemed to be the best option.
There was no native population anywhere near the location, and there
seemed to be most of the materials they would need within a somewhat
small area. It seemed perfect for the mission, and it gave Apollo a
chance to enact a more personal secret agenda.

It was promising to be yet another sweltering day at the base camp. Boxey
was thankful that the camp was located so close to a dense forest. The
trees provided shade for the camp during the hottest part of the day.
That it was something the mining team in the center of the camp was
especially thankful for. Thinking of them, Boxey had to wonder once again
why he had been assigned to this duty. He was certainly not an expert in
any of the disciplines involved with the operation. There were no other
Colonial Warriors assigned to the detail. In fact, even those who were
experts in their fields made regular trips back to the fleet. Boxey had
been residing at the camp since the day he helped to build it. He liked
to think that he was there to assure that no one decided to try to slip
away when no one was looking. However, if that were so, there would be
many more warriors to keep an eye on them all. So, the reason for his
presence there was as much a mystery to him as to those he worked with. 

On this particular day he was to meet someone coming down on the shuttle.
His next assignment was to hike to a lake a fair distance away to check
for any plants or animals they may want to add to the list of things to
take with them. Boxey didn't know whom he was supposed to meet that day,
but he thought it must be one of the experts coming to lead the
expedition to the lake. He was more than happy to act as the assistant in
this case.

After the shuttle had come to rest and powered down her engines, people
began to file out of it to make room for those who were waiting to return
to the fleet. Several times he thought he might have spotted the person
he was watching for only to have them turn and head for other
destinations. The crowd began to thin out a bit and Boxey thought he had
finally found his subject. There was a very large man headed straight in
his direction. Boxey was mildly amused by the thought of this huge man
trying to hike over the rough terrain that lay between the camp and the
lake.

About twenty feet from him the man suddenly turned into the
administrative tent. And when he did, all of the breath left Boxey's
chest. She had been hidden behind the large man. In an instant Boxey
forgot everything about what he was supposed to do that day. He had never
been so impressed with a woman before. And she was walking in his
direction looking straight at him. Boxey could barely move as he took in
the sight of her. She had a slight build that made her look almost
fragile, but Boxey could see
strength in her eyes and pride in her walk. 

"You must be Boxey," she said. "I'm Tala."

What have you done to me father? How will I ever concentrate on my work
now? 

"Are you all right?" she asked.

"I'm fine," he responded. "I just had an image in my head of the person I
would be meeting, and you weren't it."

"Well I'm sorry to disappoint you," she said letting some of her fire
show through her words. "But I'm afraid you're stuck with me for a
while."

"Oh please don't take what I said the wrong way. My expectations have
been greatly exceeded."

A wide smile spread across Tala's face at that. "Well then, maybe we'll
get along after all."

Boxey thought about that for a moment before coming out of his dream
state and back into the real world. "Do you need to get anything before
we leave for the lake?" he asked.

"Nope. I'm ready to go anytime," she said.

"I just need to grab my equipment and I'll be ready," he said.

In a short time the two of them left the camp and headed into the forest
in the direction of the lake. Much of the way was very rough going since
there was no established path to follow. Boxey was afraid he would have
to slow down so that Tala could keep up, but he soon found that her small
frame had more than enough strength to keep up no matter how fast he
went. He led through the places that were difficult to negotiate, but
they walked side by side where they could. Boxey had to fight the urge to
hold Tala's hand as they walked together. He had been shown no sign so
far that would indicate her reaction to such a thing. He decided that it
would be better to say and do nothing until they had gotten to know each
other a bit better.

Just then, they came to the top of a hill and looked down at the lake on
the other side. They both stopped and took in the sight with awe. They
had not seen such a body of water in person since before the exodus from
the Colonies. Seeing it now made them feel as if they were explorers who
had discovered a part of nature man had never laid eyes on before. The
waters lay calmly before them being broken only by an occasional small
wave.

"It's so beautiful," Tala exclaimed.

"How do they expect us to get any work done when there is such a sight to
admire?"

Boxey realized that he was talking more about Tala than the body of water
before them. He wanted this moment to last forever. He wanted the two of
them to stand here next to each other for the rest of their stay on
earth. Then it hit him. When we head back to the fleet I will go back to
the Galactica and she'll go back to her ship. We may not ever get the
chance to see each other again. 

Tala noticed the sudden sadness that came over Boxey's face and asked,
"What's the matter?"

"Nothing," he said looking into her eyes bringing on even more sadness at
the thought of their separation. "It's sort of personal."

"I won't intrude, but just know that I have been known to be a fairly
good listener at times. Just in case you need to talk."

Oh how I would love to talk to you and tell you everything. There is a
fire burning deep inside of me, and you were the spark that set off the
blaze. But it's too soon. "Thanks. I'll keep that in mind," he said.

They made their way down the hill to the waters edge. As they did, Boxey
did some calculations to see how soon they should head back toward camp.
It had taken them longer to reach the lake than expected. They would need
to leave plenty of time to make it back to the camp before it started
getting dark. The trail was not one that a person wanted to get caught on
at night. Straying off of the trail could mean getting lost enough to
take an entire day to find there way back.

"Well, where should we start?" Tala asked.

"I thought you would be telling me that."

"Why would I tell you? You're the expert."

Boxey began to laugh.

"What's so funny?" Tala asked.

"I thought you were the expert. The only thing I specialize in is flying
my viper."

"You mean to tell me that they sent two people out to do this job who
don't know what they're doing?"

"It looks that way."

They both laughed about the situation together. When the laughter had
subsided, they decided to take a look around to see if there was anything
that stood out as something that they should take back. They found a
couple of different plants that they decided should be taken back so that
the real experts could decide upon their value. Boxey looked down at his
timepiece and realized that they had spent much more time searching than
he had thought.

Time seems to have very little meaning to me when I am with her. I have
always been able to keep track of time very well, but days spent with her
would seem like a fleeting moment.

He looked over to Tala standing on the shore of the lake looking at the
sky. As he walked to her side he said, "We can search for a while longer,
but we'll have to be heading back soon."

"I think we had better start back now. And I think we had better hurry,"
she said.

"Why so urgent?"

"Look at the sky. I may not be an expert when it comes to plants and
animals, but I have studied about weather patterns. If I'm not mistaken,
there's a storm headed this way."

Boxey took a long look at the sky. He could see a bit of darkening on the
horizon, but he had to admit that he was not much on weather patterns
either. He decided that he would trust Tala's assessment of the
situation.

"All right. Let's gather our things and get moving as soon as possible,"
he said.

They worked quickly packing up what tools they had been using, and
started back on the path they had taken to get to the lake. They were
making good time, but the storm was moving faster than they had
anticipated. They were almost half way back to the camp when the first
drops of rain began to fall. In no time the drizzle turned into a
downpour. Visibility was reduced to only a few feet, and the footing was
treacherous. Boxey knew that they wouldn't make it back to the camp
without the risk of injuring themselves or getting lost. Tala seemed to
be completely out of her element now. She had been shut up in a ship for
too long to have to deal with Mother Nature. 

Suddenly Boxey came upon a large fallen tree. He recognized the tree from
their trip to the lake. It didn't cause too much of a problem in terms of
getting around it, but it made Boxey remember something else he had
noticed that should lie not far from where they were. Boxey gripped
Tala's arm to steady her as she began to slip on the saturated ground. He
held on to her until they were beyond the tree. He made sure to stay
close to her after that as he looked for the landmark he remembered.
About twenty feet later, he found it. He took hold of Tala's arm and led
her up a small hill. He could see that she was confused as to why he had
taken this way, but she went along anyway. She soon discovered the reason
when Boxey brought them to the mouth of a cave on the side of the hill.
They entered the cave and leaned against the walls, thankful for their
first break from the driving rain. 

After a while, Boxey pulled a glow stick out of his pack and lit up the
surrounding area with the blue light. The cave was large and afforded the
two with rocks to sit down on to rest. Boxey noticed that at some time in
the past some pieces of wood had been washed or blown just inside of the
cave entrance. 

The Lords are smiling down on me, he thought as he looked at the wood. He
noticed that Tala was shivering from the cold rain. Boxey got the wood
from the entrance and used some of the smaller pieces to start a fire in
the middle of the cave. As the fire took hold, he began to stack some of
the larger pieces on it. The firelight was soon dancing on the walls of
the cave and warming its occupants. In time Tala's shivering stopped, but
Boxey noticed that she looked weakened by the ordeal. Then he realized
why.

"I can't believe I forgot all about it," he exclaimed.

"What?"

"We have gone all day and I never even thought about stopping to eat."

Tala took a look at the storm outside and said, "Well, it would appear
that we will have some time to do so now."

Boxey began to remove the food containers from his pack; thankful that
someone had thought to make them water proof. 

"I'm afraid military emergency rations are all we have," he said wishing
he was buying her dinner on the Rising Star. 

"Believe me, anything is all right at this point," she said. At least the
company is above average, she thought.

So they ate what they had and talked during the meal. Boxey found out
that Tala's parents had come from Caprica. They had been vacationing at
the time of the attack on the colonies. They had barely made it on to one
of the ships for the departure. Her father had been a historian and her
mother had taught theatrical classes at the local education center.

The more he learned about her parents, the more he began to question why
he and Tala had been picked for this assignment. She had been taught
mainly by her parents, so her specialty should be in either history or
theatre. Boxey had always been in training to be a Colonial Warrior.
Anyone could see that the two of them were not qualified for the mission.


He looked at Tala and most of his other thoughts ceased as he once again
took in the sight of her. Even though they had just been through a
rainstorm and had been smeared with mud over the majority of their
clothes, he was blinded to any flaws she might have in her appearance.
Her hair was a bit matted from the rain, but he still thought about his
first vision of her silky brown hair framing a face that captivated him.
He became lost in his thoughts about her.

"What's wrong?" she asked worriedly. "Do I have something in my hair that
I can't see?"

Brought back from his thoughts he said, "What?"

"You were staring at me."

"Oh. I'm sorry. I was just thinking about something."

"Something good I hope," she said feeling her hair as if she didn't
believe him.

"The best thing I could hope to think about," he said with a smile.

"Well, I won't even try to get you to tell me what it is because I'd say
that's personal too."

"A little."

She looked at him for a while studying him before asking, "What do you
think of me Boxey?"

Boxey was taken aback by the question and was on the verge of panic when
he asked, "What makes you ask a question like that?"

"I have been trying to figure you out all day. I just haven't been able
to tell if you like me at all."

Can I take the chance? I can't lie to her. So after a brief moment he
said, "Tala, I don't have the words to tell you how I feel about you. You
would think that I would by now. I've been thinking of nothing else but
you since I first saw you."

Tala's eyes grew wide and a big smile decorated her face. "Oh Boxey! I
was hoping you would say that."

"You were?" he said almost unable to believe what he heard.

"Of course. After all I was the one who asked your father to introduce me
to you. I just didn't know he would do it like this."

"What? My father? You know my father?"

"I met him once on the prison barge when he came to talk to my family."

"Why on the prison barge?"

"We were the ones who made a run for earth in the shuttle craft. He came
and explained why he had to stop us. Then he took us back to our ship. I
had asked him if you might be free sometime, and he said that he thought
he could arrange for us to be introduced."

It all suddenly came into focus for him. The reason the two of them were
picked for this in the first place. His father had set the whole thing
up. They never needed to explore the lake area. And the scanners on the
Galactica could have predicted the storm outside early enough that they
could have called off the mission. 

Thank you father! I owe you big.

Boxey let the floodgates open as he told Tala everything he could think
of to express his feelings for her. She was dazzled by his words. It was
more than she had dared hope for. It was not long before she was
expressing the same types of feelings for him. They both agreed that
being caught in the rainstorm and being forced into this cave was one of
the best things to ever happen to either of them. Now that they were on
equal ground in terms of knowing just where the other stood as far as
feelings go, the conversation flowed openly about each other's past,
present and future. The rain stopped at some point during the night, but
the two never bothered to notice. They talked all night and were only
made aware of how long they had been talking by the first rays of sun
beginning to spill into the cave entrance.

Boxey took Tala's hand and led her to the mouth of the cave where they
watched their first sunrise together. Each made a silent promise to see
this together even after they reached the earth they would soon be
searching for. They were secure in the belief that nothing would ever
separate them for long.

They waited until about noon of that day to leave the cave. Officially
they reasoned that it would be best to wait for the ground to dry a bit
before walking on it and taking the chance of slipping. In reality, they
were in no hurry to get back to camp now. They did not care to keep
company with anyone other than each other. They walked the entire way
back holding hands and talking about what made them happy. Namely each
other. 

Right before they reached the camp, they decided it would be best if they
didn't hold hands in the camp. Some people may get the wrong idea if two
people who had been missing overnight came into camp showing open
affection. They certainly didn't want to give the wrong impression about
what may have gone on between them.

The camp Commander saw the two come into the camp explaining what had
happened to them to some of the other Colonists who caught them first. 

As they came nearer to him the Commander said, "It's nice of you two to
join us today. You're just in time."

"In time for what?" Boxey asked.

"Orders came in a little while ago that the two of you were to report to
Colonel Sheba as soon as you returned or were found. The shuttle is
getting ready to leave. Gather up your things. I'll hold them as long as
possible," said the Commander.

"Will we be coming back?" Tala asked.

"Nope. You two are being reassigned off of this rock."

Tala had brought only what she was carrying with her, but Boxey had
accumulated quite a collection of junk during his tour at the camp. Tala
helped him sift through the mess and decide what was to go and what was
to stay. After giving some of the things away to others stationed there,
the two of them hurried toward the shuttle.

Inside, both of them were a bit uneasy with the thought of being
reassigned. They would likely be separated after spending such a short
time together. Neither one would admit that possibility, hoping that it
wasn't true. The shuttle lifted off and moved them that much closer to
their fate. They each prayed that the pilots would not be in a hurry, but
knew that they would because they were thrown off schedule by waiting for
them. They could do nothing but wait and worry.

                                       Appointments

Boxey and Tala stepped off of the shuttle and into the Galactica's
landing bay. It took a moment for Boxey to orient himself after being on
the surface of earth for so long. They were only a few steps from the
shuttle when they spotted Boomer and Jolly headed in their direction.
There was nothing on their faces to indicate that they were there to
welcome them back. 

As they stopped just short of Boxey and Tala, Boomer said, "We have been
sent with orders to escort the two of you to the bridge right away."

"Why would we need an escort?" Boxey asked.

"We only follow the orders," Jolly said. "We don't make them."

"One would assume it has something to do with the fact that the two of
you strayed from your assigned duties and time schedule recently," Boomer
said.

"Oh come on," Boxey protested. "There was nothing we could do about that.
We can't exactly control the weather."

"That may be," Jolly said, "but we have orders to escort you to the
bridge right away. I for one don't plan on having myself escorted to the
bridge for not carrying out an order from the Commander fast enough."

"Fine then," Boxey said. "Lead on."

"I think you had better go first so we can keep an eye on you," Boomer
said. 

Boxey and Tala hesitated for just a moment out of indignation before
heading toward the door to the hallway. "You'd think we had been
conspiring with Baltar or something," Tala said.

Boxey smiled in spite of the situation after hearing Tala's words. It was
the first thing she had said since the encounter with their escorts. He
knew that he could never be alone as long as he could here the sound of
her voice. He kept her voice and her image in his head hoping that some
of her spirit would give him the courage to face his father's wrath.

They finally came to the entrance to the bridge and Boxey stepped through
the doorway first, followed by Tala and their ever-present guards. He
scanned the area, but his father was nowhere to be seen. Instead it was
Sheba who turned to look at them with cold eyes. 

"Well, I see that you finally decided to join us," Sheba said as she
walked up to the two of them. As she walked closer, the cold look on her
face warmed considerably. As she stopped in front of Boxey, she smiled
and said, "Welcome home."

Boxey and Tala let out a collective sigh. They hadn't even realized that
they were holding their breath. It was as if they bracing for the
oncoming attack. They were relieved when the attack didn't come. 

"What?" Sheba asked them. "Were you expecting me to hit you or
something?"

"Well, by the way everyone has been acting since we landed, you never
know," Boxey said. 

Sheba looked at Boomer and Jolly and saw the big grins on their faces.
"You two didn't scare them too badly did you?"

"Who? Us!" asked Boomer as he and Jolly looked at each other as if they
didn't know what she could be talking about. Boxey and Tala turned to
look at them and noticed the grins on their faces.

"So this whole thing was a put on to make us worry?" Boxey asked.

"Only the seriousness of our escort," Jolly said. "The Commander really
did send for you though. I couldn't tell if he was upset or not. He
didn't indicate anything one way or another."

"He hasn't been an easy person to read lately," Sheba commented.

"Even for you?" Boxey asked with a small grin.

Sheba blushed almost instantly as Boxey gave the first ever indication
that he knew about Apollo's relationship with her. She suspected that
everyone knew, but this was the first time anyone had publicly made a
reference to it. At least the look on Boxey's face was a grin instead of
a frown. That gave her hope that he wasn't completely against the
relationship. However, like Apollo, Boxey was a difficult person to read.
His grin could mean a thousand different things. Some good, and some bad.
She realized that trying to figure out exactly what he meant should be
reserved for another time, so she remained silent as her face reddened.

Before anyone could say anything else, Apollo walked onto the bridge.
Everyone stiffened a bit when he began walking his or her way. If his
father was going to reprimand him, Boxey wished that he would do so in
private instead of in front of Tala. 

"I understand that the two of you had quite an adventure," Apollo said.
"Neither of you look any worse for wear. Of course you could use a shower
and a change of clothes."

For the first time, Boxey and Tala noticed that they were still wearing
the mud-covered clothes they had worn to the lake and back. Internally,
they kicked themselves for not thinking to change in the camp before they
left on the shuttle. They were rushing so much that it never crossed
their minds. 

"Sheba," Apollo said. "would you please take Tala to your quarters and
let her clean up. Boxey, you can get cleaned up as well. When the two of
you are ready, come and see me in the council chambers."

They proceeded to do as Apollo asked. Sheba guided Tala to her quarters
while Boxey went to the warriors quarters to retrieve another of his
uniforms. They both readied themselves quickly, not wanting to make
things worse by making the Commander wait too long for them. Boxey came
to the entrance to the council chambers and found Tala waiting outside in
the hallway. Once again she looked like the lovely woman he had first
beheld in the camp on earth. It suddenly occurred to him how much he had
hated having to part from her even for such a short time. 

"Did they tell you to wait out here?" Boxey asked.

"No," Tala answered. "I just thought I might need you there with me, so I
waited for you."

"I had the same idea just in case I beat you here," Boxey said. "Well,
are you ready?"

"I think so," She said, a bit unsure. "After all, what's the worst that
could happen?"

Boxey pushed the button for the door and it slid aside for them to enter.
When they walked into the chamber, they were surprised to see that Apollo
was not the only one in the room. There were several people standing
round at the head of the table, and almost all of the chairs at the
council table were occupied. 

"Ah, come in," Apollo said when he saw the two enter.

They made their way to the head of the table beside him. Both of them
walked on weak knees since everyone in the room was watching their every
move.

"We have a couple of pieces of business to attend to right now," Apollo
said to them loud enough that everyone in the room could hear. "First of
all I would like to announce that, due to the recent enrollment in the
military academy, we are about to graduate one of our largest classes to
date. Many of the new warriors will be absorbed into the existing fighter
squadrons, but there is such a large number that we have decided to
create a new squadron to handle the overflow. The command of the existing
squadrons will not change. Captain Starbuck will continue to be the
Strike Wing Commander. Captain Boomer will command blue squadron.
Lieutenant Diedre will command red squadron. And Captain Bojay will
command silver spar squadron. The new squadron will be known as gold
squadron. There are plenty of battle tested warriors who would be
excellent choices to command the new squadron, but it has been decided
that since it will be comprised solely of new warriors who grew up from
children during our voyage, the new commander should be one of their
own."

Apollo turned to take a box from Sheba, who was standing beside him.
After he had retrieved the box, he turned to Boxey and said, "sergeant
Boxey, you are hear by promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and are given
command of gold squadron."

Boxey was stunned. He had come to the room expecting to be disciplined.
Now he found himself the recipient of an almost unbelievable gift. He
barely noticed that everyone in the room was clapping for him. Somehow he
summoned the necessary thought to reach his hand out and accept the box
holding his new collar insignia.

When the stun had cleared enough Boxey said, "Surely there are others who
deserve this honor more than I do. I don't want a command just because
I'm the Commander's son."

"That's why I stayed out of the decision and let the other warriors
decide the matter among themselves," Apollo said. "You have them to thank
for your command. You may not have had any real battle experience, but
they recognize your ability as a warrior."

Boxey looked to the warriors present and saw that they agreed with his
father's words.

"Well, in that case," Boxey said, "I, Lieutenant Boxey, hereby accept
command of gold squadron."

Another round of applause went up around the room as Starbuck and Boomer
came forward to help pin the new insignia on Boxey's collar. When the
insignia were in place and the applause died down, Apollo turned his
attention to Tala.

"Our second piece of business concerns the formation of a new council,"
Apollo said. "There are those in the fleet who have said that I only
dissolved the council in order to make myself the supreme leader of the
fleet and its people. Nothing could be farther from the truth. All of the
men and women that you see seated at the table are members of a new
council that has been established. Under the council law by which I
disbanded the previous council, I as the military commander am given the
power to select the members of a new council at my discretion. I think
anyone who examines my choices will find that I have chosen a wide
variety of individuals. Many of them hold views that are not my own, but
they have been chosen because I think they will make decisions based on
the needs of the fleet rather than their own needs. The selection is
comprised of a member of each of the colonies. However, the council is
not yet at full membership. Tala, I am asking you to accept the last
remaining seat on the council. The young people of the fleet should have
a voice in the discussions of the council. You have proven that you are a
capable leader by leading the movement for integration made by those that
I am asking you to represent now."

Tala was just as stunned as Boxey had been, if not more. At least Boxey
had had some experience as a warrior. She had never had any as a
politician. She looked at Boxey as if to ask his opinion on the
situation. In return, Boxey leaned over and whispered something in her
ear that no one else could hear.

Her eyes glowed as a smile spread across her face and she said, "I accept
your offer Commander. I am honored to be given the chance to represent my
people."

Yet another round of applause went up around the room. The council
members all rose from their seats and came over to welcome Tala to the
council. Boxey was also set upon by all of the warriors in the room. When
the noise had died down, Apollo told everyone that there was a
celebration in order. He told everyone to make their way to the officers
club. People began to file out of the room. Boxey was pulled along by
some of the warriors, but he wanted to wait for Tala. He looked back over
his shoulder to see Tala give him a smile and a wink. He knew he wouldn't
have to wait long before she would join him at the celebration. 

Tala was being delayed by some of the council members who were still
hanging around her asking her questions. It was Sheba who managed to pull
her away from the council. When they had made it out into the hall, Sheba
noticed that Tala was looking at her clothing and seemed a bit down.

"What could be the matter on such a happy occasion?" Sheba asked her.

"These clothes," Tala responded. "I had only packed for a trip to the
base camp. This isn't something a person should wear to a celebration."

Sheba smiled, knowing that it was Boxey she wished to impress now. "I
think I have something you could wear back in my quarters if you'd like,"
she said.

A large smile was enough to let Sheba know that her offer was gladly
accepted. So, they walked back to Sheba's quarters. On the way there,
Sheba asked, "I've been wandering something Tala."

"What?"

"What was it that Boxey said to you before you accepted the council
position."

Tala blushed a bit, but she felt like it was something she wanted to
share with her so she said, "He just said, 'I believe in you my love.'"

Sheba smiled and said, "I had no idea he was such a romantic."

The two of them laughed as they walked the rest of the way to Sheba's
quarters. On the way, a great friendship was born. 

                                         The Bubble

The last remaining communications bubble on the Galactica saw few
visitors as the yahrens went by. It had gathered several layers of dust
by the time Apollo had found it and repaired all of the ancient
equipment. After that time and a short period following it, the bubble
was once again left to sit in silence. At least that is what was thought.
Recently, Apollo had been visiting the bubble on occasion to find some
peace away from the rest of the fleet. If relaxation hadn't been Apollo's
only interest, he might have examined the equipment enough to see that
there was recorded information in the data banks. Yet, he did not. He
came and went several times having only touched the switch that would
open the bubble's protective metal covering. The equipment was patient
though. It would just go on recording until the day when someone would
put the information to use.

If anyone had been inside the bubble they might have heard the hatch open
in the floor. If they had expected to see the usual visitor to the spot,
they would have been surprised when it was Starbuck who popped up through
the hatch. Behind him followed Cassiopeia. 

They closed the hatch when they were both through. Starbuck sat down in
the chair and pulled Cassiopeia into his lap.

"Well, it hasn't changed much since I saw it last," Cassiopeia said as
she looked around the small room.

"Maybe not inside," Starbuck said, "but the outside view has change
considerably from our last visit." Starbuck then leaned forward and
flipped the switch that would open the bubbles protective skin.

The dim room was momentarily lit up to an almost blinding level until the
bubble's surface had a chance to adjust to the sudden introduction of so
much light. As the glass tinted itself, Starbuck and Cassiopeia were
slowly able to open their squinted eyes.

"I told you I would give you the best view in all of the fleet," Starbuck
said with a smile.

"And you certainly did," Cassiopeia said as she surveyed the scene before
her. "I was afraid you were thinking of taking me out in your viper to
get this view."

"I doubt I could get that one cleared," Starbuck said. "I have to be a
positive role model now that I'm a Captain."

"Don't tell me you're settling down, Starbuck," Cassiopeia said with a
sly grin on her face.

"Well... Uhh... Maybe just in appearances only," Starbuck said a bit
shaken by her sudden reference.

Cassiopeia just laughed at Starbuck's reaction. It was exactly what she
was expecting. She had needled him about getting sealed for yahren after
yahren. She could always expect the same result. She found it endearing
in a way. Starbuck, the mightiest warrior of the fleet, hero of countless
adventures and battles, and scared of admitting to loving a woman. She
made a silent vow to herself that he would admit that and more before
they found the earth they were looking for. 

"Don't worry Starbuck," Cassiopeia said. "I know exactly where I stand
with you."

Starbuck just gave a nervous smile and looked back out at the fleet ships
before them. After a short while, the quite in the bubble was slightly
disturbed by the low rumble of the Galactica's engines. 

It had started. Starbuck and Cassiopeia could see the Galactica moving
away from the fleet momentarily. Soon, all of the other ships had powered
up their engines and lined up behind the Galactica. As it came into view,
both Starbuck and Cassiopeia looked to the blue planet they had learned
so much about over the past two yahren. Each of them said a silent prayer
that they would find the one they were looking for soon. 

They both watched the scene until earth had all but disappeared from
view. Each of them felt a bit of sadness about leaving the planet behind.
They didn't voice their sadness to each other, but they had known each
other too long to have the emotion go by unnoticed. In trying to shut out
some of the source of the sadness, Starbuck flipped the switch that would
once again close out the view beyond the bubble. 

Cassiopeia stood after a while and said, "I had better go and look in a
couple of patients now. Thank you, Starbuck. It really was the perfect
view."

"I'm glad we got to share it together," Starbuck responded. "Maybe we
could come back here sometime and look at the stars together."

"I'd like that, Captain."

The two leaned in close together and kissed. They didn't get to share
moments like this very often. Starbuck swore to himself that he would see
to it that they had more of these moments in the future.

The embrace of the two lovers finally broke. Cassiopeia turned to go, and
Starbuck followed her. As he did so, he accidentally bumped the
communications equipment. When he did so, it came to life. Starbuck and
Cassiopeia were startled by the sudden addition of light to the room as
the screen on the console lit up. Upon turning back to look at the
screen, they could read the words in the lower corner. They said,
'TRANSMISSION RECORDED IN DATABASE'.

"What does it mean?" Cassiopeia asked.

"It must have been left on all this time," Starbuck said. "At some point
during our voyage, it must have intercepted a transmission. I only wish I
knew how to retrieve it."

"Well, Apollo fixed all of this equipment originally," Cassiopeia said.
"Do you think he would know how to get the message out?"

"Let's go find out," Starbuck said as he motioned toward the hatch.

They left the bubble and whatever secrets it might hold behind as they
went on their quest to find Apollo. Starbuck knew it wouldn't be much of
a quest since Apollo would likely be on the Bridge.

                                Into the Great Wide Open

Apollo's Journal:

I have just returned from the bridge where I gave the order to start the
fleet on its new voyage to find the earth my father had started us on the
path to find. There is understandable sadness throughout the fleet as we
watch earth slip farther and farther away. We had all thought that our
journey was over when we found earth. To realize that we must once again
continue the search that proved to be so wearing on the people of the
fleet before makes me wonder if earth should be our goal after all. We
have not come into contact with any Cylons for two yahren. Even I must
ask if we may have finally out distanced ourselves from them. If that
were so, it would be possible for us to attempt to settle one of the
unpopulated habitable planets we will pass in the future. It had been my
hope that John and his people might once again give us a set of
coordinates to the earth we seek. So far, my hopes have not been
answered. This discourages me possibly more than any other person in the
fleet. The universe is a big place. Not having anything to direct us
toward earth has forced me to pick a course to follow that may be the
farthest one from the one leading to earth. I have tried to piece
together as much information from my father's writings as possible.
Still, even at best it was a blind decision. I pray to the Lords of Kobol
to send good fortune our way. Without it, we may wander the universe
forever in search of something we may never find.

Apollo had not been on the bridge as Starbuck had expected. After
dropping Cassiopeia off at the life station, Starbuck had proceeded
directly to the bridge. When he arrived, he found Sheba, but Apollo was
nowhere to be found. Sheba told him that Apollo had gone back to his
quarters to do some further planning on their journey. When She asked
Starbuck why it was so important that he see him, Starbuck just told her
that he may have some very important news for him. Then just as quickly
as he came to the bridge, he left it once again to find Apollo.

Starbuck realized when he found himself at Apollo's door that he was
almost out of breath. He hadn't noticed how fast he had been pushing
himself to deliver this news to his friend. He had known that Apollo was
feeling a heavy burden lately. He thought the news he brought might serve
as somewhat of a distraction for Apollo.

After regaining his breath, Starbuck pushed the button that would
announce his presence outside the door. The door slid aside after Apollo
had pushed the button at his desk to admit his visitor.

Starbuck walked in and excitedly said to Apollo, "You have to come with
me, Apollo. I have something you should see."

"What's wrong?" Apollo asked, thinking of a thousand terrible things that
would prompt Starbuck to come for him this way.

"Nothing is wrong," Starbuck responded. "I have something to show you
that you'll like."

Starbuck had moved to beside Apollo and was pulling at his arm to urge
him out of his seat. "All right. All right," Apollo said as he stood.
"I'll come along."

Starbuck led the way as they made their way down the corridors of the
Galactica. Starbuck wouldn't tell Apollo where they were going, but as
they rounded a corner, Apollo could think of only one destination they
could be headed for. His suspicions were soon proved right as Starbuck
led him all the way to the ladder leading to the communications bubble.
Starbuck went up first and Apollo followed him. 

As Apollo poked his head above the rim of the hatch he noticed something
different about the small chamber. Their seemed to be a light source in
the room that had not been present in his recent visits. As he placed his
feet on the floor of the bubble, Apollo noticed where the light was
coming from.

"Have you been using the communications equipment?" Apollo asked.

"I was going to ask you the same thing," Starbuck said. "I brought
Cassiopeia up here to watch the departure from earth. As we were leaving,
I accidentally bumped into the console and it came to life. When I turned
to look at the screen, I noticed this." Starbuck pointed at the bottom
corner of the screen.

Apollo came around to look at where Starbuck was pointing and noticed the
words on the bottom of the screen. Starbuck could tell from the look in
his eyes that Apollo was indeed fascinated with the message. 

"I remember all those yahren ago when I left the bubble I bumped the
console, but I never looked back to see if I had done anything," Apollo
said. "I must have accidentally turned the equipment back on."

"But if the equipment had been on all that time, why didn't the screen
stay on as well?" Starbuck asked.

"The screen is programmed to shut itself off after a centon if no one
presses any of the controls to indicate it is still in use," Apollo said
as he sat down in the chair and began surveying the equipment for the
control that would play back the recorded information. Once he had
located the control, he hesitated before flipping the switch. There was
no telling what they were about to see. He hated to get his hopes up only
to find out that the message had been the result of a science project for
one of the fleet school children. Finally, he couldn't stand it any more.


He flipped the switch, and the screen went black. Starbuck and Apollo
thought for a moment that the ancient equipment had picked a most
inopportune time to give its last gasp. Their fears were relieved when
the screen displayed a numbered list of the recorded messages. A message
at the bottom of the screen told them to chose which message they would
like to be displayed. Apollo wasted no time in starting at the very
beginning by choosing number one. 

The word LOADING flashed a couple of times on the screen. The word
disappeared and was replaced by a screen filled with static. After a
couple of moments, the static cleared revealing the picture of what
appeared to be some sort of small spacecraft sitting on the surface of a
dark gray planet. They both recognized the planet as being the earth's
moon. Before long, a voice said, ' "Houston, the Eagle has landed."'

Apollo and Starbuck sat and watched the rest of the message, amazed at
what they were seeing. They actually had received a transmission from
earth. When the transmission ended, the two of them just sat and stared
at the screen as it once again displayed the numbered list of recorded
transmissions. Once the initial shock had worn off, Apollo went to work
with the control panel. He wanted to see if the equipment had recorded
the exact time that the transmission was intercepted.

Starbuck watched Apollo input commands into the ancient equipment and
asked, "What are you trying to do now, load the next message?"

"I'm trying to find out when the last message was recorded," Apollo said.

"What good will that do?" Starbuck asked.

"If we can match the time it was recorded with the Galactica's position
in space at the time, then we can have a starting point," Apollo said.
"After that, we can do the same with each of the other transmissions.
Assuming that they are from earth, we should be able to draw a line from
one position to another."

"And if we can connect enough of the points, it might put us on a course
toward earth," Starbuck said finishing Apollo's thought.

"Right," Apollo said.

With the flipping of another switch, the date of the transmission was
displayed before them. Apollo looked at the date and gave a little groan
of disappointment. 

"What's the matter?" Starbuck asked. "Isn't that what you were looking
for?"

"I was hoping it would give more information than just the date," Apollo
said. "During that date, the Galactica could have moved quite a distance.
We have to have a more accurate reading if we are going to plot the
course with any accuracy."

"Any ideas on how?"

"Maybe," Apollo said, "but I'll need Dr. Wilker's help to compile all of
the information."

"I'll send a message over to the science ship for him," Starbuck said as
he turned to open the hatch leading to the passageway underneath.

"Let him know that I want him to come as soon as possible," Apollo said.
"On second thought, don't send that message. I don't want anything about
this to be picked up by any of the other ships in the fleet. I want you
to take a shuttle and see to it that he is escorted here with all
dispatch. Take Boomer with you, but tell him as little as possible for
now."

"Consider it done," Starbuck said as he lifted the hatch and disappeared
into the passageway below.

When Starbuck was gone, Apollo sat back in the control seat and looked
out at the vastness of space outside the bubble. For the first time since
being given command of the fleet, he looked out at the emptiness of space
and didn't feel its weight upon him. He knew that they had just found a
clue that would, for them, make space seem a whole lot smaller. 

                                        Connections

Dr. Wilker and Apollo sat in silence as the last of the recorded
transmissions ended. Apollo had waited for Dr. Wilker before watching any
more of the recordings, so he was in just as much awe as the doctor.

"This is incredible," exclaimed Dr. Wilker. "To think that all of this
has been stored in here all this time without us knowing about it. If we
had this information before, we may have found the path to earth by now
and been sunning on some tropical beach somewhere."

"So is it possible to plot our exact position at the time when they were
recorded?" Apollo asked.

"I should think so," answered Wilker. "It may take some doing to match up
the times, but I think it will certainly provide us with a fairly
accurate picture."

"I just hope we don't plot a course that leads us to the source of one of
those other transmissions," Apollo said. "Most of them looked as though
they came from earth, but some showed races that were clearly not human."

"I think we can filter those out in the end," Wilker said, "But even they
may prove to be of some use to us."

"We'll need to design a computer program to allow this system to
interface with the current system used on the Galactica. Aside from these
individual recordings, this terminal also has a database that records
constantly even if there is no transmission coming in."

"So we will be able to use that information to calculate the time in
between each recording," Apollo said beginning to understand some of what
Dr. Wilker was going to have to do.

"Right," Wilker said. "And if you noticed, there were a couple of the
transmissions that had a bit of interference in them. There is a good
chance that whatever caused that interference in these communications at
the time of recording also caused some interference in the Galactica's
communications systems. If that is so, we should be able to look at the
information recorded by both systems and line them up by the times when
the interference appears."

"So, if we plot even one of the transmissions at a specific time in
relation to our position in space, we should be able to align them all,"
Apollo said.

"Exactly!" Wilker exclaimed.

They both sat back and took a collective sigh as they realized just how
close they were to finding the answer.

"Get on this right away," Apollo said. "Use whatever equipment and
personnel you need to get this done. Make sure you keep me updated on
your progress."

"As if we'll be able to keep you away from this anyway," Wilker joked.

"So, the more reports I get, the less I'll be hanging around looking for
answers," Apollo said with a smile.

The two men soon exited from the bubble. Dr. Wilker headed for the
shuttle bay making a mental list of the personnel and equipment he would
need to bring back from the science ship. Apollo, after making note of
the time, headed back to his quarters for some less official pursuits.

                                        Private Time

After leaving the old communications bubble, Apollo made a stop on the
bridge to invite Sheba to dinner so he could share the news with her.
When he arrived on the bridge, he was disappointed to find that Sheba was
not there as he had expected. Just to make sure, he checked the time.
According to the schedule, Sheba should have been on duty for another
centar. Apollo asked Rigel why Sheba was not on the bridge and he was
told that she had complained of a severe headache. Another officer had
relieved her, allowing her to go by the med center before going back to
her quarters to recover from the headache.

Apollo was sorry to hear that Sheba was not feeling well. He thought
briefly that he should go by and check on her. Upon considering it a bit
more, he decided that it might be better not to disturb her if she was
getting some much-needed rest. He resigned himself to knowing that he
would be spending this meal in the company of no one other than himself.
So, with a bit of his excitement about the day gone, he made his way
towards his own quarters.

Apollo entered his quarters and had a sudden feeling of overwhelming
loneliness. It was not a feeling that surprised him. It seemed to happen
to him every time he entered his quarters lately. He realized that it was
probably a deep longing to have his father there to talk to. He felt
unsure of himself in most of his decisions after leaving earth. His
father had always seemed so sure of himself in everything he did. When
his father had come to him in his dream and given the clue that would
help him deal with the council, he had told Apollo to follow his
instincts. Apollo had tried to do so, but it sometimes felt as if he had
opposing instincts pulling him in different directions. 

Apollo walked to the window and looked out at the blackness that lay
beyond. He remembered a time not too long ago, when that blackness had
felt like a weight on him. Now, with the discovery of the information
contained in the communications bubble, what was left of that weight
threatened to disappear. Yet, even knowing that, looking out now had the
same effect walking into his quarters had. It was as if all of the
loneliness in the universe was being funneled directly in through
Apollo's window. The feeling soon became too much for him and he turned
away from the window. He knew that he couldn't allow his fears to get the
best of him, but at times there seemed to be nothing he could do to stop
them.

Apollo decided to skip dinner all together and go straight to bed. He
walked to the door of his bedroom. As he walked through the door, he was
stopped in his tracks by what he saw. 

Sheba sat up in bed and said to the stunned Apollo, "I heard about what
you had found in the bubble. I just thought you might want to celebrate a
little." She had said her last words in a voice that left no doubt as to
her meaning.

Apollo just stood there and looked at Sheba. She had been sitting on the
bed waiting for him. The silky material that draped her skin made her
look more desirable than he had ever seen her. Her movements were slow
and graceful as she hypnotized him with her sultry voice. A warm fire
began to burn from within Apollo's chest. He walked over to take her into
his arms, and a smile spread across his lips as he came to a sudden and
wonderful realization. 

                                          Questions

Boxey was pacing back and forth in the hallway just outside of Sheba's
quarters. A thousand times he had almost pushed the button that would
announce his presence to her, only to pull his hand away from the control
at the last micron. Any one who knew him would be able to tell instantly
that there was something serious on his mind. The nervousness and worry
that he was feeling was apparent even to the most casual observer.
Several times he had to wipe the sweat from his hands. He tried to tell
himself that there was nothing to be afraid of. All he wanted to do was
ask Sheba a few questions, but he still felt uncomfortable due to the
nature of the questions.

Just as he was about to give up and forget the entire thing, a smiling
Sheba came floating around the corner. If Boxey had not been pacing away
from her when she came into the hallway, he would have instantly seen
that she was thinking of something else entirely. Instead, she caught
sight of him first, giving her time to compose herself before he turned
around. 

She could tell by the way that he was carrying himself that he was
worried about something. A terrible fright surged through her as she
thought that perhaps he knew where she had spent the night last night.
She and Apollo had always kept their relationship a secret from everyone,
although she suspected that he had told Starbuck at some point. The
person they both had been afraid to admit it to was Boxey. There was just
no way to tell how he would react. He still held tightly to every memory
he had of his mother, so they were afraid he would not accept anyone
trying to replace her in a relationship with his father. 

Before Sheba could find a place to retreat to, Boxey turned to see her
standing there. He just stopped and looked at her without saying a word.
Sheba now saw that the concern on his face was a thousand times worse
than his body movements had shown. Sheba just knew that he had somehow
found out about what she and Apollo had done last night. She braced
herself for the storm that was to come.

"Sheba," Boxey began nervously, "can I talk to you for a moment?"

"Sure Boxey," Sheba said after only a short pause. No need to make this
mess a public affair, she thought. "Why don't we go inside and sit down."

Sheba opened the door and walked into her quarters with Boxey following
behind. She turned on the lights as the door was closing behind them. She
then motioned for Boxey to have a seat. After he had sat down, Sheba did
the same in the chair directly across from him. They sat in silence for
as moment, neither of them wanting to bring up what was on their minds.

"I guess you can see that I'm a little nervous," Boxey said. "I have a
few questions that I'm not too comfortable asking, but I was hoping that
you could answer them for me."

"I'll do my best," she said waiting for the first wave of attack. I wish
you were here with me Apollo, she thought.

Boxey hesitated for a while as if trying to form the words in his mind
before saying, "All my life I've been raised to believe that there's no
stronger force in the universe than love. I've also been told that when
you find that one person that you love more than any other, you will
eternally be joined to that person."

"I suppose you're right," Sheba said not liking where the conversation
might be headed.

"So, the usual outcome of that love is for those two people to be sealed
to one another," Boxey continued. "Sheba, what I need to know is, how
does a person know when it's time to get sealed? Do they just wake up and
suddenly realize that the love has grown too strong not to be sealed?"

"Well, Boxey," Sheba said, "I've never actually been sealed to anyone you
know. I don't know if I'm qualified to answer any questions about it."

"But you love my father don't you?" Boxey asked.

There it was. Out in the open. Put to her point blank. He did know about
them. She hesitated before answering, "Yes, Boxey."

"Then you're qualified," he said. "I know that the two of you love each
other enough to be sealed. I also know that it's your current military
positions that keep you from doing it. You may not be sealed, but you are
still the closest thing I have to a mother. That's why I came to you to
answer my questions."

Tears came to Sheba's eyes as she realized that her fears had been
completely wrong. Boxey had not been here to discuss Apollo's
relationship with her after all. She felt a warm feeling in her heart as
she prepared to give her first bit of motherly advice. "I don't
understand. What question do you need me to answer for you?"

"I need to know if the love I feel for Tala is enough to ask her to be
sealed to me," Boxey said. "I need to know if she might have said
anything to you about it at all. I need to know if her feelings are as
strong as mine. Basically, I need your help."

"Oh, Boxey," Sheba beamed. "I had no idea you two had moved so far in
your relationship. No, she hasn't come right out and said anything to me,
but if I'm any judge of a woman's emotions, she would love for you to ask
her."

"Really?" Boxey asked, all of his nervousness gone and replaced by a wide
smile.

"I think so."

Boxey just sat back in the chair and took a deep breath. He had just had
a great weight lifted from him. He just closed his eyes and imagined what
his life with Tala would be like.

"The first thing you need to do is ask her parents for permission," Sheba
said.

"I guess I had better ask mine as well," Boxey said. "I assume I already
have your permission."

"Oh, Boxey," Sheba said, the tears coming back to her eyes. "You
certainly know how to say the right thing, but I'm not officially your
mother you know. You don't need my permission."

"It may not be official on paper, but in your hearts you were sealed a
long time ago," he said. "That's all I need. By the way, I don't suppose
there's any way to make it official any time soon is there?"

"Well now," she said a bit surprised, "I think you should be asking
someone else that question."

                                     The Science Ship

Starbuck hurried to the landing bay as fast as possible. To him it seemed
that there was one obstruction after another around every corner. Apollo
had sent a message to him that he was to come to the landing bay. He had
said that it was very important that he come. In Starbuck's mind that
meant there was possible danger to be faced. Why else would Apollo send
for his best and most loyal warrior unless he was expecting to need the
extra protection. Starbuck believed that there were groups lying low just
waiting for the right moment to strike against Apollo. He knew that the
plan to leave earth did not sit well with everyone in the fleet. It would
only take one angry individual to put an end to Apollo's command.

Finally, Starbuck rounded the corner into the landing bay. He spotted
Apollo standing beside a shuttlecraft and darted over to his side. He was
noticeably out of breath by the time he had stopped running. After all,
he had just run almost half the distance of the Galactica to get there. 

"Well there was no need to kill yourself getting here," Apollo said
amused. "Did you think I was going to leave without you?"

"Well," Starbuck said as he struggled to catch his breath, "I didn't want
you to get impatient and decide to take the nearest warrior as a
replacement."

"A replacement for what?" Apollo asked catching on to Starbuck's
reasoning.

"Your bodyguard."

Apollo laughed and said, "I'm sorry you took the message the wrong way
Starbuck, but I wasn't asking you to come with me as protection from some
unseen attacker. I was just on my way to the science ship to meet with
Omega. I thought you might like to take a look at one of the projects his
team has been working on for me. That it's all."

Starbuck could feel his face flush. He imagined that he was blushing more
than he ever had before. "Oh," he said quietly.

Apollo put his hand on Starbuck's shoulder and said, "But of course it
never hurts to have the best warrior I have along just in case."

That comment made Starbuck brighten up a bit. No one knew how to read
Starbuck and always know what to say better than Apollo. Something
Starbuck had been thankful for many times in the past. 

"Come on," Apollo said. "I would hate to make a friend wait." 

The shuttle ride over to the science ship was uneventful. There were none
of the watched for terrorists plotting to exact their revenge on their
Commander. One thing Starbuck did notice was that Apollo was very tight
lipped about the project they were going to inspect. Apollo just said it
would be better if he left it as a surprise. 

They met Omega as soon as they disembarked from the shuttle. 

"Commander," Omega said in greeting. "It's good to see you again
Starbuck."

"Likewise," Starbuck responded taking a look around at the small landing
bay of the science ship. "Quite a change from the Galactica. How do you
like commanding this old bucket."

"She may not be much to look at from here," he responded, "but wait until
you see what she's carrying inside."

He had given the last part of that statement with a sly smile on his
face. The look made Starbuck even more curious about the project they
were there to see. Then he noticed that Apollo had a similar smile on his
face.

"All right," Starbuck said, "since the two of you already know what the
big secret is, would you mind filling me in on it."

Apollo said, "Believe me Starbuck, you'd give a yahrens pay to see this
one up close."

"I don't know if I would go that far if I were you," Starbuck said. "It
had better be something extra special if I am going to give up that
much."

"Oh, it is," Omega said.

"You see," Apollo said, "I asked Omega and his team to come up with a new
viper."

"Is that all this is about?" Starbuck asked. "They've made modifications
to the viper's systems before, but nothing that special."

The three of them began to walk down the corridor where the new viper was
housed. As they walked, Omega said, "I think you'll find that we did more
than just make a few modifications to the viper systems."

Apollo said, "What we are about to see is a completely redesigned Viper
from the inside out. If the tests go well it will be the Viper that will
replace the ones we have been flying up to this point."

"You know I'm sort of attached to that old ship," Starbuck said. " It's
gotten me out of quite a few scrapes."

"And so, you would be the hardest judge on any new Viper to roll off the
lines," Apollo said with a smile. "That it's why I chose you to be the
first to fly the new one."

"And because I'm the best pilot in the fleet, right," Starbuck said.

"Right," Apollo said still grinning.

"All right," Starbuck said with confidence. "I'll test this new bird for
you before I chew it up and spit it out. Where do you keep the thing?"

"Right through these doors," Omega said as he stopped beside a door and
entered the security code that would unlock it.

When the door opened, the three of them walked into the room. Starbuck
didn't see the ship right away since it was 90 degrees from the way he
was facing. He noticed that the other two were looking off in that
direction and so he turned his head as well. What he saw stopped him dead
in his tracks. His mouth dropped open and he stood speechless for one of
the few times in his life. The other two let him be amazed for a while
before breaking in on the spell.

"So, what do you think of her?" Apollo asked.

"When you said that they had redesigned it I should have believed you,"
Starbuck said still staring at the new ship. Then, after regaining his
composure a bit he said, "I see the major changes structurally, but some
of the changes would lend themselves to major performance problems."

"How so?" asked Omega.

"Well just look at it," Starbuck said. " You've taken the three engines
out and replaced them with three smaller engines that combined don't even
equal the size of one of the old ones."

"What would you say if I told you that those three smaller engines would
leave the old ones in the dust?" asked Omega.

"I'd say you had better prove that to me," Starbuck retorted.

"Don't worry Starbuck, you'll get all the proof you could ask for soon
enough," Apollo said. "For now just listen to some of the features Omega
can tell you about on this ship."

As Starbuck looked his way to comply with the request, Omega said, "The
Commander was right when he said we had redesigned the ship from the
inside out. The outside features you can already see. The engines are
smaller, yet far more powerful. The tri-wing design in the rear was kept,
but they were all streamlined to allow for the greater speeds and more
maneuverability that come with the engines and other body changes. The
two wings on the sides were placed at a flatter angle to give more
stability for flight inside of an atmosphere. The nose and body were
rounded in the front as well as flattened along those sections. The
canopy was redesigned to be less angular and more curved in appearance.
These changes to the body and canopy serve to make the ship less visible
at certain angles of attack. You can see that the height of this ship is
less than that of the current Viper. That it too adds to the ships
ability to be less visible."

"If all of that stuff works then I'm all for it," Starbuck said. "I don't
argue that it's a nice looking ship, but what have you done inside to
make all of this mean something?"

"That it's where the really interesting changes have been made," Omega
said as he led them over to have a look at the cockpit of the ship. "As
you can see the reduced size of the canopy hasn't affected the amount of
room in the cockpit for the pilot. If anything we've increased the room a
little. An amazing feat when you consider all of the gear we installed in
it. I'm sure you can recall a few times when you wanted to transmit a
message back to the fleet, but the Cylons jammed your signal. Well, this
ship comes equipped with an anti jamming device. In the process of
fighting the jamming activities, the device will also jam the
communications of the party trying to jam. The scanner range has been
doubled. The attack computer has been upgraded to give almost instant
reads on objects anywhere inside scanner range. The Cylons won't be able
to pick you up on their scanners due to a scanner filtration system that
was installed."

"I have to admit that all of that sounds impressive," Starbuck said, "but
even if it all really works, I still have a couple of questions. Where
are all of the monitor screens, and what about the all-important weapons
systems? Or is it like that recon viper they tried to push without any
weapons?"

"That it's probably one of the best inventions," Omega said. "It
certainly does have weaponry. First I should explain the reasons for
there being no monitor screens in the cockpit. You see, one of the new
features of this viper is that all of the data that was displayed on
those screens is now projected as a hologram at eye level for the pilot
to see. It will always remain directly forward of the pilot's view
relative to the position of the head no matter how much the pilot turns.
All of the sensors are linked to the helmet to make it possible,
including those of the weapons systems. For those, a 360-degree view of
the area around the viper is projected from inside the helmet to directly
in front of one eye. You may also notice that the firing controls are
missing from the control stick. The weapons in the ship are controlled by
a computer interface in the helmet."

"How are we supposed to fire a weapon if the controls are inside our
helmet?" Starbuck asked.

Omega continued by saying, "All of the pilots will have a small computer
chip surgically implanted in their heads that will allow the weapons to
be controlled by thought."

"What?" Starbuck asked, hoping he was hearing all of this wrong. "You
must be kidding. You can't just go around implanting computer components
into people's heads. What are you trying to do, turn us into Cylons?"

Apollo answered him by saying, "Believe me Starbuck, I had the same
reaction when they told me it was possible. The piece they implant is
almost microscopic in size though. It is only placed directly under the
skin and not attached to anything. They tell me that it may soon be
possible for them to do away with the implant altogether. Until then, we
will have to do this in order to use the new weapons systems."

"What kind of weapon would require that?" Starbuck asked. "Why can't you
just put the button back on the control stick?"

"You are used to flying and fighting with two lasers capable of hitting
any target that happens to fly in front of you," Omega said. "Your new
lasers will have a range nearly twice that of the previous ones. And not
only will you have the forward firing lasers, but you will also have
lasers firing to the rear and to both sides. The implant will make it
possible for you to fire all of the lasers at the same time at four
different targets. With training, you will be able to coordinate the data
displayed in front of your left eye with the thought output for the
weapons systems. When you are able to do so you can fight Cylons on a
360-degree battlefield. All of the weapons are on swivels so the angles
can be adjusted to fire in any desired direction. So, you can fire the
lasers in four separate directions, or all in the same direction."

"Are you saying that all I have to do is think about shooting down a
Cylon and it will happen?" Starbuck asked amazed.

"Well, you can shoot at anything you can see in your left eye display,"
Omega said. "It will take some time before you'll learn to control your
thought patterns well enough to get too fancy with the weapons firing
patterns."

Starbuck just stood back and looked at the ship in awe. He had trouble
believing it could do all of the things they said it would. He still
wasn't completely sure about this implant business. It seemed to him like
it was something that would make them one step closer to being like the
Cylons. Sure it would be great to be able to do all of the things they
had described, but he wasn't at all easy about going any further while
the implant remained a part of the price.

Apollo seemed to read Starbuck's thoughts on his face. He said, "Don't
worry about the implants Starbuck. Like I said, they're so small you can
barely see them. After they're in, you won't even know they're in there."

"How would you know that?" Starbuck asked.

"Well, you don't think I would agree to let them implant them in my
warriors until I had tested them for safety do you?" Apollo asked.

"Tested them for safety?"

"The Commander had his implant done quite some time ago," Omega said. "He
insisted that no one else was to have the implant until he had time to
make sure that it wasn't harmful to humans in any way."

"And there hasn't been even one side effect since it was implanted,"
Apollo said before Starbuck could chastise him for taking such a risk.
"Trust me. You won't even know it's there after a few days. Besides, I've
never known you to be one to shy away from a little risk and adventure."

Starbuck just stood there considering Apollo's words. After a while, he
shifted his gaze back to the ship. He had to admit to himself that he
would love to be able to hop in it and try out all of the new gadgetry
they had come up with. The implant was his only real stumbling block, but
he knew that he would trust Apollo to the ends of the universe no matter
what he told him. Apollo knew that as well and would not betray
Starbuck's faith for anything. So, Starbuck found himself giving in to
the idea of accepting the offer to be the test pilot for the new viper.

"Well, how soon do I start on this little adventure?" He asked still
trying to convince himself that he was okay with the idea.

Apollo smiled at Starbuck's acceptance and said, "Almost as soon as we
get back to the Galactica. Officially we'll say you are just on a little
vacation somewhere within the fleet and don't want to be found until it
is over. Understand that we can't tell anyone about this project until
the tests are completed. We have to maintain the tightest of security
around the project."

Starbuck considered that for a while before saying, "You realize there's
a little flaw in your plan for secrecy. People know me. They know that I
wouldn't go off on a vacation all by myself. Any extended trip like that
is going to require a certain med-tech to be along for the ride."

"Absolutely not!" Apollo exclaimed. 

"Face it Apollo, that's the only way to make it even halfway believable
that I'm not spending my entire vacation implementing new gambling
systems aboard the Rising Star. Besides, if I went away for that long
without her, she may get the wrong idea. Then I'll be left with no one to
go back to when this is over. Put yourself in her place and you'll begin
to see some of the thoughts she may dream up about what I'm doing all
that time."

Apollo still didn't like it, but he had to admit that Starbuck had a
point. And Cassiopeia was one of the few people Apollo trusted to keep
the secret for as long as she was asked to do so. Then he thought of how
angry Sheba would be when she found out that he hadn't told her about it
either. 

"All right," Apollo said. "We'll do it your way, but she has to remain on
this ship for the entire duration. There will be no contact allowed
outside of the ship, and even the contact inside of the ship will be
limited. Make no mistake, we may be calling this a vacation on the
official side, but you'll be working night and day on this project. The
work you do now may serve to give us the advantage we need to insure that
countless lives will be saved with this new technology."

"Well then," said Starbuck, "if it's going to be that grueling, I may be
glad I have a med-tech with me at all times after all."

The three of them had to laugh at that one. Even through the jokes Apollo
knew that it was Starbuck's way of showing how dedicated he was willing
to be. He would make sure that every possible test was done to work all
of the bugs out of the systems on the new viper. Who knows, Apollo
thought, maybe this will give Starbuck a chance to spend a little more
one on one time with Cassiopeia. While he isn't working on the viper
she'll have a captive audience.

"I guess it's all settled then," Apollo said. "Omega, make arrangements
for quarters for two. I assume that one set of quarters would be all
right with you, Starbuck. Space is limited you know. We had better be
getting back to the shuttle so you'll have time to arrange things with
Cassiopeia and get back here later today."

"Boy! You sure don't give a guy much time," Starbuck said.

"As if you would wait until tomorrow to get your hands on this new viper
again," Apollo said with a wide grin.

"We'll have her all ready for you when you get back, Starbuck," Omega
said. "We can start with the tests as soon as you feel ready."

Omega escorted the two officers back to the shuttle bay and made sure
that they launched safely back to the Galactica. He had work to do to get
everything ready. He set about his duties; glad he wasn't the one who had
to make the trip back to the Galactica with Starbuck. He was sure that
Apollo would here about nothing else other than the new viper all the way
to the landing bay and beyond.

                              Hopes, Dreams and Secrets

Sheba and Cassiopeia were sitting on a sofa in the rejuvenation center
chatting and enjoying a little time off. It had been some time since they
had gotten the chance to sit down and have a conversation together that
didn't have to do with their official jobs. The one-time adversaries had
grown into close friends over the yahren. Once they had gotten over their
differences created by their respective relationships to Commander Cain,
they came to find that they shared many of the same interests.

Cassiopeia could see that something had made Sheba happy from the way she
walked into the room. Even as she sat down on the sofa, Sheba had to
fight to suppress a smile that would have given away her happiness too
blatantly. Some things though are just impossible to keep hidden away
completely.

"Well, aren't you the happy one," Cassiopeia commented. "Is it anything
you want to share?"

"Maybe," Sheba said letting a little of the smile show through.

"Well come on then. Out with it," Cassiopeia said. Sheba's smile made
Cassiopeia have a sudden thought as to what it could be that Sheba was
busting at the seems to tell her. "By the Lords! Did Apollo finally
propose?"

"No," Sheba said urging Cassiopeia to remember that they were in a public
place. "It was something almost as good though."

"Come on Sheba," Cassiopeia said dying to know. "What is it?"

"It's Boxey," Sheba said.

"Boxey?" Cassiopeia asked a bit surprised.

"He just gave me a gift as precious as any I have ever received."

"What was it?" Cassiopeia asked.

"A two part gift actually," Sheba said not able to contain herself any
longer. "First of all, he admitted that he knew about my relationship
with Apollo. Cassiopeia, he is almost more anxious for us to be sealed
than we are."

"That's terrific. I always thought he was a smart boy."

"It gets better."

"Better? Oh, do tell," Cassiopeia said.

"He said that he didn't care if we were already sealed or not, but he
already thinks of me as his mother." Upon saying this, the tears began to
flow once again down Sheba's cheeks. "I can't tell you how many times
I've wanted to hear those words. I had always feared that he wouldn't
accept me at all. Now I find that even my dreams don't measure up to the
reality."

"I'm so happy for you, Sheba," Cassiopeia said holding on to the crying
woman's hand. "I guess now all we need to do is work on making it
official."

"Well, that isn't very likely to happen until one of us retires from
active duty," Sheba said trying to regain control in front of the crowd
she was getting attention from already. "Knowing the two of us like you
do, which one of us can you see settling down to life as a civilian
first?"

"I see your point. It should fall around the same time I manage to get
Starbuck to propose."

"Exactly," Sheba said. "Which means we're in for a long wait."

They both laughed about that for a moment until Cassiopeia asked, "So,
what was it that made Boxey tell you this all of a sudden?"

"Well.... I guess I can trust you," Sheba responded. "He came to me to
ask a question about when a person would know it was time to get sealed."

"You mean he and Tala are already thinking about it?"

"Well, Boxey is at least," Sheba said. "It's funny isn't it? The two of
us have to fight tooth and nail for every inch of ground with our
respective men, and Tala lands one that's ready to tie the knot at the
drop of a hat."

"Maybe I should have Starbuck hang out with Boxey a little more. Who
knows, something may rub off on him."

The two women laughed again. As their laughter was dying away, Sheba
noticed Tala enter the rejuvenation center and stand just inside the door
looking around. When she caught sight of Sheba, she immediately began
walking toward her. Sheba and Cassiopeia could both see from the way Tala
was walking that something was bothering her. She stopped just short of
the two women as if she just noticed Cassiopeia sitting there and didn't
want to interrupt.

"Hello, Tala," Sheba said. "Are you all right?"

"I'm sorry," Tala said, "I didn't mean to interrupt."

"Don't be silly," Sheba said. "We were just chatting. Have a seat and
unload your problems."

She hesitated, but Tala finally sat in one of the chairs opposite the
couch they were sitting on. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat for a
while, and Sheba took notice of how out of character this behavior was
for Tala. She had always seemed a very strong person who never let her
troubles get to her. 

"Tala," Sheba said, "something is obviously bothering you. Tell us what
it is and maybe we can help."

"I just didn't know who else to turn to," Tala said. "It's just something
that's been building in me lately."

"Well, trust me," Sheba said turning to glance at Cassiopeia, "it makes
you feel better when you can confide in a friend. You have two here who
are ready to listen to whatever you want to talk about."

Again she hesitated, but finally said, "its Boxey."

Sheba began to get a sinking feeling that perhaps Boxey had already
proposed to Tala and she wasn't as receptive as was hoped.

"Is he all right?" Cassiopeia asked.

"Oh, yes he's fine," Tala said. "It's just that I've been worrying about
something to do with our relationship. He and I lead two completely
different lives. He's a Colonial Warrior. It's his job to fly out in his
Viper and risk it all for the sake of the fleet."

"Are you afraid he may fly out one time and not come back?" Sheba asked.

"Oh, it isn't that," Tala said. "I mean that is a concern, but not as
much as my real problem."

"Which is?" Cassiopeia asked.

"I'm afraid that my non adventurous life will bore him," Tala admitted.
"There is no way I can compete with those female warriors he flies with.
He just has more in common with them when it comes to his everyday
activities."

Sheba and Cassiopeia just sat there amazed. They had just been talking
about how Boxey planned on proposing to her in the near future, and now
she was sitting before them thinking he might feel just opposite of the
way he really did. Sheba tried to think of some way to reassure her
without telling her of Boxey's intentions.

"Tala, trust me," Sheba said, "I've talked with Boxey about you in the
past and I can tell you that he is very much in love with you."

"Sure, now," Tala said, "but what about later on? I'm sure he must have
had feelings for women in the past."

"Did he tell you that he loved you?" Cassiopeia asked.

"Yes," Tala said.

"Well I have heard stories from most of the women he's dated, and I can
tell you that I know of no occasion in the past when he has ever uttered
those words to any of them," Cassiopeia said.

"Really?" Tala asked almost not believing what she had heard.

"I can confirm that," Sheba said. "I've probably had even more contact
with them than Cassiopeia has. Boxey was never one to throw his
affections around lightly. Believe me, if he said those words, they might
as well be written in stone."

Tala seemed to relax a bit after that. She even went so far as to let a
small grin escape into view.

"If you still aren't convinced," Cassiopeia said, "you could always try
my method. Just walk right up to him and ask him. Put him on the spot
with a direct question. The look in his eye will tell you if he's lying
or not."

"I couldn't try that now even if I wanted to," Tala said. "Boxey took off
in a shuttle just a little while ago and wouldn't tell me where he was
going. That in itself is very unlike him. Not to mention the fact that I
happen to know he was off duty at the time."

Sheba smiled, knowing where Boxey had gone, but containing the urge to
spill everything she knew. Instead she said, "Don't worry about that,
Tala. I'm afraid that's my fault. I sent him off on an errand that he
isn't supposed to share with anyone just yet."

Tala let out a sigh of relief, and allowed herself to fully relax. Over
the next few centons, she shared in a bit of laughter as they discussed
the latest rumor circulating about Starbuck's exploits. Once that subject
was exhausted, Tala turned her attention on Sheba.

"So," Tala began, "what is the latest status on your relationship with
Commander Apollo?"

Sheba's eyes went wide at the surprisingly blunt question. Once she
managed to collect herself, she said, "I didn't even know you knew about
our relationship. Of course, Boxey would have confided everything in you,
so I'm not too surprised."

"Boxey didn't have to tell me," Tala said. "It's fairly common knowledge
among the fleet."

"What!" Sheba exclaimed.

"You can't keep a secret like that bottled up for too long around here,"
Tala responded. "I don't know why you would try to hide such a thing
anyway."

"Well...," Sheba stammered.

"There are some who might cry foul if the Commander was to have an open
relationship with his next in command," Cassiopeia said, putting words to
Sheba's thoughts.

"Who?" Tala asked. "The council? The new council is behind the Commander.
We don't care about his personal life, just what command decisions he
makes. You have to give our people some credit. They know that love is
where you find it. Even if it is on the bridge of the Galactica."

"I'm afraid you won't have much luck convincing Apollo of that," Sheba
said.

"Maybe not me," Tala said, "but I can think of at least one person who
plans to start pushing him in that direction."

"You mean....." Sheba began.

"Boxey," Tala said.

"Maybe when he's done with Apollo, Boxey can start to work on Starbuck a
little," Cassiopeia said. 

At that very moment, Cassiopeia looked up to see Starbuck walk through
the doorway of the rejuvenation center. He spotted her almost immediately
and laid in an intercept course using full battle thrusters. Now what
could he be so excited about? Cassiopeia thought.

Sheba was the first of the other two in the party to see Starbuck's
arrival. From the way he was speeding toward Cassiopeia, one would have
thought the Cylons had just invaded the ship and he was trying to get to
her.

As he closed to within point blank range of his target, Starbuck was
momentarily distracted by Sheba saying, "Don't tell me you have a problem
you would like to share with the group too, Starbuck."

"What? Oh... Uh..." Starbuck stammered. "No. I just came to tell
Cassiopeia something."

"What is it Starbuck?" Cassiopeia asked.

"It must be fairly important after the way you walked in here," Sheba
said before he had a chance to respond.

"Maybe it is," Starbuck said, "but I think I should tell her in private."

"Its all right Starbuck," Cassiopeia said. "Whatever it is can be said in
front of my friends."

Starbuck looked at Cassiopeia and knew that he would be in for a serious
fight if he tried to insist. He hesitated, looking at both Sheba and Tala
as if to see if they would volunteer to leave for a while. Of course,
neither of them budged, so Starbuck looked back to Cassiopeia and said,
"I just came to tell you that you need to arrange for someone to take
over your duties for a while."

"And just how long am I supposed to be gone?" Cassiopeia asked.

"Indefinitely," Starbuck said.

"Impossible Starbuck. I could never get that much time off cleared."

"You don't have to," Starbuck said. "The order has already been signed by
Commander Apollo."

"Well," Cassiopeia said, "it would appear that being the best friend of
the Commander has its perks."

Starbuck smiled and said, "It does come in handy now and then."

"Well, you may have gotten me off duty for a while, but I'm not going to
leave this spot until you tell me why it is that I need the time off,"
Cassiopeia said.

Starbuck recognized a dead end when he saw one. Not telling her might
mean that he would be making the trip alone, yet he couldn't tell her the
real reason in front of Sheba and Tala. Remembering the cover story, he
said, "We're going on a vacation together."

"Vacation?" Cassiopeia asked. "You, take a vacation? I'll believe that
one when I see it."

"So," Sheba asked, "are you going to try out a few new gambling systems
aboard the Rising Star?"

"Actually, no," Starbuck answered. "We won't be going to the Rising Star
on this trip."

"What other place is there in the fleet to take a vacation?" Tala asked.

"I'm afraid I can't tell you that," Starbuck said. "It's a place where we
can get away from everything, and I don't want anyone to know what our
exact destination will be."

"Mmm. Sounds romantic, Cassiopeia," Sheba said.

Cassiopeia heard what Sheba said, but knowing Starbuck better that
anyone, she could see that he was lying. She didn't know why, but she
knew that it must be something very important for him to make up a story
like that. 

"Say no more," Cassiopeia said. "I'm not going to let a chance like this
pass through my fingers. When do we leave?"

"As soon as your arrangements are made," Starbuck said.

"Awfully short notice, but I'm game if you are," Cassiopeia said as she
stood. "If you will excuse me ladies, I am about to be whisked away to an
unknown destination for an unspecified length of time, so I had better
not keep him waiting. This isn't the kind of opportunity a girl should
pass up."

With that, Cassiopeia stood and placed her arm through that of
Starbuck's. A smile and a small wink were the last thing Sheba and Tala
saw before she turned to walk out with Starbuck. The two didn't say a
word until they had watched the lovers make their exit from the
rejuvenation center. 

"Well at least things are looking up for someone," Tala said.

"You shouldn't give up hope," Sheba said. "Who knows? Boxey may have
vacation plans he's just waiting to unveil."

"I think it might take a declaration from the council to make him spend
any time away from his squadron right now," Tala responded.

"The same might just go for his father," Sheba joked.

"I don't think even a declaration from the council could get Commander
Apollo to take any time off," Tala said continuing the joking line of
conversation.

The two of them sat there for quite some time talking about this and
that. In the end, Sheba was glad to see that Tala's mood had improved
greatly over what it had been when she first entered the room. She had
the feeling that it would improve even more not long after Boxey returned
from his secret mission. 

                                  Memorable Moments

Tala wasn't sure if she should go along with what Boxey asked her to do.
She had told him she would do anything for him, but this request seemed a
bit strange to her. Why should she have to submit to being blindfolded
and led to an unknown destination just so he could surprise her with
something? 

"I don't know Boxey," she said, still doubting just a bit. "Why can't I
just close my eyes?"

"Because we are going to have to leave the Galactica for you to see it,"
he responded. "If you were to get a peek at where we're going it could
spoil everything."

"Leave the Galactica?" she said surprised already. "You know it may not
be a good idea to let the people of the fleet see a member of the council
being led around blindfolded."

"I think they will be all right with it as long as I don't pull out a
weapon and you were to act as if you were the slightest bit interested to
see what is at the end of the trail."

"Well...," Tala said a bit hesitantly.

"Of course if you're not interested, we could just forget the whole
thing."

"Boxey..."

"I'm sure I can find someone aboard the Galactica who would be interested
in coming with me," he said with a smile and a sideways glance at Tala.

"Oh, that was a dirty trick," she said.

"Well, when trust falls short, one must resort to trickery."

"I guess I had better agree then," she said. "I would hate to see what
you might come up with next."

Tala assumed the proudest stance she could manage as a smiling Boxey
moved toward her with the blindfold at the ready. As Boxey covered her
eyes with the material, Tala's mood was softened a bit due to the
softness of the material and the gentle way in which Boxey tied it in
place. 

After the material was in place, Tala felt a very light and familiar
pressure on her lips as Boxey gave her a light kiss and said, "I love
you."

It was at that point that all of her distrust disappeared into memory.
She knew at that moment that Boxey could always be trusted to keep her
safe from any harm or embarrassment. She felt his hand take hold of hers
ever so gently, leading her out of her quarters and into the passageway
beyond. For a while she tried to keep track of the turns they took in
hopes of knowing where she was at all times. She soon realized that it
was pointless to do so since he would obviously have to take her to a
shuttle craft to get her off of the Galactica. After that, there were too
many possible destinations to even consider guessing.

After a while she started to enjoy being led this way and that. She was
amused by the fact that Boxey was having his own troubles trying to keep
her from turning a corner to soon and bumping a wall. Apparently, leading
the blind was as new an experience for him as being without sight was for
her.

Soon, from the echoing sound, Tala could tell that they had entered the
landing bay. She could hear people all around her doing their jobs. She
wondered for a moment if any of them would say anything to Boxey about
trying to kidnap a member of the council. That is when she noticed
another sound. It was the sound of faint giggles from some of the people
near to her. Of course no one would say anything. They would all know of
their relationship together and assume that it was one of the silly games
that lovers play. Tala could feel the reddening that was taking place in
her cheeks, but all she could do was smile.

Tala soon found herself on an incline, which she knew to be the ramp that
would afford her access to the shuttle entrance. Once inside, Boxey sat
her down in one of the passenger seats behind the pilot and co-pilot
seats. He fastened her seat harness, and to her surprise he sat down next
to her and regained her hand.

She had assumed that Boxey would be flying the shuttle to their secret
destination himself, but as she listened to the sound of the engines
coming to life she realized that he had co-conspirators in this little
adventure.

She did not know whom it was that Boxey had enlisted to aid him, but by
the time they had landed she was sure that it was a master pilot. Never
had she had such a comfortable ride in a shuttle. The landing was so soft
that she had trouble believing that they had landed at all. 

Boxey confirmed that they had landed by standing and proceeding to remove
her safety harness. Taking her hand, he helped her stand. Once he was
sure she was steady, he moved her over to the opening hatch of the
shuttle. After standing still for a few moments, he led her out of the
shuttle and down a ramp similar to the one they had used to board it. 

Tala had to smile at the thought that Boxey might have had the pilot fly
the shuttle in a big circle in order to bring her back to the same place
she had started from just to disorient her. The thought was a fleeting
one though. She could tell by the absence of sound in the landing bay
that it was unlikely that it would be one of the Galactica's bustling
bays. 

Boxey led her forward, and it seemed to her that they were moving faster
now than they had on the Galactica. Perhaps they were getting better at
playing follow the leader.

Before long Tala noticed that the surface she was walking had seemed to
change. The hard unmoving metal had given way to some spongy material.
Once she had become accustom to the new sensation under her feet, she
noticed that the air was filled with smells one does not usually smell
onboard a ship. There was something very familiar about the smell and the
feel of the surface. With a bit more time she might even place where she
had experienced it before.

Before she could do so however, she was distracted by the fact that Boxey
suddenly stopped and let go of her hand. For a moment she felt lost
without someone to hold on to, but comfort once again came to her as she
felt Boxey press against her from behind. He put his mouth close to her
ear as he untied the blindfold.

"Are you ready to see it," he asked.

"Yes," she responded with quick anticipation.

After hesitating for just a moment, Boxey pulled the blindfold from
Tala's eyes to give her what he hoped would be a pleasant surprise.

As soon as the blindfold was taken off, Tala was taken aback by the
sudden introduction of visual stimuli after it had been denied for so
long. She instantly realized why it had seemed so familiar to her, and as
the sight sunk in, tears began to flow from her eyes uncontrollably.

"So, what do you think?" Boxey asked in a whisper as he put his arms
around her waist.

Tala tried to respond, but when she did the tears just flowed that much
harder. Boxey didn't need any more of an answer as he to felt his
emotions rise as they stood atop the man made hill and looked down at a
lake below that resembled the one they had visited.

After Tala had recovered enough to speak she asked, "How did you do
this?"

"Well, I can't take all of the credit for it," Boxey said as he moved to
her side. "The people here on the agro ship decided to attempt to
recreate an earth environment to carry out experiments on some of the
plants and animals that had been gathered from earth. They wanted to see
if they would grow better in an environment similar to the one they had
originally come from."

"I suppose it's just a coincidence that the site they chose to recreate
just happened to be our lake," she said grinning.

Boxey smiled back at her and said, "Well, it does help when you have a
little pull with the local commander."

"Remind me to thank Athena the next time I see her," Tala said. "This is
the best surprise you could have given me."

"But I haven't given you your surprise yet," Boxey said with a knowing
grin. "I only provided the place to deliver it."

Tala looked at Boxey with a confused look that told him she never
expected what was about to come her way. He turned so that they were
standing face to face and looked deeply into her eyes for a moment before
bending to one knee in front of her. When he reached out for her hand,
the jolt of realization hit her, as his intention became obvious.

"My dear Tala. It was on the day we met that we came to stand on a spot
very similar to this one. Even before we made it this far, I knew that I
could never love another so completely. From that point on, I never
wanted to be apart from you. In keeping with that wish, I am asking you
today to become a part of my life for all eternity, for a single lifetime
would not be enough to see my love end. Tala, will you do me the honor of
becoming my wife, that we may be sealed together forever."

Even before Boxey had uttered a single word, Tala began to let tears flow
freely down her cheek. By the time he had gotten through the first few
words she had begun to tremble slightly. At points as he spoke she felt
as if she would faint, but she refused to pass out on this occasion.

Tala tried to speak but couldn't manage to find a break in her sobs to do
so. After stammering for a short time she knelt down face to face with
Boxey and managed to squeeze out a whispered, "Yes," before she threw her
arms around him and held on to him with no clear intention of ever
letting go.

Boxey didn't mind that. As far as he was concerned, at that moment the
rest of the universe had ceased to exist. Tala was the only thing that
mattered to him at the time, and he knew nothing would ever come between
them.

Eventually, they both said goodbye to the man made lake and returned to
the shuttle in the landing bay. When they emerged into the landing bay
together, they were surprised to see that many of their friends and
family were gathered there to congratulate them. Tala was set upon by her
parents first. The tears in her mother's eyes were expected, but it was
very moving to Tala to see that her stoic father was fighting back the
tears as well.

Boxey got the same treatment from his father, Sheba, and Athena. Several
of his warrior comrades had also made it to the party, but no matter how
much they tried to drag him away from the scene, Boxey stayed within a
short distance of Tala.

Boxey and Tala finally managed to get back together and held on to each
other with no intention of being separated again.

Tala was shocked when she found out that her parents had been sitting
across from her during her ride over on the shuttle. Smiling she turned
to Apollo and Sheba and said, "I suppose the two of you were sitting
there watching me the entire time too."

"I'm afraid not," Apollo said with a grin. "Somebody had to fly the
shuttle." 

                                          Planning

News of Boxey's engagement to Tala spread throughout the fleet so quickly
that, while meeting with current and future female relatives and friends
to begin planning the wedding, Tala was treated to a show on the IFB that
laid out what was claimed to be the exact detail of every aspect of the
ceremony. Tala was amused at the grand tale of her impending wedding. It
was apparently to be the largest affair seen by anyone in the fleet since
the glory days of Caprica.

Tala knew that it was nothing like the true wedding to be planned, that
is, if the bride and groom had any say in the matter. They had already
talked about what they wanted that special moment to be like. They both
had thoughts of a much smaller affair, without all of the pomp and
circumstance that an occasion of this magnitude would ordinarily demand.
She understood why the people wanted it that way though. It wasn't every
day that the son of the Commander of all military forces became sealed to
a member of the Council of the Twelve. There would be time for them to
display themselves for the fleet, but she was determined that the actual
moment of their sealing be a quiet intimate occasion. 

                                            Vision

Apollo was off duty, but he knew better than to disturb the women who
were planning the ceremony that would make him a father for the second
time in his life. Thinking about that made him realize that he had become
a father after a sealing the first time as well. He wished that he could
spend this time with Boxey, but he was out on patrol in the normal
rotation. He didn't even have Sheba to fall back on, since she was on
duty on the bridge in his absence. 

So, feeling suddenly lonely, he decided to go back to his quarters to try
and make the most of what time he had for rest. Who knows, he thought, I
might even be able to get a little sleep in the middle of all of this
chaos. And shortly after he had gotten back to his quarters, that is
exactly what he did.

He hadn't expected to sleep, but after he had stretched out in a
comfortable chair, he found himself unable to keep his eyes open. After
only a short struggle to stay awake, Apollo drifted off to a deep
slumber.

Apollo was suddenly awake. His mind was disoriented for a while, but as
it began to clear, he realized that he was no longer in his quarters. In
fact he was not on the Galactica at all. Instead he found himself
standing at the edge of a tree line looking into an open expanse of grass
and flowers. Something about the scene felt very familiar, yet the
identity of it continued to elude him. Suddenly it came to him. It was a
park where he had played as a child back on Caprica.

He began to feel a deep sadness at the sight he would never again be able
to see in anything other than a dream. His sadness was stopped short as
he realized that he could smell the flowers and feel the wind as it blew
through his hair.

How can this be, he thought. Is my mind playing such a trick on me that I
should be able to have sensations this
strong?

"Dreams are what you make of them Apollo," came a voice from his past.

Apollo turned to see whom it was who had made such a heavenly sound. He
could swear that his heart had stopped pumping and his lungs had
collapsed as he looked upon her. In fact, his mind lost track of any
sensation other than the vision filling his view.

"Serina?" he managed to say almost involuntarily.

"Yes Apollo," she said softly as she came close to him. As she put her
arms around him she said, "I have missed you my love."

Apollo was stunned once again to experience the feeling of Serina's arms
encircling him. As the shock passed and his senses began to return he
returned her affectionate hug. The two just stood there and held each
other for the longest time. 

Finally, Apollo was distracted from his joy by the sound of more familiar
voices. Loosening his grasp on Serina, he looked back into the field in
front of him and saw Boxey and Tala, though somewhat older than they
really were, running and playing with a little boy who looked to be about
the size Boxey had been when they had met for the first time.

As Boxey turned, Apollo saw that he was also carrying a smaller little
girl on his back as he chased the boy.

"I don't understand," Apollo said suddenly realizing something.
"Everything I have seen thus far has been something from my own memory.
This park, you, Boxey, and Tala are all familiar to me, but the two
children, I don't recall ever seeing them before."

"That is because they have yet to be born love," Serina said smiling.

"What?" Apollo asked shocked.

"You must have figured out by now that this is no ordinary dream. You are
an amazing man Apollo. You have with in you abilities that are only now
beginning to surface. This vision you see is one of them."

"Vision?" Apollo asked even more confused. "Are you telling me that I
have the ability to see into the future? What good will it be to me if I
mix future events in with things that are in the past. I may never sort
out what is real and what is only illusion."

"Apollo," Serina said softly, "Everything you see before you is what you
dream of deep in your heart. How much of it will actually come true will
depend on the actions you take from now on."

"So am I also supposed to bring you back to life to keep me company."

"You know that you have always kept my spirit alive in your heart. That
part you have already accomplished. Besides you will have plenty to keep
you company," she said motioning to the area where Boxey and the children
played.

"It would be nice to be a grandfather," Apollo said with a smile. "The
Lords know that my father enjoyed having Boxey to fill that role."

"As will you with little Adama," Serina said.

Apollo looked at her with surprise and joy and said, "So, they named him
after father. He would have liked that. What about the girl?" he asked
looking back to the field.

"Her name is Serina."

Apollo smiled as he watched them play. "I should have known Boxey would
name her after you."

"Oh, he didn't," Serina said with a wide smile. "She isn't your
grandchild."

"Then who named her after you?" Apollo asked Just as he noticed another
person sitting in the field watching the play. The recognition hit him
instantly, Sheba.

"You did."

With those words everything disappeared into blackness. Yet something
remained. The memory. He could recall every detail
of the dream or vision or whatever it was. He wondered momentarily why it
had disappeared so suddenly. Then he became aware that he was being
shaken lightly. In an instant his eyes sprang open and focused on the
face in front of him. 

"Sheba," he said.

"Sorry to wake you up, but you didn't answer when I called from the
bridge so I just wanted to make sure you were all right."

He smiled and caressed her face tenderly as he said, "I could never tell
you how wonderful everything is right now."

She had no time to respond as he pulled her to him for the most tender
kiss they had ever shared. As the kiss ended and they embraced each other
tightly Apollo whispered in her ear and said, "As soon as Boxey and Tala
are sealed, why don't we start planning our own ceremony."

Sheba pulled back and looked Apollo in the eyes and could see that he was
serious and all she could do was smile before she moved in for another
more passionate kiss. For a fleeting moment she wondered if anyone would
notice if she didn't return to the bridge right away.

The End