Date: Tue, 10 Dec 1996 18:56:37 -0500 From: Cathy This is just a little story I typed up. I love BSG, and I love the holiday season, so I figured why not combine them both? Admittedly, this is a little on the sugary side, but hey, it is the Christmas season. "Can we at least leave one set down?" Starbuck whined, holding the blinking orbs in his hands. They had been stringing the lights for the Festival of Kobol for the past three sentons, and Starbuck was beginning to tire of the whole thing. Cassie turned and gave him a stern look. "Why do you insist on acting like the typical Caprican?" Cassie sighed, shaking her head. Inside, though, she was laughing. She remembered how the Caprican men used to react when they entered the Socialator temple and saw all the decorations. "Well, I AM Caprican. And we don't make a light show out of the whole holiday!" Starbuck grunted back. He was about to think of another reply when he looked down at the strand of orbs. For some reason, the lights that were steady only microns ago were now blinking in rapid sucession. Angrily, he threw the strand to the floor. "Why for Sagan's Sake are they blinking?" he grunted, pointing to the lights on the floor. Cassie's only response was a cool smile, "They're blinking orbs." Starbuck noticed that Sheba had looked up from her work and was laughing quietly to herself. Quickly, she averted her gaze and went back to untangling another set of orbs. "All I know is this is a tremendous waste of power!" Starbuck huffed, picking up the blinking set and hanging them in a pattern off the ledge. Cassie sighed and shook her head. "The orbs rely on self-generated power," she sighed, putting up the candalabra that was used to mark the days of the celebration. "Well, I STILL want to know how the other guys got out of this!" Sheba looked up and smiled, "Boomer, Jolly, and Bojay are on a patrol, and Apollo is coming after he straightens out something with the flight schedules." She thought she heard him mutter something about the former three men being lucky when she heard the door swish open. "So, am I in time to help out?" Apollo entered, holding two brightly colored wrapped boxes. Starbuck looked at his friend as if he were Baltar. "Oh, wonderful. Why don't you just come in dressed as the Elder Spirit!" Sheba stood up and gave Apollo a quick kiss, "It seems this is NOT exactly Starbuck's favorite holiday," she said, chuckling. "It was before you two Gemons got a hold of it!" he muttered. Cassie sniffed, taking the orbs out of Starbuck's hands and holding them out to Apollo. "Would you like to do the honors? I'm sure you'll do a much better job and cause a lot less aggravation!" Apollo nodded, giving Cassie a knowing look. "Fine, let me just give you and Starbuck your presents. Starbuck smiled, clapping his hands and rubbing them in expectation, "Now, here's a man who knows how to observe the holiday!" Cassie smirked, muttering something in Gemonese that produced a fit of giggles from Sheba. Starbuck shot them a cross look, then eagerly took the package from Apollo. Ripping through the paper, Starbuck was rewarded with the sight of imported Scorpian fumerellos. Cassie, who opened hers much more delicately, smiled when she saw the traditional good luck amulet of Gemon. Who told you about this?" she asked in wonder, pinning it onto her uniform. Although she had owned quite a number of these amulets before the Holocaust, it was the first time she had seen one since the destruction of the colonies. She thought a moment, and then looked at Sheba, who shook her head. "Don't look at me! I didn't even know he was giving presents now." She paused for a moment and thought. "Apollo, how DID you know?" Apollo walked over to her in the manner of someone quite pleased with himself. "I found a Gemonese jeweler who has been selling stuff off one of the ships." Cassie was about to thank Apollo again for the gift when he smelled something burning. "What are you doing lighting one of those stinking weeds in my quarters!" she fumed. Starbuck looked guilty, like a child caught coloring on the walls. "Well, you said to get into the spirit of the holiday," he retorted gesturing to those infernal orbs she was demanding he hang a minute ago. Cassie grabbed Starbuck by the shoulders and led him towards the door, muttering in a gently scolding tone how they needed to have a talk. "Can we leave these two alone?" Starbuck asked, crooking his thumb in Apollo and Sheba's direction. "Hey, don't confuse me with you!" Apollo said, picking up one of the orb strands and hanging it. Sheba just looked down and blushed slightly. Starbuck was about to answer when Cassie practically shoved him out the door. "Have they been like this all day?" Apollo asked, taking another strand of orbs from Sheba. She rolled her eyes in response. "Actually, they've been worse. You should have seen him when he found out two of the sets were broken." Apollo hung the set and looked back at his handiwork when he noticed Sheba regarding him strangely. "Did I do something wrong?" Apollo asked, gesturing to the orbs he had just placed. "No, just you've been tapping your feet and swaying back and forth ever since Cassie and Starbuck left." Sheba cocked one eyebrow, "Is something wrong, Apollo?" Apollo realized what he was doing and stopped his foot in mid-tap. Damn it, he thought to himself, why does she have to have her father's instincts? Quickly, he felt in his uniform jacket pocket for the water stone ring he had bought from the Gemonese jeweler. Planning how to get her alone was simple, with some help from Cassie. How to do this, well, it was another story. When he had told Starbuck about his nervousness, his friend had just laughed "At least you've had practice, look at me." While Apollo had appreciated Starbuck's attempt at humor, the reference to his sealing to Serina made him even more nervous. With all his heart, he was hoping Sheba would say yes. Also, and he knew this was selfish, he wished she would leave the military. "Umm..." he began, sitting on the floor next to her, "I think we need to talk." Mentally, Apollo wished he could have hit himself over the head. Now, Sheba looked nervous. Of course she does stupid, he chastised himself, you just sounded like you did when you two broke up a yahren ago. Sheba looked away, pretending to be absorbed in the light patterns of the orbs. "Oh, what about?" she asked, trying to sound casual. Apollo cleared his throat and cupped her chin with his hand. Gently, he turned her face to his and kissed her. Partially out of relief, Sheba did more than just return his embrace. After awhile they reluctantly parted, both gasping for air. "So, you DID want to talk?" she chuckled, running her hand through his hair. With her so close, Apollo was reminded of the first night they had gone to the Rising Star together. Memories of that night flooded his mind, making it difficult for him to concentrate. "Yes, um, I just think there are somethings I need to say to you." With that he pulled her closer, so that her head rested against his shoulder as they talked. "For example?" "Well, there are somethings I need to say to you. Ever since that damned Count Iblis came aboard the Galactica, I knew that I had feelings for you." He paused just then, trying to collect his thoughts. Sheba slowly pulled away in order to look him squarely in the face. "Actually, I knew I had feelings for you before then, but I tried to push them out of my mind. I was still pretty sore over loosing Serina, and the last thing I wanted to do was making myself vulnerable again. Especially getting involved with another warrior..." "Don't you think I worry about you too?" Sheba replied, squeezing his hand. "I know that. After that basestar mission I've tried to stop taking every high risk one because I know how it makes you feel. I never want to hurt you again, Sheba. I love you. It has taken me over two yahrens to say it, but I love you." Sheba smiled, her eyes filling up. "I love you too, Apollo. I've never said it because you've always seemed uncomfortable about us, but I have for a long time." Apollo smiled gently and laughed, "I have been a bit of a crepe hanger, haven't I?" Sheba gave a sigh and nodded, then stood up motioning to the lights. "Well, we'd better become better orb hangers or Cassie will have our heads." Apollo looked at her strangely. He hadn't expected her to stand so suddenly, and it threw him off completely. "Well, we can take a couple of minutes off. I'm sure Starbuck has been off since he got here," he protested, but Sheba grabbed his hands and helped him as he reluctantly got off the floor. "This has to be done by tonight, or else Cassie's party will not be fully decorated for. Then, I think she'll take her laser scapel to all of us," she chuckled, returning to the task of hanging the orbs. If she was aware of Apollo fumbling, she didn't let on. "Oh, yeah. The party." he said, his disappointment evident in his voice. "Is something wrong, Apollo?" Sheba asked, putting down the orbs. She had been surprised when Apollo was so eager to decorate and celebrate the holiday, considering his often melancholy nature. Still, lately he hadn't been so moody, almost at peace with himself. Now, his voice hinted of his melancholy self returning, alarming her. Apollo looked like he was going to say something, balled his fists in determination, then suddenly got down on one knee. "Would you be my wife?" he sputtered out. Sheba's eyes went wide and she put her arm against the wall to brace herself. "What?" she said, stuttering. "Sheba, I would love to be your husband and have you as my wife. Would you like to be sealed?" Apollo, reached into his jacket and pulled out the ring. Sheba nearly gasped when she saw the water stone. "How did you know about that?" Sheba asked, picking up the box and admiring it. "Cassie told me. Well, do I get an answer or not?" Apollo said, laughing nervously. Funny, Serina had been much more composed when he had asked her. "Yes, yes, oh by the lords yes," Sheba said emphatically through her tear marked laughter. Slowly she bent down to his level and kissed him passionately. Apollo reached down for the ring and slowly slipped it on her finger. Suddenly, Boxey came trotting in, looking oddly at the adults on the floor. Well, his dad told him all about him wanting to marry Sheba, and Boxey was happy about that. Ever since Apollo had gotten involved with Sheba, he seemed happier and he was home more. Plus, Boxey truly liked Sheba. She was fun to be with, and made sure Boxey was included in a lot of what she and Apollo did. Looking at the ring on Sheba's finger, Boxey knew what had happened. "So, you're going to marry us?" Boxey asked, running over and hugging her. "Yes, I am. Only with your blessing of course," Sheba said, returning his hug and ruffling his hair. Boxey nodded his approval, and smiled. Apollo rested back against the wall, feeling more content than he had in a long time. ************************************************************* "Do you think we should go in and see what is happening?" Cassie whispered to Starbuck conspiratorily. Ever since Apollo had confided in her, she was excited. It helped take her mind off the news she had to tell Starbuck. Dr.Salik had confirmed the pregnancy over three sentons ago, and she still hadn't worked up the nerve to tell Starbuck. When she told Sheba, her friend told her that she should have told Starbuck as soon as possible. Why should Cassie have to go through all the anxiety alone? Still, Cassie had always looked down on women who used pregnancy to trap a man. Although this was not what she had intended to do, she didn't think anyone else would see the difference. Nor, if Starbuck's proposal came after the revelation of her pregnancy, would she. Secretly, she had hoped that Apollo's proposal to Sheba would put Starbuck in the sealing frame of mind, but honestly now she didn't think so. "Let's not interrupt them," Starbuck said, pulling Cassie close. While she smiled, Cassie withdrew slightly and looked again at the door. Starbuck took a deep breath and placed his hands on her shoulders. He knew Cassie had been acting strangely, but he couldn't place his finger on what exactly. "You're right, let's leave them alone," Cassie answered, giving him a smile. "Besides, maybe we should talk," Starbuck muttered, leading Cassie to a bench. Cassie furrowed her brows and looked at him quizzically. He looked nervous and pale, with his feet kicking out like a five yarhen-old who had been asked to sit too long. When he noticed Cassie watching him, Starbuck fumbled to recover as best he could. "I think we really need to understand where this relationship is actually going," Starbuck began, not looking at Cassie. If he had, he would have noticed the look of fear that passed across her face. "We've been together for some time now, and I think it's time to tell you a little bit about my past." Starbuck looked at her quickly, watching her nod in comprehension. "You know I was orphaned at Umbra when I was five yahrens-old. But what you don't know is how I lived after that. Funny thing, I don't remember my parents at all, but I remember walking in those woods. I was petrified, listening to all the animals out there and waiting for the Cylons to vaporize me any minute. There were other families, but they either didn't notice me or didn't have the time to stop for a young orphan on the road. They had their own children to worry about. When the guards finally found me, they placed me in a foster care family for a brief time. Dammit, Cassie. They were all brief times." At this he slapped his hands against his knees and stood up. "I never really had a family. The first family I was placed with was wonderful. I really came to care for them. Then, after a yahren, I was told by the agency that I had to move on. I was destroyed. I remember they had to pull me away from my foster mother's leg, and she was hysterical crying. After a few more families, I stopped caring so much. How much can you let yourself care if you know eventually the people are going to be taken away from you?" Starbuck began biting his lip, his eyes filling with tears. Cassie swallowed hard. "I didn't know all this," she whispered, looking down at the floor. She had suspected something in his childhood had formed his behavior, but she could never put her finger on exactly what. With all her heart she wanted to tell Starbuck about Chameleon, but then thought the better of it. Starbuck was emotional enough at that point. She didn't want to push him any further. "How could you have known, Cassie. I never told you. I never wanted to tell you." He paused for a minute, pulling his hand through his hair. "I had thought that if I told you, somehow you'd go away too. And that's why I've been the way I've been. Never a commitment. I was so afraid that I would lose anything I cared for too much, that I tried to stop caring. And it worked, for awhile. Then, I met you." Cassie gave a smile, and walked over to him. "I love you too," she whispered, holding him close. "That's why I have to do this before I lose my nerve. You see, Apollo wasn't the only one who went to see that Gemonese jeweler." Cassie's mouth opened in surprise when she saw the water stone ring Starbuck took out of his pocket. "You want to?" he asked, holding the ring near her finger. Cassie nodded an empahtic yes as he slipped it on her finger. "Starbuck, there a couple of things I need to tell you, too," Cassie began, pulling him toward the benches, "and I think you'd better be seated before I do." Starbuck obediently sat down, looking at her expectantly. Suddenly, Cassie's mind went blank. How could she tell him about Chameleon and the pregnancy at the same time. Besides, she thought quickly, knowing him he's probably having a cardiac arrest after having proposed. "Well, your proposal came right in time for me," she whispered, biting her lip, "because we're going to be parents." Later, when asked to describe Starbuck's face afterwards, she would use the description of a statue that was about to crack. Starbuck opened his mouth as if he were going to say something, then stopped, opened his mouth again, then stopped, then shook his head. "You're pregnant?" he whispered in wonder, putting his hand gingerly on her belly. Cassie smiled and pressed his hand closer. "I'm going to be dad?" he whispered again, looking at her in awe. "Yes. Guess we've learned our lesson about booking a room on the Rising Star after haivng too much ambrosia!" she chuckled. Starbuck stood still for a moment longer, then grabbed her by the waist and twirled her around. Cassie clasped her hands to her ears as Starbuck gave an earpiercing yell. "I'm going to be a dad! Father! Daddy Starbuck! Yee-ha!" he screamed again. Then, quickly, he placed Cassie back on the floor. "I'm sorry, a woman in your condition...in our condition... I'M GOING TO BE A DAD!" Cassie laughed so hard, partially out of relief and partially from Starbuck's enthusiastic display, that she had to sit down and catch her breath. "C'mon...let's go tell Apollo and Sheba, and then Boomer, and Dietra, and Jolly, ..." He was still rattling off a list of names as he pulled her back towards her quarters. ************************************************************** ONE YAHREN LATER Sheba huffed, adjusting her weight. Although she was only five months along, carrying twins made her stomach bulge out as if she were ten months pregnant. Apollo sat by her, resting contentedly. Somewhere, Boxey was in Cassie and Starbuck's quarters playing with Adama. "So, you did all this decorating?" Dietra asked Starbuck in amazement. The story of last year's shananigans had already become legendary. "Well, Cassie had to watch Milana, so I volunteered," he said, gesturing to his wife and the baby. Only fourth months old, Milana was a chunky little thing. She yawned contentedly, then looked around for her father. Finding that familiar face, she gave a cherubic smile then closed her eyes. Quickly, she was asleep again. Starbuck felt his whole body go warm at the sight of his daughter's smile. "Well, you're sure as hell going to be a sucker when this one get's older," Boomer joked, putting his arm on Dietra's shoulder. Cassie gave an emphatic nod. "All this one's going to have to do is whisper 'daddy' and out'll come the wallet," Cassie remarked, chuckling. She noticed Sheba trying to smile, but her discomfort making that almost impossible. "Just wait till she starts dating. All of your sins may come back to haunt you.." Apollo joked, rubbing Sheba's shoulders. "Bite your tongue! I'll be smarter. I'll know when to spot a guy like me a mile away and keep him the hell away from my Milana." "She's his. Not ours, not mine, his," Cassie laughed, picking up the baby and putting her in the crib. "I'll end this all. She's all mine!" Chameleon cried out, looking lovingly at his granddaughter. Starbuck watched the two of them and puffed contentedly on his fumerello. When Chameleon originally admitted to being his father, Starbuck was extremely angry. In time, and with Cassie's help, the rift healed. It caught Starbcuk by surprise when he realized that, for the first time in his life, he had a true family. Not like Apollo's family, who he loved dearly and who accepted him, but one of his own flesh and blood. Apollo was about to say something when Adama came bounding in, chasing Boxey across the floor. Boxey ran to the couch and crawled between Sheba and Apollo. While the boy tried to be gentle, he jostled Sheba who looked about to turn green. "Sorry, Tatiya," Boxey said, patting her arm. Sheba gave a smile and shook her head for him not to worry. When her and Apollo decided to be sealed, Boxey was enthusiastic. However, both adults could tell something was troubling him. When he finally worked up the courage to ask Sheba what he should call her, she had told him Sheba would be fine. Boxey himself had rejected that, saying that while he didn't want to call her mom, he wanted to call her something special. Sheba drew a blank until she remembered the Gemonese word for "second mother." In the small farming communities on Gemon, it was not unusual for a woman to die in childbirth due to lack of sophisticated medical care. Therefore, the second wife was usually called "Tatiya," a title of respect that did not insult the memory of the child's biological mother. Although Apollo thought the word sounded funny, when he saw Boxey was satisifed he could not object. "I still can't get over him calling you that." Cassie shook her head. While she knew Apollo was pretty libral, most Capricans she knew would rather die than have their children use a word from a Gemonese dialect. "Hey, it works," Apollo replied, shrugging his shoulders. Then, he turned his attention on to Boomer and Dietra. Maybe it was because he was so caught up in his own life, but this was the first time he has seen the two together as a couple. "When are you two going to join us all in domestic life?" he joked, gesturing to his pregnant wife and Cassie. Dietra blushed and Boomer looked like he was ready to cheerfully kill Apollo. Boomer was about to answer back when the bell rang, signifying it was midnight. Dutifully, they all stood around the candalabra as Adama stepped foward and lit the last candle. All bowed their heads as Adama took his star of Kobol and held it over the candalabra. "Friends, we are back here tonight to celebrate the past year and all that it has brought us. We thank the spirits for Milana, and for Apollo and Sheba's little ones who are coming shortly. Although we live lives in which the future is far from certain, tonight we can be certain of our joy. And as we light the last candle of our celebration and remember the holiest day of our year, let us also remember our happiness and joy. Sorrowful times can easily be remembered, but happiness we easily forget. Let's be thankful for all we have, all we have had, and all that we hope for the future. Happy Holidays!"