Complications

Written by Rebecca Stephens

Parts 9 - 12

Part 9

Tigh sat with Adama in the commander's office. Before the two men
sat a list of lieutenants eligible to receive Boomer's quarters. After the
regrouping of the past year or so (after destroying a Cylon basestar) all of
the higher ranking officers, along with those with families, had been placed
in quarters of their own. Some of the free quarters were available due to
better space management and improvisation, but all too many of them were due
to the loss of good officers. And here they sat again, Tigh acknowledged,
doling out yet another set of quarters free because of a good officer's death.

Few of the lieutenants had received their own living space. Those
that had had been painstakingly chosen by Tigh and Adama. All circumstances
were factored in to the best of their abilities. For instance, Starbuck
had yet to receive his own quarters. Tigh had voted against the young
warrior because he had an inkling that Starbuck might be moving in with a
certain med-tech soon, and he frankly wanted to avoid the paperwork involved
in moving Starbuck into quarters, out of quarters, and moving someone else
in. He had a sneaking suspicion that Adama had voted against Starbuck for
the same reason. Sheba hadn't gotten her own quarters either.

Just then he heard a chime. Adama said, "Come in," and in walked
Lieutenant Athena. "Yes," the commander said.

Athena's face and stance reflected nothing but professionalism, but
Tigh, having been a card player in his youth, sensed something was wrong.
Somehow he felt as though he was invading a private moment. "Excuse me,
Sir," he said to Adama, "but I need to review the status report."

"Of course," Adama replied with a wave of his hand. With that Tigh quickly
left his old friend's office.


Adama looked at his daughter and knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that
something was bothering her. He also knew that he would do anything to help
her. What he didn't know was whether she came to him as a father or as a
commanding officer.

"Commander," she said, and he knew that whatever was disturbing her was
professional, "I would like to request private quarters."

Of all the things his daughter could have said to him, this was very far down
on the list. "Is there a special reason?" he asked because she knew that
private quarters were not obtained by request but on basis of need or
selection.

"I'm pregnant," she answered in the same professional tone she'd used since
her arrival.

Adama struggled to keep his face impassive. He was surprised to say the
least. He'd seen her symptoms and suspicion had been floating around in the
back of his mind, he just hadn't realized it until this moment. His
startlement came more from the way she told him.

He had always been proud that his children acted professionally when
professionalism was due, despite their relationship with him. But the fact
remains that to Adama this was not a situation that merited such actions.
Certainly it was important that her Commander know of the situation, but it
still seemed to him that this was not the way to go about it. He couldn't
help but think that he had alienated his daughter. What other explanation
could there be for her behavior? What should have been a family celebration
was instead an impersonal bit of information reported to a commanding officer.

Adama quickly repressed the ache her words caused. "Very well then,
Lieutenant," he said, trying to match her tone, "I'll make the necessary
arrangements."

"Thank you, Sir," Athena said, just barely keeping the tremble out of her
voice.

Adama then dismissed Athena. As he watched the doors close behind her he
felt his heart crack at the distance now between them. He then looked down
at the datapad still in front of him and moved it aside. "That's one problem
solved," he murmured.


Athena walked through the corridors of the Galactica, walking towards her
brother's quarters. In a way she felt relieved, she'd told her father;
telling Apollo wouldn't be nearly as difficult. She loved and respected her
brother, but he wasn't her childhood hero.

Athena couldn't help but be disheartened at her father's response. She knew
she shouldn't feel bad considering the way she told him the news. She'd
known he wouldn't wrap her in his arms and congratulate her, but she hadn't
been able to keep herself from hoping against hope that he would take her
hands in his, smile, and ask when his next grandchild would arrive.

Athena paused outside her brother's door. She'd purposefully come when she
knew Boxey would be in class, but suddenly the prospect of talking to her
brother alone wasn't nearly as undaunting.

'Now or never,' Athena thought, and though 'never' was an appealing prospect,
she knew it wasn't an option. She rang the chime.

"Athena," Apollo said as the door opened, "what are you--," he noticed the
odd expression on her face, "doing here?" he finished more quietly. "Is
something wrong?"

"I just came to share some news," Athena answered, carefully avoiding
answering his question. Athena could see her brother relax at what he
perceived as a negative answer.

"Well, what is it?" Apollo said, now in a relaxed conversational mood.

"I'm pregnant," Athena said. She watched her older brother take in the
statement. As nervous as she was, Apollo's reaction still nearly made her
burst into laughing. The expression of shock on his face was hilarious.


Apollo felt his mouth drop open. "You're what-Congratulations," he managed,
hoping it was the right thing to say. He watched his sister's face. Her
expression seemed to brighten a bit. He considered asking about the father,
as he hadn't known she was seeing anyone, but decided against it. That was
her business, not his-besides he wasn't fool enough to risk her wrath. He
gave his sister a quick hug and they sat down to talk.

Part 10
Athena sat alone in her darkened quarters. She huddled in the corner
of her couch. At this moment loneliness seemed to overwhelm her. She could
not remember all that she had, she could only dwell upon what she had lost.
In one fell swoop she had lost her home, her mother, and her brother Zac.
She knew then that she would never again see her mother's smiling face or her
younger brother's shining eyes. Time had helped heal those wounds and she
had consoled herself with the knowledge that she had been left with much more
than others. But now, in the darkness, that knowledge was lost to her.

Weighing heavily on her heart was her most recent loss; the loss of her
lover, Boomer. These quarters had been his, and looking around her memory
cast shadows of their time together. It had been a sectar since these
quarters had become hers, yet she still thought of them as his. Still, they
could give her no comfort, no connection to him. The walls had been stripped
bare of his presence leaving only emptiness. The darkness seemed only to
intensify her feeling of disconnection, yet she was without will enough to
get up and turn on the light.

She thought of her unborn child and wondered how good a mother she could
possibly be. Tears began to leak from her eyes and run down her cheeks. How
could she be strong for her child, when all she wanted was someone to put
their arms around her and tell her everything would be alright?


Apollo walked through the corridors of the Galactica towards his sister's
quarters. He had just come in from patrol. They had to be twice as careful
and watchful because the fleet was moving at a slower pace to accommodate the
repairs being made on the _Charon_. As he neared his sister's quarters he
couldn't help but grin in remembrance at the thought of when Boxey had found
out he was going to get a cousin.

Athena had told Apollo the news earlier that day, but they'd really only had
a few centons to talk before Boxey arrived home. Boxey had been happy with
the news. Apollo had told him stories of the escapades he, Athena, and Zac
had gotten into as children and Boxey thought having a cousin would be just
as much fun. In fact, Boxey had pointed out to him after Athena left, it
would be even better, because he wouldn't have to share his mushies with a
cousin.

Apollo rang the chime at his younger sister's door. Instead of answering the
door as he had expected she called, "Come in." Apollo hit the button beside
the door and it slid open. He was surprised to find the room darkened.
Through the stream of light trailing from the corridor he saw his sister and
felt his heart tighten. She sat alone in the dark, curled as closely into
fetal position as she could manage in her condition. Without taking his eyes
off Athena he reached out and pressed two buttons; one closed the door and
the other turned on the light.

Athena jumped as light flooded the room. Apollo was overcome with shock as
he looked at his sister. The bags under her eyes were so pronounced and the
circles so dark that he wondered when she had last slept. She even looked
tired-no, more than tired-- _drained_. Tears were streaming down her face.
As he looked into eyes he was astounded by the sheer. . ._grief_? The look
in her eyes was a familiar one. He had seen it in the eyes of the survivors
after the destruction of the colonies. No, it was more personal-it was the
one he had seen in the mirror every day for sectars after Serina's death.

Apollo strode across the room and sat down next to his sister on the couch.
After a moment's hesitation he put his hands on her shoulders. "Athena," he
said softly and would have continued if he hadn't found himself at a loss for
words.


Athena heard her name and more. In her brother's voice she heard his
feelings for her: worry, sympathy, and most importantly, understanding. She
threw herself into him arms. She cried on his chest as she had as a small
child when their daggit had died.


Apollo was surprised by his sister's actions. He'd never seen her like this.
Having no idea of what else to do, he put his arms around her and held her
as though she were a child. Great, wracking sobs shook her body. She cried
for what seemed like forever. Her body finally stopped shaking and was
still. For a moment he wondered if she had cried herself to sleep, then she
pulled away and looked up at him. "What is it?" he asked.

Athena crossed her arms so that her forearms formed an "X" across her chest,
with either hand rubbing the other arm as if to warm her arms from a sudden
chill. "Before I say anything, you have to promise that you won't tell
anyone what I tell you."

Normally Apollo would have hesitated before making such a promise, but Athena
needed to talk about whatever was tormenting her. "Fine."

"It's about the baby's father," she said as though each word were being
pulled from her. "It's Boomer," she said, looking at her hands.

'Wha-, Boo-' Apollo's mind seemed unable to complete a word, much less a
thought. Before he could collect himself enough to ask a question she
continued.

"We started out affair sectars ago. That's what it was, you know, an
affair." The words began to pour from her, "We were both just so lonely.
And I didn't want to get involved with anyone and neither did he." . Athena
was speaking so quickly that her words were almost running together. "I
mean, times are so difficult right now and we're so busy and relationships
just take so much work. We decided we'd just. . .see each other. I didn't
want anyone to know, especially you or father, so we decided it would be
secret.

"And then I fell in love with him," her words slowed. "And I wasn't supposed
to do that. It wasn't part of our deal. I didn't tell him, of course. I
didn't want to lose him. I lost him anyway." Athena glanced at him and then
continued. "I didn't find out I was pregnant until after."

"Why didn't you something to Father or me then? There was no need for you to
go through this alone."

"We -Boomer and I-agreed to keep our relationship secret. I didn't want to
break our agreement."

Apollo could not help but feel sorry for his sister. He had grieved for
Serina alone, but that had been of his own choice. His friends and family
had known of his grief and had made it clear that he had much support
available. Athena had had no one to fall back upon. No one knew of her loss
and so no one could she share her pain with. She had had to keep it bottled
up while it ate away at her heart. To lose someone you loved, and have no
one know of it, he wouldn't wish on Baltar, much less Athena.

Athena continued, "I think the worst part, besides being unable to talk about
it, is being here," she gestured to the room around her. "We spent so much
time here together, but it doesn't even seem like the same place. It
doesn't-I don't have anything of his, except the baby, of course. The baby;
I don't have anything of his father's to give him." She snorted, "I don't
even know what I'm going to tell him."

Apollo was once again at a loss for how to proceed. He couldn't help her
with what to tell her child; that was her dilemma, but maybe he could help
her with something else.


Athena waited impatiently for her brother. He'd left a half a centar ago,
with the promise he'd be back soon. She knew he was up to something, she
just didn't know what. She heard her door chime again and Apollo was inside
before she could say a word. "I brought you something." He set a box down
in front of her. "Open it."

Athena slowly lifted the lid from the box. She gasped. Inside was the
picture of Boomer and his mother. His medals were there too. She lifted up
the picture and held it to her chest. It was the only picture of Boomer she
had. She looked at her brother with tears in her eyes. "How did you get
these?"

"You know Boomer didn't have any family left. His personal effects were in
storage." Apollo shrugged. "You said you wished you had something of his.
It was only picture that he had. And I thought you might want the medals for
the baby, so he could see what kind of man his father was."

"Thank you."

Apollo knew he should be happy that he had brightened his sister's spirits
and leave it at that, but he couldn't seem to help himself. "Athena, Father
and I have been concerned about you. You haven't been talking to us. You
only come to the family dinners about half the time and when you do you won't
even look at us. Is something else wrong?"

Apollo watched as Athena searched his face for signs of something. She
didn't find what she was looking for if the expression on her face was an
indication. She looked confused. "Aren't you disappointed in me?" she asked.

"Disappointed!?" Apollo was dumbfounded (not to mention confused) by her
suggestion. "Why would I be disappointed?"

"Because of my relationship with Boomer. I know you Apollo, you don't think
things like that are right."

Apollo couldn't disagree with her there. He didn't think such relationships
were right, but he didn't think they were wrong either. It was more like
they weren't right for _him_. He had never tried to make others abide by his
rules in personal relationships. As he looked at her he realized that _she_
thought the relationship had been wrong, or at least had begun wrong. He
answered her as honestly as he could, "Athena the thought never crossed my
mind. I'm not disappointed in you. It's not my right to be disappointed in
you, especially over something like this."

"You're not disappointed in me?"

"No," he answered emphatically.

"I think Father is."

"What!?" the word escaped him before he could stop it.

"Come on, I tell him I'm pregnant. I wasn't openly involved with anyone,
which means it was a secret. There are plenty of reasons it could have been
a secret, and none of them are good. Think about the conclusions he must
have drawn."

"What?" Apollo knew he was repeating himself, but he couldn't seem to say
anything else. What a situation. Last time he'd spoken to his father Adama
had asked him if he knew of any explanation for Athena's behavior towards
him. The older man had been very distraught by the way Athena had chosen to
reveal her pregnancy as well. Adama had spoken to Apollo several times
trying to figure out Athena's strange behavior as of late. Their father was
very worried about the weakening of his relationship with his daughter.

"I'm sure he's not thinking anything of the sort." Athena looked doubtful.
"Hey, you were wrong about me, weren't you? Maybe you're wrong about him,
too."

"You think?" her voice took on a hopeful tone.

"I'm sure of it. Just talk to him, okay?"

"Okay," she said uncertainly.


Boomer sat with Ka'lyne in park -Boomer still had trouble believing that a
ship had a _park_-talking about the differences between their two cultures.
He was explaining shuttles to the young man. He'd explained them several
times since his arrival on the _Expedition_, but Ka'lyne still seemed
fascinated. Just then a young cognizer -Serisa, he thought-came hurrying
towards them. She looked out of breath and very excited.

"Your fleet has slowed. We'll be within communications range in just under
two days."

Part 11
Adama sat with his daughter in her quarters. He'd begun his visit less
than half a centar ago. First he and Athena had engaged in small talk,
discussing everything from fleet conditions to Apollo and Sheba's
relationship. Now the conversation had faded into uncomfortable silence.
Father and daughter both realized that this visit had a far more important
purpose, yet neither had nerve enough to make the first overture.

Finally Athena could stand it no more. She was the one who had created
the distance in their relationship it seemed only fair that she be the one
end it. "Father, we have to talk. I know I've been really. . .distant
lately, and I'm sorry."

"It's all in the past." Adama could see what this conversation was
costing his daughter. Still, he couldn't help but ask, "Why Athena? What
have I done to that's caused you to cut me off from you?" He was afraid to
hear the answer, but he knew that if their relationship was going to get
better they had resolve. . .whatever it was that was separating them, not
just sweep it under the rug.


'By the Lords of Kobol,' Athena thought. Shocked rocked through her. How
could her father possibly think he had caused this? "You didn't do
anything."
Adama confusion showed clearly in his expression. "If I didn't do
anything then why. . ." his voice trailed off in confusion. Why had she
alienated him if he had done nothing to distance her?

"You didn't do anything," she repeated more firmly, "I did."

"You did?" It made no sense. Why, if she had done something, would she
feel the need to withdraw from him? And what could she have done to make her
think such a thing was necessary?

Athena took a deep breath. "It was just too hard being around you,
guessing what you might think. I just couldn't stand the thought of you
being disappointed in me."

"Disappointed?" Adama breathed. "Where did you get that idea? You are
strong, capable, intelligent young woman. You are my daughter. I love you.
Why would I be disappointed in you?"

Unconsciously, Athena's hand drifted to her abdomen. As her father's
eyes closed and he held the breath he'd drawn the moment before, Athena knew
she had betrayed herself.


Adama saw his daughter's hand come to rest on her stomach. He felt his
breath catch in his throat as he closed his eyes to escape the vision of his
daughter's eyes, filled with apprehension. In that instant he became aware
of what had caused the rift between them. His daughter was genuinely afraid
that he would be ashamed of her. He opened his eyes.

"Oh Athena," he said seeing emotion mounting in her eyes. He reached out
and pulled her into an embrace, knowing at that moment that she needed this
type of reassurance; she needed to know how much he loved her.

Then he spoke softly, "Tell me you didn't think I'd be disappointed
because of the baby" please.

She pulled back from him and began fidgeting and pacing. "Not because of
the baby," she tried to explain, "or the pregnancy, even.

"It's because of the way things happened. I'm obviously not involved
with anyone. And you know as well as I do that I was trying to keep my
involvement with the baby's father a secret." She turned and looked directly
at him. "The implications can't be anything but bad."

Adama was aghast as he realized how great the chasm between them had
grown. How could she think he would feel that way. It was plain to see that
their relationship needed a lot of reparation-beginning with a long talk
right now.

A few hours later. . .

Boomer stood on the bridge of the Expedition, trying not to fidget. He
knew that any moment they would be within communications range of the
Galatica. "We are within communication range of your fleet," Serisa said to
him with a broad smile (impassive response was a foreign concept for the
Mik'baran.)

He looked to Lyrahmi and she nodded. "Galactica, this is Lt. Boomer. I
am aboard an alien craft that is following your trajectory. We are
approximately a day and a half behind you at current speed.

"They found me adrift in space. The gave me medical care for injuries
received from my fight with the raider, but were forced to eject my viper
before it exploded. We've been trying to make contact with the Galatica
since I regained consciousness."

Boomer could think of a thousand other things to say, but knew they would
not be appropriate. All he could do now was wait for a response.


Adama sat on the bridge, feeling better than he had in a while. Though
his relationship with his daughter wasn't as strong as he'd once thought it
was, they were finally talking again.

"Incoming communication," Omega said, "not from within the fleet."
Suddenly the young officer stiffened, "It's from Lt. Boomer!"

Every head of the bridge turned Omega. Every face reflected shock.
Finally Adama spoke, "What is the message?"

Omega began to speak, "He says he's on an alien vessel that's just
outside of our scanner range. He says the aliens found him adrift in space
and tended some injuries he received in combat, but that the viper was
severely damaged enough that it had to be ejected before it exploded."

"Is it really him?" Tigh asked.

"Running voice analysis now," Omega responded. "The computer confirms
that it is indeed Lt. Boomer."

"How long until the alien vessel is within sensor range?" Adama demanded.

"If we were given correct information, two centars," Omega answered.

"Send back this message, 'We've received your communication."

Adama addressed the officers on the bridge, "At this time we do not know if
Lt. Boomer was in any way coerced to send this message. Until such time as
we can know the situation, no word of this should be spoken."

He then turned to Omega, "Forward the recording of message to my office, and
let me know when they reach sensor range. Have vipers on standby."

Part 12
As soon as Adama entered his office he sent a message to his son requesting
Apollo to come to his office immediately. He then listened to Boomer's
message. As far as he could tell, Boomer was not being coerced. He seemed
completely genuine, no "warning words" were used and the computer was unable
to detect anything abnormal in the voice-stress analysis. He began pacing
back and forth in front of his desk, impatiently awaiting his son's arrival.

Just then Apollo entered Adama's office. "Father what's going on?" Apollo
said, noting his father's agitation. Adama abruptly pivoted and sat behind
his desk.

"Listen to this," he said, playing the recording of Boomer's message. As
soon as Apollo heard his friend's voice he stiffened. Astonishment took
control of his features.

"The computer's confirmed this?" Apollo said, already knowing the answer.

"Yes," Adama answered, "and he doesn't seem to be being coerced.
Nonetheless, certain precautions must be taken. No doubt further details
will be discussed when the ship arrives. Right now, though, the plan is
simple. You and Starbuck will shuttle over the other craft and bring Boomer,
and most likely at least one of the aliens, back to the Galactica. If one of
the aliens comes along either you or Starbuck one will pilot the shuttle and
the other of you will talk to Boomer and/or the alien and see if you perceive
any hostile intent. After you arrive Boomer will be debriefed by Colonel
Tigh and I will speak with the alien, unless of course, he comes alone, in
which case I will debrief Lieutenant Boomer myself. If such is the case,
Colonel Tigh will be on the bridge making sure the other ship leaves quietly
and peaceably.

"Understood," Apollo replied firmly, though he was still reeling from
revelation. Boomer was alive! Suddenly he remembered Athena. He had to
tell her. If someone else told her, or if she saw Boomer before she was
told, her reaction might be extreme. He looked at his father, "I'll go tell
Starbuck."

"Of course, of course," Adama said, already deep in thought.

Apollo quickly exited his father's office and made a beeline for his sister's
quarters. He rang the chime, then impatiently waited for Athena to open the
door.

As the door slid open Apollo darted inside and closed it behind him.
"Apollo, is something wrong?" Athena asked.

Apollo broke into a grin, "No, nothing's wrong. In fact, something is very
right."

"Explain," Athena said, wondering what in the world her brother was talking
about.

"Athena, why don't you sit down," he said in a quiet voice.

Athena sat down, more to please her brother than out of a genuine sense of
alarm.

Apollo ran a hand through his hair. How was he supposed to say this to his
sister? He grabbed her hands. "Okay, Athena, this is going to be a shock,
but Boomer is alive." His sister went pale and a gasp escaped her lips,
'felgergarb, I've screwed this up.' Apollo hurried to explain, "We got a
message, and it was from Boomer. It seems some aliens picked him up and have
been following the Galactica ever since. They'll rendezvous with the
Galactica in just under a day and a half."

Apollo watched as his sister pushed her shock aside. She straightened her
back, pushed her shoulders back and tried to affect a calm demeanor. She was
less than entirely successful. "What will we do when we rendezvous?"

"Starbuck and I are supposed to take a shuttle over and get him, then he'll
have to be debriefed."

"Of course," Athena said slowly.

"He'll be with in sensor range in less than two centars. Father will work
out the details then. We want to get a good scan of the ship before we start
communications." Apollo let out a sigh. "After that, if all goes well,
everyone will be told about Boomer."

"Everyone doesn't know?" Athena responded, though she seemed to be thinking
about something else.

"No, Father opted to keep it quiet until we know what's going on. Even
Starbuck doesn't know yet. Speaking of which, I'd better go tell him."

"Oh sure, go ahead," Athena said, seeming to snap out of her reverie.

Apollo stood up, walked over to the door, then hesitated, "Athena?"

"What?"

"Since I'll be seeing Boomer before you, would you like me to tell him, well.
. .anything?"

"No. If he asks, tell him I'm in his quarters now." Apollo thought for a
moment that Athena was done, but then she said, "And, if he's not hiding it
very well, you can tell him you know about us."

"Okay, Athena," Apollo said, "I'll keep you updated as well as I can." With
those words, he left.

Apollo wad headed toward the barracks to see if he could find Starbuck when
he saw the other pilot, right outside Apollo's own quarters. "Starbuck."

"Hey, Apollo, I was just looking for you."

Apollo keyed in the unlocking sequence for his door. "Come inside. I have
to talk to you."

"Okay," the blond pilot said as he entered Apollo's quarters. "What's so
important?"

"Boomer," Apollo said.

"What about him?"

"He's alive."

"What?! Apollo what are you talking about?"

"We received a communication from Boomer. The computer confirmed the
voice-match. The ship he's on will meet with the Galactica in a day and a
half and you and I are going to shuttle over and get him," Apollo said in an
excited voice.

A grin split the bond pilot's face. He grabbed his friends arms, just below
the shoulders, "Boomer's alive?! He's really alive!"

Apollo nodded. "But we can't tell anyone yet. The ship he's on won't be in
sensor range for another centar and a half. Until then, only a few of us
need to know."

"Of course, of course," Starbuck replied, then he walked over to the couch
and sat down. "First you tell me about how we're gonna get Boomer, then we
can work on his 'Welcome Back' party."


Boomer sat impatiently on the bridge of the Expedition. He knew the
Galactica would reiniate communications as soon as it had scanned the
Expedition. By Boomer's estimation, they should have been in the Galactica's
scanning range several centons ago. What was taking them so long?

Just then the communications officer, Jem'nos (a male about Boomer's age)
spoke, "Incoming transmission from the Galactica. I'll put in on speaker."

Adama's voice reverberated through the bridge. "This is Commander Adama of
the Battlestar Galactica."

"I am Lyrahmi, Primary Pathchooser for the Expedition."

"Lyrahmi, I'd like to discuss the details of Lieutenant Boomer's return to
the Galactica."

Lyrahmi nodded, "I understand that you have small crafts that carry several
people. We do not have such craft, and thus do not have landing bays," her
tone made it clear that 'landing bays' was a new term for her. "We do
however have an empty cargo bay on our starboard side that can be used for
such.

"I would like to see your ship, as well," Lyrahmi added.

"That seems quite satisfactory. I'll contact you again after we rendezvous."

"Very well," Lyrahmi replied. Then she turned to Boomer, "I suggest you get
some rest. You'll no doubt be very busy once you return home."

Boomer decided to take her advice and try to get some rest, but first he
wanted to get something to eat. He ordered the most extravagant foods on the
menu. After all, Lyrahmi had made sure he didn't have pay for anything on
the ship (he was a guest and was to be treated as such), and besides, pretty
soon he'd be back on the Galactica and back on rations. Just then he saw
Ka'lyne and waved him over. "Sit down. Order something."

"No thanks," Ka'lyne responded. "I just ate. I heard we're supposed to meet
your ship tomorrow night."

Boomer had long since gotten used to Ka'lyne's abrupt changes in subjects,
and so answered the young man's question in stride. "That's right."

The server came with Boomer's food and asked in Ka'lyne would like to order.
Ka'lyne declined and the young woman walked away. Ka'lyne asked, "What's
your fleet like?"

Boomer smiled. Ka'lyne had asked this before, and Boomer began to explain
and describe life on the Galactica for Ka'lyne yet again. Boomer was a
little surprised though. This time, Ka'lyne also asked Boomer what his life
would be like once he returned to the fleet. He finished eating and they
talked for perhaps a quarter-centar afterwards. Boomer then excused himself,
saying that he needed to get some rest tonight, and he would be too keyed up
tomorrow to do so.


Athena lay in her bed, unable to sleep. What would she say to Boomer when
she saw him? What would he say to her? She had no doubt he'd want to be
part of his child's life, but would he want to be part of hers?


Boomer stood outside the cargo bay doors. The shuttle had just landed, and
the bay was being pressurized. Adama's communiqué had said that two pilots
would be on the shuttle and Boomer had a pretty good idea who they were.
Just then he heard, "The cargo bay has been pressurized."

Boomer almost leapt forward. He hit the button that opened the huge cargo
bay doors and then slipped through them as soon as they were far enough apart
to allow him entrance. He sprinted across the floor to the shuttle whose
door was only beginning to open. He embraced each of his friends as they
exited the shuttle, each returned the quick embrace in kind-pounding on the
back included. "It's good to see you," he told his fellow pilots.

He turned as he realized his friends were looking behind him. "This is the
Expedition's primary Pathchooser, Lyrahmi. And this is a student, Ka'lyne."
He then turned to the Mik'baran, "This is Captain Apollo, and this is
Lieutenant Starbuck," he said, gesturing to each in turn.

Lyrahmi nodded her head in greeting. "Would you like a tour of the ship?"

"Thank you for offering," Apollo answered, "but we're under orders to
returned directly to the Galactica."

"Very well."

Ka'lyne turned to Boomer, and held out his hand, "Goodbye, Boomer."

Boomer shook the young man's hand, pulled the boy to him for a quick hug and
slapped the young Mik'baran on the back. "It's been good knowing you."

Ka'lyne responded in kind and then excused himself from the cargo bay. It
seemed strange to Starbuck that the boy left without being dismissed, but it
didn't seem to bother the boss.

"Are we ready to leave now?" Lyrahmi asked Apollo. Apollo was a little
disconcerted; he'd thought there would be a bigger production than this.

"Um, you're coming alone?"

"Yes, I did not ask Commander Adama for anyone else's presence."

"What I mean is, you're coming without any bodyguards?"

"Do I need any?"

"Well, no, but. . ."

"Why would I bring a bodyguard, if I don't need one. Besides, I don't have
any."

"Well then," Starbuck said, "let's be on our way."

As they entered the shuttle Lyrahmi asked, "May I sit in the front? I've
never been in a craft such as this, and I would very much like to be able to
see space from a new perspective."

Apollo shot a look at Boomer who nodded almost imperceptibly. "Certainly,"
he said, "Lieutenant Starbuck will be piloting on our return trip." This
would give him the perfect opportunity to speak with Boomer.

As soon as Boomer and Apollo were settled in the back Boomer began asking
questions. "How are things in the fleet? Have there been any losses?"

"No," Apollo answered, "things are better than ever." He was about to
elaborate further when Boomer spoke again.

"That's great. How are Sheba and Boxey, and how's Athena?" Boomer couldn't
keep the eagerness out of his voice at the mention of Athena.

"They're fine," Apollo answered. He looked directly at Boomer, "Athena's in
your quarters now."

As Apollo said these words, Boomer knew without a doubt, that Apollo was
aware of the relationship he had had with Athena. He also knew that Apollo
was letting him know where he could find Athena. Boomer would have
questioned him further, if not for the two other people in the shuttle.
Instead he held his tongue until the shuttle glided into the landing bay of
the Galactica.

To be continued