BY YOUR COMMAND - Static ARCHIVE

They had been on a secton's furlon on Acamus; Commander Adama, Apollo, Boxey, Boomer, Sheba, Athena, and Starbuck. Boxey had wandered over to explore what appeared to be a large bolder formation. When Apollo went to retrieve him, an unseen door in the formation opened. Before anyone could move the Captain and his son were dragged inside, and the formation/ship took off.

Jolly and Greenbean had been dispatched from the Galactica. By the time their Vipers were launched, there was no trace of the ship. Adama was devastated, and upon returning to the Battlestar ordered a search. Patrol after patrol was sent out on long range scans, but nothing was found. After six cycles the search was aborted, and Apollo and Boxey were pronounced M.I.A.

Starbuck didn't give up the belief they would be found until several yahrens later. Adama held a service, and the missing family was mourned. Adama had secretly held hope, but finally gave up last yahren. He gave up everything. He turned command of the fleet over to Tigh, and became sick shortly after. He now lay in bed most of the time, and will not accept visitors.

Athena coped with the loss by delving into her duties. She was rarely seen off the bridge, and never socially. Starbuck had tried to comfort her initially, but realized it was no use, and gave up.

Starbuck for his part was given the rank of Captain, in Apollo's absence. He didn't remember when it happened, but somewhere along the way he had lost Cassiopea. It was his own fault, he believed. He often ignored her completely, unless, because of duty, he was forced to interact with her.

Starbuck covered his face with his pillow to muffle the scream. The same thoughts as always were running through his mind. Why hadn't he moved? Why didn't he draw his laser, as least? Why didn't he jump in before the door closed? Why hadn't he blasted the ship? Disabled it somehow?

The intercom pulled him from his self torture. "Captain Starbuck to the bridge!"

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Starbuck arrived at the bridge to find Commander Tigh and Boomer waiting for him. They seemed anxious, and the first thing he thought was that there were Cylons on the way. Tigh noticed his unease, and placed a hand on the Captain's shoulder. "Take it easy, Starbuck. A scan has shown a lone figure on the sixth planet. I need you to go down and see if they need assistance."

Starbuck sighed inwardly, and headed to the launch bay. This was one thing he hated about being Captain, these felgercarb assignments. The last time he had been sent out like this, the guy on the planet had nearly killed him. The man's family had been slaughtered by the Cylons, and he wasn't about to leave their graves.

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Two centares later, Starbuck landed his Viper near a primitive dwelling. It was a shack made of branches and leaves; something to keep out the elements. He poked his head inside. "Hello? Anyone home?"

Suddenly someone attacked him from behind, sending Starbuck to the ground. {Not again} he thought as he flipped over. He couldn't see the boy's face for his hair. Starbuck didn't want to hurt him, but his young opponent didn't seem to have the same respect. He repeatedly punched Starbuck in the face and torso, until he got his hands around the Captain's neck.

Starbuck felt his windpipe being crushed, and finally punched the boy out. Coughing and gasping for air, he sat up. Looking over at the boy, he rolled him onto his back. Pushing the hair off the young man's face, Starbuck nearly passed out.

He saw for the first time the dark complexion and lean limbs. The long, straight nose and rounded chin. Tears came to Starbuck's eyes as he realized who his attacker was.

"Boxey?"

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Dr. Salik worked diligently for the next cycle and a half, before coming out of the exam area and leaning against the wall. He looked over at Starbuck, who hadn't left after bringing Boxey in. "Did he give you any indication that he knew who you were?"

Starbuck frowned. "No. He was too scared. How is he, Doc?"

Salik say heavily beside him. "The extent of his injuries would indicate he was tortured, both physically and sexually. The latest scars show that he was spared nearly a half yahren ago. Probably the amount of time he's spent on that planet." He breathed deeply before continuing. "Psychologically is a different story. I can't tell the full extent, as he refuses to speak. That in itself tells me there is damage, how extensive I don't know. He seems to be suffering from suppressed amnesia, he doesn't recognize us, and he doesn't respond to his own name. He's also lost the ability to emote. He didn't cringe away or groan during the exam."

Starbuck listened intently to the diagnosis, becoming physically sick at the thought of what could have happened. He knew what he wanted, but knew the chances were slim at best. He wanted a shot at whoever had hurt Boxey, a chance to kill them with his bare hands. He didn't hear Tigh enter as he spoke. "Maybe Boxey'll be better when he sees Adama."

Tigh sighed at what he heard. "That won't be possible, Starbuck. Adama died while you were down on the planet."

Starbuck's eyes welled as he saw Boxey's chance slip away. He knew that Adama had been secretly holding out hope for this day, but he was no longer here to see it. Starbuck immediately thought of someone else. "Does Athena know?"

"About Boxey?" Tigh asked. "I told her she could come down now, but she insisted on waiting for shift change. She declined the furlon I offered her because of Adama, she insists on working."

{What the frak is wrong with her?} Starbuck wondered. {Her father's dead, her nephew's been found, and she's acting like business as usual.} He wanted to go up to the bridge, and drag Athena's butt down here. "Can I go in and see him?"

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Starbuck entered the exam room, and looked at Boxey. The boy was laying on the table, covered to the waist by a blanket. There was a scarred x incision on his chest, and his naval looked to have been burned. Starbuck steeled himself, and walked over. "Boxey?" He didn't respond. "Boxey?"

Starbuck touched the boy's shoulder, and he turned to look up at him. The Captain had to suppress a gasp at the expressionless, dark, dead eyes staring back at him. He forced a smile. "How ya doing, kid?" He mentally kicked himself. "Stupid question, sorry. Are you comfortable?"

Boxey didn't answer him, just stared. Starbuck closed his eyes for a micron. "Would you mind not staring, kid. You're making me nervous."

Boxey immediately turned away. Starbuck kicked himself, again, and sighed. "Boxey, listen, I'm sorry. It's not you. You haven't done anything wrong. I just don't know what to say. Hey, after your aunt Athena comes by, why don't we get outta here. If Salik says it's okay."

Dr. Salik stepped forward and rested a hand on Starbuck's shoulder. "I just got a comm from Athena, she's not coming." Starbuck stiffened. "There's no reason for Boxey to stay here, Starbuck. Why don't you take him. I'll release him into your custody." The Captain began to protest. "You're the only person he can trust. The one who knew him best."

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The chimes to the Captain's quarters sounded, and Boxey answered. The door slid open to reveal a blonde boy, the same age. The boy looked nervous as he was silently invited in. "My name's Dillon. Boomer said it was about time you met other kids. You're Boxey, right?"

Boxey nodded, and silently indicated the cooler. Dillon nodded. "Sure, a juice would be great. Did you do the hack job yourself?"

Boxey touched his hair, and shrugged. Starbuck had cut it for him a few days ago, and he had thought it looked okay. They had also been working on his voice, and he was now able to force out three or four words at a time. "Don't like?"

Dillon shrugged, non-committally. "Looks fine. So, what do you wanna do?"

Boxey thought about it as he poured two glasses of juice. Handing one to Dillon, he indicated the table. "Pyr-amid?"

"Oh, man. Am I in trouble if Starbuck's been teaching you," Dillon replied, grinning.

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Boomer and Starbuck were winding through the corridors, on their way to the Captain's quarters. Boomer sighed inwardly, hoping sending Dillon was the right choice. "So, you were telling me that last night was different."

Starbuck nodded. "It was the first night in two sectons that Boxey hasn't had a nightmare. He slept right through. Boomer, you have no idea what it's been like, having him wake up screaming 'Daddy' every night."

Boomer wrapped an arm around his friend's shoulders. "Sounds like he's finally coming around. You know, I thought I saw a smile on his face the other day."

They broke into a dead run, when they rounded the corner. Shouts and crashes could be heard from behind Starbuck's door. He quickly keyed in the passcode, and the door slid open. The two warriors instantly froze at the sight before them.

The longseat and table were overturned, and the room was otherwise trashed. Boxey and Dillon were rolling around on the floor, punching and kicking each other. It was a vicious attack on both sides, as fists connected with faces and bodies. Dillon yelped when Boxey drove his knee into the boy's groin. "Frakkin' stupid . . ."

Starbuck and Boomer jumped in, and pulled the boys apart. Starbuck held the hellcat Boxey, who was still trying to kick Dillon. "Enough! That's enough!!" The boy instantly stopped, but the Captain kept his grip. "What the frak is going on?"

Dillon struggled for a micron, then relented. "He's crazy! We were playin' Pyramid, and he starts calling me a cheat."

"You were cheating," Boxey growled.

"Felgercarb!" Dillon cried. "You lying sack of . . ."

The boys lunged for each other, and Starbuck hauled Boxey back. "Boomer, take Dillon home!"

As soon as the door slid closed, Starbuck released Boxey. The boy immediately ran around the room, and began tidying up. Starbuck shook his head. "Just leave it, Boxey."

"I've angered you." There was terror in Boxey's eyes, as he pulled his shirt off. When Starbuck didn't move, he stared at him. "Aren't you going to punish me?"

Starbuck stared back in horror. There was an underlying joy that the boy's voice had returned. "No, Boxey. Come here, let me look at you." His eyes widened as Boxey started removing his pants. "Stop. What are you doing?"

Boxey was thoroughly confused. "You said you wanted to look at me."

"I want to see what Dillon did to you," Starbuck admonished, lightly gripping the boy's arms. "You'll have a black eye, and your lip's split. Otherwise, just bruised."

"Have I angered you?"

Starbuck sighed. "No, just disappointed. We thought you and Dillon could be friends."

Without warning, Boxey leaned forward and kissed him. Caught off guard, Starbuck found himself leaning into, rather than pushing away from the boy's mouth. He was brought back to his senses, when he felt Boxey begin to fondle him. Starbuck abruptly pushed him away. "NO!"

Boxey began to shiver with fear. "I'm trying to please you, so you will not be disappointed. Do you not want me to please you?"

"No!" Starbuck declared, a little too harshly. "Boxey, you don't have to do things like that anymore," he stated, suddenly realizing the boy had been trained.

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A centare later, Boxey was ready for bed. It had taken Starbuck three days of reminding to get the boy to stop sleeping naked. He wondered if Boxey had been given clothes after growing out of his. {Probably not, his captors probably preferred him naked.}

As Starbuck reached to turn off the light, Boxey sat up. "Can I ask you something, Starbuck?" The Captain sat on the edge of the bed, and waited. "It's just that, I'm not Boxey anymore. I think he died a long time ago. If you are unhappy with this, then I won't. I would like a new name."

Starbuck thought about the boy's request. He had to admit that he was right. Boxey, at least the Boxey he was, was gone. "Do you have something in mind?"

"What do you like?"

Starbuck shook his head, realizing, on a much smaller scale, the boy was still trying to please him. "It's your decision, kid."

The boy seemed to be thinking it over. "I would like to be called Troy."

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Starbuck felt someone standing over him. At first he thought it was part of his dream. {It can't be morning yet} he thought. Opening his eyes, he saw Troy standing beside the bed. "Boxey?"

Starbuck was only able to scream, before the blade penetrated his chest.

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The next time Starbuck awoke was the next evening. His vision was blurred, but he could make out a dark figure in a tan uniform. "Boomer?" he called hoarsely.

Boomer smiled as he walked over. "It's about time you woke up, Bucko. I've been waiting all afternoon."

Starbuck tried to sit up, but his chest hurt too much. "Where am I?"

"You don't remember?" He shook his head. "You're in Life Center, buddy. Boxey tried to kill you."

Starbuck's eyes widened. So, it wasn't a nightmare. "Where is he?"

Boomer frowned, and sighed. "I tried to talk him out of it, but Tigh had him arrested. He's in a holding cell."

Starbuck tried to sit up again. He had to get out of here, had to get to Troy. "I want to see him."

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Thirty centons later, two guards accompanied a shackled Troy into the Life Center. Starbuck glared at the guards. "Get him out of those." They hesitated. "That's an order!"

The boy was released. "Troy, come over here." He shuffled to the side of the bed. "Why, Troy? Why did you do it?"

Troy stared at him, the same dead expression as when he'd been found. "You would not allow me to please you. You were going to beat me, and I couldn't take it."

Boomer looked on in horror. Starbuck reached a hand out to Troy and took his. "Troy, I would not have done that. I told you, you don't have to be afraid here. I didn't allow you to *please* me, because you didn't want to. You were scared of me, and I don't want that."

One of the guards stepped forward. "I'm sorry, sir. We have to take the prisoner back to his cell. Commander Tigh's orders."

Starbuck began trying to sit up. Boomer pushed him back, and stood between Troy and the guard. "You can tell the Commander that Captain Starbuck isn't pressing charges." He looked back to Starbuck, who nodded his agreement. "'Troy' is released to the Captain's custody. You're dismissed."

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Starbuck was released from Life Center after a few days, and the past month had gone by without incident. Troy, after a little prodding from Starbuck, had even made friends with Dillon, and the other boy was going to teach him to play Triad next secton.

"Do you think I'll be as good as you and dad?" Troy asked as he relayed the news.

{Here's my chance} Starbuck thought. "Troy, sit down for a secton." The boy complied. "I know this is hard for you, but I'd really like to know what happened to Apollo."

Troy sighed. "I know you do. Truth is, I don't really know. We were together for the first few yahrens, then I was sold. The last memory I have of my father is watching him being beaten. Because he tried to get to me, the Sire's guards attacked him."

Starbuck's eyes widened. "Sire? You were bought by a human?"

Troy nodded. "I guess you thought it was creatures. What took us that day wasn't human, they were scavengers. They would sell or trade slaves from planet to planet. Dad and I were luckily sold as a package the first time, but then Sire Corlo came along." He paused as memories of the past ten yahrens flooded him. "Then it was Sire Besley, Sire Atkin, and finally Sire Streckliss."

Starbuck wiped at his cheek, and was surprised to feel tears stain his fingers; he hadn't realized he was crying. He could only imagine what each of those so-called leaders had done to the boy. There was no emotion in Troy's voice as he spoke, as if he were reading co-ordinates on a starmap. Realization dawned on Starbuck. "You killed Sire Streckliss."

Troy nodded indifferently. "The leader of his garrison found me standing over the body. He was going to murder me, but realized the questions it would raise. They put me in a shuttle with minimal fuel, and hoped I would die out in space."

"So, when I came along . . ."

"I thought you were either one of Streckliss' men, or maybe under another Sire. I'm sorry, Starbuck."

He pulled Troy into his arms, and held him close. "Don't be sorry, kid. It's not your fault. Your attacking me makes sense now. Troy, I don't own you. You're free now. Do you understand?"

Troy nodded against his chest. He brought his face close to Starbuck's and kissed him. When the older man pushed him away, Troy smiled. "I'm not servicing you. Starbuck, I like you. The only way I know how to show you that is to please you."

The Captain searched Troy's eyes, but there was no pain or fear, only love and desire. He returned the smile, and the kiss. Troy stood slightly, and gently pushed Starbuck into a lying position. Knealing on the floor, Troy captured his lover's mouth. The Captain responded to the open lips, and tenderly thrust his tongue inside. He tickled and teased the boy's tongue until it responded, and the two muscles engaged in a loving struggle.

Troy pulled Starbuck's tunic off, and ran his hands over the smooth, tanned skin. The Captain moaned into his mouth, as Troy pressed his thumbs against his nipples. He released the older man's mouth, his tongue gliding along jaw and throat. Starbuck arched when the boy teased his tongue over his nipples, at the same time thrusting his hand into Starbuck's pants.

The Captain raised his hips and removed his pants, allowing his lover easier access. Troy divided his time between scrotum and cock, stroking and kneading in turn. He ran lips and tongue down Starbuck's body. The older man moaned as his arousal increased. A growl sounded deep in his throat, when the boy flicked his tongue over the head. "Oh, Lords! Troy, what are you doing to me?"

The boy froze. Misunderstanding, he raised his head. "Am I displeasing you?"

Starbuck's eyes shot open, and he looked down at the boy. "Sagan, no. I've never *been* so pleased."

Troy grinned at the compliment, and dove his mouth onto his lover's cock. Starbuck gasped as his head fell back. Troy ran his tongue down one side and up the other. He soon began thrusting his mouth down onto the shaft, taking it deeper each time. Relaxing the muscles, he deep throated the organ, taking it in almost to the hilt.

When the Captain thrust his hips, his lover began sucking in earnest. Starbuck's entire body seized, and his vision became pure white. Just before the release, Troy stuck the tip of his tongue in the tiny opening. As the plug was removed Starbuck came, the boy eagerly swallowed every drop. His lover's body went limp, and Troy licked the cock clean.

Starbuck came back to reality at the feel of lips pressing against his. He lazily ran his fingers through Troy's hair, as his lover fed him the taste of his own essence. As they released the kiss, Starbuck smiled up at him. "*That* was incredible."

Troy returned the smile. "I'm glad you're pleased. You were quite placid, you didn't even grab my head."

Starbuck frowned as he realized the boy was expecting him to hurt him. "This is what true love making is like, Troy. No one has a right to inflict pain, or force you to do anything you don't want to. Both partners benefit, and are pleasured by the experience."

The Captain looked down in time to see Troy stroking himself. The boy quickly dropped his hand to his side. "I'm sorry," he apologized, hastily. "If it's alright, I'll go in the other room, and relieve myself."

As Troy stood, Starbuck took hold of his hand. "No, stay. It's your turn now." Troy just stared at him in disbelief. Starbuck frowned as he realized. "You've never had someone make love to you, have you?"

Troy shook his head in shame. "I'm not permitted. Do not worry. You are pleased, and that's what matters."

Starbuck sat up, and pulled Troy down beside him. "My poor Troy. I want to please you now, if you'll let me."

The boy nodded, and Starbuck sent him to the bedroom. By the time the Captain got there, Troy was already naked and sitting on the bed. He noticed a look of hesitancy in his young lover's eyes. "What is it, Troy?"

"Are you going to suck me, like I did to you?"

Starbuck smiled, not taking offense to the crude description. "If you want me to. Is that what you want?"

Troy swallowed hard, and met the loving blue eyes. "If I'm allowed -"

"Stop right there," Starbuck tenderly admonished. "We're equals in this. You have every right to ask for and do anything you want."

The boy smiled, relaxing considerably. "I'd really like to 'make love' inside you. I've always wondered what that felt like."

Starbuck smiled softly, and pushed Troy back onto the bed. Climbing on top of him, he gently lowered himself. He looked into the boy's frightened eyes. "Are you alright?" He nodded. "If I do something you don't like, or you want me stop, just say so. This is your show, Troy. You're in control."

The younger man only half believed this statement, knowing that things could quickly get out of hand. Starbuck captured his lover's tongue, and drew it into his mouth, sucking on it. Troy whimpered softly when his mouth was released, but lay back as the Captain kissed and licked his way down the slender body.

Starbuck grinned when he heard the boy moan as he nibbled and sucked on his nipples. Trailing his tongue down the center of Troy's chest and abdomen, he thrust it into the naval a few times. The younger man giggled at this, and Starbuck felt his cock stir as the boy's erection bobbed against his chest. The older man quickly slid further down the body, and took the organ fully into his mouth.

Troy shot up on his elbows. "But I thought . . ."

Starbuck licked at the cock a few more times before releasing it. "I know what you want, Troy. I didn't have time to grab the lube from the bathroom. I thought you'd enjoy this more."

Troy tilted his head in puzzlement. "'Lube'?"

Starbuck frowned, realizing no one had ever taken the time to prepare the boy. {The borays probably took him dry} he thought angrily. "Lubrication, so that it doesn't stick and cause pain. No one should be taken without some form of preparation."

"How do we prepare you?" Troy asked, not wanting to hurt his lover.

"Do you want to do it for me?" Troy nodded, and Starbuck came to lay beside him, facing away. "Lick your finger, and push it into me slowly."

The boy complied feeling the initial stiffening, then pushing in all the way when the muscles relaxed. At Starbuck's consent, he added each finger in turn, until his whole hand was pushing into his lover. The Captain moaned, and began thrusting back against Troy's arm.

"Okay, now pull out slowly." Starbuck ellicited a whimper at the emptiness. Quickly getting up, he straddled Troy's hips. He smiled at the boy's astonishment that this position would work. Reaching back he took the cock into his hand, and spread the pre-cum over it. Troy wanted to thrust against the hand, but he didn't want to unseat his lover.

The Captain gripped the younger man's arms, and rocked back, positioning himself over the hard shaft. Suddenly he drove down on it, impaling himself. Both lovers cried out at the sensation. Starbuck began thrusting, and felt Troy trying to move his arms. Released from the hold, eyes shut tight, the boy gripped his lover's cock, and began pumping it.

With each thrust Starbuck fell back on the cock inside him, then drove his own into Troy's fists. The younger man went rigid, and gripped Starbuck's erection. He cried out, as he shot hot cum into his lover. "Star-buck!!"

The Captain's shaft was released, and his own climax shot out. He cried out, and collapsed on top of his lover. He felt strong arms wrap around him, and hold him close. Slowly he pulled himself off of Troy, and lay beside him. Their lips met in a tired, loving kiss.

Troy smiled at his tender lover. "Is it always like that?"

The Captain's head lolled in a negative response. "It should be, but no. You are an incredible, wonderful lover, Troy."

The boy's smile increased to a high wattage grin. "You are wonderful too, Starbuck. I even enjoyed the preparation." He looked away for a moment, then met the blue eyes again. "Can we try it the other way now? With you inside me."

Starbuck groaned. He was overjoyed that his lover trusted him so, but he was also damned exhausted. "You wore me out, kid. I'm not as young as you."

Troy's grin became mischievous. "I'm sorry, old man."

"Old man!?!" Starbuck exclaimed. They playfully wrestled on the bed, before collapsing into each other's arms, and falling asleep.

The End . . . for now . .

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do