BY YOUR COMMAND - Static ARCHIVE

Lieutenant Starbuck was standing in front of the mirror, grinning. He reached for the nearby table and grabbed a bottle of hairspray. Outside, a group of young, giddy warriors were hurrying along the darkly lit corridor passing Starbuck's door. The sound of laughter and the warm anticipation detectable in their voices made Starbuck grin even more. Quiet music drifted from one of the nearby quarters.

Starbuck smiled at his reflection and started brushing his sandy blond hair, adding a touch of spray to keep the luscious locks tamed. He reached for the nearby table again, took a sip of grog and straightened his figure, ready to enjoy the final glance in the mirror.

A cream coloured dress tunic fit nicely on his well formed, lean torso. The beige trousers were tight enough to cause temptation, still leaving enough room for the imagination. The brown dress cape floated sensuously within his every body movement.

Starbuck slowly pulled on the dress gloves and then reached for the cup to take another sip of grog.

There was a knock on the door and liutenant Boomer stepped in, wearing a broad smile on his face. "Come on buddy!" Boomer sat down on the bed. "You're not going to delay us from getting to the biggest festivities in yahrens I hope!"

Boomer grabbed a bottle of grog that was placed on the floor under Starbuck's bunk and poured half a cup for himself.

"I see you found my secret hiding place" Starbuck turned to face Boomer with a teasing glimmer shining in his eyes. "What a shame the Galactica regulations don't allow an honest warrior to enjoy a cup of uplifting substances in his quarters once in awhile. You can't even imagine the trouble I had to go through smuggling that little treasure under the butler's eyes when I payed a little visit to the pilots' cantina earlier this evening" Starbuck shook his head and frowned. "And it isn't even ambrosa..."

Boomer laughed. So typical of Starbuck to live up to his image.

Starbuck was heading towards the door. "What" Still sitting down Boomer? Let's go! I certainly do hope you're not going to delay us from getting to that party in time..."

Starbuck and Boomer stepped out to the dark corridor and headed towards the elevators. At the far end of the hallway a broken fluorescent lamp was flickering nauseatingly.

"Apollo joining us?" Boomer asked as they passed the doors to the pilots' cantinas.

"Nope" Starbuck shrugged. "He mentioned something about dropping by the bridge before catching us on the Rising Star". Starbuck slowly inhaled from his fumarello "Well, he has only himself to blame if he misses all the best bets at the pyramid table..."

Boomer sighed agonizingly "You know very well that Apollo is the last person you'll ever see taking part in any of that!"

Starbuck raised his left eyebrow and flashed a radient grin. "We'll see Boomer, we'll see..."

The elevator doors slid open and they stepped in.

* * *

The command bridge was silent and almost empty. More or less everyone was off-duty and attending the festivities that were taking place on the Rising Star that evening.

The sliding doors opened with a hiss and captain Apollo entered. He looked around and spotted colonel Tigh, who was supposedly keeping an eye on the main radar monitor but had sank into deep thoughts, barely noticing Apollo's approach.

"Still here colonel!" Apollo grinned. "I think my father would like his friend to have a little fun now and again. As I recall, didn't he mention something about expecting you to attend the festivities with him tonight, so he can personally reward you for your inventive activity in the previous confrontation between us and the cylons..."

Tigh smiled wryly, trying to concentrate on what Apollo was saying. The silvery glow of a faraway moon Hexacon deepened the shadows on the bridge.

"Let's not keep Adama waiting then". Tigh glanced the dark, beautiful features of his best friend's son as they started together towards the exit.

Tigh was silent as they walked along the corridors near the viper launch bay area. Apollo's soft voice echoed from the metallic walls, accompanied by the sound of their steps. Tigh was floating far away, to the long lost years of his youth...

He and Adama had met while still in the academy. Yound lads, yearning to be warriors, ready to win over the world.

It was an excruciatingly hot day. Young Tigh was sitting on the asphalt ground, leaning against the wall that surrounded the back yard of the academy, staring dreamily at the moving shadows on the building's walls. Imagining they were vipers, caught in an enticing dance amongst the stars.

A young man's figure appeared in front of the sun. Tigh lifted his gaze and saw a capturing face which was framed by a crown of untaimed black hair. The look in the strikingly blue eyes was controlled by amazingly dark, determined eyebrows. The eyes smiled and that first encounter soon led to friendship that deepened over the yahrens and finally turned to passion that was carefully hidden from the rest of the world. Not least because Adama was sealed.

The passion had finally calmed down to companionship but the love and the romance were still very much alive.

The relationship between commander Adama and colonel Tigh had continued to this very day, but Adama had always insisted that their relationship must be kept from the awareness of his siblings. Even after his wife, Ila had died in the destruction of the colonies.

However, dark clouds were starting to gather to the skies. Lately, to his agony, Tigh had come to realize that his feelings towards his lover's son were changing from fatherly friendship to desire, and that was unbearable.

Not only would it hurt Adama immensely that Tigh had feelings for someone else, but the fact that the object was his son...

Adama would never accept it!

Neither would it be much improvement to the situation that for the last sectar, Tigh had had an on/off, hush-hush love affair with Athena. Knowing how protective Adama was towards his daughter, Tigh forced back a groan.

Adama would go crazy!

Tigh pressed his fingers to his temples. Apollo looked at him with concern.

"What is wrong colonel? Perhaps we should pay a little visit to doctor

Salik at the medical shuttle. I have heard that there has been some infection spreading amongst the people on the Tauranian..."

"No Apollo. I'm not sick. I just feel a little tired I guess" Tigh lifted his eyes. "I'll take some time off after the festivities..."

Apollo nodded but the doubt was still noticeable in his eyes. He smiled the innocent, disarming smile that made Tigh's heart race faster and the urge to give in to the desire to caress the angular curves of his lips became almost painful. Tigh closed his eyes.

Apollo must never find out about my feelings, Tigh made up his mind.

Tigh and Apollo parted at the Trans Stellar Space Service's offices. Tigh continued to his quarters while Apollo picked up pace, hoping to catch the next shuttle to the Rising Star.

* * *

Starbuck was sitting down and resting his arm on the back of the bench. The shuttle launching bay was half filled with people, most of whom where civilians.

A little further away from the bench Starbuck was sitting on, a group of Red Squadron fighter pilots were chattering loudly, their chatter accompanied by bursts of laughter. Two socialators, both dressed in silver, were at the far end of the launching bay and absorbed in a low-voiced conversation. Starbuck was eyeing the one with spectacularly bright red hair while digging into the pockets of his dress pants for a pack of fumarellos.

"Nice package, eh Boomer..." Starbuck turned his gaze towards his friend to find, to his surprise, Boomer's eyes on himself. Boomer flinched and quickly turned his look away, hiding his embarrassment in wisecracks.

"Well buddy, if your nice packages were particles of a larger complex, your nice package would probably be the size of the Galactica by now..."

Starbuck grinned and lit up his fumarello. "Well Boomer, let's just say that I know how to appreciate the finer things in life..."

However, Starbuck's thoughts were already drifting elsewhere. To an aching secret bottled up in his heart...

"The Rising Star shuttle now ready for boarding" the recorded voice of launch controller Rigel filled the bay area.

"Looks like our night is about to start" Starbuck stood up and companionably took a hold of Boomer's shoulder, accompanying him to the slowly moving line of people boarding the shuttle. Not noticing how the spontanious, friendly touch of his hand caused Boomer's body to respond with a quick shiver.

Boomer stiffened and his heart skipped at least three beats. He was sure Starbuck had noticed the reaction and the suppressed crush that Boomer had towards his close friend was now all in the open. I'm dead!!! That's it, I'm dead! Starbuck will kill me. He will start hating me and that's the same thing! Boomer quickly glanced at his friend, horrified...

But Starbuck was totally unaware, cracking jokes with corporal Giles who was entering the shuttle with his gorgeous young friend. A black civilian man who had been Giles' lover for almost six sectars now.

It had caused quite a stir when their relationship came into open, especially amongst the Council of the Twelve. Relationships between same genders had been very few, or so it was thought, until corporal Giles' unreserved behaviour burned down fences. Gradually the stir had subsided and little by little false presumptions and prejudices were wearing off.

Of course, there had always been love affairs between same genders, but no one ever talked about them. Everyone pretended not to know about them.

And most people probably ended up believing there weren't any, Boomer sneered.

The doors to the shuttle closed behind them and Boomer followed Starbuck to a pair of empty seats at the back of the vehicle and sat down. The seats were narrow and very close to one another, so their legs and arms kept slightly touching. Boomer could barely breath. He avoided looking at Starbuck, knowing his eyes would instantly give away his desire. Instead Boomer overly concentrated on buckling his seatbelt.

"Shuttle now ready to be launched" the loudspeaker announced. There was a little oscillation as the shuttle prepaired for take off.

Starbuck leant back in his seat and closed his eyes. He was dissappointed.

Starbuck had hoped that Apollo would have been able to catch them before the shuttle had taken off.

Actually, Starbuck reluctantly gave in to being honest with himself. There wasn't a moment he didn't want to spend with Apollo.

And that was a problem...

It had started right after the destruction of the colonies.

Apollo and Starbuck were forced to share a room together due to lack of space on the Galactica. Oh, how Starbuck enjoyed the quiet nights, chatting with his best friend, drinking ambrosa, playing cards...

But then Starbuck realized he wanted to spend more and more time with Apollo. Feeling content and warm only in the company of his best friend. Missing him immensely when he was not around. Staying up late on the nights when Apollo was on patrol without him, waiting for his return... Starbuck convinced himself it was solely because of Apollo was such a wonderful companion and that he had always felt that way.

But after a while Starbuck had to admit to himself there was a lot more to his feelings towards Apollo than friendship. And then Apollo announced he and Serina would get sealed. Starbuck was devastated. He tried to suppress the way he felt. He kept avoiding Apollo, pretending to be asleep when Apollo entered the quarters late at night, changing duty shifts, going on patrol more with Boomer instead of Apollo, gambling every night...

But nothing helped. Oh, how it hurt to see Apollo and Serina exchanging loving glances and showing affection to each other.

Then Apollo moved in with Serina and Starbuck thought things would get easier...

And it did...sort of...for a little while. Starbuck found comfort in two beautiful ladies, Cassiopeia and Athena. Both very enchating, wonderful, beautiful. So easy to love...

But Starbuck's heart did not co-operate.

Serina died and Apollo was crushed. He searched comfort in the company of his friend and there was no way Starbuck would have pushed him away. And the love he had so hard tried to suppress was burning again. Starbuck's heart was in secret flames the size of million star systems.

And still, to this day, Apollo had no idea how his friend felt.

Great, Starbuck. Just great. You sure do know how to take care of things, Starbuck silently said to himself.

Boomer was watching out of the window. His mind on Starbuck.

The emergency exit sign creating a greenish glow on the front of Boomer's tunic.

The star-filled space outside, giving a million promises of Earth...

* * *

Apollo rushed to the launching bay, hoping to catch the seven centars shuttle to the Rising Star with Starbuck and Boomer. Unfortunately he was a couple of microns too late and the shuttle had already been launched, and there wasn't another one due for at least half a centar. The bay was deserted.

"Frack!" Apollo slowly walked over to the bench and sat down.

* * *

Cassiopeia was pacing around her messy room, waiting impatiently for the freshly added red nail polish to dry up. Clothes that she had tried on and then rejected lay all over the bed. Music filled the room, the latest recording of the Tucanas, a souvenir from Carillon. On the dressing table was an empty bottle of grog, for which Cassiopeia was in debt of gratitude to Starbuck's bravery.

"That sure in one debt I'll be happy to pay, manifoldly" she grinned. "I already have a couple of ways in mind..."

Feeling a little dizzy from the grog Cassiopeia sat down next to the dressing table and added a touch of lip gloss on her full lips. Her blood-red dress revealed her pale shoulders and arms and her blonde, curly hair fell softly down on her back.

She smiled dreamily.

Cassiopeia was suddenly awakened by the buzzing sound of the communicator. She pressed the button and heard a familiar, voluptious voice. "Great! You're still there! I need to see you for a micron. I'm on my way!"

Cassie pressed her fingers to her temples. "Oh felgercarb!" she frowned. "Not now!"

She stood up, walked to the sink and spattered a little bit of cold water on her face, not caring what damage that might do to her freshly made-up face. The least she wanted on this great night was to deal with an obsessive former lover.

"Perhaps I should just leave before..."

Cassie grabbed her red purse, checked that it contained every object needed. She quickly glanced in the mirror, relieved to notice that the make-up was still perfect, and headed towards the door.

And then she heard a knock...

* * *

Cassiopeia opened the door to launch controller Rigel, who instantly threw her arms around Cassie. "Honey, please hear me out! I can't bear to let you walk out of my life like that! I haven't been able to sleep... Please!!!...You are breaking my heart to million pieces..."

Tears were flowing down Rigel's cheeks and her mascara was a mess. Some of it had stained the beige uniform she was wearing.

Cassiopeia firmly pushed Rigel away from her and tried to look into her swollen eyes in a gentle way. "Baby...honey...you knew from the start that this was not going to last. I have been very honest with you the whole time. I'm in love with someone else. And I mean truly in deep love. You knew that..." Cassiopeia caressed Rigel's roundish cheek and continued softly.

"I do like you, Rigel. I was infatuated with you... I still am... But it's time to stop. I am determined to get Starbuck. Please try to understand that."

Cassiopeia gently kissed away a tear that was crawling down Rigel's cheek. Then she pulled Rigel close to give her a gentle hug while stroking her hair. Rigel pressed her face tightly against Cassiopeia's chest, sobbing.

Cassiopeia's body still responded to Rigel's soft voluptious presence being physically so close, but the fire was now in embers.

"Honey, I have to go" Cassie lifted Rigels chin and met her eyes. "Please forgive for causing you pain. But I know you Rigel, you will survive. You are such a strong person and that is something I have always admired in you. Your strength". Rigel tried to turn away from Cassie's gaze.

"We can talk about this later, if it makes you feel better, ok?" Cassiopeia gently withdrew from Rigel's arms and stood up. Making sure there were no mascara stains on her dashing red dress she picked up her purse and walked to the door. Before opening it she stopped and turned to face Rigel one more time.

"I'll see you tomorrow, honey. Please remember that although it is now time to move on, you will always be an important person to me" Cassiopeia smiled. "Try to get some sleep, won't you. Oh, and turn out the light when you leave..."

Cassiopeia opened the door and stepped out.

"Leave...Yeah, right! That's what you think."

Rigel switched off the light in the room and cuddled up on the bed to wait for Cassiopeia's return. She pressed her face on the pillow and breathed the still imperceptible scent of Cassiopeia's perfume.

"Won't you be surprised to find me here when you get back..."

Rigel smiled in the darkness.

* * *

Galactica shuttle requesting permission to land"

The shuttle approached the Rising Star. The white, swan-like ship that drifted in space, just behind the Agroship 9.

"I have a feeling this is going to be my lucky night" Starbuck grinned.

* * *

The Rising Star was bursting with people. The air was hot and stuffy, heavy from fumarello smoke. Tumult of chatter and laughter was all around, people elbowing each other. Especially crowded around the pyramid tables, Starbuck noticed.

Multiple coloured lights highlighted the full dancefloors, music reaching defeaning dimensions. One person after another dressed in extravagant outfits. There were intriguing performances on all the three stages. Sparkling gold seemed to be the dominant colour in the decorations of the main lounges and restaurants. Except the east lounge which was all veiled in blood-red drapes. And that was where Sire Uri was hosting his party.

Starbuck poked Boomer with his elbow. "He's making a fool of himself again..."

Boomer turned to look at sire Uri, who was pompously explaining to one of his escorts reasons why he thought the fleet's command should be placed in the hands of himself, instead of commander Adama.

"Sure beats me why he bears such a grudge against Adama" Boomer pondered.

"He seems to have been that way since Carillon. I thought they settled their mind differences after the escapade from the ovions and cylons..."

Boomer shrugged.

"Sire Uri was that way even before Carillon" Starbuck said thoughtfully.

"Don't you remember how Uri was actually the reason why our problems in Carillon started to increase" Starbuck put the fulmarello back in his mouth. "If you ask me, there's a lot more going on between Adama and sire Uri than meets the eye..." Smoke from Starbuck's fumarello circled in the air.

Starbuck was closer to the truth than he even realized.

"Come on Boomer! I need some fresh air!" Starbuck turned and walked out of the east lounge premises. Boomer hastened his steps to keep up with him.

"Yeah buddy, fresh air. The way you keep puffing up those weeds you'll probably be the source of the contamination of the whole star system!"

Starbuck's laughter filled the room as he walked towards the pyramid tables. Boomer followed, hardly being able to keep his eyes off Starbuck.

Oh sagan how Boomer wanted to stare. To devour every enchanting movement of that irresistible figure...

Starbuck suddenly felt his heart leap up to his throat...

Apollo entered the main lounge...

* * *

Athena was in a foul mood. She was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed, staring at the bra she had tossed at the back of an armchair after getting furious with her reflection in the mirror. She had tried on several outfit options, but all of them seemed somehow lame and unfitting.

Although Atherna was gorgeous and looked extremely beautiful as always, she didn't feel that way. She had gained a little weight and she felt watery and bloated. Her normally so vital and shiny brown hair felt floppy and lifeless.

Lately everything seemed to annoy the frack out of her. Even her work had suffered from her moodyness and unwillingly Omega, the bridge operations coordinator, had given her a warning.

Worst of all, the fact that the love of her life, Starbuck, had somehow grown more and more distant and seemed sort of distracted in her company was driving her crazy.

"Damn him! I know that snake has his eyes set on some new hot female..." Athena hissed to herself. "Won't last! None of his temporary infatuations have lasted more than a couple of sectons. So why should this be any different!"

Athena had had her own adventures too, but nothing ever satisfied her the way Starbuck was able to. Besides, those adventures were mainly started because of she wanting to get revenge to Starbuck. To hurt his feelings the way he hurt hers.

Starbuck had never made any commitment to either her or Cassiopeia, the only one Athena considered her true rival, so why for sagan's sake did it have to hurt so much...

She fell silent.

Athena climbed off the bed and resignedly put on the bra. Then she picked up one of the dresses she had rejected earlier, a black one with silver ornaments, and slipped into it. It felt tighter than usual and Athena felt extremely uncomfortable. " I look like a fracking boray wearing this thing!"

After brushing her hair and adding a touch of brownish blush on her cheeks she felt presentable enough to be seen in public. "Fracking party! I don'teven wan't to go..."

But she had to go. She couldn't stand to think Starbuck giving attention to someone else. She had to be there...She had to try and get through to Starbuck somehow. "If only I didn't look so dull!! I bet the very moment Starbuck sees me, he'll run for his life trying to find a hiding place."

Athena locked the door behind her and headed towards the stairway. "Well, at least he won't have a micron's privacy with his new conquest! I'll make sure of that!"

* * *

"APOLLO!!" Starbuck waved and hurried to catch his friend before he was lost in the crowd. Apollo turned and smiled warmly. He casually embraced Starbuck when he got to him, leaving his hand on Starbuck's shoulder.

"I can't believe this! The time for miracles isn't obviously over. You haven't found your way to the wonderful world of gambling yet!" Apollo laughed and his remarkable blue eyes sparkled. Starbuck felt himself drowning in those blue eyes.

Apollo looked around the room. "Have you seen my father or my sister here yet?"

"...Starbuck?" Apollo turned.

Starbuck flinched. He had been so caught in Apollo being so close...

Quickly Starbuck fell back, embarrassed. "Ummmm...what? Oh, No! No I haven't seen anyone yet...well, except sire Uri acting annoying as usual. Err...Is that what you asked?..."

Apollo grinned. "Oh starbuck, drunk already and it's not even eight centars yet...come on, let's get you safely to the pyramid tables." Apollo grabbed Starbuck's arm and started leading him through the crowd. Starbuck's heart was pounding like mad.

"By the way, where's Boomer? Didn't you guys come here together? Apollo turned his head to smile at Starbuck. "Boomer doesn't seem to be able to go anywhere without you..."

Starbuck leered "Ummm...It's my irresistible personality."

Starbuck looked around the lounge and spotted Boomer about five metrons away, talking to wing sergeant Jolly and liutenant Bojay, but his eyes were on Starbuck and Apollo penetrating through the crowd. Starbuck winked and Boomer waved his hand.

"Why don't we go and enjoy Boomer's exhilarating cynicism" Apollo made way towards Boomer and Jolly, still holding Starbuck by the arm.

Bojay fell against Apollo, grabbing his cape, barely being able to stand on his feet.

"Apollo! My one and only true love!!!!" Bojay threw his arms around Apollo and tried to give him a kiss.

"Oh great! One of Bojay's drinking nights again" Starbuck mumbled, trying to ignore the sudden feeling of jealousy. Boomer rolled his eyes.

Jolly stood a little further away from them, looking pale, seeming to barely notice what was happening.

Apollo grabbed Bojays shoulders and kept him at an arm's length.

"Felgercarb, Bojay! Shouldn't you be in bed sleeping that off!!"

"It's a party, Apollo!!" Bojay took a sip from the bottle he was holding in his hand. "Oh captain, I'm so glad you're here..." Bojay tried to touch Apollo's face but lost his balance and collapsed on the floor.

Boomer stepped closer and took a firm grip of Bojay by under his arms.

"I'll take him to one of the private back rooms and make sure he's taken care of."

Apollo gave Boomer an appreciative smile and watched as Boomer helped Bojay to his feet and determinedly let him away, towards the entrance of the lounge. "The maitre de will keep him away from bottles for the rest of the evening" Apollo turned back to Starbuck. Starbuck quickly detached his hungry eyes from Apollo and feverishly tried to come up with an idea of a subject to talk about with Jolly...

But Jolly was gone. He had disappeared without saying a word.

* * *

Wing sergeant Jolly loosened the rope that he had tied around his arm and slowly leant back against the wall of the little private booth in the public men's turbowashroom.

He lay there with his eyes closed and felt the warm tingling sensation taking over every part of his body. He felt a powerful gush of blood running through his head.

Slowly Jolly opened his eyes and looked around the booth with a feverish gaze. His lips curled up to a meaningless smile.

Carefully he folded the small plastic bag, similar to the one he had provided Bojay with too earlier, when they had been laying in Jolly's bunk together, and placed it in the pockets of his dress pants. Then he stood up and walked to the sink to wash his face with cold water. Then he lit a fumarello, and for a few microns, just stood there in front of the turbowashroom mirror, quietly smoking. Finally, he put out the fumarello and straightened his dress cape.

He was ready to go back to the party.

* * *

"Hey, there's Jolly" Starbuck pushed his way through the overcrowded dancefloor. "Where the frack have you been hiding..." Starbuck's grin was wide. "If I didn't know better I would have suspected you went after Bojay... disappearing like that right after Boomer took him to the private rooms..."

"Starbuck, my hero. I do have higher standards than that..." Jolly grabbed Starbuck's sleeve. "Let's go dance!!" Jolly tried to pull Starbuck towards the packed dancefloors.

"Hey, wait a micron!" Starbuck resisted. "I'm not going to cram myself into what looks like an uncomfortable can of sardines to me!! What the felgercarb happened to you anyway?? Just a secton ago you seemed like a humanoid drifting in space and now you suddenly seem like a hyperactive lupus..."

"Starbuck!!"

Cassiopeia put her arms around Starbuck's waist from behind and pressed her body against him seductively. "Your lucky night is about to start..."

Starbuck turned to face Cassie. "Oh... hi Cassie...I..."

"Oh no!!"

Athena was approaching them with a smile...

Apollo smiled at Starbuck, greatly amused. "Come on Starbuck, let's show everyone here how a true warrior dances..." Apollo pulled Starbuck's sleeve and led him away to the full dancefloors.

The captivating, up-tempo disco tune suddenly changed into a slow, beautiful melody. The bright sparkling lights dimmed and figures on the dancefloors entwined.

Apollo led Starbuck to the floor and looked into his eyes with a teasing smile. "Don't you think I deserve a thank you after saving you from all those aggressive admirers..."

Starbuck's heart was pounding so hard that he was sure everyone on the dancefloor heard it.

"Yeah...ummm.... My hero!" Starbuck hardly got out a word.

Apollo laughed out loud. "Charming as always!"

Apollo hesitated for a micron. Then he gently embraced Starbuck and pulled his body closer as the compelling music surrounded them. Starbuck was trembling. He felt as if his heart could stop any micron. His mouth felt dry and he was sure he was going to faint. He had never felt better in his whole life. He was in paradise.

A couple of metrons away from the dancefloor, Cassiopeia was carefully watching Starbuck and Apollo entwined, slowly swaying to the music. She hardly noticed that Tigh was standing next to her. Tigh's eyes were also fixed on the dancing couple. His eyes were pained...

Athena reached Tigh And Cassiopeia. "Where's Starbuck? I'm surprised to notice that he's not with you yet. Usually you have a tendency of following him around like a little daggit". Athena smiled pretensiously at Cassie and took a sip of ambrosa she had bought from the bar the moment she arrived on board.

"Hello Athena" Tigh turned and smiled disarmingly. "Care to join this old man for a dance?..."

"If you don't mind I'd like to spend some quality time with my daughter first" a deep voice surprised them from behind.

"Father!" Athena gave Adama a little kiss on the cheek. Adama patted on his daughter's back and gave a little delighted laugh.

"Hello Tigh" Adama looked at Tigh warmly. "I'm glad to see you here. I wasn't so sure if I had succeeded in persuading you into coming... Oh, Cassiopeia, nice to meet you too. Looking lovely as always" Cassiopeia turned his eyes away from Starbuck and Apollo dancing and greeted Adama warmly.

"And where is my beloved son and Starbuck? I haven't seen them here yet."

Tigh pointed at the dancefloor.

Athena's face grew pale.

Starbuck pressed his body closer to Apollo, feeling the enigmatic scent of his aftershave. Starbuck lifted his head and his eyes searched for Apollo's...

"Apollo..." Starbuck was so afraid to continue, staring at Apollo's face, captured by the dark, gentle beauty of his friend. The only person he had ever really loved. He couldn't hold this a secret much longer. His heart was bursting. He had to tell Apollo...He had to tell him now...

"May I cut in?..."

Sheba's angel face was next to them on the dancefloor.

Smiling she took a hold of Apollo's waist...

* * *

Unbearably frustrated Starbuck walked away from the dancefloor and headed to the bar. Invisible tears were burning in his eyes, blurring his view. He had come so close to telling Apollo... Oh, the Lords of Kobol, why the frack did Sheba have to come and spoil everything... Starbuck was almost crying. "Just my fracking luck! If there is a sagan he sure has a distorted sense of humor!!..."

Starbuck reached the bar and signalled to the bartender. "A triple ambrosia, please... and a grog to the side...

"Starbuck! Didn't they tell you at the orphanage of Umbra that drinking is bad for your health..."

Annoyed Starbuck turned.

Apollo was standing there with a lovely smile.

Starbuck's legs almost failed him. "what...I thought...Where's Sheba? Did you turn her down?..." Starbuck could barely breathe.

"I'm a gentleman, Starbuck. I danced with her. But only one song..."

Starbuck was stunned. " One...Why?..."

"Oh, she's such a beauty. Half of the male population in this fleet is after her" Apollo laughed. "We had danced like two centons and already there was a line of enthusiastic admirers waiting for a chance to cut in... Which I didn't really mind at all. Right now I'd rather spend time with you."

Starbuck stared at Apollo, dumbstruck.

"I wanted to give us a chance to finally catch up on what's been going on in each other's lives lately. It seems like every time we seem to get a change to spend some time together, the cylons or some other disgusting creatures choose to interrupt!"

"Absolutely no manners whatsoever!" Starbuck grinned.

He was desperately dissappointed. He had hoped...

"There's a good one!" Apollo grabbed Starbuck's arm and pulling him along, loped through the crowd to invade a table that was surprisingly still available. "What a real stroke of luck, eh Starbuck? Apollo took a chair and sat down. "And it's far enough from the dancefloors. Great. Now we'll even be able to hear each other talking".

Starbuck dragged a chair closer to the table and sat down. Perhaps he would have the courage to tell Apollo now... furtively Starbuck glanced at Apollo.

Perhaps...

* * *

Sheba was furious.

Apollo had dared to turn her down after just one fracking dance. Damn!

Great. Now her evening was spoiled. She had come to this party only because of Apollo. And he dared to prefer the company of a friend rather that spend his time her.

Sheba angrily eyed the table where Apollo and Starbuck sat. Maybe I should go there and do whatever it takes to capture Apollo's attention...

But she was too proud for that. She did not run after anyone. And she wasn't about to start now either. She was used to people running after her, and if Apollo didn't realize the treasure he had had within reach...well that's his problem. Hopefully he'll come to realize what he lost!

"I can find better company than that!"

Sheba eyed accross the lounge to find Cassiopeia. Where was she?? Normally she's around Starbuck somewhere...

Sheba rattled around the lounge, incidentally talking with some people, constantly searching for Cassiopeia.

No sign of her.

She must have left and gone back to her quarters.

Sheba made up her mind. She headed towards the Rising Star shuttle launching bay...

* * *

Rigel almost fell asleep in Cassiopeia's the dark room. How long has it been? A couple of centars? or a couple of microns? She narrowed her eyes and tried to make sense what was on the tiny timepiece. Where was Cassie?

Shouldn't she be here by now.

Rigel fell back onto the bed and closed her eyes, drifting to sleep.

* * *

Cassiopeia came out of the ladies' turbowashroom and spotted Boomer, who was standing alone, leaning against a loudspeaker next to one of the dancefloors. His eyes keenly set on Starbuck and Apollo, who were occupied in a conversation. A funny one apparently, Boomer noted, they both seemed greatly amused.

Boomer felt uncomfortable seeing those two together. I must be going crazy, he thought. I'm becoming paranoid. Apollo is probably the most heterosexual guy in the whole fleet! Boomer let out an amused sneer. Pull yourself together, man.

But he couldn't shake the uncomfortable feeling...

"Want to join those two?" Cassiopeia appeared next to Boomer.

Boomer hesitated.

"Oh, Come on!" She started towards the table where they were sitting. "I want some of that fun they're sharing..."

Boomer followed her. Possibly he could get Starbuck to dance with him.

Well, it sure is worth a try anyway. But first I must turn Cassie's attention elsewhere. She's the only object standing in the way. And knowing her, she won't give up on Starbuck easily.

Boomer felt a little sting in his heart...

Apollo was laughing heartily when Cassiopeia and Boomer reached the table.

"Hi guys! Ready to share the joy..." Cassie took a chair and sat down, pulling the chair closer to Starbuck. Boomer remained standing.

"Well, hello there Boomer. My faithful and wonderful friend!" Starbuck grinned at Boomer, while, at the same time trying to, unnoticed, drag his chair a little further away from Cassiopeia. "Hi Cass, what an unexpected pleasure..."

"You two seemed cosy earlier on the dancefloor" Cassie put her arm around Starbuck. "Anything I should be jealous about?..."

Starbuck's felt his face turn red.

Apollo turned to look at Starbuck, who was desperately fighting to come up with an aswer that would save his life.

"Ummm...well... what do you think! Of course you should be jealous Cass. After all, I was dancing with the most handsome pilot in the whole fleet!"

Cassiopeia, Apollo and Boomer burst out laughing.

"Oh, Starbuck. You are unique" Apollo put his hand on Starbuck's shoulder. "You never get lost for words, do you..."

Starbuck was grinning. Oh Apollo, he was thinking. If you only knew...

* * *

"Athena, wait" Tigh walked to Athena. She turned. "Tigh. Hello..."

"Too busy to give your dream man a little kiss" Tigh whispered teasingly. "I have a hard time being in the same room with you and not being able to touch you. You look gorgeous..."

Athena smiled a little "charming as always"

Tigh reached out and quickly, secretly caressed Athena's arm. "We haven't been spending too much time together lately Athena... What do you say we skip this party..."

Athena hesitated and seemed unwilling. "Actually, Tigh...I was just looking for Starbuck. Have you seen him anywhere. I need to have a talk with him..."

"I see..." Tigh was disappointed.

"Besides" Athena continued, "I know you better than that. You are not the kind to take risks when it comes to Adama. You know how he would react if he found out about us..."

Tigh gave her a slight smile "...And you're right, as usual. Well, I think I saw Starbuck a couple of centons ago, talking to Apollo and Boomer. Oh yes, there they are!" Tigh pointed towards the table where Starbuck sat. "You better hurry. Cassiopeia has found her way there too..."

"Thank you Tigh! I'm off to claim my territory!" Athena's hand gently stroked Tigh's back as she leant to give him a quick kiss on the cheek. "take a rain check?..."

"I'll be looking forward to that" Tigh replied in a low tone. His eyes followed Athena as she made way towards the other side of the lounge. And then Tigh's gaze found another target... His eyes lingered on Apollo, for a dangerously long while, until he finally gathered enough self-command.

Stop that you old fool, he thought to himself and reluctantly forced himself to turn away.

He headed off to find Adama.

* * *

Omega was closely observing the rapidly moving objects on the radar screen. They seemed to be moving towards the fleet in an enourmous speed.

"Get me commander Adama, now!"

* * *

"Adama" Sire Uri caught up with Adama just as he exited the main lounge to find a place that was a little less crowded. "Why don't you grant me and my party the honor of joining us..."

"Uri. Honoured to meet you here" Adama greeted him politely but coolly. "Some other time perhaps..."

Uri smiled but his eyes were cold as ice. "Perhaps when we land on earth?...Or perhaps never?... Pardon me Adama, but I'm getting a distinctive feeling you are trying to avoid my company".

"Uri. If you don't mind.." Adama turned to leave.

Uri stepped forward, blocking his way. "Adama, sooner or later there will come a time when you will have to hear me out..."

"I would rather wait for that time. Now, will you excuse me..."

Adama politely but determinedly pushed Uri aside and walked past him.

Uri remained still, watching Adama go.

* * *

Tigh took a grip of Adama's cape and quickly pulled him behind a thick, golden marble pillar.

Adama found himself embraced and kissed by his lover. Willingly, he too, surrendered to the moment, forgetting for a micron where they were.

Finally they pulled apart, staring at each other's eyes. Adama smiled.

"Thanks, I needed that!..."

Tigh let out a little laugh. "Why don't we find a nice little, quiet corner and enjoy each other's company."

Together they strolled down the gold-coloured hallway connecting the main lounge to the west one. "Better turn off the communicator, commander" Tigh grinned. "I'm not in the mood to share you with anyone tonight".

Adama laughed. "As you wish colonel..."

* * *

Omega was growing more and more concerned.

"Have you been able to contact commander Adama yet?"

"No sir. We have no connection".

Omega looked at the radar "Keep trying!!"

* * *

Athena came up to the table where Starbuck and the others were sitting. She walked around it and boldly sat on Starbuck's lap.

"Hello gorgeous!" she purred and silenced him with a lingering kiss on the mouth.

"HEY! What the frack do you think you're doing!!! Cassie was enraged. She stood up and shoved Athena. "I'm obviously forced to teach you manners!" She pushed Athena again and the chair swung dangerously. Starbuck rapidly took a hold of the edge of the table trying to bring the chair back to balance before both he and Athena fell over.

"Lords of Kobol" Starbuck cried out. "Ladies, please!!!..."

"Shut up Starbuck" Athena's eyes flashed furiously. "Let's settle this once and for all..."

"There's nothing to settle!!!!!" Starbuck pushed Athena away from his lap. "Ladies..."

"Oh sagan!" Starbuck covered his face with his hands to act more shocked than he actually was. "Just great!"

"Shut up you little crawlon. I know you're immensely enjoying this"

Cassiopeia hissed to Starbuck.

Starbuck sighed agonizingly.

"I see it's once again for your knight in shiny...err...dress uniform to come for your rescue" Apollo's grin was wide. "Why don't we go and find my father. I'm in need of some civilized company..."

He took a hold of Starbuck's hand and led him away into the crowd.

"Hey wait up" Boomer rushed after them. Starbuck and Apollo turned.

Apollo's hand remained in Starbuck's. Apollo didn't seemed to notice it, but lords of kobol how Starbuck did. And he sure wasn't going to be the first one to detach his hand...

"I don't know how you do that Starbuck" Boomer shook his head.

Starbuck shrugged "Do what Boomer? I haven't done anything!" Starbuck

leered that infuriating, supposedly innocent smile.

Boomer rolled his eyes. "Unique. Wasn't that the word Apollo used earlier. You are unique Starbuck. I guess that's why I love you so much..."

Starbuck's jaw dropped open. "Boomer??"

Apollo's eyes fixed on Boomer.

Oh frack! Boomer wished the ground beneath him would swallow him.

"You're like a brother to me Starbuck. The best friend one could ever hope for..." Boomer stuttered a little as he spoke. "Don't let it get to your head!!..."

Carefully making sure his right hand remained in Apollo's, Starbuck put his left arm around Boomer shoulders. "Come on brother, let's go and enjoy the party".

* * *

Sheba was cuddled up on the seat of the shuttle heading back to the Galactica. She was impatient to get there.

After the annoying way Apollo turned her down Sheba wanted to feel the compassion of someone who understood her. She wanted to be touched by someone who cared for her. Someone like Cassie.

For a long time Sheba had been prejudiced towards Cassiopeia. Not wanting to accept the fact she had had a relationship with Sheba's father, the legendary commander Cain.

However, soon after Cain's disappearance, living on the Galactica and spending more time with Cassiopeia, Sheba learnt to know her. And like her. They became friends.

Well... a little more than that, Sheba smiled. She was thinking about the candle lit nights she and Cassie had spent together.

Cassiopeia was the best lover Sheba had ever had. Very considerate. Very passionate...

But then there was always Apollo. Sheba's mind lingered to the handsome dark pilot she so wanted. That was the reason why she and Cassie had never established a real relationship. Well, that and the fact that Cassie had her mind set on Starbuck.

Sheba's mind went back to the moment Apollo had left her on the dancefloor.

"Frack. Men are borays." The expression on Sheba's face was hurt.

Sheba stared at the ships they bypassed. Sagan, how slowly the shuttle seemed to go forward. She couldn't wait to get to Cassiopeia's room. "Move, you fracking piece of junk"

Siress Tinia, who was sitting in front of her, turned and gave her a deprecating look.

* * *

"Any word from commander Adama yet?"

"Nothing sir."

Omega's face was grave. "Find commander Adama!"

* * *

The huge Cylon Base Ship was hovering in dark space. Three cylon fighter crafts curved around the base ship and started to decend when approaching the landing area...

* * *

Baltar turned around in his chair to face Lucifer, who approached him. Accompanied by two cylon centurions.

"By your command."

"Have you been able to locate the Galactica yet?" Baltar leant forward

"We have no information on the Galactica's whereabouts." The metallic but sly voice of Lucifer echoed in the dark, grim throne room. "Probability is that the Galactica has exited this star system..."

Baltar grimaced. The shadows on his face dramatized the expression of anger and disappointment.

"The Galacatica MUST be found! I will tolerate no falure! If Galactica is not located in two centars I will hold you, Lucifer, personally responsible...!"

Baltar paused to regain his calmness.

"Now carry out your orders!"

"By your command."

Lucifer gave a slight bow.

He turned and left the room with the two centurions.

* * *

The party at the Rising Star was even more jazzy, and it wasn't even ten centars yet.

Boomer glanced at Starbuck who was standing beside him, listening to something that Apollo was telling him, nodding now and again. How handsome he looked. Boomer swallowed. Ok, buddy. It's now or never! Boomer gathered up all this courage...

"Ummm...Starbuck..."

Starbuck's turned and his eyes met Boomer's.

"Wanna dance?" Boomer's mouth was dry.

Starbuck stared at Boomer, just about to decline, when he came to think of it being rather rude towards his very good friend.

"Oh, why not" Starbuck grasped Boomer's arm and started towards the large, golden and uncomfortably overcrowded dancefloor. "Promise to teach me your best moves then..."

Boomer silently said a million prayers and thank yous in his mind. His heart raced at least a thousand hectares per micron. Oh sagan, don't let me make a fool of myself now...

Starbuck noticed that Apollo was watching them as they made way to the floor. That fact made him uncontrollably happy.

Sweaty bodies were captivated in the rousing rhythm. Faces were ecstatic, eyes were shining. Music was defeaning.

Boomer was a tad disappointed the rhythm of the music wasn't slow and didn't give him a reason to hold Starbuck close. But this is definately better that nothing. He kept his eyes tightly on Starbuck's rythmically and sensuously moving beautiful body. Starbuck was dancing with his eyes closed most of the time. Perhaps that was his way of multiplying the pleasure of movement, Boomer suspected. Boomer let his gaze move around on Starbuck body. Not really caring if someone noticed. He tried to synchronize his own rhythmic movements with Starbuck's. His mind bursting with dreams he hoped so much to fulfil...

Starbuck opened his eyes.

Boomer quickly detached his from Starbuck.

Starbuck's eyes searched for Apollo...

Apollo was standing about two metrons away from the dancefloor, looking at Boomer and Starbuck dancing. Talking to Greenbean.

Boomer moved closer to Starbuck, placing his hand on his shoulder while shouting in his ear, trying to make his voice carry over the loud music.

"Listen, um...Starbuck, there's something I really need to make you aware of..."

"Boomer, dear friend" Starbuck shouted back. "I can't hear a word you're saying!"

Starbuck stopped dancing. "Why don't we go back to Apollo. There's a lot more peaceful there. I don't think I want to become deaf in such an early age... Come on!"

Boomer was devastated to realize the opportunity was slipping away. Do something, his mind was screaming.

"Hey, wait a minute..."

But Starbuck was already stroding off to Apollo's direction.

And then he saw Cassiopeia coming towards him.

* * *

One of Omega's trainees, Derran, ran down the hallway to the viper launching bay. He had to get to the Rising Star, to commander Adama. As soon as possible.

There was no time to choose a suitable viper. He jumped on the one nearest to him and put on a helmet. Oh no he thought as he eyed the control panel. How long was it since he last had had a lesson on flying this piece of metal. He tried to calm down and concentrate.

First those three buttons... push them up... press those...great, the light switched on. Good...

He pressed the middle button on the control stick and the viper shot into space.

* * *

Athena extended her hand to receive a little plastic bag from Jolly. Her face was a mess of make-up and tears. She had obviously wiped her lips with the back of her hand, causing her lipstick to smear on her cheeks.

Apart from them, the ladies' public turbowashroom was empty. Although

Athena was in a state of mind that she couldn't have cared less if somebody had seen them.

"This'll make you feel better, believe me" Jolly took Athena's fragile arm and tied a piece of brown rope around it. "Hold still..."

"I can't believe the fracking Boray did this to me!! He should be thrown off the Galactica and left deserted on Kalpa, for sagan's sake!" Athena was choking on tears. "When I find out who the daggit is that has captured my man's attention there will be frack to pay..." Athena felt the needle penetrating her skin. "Obviously it isn't Cassie. That drone treated her just as..."

The expression on Athena's face changed. She fell silent. Slowly, overwhelmingly, the feeling of ecstacy filled her being. For a secton her mind forgot about Starbuck. Or the rest of the universe for that matter. For a little while there were only stars, silver sparkles, blueish velvet darkness and beautiful kindness of oblivion.

Gradually Athena's awareness returned. But it was a different kind of awareness. She had never felt better in her entire existence. There was rapture on her face as she jumped to give Jolly a hug.

But the rapture was artificial, meaningless. Her eyes were empty.

"Where did you get this stuff?" Athena insisted. "Please, I want to know. And how long have you had this wonderful secret?" Athena danced around the turbowashroom.

"Athena, my dear. If I told you I wouldn't be able to get my hands on this wonderful secret any longer" Jolly grabbed both of Athena's hands, forcing her to look at him. "Will you promise me you will never, ever mention about this to anyone!?!"

Athena freed her hands and threw them in the air. "Oh Jolly, always paranoid. No I won't tell anyone. You can trust me!" She felt the world spinning with such a liberating speed. She wanted to twirl with it. Capture the speed into her heart and make it stay there eternally.

"Come on Jolly! Tell me where you got this stuff from!!"

Jolly hesitated for sectons.

"Sire Uri".

* * *

Starbuck quickly slipped into the crowd and made himself vanish from Cassiopeia's view. Even Boomer lost track of his friend. Disappointed he eyed around the dancefloor, finally giving up and heading to Apollo and Greenbean.

Starbuck was standing behind a group of about six or seven young ensigns, watching Boomer walking towards Apollo.

He had to find a way to get Apollo alone with him for even a couple of microns. He just simply had to. He couldn't go on like this. He could not keep on hiding his love for Apollo any longer or he would probably go insane...

Even if Apollo kicked him out of his life forever he would have to tell him. Any hurting would be more bearable than this. If he new for certain Apollo didn't respond to his love and desire... then perhaps it would be easier to try to start a new life... possibly even jump on his viper and just fly away somewhere... to an unknown destination... Or maybe go back to Trillion...

Start a new life...

* * *

Sheba arrived at the door to Cassiopeia's quarters. The corridor was deserted.

Quietly Sheba put her hand on the knob and tried it. The door wasn't locked, the knob moved easily, making just a little squeak as it turned. Sheba pushed the door open and saw that the room was dark. "Felgercarb" Sheba frowned.

"I was so sure I'd find Cassie here..."

Sheba was just about to close the door when she noticed a dark figure, lying on the bed.

Sheba smiled. Without making a noise she stepped into the room and silently closed the door behind her. She placed her purse on the chair that was near the door and took off her high heeled shoes.

The figure on the bed appeared to be sleeping.

Sheba crept towards the bed, watching the thin figure, listening to the soft breathing.

Not alike Cassie at all to leave the party at such an early centar and go to bed, Sheba was thinking. But hey, no complaints on me.

She reached the bedside and sat down on it, carefully, avoiding any sound.

The figure had covered herself with a blanket. Sheba pulled off her white dress and then she too, slipped under that blanket. She touched the sleeping figure's shoulder.

"Cass?" The figure moved a little.

"Cassie?..."

Sheba ran her hand gently along the body, feeling the delightful curve of the waistline turning to the hip.

The figure turned. Lying on her back she smiled in the darkness. "I'm glad you're back. I see you've come to have seconds thoughts about us..." Rigel's voice was drowsy, barely audible. Sheba didn't recognize it.

She leant closer and her lips touched the ones she thought were Cassiopeia's...

Rigels lips responded hungrily. The put her arms around Sheba's neck and pulled her closer. Her hands caressing the back of Sheba's neck.

The kiss felt divine.

Sheba's hand found her way to Rigel's breasts.

They seemed bigger than before...

"What the...!" Surprised Sheba broke off from the kiss and pulled a little further away. "Cassiopeia! You never told me you had taken advantage of the leftovers of the tecra implants...!"

"What???" Rigel lifted her head from the pillow, her eyes like two huge question marks. Her hand was searching for the switch of the the night lamp on the bedside table. She turned on the lights.

Shocked Sheba stared at the face of Rigel.

"By the lords of kobol!!"

* * *

Making very sure Cassie was nowhere in sight Starbuck walked through the dancefloor to Apollo and Boomer. Greenbean nodded a quick hello to Starbuck before escorting a stunning sagittarian lady to the dancefloor.

"Starbuck, It must be the many games of triad that have obviously developed your skills of quick observation and abilities of vanishing swiftly" Boomer joked. "You disappeared like a laser beam when you spotted Cassie! I had no idea she represented such a threat to you. I do recall times when you were the one hunting after her! Or is my memory perhaps deteriorating with age..."

"Times change, Boomer" Starbuck patted his friend's shoulder and grinned. "I'm an old man now! Around 30 yahrens old. I have to accept the restrictions my body has nowadays, and Cassiopeia... well, she's a little more than I can handle" Starbuck put a fumarello in his mouth.

"Yeah, right!" Boomer rolled his eyes.

Apollo laughed out loud, obviously enjoying the conversation boomer and Starbuck were having.

"Besides..." Starbuck's voice was barely audible as he continued. "Perhaps time has come to start something new..."

"Like what?" Boomer turned. "I thought you already had gotten...acquainted with most of the ladies in the fleet".

"Don't believe everything you hear, Boomer" Starbuck replied truthfully, glancing Apollo. Fumarello smoke was curling in the air.

I have to get Apollo alone with me, Starbuck's mind was pounding. How the frack can I do that! Why am I so scared. What's the worst that can happen... Apollo kicks my ass and tells me that he doesn't want anything to do with me anymore... Ok, I can handle that... I think.

But Starbuck knew better. He could somehow learn to handle the fact that Apollo didn't love him back. But to live without his friendship. No way!

Even if he left the Galactica and never saw Apollo again... still knowing Apollo hated him...

He would die!

I'm are an idiot, Starbuck shaked his head. "What choice do I have? Ok. Just do it!"

"What??" Boomer's eyes were wide. Apollo was looking at Starbuck with an amused expression on his face.

Oh frack. Starbuck realized he had said the last words out load by accident. I'm obviously an even bigger idiot than I thought...

"Errr... I was just thinking that..."

"BY THE LORDS OF KOBOL!!!"

Both Starbuck and Boomer turned to look at Apollo, amazed. Apollo's face was horrified. He was staring at one of the performance stages. Starbuck and Boomer followed his gaze and Starbuck's jaw dropped open.

* * *

Athena was up on the stage, so intoxicated she could barely remain on her feet. She was dancing...or doing something that did remotely look like dancing but she was too drunk to hold the rhythm or move gracefully.

And she was about to pull off her black dress.

"Oh sagan!!!" Apollo cried. He dashed ahead, ran towards the stage, pushing away the people that crowded his way. "Athena!!!"

Athena forgot about pulling her dress and waved to the white-faced Apollo, giggling foolishly.

"My dearest brother!" Athena almost lost balance. "Joining me up here, are you?"

Flight sergeant Giles shot through the curtains and accompanied by two other men covered Athena with a golden towel and started pulling her away from the stage. Athena was protesting loudly.

Finally they succeeded, and in no time Athena found herself sitting on the floor backstage, his brother kneeling next to her, furious and extremely concerned. Apollo had noticed that Athena's intoxication was not a result of too much alcohol. The enlarged pupils of Athena's eyes and the redness and slight swelling around her carotid artery revealed that she had some other substance in her system.

The symptons were familiar to Apollo who had quite recently discussed them with doctor Salik and some others.

This substance had been spreading amongst the population of the fleet in dangerous pace.

The source of the substance had not been figured out yet, but the search was underway.

"Athena, where did you get this stuff??" the firmness of Apollo's voice annoyed Athena.

"None of your business, big brother" Athena stared at Apollo's eyes challengingly.

"Athena, I'm very concerned!"

"Well, if you're looking for someone to blame, why don't you turn your look towards your buddy Starbuck. He's the fracking cause of this you know..."

Starbuck stood further away, looking shocked.

Apollo frowned. "Athena, Starbuck had nothing to do with this"

Athena glared at her brother.

"You and Starbuck obviously need to work things out, but this is no way to do it Athena.

Now, please tell me who gave this drug to you."

Jolly was standing in the shadows nearby, watching Athena closely.

"No Apollo". Athena's face was determined.

* * *

Derran's viper approached the Rising Star.

"Galactica viper requesting coordinates and permission to land."

The instructions started flooding through the computer.

"Now, all I have to do is find the commander amongst thousands of people" Derran sighed.

"Piece of primaries..."

Something hit the viper. It exploded into blindingly bright stardust and slowly vanished into darkness.

* * *

"Sir, we lost contact with Derran's viper"

Omega's face darkened. He was silent for a micron. "And still no word from commander Adama?"

"No sir"

Omega glanced at the radar monitor. "I command you to change the course of the fleet, now!"

"Sir?"

Omega's eyes were still on the monitor "We are entering a field of astralons in five centons! This is our last chance to avoid disaster. Turn the ship, now!"

"Yes sir!" Patrick rushed to the computer and started inserting new coordinates.

"Order the Galactica to full alert and inform the other ships in the fleet! And bring down the shield!"

The siren of the claxon started screeding throughout the Galactica. The red alert flashed on. The personnel of the bridge hurried to take emergency positions.

But it was too late.

The first astralon hit the Galactica!

* * *

Apollo looked pale. Starbuck wanted so much to comfort him. His heart ached seeing his companion hurting.

They were standing in an empty hallway that connected the main lounge with the north restaurants.

"Athena will be alright" Starbuck wanted to embrace his friend, kiss him gently. Kiss away the pain and make everything well again. He tried to look into Apollo's eyes but Apollo's gaze was on the floor.

"Salik will take good care of her. And I know that even Cassie will put aside her personal rivalry and give Athena all the medical attention she needs". Starbuck wanted to touch Apollo's face, kiss his eyes. "And after Athena is healed physically, Salik will make sure she goes through the process of mental treatment"

Apollo lifted his head and met Starbuck's gentle eyes. "You always know how to make me feel better" Apollo's little smile was warm and thankful. "I wouldn't know what to do without you in my life..."

"If I'm to decide, you'll never have to find out" Starbuck hesitantly took a step closer. And then reached out and embraced Apollo, pulling him close, holding him gently, afraid to even breathe...

Apollo seemed to be caught off-guard. He stiffened for a micron. Then he surrendered to the closeness and pressed his body against Starbuck. Apollo's hands found their way to Starbuck back, holding onto him tightly.

Starbuck's heart seemed to stop. And he realized they were alone together. Just like he had hoped... Starbuck lifted his head a little, holding his breath. "Apollo..."

Apollo raised his head and his eyes met Starbuck's.

Apollo's face was so close. Starbuck trembled. His face lingered closer to Apollo's...

Apollo's eyes were full of question, but he didn't pull away. He didn't move.

Starbuck's heart raced. Do it, do it, do it!! His mind was on fire. Starbuck closed his eyes...

An enormous thump threw him backwards.

Starbuck only just avoided hitting his head on a marble cocktail table that flew across the hall towards him...

Another intense thump shuddered the Rising Star, making it loose balance!

Starbuck and Apollo catapulted against the wall! The nearest marble pillars broke in half and fell. One of them on Apollo's leg, making him cry out in pain!

The heavy shudders continued! Growing more and more intense, tearing the ship apart!

People were screaming and collapsing everywhere, injured ones lying all around, some bleeding, crying! The pieces of furniture that weren't bolted to the floors hurled in the air, crashing against walls and on people!

Chaos!

* * *

"Apollo!!!" Starbuck crawled as quickly as he could to Apollo who was lying on the floor, unconscious. "Apollo, please wake up! Answer me!!"

The shudders seem to be calming down. The ship found it's balance. Starbuck lifted Apollo's head. "Please sagan, don't take him away from me! I'm begging you. I'll make a deal with you. I'll stop all the gambling and smoking if Apollo survives! I'll be the nicest boy-scout that has ever set foot in this star system. Please!!!" Tears were rolling on Starbuck's cheeks. He pressed Apollo's face against his chest.

"Starbuck!" Boomer crawled to him.

"You don't know how glad I am to see you buddy" Starbuck clutched Boomer's arm. "Are you Ok?"

"Yeah, I'm fine" Boomer gave Starbuck an appreciative smile. "And I'm relieved to see you are too." Boomer looked at Apollo. "Let's get him to the life center. Now"...

* * *

"What the frack was that!!?!!!" Tigh wiped some of the dust off his blue dress uniform. The pain on his knee seemed to have dissappeared a little but he was still limping. Adama was supporting him as they made way towards the Rising Star shuttle bay.

Adama was holding a tissue on the cut on his forehead. " I have no idea Tigh!" Adama's expression was worried. "I'm anxious to get back to the Galactica. Let's hope our shuttle isn't too badly damaged".

"Have you tried to contact the bridge?" Tigh asked.

"I seem to have lost my communicator in the accident" Adama replied with a frown.

"I'm surprised Omega didn't contact us earlier. He must have seen this coming."

"Adama, I asked you to turn your communicator off, remember..."

Adama was quiet.

* * *

Corporal Lomas was helping Jolly to sit up. Jolly was dizzy, and didn't seem to quite know where he was. "How are you feeling Jolly?"

"I'll live...I think..."

He dug into his pockets and pulled out the small plastic bag. "Well, I will live for sure after a nice little..."

Lomas grabbed the plastic bag from Jolly. "Oh no, you won't..."

Unexpected fury flashed from Jolly's eyes all of a sudden. He clenched Lomas' hand, forced it open and took the plastic bag.

"Frack Jolly! Don't you know what that stuff does to you!!!"

"Takes me to the stars!" Jolly's smile was dark.

* * *

Athena was at the launching bay, in the middle of hundreds of others, fighting to get on the next flight out. Her head was pounding and her mouth felt like sandpaper.

She looked around to find a familiar face. Hands and elbows kept pushing her. The air at the bay was stuffy. She felt nauseous.

* * *

Cassiopeia's room looked like it had been hit by a tornado.

Sheba sat up and looked around, trying to clear her head. "Rigel, are you all right??"

Rigel was standing by the door, trying to open it. She turned when she heard Sheba's voice.

"Good, you're ok. You were unconscious for a couple of microns" Rigel's smile reflected relief. She nodded towards the door "Seems to be stuck..."

Sheba tried to stand up but the sudden stabbing pain on her ankle made her fall back on the floor.

"Don't try to stand up" Rigel warned. "I'll get help as soon as I get out." She continued, frustrated "...If I get out".

Sheba examined her ankle. "It's not broken. I must have sprained it..."

She suddenly fell silent as she remembered what had been happening just before the accident.

"Rigel... Oh kobol..." Sheba felt so embarrassed she could hardly get any words out. "Oh no!!"

Rigel was leaning her back against the door. She was looking at Sheba. "I've done a little thinking while you were unconscious, and..."

Sheba raised her eyes "And?..."

Rigel smiled. "I think I quite enjoyed it!" Her smile turned to a wide grin. "Didn't you?..."

* * *

Starbuck was pacing around on the shuttle to the Galactica. Apollo was lying on a bunk at the back of the ship, covered in warm, white blankets.

The ship's computer was giving them instructions to head for another landing bay, due to the one they were heading for had electronic difficulties. Boomer was quiet, observing the visible damages on the Galactica as they approached it.

"Well, Starbuck. It looks a little better than I expected. The shield must have protected it pretty well. Compaired to other ships of the fleet the Galactica is the least damaged... But the astralons must have been extremely big. The Gemini seems to have suffered pretty bad!!"

Starbuck glanced out the window at the Gemini. "Boomer, stop enjoying the view and press the turbo button a little harder, will you. I want to get Apollo to the life center!"

Boomer shook his head. "Relax Starbuck! He will be ok! Besides, we are starting to land. You have to sit down and buckle up. Don't make me come there..."

Starbuck let out a fatalistic sigh and sat on the closest seat, keeping his eyes on Apollo.

They were approaching the landing bay. Boomer firmly held on to the control stick, carefully directing the shuttle.

Apollo opened his eyes.

Starbuck let out an ecstatic yell and quickly unbuckled his seatbelt, not giving a frack about the safety regulations. He dashed to the bunk and kneeled beside Apollo.

"I'm fine Starbuck!" Apollo grinned. "Get back to your seat, you old fool."

Starbuck's eyes were full of tears of happiness "Oh sagan Apollo! Don't you ever dare to scare me like that again..."

"Starbuck, you don't have to call me sagan Apollo when we're alone together..."

* * *

Cassiopeia was kneeling next to the lifeless body of lieutenant Bojay. She lifted her eyes and they were full of tears.

"How did he die?"

Doctor Wilker's face was grave.

"He doesn't seem to have any bruises on his body..." Cassiopeia continued.

"Apart from the substantial swelling around the carotid artery and the blueish colour of the face..." Wilker's voice was concerned.

"Doctor Wilker, I don't understand..."

"He died of an overdose of compressed dekar-plant.

* * *

Two centars had passed. The Council of the Twelve had gathered in it's chambers.

All the bridge officers of the Galactica were also present, as well as representatives from every ship in the fleet. Most of the representatives were the ships' captains.

Starbuck, Sheba and Boomer stood by the wall. Apollo was standing beside his father.

Omega was in front of the brightly lit radar map, explaining the fleet's current situation.

"The damages caused by the astralon field have been examined and the information is very much unfavourable", Omega spoke. "Most of our ships are not cabable of proceeding the voyage".

Omega's words were followed by a torrent. Sire Domra stood up. "What about the Agroship 9? How badly did it suffer?"

"It's frame was penetrated by three or four astralons. We have lost about 75 percent of the harvest..."

"And the sanitation ship?..."

"Luckily, still in one piece. It seems to have suffered only minor damages..." Omega paused. "But it has come to our knowledge that the prison barge was quite badly hit. Most of the guards are dead. Some prisoners survived, and few have escaped due to a technical breakdown..."

Again, flood of words followed Omega information.

Commander Adama stood up.

"There is only one way we can survive..."

The council's eyes turned to him. Adama walked to the bright radar map. "According to the radar we are approximately 2102 metrics from the Volgron System" Adama turned to face the council. "There we will find planets that, according to our computer, have suitable nutrient plants that carry seeds which will help us to regain the harvest we lost."

Apollo walked to his father and continued. "If we land on the planets of Volgron, we will also have an opportunity to repair the damaged ships. Maybe we will even find communities there that can provide us with the material we might need."

"Apollo", sire Uri stood up. "Perhaps you should take into consideration the minor detail that if we do land, we are an easy target for any creature who wishes to attack us, like the cylons for example. Or have you forgotten about the cylons..."

"I admit there is a risk involved" Apollo glanced at sire Uri icily, "But we don't have much choice, do we!"

Adama cut in "We have not been interfered by the cylons lately. It seems likely they have lost track of us"

"We cannot count on that! Uri started walking accross the chamber. "Baltar..."

"Forget about Baltar!" Adama stopped Uri's sentence. He slowly looked at the face of each member of the council and then turned to Omega.

"Insert the coordinates of the Volgron system into the ship's computer". Adama walked towards the chamber's exit. He turned. "We are going to land the fleet". He walked out of the room.

* * *

Adama stood behind Omega, who was closely monitoring the screen of the ship's control system computer.

"We should reach the Volgron System in five centars, sir" Omega turned to look up at Adama. "Should I order the other ships to slow down their speed?"

Adama didn't take his eyes off the forthcoming planets. "Yes, Omega. Please do so. And tell the ships to change their positions. Bring the most damaged ones to the front of the fleet."

"Sir?"

"Those are the ships that we must actually land on the planets" Adama's voice was thoughtful. "The ones that suffered minor damages do not need to land. The repairing can be done otherwise. When we reach our destination, order the less damaged ships to stay about thirty kilometrons above the surface."

"Yes sir."

The doors opened with a hiss and Tigh entered. He walked across to Adama. "The blue squadron has returned from patrol, sir. "

* * *

"Hey wait up!" Apollo rushed after Starbuck who was loping down the corridor. "Wait a centon!"

Starbuck turned and grinned. Apollo caught him and stopped for a micron to catch his breath. "Felgercarb Starbuck. This isn't a game of triad you know. You should have seen yourself, running down the corridor like a lupus..." Apollo took a hold of Starbuck shoulder, still out of breath. "What's the rush anyway??"

Starbuck grinned. "I can't wait to get to the turbowash! I always feel so felgercarbish after five sectons in decontamination. Besides, I'm dying for a fumarello..."

They started down the hall together. "I don't know how you do it Starbuck. Smoking like that and still managing to be in such an enviable shape..." Apollo shook his head.

Starbuck's grin grew wider "What can I do, Apollo. I'm perfect! You just watch out, I'll be the captain before you know it..."

Apollo's cheerful laughter accompanied them as they walked.

What Apollo didn't know is that Starbuck had been trying to get away from the landing bay, quickly before he had to face Apollo. Starbuck was embarrassed.

After the hazard with the astralons, when their shuttle from the Rising Star had landed on the Galactica, Apollo hadn't referred to, in any way, if he had been aware of Starbuck trying to kiss him. Apollo acted like nothing unusual had happened, and that was agonizing to Starbuck. He was desperate to find out what was on Apollo mind, but he was too scared to ask.

Starbuck's mind was fighting with millions of unanswered questions... Was Apollo acting like nothing had happened because he didn't feel the same way as Starbuck did and he was trying to save their friendship... Or was it really possible that Apollo hadn't realized that Starbuck had been about to kiss him...

Oh sagan, how Starbuck wanted to know.

Starbuck and Apollo exited the elevator. Starbuck kept secretly eyeing Apollo. By the lords of Kobol how beautiful he was. His hair was a shaggy mess from wearing the viper helmet and his cheeks were blushed from spending the few sectons in decontamination.

"Let's get changed and head for the bridge" Apollo was saying. "I know how impatiently my father is waiting for the information we gathered from the Volgron planets."

"Yeah..." Starbuck kept replying to Apollo's sentences but not really listening to them at all.

"I'll meet you here in...let's say... 7 centons, how's that sound?" They had reached the door to Apollo's quarters. "or do you want to come in and wait while I take a turbowash and change? And then I'll accompany you to your quarters."

Starbuck hesitated. He wanted passionately to enter Apollo's quarters with him. Watch him take off his uniform and reveal that masterpiece of a body of his before Starbuck's hungry eyes. Starbuck was just about to shout outhis enthusiastic yes, when he realized that it would be a very very bad idea... seeing Apollo like that and not being able to reach out and share his love...

But perhaps Apollo wanted him to come into his quarters so they could talk privately about what had happened, Starbuck's heart took a leap. He gathered up courage and looked straight into Apollo eyes...

Apollo's eyes didn't reveal anything. He was chatting about Muffit. Starbuck sighed agonizingly. Muffit! of all things...

"Well, are you coming Starbuck?" Apollo was holding the door open.

"Umm...better not..." Starbuck mumbled. Apollo's eyes were surprised. "We'll get to the bridge quicker if... well... I'll meet you here in 7 centons." Starbuck was already walking down the corridor.

Apollo shrugged and disappeared into his quarters. Starbuck felt like banging his head agaist the metal walls of the hallway.

* * *

Lucifer approached Baltar. "We have located the Galactica."

* * *

"The Volgron System has five planets" Apollo was talking to the Council of the Twelve. "Goldron, Regra, Volgor, Cerigta and Fertog. They are all very much alike and the atmosphere is suitable for humans to breathe. The weather is not likely to be hostile..."

The members of the council were listening carefully.

"We didn't encounter any living beings, but our scanners suggest there may be communities of life-forms of some sort. possibly even human. " Apollo looked at each member of the council as he continued. "We did find evidence of ancient habitation. There were remains of old temples, statues, villages..." Apollo glanced at his father. He knew how much Adama would have liked to go and explore the history of that planet. "The most surprising thing about the planets is that the landscape changes very abruptly every fifty kilometrons. That would make the landing of huge ships rather difficult..." Apollo paused,"but luckily we found areas that differ from the landscape pattern" Apollo smiled. There are huge desert areas on every planet. They seem to be former oceans that have dried up during thousands of yahrens." Apollo walked to the side of his father. "We can easily land about 100 ships on those areas. That covers the most damaged ones.

Siress Blassie spoke. " And what are the plans to guarantee the fleet's safety? I do hope there are plans..."

Adama turned to face her. "We will be sending out patrols that cover both land and the space around the planets. The squadrons will constantly be prepaired for red alert. But..." There was a micron's silence. "Unfortunately we will be vulnerable."

* * *

Boomer was shocked to hear about Bojay's death. Although they never were really close, he still had been a part of Boomer's circle of friends.

Giles was looking at Boomer with concern. He didn't want to leave his friend alone after the awful news, but he was scheduled for duty. "Will you be ok?"

Boomer nodded. He still couldn't quite believe what he was hearing. "Bojay was... just a kid!"

"A kid who made his own choices Boomer" Giles continued."No one forced him to take that dekar plant stuff..."

"Dekar plant??" I thought he died because of the astralon hazard!" Boomer's eyes were very surprised.

Then he stopped. he suddenly remembered the state Bojay had been in, the last time Boomer saw him. "Oh felgercarb!.." Boomer was pale. "Oh sagan. Just to think that I could've done something to prevent this..."

Giles quickly cut in "Hey Boomer, there's no need to feel guilty. You didn't know what felgercarb Bojay had taken. As far as you could tell he was just plain drunk. Don't blame yourself!!"

Boomer wasn't listening. He had noticed Starbuck entering the cantina. "I'll be just fine, Giles. You go ahead."

"Are you sure..." Giles hesitated.

"Positive!" Boomer's eyes were not on Giles as he stood up to go. "I'll see you later..."

"I guess you've heard..." Starbuck and Boomer were sitting at the table. Boomer suddenly wasn't feeling half as bad about Bojay any more. Not now that Starbuck was there. In fact, he wouldn't have given a frack even if the cylons had attacked and taken them prisoners. As long as they put him in the same cell as Starbuck, well, he would be in heavens. Now all you have to do is tell Starbuck you want to be in the same cell... Boomer suppressed a cynical laughter just before it burst out. Starbuck's left hand was playing with an empty ashtray. "hey Boomer, you don't think Bojay was the one that gave compressed dekar to Athena do you..."

Boomer shook his head. "Bojay didn't even have a chance to meet Athena at the party. He was already in the private room when Athena arrived." Starbuck's hand stopped paying with the ashtray but remained on the table.

Boomer didn't take his eyes off that hand.

Starbuck was thoughtful. "What about Jolly...he was acting kinda weird too..."

Boomer wasn't listening. He quickly glanced around the cantina to make sure no one was paying any attention to them.

"Umm... Starbuck..." Boomer reached out and placed his own hand very gently on top of Starbuck's, ready to pull back his hand like a laser beam if Starbuck gave a wrong reaction. Boomer held his breath. "There's something you should know..." Great start you imbecil, Boomer thought to himself. "I mean..."

Starbuck raised his eyes away from the ashtray and looked into Boomer's...

"Liutenant Starbuck. Report to the bridge. Liutenant Starbuck." The loudspeaker abbounced.

Frack! Frack! Frack! Boomer mind kept pounding.

"Oh no!" Starbuck gave Boomer an agonizing look. "They can't seem to be able to do anything without me" he stood up and gave Boomer two cubits. "My turn to pay for the drinks" He grinned. "Man, do I feel generous today..."

Starbuck was about to go but he stopped. He looked down at Boomer, and his smile was gentle. "I know you were trying to make me feel better just a micron ago. And I do appreciate it, Boomer. You are such a wonderful friend!"

Starbuck turned and left.

Boomer watched Starbuck walking away. "Yeah... such a wonderful friend..." Boomer turned his head away from Starbuck and poured the rest of the grog into his throat. "Great friend indeed..." Sagan how that hurt.

* * *

Starbuck entered the bridge. Apollo was already there, standing beside Sheba. Starbuck didn't like that sight at all. Adama was next to the computer screen with Omega. Tigh was behind them. Writing notes for Patrick, who took them and walked to Rigel.

Adama turned. "We have entered the Volgron System and approaching Cerigta."

Sheba glanced out of the window with curiosity. She hadn't been on patrol with Apollo and others earlier. She had taken care of...other things. She smiled to herself. A smile that didn't go unnoticed by Starbuck. Images of Sheba and Apollo together flooded to his mind. Don't be stupid, he thought. But his heart was aching anyway.

Starbuck would have been ecstatic if he had known what was really going on in Sheba's mind.

Those thoughts did not include Apollo at all, but a pretty little lady called Rigel...

Sheba had spent some quite nice little moments with her after they had escaped from Cassiopeia's room.

Tigh walked over to Apollo and Sheba. "We have spotted the desert areas of Cerigta", Tigh's eyes lingered on Apollo for a micron too long. "And the first ships are currently altering speed and descending, ready to land in 30 centons."

Apollo was looking at Tigh, listening. Tigh continued.

"We need you and your squadron to land on Cerigta with the first ships. And make sure the area is safe from... intruders."

Apollo nodded. "I'm off to prepair my viper." He winked at Starbuck. "Let's go."

Ummm...Apollo, there's one other thing." Tigh glanced at Adama and continued. "Your stubborn father wants to come with you... I want you to talk some sense to him..."

"I heard that!" Adama tried to keep an angry expression on his face but his eyes were sparkling amused.

Adama walked to Tigh and Apollo. He put his hand on Tigh's back. "Nobody talks me into anything, Tigh you should know that after all these yahrens..." he glanced Tigh playfully.

Then he turned to Apollo "Prepare a shuttle for me."

"But father..."

"I'll be down at the lauching bay in 20 centons" Adama's face was determined. Apollo knew that look on his father's face. There was no changing his mind.

Apollo, Starbuck and Sheba left the bridge.

Adama took a hold of Tigh's arm. "I need to see you for a centon colonel...

In private." Adama's smile was warm.

* * *

Starbuck rushed to his room. He had about 15 centons to go and collect all the things he would need down on Cerigta.

He was just about done with the packing when Cassiopeia unexpectedly entered his quarters.

"Cassie... I don't have time for this..."

Cassiopeia walked to Starbuck, reached out and pulled him closer. Her hands caressed the back of Starbuck's neck. "I just wanted to see you before you left" Starbuck felt uncomfortable.

"We'll be gone for only one night Cassie. We'll return to the Galactica tomorrow and then prepair to land with the next group of ships..."

Cassiopeia silenced him with a kiss. A long, lingering, gentle kiss. Starbuck closed his eyes and pretended it was Apollo he was kissing...

* * *

Athena hugged her father tightly. They were down at the launching bay. "You better take good care of him!" She smiled at her brother. "Or I'll come down there and you'll be in trouble..."

Apollo laughed.

"I'm quite cabable of taking care of myself Athena!" Adama smiled. "I'm not senile!"

He caressed the cheek of his beautiful daughter. "How are you feeling Athena. I know the dekar-rehabilitation was not an easy process..."

"I'm fine father" Athena's smile was honest.

Starbuck arrived at the launching bay. Athena's heart leaped. "Hello Starbuck" she purred.

"Oh...err, hello Athena. You look beautiful. I'm glad you are fine again" Starbuck gave a hurried kiss on her cheek and quickly strode off to his viper to escape.

Apollo too walked to his viper an climbed into it. "We better go father. It will be night time on Cerigta in two centars."

"You are right. We'll be safer if we land while it's still light" Adama gave his daughter one more gentle hug "Take care of yourself."

"I will father"

Adama entered his shuttle with Giles.

Athena stood there, watching until the vipers and the shuttle disappeared into space.

Then she turned and headed to find Jolly...

* * *

Baltar stared at Lucifer's metallic features.

"You are telling me that the Galactica, and the other ships have suffered considerable damages caused by a major astralon field and they are about to LAND..." Baltar turned and walked a little further from Lucifer. "If what you say is true then..." Baltar turned back to Lucifer. "That is good news..."

"That is not all sir" Lucifer's red eyes were bright in the dark room. "We also have information from reliable sources that the commander of the fleet is on his way to to a planet called Cerigta, accompanied by only a handful of colonial warriors."

Baltar stopped pacing. "Adama..." He seemed to be slowly tasting that word in his mouth.

Baltar glanced at Lucifer. "And who is that so-called reliable source?"

"That person would like to remain in obscurity, sir..."

A sly smile spread across Baltar's face. his eyes were gleaming.

"Lucifer. Prepair a group of your best cylon warriors. We are going to meet my dear friend Adama on Cerigta..." Baltar grinned. "And we are going to bring him back here with us." Baltar's grin turned to an evil leer. "I'm sure the colonials would be very willing to surrender to us if their prescious leader's life was at stake..."

Baltar looked at Lucifer's flashing eyes. "Carry out your orders."

"By your command." Lucifer bowed and walked out of the room.

Baltar was left alone in the dark chambers.

"Adama... It has been such a long time..."

The only light in the room was the light of the stars. Baltar's face was veiled in shadows.

"I wonder if..."

Baltar's eyes stared into his past.

* * *

Thirty enormous ships had landed on the endless deserts of Cerigta.

The two suns of the Volgron System were setting, painting the landscape in enigmatic purple.

There was silence, except for the hum of the wind and the enchanting birdsong of occational brightly feathered herabs.

On the outskirts of the deserts, huge spruce-like gomon trees reached for the sky, creating shadows on the desert sand. Seven small moons were appearing in the horizons, ready to rise and conquer the night sky.

In the middle of the forest of gomons, a beautiful silvery lake reflected the purple glow of sunset. There were remains of ancients statues near the lake.

And that was where the colonial warriors had set up their camp.

* * *

Apollo was leaning on the parked landram, watching the suns setting. Heheard steps approaching. "It takes my breath away..." He sighed to Starbuck who appeared next to him.

"Yeah, it sure is enticing..." Starbuck replied, but his eyes were not on the suns. He was staring at Apollo who seemed to be glowing in the purple dusk.

"Ummm Apollo..." Starbuck hesitated to speak, not wanting to break the magic the dusk seemed to create. "I made a campfire near the landrams. So when you're ready to... eat, well, I took the mushies out of the shuttle and they are ready to be roasted. That is if you're hungry..."

"Are all the others eating?" Apollo delayingly turned his gaze away from the suns.

"Apollo, you have been right here staring at the landscape for at least a centar. Your father and Giles have already retired to the landrams to get a good night's sleep."

Apollo smiled. "Let's go and enjoy the warmth of the fire and mushies then." He took a hold of Starbuck's shoulder as they turned to go. "It's getting a bit too dark to enjoy the dusk anyway."

Starbuck glanced the huge gomons. "There sure isn't shortage of firewood!"

Starbuck was ecstatic. Alone with Apollo. If only his heart would keep still. If only he found enough courage this time.

He had to find out how Apollo felt!

There was an annoying lump in his throat.

His felt as if was going to collapse any micron...

They reached the campfire. Starbuck went to the bags and grinning, he pulled out two bottles of ambrosia. "You didn't think I'd go to strange places without these did you.."

Apollo laughed. He sat down on the ground and the fire lit his face andhair, making it glitter with gold.

Starbuck came and sat next to him, biting his teeth together as he tried to force open the bottle. "Frack! This baby seems to be stuck!! I can't believe this..."

"Let me try..." Apollo reached out and was just about to take a hold of the bottle when Starbuck's strengh took him by surprise and the cork came up.

Half of the ambrosia spilled out all over Apollo's uniform...

"Frack!!" Apollo grabbed a couple of tissues from the backpack next to him and tried to wipe the ambrosa off. It wasn't much help. It just kept staining his uniform red.

"I have to take this uniform off" Apollo stood up. "I'll be back in a centon. He walked to the landram and disappeared inside it.

Starbuck was dumbstruck. He was overjoyed. he was horrified. How in heavens was he ever going to be able to act normal, Apollo sitting beside him, half naked!!

Oh sagan. Make up an excuse! go to sleep! Fly back to the Galactica. Go and shoot cylons. Hide!! Do something!

But Starbuck was in heavens. There was no way he was going to miss this... Spending a little time with half naked Apollo!

Thank you sagan!

* * *

"Speak centurion."

"The fighters you requested for are ready to go", a metallic, toneless voice of a golden cylon centurion echoed in Baltar's thone room.

Baltar smiled.

* * *

Apollo came back to the campfire and sat down next to Starbuck. He was wearing only a blue towel around his waist. Starbuck almost stopped breathing. He determinedly kept his eyes on the cracking fire.

"I should've brought a spare uniform with me" Apollo was angry with himself. "But I kept thinking that I wouldn't need one since we were only going to stay down here 15 centars or so."

"What a stroke of luck we're not on the ice planet Kalpa" Starbuck succeeded in being a little amused. Apollo couldn't help but smile.

Starbuck's eyes kept turning away from the fire, to the half naked body of Apollo. No matter how hard he tried to resist.

They fell silent for a centon, listening to the sound of the fire.

Darkness had fallen over the planet. The seven little moons created only a mere translucent shimmer.

Apollo turned his eyes towards Starbuck.

He leant closer and his hand took a gentle hold of Starbuck's chin. His eyes looked deeply into Starbuck's.

Starbuck felt like the world was turning upside down and then suddenly disappearing around them. What in the name of the lords was going on? This couldn't be happening!!

He must have fallen and hit his head somewhere. He was probably lying somewhere unconscious right now, and obviously dreaming!!

Starbuck couldn't turn his eyes away from Apollo's. The eyes made him feel dizzy. Like he was flying higher and higher to the heavens, lifted by the arms of sagans...

Apollo's soft lips found Starbuck's, barely touching, caressing them like the wings of a butterfly.

Starbuck's lips responded to the kiss, echoed the gentleness. But with a hunger Starbuck had never previously felt. He was on fire.

Starbuck clung onto Apollo like he was drowning.

His heart became alive.

Please Sagan let the time stand still!! The sagans opened their palms and Starbuck flew through the stars with a speed he had never before exprerienced. His body was burning, the invisible flames rising high above the gomons, up to the night sky...

Apollo pulled away, gently, still caressing Starbucks lips with his fingers. Looking into Starbuck's eyes.

"No!!" Starbuck wanted to scream. "Don't stop! Don't go!" Starbuck yearned to pull Apollo closer, to devour him with his passion.

The very micron Apollo moved further away the universe of Starbuck grew darker. The stars dimmed.

Starbuck was still lost in Apollo's eyes.

He had totally forgotten the art of speaking. The only thing that spoke was his heart. It sang with the herabs.

"Starbuck, I knew you were about to kiss me on the Rising Star..." Apollo's eyes were shining in the moonlight as he spoke.

Starbuck tried to remember how to create words. "If you knew...then why..."

"Starbuck..." Apollo touched Starbuck's forehead, wiped away a dangling lock of hair. "There are so many others in your life Starbuck... I wasn't sure if that kiss would have meant the same thing to you as it would have for me... After all, it was a party, and I had doubts that you were only trying to comfort me after I was so devastated about Athena..."

"Apollo..." Starbuck's heart was bursting.

"I care for you Starbuck" Apollo's voice was quiet. "I guess I didn't want to be turned down..."

Tears filled Starbuck's eyes. "Apollo... Don't you know..."

"After that incident on the Rising Star..." Apollo continued, " I've been kind of observing you, Starbuck. Looking for signs..." Apollo's smile became even more tender. "And I came to realize that you had the same kind of feelings towards me."

Apollo stroked Starbuck's hair. "I noticed the way you kept staring at me, the look on your face... in your eyes..." Apollo leant forward and tenderly kissed Starbuck's forehead.

"I guess that gave me the courage to do what I did a micron ago..." Starbuck took Apollo's hands and lifted them on his lips. He closed his eyes." Be gentle with my heart Apollo" Starbuck whispered. "I just placed it in your hands."

Starbuck was trembling as Apollo pulled him closer. Starbuck lifted his head and his thirsty lips yearned for quench in Apollo's.

Apollo pulled Starbuck really close. They kissed passionately.

A sound of a landram door opening. Forthcoming steps.

Quickly Starbuck and Apollo pulled apart... Just in time before Giles appeared.

"What are you guys doing up so late" Giles yawned. He spotted the half empty bottle of ambrosa on the ground. "I see, you guys are having a little party. Do you mind if I join." He sat down near the campfire and took the bottle. "Well, I couldn't sleep anyway. The way Adama snores...phew!" Giles drank straight from the bottle. He looked at Apollo and Starbuck. "What's the matter? You guys look like you've just seen a ghost."

* * *

Boomer was still awake, lying on his bunk. His mind kept lingering on Starbuck. Boomer missed him terribly. He had asked for permission to go down on Cerigta with Starbuck and Apollo, but Tigh had told him to stay aboard the Galactica.

Boomer's eyes were open, gleaming in the darkness of his quarters. Sagan, how he was impatient for the next day to dawn quickly.

And Starbuck to return.

* * *

Baltar's fighter approached Cerigta. He saw the shadows of the huge ships resting on the desert. Lucifer's ship circled around next to his. Baltar heard Lucifer's voice through the fighter's communicator.

"May I suggest we land a little further from the colonial ships. It would be quite disasterous for your little plan if the colonials spotted us prematurely..."

"You are right Lucifer" Baltar was still looking at the ships, trying to spot colonial vipers amongst them. Or a camp...

"Order the convoy to land approximately 30 metrics from the desert"

"By your command."

* * *

Starbuck was cuddled up on his bunk, half awake, listening to the quiet sounds of the night.

Starbuck sleepily raised his head and looked at the moonlit figure of Apollo lying on a mattress on the floor of the landram. He seemed to be asleep. Starbuck wanted to take one more look at Apollo before entering the entrancing, mysterious world of sleep.

Starbuck would have loved to have shared his bunk with Apollo tonight, but Giles had insisted to be given a chance to sleep in Starbuck's and Apollo's landram due to Adama snoring like a chain saw. So Starbuck had unwillingly agreed with what he had read in Apollo's eyes. They were going to sleep apart tonight.

Not that Giles would have really minded, Starbuck thought. But if that is what Apollo had wanted, then...

Besides, Starbuck smiled in the darkness of the landram, they were going to have many many enticing nights together. So there was no hurry.

But oh sagan how he was impatient...

Starbuck was bursting with so much love.

He wanted so much to give that love to Apollo. Make Apollo feel like he was in the heavens with the lords. Apollo deserved nothing less.

Starbuck was happier than he had ever been before in his entire life.

His dreams had come true.

He was finally alive.

Apollo was lying on the mattress, pretending to be asleep.

His eyes were wide open, staring at the ceiling of the landram in the pale, translucent light of the seven remote moons.

Giles was breathing softly. Starbuck seemed to be sleeping as well.

Apollo felt so good about Starbuck. Apollo truly did love him. He wanted so much to form a real relationship with him. The kind of relationship that Starbuck deserved.

But perhaps he should have told Starbuck about Lomas...

* * *

"Good morning sleeping beauty."

Starbuck opened his eyes and for a micron he didn't know where he was. Bright, warm sunlight blinded him. Starbuck narrowed his eyes and tried to make sense of the silhouettes in the blinding light.

Gradually his eyes adjusted to it and he saw Apollo's face lingering very close to his own.

And it all came back to Starbuck. He was suddenly wide awake, his heart racing with joy and love. His lips turned to a beaming smile.

Apollo smiled too. He leant forward and placed a kiss on the tip of Starbuck's nose, and then on the lips. Starbuck's reached out and put his hands around Apollo's shoulders, caressing the back of his neck.

"I can't think of a better way to start a day!" Starbuck beamed.

"I can" Apollo's smile was teasing. "How about if I climb in the bunk with you..."

Starbuck was overjoyed.

"But I better not. "Apollo's face grew slightly more serious. "Giles will be back any micron. He just went to take a look if there is something eatable left in the backpacks."

Apollo stroked Starbuck's cheek and then stood up and moved away from the side of the bunk. "Father is awake too. And expecting us to go and explore the history of the planet with him. You should see him Starbuck. He's so excited, just like a little boy. Just like Boxey..."

Apollo's smile was tender.

Starbuck kept his eyes on Apollo, noticing he was wearing his clothes. "What happened to the red ambrosa stains on your uniform?" He raised his left eyebrow. "And I thought I was going to be able to admire you naked all day long" Starbuck grinned. "Frack!"

Apollo laughed. "I was already up at dawn and washed my clothes in the lake." Apollo's smile lingered dreamily for a micron. "The rising of the two suns was breathtaking..."

Apollo's dreamy look turned to an amused one. "Can you believe it Starbuck, the wind dried the clothes up in 17 microns." Apollo shook his head. "Amazing."

His eyes turned to his friend. "Get dressed Starbuck. We need to be on our way soon"

Starbuck raised from the bunk and walked to Apollo. He put his arms around him from behind and kissed the back of his neck.

Apollo pulled away. "Starbuck! Giles will be here very shortly..."

"So?" Starbuck's smile was soft. "There's nothing we are doing that he hasn't seen before..."

Apollo turned. his face was serious. "Listen Starbuck. Please understand that I would like to keep things secret, just a little while longer, until.... Well... Please Starbuck, try to understand.

Starbuck didn't, but he wasn't going to push Apollo either. "Whatever you say captain."

* * *

The temperature had climbed to at least 120 cekrans. The heat was almost unbearable.

Adama, Starbuck, Giles and Apollo had travelled about 10 metrics west of their camp. The climate had changed very unexpectedly.

Although there still were traces of desert sand on the ground, the flora was extremely rich and hard to get through.

Liana-like Getorras were draping their plentiful branches all around, almost concealing the ancient, narrow footpaths. Hobas trees, which were very different from the spruce-like gomons, grew extremely dense, blocking most of the light of the suns from reaching the ground. The air was exceedingly moist, almost suffocating.

* * *

Apollo was the first one to reach the glade. After a centar in the gloomy light of the forest, he had to narrow his eyes to be able to see in the sudden brightness.

"By the lords of Kobol" Apollo held his breath. Adama reached his side.

They were standing on top of a cliff recipice. An old village opened in front of their eyes. metrics after metrics of ancient houses and temples. The suns shone on them, painting them golden.

The open space was like the porch of the village. There were statues of what seemed to be gods, surrounding the open area. The statues held weapons.

"They look like they are guarding the village from intruders" Adama said respectfully.

An old deteriorated stairway spiralled downwards. it seemed to go on forever.

Starbuck reached Apollo's side. He held his breath as he saw the ancient village.

Adama turned. Apollo noted the enthusiasm in his eyes.

They didn't need to speak.

They proceeded to descend the ancient, dangerous stairway.

* * *

"What do you mean you don't have any to spare!?!" Athena's eyes flashed furiously.

"Exactly what I said" Jolly's voice was calm. "I need all the stuff for myself. After Apollo and the others return from Cerigta, I'm due to go there on patrol. And it doesn't seem likely that I can score this stuff down there..." Jolly lifted his rucksack off the bed.

Athena didn't say anything. She turned and left Jolly's quarters. She knew a better source where she could be able to get compressed dekar.

She headed for the quarters of sire Uri...

* * *

Adama entered into the shadows of en enormous chamber, followed by Apollo who was carrying Adama's rucksack.

Adama was speechless. His eyes reflected utter respect as he observed the ancient statues and carvings.

Giles stood by the wall, looking bored. Starbuck suppressed a smile. He knew that Giles didn't give a frack about history.

Starbuck wished there was a way he could spend a few microns alone with Apollo. He had made a couple of imperceptible attempts to touch Apollo, but he had quickly moved away from Starbuck, acting very distant.

What is he so afraid of, Starbuck thought curiously.

The statues were amazing. Especially the one that was almost a hectar tall. Apollo couldn't take his eyes off it. The statue seemed to portray the most important one of the gods. A multicoloured, androgynous humanoid creature, which had seven arms on each side. Caught in the eternal dance of distruction and creation.

Starbuck kept eyeing the statue's considerable jewelry. "Boy, if I could get my hands on even one little piece of that crown..."

"By the lords of Kobol!!!" Adama was kneeling beside a statue which portrayed a red goddess with three green eyes. The statue was holding a moon on the palm of its hand.

Adama raised his head and stared at the others present.

Slowly he stood up.

"The thirteenth tribe has been here, on this planet, milleniums ago." Adama could barely speak. His voice was husky. His eyes were feverish. He pointed at the moon on the goddess' palm. There were carvings on that moon. Barely observable. "ancient writings..." Adama's eyes shone.

Starbuck stepped closer to have a look. It all looked like felgercarb to him. He tried to keep the expression on his face suitable for the importance of the moment.

"Wow!" Starbuck sighed.

Apollo's eyes laughed.

Adama's voice was almost reverent as explained the carvings to Apollo and Starbuck, who stood next to him, listening with awe.

And Giles, who was impatient to go back to the camp.

The carvings told the story of how the thirteen tribes left Kobol.

Twelve of them to live on the colonies, the thirteenth tribe travelling further away, accross star systems.

Yeah yeah, I know all that, Giles was thinking to himself agonizingly.

The tribe had arrived on the Volgron system, spread accross the five planets. Most of the people ended up on Cerigta.

The planets seemed like a suitable place for people to live on, so they established lives here, building villages. They lived on the Volgron planets for centuries.

Adama paused suddenly.

"What??" Apollo looked at his father.

"The cylons arrived, destroyed communities here too, just as in the other twelve colonies..."

Adama's face reflected the pain he felt inside.

"So the people that survived exiled again. Left for a search of another place to live..."

"Earth." Apollo ended his father's thoughts.

* * *

Apollo tossed his rucksack into the cockpit of his viper.

"You better take good care of my father!" He shouted to Jolly who was carrying his stuff to the landram.

"I'll watch him like he was my own!" Jolly winked back.

Adama sighed agonizingly. "My own son thinks I'm senile..."

Apollo grinned at him.

Starbuck climbed into his viper. He was very impatient to get back on board the Galactica. He and Apollo would finally have some privacy... well, as much privacy as it was possible on that piece of metal. "Let's go!!" He urged.

Apollo too climbed into the viper. "Are you still determined to stay down here for another night?" He shouted to Adama. Apollo couldn't shake the uncomfortable feeling. He was worried.

"I want to go back to the remains of that village. Maybe I'll find a clue to what direction the thirteenth tribe went..."

A couple of centons later the vipers shot into space.

Starbuck was grinning in the privacy of his viper's cockpit.

Man, will Boomer be surprised to see that two of his best friends have become lovers...

Apollo couldn't wait to get to the Galactica either. He had to talk to Lomas...

* * *

"We will wait until it is completely dark" Baltar noticed the suns were starting to descend.

"Then we will pay a little visit to Adama..."

"By your command."

* * *

Athena stopped beside a window that reflected her image. She practised her seductive smile for a micron. Then she proceeded further down the hall and knocked on the door of sire Uri's quarters.

She heard an invitation to enter. She opened the door.

Uri was lying on a white couch, veiled in silk. "What gives me this enormous honour..." Uri raised from the couch, very surprised to see Adama's daughter. "What can I do for you?"

Athena hesitated. She closed the door and walked towards the old man. She smiled the way she had practised, keeping her eyes on Uri. "As a matter of fact, sir..." Athena held her gaze. "There is something I need..."

* * *

The suns were now only red shimmer in the horizon, ready to drop out of sight.

The huge gomons intensified the darkness of the twilight.

Jolly looked around, made sure he was completely alone. Then he pulled the plastic bag out of the pocket of his flight jacket.

* * *

Apollo and Starbuck were heading towards the exit of the landing bay.

The bay was quiet, apart from a couple of mechanics who were approximately a maxim away. Starbuck gathered up his courage and took a hold Apollo's hand. And to his great relief Apollo didn't pull his hand away this time.

In fact, Apollo leant closer to Starbuck and nibbled his earlobe, just for a micron.

"Want to come to my quarters..." Starbuck's heart was thumping. Apollo was silent for a little while.

Then he looked into Starbuck's eyes. Starbuck could have sworn he detected anxiety in them.

"There's something I need to do first" Apollo tried to sound casual. "I'll come up later, okay?"

Apollo kissed Starbuck hurriedly and squeezed his hand a little. He smiled. "I'll see you later." he turned to go.

"I love you Apollo..." Starbuck whispered.

But Apollo didn't hear. He was already halfway down the dark corridor.

* * *

Sire Uri smiled at Athena, but the smile was dark.

"Of course I will provide you with what you want..." Uri's eyes were amused as he stared at the captivating face of Athena.

"I'm just surprised you chose to come to me..."

Athena didn't move when Uri took a hold of her chin, keeping his eyes fixed on hers.

"Sir, I don't understand. Why wouldn't have I come for you. I happen to know that you are the most considerable source of... the object..."

Uri's lips were curled up in a smile that frightened Athena.

"Dear child. You must be aware of the fact that your father and I, well, we share a past..."

Athena's face was like a frightened question mark. She didn't speak. She had no idea what sire Uri was talking about.

"Besides" Uri's smile grew even gloomier, "If I were you, child, I would be a little more concerned about my father right now..."

Athena's face grew pale. "What are you saying, sir..."

* * *

The needle penetrated the skin of Jolly's arm.

He closed his eyes and his head fell a little backwards as the dekar plant slowly filled his body like the breath of sagans.

It burned in his veins like fire.

He quickly opened his eyes.

Something was wrong...

* * *

Uri's eyes gleamed. He detached his hand from Athena's chin and walked to the white couch. He sat down, but didn't turn his eyes away from Athena.

"As you must know your father is down on Cerigta..."

"Yes, I know that!" Athena was impatient. She was frightened. "So?"

"He's alone..." Uri smiled.

"What the frack are you talking about. Wing sergeant Jolly is down there with him. He's a warrior! And a good one!"

Uri laughed. "Yes..." He prolonged the word.

"But..." Uri stretched his arms and placed them on the back of the couch.

"The compressed dekar plant I provided him with, before he left..."

Uri's eyes were cold as ice.

"It's impure..."

Athena's heart seized.

"He should be dead by now..."

Uri leered.

* * *

A stream of blood dribbled from Jolly's nostrils. His whole body shook uncontrollably.

Oh sagan! Jolly grabbed a hold of a tree branch close to him. He tried to shout, call for help. No noise came out. His clenched his teeth as another convulsion shook him.

The world grew dimmer, more transparent.

Blood burst out of Jolly's ears.

The last thing he saw was the star-filled night sky.

He fell to the ground.

* * *

Adama was speaking to the microphone of his dictating machine. He hadn't put on the light. The shimmer of the moons enthralled his imagination more than any artificial one.

Adama was thrilled about finding the ancient village and the evidence that the planet had been an intermediate stopping point to the thirteenth tribe.

Thrilled, yes indeed, but he was also horrified to have become aware of what had happened to the communities on Cerigta.

Adama heard a noise. Very very silent noise. Barely detectable.

He turned.

Something was quickly pressed on his mouth and nose.

Something that had a nauseatingly sweet scent.

It filled his brain and pushed him further and further into the arms of unconsciousness.

Adama tried desperately to struggle. That was no use. Extremely strong hands held the tissue firmly over his face.

Metallic hands of a cylon centurion.

Adama drifted into oblivion.

* * *

"What is going on!!??!!" Athena shouted at Uri, her voice trembling.

"Athena, my beautiful fairy-like child" Uri stood up from the couch and walked slowly to Athena, He came very very close. So close that Athena could detect the faint scent of ambrosa on his breath.

"You're father has been taken a prisoner to the cylon base ship... Or should I say, a guest..."

Athena tied to hit Uri in the face but Uri grabbed a tight hold of Athena's wrists, so tight it hurt. She winced.

"How do you know this??" Athena screamed. "How..."

Uri's eyes were almost gentle.

"Because I am the one who turned your father to the arms of my old friend Baltar..."

* * *

Apollo quickly combed his hair with his fingers as he approached the door to the quarters of corporal Lomas.

Someone passed him by in the corridor. Apollo didn't even notice who it was. His thoughts were very much elsewhere. His heart raced. He felt his hands perspiring.

He knocked. Please sagan let me be strong enough...

The door opened.

Corporal Lomas' smile was warm and happily surprised when he saw it was Apollo who was standing in the doorway. He immediately placed his hands on Apollo shoulders. "Welcome back captain..." Lomas pulled Apollo tight against his body and closed his eyes. "I missed you!" His voice was soft, honest. He looked into Apollo's eyes. Then realized they were still standing in the doorway. "Come in, please!" He pulled Apollo into the room by his arm and closed the door behind him.

Apollo couldn't take his eyes off Lomas. He looked so enchanting. But then, he always did.

Lomas was wearing a crimson velvet robe.

And nothing underneath.

His thick, wavy hair was a little wet, like he had just come out of the turbowash.

Lomas noticed Apollo's stare. He grinned. "Come here" He extended his arms. His beautiful smile was so inviting...

Starbuck! Think about Starbuck! You love Starbuck! Apollo's mind was pounding. And he did! He did truly love Starbuck! So go on, you idiot! Tell that to Lomas! You want to establish a real relationship with the man of your dreams!

Apollo walked towards Lomas. He couldn't detach his gaze from the amazing clear-coloured eyes. They were like two tranquil ponds of blue water, sparkling in the light of the dawn.

Starbuck!! Apollo's heart was crying.

But he couldn't turn away. He couldn't leave.

He was spellbound.

He surrendered to the arms of Lomas.

One last time, Apollo assured himself.

One last time.

* * *

Athena tried to fight herself free from the the hurtful grip of Uri's hands.

"You fracking traitor!!!" Athena yelled. Her eyes were filled with tears. "If you think you can get away with this...!!!"

Uri held his grip. His face was disturbingly calm.

"You cannot tell anyone about my participation in the matter..."

"Dream on, you fracking boray!! The micron I get out of here I'm off to have a little chat with the Council..."

"No Athena." Uri sighed. "I don't think so."

Uri let go of Athena's wrists. She immediately dashed towards the door.

Uri watched, coolly. And then continued.

"...Or have you forgotten something Athena."

She turned.

"Your dekar plant addiction..." Uri smiled.

"Your loved ones will be very very disappointed" Uri's eyes shone dangerously.

"Not to mention the fact that using that stuff on the Galactica is very much against the regulations." Uri paused.

"In the worst case, lovely Athena. You could end up on the prison barge..."

* * *

Starbuck was pacing around his room.

His timepiece showed that it was already eleven centars. Sleep cycle had began centars ago.

Where the felgercarb was Apollo. Didn't he promise to come over...

Starbuck was so impatient. He missed Apollo terribly every micron he was away from him.

Boomer had called earlier on the comunicator and asked if Starbuck wanted to join him for a cup of ambrosa or something. Starbuck had turned him down and Boomer had sounded dissappointed.

Starbuck frowned. The last thing he wanted to do is to dissappoint his friend... his brother.

But Starbuck wanted so much to spend a little time alone with Apollo...

And then there was another reason why Starbuck didn't want to meet Boomer just yet.

Apollo had asked to keep their relationship a secret just a little longer. And Starbuck didn't think he could have been able to pretend in front of his best friend.

There was a knock. Starbuck flew to the door.

Apollo looked exhausted. Starbuck hugged him so tightly that Apollo could barely breath.

"I'm so glad you're here!" Starbuck's whisper was so full of emotion, that it broke Apollo's heart to thousands of pieces. He felt like someone had just fired a shot straight to his heart with a laser pistol.

Oh sagan, how could have he done such a terrible thing to Starbuck. Don't think about it now. Tears were stinging in Apollo's eyes. Talk to Lomas tomorrow. Everything will be all right!

And for a little while he believed it.

Apollo lifted his head and kissed Starbuck.

A kind of kiss that came straight from the bottom of his the heart.

A kind of kiss that made Starbuck's toenails curl up.

But there were shadows in that kiss.

* * *

Adama was slowly regaining consciousness. He was lying on a cold, metal floor.

He was shivering and his head was pounding painfully. The sweet, nauseating scent of the narcotic Adama was intoxicated with still lingered in his clothes. And it made him feel sick.

Adama looked around but there wasn't much he could see in the darkness.

The only light in the room was the one that came through a tiny window.

It was the mere light from the stars.

Adama had no idea where he was.

Or whether he was alone...

* * *

Baltar stood by the wall, veiled in shadows.

Silently watching Adama helpless in that dark chamber.

* * *

"I need to take a turbowash" Apollo gently moved away from Starbuck's embrace.

"Why don't you pour us a drink. I'll be back in five centons"

Apollo disappeared into the turbowashroom. Starbuck walked to the cupboard and took out two cups. He was humming to himself. And then realized there was no grog left. Only half a bottle of old parbon juice. Felgercarb.

He took the bottle out of the cupboard, opened the cork and sniffed the contents. It smelled like a hundred yahren old triad shoe. Starbuck grimaced and poured the juice into the sink. Great. Now what. Well, there was a bottle of water...

"Yeah, very romantic. Sipping water in candlelight." starbuck closed the cupboard doors. Apollo came out of the turbowash, a towel around him, his hair sticking up, water dripping.

"You look like an angel" Starbuck smiled. And he meant it.

He walked over to Apollo. Staring into his eyes he took his hand. And without saying a word he led Apollo to the the side of the bed.

Starbuck's heart was thumping so hard Starbuck was afraid it was going to jump too high and pop out of his mouth any micron.

* * *

Tigh was standing in front of Omega, horrified. He had to seize a hold of Omega's shoulder before he collapsed to the floor. All the blood suddenly disappeared from his head.

The universe grew more and more dim. The bridge was spinning.

"By the lords of Kobol!!!" Tigh hoped to sagan he had misunderstood what Omega had just told him...

* * *

Starbuck's lips caressed Apollo's. Gently like the wind.

Slowly, like they had all the time in the universe.

Tenderly Apollo responded. His eyes were closed. Starbuck loved those thick eyelashes that rested on the tanned cheeks. He moved up, just a little and kissed Apollo's eyelids.

His kiss lingered on Apollo's nose, his cheeks. All over his face...

Starbuck nibbled Apollo's earlobe, and then pushed his tongue into Apollo's ear.

A shiver shot through Apollo's body. "Starbuck! That tickles!" Apollo giglled softly.

Starbuck's lips moved back to kiss Apollo's mouth. Their kiss grew slowly more intense.

Their tongues caressed each other.

Starbuck's hands stroked Apollo's hair, his forehead. Tenderly, passionately.

* * *

"Tigh could hardly walk to the nearby chair. it seemed to be a parsec away.

His heart was crying but the tears didn't reach the eyes. Not yet...

* * *

Starbuck stroked Apollo's neck, kissing, caressing it with his lips, his tongue.

Downwards, to the chest.

To the nipples.

Starbuck took the other nipple into his mouth, sucking, gently biting, teasing it with his tongue while his hand was playing with the other.

Downwards. Tasting every millimetron of Apollo's chest.

Hands stroking Apollo's arms, his neck, the insides of his thighs.

His tongue made little circles around Apollo's belly button.

Downwards.

He took a hold of Apollo's penis and placed it into his mouth.

Apollo's eyes were still closed.

* * *

Omega's face was concerned. He was standing beside Tigh, helpless. Not knowing how to comfort him in his pain.

Tigh was silent.

Then he turned to Omega. "Does Apollo know?"

Omega shook his head.

* * *

Starbuck was amazed how silent Apollo had been the whole time.

Apart from the soft breathing, he had made almost no sound.

But he had enjoyed it, Starbuck could tell anyhow.

And Apollo had come into his mouth, Starbuck grinned.

Although Starbuck definately did not like the taste of the stuff, it had been Apollo's, therefore it was ambrosa.

They were lying in each other's arms. Tired. But so happy. Apollo was smiling.

After Apollo had reached his climax he had looked into Starbuck's eyes.

His smile giving a million promises.

Starbuck had slid into Apollo's arms.

And those arms took him to the heavens.

A sudden knock came from the door."Starbuck!"

"It's Tigh!" Apollo whispered. "Oh sagan."

Amused Starbuck watched as Apollo jumped out of the bed and stood in the middle of the room, panicking. His eyes searching for a place to hide.

"Well, there's always the wardrobe..." Starbuck teased.

"Starbuck? Are you there??" Tigh knocked again.

"Just a secton. I need to get dressed!" Starbuck replied, his eyes on Apollo. "No, you don't want to hide in the wardrobe." Laughter was bubbling inside Starbuck.

"Tigh might be on one of his dress uniform inspection tours again. Like back on Carillon..."

Apollo grinned. He remembered how Tigh had been surprised by Starbuck and Boomer, while on a secret mission to "borrow" the squadrons' dress uniforms.

"I can imagine the look on Tigh's face if he opened the doors of the closet and saw his friend's son standing there..." Starbuck laughed.

"What would you do in that situation anyway?"

"Wave my hand." Apollo grinned.

"Starbuck! This is important!" Tigh's voice was impatient.

"Go and hide in the turbowash" Starbuck arose from the bed and started towards the door. "Better open it before Tigh breaks it down..."

Apollo dashed to the little washroom. Before closing the door he heard Starbuck mumbling. "I don't understand you Apollo. Why don't you want anyone to know about our love..."

Apollo closed the turbowashroom door.

He sat silently in the darkness.

The reason why Apollo didn't want anyone to know about him and Starbuck was because he didn't want Lomas to find out. Not yet.

Not before he was able to tell Lomas himself.

I'll tell him tomorrow!

Starbuck opened the door to Tigh.

"Have you seen Apollo?" Tigh's face was grave.

Alarm bells began to ring somewhere inside Starbuck's head.

"Yeah I saw him..."

"I need to find Apollo. Now!" Tigh voice was exacting. "Where is he?"

Starbuck was startled. "What's wrong colonel?"

"The Galactica has lost contact with commander Adama and wing sergeant Jolly."

"What?!"

"Commander Adama has vanished."

* * *

Twenty centars had passed since the vanishing of commander Adama and wing sergeant Jolly. Tigh had taken the place of Adama on the bridge and in the Council.

Omega temporarily replaced the colonel's position.

The rest of the fleet had not yet been detailed about the commander's disappearance.

* * *

Tigh was worried sick about Adama but tried his best to keep his personal feelings suppressed and hidden.

But oh sagan how Tigh prayed that Adama was safe...

Apollo was devastated. He kept demanding that he could go back on Cerigta with the search patrols to look for his father and his friend.

But so far Tigh had kept him on board the Galactica. Apollo couldn't understand why. And Tigh wasn't going to tell him. The reasons were a bit too personal...

The truth was that Tigh found comfort in Apollo's presence. More than he even admitted to himself.

However, Apollo was too determined to go on patrols and Tigh knew he wasn't going to be able to stop him much longer.

What really surprised Tigh was the strange way Athena had reacted to the news of his father's disappearance.

Athena's face had been expressionless. Her behaviour cold.

Her eyes distant. As if she didn't care.

Tigh wanted desperately to break that ice of indifference, but Athena had fended off everyone who tried to get close. Even her brother.

It hurt Tigh immensely that Athena, whom he cared so much for, kept pushing him away.

* * *

Baltar was apprehensively pacing around in his chamber.

Bringing Adama on board the cylon base ship had stirred old memories.

Memories that perhaps should have stayed buried.

Lucifer's red eyes were on Baltar.

"If you don't mind me saying this, sir..." Lucifer hesitated. "I do not see your point in kidnapping the colonial commander."

Lucifer's matallic face was expressionless, but the flashing eyes were moving rapidly. He continued. "There is another, easier way to exterminate the humans."

Baltar stopped pacing.

"The colonial ships are scattered all over the Volgron planets, defenseless." The brain in Lucifer's transparent head twinkled. "Just waiting for us to go and destroy them..."

"Oh Lucifer" Baltar smiled. "Simetimes I tend to forget that you brain is not as diverse as the human one." Baltar walked closer to Lucifer, keeping his gaze on the red moving eyes.

"If we attacked the ships on the planets, we would only destroy half of the fleet. The other ships would survive, including the Galactica..." "I see, Baltar." Lucifer's tone was sly.

"Now that we have the colonial commander..." Baltar leered. "The Galactica will be the first one to surrender..."

* * *

Cassiopeia couldn't believe her eyes.

She felt like someone was hitting her with a hammer that weighed at least fifty megons.

She stood in the corridor that led to the viper launching bay.

A couple of metrons away were Starbuck and Apollo.

In each others arms.

* * *

Baltar lifted his eyes as Lucifer entered.

"We are now bringing the colonial prisoner to your chambers as you requested."

Baltar's eyes turned towards the entrance. Two cylon warriors stood by the doorway, holding Adama by the arms.

"What an enormous honour..." Baltar smiled. "Welcome Adama. I hope you are being treated the way you deserve."

Adama's face reflected aversion. He didn't speak.

The cylons brought him in front of Baltar.

Baltar extended his hand and caressed Adama's cheek.

He didn't take his eyes off Adama as he spoke to the two cylon warriors.

"Leave us."

"By your command" The cylons turned and exited the room.

Lucifer remained still, his wiggling eyes on Baltar.

Annoyed Baltar turned to him. "You too Lucifer. Leave us. Now."

"By your command." Lucifer hesitated and then started walking towards the door. Looking back a couple of times as he walked.

The doors closed behind him.

* * *

Apollo and Starbuck were at the remains of the old village.

"I'm sure this is the place where my father disappeared." Apollo wiped his forehead.

It was midday and in the heat of the two suns of Volgron the temperature had risen to almost 150 cekrans.

"I'd give a sectar's pay for a couple of microns in Arcta" Starbuck was taking off his flight jacket. "This is not my idea of a nice little stroll in the sun..."

Apollo smiled. "We didn't come here for a stroll Starbuck!!"

"I know." Starbuck smiled lovingly. "I was just trying to make you feel a little better..."

"I appreciate what you are trying to do Starbuck" Apollo put his arm around Starbuck's waste and kissed him on the cheek. "I love you"

"I love you too" Starbuck's smile shone brighter than the two suns.

He was almost ashamed to feel like this when there was so much distress in his lover's heart.

Of course, Starbuck too was immensely worried about Adama. He was like a father to Starbuck. A mentor and a friend.

But when he was with Apollo, Starbuck wouldn't have cared even if the whole world around them just collapsed and he would have to be drifting in space for all eternity.

Just as long as there was Apollo to drift with, he would be in paradise.

Apollo stroked Starbuck's arm for a micron longer. Then he took down the rucksack he was carrying on his back, opened it and pulled out a bottle of water. He lifted the bottle on his lips and drank thirstily, enjoying the flow of cool fresh liquid. He gave the bottle to Starbuck.

"Come on gorgeous. Let's keep on searching. I know I'll find my father, somehow."

"Yes captain!" Starbuck's eyes kept desperately searching for a shadowy place.

Apollo turned to go.

"Apollo..." Starbuck hesitated.

Apollo noticed the hesitation, intrigued he looked at Starbuck."yes?"

"Umm...did you and Bojay ever... Well, he was acting kinda intimate the other night..." Starbuck tried to act casual.

Apollo face was a little amused. Starbuck was so sweet when he was jealous. Apollo took Starbuck's hands and kissed them.

"No Starbuck. Bojay was a friend... "

And then he thought about Lomas. The beautiful, entrancing, irresistable Lomas...

"It's you that I love Starbuck." Apollo said.

And he meant it.

"We have been down here for at least 10 centars..." Starbuck was complaining. "I can't stand this heat much longer..."

The day had turned into late afternoon. Shadows had gotten longer. The heat was even more suffocating, making the air hazy, distorting the outlines of old buildings. Turning the world dreamlike.

Apollo didn't want to give up yet. Although he was exhausted and wanted so much to return to the Galactica, take a refreshing turbowash and then climb into bed with Starbuck, he just couldn't give up the search for his father.

"One more centar..." Apollo shouted at Starbuck. "Then we'll return..."

"That's what you said five centars ago!" Starbuck mumbled.

Apollo had walked over to the awesome multicoloured statue. He had spotted something shiny on its pedestal, and it didn't look like a part of the statue's jewelry. He picked it up.

"Starbuck!" He called out.

Starbuck looked up.

"Apollo was holding up a piece of dark metal. It shone in the sun. Apollo's eyes were horrified.

"What is it?" starbuck walked over to Apollo.

"Cylons..."

"Hi guys!"

Suprised Starbuck and Apollo turned. Starbuck shielded his eyes from the brightness of the suns with his hand.

Boomer was standing there, at the bottom of the endless deteriorated stairway, with a huge smile on his face.

"Great timing buddy!" Starbuck grinned. "We're just about to return to the Galactica."

"What!" Boomer frowned. "I made this trip for nothing!" Boomer shook his head. "Just my luck!..." His eyes twinkled.

Actually, Boomer didn't give a frack whether they were going to stay on Cerigta or not.

He was finally able to spend some time with his friends.

With Starbuck...

* * *

They reached the top of the old stairway.

"It's a miracle that I'm still alive!" Boomer was gasping. Sweat was dripping on his forehead.

"Well, the worst part is now over" Apollo grinned. He too was out of breath, hardly being able to speak. "Now all we have to do is walk about 10 metrics through the thick, humid forest to find our vipers, fly back to the Galactica and then go and fight with our friends the cylons to free my father! Piece of mushies."

Starbuck guffowed, holding his stomach.

"You almost make the rest of my day seem relaxing!"

They entered the dark forest of getorras and hobas trees, their chatter and laughter surrounding them. Along with the screams of gadraias. Tiny birds with yellow feathering.

"I can't believe how awful those pretty little things sound" Starbuck grimaced and covered his ears as a flock of gadraias loudly took off from the nearby hobas.

"Nobody's perfect" Boomer grinned. "Not even you Starbuck..."

Starbuck pretended to frown. "What! And now you tell me... After all these yahrens!" He slapped his forhead.

The forest grew even more dense. Apollo, Boomer and Starbuck had been walking along the narrow old paths about one and a half centar. Although they were exhausted from the heat, thirsty as frack. Annoyed with the terrible noise of gadraias and tired of cutting the thick getorras out of their way with knives. The fact that they now had found clues of Adama's whereabouts helped them forward. They felt immense relief. Hope.

Boomer could swear he saw something moving in the forest, nearby.

Something blue, bright.

Something that was staring at them...

This heat must be turning me into a crank, he thought.

He didn't mention his crazy delusions to the others.

They kept walking. The suns had begun to drop. The heat became a little less agonizing.

The wind increased, making the hobas leaves rustle.

"This might be turning into a nice little stroll after all" Starbuck joked.

The creature appeared.

Moving so smoothly it seemed hover above the ground.

* * *

Cassiopeia had stopped crying and fallen very very silent.

The only noise in the room came from the water dripping from the faucet of the turbowash.

Cassie was sitting on the floor, cradling herself. Eyes wide open, staring blindly at the metallic wall in front of her. She didn't see a thing.

Nothing except her own thoughts.

And she knew exactly what she had to do next.

* * *

Oh frack! The statues have come to life!

That was the first thing that Starbuck could think of. Awestruck he stared at the blue being.

Well, it did look blue to Starbuck. But the colour was so pure it was almost painful to the human eye. The creature's tremendously long black hair was flowing in the wind, framing its captivating face. The eyes were immense, deep. Entrancing. It's body was veiled in magenta silk that seemed to be flaming in the glow of the late afternoon suns. The being had the androgynous form of the statues in the ancient village. The form of gods.

The form of humans.

"Great" Starbuck rolled his eyes. "Why do these things always have to happen to me..."

* * *

"Adama..." Baltar's smile was almost friendly. "What a long time it has been..."

Adama's eyes were cold. "Not long enough."

Baltars smile revealed a line of teeth. "Charming!"

Adama didn't respond. But he kept his eyes fixed on Baltar's.

"How nice. Now we can have a chance to enjoy each other's company until your obedient friends come for your rescue" Baltar's smile widened even more. "If they come..."

Baltar slowly walked around Adama. "Why don't you make yourself comfortable. You are going to be staying here for some time! Which..."

Baltar stopped in front of Adama.

"...will be very much my pleasure."

Baltar brought his face very close to Adama's. So close that his white face seemed to be hovering in the darkness.

"Maybe we can even get together and reminisce the good old times"

Baltar's eyes seemed to linger closer and closer...

Wouldn't you like that, Adama."

* * *

Sundown.

The humid forest of Cerigta bathed in crimson twilight.

The gadraias hadturned silent.

White, orchid-like omalas were slowly closing their majestic petals and bowing their heads. The tired sigh of the wind had turned to a whisper of anticipation.

In the secrets of long dark shadows, the animals of the night were waking up.

* * *

Starbuck had no idea how long they had been standing there, face to face with the creature, Silently staring. Entranced.

It could have just as easily been mere microns as well as seven milleniums. Time had somehow ceased to exist.

Starbuck was totally enticed by the uneartly beauty of the being. A glance towards the others revealed to Starbuck that he wasn't the only one.

Boomer's jaw had dropped wide open. And he didn't even seem to notice. Starbuck poked Boomer with his elbow.

"Hey buddy, you better close that mouth before one of the ships in the fleet flies into it by accident!"

Boomer's mouth clicked shut but the stunned expression on his face didn't change.

The entity spoke.

It's voice was incredible. As strong and weak as the changes in the wind.

Actually, Starbuck wasn't sure if the creature really did speak or was he just imagining it.

Oh lords, Starbuck was thinking. I have obviously been exposed to the suns for much too long! Damn you Apollo, I told you we should have returned to the Galactica centars ago. Starbuck kept staring at the blue being. I'm definately in need of a cup... errr... four bottles of ambrosa...

"I am Ganeshz." The blue being stared at them. "I have been following you."

That's nice! Starbuck rolled his eyes. Now why don't we go and enjoy a nice cup of coffee and catch up.

"We have encountered one of your kind and taken him to our inhabitations."

Boomer's jaw dropped open again.

Softly Ganeshz moved closer. "May I ask you to follow me."

The entity eyed Boomer and Starbuck, his entrancing gaze finally fixing on Apollo, as if sensing his reluctance.

He extended his hand and touched Apollo's face. "Please, do not be suspicious. There is no need."

Apollo didn't answer. He had forgotten how to speak.

Smoothly Ganeshz turned, still keeping his eyes on Apollo.

"Come."

Ganeshz gestured to them to follow. He took a couple of smooth steps towards the dark heart of the forest. Apollo, Boomer and Starbuck didn't move. They didn't trust their feet to carry them.

Ganeshz turned. He extended his pure-coloured, blue hand.

"Please..."

* * *

"Tell me, Adama..." Baltar's eyes were amused.

"Have you missed me at all?..."

Adama tried to turn his head away as Baltar took a hold of his chin, staring into his eyes.

Baltar's laughter was blasphemous. "Oh dear..." His forefinger stroked Adama's cheek. "So much supressed anger..."

Baltar's face darkened, but the smile remained.

"If I was a different kind of person, Adama. I could very easily regard your behaviour as an insult..." The smile grew wider.

"But you know me my friend. Always willing to believe in the goodness of others."

Adama kept his eyes away from Baltar.

"I know you didn't mean to insult me..." Baltar's lips lingered closer.

He prolonged his words.

"Isn't that right... loverboy."

Baltar's laughter echoed in the metallic room.

* * *

Starbuck's feet were aching. He had no idea where they were, or how to find his way back to the vipers.

Night had falled and it was difficult to see where to place footsteps.

The landscape had once again amazingly changed. And it definately did not look inviting to Starbuck. Gone was the dense, tropical forest and the colourful vegetation. High, gloomy cliffs rose all around, black rocks glimmering in the pale moonshine. Narrow, uneven paths were curling between the cliffs. Nothing seemed grow there, apart from stunted, grey moss-like babra.

Far away in the horizon barren, snow-covered mountains rested against the night sky. They seemed to be at least ten metrics high.

I sure do hope we don't have to walk all the way up there, Starbuck sighed.

"Oh man, my back is killing me!..." Starbuck grimaced and took down his backpack.

"Anyone wants to carry this for me? Volunteers take one step forward!"

Starbuck was hungry as frack. "How much further??" He kept whining. "I must have a million blisters on my feet. We've been walking so long I wouldn't be surprised if we soon bumped into earth..."

"Be quiet Starbuck." Apollo gave him a warning look.

Ganeshz had not spoken much. He kept walking one or two metrons ahead of them, once in awhile stopping to wait until they reached his side. And once they did, he smoothly strode off again, without saying a word.

Jolly little fellow, Starbuck thought ironically.

Starbuck wanted desperately to take a turbowash. This is worse that decontamination!

"Oh sagan! Look at all the dust on my uniform! Soon I'll be so dirty you guys won't be able to tell the difference between me and those black rocks..."

"Starbuck" Boomer hissed. "If you don't soon shut up, you'll be actually wishing that you were dirty enough to be able to hide amongst those cliffs when I'm coming after you..."

Ganeshz turned. "We will soon be arriving at our destination."

His pupils seemed to grown darker.

"Do not astray from me."

It sounded like a warning.

Apollo's eyes lingered on Ganeshz.

* * *

Baltar's lips lingered close, very close. His finger still caressing Adama's cheek.

"I know you did not mean to insult me all those yahrens ago..."

Adama did not answer.

"We used to be friends, didn't we Adama" Baltar's voice was almost friendly. Almost. "Very good friends indeed..."

Adama tore himself away. "As far as I am concerned, Baltar. The past never existed!"

Adama walked away from Baltar. Not turning to face him as he continued.

"Go play with your machine friends, Baltar!" Adama's tone was resentful.

"You disgust me."

Baltar stared at Adama.

"Oh, why do you Galactica people always choose to make things so difficult for yourselves..."

Baltar's tone was soft but his eyes were dark, almost black.

* * *

"I have a bad feeling about this" Starbuck was staring at the entrance of the cave.

"Why don't I wait for you guys out here, and you can tell me all about your adventures when you get back, okay..."

"Get your pretty little butt down here Starbuck!" Apollo held the heavy, wooden door open.

* * *

Baltar's eyes were on Adama, but the smile had died.

"I had a little more faith in you than that, Adama..." Baltar's voice was sarcastic.

"But you made your choice" Baltar turned and walked to the immense window. He remained there, his back still turned to Adama.

"Unfortunately your choice is a very stupid one."

Baltar gazed at the vast star-filled space outside.

"Such a stupid mistake..." Baltar repeated. Quietly.

"Just like the one my idiot son chose to make..." Baltar's tone was jeering.

Adama blanched. "Your son!!!??!..."

Baltar smiled to the stars.

* * *

Athena was desperate to ease the throbbing, growing pain somehow.

She had already swallowed three zecratans. Those strong red pills that were used as pain killers in surgical operations. Athena had stolen them from the Canaris about a centar ago, before the pain had gotten worse.

When the pain had been merely on uncomfortable feeling.

"Oh sagan. I can't handle this!" Athena was starting to get panicky. She had to get some dekar somehow, but she didn't know any other sources than Jolly and Uri and both of them were out of the question. Jolly was dead. And Uri, well, after hearing that Uri was the cause of Jolly's death,Athena didn't really trust that old goat...

"I have to find another dealer! Now!"

The room seemed to be spinning as Athena took a couple of faltering steps towards the communicator which was on the bedside table. Her legs almost failed her. She had to sit back down on the bed.

Athena was freezing. "The air circulation must be broken" Athena picked up a blanket and wrapped it around her, but it didn't help. She was starting to shiver uncontrollably.

Athena felt the sudden wave of nausea.

"Oh frack!"

She flew to the turbowash and threw up

* * *

The labyrinth of caves was immense.

Now Starbuck understood why Ganeshz had warned them earlier. Once you got lost in the caves, there was no guarantee of a return. Starbuck made fracking sure he didn't let Ganeshz, or the others out of his sight. He had better plans for his future than wonder the endless corridors for the rest of his life.

Unless he was wondering with Apollo...

Starbuck grinned.

The caves were dimly lit by candles. The flicker of the flames created dancing shadows on the rugged stone walls. The air was chilly.

Starbuck was shivering. He pulled his jacket tighter around him. How can someone live in this sagan forsaken place. I can't believe I let Apollo talk me into this...

They kept passing crossings to other caves. Huge black holes, like mouths, ready to devour with their darkness.

"Cozy" Starbuck rolled his eyes.

Apollo was walking in front of him. Starbuck hastened his steps a little to catch him up.

Boomer and Ganeshz were a little further ahead.

"Hello stranger!" Starbuck whispered into Apollo's ear and took his hand. "Your hands are cold. Let me warm them up..."

Quickly Apollo pulled his hand away. "Starbuck, don't!" He whispered. "Not here!"

Starbuck was hurt. "I don't understand..."

Ganeshz stopped and turned. His pure blue colour seemed to have turned a little more inky in the coldness of the caves. That amused Starbuck immensely, but after looking at the far too serious faces of the others, he decided not to make any comment about it. They'll probably start throwing stones at me or something...

* * *

Omega turned to look at colonel Tigh.

"We seem to have lost contact with the patrol on Cerigta."

Tigh's face was solemn.

"Keep trying."

* * *

Ganeshz stepped aside to let Starbuck, Boomer and Apollo enter the chamber before him. "Welcome to the temple of everlasting light."

Ganeshz followed them inside.

Starbuck gasped.

Boomer's jaw dropped open again. Starbuck noticed.

"That's becoming a habit for you, Boomer" Starbuck raised his eyebrow.

"Better not start doing that in the officers' club if you want to sit at the same table as me..."

The chamber was enormous.

The light from thousands and thousands of candles reflected from crystal covered walls.

The floor as well as the ceiling were covered with glass.

The light was so intense, Starbuck, Boomer and Apollo had to quickly cover their eyes with their hands.

The temple was the form of a polygon.

In every corner of the room there stood a golden statue. Each one portraying a snake, ready to attack an intruder. The snakes were at least five metrons tall. Their eyes were enormous red rubies, twinkling in the light of the thousand candles.

It took centons for Apollo and the others to finally adjust enough to the incredible brightness to realize, that there was something waiting for them at the far side of the crystal chamber...

* * *

Athena leaned against the turboflush, supporting herself as she tried to stand up.

"I have to get dekar! The walls seemed to be moving. "I have to find Uri..."

Athena collapsed.

She hit her head on the turboflush.

* * *

Apollo couldn't believe what he was seeing.

The creature was even more breathtaking than the temple of everlasting light itself.

Its colour kept altering, but so smoothly that it seemed to be only one entirety of all colours imaginable.

The being had four arms on both sides of its torso, and the arms were in constant swaying motion. Its hair seemed to be a huge flame of fire, a completeness of all the light in the room. And that flaming hair was the only thing that covered the androgyne body of the being.

Its eyes were black as coal. And those eyes were staring at Apollo, Starbuck and Boomer.

Ganeshz stood by the entrance of the crystal chamber. Starbuck could have sworn he saw him smile for the first time since he appeared before them in the forest of getorras.

"You have now met Shicra."

Ganeshz's eyes were tranquil.

"It is now time for me to go."

He vanished.

* * *

"You have a son!!!?!" Adama had a hard time understanding what he was hearing.

Baltar was still looking out of the window. His smile was bored, barely detectable.

"I don't believe you know him Adama..." Baltar's grin was extremely unpleasant as he turned.

"He is not one of your... precious heros."

Adama face turned pale, almost white.

"Is he on the Galactica...?" Adama held his breath.

"Very perciptible Adama." Baltar's voice was condescending, like he was addressing an imbecil schoolboy. "You'll go far..."

Baltar leaned against the window pane, his eyes on Adama. "Yes, on the Galactica... "

Baltar sighed fatalistically. "Unfortunately."

The look in Baltar eyes was amused.

"He foolishly seems to prefer the company of other colonials to his father." Baltar smiled ironically. "But then again, he always was such a stubborn little bugger..."

There was a centons' silence as Adama walked to Baltar and remained standing in front of him. "What is his name?...

* * *

"I have been expecting you"

Shicra's voice was like music.

Starbuck, Boomer and Apollo were afraid to move.

"You will be taken to one of your kind shortly." Shicra's amazing voice seemed to come from all directions. It filled the crystal temple as extensively as the light from the thousand candles.

"Where are we?" Apollo stepped a little closer to the being.

"I believe Ganeshz informed you." Shicra rose. "You are in the temple of everlasting light."

"Err... That's not exactly what I meant..." Apollo was stuttering baffled.

Shicra seemed to ignore Apollo comment as he started to descend the few steps that led from the podium, where his golden chair was placed, to the glass floor." This is the crystal temple. And this is where I choose to stay."

Starbuck gulped. "Are you a deity of some sort?..."

Shicra's laughter was like a psychedelic melody. His black eyes turned to Starbuck, who was about to run out of the room.

"I find you amusing" Sicra's black eyes shone.

"No. We are not gods. Nor supernatural in any way. Shicra was moving towards Starbuck and the others. Starbuck was now seriously considering the alternative of running for his life.

"Our way of existing is merely different from the human one."

Shicra's hair of fire fell all the way down to his ankles.

"We are a race of Bhagavãs."

Shicra was now only two or three metrons away from Apollo, Starbuck and Boomer. Starbuck took a couple of steps backwards.

Apollo hesitated. "Are you the leader?"

"If we had a leader..." Shicra stopped. "It would be me."

"We found evidence of humans or humanoids in the ancient village..."

Apollo was afraid to ask the next question. "Are you descendants of those beings?" Apollo kept his eyes on Shicra. "You look exactly like the statues in that village..."

"We are cabable of taking a form of any creature in the universe"

Shicra's completeness of colours was almost painful to watch.

"And when we arrived on this planet, we took the form of those statues."

Apollo's face reflected surprise. "You arrived on this planet?..."

Shicra's multiple arms swayed hypnotically. "A very long time ago..."

* * *

Athena was lying on the cold turbowashroom floor, unconscious.

A trail of blood curled out of her nostrils.

* * *

"We originate from a star system called Mahabr." Shicra continued.

It was extremely hard for Boomer to turn his gaze away from Shicra's beautiful, androgyne face. That must be the most beautiful creature I have ever seen in my entire life.

Boomer felt a tad of amusement. Does this mean I'm getting over Starbuck...

Boomer looked at his blond warrior friend.

Hell no!

Shicra's melodic voice carried on. " Mahabr. An enchanting place, but with one unfortunate fault. Shicra seemed to smile melancholically.

"It had only one sun, which in time, extinguished. Leaving the star system to die in darkness.

We had to find a new place to live."

This sounds vaguely familiar, Starbuck grinned to himself.

"Did you encounter other communities when you settled here..." Apollo held his breath.

"No" Shicra replied. "We arrived on Cerigta a couple of thousand yahrens after the previous inhabitants. And just like you, we found evidence of them in the old villages that are scattered around the forest of getorras..."

"And you took the form of the statues" Starbuck finished Shicra's sentence, surprised he had the courage to do so. "What do you guys really look like?"

"We don't." Shicra eyed this young human warrior amused.

"If we don't accept a form of another creature we don't physically exist."

* * *

"Still no connection with the patrol, sir."

Tigh was standing behind Omega. "Has the Galactica's long range scanner picked up any signs of other life forms? Apart from the colonials whose ships are currently down there, on Cerigta." Tigh's eyes were on the glowing planet before them.

"No sir. Cerigta seems to be deserted." Omega was reading information on the computer screen. "But parts of the surface on the planet seem to be..." Omega looked at Tigh.

"Hollow..."

* * *

The door of the crystal chamber opened and a green creature entered. It remained standing by the doors.

Shicra turned to face Apollo, Boomer and Starbuck.

"You will now be taken to one of your kind." Shicra smiled.

"He was hardly alive when we brought him here. But we have done a pretty good job with him, if I may say so myself."

That guy keeps surprising the frack out of me, Starbuck was thinking. First he acts like a god of destruction and then he suddenly starts cracking jokes...

"The other one of your kind was taken to the stars by the creatures of darkness" Shicra continued.

"Huh??" Starbuck stared at Shicra with his eyes wide.

Apollo did his best not to laugh when he saw the look on Starbuck's face. "He means the cylons, Starbuck." Apollo smiled. "He must be talking about my father and the cylons that kidnapped him.

"If Adama is the other one..." Boomer's face was shining.

"That must mean..."

* * *

Sire Uri was sitting on the white couch in his club elite quarters, holding a cup of ambrosa in his hand. He stared into the distance, without seeing a thing. The expression on his face was thoughtful. And there was a smile, a mild one, on his puffy face.

 

He had received the message he had been anticipating for.

It was now time to pay a little visit to a friend...

* * *

"Jolly!!!!!" Boomer embraced his warrior friend. "I can't believe this! We thought you were dead!" Boomer hugged Jolly tightly. "I'm so happy to see you buddy!"

Apollo squeezed Jolly's hand. "Jolly, we all are!"

Boomer disengaged himself from the embrace, his hands still remaining on Jolly's shoulders.

"What happened? We thought that the cylons had taken you aboard their base ship with Adama, or worse..."

Jolly's eyes were very serious. "No Boomer. The cylons didn't try to kill me..."

Apollo's eyes fixed on Jolly. "What are you talking about?"

Jolly looked at Apollo.

There was a little pause.

"Sire Uri did."

* * *

Cassiopeia had returned to her quarters. She stood there, leaning against the door.

"I know I made the right choice" Cassie's eyes were on her image in the mirror as she spoke. Her face was blank, but there was so much bitterness in her voice.

"Yeah, right. Who am I trying to kid here..."

She stared deep into the eyes of her reflection.

"It was the worst possible choice."

She smiled darkly.

"But it is the only one for me..."

* * *

Shicra had insisted that Apollo and the others spend the night down in the caves.

Apollo had agreed, saying It was much too late to find their way back to the vipers. They would only get lost in the darkness.

Besides, Apollo had yawned. He was much too tired to leave anyway.

Starbuck had frowned. He didn't want to sleep in the damp, dark, freezing caves.

Shicra had assured Starbuck, that the rooms they were going to stay in, were very pleasant and would definately satisfy the heart of the young human warrior.

But Starbuck knew something that Shicra didn't.

Starbuck's heart would definately not be satisfied if he had to sleep without Apollo tonight.

And he knew there was no way he could talk Apollo into sharing a bed with him. Not in the company of others.

That was another reason why Starbuck wanted to return to the Galactica as soon as possible.

* * *

The green being called Vishnor led Starbuck and the others to their chambers.

"Damp, dark, freezing cave, huh..." Boomer eyed the room.

It was awesome.

"I hope you find everything here satisfactory."

Vishnor politely addressed everyone in the room, but his eyes lingered on Boomer.

"If you need something, do not hesitate to ask." Vishnor's smile was warm. "There is a krish, a sort of a bell beside every bed" Vishnor pointed at the golden pentagons on the bedhead. "When you touch it, it gives me a signal that is undetectable to the human ear. And I'll be at your service."

Vishnor's voice was so tranquil. "Tomorrow we will help you with your means of transportation. The ones you brought down to the deserts." He smiled. "They will be repaired by sundown."

Vishnor turned to go.

"He's amazing" Apollo whispered, staring at the green figure of Vishnor who was walking towards the door. His braided, blazingly red hair was down to his shoulders, creating a delightful contrast agains his green pure-coloured skin. His eyes were a mixture of orange and golden-brown. Huge eyes, outlined with black paint. The only thing he was wearing was a silver loin-cloth.

"I say, Apollo" Starbuck whispered. "That creature may be many things, but one thing he sure isn't and that is bashful... That little skirt of his looks like it's the size of a kettle holder."

Apollo tried hard not to laugh.

Vishnor turned before closing the door. His eyes were on Boomer and his smile intriguely seductive. "I hope your night is a pleasant one."

He closed the door.

"What?" Boomer noticed Starbuck was staring at him, grinning.

"Boomer, you stud!" Starbuck put a fumarello into his grinning mouth and lit it. "You've made a conquest amongst out hosts..."

Starbuck tried not to laugh. "Well Boomer, I always did suspect that you have a weakness for green men. Or in this case, should I say green men have a weakness for you..."

Starbuck's eyes twinkled. "I can sleep in another room if you want. I'm sure Vishnor would be more than happy to provide me with one.

Boomer blushed."Cut the felgercarb Starbuck! How many green men have you seen me dating lately..."

Starbuck started taking off his flight jacket, a fumarello hanging from his mouth.

"How do I know what goes on in the privacy of your quarters, Boomer."

Starbuck placed the jacket on the bedhead. "You probably shove your green lover in the closet when I drop by..."

Starbuck took the fumarello out of his mouth and breathed out smoke.

"Come to think of it..." Smoke was curling around Starbuck's head. "...I think I did see something green hanging out from one of your drawers the other day..."

Starbuck's grin was almost from one ear to the other.

"Was it his..."

Boomer tried to hit Starbuck with a pillow.

* * *

"Your son, Baltar..." Adama held his breath. "What is his name?"

"This subject is beginning to bore me, Adama." Baltar's smile was wry.

"Why don't we find something else to chat about."

Baltar's eyes were ironic.

"Like our little history for example." Baltar's wry grin grew irreverent. "I know you're just dying to talk about that. Aren't you Adama."

"Who is your son, Baltar?" Adama stared at Baltar fixedly.

Baltar moved away. "Oh dear. Doesn't time just fly when you're having fun. It's time for dinner." Baltar smiled as he started towards the exit of the chamber.

"I'll ask if one of my... machine friends is willing to bring you some consumables." The look on Baltar's face was unpleasant.

"I wouldn't count on that too much though..."

"Don't you dare to leave this chamber Baltar!" Adama's tone was furious.

He walked to Baltar and clutched his sleeve, making him turn.

"We have some unfinished business!" Adama's eyes flashed. He let go of Baltars sleeve.

"You wanted to talk about the past..." Adama's eyes stared into Baltars disdainfully.

"So that is exactly what we shall do!"

Baltar's lips curled up to a smile.

* * *

"The communicators don't seem to work in these caves"

Apollo was examining the little piece of equipment he was holding in his hand.

"We won't be able to contact Tigh until tomorrow." Apollo glanced at Jolly and the others and then put the communicator on the black marble table.

"Let's just hope Uri doesn't get any crazy ideas before that..."

Jolly was sitting on the bedside, pulling off his boots. "So what time are we leaving in the morning?" The boot did not seem to be co-operating. Jolly clenched his teeth.

"There's a frack of a long distance to cover before we get to the vipers."

The boot popped off.

"Felgercarb Jolly!" Boomer held his hand on his nose and pretended to be disgusted. "When was the last time you actually took those things off?..."

Starbuck was lying on the bed, his arms under his head. He was watching Apollo peeling off his uniform.

There was a knock on the door and Vishnor entered.

"Hey Boomer, loverboy's back!" Starbuck grinned. Boomer tossed his pillow at Starbuck.

"I brought you something to eat" Vishnor was holding a tray, which contained objects that looked extremely suspicious to Starbuck. "What is that stuff?"

Vishnor put the tray on a table "I bring you dharvas. Don't be afraid to try them."

He cast a long, warm look at Boomer, and then left the room.

Apollo walked to the tray and picked up one of the dharvas. After looking at it for a micron or so he took a bite. "Guys, this stuff tastes better than mushies!" Apollo took a plate and placed at least six dharvas on it.

"Hey watch how much you eat." Starbuck kept his twinkling eyes on Apollo. "I dont' want my future husband to be the size of the prison barge!"

Apollo almost choked. He started coughing.

Jolly burst out laughing.

Boomer stared at Starbuck. He didn't smile.

Not at least for a centon. Then he remembered how distorted Starbuck's sense of humor was every now and then. Boomer grinned.

"Oh, Starbuck. Don't tell me. Your harem is going to contain both sexes now, is it..."

When Apollo was sure the others weren't watching, he gave Starbuck a look that could have turned water to ice.

* * *

Tigh was knocking on the door of Athena's quarters, determined to talk to her.

There was no answer.

He tried again. "Athena! Are you there?"

Nothing.

She must be with Sheba. Tigh turned and headed for the elevators.

* * *

Apollo couldn't sleep. He had been staring at the darkness for over two centars.

His head was beginning to ache.

Silently Apollo arose. He was careful not wake anyone up. Apollo was not in the mood for company this time. He needed a little time by himself, away from the others.

There was something that kept depressing him. Something called desire.

Someone called Lomas.

Very quietly Apollo moved towards the door. The sound of soft breathing surrounded him.

He exited the chambers and started walking along the dimly lit corridor, heading towards a little strange garden he had spotted earlier. A garden of stone.

* * *

The small garden was unbelievable. It must have been the only place in the labyrinth that was actually under the sky. There were no flowers, no plants. Just stone. Black, smooth stone that shone in the light of the seven moons.

Apollo remained standing by a little pond. The black water was very still, the reflection of the moonshine and the stars glimmered from its surface, almost as brightly as in the night sky.

The silence of the darkness was like oblivion. Apollo wished for a centon he could stay there forever.

A hand took a hold of Apollo's shoulder, startling him.

Quickly he turned, his heart still thumping. Boomer had appeared there, standing beside Apollo, his eyes on the moons.

"Felgercarb Boomer! You scared the pogees out of me!" Apollo wasn't exactly happy to see Boomer there in the garden with him.

"What are you doing here? I thought you were asleep."

"I could ask you the same question." Boomer's eyes turned to Apollo.

"But I don't have to. I can tell something's bothering you. Want to share..."

Apollo turned his face away from Boomer. "Nothing I can't handle." Boomer was quiet for a while.

"Apollo. If you don't mind me sticking my nose into your business, but...

Boomer fell silent again. His eyes lingered on the surface of the pond. Then he turned to look at Apollo.

"I've seen you in the company of corporal Lomas a couple of times and..." Boomer's face was serious.

"You know me, always jumping to the worst possible conclusions..."

Apollo didn't like this conversation at all. He waited.

"Apollo. Be careful with that guy." Boomer's voice was quiet. "I can't really put my finger on it, but there is something in that guy that jars my chips..."

"Boomer, I would like to be alone for a couple of centons if you don't mind..." Apollo's face was expressionless.

Boomer touched Apollo's arm before he turned to go. His eyes were saying a lot more than any word could be able to. Then he left Apollo alone in the darkness of the stone garden.

* * *

The seven moons created shadows on Apollo's face.

He was standing alone in the garden of stone. In silence.

Apollo missed Lomas terribly.

And then again, he didn't.

Apollo was happy to be away from Lomas' exquisite influence.

To be able to forget, for a micron, the enormous attraction that Apollo felt every time Lomas was near.

To be free from the desire that came over him every time Lomas touched him.

For a little while, escape the spell that didn't offer release.

Apollo didn't really like Lomas as a person. There was something discreetly egocentric, possessive, shallow and arrogant about him. But those features never revealed themselves. They were just like currents under the surface. Hidden.

And then again Lomas was gentle, intelligent, beautiful, warm, sexy as frack, funny, enticing and completely overwhelmingly wonderful. Apollo wanted so much to cuddle up next to him and run his fingers through that wavy hair...

Oh sagan, how he missed Lomas.

Then there was Starbuck. Apollo's heart began aching unbearably.

Starbuck. The man that he truly loved. Apollo wanted so desperately to be free from Lomas. To give himself completely to Starbuck without secrets. Without fear.

The dawn was about to arise.

There were tears in Apollo's eyes.

* * *

Baltar and Adama stood face to face.

"This is ridiculous Baltar. Adama snorted. "Why are you so obsessed about our past.

As I said earlier, it doesn't exist any more. Not to me anyway."

"Why are so anxious to deny it Adama." Baltar's eyes were curious. He smiled.

Adama gasped. That smile was not the one that was so characteristic to Baltar. This one Adama hadn't seen in twenty yahrens...

But that smile quickly disappeared and was replaced by a leer.

"You are just like your oldest son, Adama." Baltar's leer revealed a line of teeth. " Hero to the last..."

Baltar's arrogance infuriated the frack out of Adama.

"Like father like son..." Baltar enjoyed the way Adama was reacting. Like a tantalized animal.

Adama tried to stay calm. "If that saying has any truth to it, then your son must be a metallic one..."

Baltar laughed.

Adama kept his eyes on Baltar. "What is his name, Baltar?"

Baltar's leer turned to an expression of boredom. "Here we go again. The dull subject of sons brought up once more, replacing something that was about to turn into an extremely intriguing conversation." Baltar sighed.

"You must have a one-tracked mind, old friend."

Baltar was quiet for a centon.

"But for you, dear Adama. I will do almost anything..." Baltar's eyes were like those of a lupus.

"In this case, I will satisfy your endless curiosity."

Adama didn't speak. he was afraid to even move, fearing that Baltar would change his faltering mind again.

"My son..." Baltar smiled . "He is a military man."

Baltar laughed again.

* * *

Apollo slipped quietly back to the chamber. The others seemed to be still sleeping.

Good, Apollo thought. He didn't really want to start answering questions about where he had been and why.

He laid down on the bed and covered himself with a white blanket to escape the chilly air that was creeping into the room. His eyes remained open. Oh frack. There was no way he was going to be able to get any sleep tonight.

On the bed next to him lay Starbuck. His hair was a shaggy mess from all the tossing and turning that sleep always caused. His face was so peaceful. So innocent. The white blanket was about to fall off Starbuck and Apollo had a very enjoyable view of that tanned body of his. Apollo gazed at the sleeping Starbuck for a long time.

Then he tossed the blanket aside and arose from the bed.

Very very silently he moved to Starbuck's bed and sat down on the bedside. He touched Starbuck's shoulder, and bowed down to whisper in his ear. "Wake up, beautiful..."

Starbuck was breathing softly. Apollo kissed his forehead. "Starbuck, wake up."

Starbuck's eyes opened. For a moment they still lingered in the dreamworld. Then they noticed Apollo. Starbuck smiled surprised. "What..." He tried to sit up. "Is it morning already?"

"Shhhh!" Apollo hissed. "Be quiet, I don't want any audience..." He quickly looked around the room to make sure no one woke up.

Starbuck's eyes were full of questions. "What's going on?"

"I love you Starbuck." Apollo's eyes were tender. "I just wanted to tell you that before the others woke up." He kissed Starbuck, softly. "I love you."

starbuck's eyes were teary. "Oh Apollo. You know that I love you more than anything."

They kissed. For a long time. Starbuck's eyes were closed. He ran his fingers through Apollo's dark hair and caressed the back of his neck. Apollo seemed to be shivering.

They disengaged from the embrace. Apollo's fingers lingered on Starbuck's cheek. "Now go to sleep, beautiful." He smiled and rose from the bed. "Hey. Its long past your bedtime Starbuck! Apollo's eyes twinkled. "What are you still doing up so late!"

Starbuck grinned. He placed his head on the pillow and closed his eyes. Apollo climbed back onto his bed.

He hadn't realized how tired he actually was.

In mere centons he was fast asleep.

* * *

Adama wanted to grab Baltar by the shoulders and shake him.

Baltar was quiet for a long time. His gaze wavering.

Spit it out!!!, Adama wanted to scream.

Baltar's eyes turned to look at Adama,

"He's a corporal on the Galactica." Baltar smiled. "But not very heroic, as I recall mentioning."

Adama waited.

"His name is Lomas."

* * *

Athena tried arise from the floor. Her body refused to co-operate.

Oh sagan how her head was pounding. She couldn't see properly. Only dots of light.

Someone was calling her name. Athena tried to shout for help. Her throat ached and the shout remained a mere whisper.

"Tigh!" She croaked. "Help!"

The knocking ceised.

"Tigh!" She fought to remain conscious.

The room turned darker.

* * *

"Lomas..." Adama's face was thoughtful. The name sounded vaguely familiar.

In his mind Adama saw an image of a beautiful young man with wavy, light-brown hair that fell almost down to his shoulders. A capturing, determined face you couldn't take your eyes off.

A man that seemed be very much aware of his incredible natural charm...

Lomas...

And then Adama knew where he had seen this man before.

He was walking down a corridor with Apollo.

They didn't seem to notice they were being watched. Their hands were entwined. Their attention totally captured by each other, staring into each other's eyes.

Like the rest of the world had faded away.

Just like...

"Yes Adama!" Baltar's face was amused. "They are lovers."

Adama's eyes were horrified.

Baltar started walking towards Adama, not taking his gaze from him.

"Lovers, Adama. Just like we were."

* * *

It all suddenly rushed into the dark chamber.

The past.

It had been yahrens ago. Before the destruction of the colonies. Long before that. Adama had been a young man, a fresh faced warrior. Raising three frisky children and being married to a wonderful woman. Not forgetting the relationship with the man of his dreams. A man he was very much in love with. Young Tigh.

Adama's life had been so satisfying. He seemed to have everything he could ever hope for.

One day he had become acquinted with a young man.

A man that swept Adama off his feet.

Baltar.

They had kept their love affair secret. From the beginning Baltar was very aware of the fact that Adama had no intention of giving up either Ila or Tigh. And at first, he had settled with that. But after a while Baltar wanted more.

Adama pretended not to notice the discreet way Baltar had started to pressure him. He desired Baltar, and was not ready to end their love affair. Not yet.

Then came the moment when everything changed.

Baltar and Adama were lying in bed together. Tired after a moment of passion. Baltar was stroking Adama's back. Adama was thinking about Tigh, feeling anguished but trying his best not to reveal it.

And then Baltar had extended his ultimatum.

Adama felt great relief as he was now finally able to turn his heart away from Baltar.

He didn't hesitate. He chose Ila. And Tigh.

Baltar did not say anything for centons. Then he spoke. His eyes were cold as ice. "I have a little surprise for you...."

Baltar arose from the bed. "Wait here," he told Adama and walked out of the room.

A few centons passed. Baltar returned. But he was not alone.

Baltar and a young lad called Uri had raped Adama in that tiny room.

Adama never told anyone about it.

To Adama, that night never existed.

But sagan had he learned how to hate.

* * *

"Like father, like son..." Baltar's eyes gleamed in the darkness. He laughed.

* * *

Lomas walked to the closet and opened it.

His eyes lingered for a micron and then he spotted what he was looking for.

He took out seven black candles and a knife. Then he walked over the the bedside table and opened a drawer. He pulled out a scarlet bandanna, which had silvery runes in the center.

A thick circle was drawn around the runes. A silver one.

Lomas dimmed the lights in the room and lit the seven candles.

He sat on the floor and took the knife.

Lomas closed his eyes.

* * *

The doors of the throne chamber slid open and two cylon centurions entered.

"Take the prisoner away and give him consumables."

"I hope you don't mind Adama" Baltar smiled. "But I'm expecting company."

Baltar walked towards the huge pedestal of his throne chair. "I thought about inviting you too, since I know my guest would be more than happy to meet you..." Baltar turned.

"You son?" Adama kept his eyes on Baltar.

"Oh Adama. Use those brain cells if you have any left." Baltar's smile was impatient.

"Brain cells have a tendenly of deteriorating with age. Did you know that Adama..."

Baltar's smile turned darker. "Didn't I tell you earlier that my son chooses to stay away from me. What were his exact words..." Baltar pretended to be thinking hard.

"Oh yes..." Baltar's eyes glimmered.

"I can still see my son standing there, in front of me, saying: I don't have a father."

Baltar shook his head. "Can you imagine that boldness!"

Baltar laughed.

"Such an annoying little brat."

Baltar's laugh continued to echo in the chamber.

Then all the traces of joviality disappeared from his face. He turned towards the two cylons.

"Carry out your orders."

"By your command" The cylons took a hold of Adama's shoulders and started leading him out of the room.

"What an enravishing surprise!..." Sire Uri was standing in front Adama, before the glass doors.

"You always had a way with words my friend." Baltar's laughter echoed from behind.

The cylon centurions led Adama away.

* * *

Vishnor entered the chamber.

"The suns have risen. It is now your time to leave."

Vishnor was carrying a tray. "Good morning." Vishnor's orange eyes were brighter now than on the night before. "I think that is what you humans tend to say when you wake up."

"Good morning" Starbuck yawned. He eyed the yellow stuff on the tray warily. "That's our breakfast I presume."

"Shicra wanted to offer you a very special treat before your departure."

Vishnor placed the tray on the table and handed Apollo a golden towel.

"These are kalmadhs. We only enjoy them when the seven moons eclipse."

Starbuck eyed the kalmadhs with even more suspicion. "Are they still fresh?..."

Vishnors lauhter was like rustle of leaves. "May I ask you to get out of beds now. I will take you to a place where you can clean up." There was a slight breeze of impatience in Vishnors tranquil voice.

In couple of microns Apollo, Boomer, Jolly and Starbuck had jumped out of their beds. Although Starbuck would have wanted to sleep another two centars. He glanced at his timepiece. Felgercarb, it was only six centars in the morning.

They followed Vishnor through the garden of stone. Apollo didn't say a word. Boomer glanced at Apollo but remained silent.

In the light of the suns the garden was breathtaking. The form of the stones was unequalled to anything that the human eye had seen before. It was undiscribable.

The pond shone like silver. The water was unmoving. Not even a tiny ripple broke its surface.

"Oh frack!" Starbuck was looking around, amazed. "You could bring tourists to this place and make a fortune..."

They continued walking. Vishnor led them through narrow caves to a cavern which was lit only with two candles.

"What's that sound?" Boomer looked around.

There was a subterranean waterfall.

"You can purify your human bodies here." Vishnor remained standing by the entrance of the cavern. "And then I will take you to Shicra.

Vishnor's eyes were on Boomer.

Great. Now I have to pose naked to a green man with a one-tracked mind. Boomer rolled his eyes.

Starbuck was grinning at Boomer.

"Errr, would you mind turning..." Boomer smiled at Vishnor.

Vishnor smiled back. He didn't make a move.

* * *

Athena forced herself to crawl towards the door of her quarters.

"Help somebody!" Her voice was a whisper.

"Oh sagan, please somebody help me..."

Her head was bursting. She couldn't feel her legs.

The walls seemed to take a leap and then crash on her.

She fell unconscious.

* * *

Shicra was standing there, in the intense light of the two suns.

"I thought he never came out of the caves." Starbuck was shielding his eyes with his hands. It was painful to look at Shicra.

"Didn't he just tell us how he wanted to stay in the crystal chamber forever. That guy should make up his mind..."

"Shut up Starbuck!" Apollo hissed. "Shut up!"

"I must admit it has been... interesting meeting you" Shicra's many hands were waving with the wind. One could not tell where sunlight ended and Shicra's hair of fire began

"I can honestly say the same thing!" Starbuck replied.

Shicra's eyes turned to him. Amused eyes. "Especially you, young human warrior. You have an extremely intriguing way of acting."

Well thank you, Starbuck thought ironically. I'll do my best to keep up the good work.

"I believe Vishnor informed you that we will help you with the repairing of your vehicles." Shicra's eyes were now on Apollo. "Our time is a different kind of dimension than yours. So expect your means of transportation to be in perfect shape by sundown."

 

"Thank you Shicra." Apollo smiled. "And to use your catchy phrase: Thanks to each and every one of your kind." Apollo extended his hand. Then he realised it was a fracking stupid thing to do, since Shicra had so many of them. Quickly he pulled his hand back, embarrassed.

* * *

Lomas cleaned the knife carefully under the turbowash faucet.

He dried it and placed it back into the the closet.

On a shelf, right next to a picture of Apollo.

* * *

"What a shame loverboy wasn't there to see you off Boomer. You must be devastated." Starbuck was digging into his pockets for a fumarello.

"You're giving me grey hair Starbuck!" Boomer frowned. "I'll be prematurely signed to the senior ship!!"

Starbuck grinned. "I'll visit you often. I promise." He put a fumarello in his mouth and lit it.

"I'm going to miss those guys" Starbuck mumbled, the fumarello hanging from his mouth while he was taking off his flight jacket.

"I'm seriously considering coming back here on holiday next yahren. How about it Boomer. Wanna join me? I know loverboy would be thrilled..."

Boomer shook his head.

The long journey back to the vipers had begun.

* * *

Athena came to. For a while she had no idea where she was.

Then the pain forced her to start inching her way towards the door.

She clenched her teeth and dragged herself forward. Millimetron after millimetron.

Once in awhile she cried out because of the pain.

A little trail of blood started curling out of her ear. The blood under her nose had dried up to a mess of brown substance.

Oh sagan, she thought. I must have hit my head pretty bad...

Unconsciousness loomed somewhere in the back of her head, waiting...

But the door came closer and closer.

* * *

Twilight was slowly embracing the forest of Gomons when Apollo and the others finally reached the vipers. Starbuck grinned. "How nice to see you guys. I missed you."

He tossed his rucksack to the cockpit of his viper and climbed in.

"Okay Apollo. Let's go and rescue your father."

* * *

"The ships that are on the desers of Volgron are now repaired and ready for take off."

Omega was inserting information on the ship's computer.

"Shall I order them to cluster with the rest of the fleet?"

"Yes, Omega. We will carry on with our expedition in a few centars."

Tigh heart broke when he said those words. He couldn't bare to think of having to continue the search for Earth without Adama.

But he was on duty. He had to act like a bridge officer. Like a commander.

My heart dies without you Adama, Tigh's eyes silently revealed.

The extremely speedy fixing of the colonial ships did not come to Tigh as a surprise. He was well aware of the Bhagavãs and their help. The first thing Apollo had done, when they had left Shicra and the caves, was to call Tigh and inform him of the situation. He had also asked Tigh to find sire Uri as soon as possible.

Apollo had told Tigh what Jolly had told them earlier. That Uri had provided Jolly with impure dekar, which had almost killed him. If there hadn't been for the help of Bhagavãs, Jolly would have died.

Jolly had told Apollo and the others how the statue-like creatures had put him through rehab, which had lasted almost 16 centons. "Those dudes are dynamic!" Jolly had joked.

"Let me know when the formation of the fleet is complete" Tigh told Omega. "I'll be back in 30 centons. There is something I have to do." Tigh walked off to find sire Uri.

"Sire Uri asked for a permission to launch his shuttle five centars ago, sir." Rigel looked at the serious face of Tigh.

"He's not on board the Galactica."

* * *

"We should definately get together more often!" Baltar grinned.

Uri was sitting opposite him, his puffy face smiling. "How can you possibly live with those machines Baltar?"

Baltar laughed. "Dear friend. They are like trained pets. Very loyal. So delightful. You just have to watch out that you don't step on their toes..." Baltar took a sip from the cup.

Uri's glossy eyes were on Baltar. "Why don't we ask our prescious old friend to join us." Uri's hands were twitching under the table. "After all, that is the reason you asked me here. Isn't it Baltar..."

* * *

"Oh Apollo..." Starbuck frowned. "You can't be serious!"

"You don't have to come with me Starbuck." Apollo's eyes were very determined. "But I'm going."

The patrol had landed on the Galactica about 15 centons ago.

After decomtamination, Jolly had been taken to the Canaris. Doctor Wilker wanted to take a look at him to make sure he had really recovered from the affliction.

They hadn't even gotten out of the landing bay yet, when Apollo had stopped and told Starbuck and Boomer he would be on his way to the cylon base ship in 45 centons.

There was no way in frack Starbuck would have let Apollo to go on his own. Why for sagan's sake couldn't I have fallen in love with a lazy civilian...

"All right Apollo. 45 centons. But I have to get something to eat first. I didn't really become full from those yellow... whatever they were."

Starbuck's eyes were on Apollo. "You want to come into my room and wait? Perhaps I can offer something for you to eat as well..."

Apollo's smile was wide. His eyes gleamed for a micron.

Then he turned towards Boomer. "Are you up to shooting any cylons this evening, buddy?"

"If you're going, them I'm going." Sagan, how Boomer hated to leave the Galactica now, but he didn't have a choice. They were his friends. His brothers.

And a lover to be... Boomer's hopeful gaze quickly swept over Starbuck. "I'll meet you down here in 45 centons.

Boomer strode off.

"So?" Starbuck was grinning. "Are you coming with me or not..."

Apollo didn't even hesitate.

"Starbuck. I'd love to, but there are a couple of things I have to do before we leave." Apollo gave Starbuck a quick kiss. But held onto his hand as he continued. "But after tonight, we will have all the time in the universe. My father will hopefully be safe and..." Apollo tried to swallow the huge invisible lump in this throat. "Everything will be fine again Starbuck. Be patient..."

Apollo was afraid that any micron his voice would betray him. "Please." Apollo kissed Starbuck's hand. "I'll see you in a little while. I love you."

Apollo turned once more.

"Hey, don't forget to put on the black costume! The one you wore on Gamoray. We will be less likely to get terminated if we don't stand out of the cylon crowd too much..."

He walked away leaving Starbuck standing there, alone.

Confused.

* * *

"Welcome back on board captain." Lomas ran his fingers through Apollo's hair.

"I have missed you more than you realize."

"I missed you too" Apollo looked deep into the pale, tranguil eyes.

For a centon he forgot about Starbuck.

But just for a centon.

* * *

Starbuck's grin was enormous when he saw Apollo approaching in his tight, black leather outfit.

"I always did like seeing you in black leather." Starbuck took the fumarello out of his mouth and breathed out smoke. "You should definately consider wearing it more often."

Apollo grinned at Starbuck as he climbed into his viper.

Starbuck didn't take his eyes of him.

"Yeah... That outfit really brings out the best in you..."

Apollo laughed.

Get your dirty mind into the viper before I come down from here and kick your butt."

Apollo's eyes were warm.

"We have to go." He looked around the launching bay. "Where's Boomer?"

"I'm coming!" Boomer was loping towards his viper holding his helmet under his arm.

Starbuck climbed into the cockpit.

"Ok. Let's go and pay a visit to our cylon friends."

Starbuck put on his helmet.

The vipers shot into space...

* * *

Three cylons walked past. One of them was a golden one, a centurion.

Apollo, Starbuck and Boomer were standing behind a half-closed sliding door, afraid to even breathe.

The cylons disappeared from view. Apollo looked at the others. "Let's go!"

"Go where?..." Boomer rolled his eyes.

Apollo started down the corridor with his laser gun drawn. Ready to shoot if something unexpected appeared.

"Follow me..." Starbuck gestured. "I have a pretty good idea where they are keeping Adama." Starbuck nodded towards another glassy entrance.

"You?!" Boomer couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"Hey, I've been here before, remember!" Starbuck took a long careful look to all directions. Then he quickly moved to the glass doors and pressed a button. The doors opened.

"Well, are you coming or not?!"

Resignedly Boomer went after Apollo and Starbuck.

The glass doors closed behind them.

* * *

Baltar smiled.

"Observing, as always."

Baltar touched the side of his mouth with a napkin before folding it and placing it on the table, next to the plate.

"Yes, my dear friend. That is one of the reasons I invited you here tonight..." Baltar took a sip from the cup. He looked at Uri.

Uri eyed Baltar curiosly. "One... of the reasons?"

Baltar's expression was amused.

"Would you believe me if I told you that I was in need of human company...?"

Uri smiled. "No."

Baltar laughed. "As I said. Observant as always!"

Baltar placed the cup on the table. "And you are right, my friend."

Baltar was silent for a centon. His eyes seemed to pierce Uri's. "I have a proposition for you."

Uri waited.

Baltar's eyes were gleaming.

* * *

Oh frack!

Quickly Starbuck took a dive behind a corner. Just in time to avoid a shot from a laser gun.

Seven cylon warriors had spotted them...

* * *

"A proposition...?" There was an unpleasant expression on Uri's puffy face.

"What kind of a proposition?"

"A barter..."

Baltar leant closer and placed his hand on the table. On top of Uri's.

* * *

Lomas' eyelids were twitching. He was asleep.

Something was chasing him.

Something that had no identity.

Lomas was running. Slowly, slowly he moved. The speed only a tiny fraction of his normal momentum. He couldn't see where he was. Only a veil of grey haze.

Something was closer. It was reaching out for him.

The grey mist was suffocating.

There was a wall. Hidden.

Lomas was trapped.

Something was coming.

Lomas woke up, all covered in sweat. The room was dark.

Wildly Lomas looked around, trying to see what was there, coming after him.

Hiding in the darkness.

His heart was pounding like mad.

Slowly Lomas realized he had had a nightmare.

No, not a nightmare. A dark dream.

He reached out and lit the bedside lamp. The room bathed in warm, golden light.

Shadows of the subconsciouness vanished.

Lomas lay there, on the bed, eyes open.

Something was still there.

The rest of the night was going to be another sleepless one.

* * *

Uri didn't pull his hand away.

"What is this you want to trade, Baltar...?"

Baltar's eyes were ablaze.

"I will give you Adama..." Baltar's hand squeezed Uri's.

"Again, like I did once before..."

Baltar grinned like a lupus.

Uri fought to keep a calm expression on his face.

"And what is it that you want in return?"

Baltar's squeeze was started to be hurtful. Uri tried to pull his hand away. He couldn't.

Baltar's eyes were like fire.

"You will bring me his son..."

* * *

"There's still one!" Starbuck shouted. "Boomer watch out!!!"

Apollo fired a shot at the cylon. It fell.

"Sagan Boomer! That was close. He was just about to shoot you in the back!

Starbuck hurried his steps to catch up with Apollo.

"I just love the way you stand when you shoot..." He whispered into Apollo's ear with a grin.

* * *

Uri was silent for a long time. But his eyes never turned away from Baltar's.

Finally he spoke.

"You have a deal, Baltar."

* * *

Adama didn't make a move. Not a gesture.

His gaze didn't turn away from the darkness behind the tiny window.

Adama knew exactly what was about to happen.

The past.

That.

* * *

Lucifer was walking along the corridors of the prison section, carrying a tray.

His red eyes twinkled as he looked at the stuff what lay on the tray.

Consumables for the colonial prisoner.

Humans' food.

Disgusting.

* * *

"I knew you were a sensible man and a marvellous trader."

Baltar's smile was almost from one ear to the other.

"No need for a handshake, I presume."

Uri grinned. "Now why don't we go and pay a visit to Adama and tell him the good news."

Uri arose from the table. "Oh, won't he be thrilled..."

Together they started towards the dark corridors.

Baltar put his arm around Uri's shoulders as they walked.

"It was a pleasure doing business with you!"

* * *

Athena's brown hair glued to her face.

She bit her lip to concentrate on keeping the excruciating pain in tolerable dimensions and continued to inch herself forward.

Little by little.

Her arms were trembling with exhaustion.

The dots of light had turned to painful blur. She could hardly keep her eyes focused.

One more pull, one more.

And again.

She closed her eyes for a micron to remain conscious.

You'll make it, Athena. She fought forward.

One more.

She reached the door.

* * *

Lomas placed the knife sofly against the flesh on his arm.

The light from the night lamp was dim.

Lomas kept his eyes open this time. He was frightened to close them.

Something was observing him.

In the room.

In Lomas' mind.

* * *

Uri's hands were cold, sweaty. His eyes gleamed.

One more corridor. Sagan, he could hardly wait.

He could almost feel Adama's flesh under his palm.

Almost see his eyes. The look of desperation.

Right after the first hit.

One more corner.

* * *

"Father!!"

Apollo ran to the glass door of the cell.

There were tears of joy and relief in Adama's eyes.

Quickly Apollo pressed a button and the doors slid open.

"Apollo!" Adama embraced his son.

"Let's go!!" Boomer kept eyeing the yet deserted corridor.

* * *

Uri and Baltar reached Adama's cell. "What the frack..."

It was empty.

Uri's face was white as snow.

Baltar sighed resignedly. He smiled. "Well, I gess it's time for plan B, then."

"What is plan be?" Uri's voice was hoarse.

Baltar turned towards Uri. "I have no idea yet." He grinned.

"But you know me. I'm a genius. I'll come up with something soomer or later..."

Uri was furious. "Well, how about sending fighters after them, now!"

Baltar eyed Uri amused. "Oh dear. Do I detect disappointment in the air..."

Baltar grinned. His amused eyes lingered on Uri for a long time, teasing.

Then he spoke.

"Of course I will send fighters after them!" Baltar sighed.

"But believe me, those clumsy metal louts couldn't catch a daggit, even if it was standing completely still."

Baltar turned to leave the cell. "Why don't we go and finish our dinner..."

Uri couldn't believe what he was hearing.

Baltar pressed the button that closed the doors of the cell. "But first I'm going to go and kick the frack out of Lucifer! He was supposed to have taken care of the security..."

* * *

Fourteen cylon fighter crafts were behind them.

"Alright guys!" Starbuck was grinning as he spoke to the microphone in the cockpit of his viper. "Get Adama to the Galactica!"

"Are you sure Starbuck??" Apollo's voice was hesitant.

Starbuck smiled in the depths of his huge helmet.

"You go ahead guys! Me and the cylons, we have some unfinished business to take care of."

Starbuck pressed the turbo button and his viper shot towards the cylon crafts.

"It's time for liutenant Starbuck to show the cylons who's the hero around here!"

Starbuck grinned.

* * *

Ten centons had passed.

The connection with Starbuck had broken down the moment he had been about to attack the remaining three cylon fighter crafts. The last thing Apollo and the others on the bridge had heard was a typical Starbuck-ish comment: "Eat my ion vapors you metal airheads!"

And then, nothing. Silence.

"Still no word from liutenant Starbuck." Omega kept his eyes on the computer. "His viper is outside scanner range. I can't locate him."

Apollo didn't take his eyes off the screen either. His face was expressionless but his eyes were reflecting the immense worry he was feeling in his heart.

There was total silence on the bridge. Silence of anticipation.

Silence of anxiety.

Sheba walked to Apollo and put her hand on his shoulder, comforting him without words. Apollo didn't turn his head, but he placed his hand on top of Sheba's and squeezed a little. His silent way of saying thank you.

Tigh and Adama were standing a little further away. Tigh's hand was secretly caressing Adama's back, his gaze on Apollo.

Oh sagan, how much that young warrior reminded his father. Same dark hair and amazing bright eyes. The same expression on his face when he was worried. Even the way he was standing was the so alike...

Tigh's eyes lingered on Apollo for a long long while. But this time, it was different.

These hours of desperation had shown Tigh something that he already thought he knew.

And that was how much Adama really meant to him. Sagan he was ecstatic that Adama had returned, safely.

Tigh had now realized that his desire towards Apollo had been a mere echo of the one he used to have towards young Adama. The desire Tigh thought had calmed down during all these yahrens. Oh, how wrong he had been. There was no one that Tigh could ever possibly want more than Adama.

He glanced at Adama, quickly, unnoticeably, smiling.

Tigh was now so content. Free.

Well, almost. There was still Athena he had to have a little chat with...

I'll pay her a little visit at the life center as soon as we hear something about Starbuck, Tigh made up his mind.

* * *

Athena had finally reached the door of her quarters.

Gathering all the little strength she had had left, she had started banging her fists against the door.

Corporal Giles had heard the banging and after a couple of centons of wondering what the frack it was, he had hurried to fetch help.

Together with Cree and Greenbean they had lent the masterkey from someplace, and gotten Athena to the life center.

Just in time, had doctor Salik told them. Athena had had a concussion and some internal bleading. Salik had quickly performed an operation and Athena was now recovering quite nicely. She was even conscious, which to doctor Salik was almost a miracle...

* * *

Suddenly Omega turned.

"I pick up static!..." He used his hand to press the headphone tighter against his ear and listened attentively for a micron. "There is something approaching the Galactica..."

Soon the static grew audible for the others on the bridge. Apollo's heart leaped a million heactares.

"Pop open the bottle of the finest ambrosa you can find on that piece of metal!" Starbuck's grinning voice flooded through the communicator. "This boy is coming home!"

* * *

Apollo was almost dancing down the corridor. He had just enough time to change into something that would blow Starbuck's mind, and order something nice from the cantina. Possibly tulipian buds.

Apollo grinned. He knew how crazy Starbuck was about those little babies. When Apollo and Starbuck had shared a room, that was all Starbuck had seemed to eat. Apollo had grown more than sick and tired of those buds, but not Starbuck. Oh no.

Apollo reached his door. Tulipian buds it is then. And a bottle of 50 year old ambrosa...

He would inevitably have to bribe off the maitre de, but for Starbuck Apollo would give away a sectars pay with a smile.

Apollo searched the pockets of his flight jacket for the key. Where the frack was it?!??

His hands kept pulling out everything else imaginable but not the fracking key!

A comb, a half-eaten K-biscuit," Oh felgercarb!" Apollo kept pulling out little biscuit crumbs.

Aaahah! What's this?... Apollo looked at what he was now holding. His timepiece with a broken strap. Oh great, he should have taken that to be repaired a secton ago.

No key. Felgercarb! Now what?

Apollo turned and headed towards Boomer's quarters. He had given both Boomer and Starbuck a spare key.

"Just my luck!" Apollo kept mumbling as he walked. "Now I'm definately going to be wearing something that blows Starbuck's mind. My felgercarbing uniform!

Won't Starbuck be thrilled to make love in a pile of biscuit crumbs..."

* * *

"You are looking beautiful."

Tigh was sitting on the side of the bed, smiling warmly at Athena.

"Don't you ever dare to scare this old man like that again!" Tigh held Athena's hands in his. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine, Tigh!" Athena smiled. "Really, this time..."

"I'm glad to hear it" Tigh brought Athena's hands to his lips and kissed them gently. "You don't even know how glad..."

Tigh's face grew serious as he paused. "I hate to say this now, Athena. But..." Tigh hesitated for a micron. Athena was looking into Tigh's eyes, her smile anticipating. "Go on."

"We have to stop what we were doing Athena. For your father's sake," Tigh's eyes were solemn. "For my sake," He was caressing Athena's fingers. "And for yours, Athena. Even if what I'm telling you hurts you now, you will come to understand why..."

Athena's eyes were not in the least pained. For a micron she concentrated in playing with Tigh's fingers. Then she looked into his eyes. "You are right, Tigh." Athena smiled and then continued. "I've been waiting for the right moment to tell you this too... "Athena's eyes sparkled.

"You see, Tigh... After spending a little time here in the life center, I have come to know doctor Salik as a person and... well, Salik and I..."

The expression on Tigh's face was amazed. "By the lords of Kobol Athena. If I didn't know better I would swear you have a weakness for older men..."

Athena squeezed Tigh's hand. For the first time in sectars her smile was optimistic, happy.

* * *

Apollo returned to the door of his quarters with the key he had gotten from Boomer.

He opened the door and stepped inside, his hand searching for a light switch.

"What is this smell!?"

There was a strong, aromatic scent in the air. A heavy, dark, mysterious scent of incense...

"Must be from the cantinas down the hall" Apollo sighed. "Well, they better watch out that none of that smell of burning grease reaches my quarters or there'll be frack to pay!"

Apollo found the light switch. He was humming to himself as he turned on the light.

"Do you often talk to yourself, captain?"

Apollo jumped at least seven metrons in the air.

Lomas was lying on Apollo's bed, his arms behind his head and an irresistible smile on that beautiful face.

"Welcome home sweety."

By the lords of Kobol!

"Lomas!" Apollo swallowed. "What are you doing here?!?!?" Apollo couldn't believe his eyes. A wave of anger swept over him.

"And how in the names of sagans did you get in here in the first place..."

Lomas' smile was like music. "You gave me the key, remember."

Had he? Apollo didn't remember. This was uncomfortable. He kept his eyes on Lomas. "I don't think so..."

Lomas arose from the bed, still keeping his entrancing eyes on Apollo. "What am I doing here? Hmm, let me think..." Lomas pretended to be thinking hard. Then his smile grew even more stunning. "Oh yes!..." His eyes were spellbinding. "waiting for you, beautiful."

* * *

Starbuck took off his helmet and jumped out of his viper.

"Ok, it's now your turn to take care of the apple of my eye!" He grinned to a mechanic that was approaching him. "Not a scratch then, remember! This baby just saved my life!"

The amused mechanic tapped Starbuck's shoulder as he past him. "Wecome back on board liutenant."

"Glad to be back!" Starbuck winked. "All right guys, let's get this felgercarb over with" Starbuck stepped into the decontamination closet.

Starbuck couldn't wait to spend the evening with Apollo.

* * *

Tigh caressed Athena's cheek for a centon.

"You take care of yourself, princess. I'll come and visit you soon."

Tigh arose from the bedside. "And tell Salik that he's a frack of a lucky man!" Tigh's smile lingered as he turned to go.

Athena's warm gaze followed him as he walked towards the exit of the life center.

Oh sagan.

Tigh grabbed his chest. The pain shot through his body like a laser.

Tigh fell to the floor.

* * *

Lomas started to walk slowly towards Apollo.

Apollo swallowed again. "Ummm, this is not a good time..."

Lomas was moving closer, his gaze caressing Apollo's face.

Apollo felt himself drowning in those waterpond eyes.

Starbuck!

"Please Lomas, you have to go!" Apollo forced his eyes away. "I'm expecting company..."

Lomas' smile was captivating. "So?" He moved closer. "Mind if I join?"

Lomas' eyes were like fire. They burned Apollo's heart.

Apollo fought to go on. "Please..."

Lomas stopped in front of Apollo and stared into his eyes. He extended his hand and caressed the curves of Apollo's upper lip.

"I am known to be rather good company every now and then..."

Apollo closed his eyes for a micron.

* * *

Starbuck was loping down the corridors towards Apollo's quarters with a huge smile on his face. He felt like he was one of the vipers, flying, twirling, dancing. Free.

In his mind, Starbuck could picture Apollo right now. Waiting for him, with that innocent, breathtaking smile on his face. Possibly peeling off that masterpeace of a leather uniform. Felgercarb. The person who designed those uniforms should be awarded.

Perhaps Apollo was in between the soft sheets, his dark hair against the whiteness of the pillow.

Or maybe he was setting a table. Prepairing a romantic dinner.

He had better gotten some of those tulipian buds, Starbuck grinned. It had developed into an inside joke between Starbuck and Apollo. Starbuck and his buds...

Sagan Starbuck couldn't wait. He hastened his steps.

* * *

Uri's shuttle was approaching the Galactica.

Just before he had left the cylon base ship, immensely annoyed, dissappointed as frack, Baltar had taken a hold of the his cape.

"You know that the moment you land on the Galactica you are in deep felgercarb. "Baltar's grin had been intrigued. "You do know that don't you..."

The look on Uri's face had been arrogant. "Adama wouldn't dare to reveal anything that has something to do with his dark past. Not, if he wants to keep his prescious loverboy, Tigh."

Baltar had looked into Uri's eyes for a long time, smiling amused.

"You Galactica people are so naive..."

"Permission to land on the Galactica granted." The voice on the communicator responded to Uri's demand. And then came the coordinates.

Uri was almost impatient to get to the Galactica.

He had a little social call to make. A visit to that lovely Athena.

Uri had to make sure she would keep her pretty mouth shut about the dekar dealing thing...

Uri smiled. He knew Athena wouldn't be any trouble to him. He had his ways of handling her.

"Hello, old friend." Adama was the first thing Uri saw when he came out of the shuttle. Adama and two guards.

"What a pleasant surprise" Uri's smile was wry. "How nice to be welcomed by a special committee. But if you don't mind..." Uri's was eyeing Adama with comtemp. "I have some business to take care of!" Uri started to walk past

Adama, pushing him out of his way.

"Not so fast Uri." Adama's eyes were cold. He took a step sidewards.

Uri gasped. Wing sergeant Jolly was standing behind Adama, smiling darkly. "Surprised to see me, sire..."

Adama smiled as he gave out the orders to the two guards.

"Take this man to the prison barge." Adama's cold eyes were on Uri. "And put him in the same cell as the leaders of the eastern alliance..." Adama smiled. "That will teach him what the concept of oppression really means..."

* * *

Lomas' lips lingered very near Apollo's.

Apollo's eyes opened. "I can't go on seeing you any more!"

Lomas stared at him very still.

Apollo almost fainted when he realized what he had just let out of his mouth. I did it!, his mind screamed. I said it!!

He continued, triumphantly. "There is someone else, Lomas." Apollo's eyes didn't falter for a micron. "Someone I am very determined to be with. I can't keep on..."

Lomas' smile was amused.

"What?" Apollo didn't understand why Lomas looked so light-hearted.

Lomas kept on caressing Apollo's lips.

"You mean your little friend Starbuck." Lomas was smiling.

* * *

Two more corridors to go.

A breathtaking smile was lighting Starbuck's beautiful face.

Apollo, here I come...

* * *

"How in the names of sagans..." Apollo eyes were wide as teacups.

Lomas laughed, just a little. "Sweet Apollo..." Lomas took a hold of Apollo's hands. "How could I not know." The audible laughter subsided, but it still lingered in Lomas' eyes, visible.

"The ship has eyes, Apollo. Eyes and ears." Lomas paused a little. His eyes twinkled.

"Living on the Galactica is like watching the Inter Fleet broadcasting..." Lomas grinned. He let go of Apollo hands but remained standing there, in front of him. Observing him.

"I know about everything you do."

Alarm bells should have started ringing in Apollo's head, but Lomas' tranquil spell, the capturing beauty had blinded him. He didn't speak for a micron.

Then he quietly continued. "I must admit I'm surprised, Lomas." Apollo turned his eyes away. "That is not the kind of reaction I expected... You seem like... as if... you don't care!"

Apollo couldn't understand why he suddenly felt rejected. Hurt. By the lords of Kobol, he should have been ecstatic. Oh sagan, I must be crazy. If there was a ship for madmen in the fleet, I would definately be the first one to be signed there.

Lomas placed his hands on Apollo's shoulders. The look in his waterpond eyes was serious for a while. He stared into Apollo's eyes for a long time.

"I care." Lomas didn't smile. "More than you could possibly know." His solemn gaze crept slowly further and further into the depths of Apollo's heart.

"I don't mind if you have other toys, Apollo." Lomas eyes bored into Apollo's mind. "But don't let go of me."

Apollo tried to speak. "Starbuck is not a toy! I love him!"

"I know you do." Lomas' eyes were huge and devouring. "But you love me too, don't you beautiful..."

Tears tried to climb up into Apollo's eyes but they didn't yet get far enough to be seen.

"Yes, Lomas. Apollo whispered with a choked sigh. "I do care about you..."

The tears reached the eyes as he surrendered to Lomas' gentle kiss.

Neither of them realized that the door had been open the whole time.

Starbuck was standing in the doorway.

Slowly dying.

* * *

"Apollo!...."

Apollo and Lomas both turned.

"Oh lords!" All the blood rushed away from Apollo's head.

"Starbuck... Oh sagan..."

The look on Starbuck's face shattered Apollo's heart.

Starbuck's eyes were filled with tears as he turned away. He started running down the corridor, as if trying to escape from the heartache.

Oh lords, heartache was not a strong enough word.

"Starbuck! Please! Wait!!" Apollo started running after him.

"STARBUCK!!!"

Lomas grabbed Apollo's shoulders and forced him to turn towards him. Lomas eyes drilled into Apollo's. "Don't leave me..." His voice was quiet. Very quiet.

Apollo struggled free from Lomas' grasp. "Starbuck!"

Lomas fought to keep a hold of him. "Apollo, if you go now..."

Apollo wan't listening, He ran after Starbuck as fast as his feet would carry him. "Oh sagan!"

Lomas remained standing in the room. Staring after Apollo. For a long while even after he had disappeared into the corridor. Then Lomas turned and went to his quarters.

He opened the closet doors and took out Apollo's picture. He stared at it for centons. Silent. His face expressionless.

Then he took a little needle.

Carefully he penetrated the picture with that needle. Two tiny shots.

Apollo's eyes.

* * *

Apollo caught Starbuck's sleeve. "Please wait!" Apollo pleeded with a choked voice. "Please give me a chance to explain..." Apollo was crying.

So was Starbuck. "Explain what, Apollo?" Starbuck sobbed. "Explain to me how you never really loved me!" Starbuck pulled his arm free. "Well, thanks Apollo, I already know that! Starbuck tried to turn and run away but Apollo took another hold of his arm, a stronger hold. It hurt.

"Starbuck. I love you more than anything in the universe..."

"You sure have a funny way of showing it..." Starbuck couldn't take it any more. He had to get away from Apollo. But Apollo's grasp was firm.

"Apollo, please let me go now!" Tears were running down Starbuck's cheeks. "My heart is still too weak. I know I would fall right back into your arms again if you now asked me to. But please Apollo, please let my heart go!"

Starbuck fought to carry on.

"If I'll live now, I can't ever bare this kind of hurt again. And that is what you would cause me. More pain." Starbuck wiped away the tears that were on his cheeks.

"NO STARBUCK!" Apollo was crying. "I would never hurt you again!! NEVER!"

Starbuck's eyes were so full of sorrow. He used his other hand to detach Apollo's grasp.

Starbuck stood in front of Apollo for a centon. Totally silent. Then he turned to go.

"Starbuck..." Apollo whispered.

Starbuck was gone.

* * *

Oh sagan, please not now!

Cassiopeia was approaching Starbuck in the corridor. He quickly wiped his face with his sleeve.

"Hello Starbuck." Cassiopeia's voice was like ice.

"Please Cassie, not now..." Starbuck said with a choked voice.

"Go frack yourself Starbuck!" Cassie's smile was like a knife. "I'm not here to talk to you."

Cassie passed him, coldly. "I have an appointment."

"Why are you dressed like that Cass?" Starbuck couldn't believe what he was seeing Cassiopeia wearing. There were two words for that.

Almost nothing.

Cassiopeia's smile was extremely unpleasant. "You can congratulate yourself, Starbuck." Cassie's eyes were unnaturally calm. "because of you, my love, I have chosen to return to my good old profession" Cassiopeia smiled. "Socialating."

Starbuck felt his heart burst. "Oh no, Cassie..."

"Don't Cassie me, you boray. I have to go. I have a client."

Cassie started down the hallway. She turned.

"By the way Starbuck. Have you ever considered picking up a new profession." She grinned darkly.

"You have a natural talent for sleeping around..."

Starbuck could hardly see behind the veil of tears. "Cassie, you don't know what you're saying..."

"Oh yes I do." She turned and disappeared down the corridor.

* * *

Starbuck leant his back against the metal wall. Slowly he slid downwards until he reached the floor. There he sat with his legs against his chest and arms around himself, cradling.

Then the tears came.

Starbuck cried.

***

Boomer opened the door.

"Felgercarb Starbuck!" Boomer's heart jumped. "What's wrong??"

Boomer didn't remember when was the last time he had seen Starbuck cry. It must have been right after the destruction of the colonies. But not since then. Starbuck kept those things hidden. Oh sagan, how Boomer was now frightened to see those little tears on Starbuck's cheeks, and that pained, desperate look in those red, swollen eyes. Boomer quickly moved closer to Starbuck and pulled him into a tight embrace. "Please tell me what's the matter." His voice was so tender.

Starbuck was sobbing. He couldn't find words to express his sadness. There was nothing he could have said that would come even close to expressing the agony. "Oh Boomer... Please just hold me!"

Boomer held Starbuck tightly, listening to the quiet sobbing. There were tears in Boomer's eyes too. It hurt so much to see Starbuck like this. Do something you imbecil, Boomer's mind was screaming. But Boomer had no idea how to comfort Starbuck in such immense distress and pain. He didn't even know what was wrong.

Boomer took a hold of Starbuck's chin. "Please, my beautiful friend. Tell me what has happened. If there is anything I can do to help... And I do mean anything! I will do it. Please tell me how to make the hurting go away."

Starbuck teary eyes stared into Boomer's. Boomer's heart almost stopped as he saw the look in them. He kept his eyes on Starbuck as he softly placed a little tender kiss on his lips. The lips were salty from the tears.

* * *

Cassiopeia arrived at the door of the client's quarters. This part of the Galactica was fairly unknown to her. She had been here only twice. Once with Rigel, and once with doctor Wilker, visiting a patient that had been in too bad condition to make it to the Canaris.

She quickly took out a mirror from her purse and made sure the make- up was still perfect.

Then she knocked.

* * *

Adama was sitting by Tigh's bed.

Tigh was eating mushies Adama had brought him. The bedside table was almost too small for the bouquet of flowers.

"How did you know that I was dying for these little treasures" Tigh was smiling. "Thank you for bringing me some."

"My pleasure" Adama smiled warmly. Then he took Tigh's hand. "Doctor Salik explained me about your heart attack. So remember that this is the last time I'm allowing you to enjoy anything as greasy as these mushies. It's going to be plain primaries from now on!"

Tigh laughed. "You wish, commander."

Adama was quiet for a long time, caressing Tigh's fingers. Then he looked into Tigh's eyes. With a serousness Tigh had not seen for awhile.

"I'm getting very wary of the unexpectancy of life Tigh." Adama spoke slowly. "I don't see a reason to waste any more time than we already have..."

Tigh looked at Adama anticipatingly.

Adama didn't hesitate. He knelt down beside Tigh's bed, still holding his hand and looking into his eyes.

"My dearest Tigh..." Adama spoke. "Will you give me the enormous honour of becoming my husband? Adama brought Tigh's hand to his lips and kissed it.

Tigh almost dropped off the bed. "What???!? Sealed?!? Adama, are you kidding me..." Tigh eyes were sparkling teasingly. "Don't tell me you had a little too much ambrosa to drink before coming here..."

Adama smiled. "I have never been more serious in my entire life."

Tigh's eyes shone with happiness. "Of course I'm getting sealed with you!"

They kissed for a long time.

In front of everyone.

No more secrets.

* * *

Sheba answered the door.

"Frack! Sheba! What are you doing here?" Cassie gasped. "I'm supposed to meet a client..."

Sheba's face was serious. "Come in Cass." She pulled Cassiopeia into the room by her arm.

"Oh, hello Rigel..." Cassiopeia was more than surprised. "What's going on??"

Rigel walked accross the room. Her smile was secretive. She remained standing next to Sheba, her arm around her waist. Cassie wasn't too happy to see them so cozy together...

"All right. Who's going to tell me what the frack I am doing here. I have a business to run. Time is money as they say." Cassie was impatient.

Sheba eyed cassie. "It was Rigel and I who made the appoinment..."

"What?" Cassiopeia almost burst out laughing. "I had no idea you were in need of a socialator"

Cassie had to fight not to laugh. "Is this some kind of a joke..." Sheba left Rigel's side and walked to Cassie. "We are concerned about you, honey"

No need to be! Cassie felt a tad of annoyance. "I can perfectly take care of myself thank you very much!"

"Just shut up for once Cassie and listen." Rigel smiled. "We have a proposition for you..."

"Oh really?..." Cassie's hands were on her hips.

"Yes, oh really" Sheba smiled now as well.

* * *

Boomer's lips lingered on Starbuck's so gently, like the wind.

Comforting. But at the same time yearning.

Boomer's heart was banging like frack.

Boomer slowly ended the kiss. He kept his startled eyes on Starbuck's. Oh sagan. This is not something he had meant to do!!

Boomer had just wanted to comfort Starbuck in some way. Boomer you fool, his mind was pounding. Don't you have any self control! Boomer swallowed as he prepaired to receive a whack from Starbuck...

But instead, Starbuck moved closer and kissed Boomer again.

Intensely, like he was about to drown. Like Boomer was the only thing in the universe that could save him.

Boomer was ablaze...

* * *

"As you know, I'm very much attracted to Rigel" Sheba started, casting a warm glance at Rigel who was standing a little further away. They smiled to each other. Sheba continue. "And Rigel cares for me too."

Cassie's foot was tapping the floor. "So? I don't have time for these nice little family confessions..."

"Shut up Cassie" Rigel cut in.

Sheba kept her eyes on Cassiopeia. "But the truth is, that neither me nor Rigel, we cannot stop thinking about you. Caring about you..." Sheba smiled. "Wanting you..."

Cassie was quiet. Dumbstruck. She had not expected this.

"We had a little talk and came up with a brilliant idea..." Sheba's smile lit up the room.

"Which is?..." Cassiopeia's voice was curious.

Sheba was quiet for a centon, smiling. She put her arms around Cassie and gave her a soft kiss on the mouth.

"Well, how about a nice little menage-a-trois..." Sheba grinned. Rigel's voice carried from behind. "I know we will all be very happy together." Rigel's grin was immense. "But there is one condition."

Cassie's stunned eyes were on Rigel.

"You will give up socialating..." Rigel smiled.

Sheba's hands were on Cassie's hips as she was looking into her eyes, waiting for an answer.

"It's a deal!" Cassie's grin was blinding.

* * *

Starbuck broke off from the kiss. "No, Boomer! No!"

Starbuck covered his face with his hands. "I can't do this. Please forgive me..."

Boomer just stood there, like the room was a wide open space where he was suddenly left alone, completely deserted.

"Starbuck..." Boomer hardly got out any voice.

"Boomer, I can't do this. It would be so unfair to you!" Starbuck was sobbing again. His face buried in his palms.

Boomer couldn't believe his ears. "Unfair!?! How on earth could this ever be unfair? I'm in love with you..."

Starbuck looked up at Boomer. His eyes were desperate."Because I'm in love with someone else. I'm so sorry!!" Starbuck turned to head towards the door. "It was a stupid idea to come here. Please forgive me..."

Boomer leaped to stop Starbuck from going. "Hold on, Starbuck. No way in heavens am I letting you leave now. We need to have a little talk..."

* * *

Starbuck told Boomer everything about Apollo. The love, the happiness, the flames and the endless desperation that followed.

Boomer was listening quietly, his hand caressing Starbuck's hands as he spoke.

When Starbuck finished there was a silence. Starbuck's gaze was on the floor. "I'm so sorry."

Boomer smiled. "I sensed there was something going on between you two" Boomer led starbuck to the bed and they sat down on the bedside. "But I didn't let myself to really notice it." Boomer's hand was around Starbuck's shoulders. "It's my fault really for being blind."

"Boomer, please. No time for martyrdom now..." Starbuck tried to smile but failed. He started caressing Boomer's cheek with his forefinger, gently. "I had no idea you had a crush on me. Starbuck's eyes were so kind. So tender. "I don't know if I can ever feel that way towards you." Starbuck didn't detach his gaze.

Boomer's little smile was blue. "I don't expect you to, Starbuck. You friendship means more to me than anything." Boomer's eyes were teary. "But I can't help the way I love you. It's not something you choose..."

Starbuck wiped a tear away from Boomer's cheek and then looked away. "Boomer, I'm not sure if I can ever love again..."

"Of course you can, Starbuck!" It hurt Boomer to hear Starbuck say such things. "Your heart is infinate. You just wait and see. One day mr. right will be knocking on your quarters..." Boomer was smiling melancholically. "And I must confess i can't help hoping it will be me..."

Starbuck smiled a little and silenced Boomer with a little kiss. When they disengaged, Starbuck's face was yet again serious.

"I have nothing to give you Boomer. Nothing, except honesty."

"That is so much more than most people are ever able to give." Boomer's fingers caressed the outlines of Starbuck's lips. "I'm lucky."

Boomer was quiet for a micron. Then he took Starbuck's hand. Why don't we take it one day at a time. Find out if something else than friendship raises its beautiful head." Boomer smiled. "Come on, let's go for a cup of coffee."

* * *

Apollo stood outside the door to Lomas' quarters for centons. In silence. Then he wiped the tears from his eyes and knocked.

Lomas' face was genuinly happy when he saw Apollo standing there. "Come in gorgeous!"

Apollo was horrified to see how carefree Lomas seemed to be, when Apollo's universe had fallen apart. But then again, how would Lomas know that. It wasn't his heart that had shattered. Well, at least not yet.

Apollo followed Lomas into the room. There was a strange gloomy light from seven black cadles. The scent of incense was nauseating.

"Please, sit." Lomas was smiling. "I'll see if I have any ambrosa left." He started towards the cupboard. Apollo's eyes followed him. But this time, his eyes weren't hungry.

"Wait." Apollo's voice was calm. "I'm not staying."

Lomas turned, surprised. "Oh, you're going on patrol?"

"Err, no." Apollo couldn't believe what he was hearing. For a while he kept looking at the fawn-like face of that beautiful young man, he had once so desired. Now there was nothing left. Only pain. "It's over between us. Everything there ever was. It's finished." Apollo's voice didn't falter. His eyes didn't stray.

Lomas stood there, in the middle of the room, looking at Apollo. His face blank.

Apollo turned to go. He opened the door.

Lomas still had not moved. Not one tiny fraction on his face. Nothing.

"Perhaps one day we can learn to be friends." Apollo forced to smile just before he closed the door.

He leaned against it for a while, waiting for his strength to slowly return. Then he headed down the hall. He had no choice.

He had to find Starbuck.

* * *

Lomas stood still for a very long time.

Something was approaching.

Then the voices started.

Lomas bent forward and his hands grabbed a hold of his head. Oh lords. "Leave me alone!" His hands pressed hard against the temples. "STOOOOP!!!"

No silence.

Lomas struggled his way to the closet. He grasped the knife and placed it against the flesh on his arm. Slowly he pressed it deeper.

Oh sweet pain.

Blood started dribbling from the cut.

More! Lomas' eyes were open as he gashed again.

But the voices didn't go away. Oh sagan! The knife dropped to the floor as Lomas fell to his knees, holding his head. The blood from his arm smeared his face.

"Please, father. Go away..."

* * *

Cadet Cree was sitting near the performance stage.

The main lounge of the Rising Star was half empty. Even tonight's performance had already ended and it wasn't even twelve centars yet. Cree was really bored. His companion, Giles had returned to the Galactica a centar ago, saying that he had promised his friend to return at an early centar. Felgercarb! Cree frowned. That guy is like a sealed man nowadays. Definately spending too much time with his cute little boyfriend and forgetting all the real fun! Cree was smoking a fumarello. I'm never going to get sealed, that's for sure. Absolutely not!...

Cree lifted his eyes as someone approached the table.

"Hello corporal..." Cree blushed a little. "How are you this evening?"

Lomas smiled irresistably. "Mind if I join you?"

"Please do!" Cadet Cree was hardly able to remain seemingly calm. Wow, corporal Lomas. Lomas took a chair and sat down, keeping his waterpond eyes on Cree.

"How has your evening been so far? Having fun?" Lomas placed his hand on the table. Very casually, and very near Cree's. His eyes were so penetrating. Cree swallowed.

"If you don't have anything too important planned..." Lomas' smile created butterflies in Cree's stomach. Oh lords, he couldn't believe he was sitting with this gorgeous officer he had so much dreamed about...

Lomas placed his hand on top of Cree's. "...Then perhaps you would like to accompany me to my quarters..." Lomas' smile grew even more inviting as he leant a little closer to Cree.

"... Brighten up my evening with your beauty and innocence, angel face. It would be very much my wish."

Cree couldn't turn his eyes away. Oh sagan, he was falling in love.

Yes, definately. Love.

Cree's eyes were shining.

Together they started towards the Rising Star shuttle launching bay...

* * *

Greenbean entered the officers' club.

He spotted Boomer and Starbuck, sitting near the pool tables, enjoying a cup of coffee.

Well, to Greenbean Starbuck didn't really look like he was enjoying himself. He was slouching, his elbows were on the table, his face leaning against his hands. There was such an empty look in his eyes. A kind of look that Greenbean had never before seen in the eyes of that blond pilot.

Boomer was sitting opposite Starbuck, talking quietly. Apparently trying to cheer his companion up. But obviously not with much success.

Greenbean approached them. "You guys are up late!" He took a chair. "Mind if I sit down?"

Starbuck gestured his silent yes but his eyes didn't really see Greenbean, or anyone else for that matter.

Greenbean was a little confused by this heavy ambiance. "Is something wrong?" He asked, concerned.

"Naah..." Boomer smiled a little. "I guess we're just a little tired from all the adventures... We've had just about enough of excitement a warrior can handle in one night!"

Greenbean sensed the darkness behind Boomer's joviality, but he didn't say anything. Instead he gestured to the waiter to bring him a cup of parbon juice and lit a fumarello. "Anyone up for a game of pyramid?" His twinkling eyes looked at Starbuck. Greenbean knew very well that Starbuck never failed to jump at a chance to gamble. It was almost his purpose in life.

Starbuck didn't answer. Not one gesture.

Greenbean almost dropped off his chair.

"What's the matter with you guys. Did someone die or something?..."

"Starbuck, I need to talk to you!"

The three men lifted their eyes. Apollo was standing there, beside the table.

Boomer looked at Starbuck and saw the expression of pain on his friend's face. "I don't think this is a good time, Apollo..." Boomer said quietly.

"This is the only time!" Apollo's voice was desperate.

Greenbean lifted his eyebrows.

Starbuck suddenly stood up and dashed out of the officers' club without saying a word.

Apollo didn't hesitate, he shot after him like a lupus.

"What in the names of the lords is going on, Boomer??"

"Don't ask!"

* * *

Lomas closed the door behind him.

Cree's was looking around the room, amazed by the unusual furnishing. He turned and smiled at Lomas. "Your taste is... interesting." Cree wanted to say something, anything. Break the silence.

Suddenly he was feeling shy with this handsome officer...

Lomas was smiling back. He had such an inviting look in his eyes that it turned Cree's flesh into goose pumps. Cree had never before met a man with such irresistible charm.

"Why don't you make yourself comfortable, angel face." Lomas was taking off his dress cape and placing it neatly on the back of a chair. He was very much intrigued by this cute young cadet. Lomas didn't take his eyes off him.

Cree was strolling around the room, not really knowing where to sit or what to do.

"Please, sit somewhere angel face" Lomas grinned. "You are making my head spin."

Cree blushed and sat on the bedside. He subconsciously started biting his thumbnails. And then quickly stopped, embarressed. Cree quickly glanced at Lomas, afraid that the gorgeous corporal had seen his childish habit. Lomas hadn't. He was taking something out of a big dark-brown closet.

Cree tried to see what it was.

Lomas placed the seven black candles in a circle.

Then he walked to the light switch and turned off the light in the room, before lighting the candles. Suddenly the room became somehow eerie, gloomy. Cree did not like that.

Lomas turned his eyes towards Cree. Huge, tranquil eyes. Cree forgot about the uncomfortable feeling for a micron. Lomas was smiling. "Come here, angel face."

Cree hesitantly arose from the bedside and walked to Lomas. He kept his eyes on the floor, feeling shy. Not knowing what was the correct way to act in these kinds of situations.

Yeah right, he was thinking to himself ironically. What situations.

This was the first one Cree had ever experienced. At least with a man...

Lomas' touched Cree's shoulder. Caressed it, but almost unnoticeably.

"Why don't we sit down on the floor, beautiful..." Lomas' eyes shone in the candlelight.

"I will take to a place you have never been before."

Lomas took the knife.

* * *

Apollo caught Starbuck halfway down the corridor to the launching bay. He grasped a hold of Starbuck's arm, forcing him to turn.

"You won't be able to run away from me Starbuck!" Apollo was out of breath. "I'll be chasing you until I'm an old man in a wheelchair. And even then I'll be coming after your, with my wheels on fire."

Starbuck didn't look at Apollo.

"There is no way I'm going to let you walk out of my life!!" Apollo was sobbing.

Starbuck forced his arm free. "This time, Apollo, I very much intend to." Starbuck started loping down the corridor again, Apollo running after him. Apollo took another hold of Starbuck's arm. A stronger hold. "Please, Starbuck. Don't go..."

Starbuck raised his eyes and looked at Apollo, trying to force himself to ingore the pain he was seeing in Apollo's eyes.

"Apollo, why are you doing this to me?" Starbuck was desperately fighting back the tears that were burning behind his eyes. "Don't you understand that I have to stay away from you to be able to heal my heart or it will never be healed again." Starbuck was sobbing. Tears were flowing now, like a river.

"When I'm around you I am so vulnerable, so weak. I would do anything you asked me to! Can't you see how much I'm dying to fall back into your arms..." Starbuck wiped his face with the back of his hand. "And then I would get hurt all over again..."

Starbuck tried to struggle his arm free from Apollo's grip. "Don't you see..." Starbuck's flood of words drowned in his sobs.

"Starbuck, stop babbling and hear me out!" Apollo was crying. "What I did is unforgivable!" Apollo was choking on the tears too. "But I am still asking you to do the impossible Starbuck. To forgive me!!!" Apollo put his arms around Starbuck, forcing him into an embrace, not letting go no matter how much Starbuck kept fighting back.

Apollo had no idea how to continue. What to say. The only thing that was oh so clear to him was that there was no other way! he had to get Starbuck back! Apollo wanted so much to make Starbuck understand!! But words did not exist. The only thing Apollo was able to do was hold the struggling Starbuck close to him.

Very close. And not let go. Ever.

* * *

Cree was sitting on the floor, not quite sure if he should have run away. This was not something he had expected to happen.

The sleeve of Cree's tunic was rolled up. Lomas was holding Cree's arm, caressing the bare skin with his fingers and his lips. For many many centons...

This is too weird! Cree's mind kept warning. But he was intoxicated therefore his guard was down. Besides, there was another reason. Lomas himself.

Cree couldn't find will power to walk away from Lomas. Frack, Cree didn't even want to. This man was breathtaking. So capturing. Both physically and, in some strange way, mentally.

The knife was placed on the scarlet bandanna, in the middle of the silver circle. The black candles surrounded Lomas and Cree on the floor, painting shadows on their faces.

Lomas stopped caressing Cree's arm. There was a centon's silence. Lomas was gazing into Cree's eyes. Smiling.

"The pain of the flesh takes away the pain of the mind... and of the heart..." Lomas' voice was so peaceful, hypnotizing. His smile reminded Cree of an early springtime breeze. Warm and caressing in golden sunlight, freezing in shadows.

Cree could do nothing but stare.

Lomas took the knife. He kept his eyes on Cree.

Cree didn't move when Lomas placed the knife against the flesh of his arm.

* * *

"When you were talking to Baltar..." Tigh was still munching the mushies. "Did he ever tell you why his son chose to deny him?"

Adama's eyes were very grave.

"Yes, Tigh. He did."

* * *

Lomas held the knife against Cree's skin.

Not yet hard. It didn't make a mark on the flesh.

In a strange, darkly enticing way, Lomas seemed to be careesing Cree's skin with that blade.

"So pale..." Lomas was smiling tenderly. "So pure..."

The blade cut the skin.

A little drop of blood appeared.

Lomas placed the knife on the floor.

Keeping his eyes on Cree, he very very lightly brushed his finger accross the tiny wound.

A drop of blood remained on that fingertip, glimmering in the light of the candles.

Cree almost stopped breathing.

Lomas brought his finger higher, to Cree's lips. Cree couldn't take his eyes off that drop of blood. Slowly, softly, barely touching Lomas' finger started to caress Cree's lips. The blood spreading, painting the lips red. Cree could taste the flavour the blood, feel the sudden wetness on his lips.

Lomas' eyes were enormous. They seemed to devour Cree's mind. "Can you feel the loveliness of pain, angel face." Lomas' voice was barely audible. The finger smeared blood on Cree's cheeks. Lomas smile was breathtakingly beautiful.

"Such power you get..." Lomas paused.

He stopped caressing Cree's face and took the knife again.

"The power of having total control over yourself..."

Lomas' face turned to an expression of ecstacy as he started pressing the knife against the skin of his own arm. Slowly he closed his eyes.

Discomfort.

Lomas halted. His eyes opened.

Anxiety.

Something was in the room.

Lomas shuddered. The knife fell to the floor.

"NO!"

* * *

Starbuck stopped fighting back in Apollo's embrace. "Apollo, please! I have no strength..."

Apollo's hand took a hold of Starbuck's chin. "Look at me Starbuck!"

Starbuck's eyes lingered somewhere between Apollo's nose and his left earlobe.

"No Starbuck. Look at me in the eyes!"

Starbuck tried not to, but eventually his gaze found Apollo's eyes. First frightened, then drowning into them.

Apollo's eyes were so full of pain and desperation when he took Starbuck's hands and pressed them against his chest. "Take my heart back Starbuck." He mumbled through the tears. "Bring it to life again..."

* * *

Adama didn't speak. He arose from the bedside and walked to the nearby window. He stood there for centons, quietly staring at the star- filled space.

Tigh was dying of curiosity."Well??"

Adama turned.

* * *

They started. The voices.

Lomas cried out. Something was coming towards him in the room but it was invisible.

It was inside Lomas' mind.

Lomas grabbed a hold of his head. He stumbled to his feet.

Cree was more than shocked!!! Quickly he stood up and rushed to the door. He could hear Lomas' screams behind him.

Get the frack out of here!!! Cree had no idea what was now happening but it scared the pogees out of him.

Silence.

Cree turned.

Lomas was standing there, in front of the closet.

He was holding a laser gun.

* * *

Starbuck closed his eyes for a centon.

Then he suddenly grabbed a hold of Apollo's tunic and pulled Apollo close to him.

"Oh sagan, Apollo..." Starbuck whispered with a choked voice. "What are you doing to me.."

Then Starbuck kissed him. An intense kiss. The kind that hurts.

Sweet pain.

* * *

Cree froze. He was staring at Lomas.

Oh sagan this can't be happening. No, this is not happening. I'm probably still on the rising star, passed out for drinking too much.

The maitre de is probably kicking the frack out of me right now...

Cree held his breath.

Lomas' smile was terrifying.

Suddenly he started pacing around the room. Talking furiously.

But not to Cree.

* * *

Slowly the kiss grew tender, and then, finally, lingered to its gentle end. Starbuck and Apollo remained standing so very close to one another. Their eyes still closed. Their lips almost touching.

No words, no outside world.

* * *

Cree had never seen this man before.

Lomas was panicky. Begging, pleading someone invisible in the room. Then violently screaming, cursing, threatening...

And still holding that gun.

Cree was totally paralized.

He could do nothing but stare at this weird, frightening sight.

Horrified.

Lomas cried. He covered his face with his hands and a quiet, desperate sound of sobbing was the only sound that echoed in the room.

Then his hands fell to his sides. The room turned silent.

The expression on Lomas' face was blank.

His eyes staring at something that Cree couldn't see. Something hidden. Veiled inside the world of Lomas' mind.

He raised the laser gun.

Oh sagan, Cree's eyes were the size of two dinner plates. Get the frack out of here!! Now!!!

* * *

Adama walked back to Tigh's bed and sat down.

"Our multiply skilled friend, Baltar..." Adama didn't really want to continue..

Tigh started to arise from the bed. "Go on!"

"You stay on that bed young man!" Adama smiled a little.

Tigh grinned. "Want to join me?"

"Don't distract me, Tigh!" Adama was smiling. But the smile was a shadowy one. "Do you want to know about Lomas or not."

Tigh waited.

* * *

Starbuck slowly opened his eyes.

His hand kept brushing through Apollo dark hair as he was watching Apollo, quiet there in Starbuck's arms. Eyes closed, breathing softly. So beautiful and fragile.

But so immensely dangerous.

Starbuck knew now how easily Apollo was able to shatter Starbuck's world. With just one word, with one little gesture.

Starbuck was scared. So scared.

But he had no choice.

Apollo was afraid to open his eyes.

Afraid that this sudden turn towards the heavens would end if he did.

He kept squeezing his eyes shut even after Starbuck moved a little further away from him.

It was only after Starbuck spoke that Apollo did open them.

And what he saw was love.

Love in the eyes of Starbuck.

* * *

Adama's voice was sad as he continued. "That poor little boy never got over what happened during those yahrens of childhood." Adama paused. "He apparently grew up to be a very tormented young man. A man with a severe case of schizophrenia..." Adama looked at Tigh. "Thanks to Baltar!"

Tigh held his breath, afraid to hear what he was going to. "What in the names of sagans happened between Baltar and his son??"

Adama smiled. But the smile was so dark and sad. "Incest, Tigh." Adama replied. "That's how our friend Baltar thought a son should be loved."

"Oh lords" Tigh was horrified.

* * *

Stillness.

Lomas face was now so serene. So beautiful.

His eyes were once again the tranquil waterponds.

He put the gun to his head.

And fired a shot.

* * *

"I'm afraid, Apollo." Starbuck spoke in a quiet, low tone. "Afraid of what's going to happen..."

"Please, Starbuck, please don't be!" Apollo tried to silence him. "I will never ever again hurt you like this! Never!" And as Apollo spoke, he knew in his mind, so well, that he wouldn't. Not ever again.

"Shhh..." Starbuck pressed his finger against Apollo's lips. "You don't know what the future has in store for us..."

Apollo wanted to speak but he didn't. He waited for Starbuck to continue.

"I don't know what will come of our relationship Apollo..." Starbuck kept his eyes on Apollo. "But I have no other choice than give it another chance." His voice was soft. "There is no way I'm strong enough to fight against this kind of love."

Apollo remained silent. Tears appeared in his eyes. But this time they were tears of happiness. "Slowly Starbuck. We'll take it slowly..."

Starbuck grinned. "Yes, Apollo. Slowly..."

Starbuck's grin grew radient. "Your quarters or mine?..."

Apollo laughed. "You are so unique! I love you!" He tenderly kissed Starbuck before taking his arm.

Together they left the corridor.

Smiling.

* * *

Boomer was sitting alone in the officer's club.

It was deserted. The bartender kept meaningfully eyeing Boomer, obviously hoping that the crazy pilot would understand to leave, so he could close the place.

The night was about to turn into dawn soon.

The cup was dangling in Boomer's hand. Perhaps he should go to his quarters and get some sleep...

But Boomer was not tired. He kept sipping the freshly-ordered grog from the pastel cup.

Boomer knew. Starbuck and Apollo would get back together.

It hurt like frack, but... Boomer sighed.

Oh well. He would get over it. Sooner or later.

Probably later...

Boomer took another sip.

Someone entered the officer's club. A yound lad. By looking at his uniform Boomer could tell this young boy was a cadet. And a pretty one too. With sandy blond hair and a intriguing, enthusiastic face. Boomer kept his eyes on him.

The cadet made his way to the bar and ordered a double ginetto. Then he eyed around the deserted officers' clubroom and spotted Boomer. Boomer smiled at him.

The cadet was sitting opposite Boomer, sipping ginetto from a small cup. "You can't possibly imagine what happened to me tonight!!" The boy rolled his eyes.

Boomer kind of liked those pale, innocent eyes.

"Just my felgercarbing luck to bump into a suicidal maniac on my first date!" The cadet shook his head. "By the way, my name is Cree." The cadet smiled. "Nice to meet you."

Boomer introduced himself. Cree kept his eyes on Boomer.

"You seem like a sane enough guy..." Cree was smiling. "I was thinking of catching a shuttle to the Rising Star. Half of the gambling decks are still open." Cree was searching for something in his pockets. "I was wondering..."

He found what he was looking for. A pack of fumarellos. He took one out and put it in his mouth. The whole time keeping his eyes on Boomer. Very cute eyes indeed.

"Wanna join me?" Cree smiled.

He lit the fumarello.

Boomer raised one eyebrow.

By the lords of Kobol, he couldn't believe this.

A young Starbuck!

So, this was going to turn out to be an intresting evening after all...

* * *

Fleeing from the cylon tyranny, the last battlestar, Galactica, leads a ragtag fugitive fleet, on a lonely quest - for a shining planet, known as Earth...

THE END