Title: A Father's Pride

Author: GEM

Date: 2-5-09

Rating: K+

Genre: Drama/Romance

Summary: Bill Adama's thoughts about Lee and Laura in Sine Qua Non

Bill Adama couldn't help but smile as he looked around his office. He picked up the picture of Lee and Zac on his desk. This was so surreal. Lee was so proud that day to be standing by his dad's viper. He turned around and looked at the rest, if only he had been a better father when Lee was younger. If he could have done that maybe they wouldn't have lost so much time. Lee had grown up to be a wonderful young man; Caroline did a wonderful job with both of their boys. He walked over to the sofa and picked up another picture from behind the back of the couch. Lee in his dress grays wearing his wings. Bill was so proud that day—his son was following in his footsteps, despite the shortcomings of his old man.

Bill put the picture back and straightened his uniform. He was always proud of Lee for all he'd done in his life, but nothing would ever compare to what was about to happen.

This was all too much and it all was all happening so fast. In his heart Bill Adama was boiling over with pride but he had to stay as neutral as possible. When Romo Lampkin first came up with Lee as a stopgap for the fleets' problem. Adama thought he was kidding. He had truly underestimated Mr. Lampkin and his son as well. He stood proud and tall as he watched the priest administer his son, Leland Joseph Adama the Presidential Oath of Office. He watched with all the pride a father could have in his son.

When this nightmare of a journey started Bill Adama could never have fathomed that he and his son would come this far in their relationship, but now Bill felt confident that he could do what really had to be done. Lee was after all his father's son. He has the same sense of duty and responsibility, even though he sometimes arrived at his conclusions in a different way.

When Lee told him he was leaving the military, Bill felt as if he had lost part of his heart, but he also knew Lee had a strong will. He always did what he felt was right. I think I can do good there. After the President was kidnapped by the cylons, the fleet was in turmoil and Bill wasn't about to accept Zarek as the rightful President. As a result here they stood I Leland Joseph Adama do solemnly swear…Bill couldn't be prouder of his son. Caroline would have been proud and most of all Laura would be proud.

---

"Why are you doing this dad?"

"Because I can't live without her." Lee I love her. I know with you and Tigh leading the fleet that the people with be safe. I can't just leave and give up on her. I hope you can understand.

"I do…It just sounds like a suicide mission to me." Lee said as he watched his father pack his bags.

"I will be back and I'm going to bring her back with me."

"Good, because this is as temporary as things come for me. I never wanted this."

"The office becomes you, Mr. President. I'm proud of you son and Laura would be proud too."

Lee stepped up and faced his father and did something he had done in a long time. He hugged his father "Don't be too long old man…we all need you."

"I won't be long ."