Pairing: Laura/Lee
Spoilers: Epiphanies
A/N: Character death ahead - avert your eyes if that upsets you.
The Letter
By Socket
An hour after Laura slipped into death, Billy handed Lee Adama the letter she had asked him to pass on.
Apollo stared at the envelope with misgiving.
As Laura's body was spirited into space, Lee Adama sat on his rack and opened the sealed envelope. Her elegant handwriting made his eyes sting; she was his friend and now, it was too late - there was no resolution for them, no future - no anything. She was dead and he must bear it.
Carefully, Lee unfolded the pages of the letter. He could still smell her scent - embedded in the pages.
He took a steadying breath and then, began to read.
Dear Captain Apollo,
I am sorry to leave you without a proper goodbye, but my pride and your stubbornness would not allow a reconciliation. I write this as a testament to my affection for you - not a criticism of your conduct.
I have been without your friendship and guidance for too long. I hope that one day you will understand my actions, show my memory some leniency and perhaps, find it in your heart to remember the happier times we shared.
When I lost you, I lost my lighthouse and often veered onto the rocks as a result. I am sorry if I disappointed you - but your expectations of me were unrealistic and it pains me to think of your disenchantment now.
Time ran out for me; but you can still effect events. Learn from my mistakes and yours - we have a collective history, you and I, don't disown it - harness it.
I leave the people in your hands; I bequeath them to you. Your father is still learning, as is Billy - but you understand it inherently. I depend on you now, as you once depended on me.
I leave you with my complete trust; I know what you are capable of and that your noble spirit will serve you well.
Goodbye dear friend. I wish you well in all your future endeavours.
Remember me from time to time, that's all I ask.
Your faithful friend,
Laura Roslin
Lee swallowed the sting in his throat and wiped the tears away; knowing he would be grieving for her his whole life.
He put the letter back into its envelope and cradled it against his chest; as if he were holding her.
Laura: his rationale, his reason to fight for right, his consort and lately, his betrayer. She was so much to him, and now, her body was a hollow chamber floating through space.
The tears began again. He would not forget her or her good work - he would continue her vision.
President Lee Adama leaned back in his chair in his office aboard Colonial One. He closed his eyes; it had been a hectic day - he had just won re-election.
He smiled and opened his eyes. Laura entered his thoughts.
He unlocked the secret compartment of his desk and drew out her letter; perfectly preserved. He opened it and re-read her words. He had them memorised, but seeing her handwriting gave him strength.
He smiled as he recalled the image of her smiling face.
"I won't forget, Laura," he promised aloud.
Then he folded the letter and returned it to its hiding place.
There was a knock at his door.
"Yes?" Lee called.
"Mr. President, your twelve o'clock is waiting."
"Show him in," Lee replied.
Back to business.
~The End~