Title: Through Better and Worse
By: Mrs Mayor Of Dogsville
Summary: After a tragic accident that happens to one of the Agathons, can their marriage survive?
Ratings: PG-13-R (for lang. mostly)
Notes: I don't own jack! If I did, trust me you would be seeing more of the Agathons!!! Plus I would just like to say that I'm sorry I put the couple through hell, I think I started this fic when I got off a bad day at work and I just kept writing. Also there are many moments that might seem familiar, all I have to say is…"This has happened before and will all happen again"
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Chapter 1
"Action Stations, Actions Stations. Set condition one throughout the fleet."
Helo raced down the stairwell, blood and adrenaline pumping within his veins. He dodges the clamoring deckhands and discarded tools trying to reach his raptor. He jumps up on the wing and takes his place in the pilot's chair.
Not so long ago he would have been the one sitting in the ECO station, but with losing more and more pilots to vipers and the cylons Helo upgraded. With some new nugget in the ECO chair Helo quickly does his launch preparations, so he can go intercept the cylons before they reach the fleet. Engines hot and ready for action the raptor is pushed into the launch bay by Tyrol's knuckle-draggers where he takes off.
'Ten frakking times.' he thought. Within the last 48 hours the cylons have been catching up to the fleet. Ten fracking times that he feared he was going to lose his life or his wife. Whenever they finally feel that they've lost the cylons the frackers jump in again. It's not like the stories he's heard before, about the cylons jumping after them every 33 minutes or so. They can't get a fixed time or anything, so all they can do is sit and wait. 'Well, at least Sharon is in the CIC today. Thank Gods for small favors.'
The first time the cylons appeared was when the fleet was refueling near a nebula. Starbuck was lucky enough to see it before dradis did. Unfortunately with that storm Galactica's dradis was basically crap.
'If Starbuck didn't see it…No, don't think about that' he told himself. But nonetheless if Starbuck hadn't seen that raider in time Galactica, the fleet, his family wouldn't be here.
The raptor gave a shutter when one of the raiders rockets blew up a little too close to his ship. 'Never send an ECO to do a pilots job.' Sharon often joked like to him. Not everyone saw that side of her. After their wedding Kara has been more open with Sharon, even going so far as to calling her "my toaster buddy" and even taking her to Joe's bar whenever he really pisses her off.
(A couple of weeks ago)
"I guess I did overreact, but with all the CAPs and Hera's constant nightmares I just need to…I don't know get some release." said Sharon after downing a shot of whatever Starbuck ordered for her.
Sharon and Kara were both sitting at the bar; Sharon with both elbows on the counter puts her head in her hands taking a breather. Starbuck barely contains a giggle at what her friend said.
"No, I seriously need--"
"A good old fashion frak." interrupts Starbuck. Sharon stares at her friend as she continues her train of thought. "You know, the kind of frak where it's sweaty, grimy and primal. Where you just seconds away from screaming at the top of your lungs, terrified that the deck crew will hear your screams, but at the same time even more turned on by that thought."
Sharon with her head leaning on one of her hands quickly downs another shot that Conner just refilled. "I was thinking more along the lines of going down to the gym and using the punching bag."
Starbuck swiveled in her seat to face Sharon. "Hey, the way I see it you have two options. One we can both go down to the gym and spar. After you're done getting your ass kicked by me you can take a shower and go to bed, all clean and bruised."
Sharon chuckled at Starbuck; only she would be the one to actually get into a fight with a cylon. Both taking another shot while Starbuck taking a puff on her cigar.
"Or you can go with option number two. Which is where we both go back to your room. Let me steal my little goddaughter for the night while you and Karl frak until both your throats are hoarse. Go frak again in the shower stalls that you always fantasized doing and go to bed clean-ish, satisfied, and bruised in that special way where you are walking around funny for a couple of days."
"Damn Starbuck you always did have a way with words. But quick question how did you know about the shower--"
"Shower stall fantasy. Please, Karl tells me everything. For instance he knows that you never faked an organism because your back does that red "whop whop" thing."
If Starbuck was trying to make her feel uncomfortable, it wasn't working…okay maybe a little.
"Hey, you know he can't keep a secret from me, by the way are all cylons that flexible or did you have to practice and practice."
Sharon smirked and downed her final shot as she stood up. Starbuck stubbed out her cigar and followed Sharon out the bar.
"What you jealous that this cylon can out frak you and kick your ass." said Sharon as the duo exited the hanger bay.
"Trust me, I can take you out before you can compute the situation." said Starbuck as she playfully put her arm around Athena's shoulders.
"I'm sure you think you can." replied Athena. Then quicker then Starbuck realized Athena quickly grabbed Starbuck's arm and twisted it behind her back.
"HA!! Now say IT!!!"
Kara about to deny Athena the satisfaction but then felt her arm tighten under the cylon's grip. "Oww!! All right! All right!!! Any idiot can pilot a viper, but it takes smarts to pilot a raptor!!"
Athena proud of her way she broke the viper pilot let go and continued her way down to her room. Starbuck walking beside her mumbled "bus driver" to her, but she didn't respond because they finally arrived to their destination.
(Agathon Quarters)
Karl doing something he would have even dared to think of months ago, brushing his daughter's crazy curly hair. Where she got her locks from he has no idea. The only person he can think of that had curly hair in his family was some cousin that he never knew or met. If it hadn't been for the holiday cards that were sent to his mother, he'd be questioning Sharon. He smirked at that thought 'Yeah, and when she's done kicking my ass, she would recruit Starbuck into verbally abusing me while Cottle removes the boot from my colon.'
He was finishing up when the door opens and both Sharon and Kara walk in. Kara took Hera away for some god mother/daughter time, while Sharon practically pounced on him when the two left. 'That was one good night' He tracked down Kara the next day and gave her a bottle of Ambrosia. Although Kara said it was worth it just to see them both limping around with the biggest grins on their faces. Starbuck wasn't the only one who has become a solid friend to the Agathons. Duella as well has also been growing closer to them. At first when Karl got promoted into the CIC Dee really showed him the ropes. After Kara left with Sam to New Caprica Karl felt like he lost his rock. She offered Karl a chance to come down with them, but they both knew he wouldn't. Sharon was really opening up again after the supposed death of Hera, and he was NOT leaving the ship without her.
As days passed on Helo would find Dee looking more and more depressed as more and more days passed with Lee Adama commanding the Pegasus. The two would find themselves sitting alone in the mess hall, until one day Karl decided to sit with her. Each day they would get to know more and more about the other. She now got to hear Helo's side of the story of his time on cylon-occupied Caprica and not some half-baked rumor. Hell anytime that he had off and wasn't spending it with Sharon he was spending it with Dee. Either in the dwindling pilots rec. room playing cards and telling bad jokes or in the gym teaching her how to box and better self-defense. When the day came that she was transferring to Pegasus Karl couldn't help but feel bummed. She was so excited that she got to be with Lee, that she even told Helo about the transfer before Apollo found out about it.
The day that he spent on New Caprica at the ground breaking ceremony was bittersweet. He got to see Sam and Kara and even joined in on a pyramid game. He knew it was stupid, but a part of him felt giddy that he got to play along side Samuel T. Anders.
Dancing was never something he was great at, but at least he didn't suck like Apollo. After being stepped on by the thousandth time by Lee, Dee grabbed Karl and danced with him. Both having their fill of New Caprica, Karl and Dee caught the next raptor back to Galactica. Because both were going their separate ways Karl asked Dee to get up early so they could both have a goodbye breakfast. After spending the night in Sharon's cell Helo got up an hour earlier than usual to say goodbye to another dear friend. The whole breakfast was bittersweet and sad, but he was still happy for her. After he helped load her belongings into the raptor, for the first time saw Dee's eyes glistening with unshed tears. Giving her a hug, Helo helped Dee to her seat and watched as the raptor left with his friend. It wasn't until his own wedding that he not only saw Dee, but Kara and Sam as well. Karl can still remember the shocked voice over the phone, when she got her wedding invitation.
(Months ago)
"So, she finally roped you into marrying her. I have to say I'm impressed. The famous Karl "I'm never going to settle down" Agathon is being trapped into the holy bond of matrimony, by none other than a cylon."
Karl could understand her shocked reaction. All over the ship he's been receiving the same reaction. Everyone knew that Karl loved Sharon, and many were accepting that Sharon does indeed love Karl. Even though many knew that they loved each other, it was one thing to love a cylon, it's quite another to marry one.
"Yeah, Yeah. So are you coming or what? Cause I need someone to wrap the Scarf of Aphrodite around us."
Karl was met with silence on the other side.
"Kara? You still there?"
"Umm…You want me to be the one to wrap Aphrodite's scarf around you two. I have to say Karl I'm honored you give me that."
"Great, and as an important figure in the wedding I'm giving you a very special task."
"Whoa…wait…what's this "special task" that you're sending me on."
"I need you to help find me a dress for Sharon. She's a little smaller than you, but I figured if you need someone to pull off a miracle you need--"
"You'll need to get Starbuck. Yeah, yeah I'll get your dress, but just so you know I plan to give you a bitchin' bachelor party. So, swipe as many aspirins as you can from Cottle." Karl laughed and said his farewells to Kara before hanging up.
The day before his wedding Kara and Sam came aboard Galactica. It was quite funny watching Kara's shocked expression when she heard of Kat's promotion to CAG.
"What the frak were they thinking making that stim junkie CAG!!"
"Hey lighten up, she has really stepped up."
"Yeah whatever, well point me towards the bride. I've got a gift for her." she says holding up a white box, which was carrying Sharon's dress.
"She's where she's always been at, her cell."
"Wait is the Admiral going to let her out for the wedding?" said a confused Anders.
"Well, technically she still stays in her cell, but it's no longer guarded or even locked. Hell, next to the Admiral and the XO's cabins, she has the best quarters on Galactica." explained Helo as he took both Kara and Sam out of the hanger bay.
"Well, I'll catch up with you two in a bit. I have to drop this off to the bride." Starbuck headed down the corridor that held Sharon. When she arrived she was somewhat startled at the scene before her. There Admiral Adama and Sharon were talking while drinking like they were old buddies.
"Umm…sorry to interrupt, but I have something for you." Starbuck entered the cell and handed the box to Sharon, while giving Adama a big hug.
"It's not spectacular, but it's something. Sorry I couldn't find anything just white, but I figured you wouldn't mind since you're far from being a virgin."
Sharon gave an amused look as she opened the box. Inside was a cream lightly colored floral printed sundress. Taking the dress out and gently laying it in front of her displaying it.
"That's fine. I'll still look hot in it." said Sharon. Adama and Starbuck chuckling at Sharon's humor. "No, seriously Kara…it's perfect."
"Well, not to get all mushy, but I have a bachelor's party to go to. We're sending Karl's bachelor hood off with a bang."
"I have no doubt." said Adama as he took another sip of his drink.
"Just don't get him so drunk that he is incoherent for tomorrow." said Sharon as she places the dress on her bed.
"Oh Sharon, you know I can't promise that." Starbuck says as she leaves the cell, heading down to the pilot's rec. room for the party.
Once Starbuck left Adama continued his conversation with Sharon. "I've managed to acquire something from the Pegasus, that I think you'll appreciate."
As Adama walks out the cell door and picks up a bag that Lee sent over to him. Coming back into the cell he moves one of the chairs in front of the coffee table, across from the couch. Sitting in the chair he takes out a small wooden box. Sharon sits on the couch across from the Admiral and sees that the box was a portable chess set.
"Lee found this among Cain's things. The problem is though there's no one on this ship that I believe would be an appropriate opponent."
Sharon smiled at Adama as the two were putting the game together. She still remembers the memory of her first time meeting Adama and how much she, well Boomer…actually looked up to him. Sharon would never really admit this, but she was so upset that the Admiral had despised her when they actually met for the first time. Now, even after the set back on the mission to retrieve the survivors on cylon-occupied Caprica her relationship with the Admiral was one that she held very close to her heart.
The wedding between Karl Agathon and Sharon Valerii was definitely a first on Galactica. Neither one really wanted a religious wedding, but Sharon knew Karl wanted some of his beliefs incorporated into the ceremony. After Adama would legally pronounced them man and wife Kara would gently place a white see-though scarf around the couples' head as they shared their first kiss. Once their first kiss was over, Kara gracefully took the scarf off the two and gently folded it.
Not many actually showed up for the nuptials, and the few that did mainly showed up for Karl's sake. Lee was adamant about not going and Tigh didn't even bother to acknowledge Helo's existence. None of that affected the couple before, and they weren't going to start now. The small celebration after the wedding was held in the pilots' rec. room consisted mostly of drinking, smoking, and various card games. Karl was in the middle of a good hand when Dee pulled Sharon aside.
"First off, I just want you to know that I don't agree with this marriage. Karl loves you and I hope you realize just how much he does. Cause if you hurt him, I will kill you."
Sharon never heard the normally kind and docile Dee ever use a death threat on anyone before. Taking a deep breath and looking straight into Duella's eyes "Dee, thank you for being a friend to Karl. I know many of you really disapprove, but understand that I love Karl and I'm not going anywhere."
After her little one on one with Dee, Starbuck and Racetrack also gave Sharon a similar speech. The only one who really gave her any kind of well-being was Admiral Adama.
Karl Agathon realized that many would never approve of his marriage, and if wasn't a strong enough person he would have listened to his friends and comrades. However, it was moments like these, where he would see her across the room talking to the Admiral and she would look at him and smile. Feeling a rush of blood reaching his cheeks and his stomach creating a butterfly sensation. It was moments like this where all those negative comments fell on deaf ears. 'Frak em'
(Present Day-Cylon Attack)
The CIC was busting with so much energy. The voices of pilots were overlapping each other, that it was extremely hard to understand it all. Sharon was in the CIC before the cylons attacked, she and Gaeta were trying to come up with a reason why the cylons kept finding their location. Sharon made a discovery that one of the ships was secreting a particular radiation signature, however before they could do anything about it the cylons jumped in.
'Helo is in the raptor today.' She shouldn't worry, but she couldn't help it. Karl was a great raptor pilot; hell he can even pilot a viper pretty well. It's just that it only takes one moment and one raider to destroy one of the most important people in her life.
"Starbuck bank left NOW!!!" screamed Helo over the loudspeakers.
Sharon was standing anxiously in the middle of the CIC staring into the monitors. Her eyes never leaving the dot representing Helo.
"HOLY FRAK!! That was a close one. I owe you Karl." replied a relieved Starbuck.
"Admiral the fleet has jumped away." shouted Lt. Gaeta
"Dee call all our birds home." said Adama
The chaos in the CIC tripled as everyone prepared for the FTL jump.
"SHIT!! We're hit. Galactica this is raptor 497, we've been hit and we're going to have to eject." shouted Helo over the loudspeakers.
In that moment Sharon experienced something that only happened when she held Hera for the first time, her heart stopped.
(Raptor 479)
"Gods Damnit!! Strap yourself in quickly before that raider finishes us up!" shouted Helo at his ECO.
Once both pilots were strapped in they ejected out of the raptor. They weren't gone more than a couple of seconds before their raptor exploded. Karl never experienced this kind of pain before in his life. His legs…it was almost blinding as he looked down at his legs.
(Starbuck's Viper)
Starbuck saw Helo's raptor explode, but thankfully she saw both raptor pilots ejected before going down with their ship. "Racetrack, Starbuck. Go pick up our two pilots before we lose them. I'm going after that toaster son of a bitch." Starbuck was right on it's ass when she took her shot. She took in perverse pleasure in killing that mother frakker.
(Raptor 817)
"Galactica this is Racetrack, we got our two missing pilots and---"
"FRAK! Racetrack, Helo's not responding and he's bleeding really bad in his suit." shouted Skulls.
Racetrack turned to look at Helo and paled when she saw him. 'Oh my Gods' Keeping her mind focused Racetrack had her eyes glued to Galactica's landing deck and kept her raptor floored. "Helo stay with us, gods damns it."
'Faster, come on you rusty bucket, COME ON!'
"Racetrack, Galactica you're coming in too hot." said the LSO
"NO FRAK! Make sure there's a medical team waiting for us."
(Galactica)
Her heart pumping acid though her veins as Sharon ran. The halls were a blur and if she didn't have her cylon reflexes she would have plowed into the various officers that were clamoring around in the halls of Galactica. Jumping down five steps and taking a hardcore left Sharon was at the top of the walkway of the hanger deck. Putting her hands on the rail and lifting her feet Sharon slides down the steep staircase. She sees the raptor. She sees the medical team crowding around the entrance. She sees six hands grabbing onto her. The Chief, Starbuck, and Apollo grabbed a hold of her trying to keep the hysterical cylon from seeing what was left of her husband.
"NOO!! Get you mother FRAKKING HANDS OFF OF ME!" screamed Athena. Never taking her eyes off the raptor.
"Athena STOP! That's an order!" shouted Apollo trying to push her off to the side, but failing miserably.
Athena hearing her superior officer's orders was about to calm down, that was until she caught a glimpse of Helo being carried out of the raptor. Losing whatever reasoning she had left she threw Starbuck into Apollo and shoved the Chief into a workbench. She was only a couple of feet from Helo, when out of nowhere Athena felt a blinding pain on her face. A warm rush of blood was protruding profusely from her nose as she felt the momentum of her body collide into the side of a workbench. Putting her hand to her face, she saw that her hand was heavily coated with blood and small bits of cartilage. 'What the frak?' Sharon looks up and sees Cally holding a wrench in her hand breathing quite hard.
"You mother frak---"
Cally grabs her and pushes her up against on of the pillars in the hanger bay.
"Stop! You need to Stop!!" shouted Cally inches away from Athena's face
"I need you to get the frak out of my FACE!" screamed Athena
Knowing that Athena was about to toss her like rag doll. "Helo! You need to stop and think of him. You need to let Cottle take care of him or he WILL DIE!"
Having hearing that come out of Cally's mouth made Athena stop her struggle. Watching the medical team frantically trying to revive Karl made all of Sharon's fear and desperation hit her all time limit. Letting out a vicious cry Sharon fell back against the pillar sliding down to the floor crying hysterically. All the while still grasping on tightly to Cally. Sharon didn't care that at her weakest moment, the one of the few people she disliked saw her break down. Sharon didn't notice how long she was on the hanger bay floor, but I must have been awhile because mass amounts of blood, cartilage, tears, and other various fluids were now dominating her entire bottom half of her face drizzling down her neck and covering her uniform.
Throughout the entire exchange Cally didn't more or speak a word, not even when Athena's blood was covering her uniform as well. When both made eye contact Cally knew that whatever it was she was doing was over. Both standing up Athena put her hand on Cally's elbow and gave it a gentle squeeze, thanking her for what she did. Athena headed out of the hanger bay, where obviously Apollo was waiting for her, while Cally went back to work.
(Galactic Hallway)
Sharon and Lee were walking down to the medical bay, both not speaking a word. She was drained both mentally and physically. She wasn't rushing to sickbay as fast as she was when she was reaching the hanger bay. When suddenly she stops in the middle of the hallway and goes to lean against the slanted wall. Apollo had taken a couple of steps before he realized that the pilot was no longer walking besides him. Turning back around he saw her staring out with a vacant expression on her face. Taking a deep breath Lee walked back to his pilot and stood next to her, waiting for her to speak.
"I don't want to know." she says in a barley whisper of a voice. "It's selfish I know, but if I go through those doors and hear those words from Cottle that he's gone I …I…I don't know if I can recover from that. In some weird way it's easier not knowing than knowing Karl's fate. Pretty weird huh?" said Sharon as she looked at Lee.
"That's not weird, it's human." Lee looked straight into her eyes and was about to continue his speech on what it means to be a person, but stopped when he saw her eyes. "You don't need me to give you a speech about what it means to be human. Cause I can see it in your eyes that you already know."
Sharon stood shocked at what her CAG had just said to her. Lee was one of the last people on board to be open with her. He never treated her unfair or rudely it's just that he was always reserved whenever the two were together.
Lee took his hand and placed it at the side of her hip guiding her off the wall. Together both made it to sickbay. "Plus your nose is totally frakked up, we should probably get that checked out. You know for a cylon you sure do break easy." trying to relive the tension by attempting to tell a joke.
"Yeah, well lets see what you would look like taking a monkey wrench in the face."
"Oh, she had a "wrench" I'll remember that."
Together they both entered the hall where the sick bay was located.
"I don't want to go." she said in a small voice.
"I know, but it's not about what you want. It's about what Helo needs."
Taking his words to heart Sharon took a deep breath before continuing on their path. When entering the room the words utter chaos was an understatement. Nurses were in a hustle and they were bringing bags of various liquids over to the small surgical area of the sickbay. Sharon was about to head in their direction that was until she felt Apollo take her arm and gently shake his head. Together they both spotted Starbuck sitting with her forehead resting against her clasped hands. Sharon sat in the empty seat next to Starbuck and looked down at the floor.
"How…How is he?"
Starbuck stopped jiggling her leg and turned her attention towards Sharon.
"From what I saw the explosion melted his flight suit to his skin causing sever burns to his legs. Also a piece of shrapnel tore into his right leg." Starbuck paused so Sharon could digest all the information. Once Sharon gave her the okay to continue, Starbuck cleared her throat before speaking. "His suit was really torn up. I overheard Cottle say that if he was left out in space a couple of minutes longer he'd be dead."
Sharon fought with all her might not to break down again, but found that she was failing miserably. "Well thank god for small favors then." said Sharon as she tried to wipe away the tears, but by doing that caused her more pain because of her nose.
Seeing Athena wince in pain Apollo went to find a nurse. "We need to take care of that, I'll be right back."
Starbuck and Athena didn't respond at Apollo's departure. Neither of the women had moved an inch when Apollo returned with a nurse.
"Lt. Agathon can you come with me for a moment, and we'll get that nose fixed." said the nurse as she took Sharon back behind a curtain. The nurse did a very gentle exam of her nose and went out for a few minutes. When the nurse came back with some medical tape and padding, setting all of her equipment aside the nurse stood in font of Sharon with a rolled up towel.
"Here wrap you hands around the towel and squeeze it when it hurts. Unfortunately we're going to have to do this the hard way." said the nurse in a sympathetic tone. The nurse took her hand and gently placed it on Sharon's nose.
CRACK
"FRAK!!!" shouted Sharon as she nearly ripped the towel in two. Blood now more than ever was pouring out profusely.
"Sorry about that, but I had to break it back into place. Unfortunately we really can't do anything about the nose, so we're just going to have to tape cotton padding to ease the bleeding."
Sharon just nodded along as the nurse finished her job. 'God, today's never going to end.' After being cleared from the nurse Sharon went back to her seat. Still there were Starbuck and Apollo, but apparently Dee joined them while she was with the nurse. Starbuck looked up as Sharon took her seat again next to her.
"You look good."
"Frakkin' bitch, felt like she had a personal grudge against me." said Sharon as she leaned back. "Any word on Karl?" hoping that by some chance that some info may have gotten leaked while she was preoccupied.
Starbuck shook her head no while speaking for the first time "They haven't said anything."
Sharon nodded her head then suddenly she tensed up. "Wait, what time is it?"
Dee looked at her watch "It's 21:43."
Sharon closed her eyes and let out a sigh. "Hera. I completely forgot about her. The next shift is coming in and I have to get her." Sharon was about to get up when Dee stopped her.
"No, Sharon I'll get her. You need to be here and let's face it you're a wreck. Let me take her for the night."
If it had been anyone else besides Starbuck, Sharon would have said no, but it wouldn't have been the first time that Dee has taken care of Hera.
(Months ago-Around Taking A Break From All Your Worries)
'My marriage is over.' She kept repeating that same thought over and over. Dee was walking down the hall with a small bag full of her things. She was so lost in her thoughts that she had bumped into someone, making them drop their clipboard.
"Oh…I'm sorry." she said in a hurry picking up the clipboard that she made dropped.
"Dee?"
Looking up Duella grabs the clipboard and hands it back to Helo.
"Sorry Helo. I'm just having…never mind, I'll see you around."
Dee was about to leave, when Helo reaches out and took her arm.
"Dee, what's wrong?"
Deciding that the news would eventually spread around the fleet, Dee decided to tell Helo about her marital problems with Lee.
"I've decided to leave Lee."
Helo shocked at what his friend said could only come up with one thing to say.
"Why?"
"I can't be with a man, who's not sure if I'm the one he wants to be with. So, I left. Now, if you excuse me I have to go find a spare rack for the night." Again Dee was about to leave when Helo suddenly takes her bag from her.
"Come on, I know where you can sleep." he said walking down the hallway.
"Helo as much as I appreciate this you don't have to----"
"Dee, the ship is overcrowded and the only spare racks on the ship are down in "dogsville". Now come on I have a couch that hardly gets used and I promise I don't snore…much."
Dee smiled at Helo, knowing he wasn't going to change his mind she followed him to his quarters. When they arrived there Sharon had her flight suit half-way on while she was bouncing Hera on her hip. Helo puts Dee's bags by the couch and turned to Sharon.
"Dee needs to stay her awhile."
Dee noticed that Helo wasn't asking permission for her to stay, but just telling Sharon that she was. Dee didn't realize that she was holding her breath that was until Sharon looked at her. Instead of looking annoyed, like Dee expected her to be she gave Dee a small half smile.
"Great, now we have a babysitter, so you and I can go out." said Sharon in an amused voice.
Looking at Helo, Dee couldn't help but tease. "I knew you had other motives than just being "a good friend"."
Helo grinned as he took Hera away from Sharon "Busted."
Dee moved away from the door and settled on the couch. She watched as Sharon was leaving for her CAP, the way she kissed Hera on the forehead while playing with her curly hair. Then giving Helo an intimate kiss before heading towards the door. Before she left she quickly turned towards Dee.
"Duella, feel free to stay here as long as you like." she said before heading out the door.
Dee smiled as she noticed Karl looking truly happy with his daughter. Helo the walked over to the couch and sat down next to Dee, with Hera in his lap.
"I don't think you two have formally met. Sweetie this is Dee, Dee this is Hera."
Dee had to admit that Hera was truly a beautiful child and she couldn't help but laugh when Hera was giggling at her.
"Helo, quick question. Where does she get her curly hair from?"
Helo took his eyes off Hera and turned towards Dee with a confused expression.
"You know, I've never really thought about that before." as he looked back at his daughter "Where the hell did they come from?" he asked his daughter knowing he wasn't going to get a response from her, but was thrilled when she grabbed his nose. As Helo laughed at his daughters antics Dee couldn't help but be envious.
"I have to admit that I'm quite jealous of you Helo. You seemed to be the only person that's not going through any relationship problems."
Helo turned his attention away from Hera as Dee continued.
"I just find it ironic that the "perfect couple" on this ship is the human/cylon couple."
"Dee, I'm flattered that you think our relationship is perfect, but we're far from that. Everyday I have to worry that someone will take his or her anger out on Sharon, just cause she's a cylon. Everyday I worry that someone is going to make another attempt to steal Hera away. The only reason you never see me and Sharon fight over "normal" problems is because Sharon and I are not a normal couple. In the grand scheme of things those problems tend to be not so big after all."
Dee looked at Helo with a newfound respect for him.
"Hey can you hold her for a second, while I go change out of this uniform?"
Dee nodded as she gently took Hera into her arms. She had to admit that Hera was so fracking adorable. 'Oh, just look at those little curls.'
(Present Time)
"Thanks Dee, I really appreciate that. Make sure you stop by our room to pick up a spare set of clothes. Her diaper bag is at the day care with her, oh and our security code to the room is---"
"Don't worry I've got everything under control. I'll bring her by in the morning." Dee said before quickly kissing Apollo before leaving.
After Dee left Apollo stayed for another twenty minutes before he had to leave to report to the Admiral, but not before he gave a reassuring pat on Sharon's shoulder. Soon minutes turned into hours before Sharon spoke, startling Starbuck out of her nap.
"My god, what the frack could be taking them so long." said an exasperated Sharon.
"Maybe that's a good thing. I'd be more concerned if it was done faster. That would mean that they couldn't do anything to save him."
Sharon had to admit that Starbuck has a way of surprising her with her insight. Taking a deep breath Sharon kept her eyes glued to the entrance of the operating room. Another two hours passed before Dr. Cottle came out. Sharon stood up and walked towards him as he lit up a cigarette.
"Dr. Cottle how is he?"
"He's alive for now. I'll admit that we lost three times in the O.R. before we were able to bring him back."
Sharon felt like she was going to pass out, wishing she had woken up Starbuck from her chair. She had feeling like she going to pass out soon and she would feel better knowing that Kara was going to catch her.
"What's wrong with him?"
Dr. Cottle took a deep breath, knowing that what he was about to say next was going to greatly upset her.
"I think you need to sit down for---"
"Just frakkin tell me ALREADY!!" yelled Sharon.
Sharon's shout awoke Starbuck again her nap, only this time she feared the worst when hearing her friend's yell. Cottle nodded and decided to cut the crap and get down to business.
"The burns caused by the explosion caused his flight suit to melt into the skin on his legs and arms. We had to remove a couple of layers of flesh. However that wasn't the worst of the damage. Apparently a piece of shrapnel tore into his right leg severely…we had no choice but to amputate the leg."
To be cont...