He was supposed to be objective. It was his job as one of the jury of five to hear the evidence presented and not get personally involved. And yet, as soon as he heard the first tremor in Laura's voice when she was asked about New Caprica, all of his objectivity went out the window. He wanted to leave his bench, haul her out of the witness chair and into his arms. He didn't; she'd be angry if he made her appear weak.

But then Lee got up to cross examine.

"Madam President, is it true that you have been taking Chamalla again?"

Don't do this, Lee. Bill tried to will his son to stop. "That's not relevant," he said aloud.

"It is," Lee argued. "If the witness has been taking hallucinogenic drugs, her testimony…"

"I'm putting an end to this line of questioning," Bill said. Laura glanced at him, her eyes softening as they lingered on his for an instant. She sent him a silent thank you.

"I'd like to hear what the witness has to say." The judge to his right spoke up.

Another agreed. "Witness will answer the question."

Bill and Laura locked eyes again. His said I'm sorry. Hers said I know.

"Yes," Laura said. "I am taking Chamalla."

"Thank you," Lee said, and moved to return to his seat. Laura's voice, hard, almost taunting, stopped him.

"Don't you want to know why? Don't you want the reason I'm taking Chamalla?" She didn't wait for Lee to answer her. "I'm taking Chamalla because my cancer has returned."

Though he'd already known, Bill flinched.

Court was adjourned after she dropped her bombshell. Bill stepped down from the bench, and with a gently hand on her back, led her from the courtroom. When they reached his quarters her shoulders slumped as soon as the hatch was shut.

"Laura," he said. "I'm so sorry. I tried, but Lee…"

"I know," she said. "Thank you for trying."

They were interrupted by a knock on the hatch. Bill opened it to find Lee in front of him.

"Go away," Bill said. "I don't want to look at you right now."

"I did what I had to do," Lee said.

"You did not have to do that."

"I was doing my job."

"You hurt Laura," Bill growled. "Go."

"I think you've lost your objectivity, Admiral," Lee said. Bill responded by slamming the hatch in his face. He turned to find Laura sprawled on his couch, shoes and jacket abandoned.

"He's right," she said. "You have lost your objectivity."

Bill settled on the couch next to her, silently delighted when she took his invitation and curled up against him, her head on his shoulder.

"When it comes to you, I never had any."