Title: Private Battles
Author: GEM
Date written: 7/11/05
Rated: T
Word count: 499
Story Timeline: Post Mini, Pre 33
Category: Dradis Challenge
Warnings: None I can think of
Characters: Starbuck, Apollo, Adama
Summary: Dradis Contest: Secrets Revealed Week #1 Starbuck
Spoiler: Act of Contrition (Minor)
Author's Note: I was really hoping to come up with something new that wasn't related to a certain character mentioned in this story but alas.
Is this really worth the effort? Kara wondered climbing down from her viper. Is life really worth living now that everything I live for is gone?
Lee was waiting at the bottom of the stairs. "You look horrible."
"Why thank you, Apollo." The comment was not of usual Starbuck caliber, which bothered Apollo.
"You feeling all right?" He asked.
"My very first CAP is complete. I'm fine."
The Commander and the President want us to do a survey of the fleet to see if there is anyone out there that needs medical attention or if any of the ships have any special needs.
Kara nodded "I take it, you want me to be part of this little mission."
"We leave at 0500." Kara gave Lee a half smile and walked away.
--
Kara tossed and turned in her bunk. She had visions of her daughter flashing before her eyes. She finally decided to go for a run and try and clear her head, so she could try and get some sleep before the mission. As she ran she began fighting a new battle with herself. 'Who was she to keep this secret from Lee and his father. They were as much family to Niki as she.' Kara just couldn't bring herself to tell William or Lee Adama the truth.
--
Kara approached the Raptor the next morning
"Good Morning, Starbuck."
"Morning Apollo."
"Jump in the co-pilot seat."
"Are you kidding me?"
"No, you were up all night. I'm flying this morning, if you're good maybe I'll let you flight home." Kara reluctantly slid over, Apollo took the pilot seat and they began the pre-flight checklist.
Kara and Lee spent the day flying throughout the fleet asking the same questions and getting the same answers.
When they arrived on the Orphan ship. Kara couldn't believe what she saw. She silently hoped Niki was here but she didn't know what to do if she were.
Lee came running back shortly after they landed. "Starbuck, get to the Raptor and fire it up we have a medical emergency!"
--
When Cottle and the Medical team brought the girl aboard Kara's heart stopped she left the pilot's seat and went over to the little girl.
"Starbuck please step back."
"Starbuck, Starbuck! Lieutenant Thrace!" Apollo came back to her and pulled her away from the little girl, kicking and screaming. "Kara what's the matter with you?"
"Lee, let me go that's my daughter." Lee looked at her in shock.
"What?"
--
"Zac and I had a daughter. She was born about six months before…"
"What's her name?" Lee asked.
"Niki."
"How come you never told us?" Will asked as he walked in.
"We were afraid. Caroline helped us take care of her. Not telling you both is something I will always regret. She took Lee's hand as they waited for Doctor Cottle."
"Now we know and we'll be a part of her life." Adama smiled at Kara all of his anger and disappointment gone