The Queen of Scorpia

By: LittleStrawbaby

Rating: T

A/N: OK, apparently I'm shipping R/A now. Go figure. We'll see how long it lasts. smirk

I have cancer, La La. This is the last vacation we may ever have. Please don't act like this.

The sixteen year old glanced over at her sleeping mother and sighed. She tossed her magazine into the empty seat between them and stared out the window of the transport until her stomach started to roll.

It puzzled her, her behavior with regard to this trip. She truly was excited about going to the shore; Scorpia was absolutely gorgeous with its tropical weather and exotic sights. Her mother had spared no expense on this trip and it wasn't as if they had a never-ending well of money to draw from. And she had done nothing but complain and make it harder for her mother.

Nothing had fazed Evelyn Roslin until a week before the trip, when Laura had been at her worst. She had raged and shouted at her mother for taking her away from her friends for the summer to take a boring trip with (horror of horrors) her mother. It was then she had sternly reined her daughter in. Even the sullen silent treatment was a relief from the childish tantrums.

Laura was the only child she had and life hadn't been easy for the girl. Evelyn had suffered with near-debilitating depression after the death of her husband, when Laura was only two. Much of the time, Laura took care of Evelyn; by the age of six, she could cook soup and make sandwiches to ensure they ate, gave her mother her medication and did light housekeeping.

Evelyn didn't begrudge her daughter her youth, on the contrary. She was pleased that Laura had a distinct sense of self. She was a straight-A student, President of her class and a cheerleader for the varsity football team. Laura had always been a bright and upbeat child and the thought of her daughter losing out to care for her panicked Evelyn.

"Mama? We're here," Laura said. She shook her mother gently with one hand as she gathered her things and shoved them into her backpack.

"La La? We're there already?" Evelyn asked, groggy.

Impatiently, her daughter responded, "Yes, we've landed. We have to get off now."

"All right. Can you grab my carry on?"

"Yes."

"There's no need to get testy, young lady."

"I'm sorry, mama."

The older woman pulled her into a one-armed hug, stroking her silky mahogany curls. "I know, baby. C'mon, let's get out of here and have some fun."

Laura's world was turned upside down two weeks later. Her mother contracted pneumonia and was hospitalized, leaving Laura to come and go as she pleased, completely unsupervised. It didn't bother the girl in the least. She visited her mother twice a day and spent the rest of her time exploring the city.

Scorpia, being ninety-five percent tourism, had its own laws regarding pesky things like legal drinking age and drug use. Namely, one only had to be sixteen to drink and all drugs were legal.

Laura had befriended a couple staying the in same hotel on their honeymoon. She went out with them every evening, partying until they stumbled back to the hotel. She was hanging out with an older, far more experienced crowd than herself, but it was certainly educational. After three weeks, she was certain this was the best summer of her life and her friends at home would be deliciously envious.

She was dancing with a handsome man with blond hair when a navy blue uniform caught her attention. Her body stopped moving and she stared as the man broke up a scuffle between a taller drunken man, also in uniform, and a man in a pastel shirt and white linen suit. Her partner's hands found her waist and pulled her tightly against him, but she pushed him away, wandering over to the fistfight.

"What happened?" she asked.

A pretty blond woman spoke up quickly, "That jerk over there started a fight with my boyfriend." She pointed to the man in the sissy linen suit. "What's with that getup anyway?"

"Got me. I've never seen anything like it. Maybe he's from Canceron. You know how they are."

"Yeah, a bunch of weirdos." The blond turned to her, smiling, and stuck out her hand. "I'm Ellen."

"Laura," she responded, shaking the other woman's hand. "Is he OK? Your boyfriend, I mean."

"Who Saul? Hell yeah! Even when he's drunker than Cootie Brown he can whup ass."

"Who's the other guy?"

"That's Bill Adama."

"The pilot?"

"Yeah, that's him. You're not one of his groupies, are you? That's so lame."

"No, I'm not a groupie. I heard an interview with him over the wireless a few months ago, when the war ended. He sounded very nice."

"He is very nice. And very boring."

"Boring?"

"Are you gonna to repeat everything I say?"

"No, I'm just curious." She was staring openly at the shorter, black-haired man, now intrigued. It was then he chose to look up and meet her eyes. Laura felt a strange jolt in her chest and her face flushed hotly. "He's very handsome."

"Ah yes. It's the eyes. Adama blue, Saul calls them. Saul's my boyfriend, by the way."

"Well, I hope everyone's OK. It was nice to meet you, Ellen."

"Wait, aren't you going to stay and have a drink with us? I think Bill'd like to meet you."

"Oh, well, I'm here with friends. They'll wonder what happened to me."

"Tell 'em you're coming over here with us for awhile. They'll deal."

"Um, maybe I should go. I don't want to interrupt—"

"You see me whup that dickhead's ass?" Saul bellowed, grinning like an idiot, "I showed him good!"

"You sure did, baby," Ellen cooed.

Laura wanted to throw up as she made big over him and then they started playing tonsil hockey.

"Hey," a low voice greeted.

Laura turned and found herself staring into the bluest eyes she'd ever seen. A smile graced her face involuntarily and she returned his greeting.

"I'm Bill."

"I know. I'm Laura."

"Nice to meet you, Laura."

"Same here. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to intrude. I was being nosy and then I met Ellen, who insisted I stay and have a drink with you."

"Oh please do. Anything to get that meddling harpie off my back."

Laura laughed. "Gee, thanks. Throw me under the bus."

Bill's olive skin darkened. "That didn't come out right."

"Sure."

"Really, I didn't mean it like that. I'm, well, truthfully, I'm glad to have someone not-Ellen to talk to."

"Yeah, that's the same impression I got."

"Why don't you let me buy you a drink?"

Laura glanced around. She saw the couple looking in her direction and she waved to them, signaling that she was all right. They nodded and left the bar.

"Do you have somewhere to be?" he asked, his raspy voice sending shivers down her spine.

"No, not at all. I came with them."

"Oh, I see. I'll see to it that you get home safely then."

"Thank you."

"Not a problem. So, do you live here?"

Laura laughed. "Oh no. I'm here on vacation. Do you live here?"

"Nope, shore leave. This wasn't my idea but I have to say I'm glad that I came along now."

They shared a smile and the bartender sat their drinks in front of them.

"To meeting new friends," Bill said.

"New friends," Laura chimed in.

Bill walked her to the door of her hotel room, their arms linked. She stopped outside her door and turned to smile at him.

"I think this is the first time I've come home sober in a week," she joked.

"Kinda cool being on this side of it, huh?" he chuckled.

"Gods, now I'm paranoid about how I may have acted. I really hope I didn't sing bad songs by over-glorified pop stars like that one group did."

"Seems to me you were in pretty good hands but things like that do happen."

She laughed and slid her keycard into the reader, opening the door. She stepped inside and turned on the lights.

"Wanna come in for awhile?"

"Uh, sure." He stepped into the room, looking around curiously. "Where are your friends?"

"Oh no, we're not here together. I actually met them a week and a half ago at dinner before—well, that's when I met them. Greg and Tracey; they're here on their honeymoon. They let me tag along with them when they go out at night to party and make sure I get back here."

"You don't really seem like a party girl."

"I'm not. It's just been a really stressful three weeks."

"You've been here that long?"

"Yeah I—" She blew out a breath and looked him in the eye. "I'm here with my mom. She got pneumonia and she's in the hospital. I've been on my own for a week and, well, there's not much to do between hospital visits. I've already been to the beach, seen the sights around our hotel and tour groups don't interest me."

"I'm sorry about your mom. Is she going to be all right?"

"She's got breast cancer and her immune system is weak, that's why she got sick. That's also why we're here, on this vacation. It could be our last." Her eyes widened as she realized how much she had revealed to this man, a virtual stranger. "I can't believe I'm telling you all of this."

"It's OK, you can trust me."

"I know, I sense it. Ellen said you were boring and I guess by her wild standards, you are. But I like your boringness."

"My boringness?"

She giggled and flopped onto one of the double beds, staring at the ceiling.

"Yeah. Which colony are you from?"

"Caprica. You?"

"The same. Have you lost the ability to construct sentences?" she teased.

"No. I'm more interested in you."

"There really isn't anything interesting about me."

"What college are you going to?"

"I'm not in college." She closed her eyes.

"I see. How old are you?"

"How old are you?" Rolling onto her side, she propped her head on her palm, her green eyes piercing.

"Are you planning to go to college?"

"Yeah, after I get my mom, well, settled. Did you go to college?"

"No, I joined the military."

"Do you like it?"

"I do, actually."

"I heard your interview on the wireless a few months ago."

Bill's expression was embarrassed. "Please don't hold that against me. I didn't want to do it but my superiors informed me it would give the military a good showing."

"Because so many people were against the war."

"Yeah."

Laura sat up on the bed, facing him. "I admire you guys. You're protecting people you don't even know. And you weren't even forced into service—it was a life you chose. I mean, you guys are willing to die for us, to ensure our way of life. That's cool."

"It's something you're called to. Kind of like being a doctor to heal people or politicians who actually help people. What do you want to do with your life?"

"I think I want to be a teacher," she admitted. "I've had some really great teachers who've inspired me to want to give to others. And if nothing else, having knowledge is important."

"Yes, it is very important. I think it's a good choice and, I mean, I don't really know you, but it seems to suit you."

"My mama isn't really happy about it. She thinks I'm wasting my potential. I keep hoping she'll understand why I want to teach.

"I tutor kids, in all subjects. I'm good at it, I'm good with them, and it gives me such a sense of accomplishment when they get it. You know, when the light bulb goes off in their head and they understand? It's a rush."

She sees him staring at her intently and she feels a flood of embarrassment. Lowering her head, her long hair obscured her burning face. She's certain she's made a fool of herself in front of him and now he'll make excuses to leave. And avoid her for the remainder of his leave.

"I'm sorry. You must think I'm an idiot."

"No, not at all! You're wonderful. I never thought I'd meet anyone as passionate about living their dream as I am."

"You mean being a Viper pilot?"

Bill nodded.

"I really do understand," she said, "It's as important to you to protect and serve our worlds as it is to me that I help children learn and grow as people."

He noticed, suddenly, how closely they were leaning together. He leaned forward those few extra inches, their lips meeting. They both felt it, the flash of desire, and the kiss deepened.

Without parting, they stood and moved closer, his arms slipping around her waist, hers around his neck. Their bodies molded together, fitting together as if they had been created for each other; two halves that formed a perfect whole.

They broke for air, breathing heavily, their eyes locked. He was fascinated by the fire he saw in the depths of her pale eyes and reality crashed in on him. Pecking her on the lips, he backed away, raking his fingers through his thick hair. He tried to ignore the confusion he saw on her face and was compelled to explain.

"I really like you, Laura. A lot. But I don't think this is a good idea."

"What?" Her voice was dangerously low, her eyes glittering.

"We hardly know each other and I want to change that. I don't think rushing into something physical is the best thing."

"We were kissing, not ripping each other's clothes off."

"And how long do you think that would've taken?"

She was floored by his honesty—and by his chivalry. Wasn't it supposed to be dead? He was seriously concerned about her, not himself.

"You're right, Bill," she admitted.

Switching gears before he upset her, he asked, "What are you doing tomorrow?"

"I have no plans."

"Great. Why don't we go exploring?"

"Exploring what?"

"The city, goofball."

She smiled and nodded. "Sure, sounds great. It doesn't sound so bad when there's someone to see it with."

"Great. How about I pick you up around oh-nine-hundred?"

"At what time?"

Chuckling, he said, "I'm sorry, habit. I meant nine tom—well, today."

"That's fine with me."

"Ok then, great."

They smiled at each other, both feeling goofy about it but neither ready to let go of the moment. He lightly held her upper arms and pulled her into a hug.

"I had a great time tonight," he whispered huskily in her ear.

"Mmm, so did I," she said. She wrapped her arms around his waist, hugging him back, "I'm so glad I was feeling nosy."

"So am I."

Reluctantly, they released each other and she followed him to the door. He pulled it open and stood in the doorway, their gazes locked. She leaned against the door, her temple resting on the wood. Her lips were slightly parted, the corners turned up in a small smile.

"See you tomorrow," he said, "I'll come up for you."

"I'll be waiting."

He kissed her sweetly, his palm caressing her cheek. "'Til then."

"'Bye."

They spent the day exploring the city and getting to know each other. They ate lunch in a restaurant she didn't think either of them could afford, shared a bottle of expensive Tauron wine and gorged themselves on fresh seafood. After lunch, they wandered hand-in-hand through the local shops.

That evening, they ate at a small diner that served authentic Scorpion dishes and wandered around until they found a small bar. They found a booth in a dark corner and cuddled up together. Their waitress briefly interrupted the intimate bubble they had created to take their order and bring them their drinks.

Much later, he walked her back to the hotel and escorted her up to her room. They shared hungry kisses; Laura, having pinned him against the door, molded her body to his. He returned her kisses with equal fervor until the door opened behind him and she pushed him inside.

He broke away from her, both gasping, eyes beholding one another with a hunger neither had ever experienced or known was possible.

"Gods Laura, you test my control," he rasped.

"We're not strangers any more," she said. She offered an impish smile and she slowly unbuttoned her blouse. "And we both know this is what we want."

He blinked, staring at her as she removed her shirt and stood before him in a crimson bra and jeans slung low on her hips. "Uhh."

"That's all you have to say?"

She hid her uncertainty and discomfort well. Outwardly, she appeared composed and confident, standing before him with her hands on her hips but inside she was uncertain and afraid of rejection. His lack of response was rapidly shredding her confidence and she wrapped her arms around her waist.

"Don't," he said hoarsely.

"What?" she tittered nervously.

"You're absolutely gorgeous," he breathed.

She blushed to the roots of her hair; she wasn't expecting him to say anything quite so flattering. Lowering her head, she tried to hide her embarrassment from him but he was having none of that.

Adama stepped forward and lifted her chin with a forefinger. He offered a tender smile in apology and she returned it. Then he pulled her tightly against him, kissing her with all the passion he felt for her. Her eager response sent a surge of male pride through him; this was really going to happen, here, now, with this beautiful woman.

Clothing fell to the floor carelessly as they explored each other's bodies. Her body felt heavy as his lips explored the sensitive flesh of her neck, chest and breasts. Weak-kneed, she faltered and he led her to the bed on the side of the room she appeared to occupy, laying her down.

She smiled up at him slyly and tugged slightly on his shoulder. He responded with an eager grin and settled above her on hands and knees, his eyes searching hers. There was no doubt this was what she wanted and he squelched the desire to giggle like a boy.

"Make love to me," she murmured.

The doors to the balcony were open wide, the shears billowing in the breeze. The pounding of the surf was audible, as were the faint sounds of a woman singing about love lost. Bill and Laura lay curled together on her bed, enjoying the languorous aftermath.

"How is your mother?" he asked.

She stiffened in his arms and he kissed the top of her head, hugging her tighter. Lifting her head from his chest, she stared into his eyes for a long moment before responding.

"She's dying, Bill," she choked out.

Pulling her into his arms, he held her as she sobbed. His hands caressed her back as he whispered his apologies, knowing how ineffective they were in the face of her grief. There never was any good way to express sorrow over the death of another; it always sounded so weak, so useless.

"I'm sorry, I know this isn't what you were expecting," she sniffled. Wiping her eyes with her hands, she smiled stiffly and began caressing his bare chest with her fingertips. "Let's forget about this subject."

"Let's not. And it's not upsetting me or ruining the mood. This is important; you're dealing with the impending loss of your mother and it's breaking your heart. Therefore, it's hurting me too."

She nodded, her eyes shining with tears. Kissing him tenderly, she rested her head on his shoulder and thanked the Gods for bringing this man into her life.

"La La? Is that you?" Evelyn Roslin asked softly.

"Yeah mama, it's me. How are you feeling?"

"I'm ready for the party."

The two exchanged a laugh. Until her mother began to cough and Laura's stomach dropped. She sat on the edge of her mother's bed and took her hand, trying to calm the sick woman.

"Ssh, just lie back and breathe slow and deep," she murmured. Wrenching her eyes away from the pale, gaunt woman, Laura's found Bill's eyes and tried to smile. "Mama, there's someone I'd like you to meet."

"I knew you'd find a boyfriend," she teased, her voice hoarse.

"Mama," she scolded, her face burning, "Be nice. This is Bill. Bill, this is my mom, Evelyn Roslin."

"Hello, Mrs. Roslin. It's a pleasure to meet you," he said.

"Hello, Bill. Nice to meet you."

"So has La La told you why I'm here?"

"Yes ma'am."

"I was hoping I'd be out of here by now, but it seems that I've taken a turn for the worst."

"Don't say that, mama," Laura whispered, her voice trembling, "You're going to get out of here soon and then we're going to enjoy Scorpia like you'd intended."

"Bill, I need to speak with her, please."

"Of course. I'll uh, be in the hall if you need me."

"Thank you. And it was so nice to meet you."

"You're welcome and likewise."

Laura didn't speak until the door closed behind Bill. "Mama, stop saying that you're going to die here. You're going to be fine."

"I'm not going to be fine, baby. I've talked to the doctors, the cancer has spread and on top of the pneumonia…well, it's just a matter of time."

"No."

"Yes baby. I know you don't want to, but you have to accept this."

"No!"

"La La, there are some things I need to tell you. Some things you need to understand and take care of after I'm gone. There is plenty of money left to get you through the next year. After you graduate from high school, you'll be on your own—we aren't millionaires."

"Mama, they'll force me into the system! I'll have to go live with strangers!"

"No you won't, as long as you're careful."

"How can you be sure?"

"Because I just know. Do as you've always done and no one will know the difference. The only other solution is you getting married. Then you're emancipated and your age won't matter."

"Mama!"

"I'll agree to it if it keeps you out of the system," she said tiredly. "Talk to your young man, see if he agrees. You can always have it annulled later."

"I can't—I'm not ready for this, mama."

"I know, baby, I know. But you're going to have to make some tough choices now. Whatever you decide, I'm behind you." She took a shuddering breath and closed her eyes. "I'm tired now. Why don't you talk to Bill about it and come back later?"

"Ok."

"I love you, La La. I hope you understand I only want what's best for you."

"I know you do. I love you too."

Evelyn smiled. "Kiss your mama and go talk to the man."

Laura did as her mother told her to and slowly left the room. Upon seeing her face, Bill took her hand and kissed it.

"Is everything all right?"

"I think it's time we talked, Bill."

The End