It was Colonial Day.
Laura Roslin woke with a start and groaned. She closed her eyes and tried to remember the last time she had woken up peacefully. Pondering for a few moments but unable to recall, she sighed and looked at the clock. 4:50 am. With the urge to fall back into the pillows overwhelming her, she sat up and got out of bed. She showered quickly and got ready for the day.
As soon as Laura walked into her office, Tory began spouting off the schedule.
"Good morning, Madame President. Happy Colonial Day. Your first meeting begins in half an hour concerning the distribution of medical supplies among the ships. Until then, you need to return these phone calls and sign these papers."
Laura took the papers from Tory's outstretched hands and said, "How many meetings do I have today?"
Tory consulted the schedule. "Straight through to 5 pm, Madame President."
Laura looked up from the papers in shock. "My day ends at 5 pm? Is that even possible?"
Tory laughed slightly. "Oh no, ma'am. The ceremony for Colonial Day is tonight. You'll make a speech and then give a couple of interviews during the ball. You know, tell reporters about the inspiration and hope Colonial Day gives us all and the general feeling of contentment that the celebration leaves with the citizens."
Laura raised her eyebrows and stared at Tory over her glasses, grinning slightly. "Inspiration and hope?"
Tory shrugged uncomfortably and sent Laura a pleading smile. "Go with it, Madame President."
Laura giggled and returned to signing papers. "We are all trying our best. Thank you, Tory."
"Of course, ma'am. Also, Admiral Adama called a few moments ago. He'd like a word with you when you have a minute."
Laura heart leapt. She knew it was a ridiculous response, but recently it had been happening more and more often when she saw him. While there was no doubt about the attraction between them, there was far too much going on with the Cylons and the fleet to pursue a relationship. And so she remained content with the flirting they did between crises and the occasional fantasy in which she and the Admiral were the main players.
The problem was that she was having increased difficulty maintaining control over her emotions. Until recently, she had only thought of Bill when she was alone, away from the office and the problems of the fleet. But after the developments in their relationship, however slight they had been, she found herself thinking about it quite often. The night on New Caprica. The day onboard Galactica when they had all but told one another how they really felt. His sudden mentioning of their relationship. "If the Cylons hadn't come back…?" All the stolen glances, touches, grins.
She sighed as she picked up the phone and dialed. Contain yourself, she thought. But she couldn't stop herself from smiling when she heard his voice.
"Adama."
"Good morning, Admiral. I hear that you wasted no time in trying to get in touch with me today."
"Ah, good morning, Madame President," Bill said with a small laugh. "Well, we are busy over here on Galactica. Not all of us can sleep the day away."
"Ha-ha," Laura said sarcastically. "How can I help you?"
"Something occurred to me this morning. Colonial Day is somewhat of a milestone for us, so I was wondering if you, in honor of last Colonial Day, would save a dance for me tonight?"
Laura closed her eyes and smiled. Her mind flashed back to the dance they shared that night. She had been so shocked when he showed up in the first place, much less when he asked her to dance. Their relationship had been so complicated back then, when they were just in the beginning stages of friendliness. She had been torn between his stubbornness and mistrust while, at the same time, being confused about why it felt so wonderful to have his arms around her—
Laura jumped slightly as Bill interrupted her thoughts. "Madame President?"
"Oh yes, I'm sorry, Admiral. How lovely, yes, of course I'll save a dance for you."
"Excellent then. I'll see you tonight, Laura."
"See you tonight, Bill."
Laura sat forward and hung up the phone, muttering to herself. "Honestly, Laura, get a hold of yourself. You are just friends. Coworkers." Her mind suddenly flashed to the night on New Caprica, laying on his chest, being able to touch him freely—
"Madame President?" Tory's voice came over the intercom. Startled once again, Laura jumped but quickly composed herself.
"Yes, Tory?"
"The first meeting of the day has been moved up. They will be here in about 10 minutes."
"Thank you."
Laura sighed and let her head fall into her hands, surrendering to the thoughts. At the very least, she thought, I'll thank the gods that there will be several people at the ceremony. There's no chance of us being alone together. Lords don't let us be alone together.