Family: The ties that bind...
Commander Adamma actually enjoyed his paperwork duties. It was the only quiet time he had left. He was actually able to unwind and relax from the duties of commanding a ragtag fleet. There were only two things that he allowed to intrude the solitude of his office. The first was, of course, emergencies. The second was much more pleasurable, family.
Such as now. Boxey and his robotic daggit trundled into his office calling out, "Grandpa, grandpa!" The small boy bounded onto his grandfathers lap and the artificial daggit made itself comfortable on the couch under the porthole. Sheeba, dressed in loose fitting pants and a simple shirt strode sedately in behind her step-son. She took a moment, feeling the love almost burst from her heart as she beheld this tender scene.
"Sorry Commander." She apologized. "But Boxey has some news he just couldn't wait to tell you and it is time for the mid-day meal."
"Sheeba." Adamma said. "When you are off duty and it is just family, you are to call me Father. And that is an order young lady."
Sheeba couldn't help but to giggle as she replied, "Yes sir, Father sir."
This family, thrown together by the ravages of war, shared a loving laughter. Then Sheeba took one of Adamma's hands and Boxey snagged the other. Practically dragging him away from his desk they pulled him into the dining area of Adamma's office. Sheeba moved to the intercom to order lunch after making sure her Father-in-law was sitting and listening to Boxey. Adamma enjoyed his precious time with his family. When the intercom chirped signaling a call from the bridge he almost didn't answer.
"It's alright Grandfather." Boxey reassured him.
Smiling, Adamma ruffled his grandson's hair and pressed the intercom button, "Yes Colonel Tigh."
"Commander, I hate to interrupt your lunch" The second in command apologized ... but our scanners indicated a power surge from the alien space station. We tried to hail the landing party, but there's been no answer as yet ... just a moment sir."
Tigh came back a micron later sounding puzzled, "Commander? It's Captain Apollo. He claims that he is alone on the alien space station!"
"That's impossible." Commander Adamma stated. He ordered, "Tigh, I'll be right there! Start sensor sweeps and scramble fighters to do a deep scan of the system."
"Already on it Commander." Tigh replied.
The connection cut Sheeba requested, "Sir, request permission to join the search party going to the space station."
Distracted Adamma glanced up at Sheeba. Noticing her consternation he gently said, "Request denied Lieutenant. I'm not sending anyone else over there just yet."
"But sir ..." Sheeba began.
A curt wave of his hand and Adamma became Commander of the Galactica again, "No Lieutenant. They have simply disappeared, as far as we know they are still alive. I'll not risk anyone else in this venture."
Sweeping out towards the bridge Adamma fought the urge to run. He thought, "Calm down old man. Your son is a grown man, he can handle just about anything."
"Colonel Tigh, report!" Commander Adamma snapped upon reaching the Command Dais.
His old friend looked him in the eye reporting, "Commander, Captain Apollo is on the wireless. He reports that first Boomer disappeared, then during his search for the missing pilot the rest of the party vanished from the Control Room!"
"Dire news indeed, old friend." Adamma stated. Stepping to the console Adamma donned his head set, keying his connection he asked, "Apollo? Are you alright son?"
"Father?" Apollo asked. "I'm alright, but the rest of my party have gone ... wait. Something is happening." Adamma met Tigh's concerned eyes.
Excitedly Apollo called out, "Father! It's them. They're back!"
