Adama thought back sectons ago to his discussion with Tinia where she convinced him to assist in her ordeal by helping to organize a ball to bring the two Empyrean families and their kith and kin together. At the time, he had been hosting a large dinner party with his own family and friends. As the talk turned to politics all eyes turned their way.
"Tinia, what makes you think that Sires Regus and Albus would agree to attend?"
"They have agreed in principle to the sealing of their eldest children. Finally, the Empyrean people will be united again. They will announce the engagement at the celebration."
"Excuse me, Siress Tinia," Sheba interrupted, "I thought that Albus' daughter was only a young girl. How could they be arranging her sealing?"
Adama raised his eyebrows. He was impressed by the warrior's knowledge of the Empyreans.
"Actually, the date of the celebration is the sixteenth anniversary of Aurelia's natal day. According to Empyrean tradition, that is the day a young woman is first presented to Society."
"Poor kid. Sounds like a short coming out party." Starbuck remarked.
Silence settled on the table as all eyes turned towards Tinia. She considered her words carefully before replying. "The Empyreans view the occasion as much more of a celebration of tradition than a . . . party, Lieutenant."
Starbuck smiled. "I suppose an arranged sealing is one of 'those customs that we need to accept if we're going to learn to co-exist peacefully'." He paraphrased what he had heard her telling Apollo earlier. "Even if it does involve children. . . Siress."
"The arranged sealing in not strictly a tradition of the Empyreans, Lieutenant. It has existed for generations in many societies, including Caprican." Siress Tinia continued.
"It isn't particularly the arranged sealing that Starbuck has a problem with, it's sealing in general." Boomer joked, trying to ease the tension. Everyone laughed at the lieutenant's expense. Cassiopeia, however, laughed a little less heartily.