Laura and Billy found their way to her guest quarters with relative ease. It helped that she could remember the locations based on the Commander's anecdotes. "That seemed like it went well, ma'am. With the Commander, I mean."

"Yes, I think it did. He's a fascinating man."

"He's really devoted to this ship and his crew."

She nodded. She was sad for the role she was playing (though minimal) in ending his career and hoped retirement would treat him well.

Billy left her so she could change and make the finishing touches to her speech. It would be time soon.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: :::::::

At the appointed time, Billy collected Laura, escorting her onto the hangar deck. So many folding chairs had been assembled for the occasion. They began with the flyby, led by a Captain Adama-the Commander's son if she wasn't mistaken. She'd never pretended to know much about flying, but the planes looked good, and it seemed the Captain took after his father.

Her speech was among the first of the dignitaries, leaving the final speech for Adama. Doral called her up to the podium. She looked out into the crowd.

"Good evening." She smiled, warming them up, comforted by with the knowledge that no one really listens to these things. "Tonight we begin a new chapter in this great Battlestar's life. The Cylon War is long over, and that has a lot to do with the sacrifices aboard Galactica and the other original battlestars. She's continued to protect our worlds from threats both foreign and domestic, and now she'll serve generations of children and families, educating them in the history of this ship, the war, and the Colonial Fleet. I'm proud to be part of this future museum, and I hope all of you will join me for its opening in a few months. Thank you."

She backed away from the podium and moved to return to her seat. People clapped slowly and politely, but she was pleased to see the Commander was the first to clap. Maybe he didn't see her as the enemy anymore.

The President aired live, save the time delay. It was everything she'd come to expect from the man: superficial and self-serving. He took the opportunity to discuss the effectiveness of the defense mainframe and how Dr. Baltar's work would take the colonies into a new paradigm of defense and warfare.

Laura lost interest quickly, and her eyes wandered. She noticed Commander Adama roll his eyes at a few points. It must be nice to be on the way out, to not have to pay people like Adar any mind. She could have that too if she wished, but then she'd be leaving the schools-and the children-at his mercy. No. She needed to carry on.

Richard's speech ended, and Doral was back at the podium, waxing poetic about the brilliant speech, and he introduced Adama as a kind of afterthought. Laura, on the other hand, leaned forward slightly, curious to hear the Commander's final words regarding his ship and his career.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

He spoke from the heart, and it was powerful and thought-provoking. Not at all the sort of speech a man could give at the start of a career, but at the end, when he can say whatever the frak he wants because he's already been frakked over. Still, it took guts for him to say those things.

Not everyone wanted to clap, but Laura did. First. Partly to return the favor, and partly because she was so moved.

When the ceremony was over, she made a point of saying goodnight before retreating to her quarters. She walked toward him, as everyone parted like the seas in the myth from one of the scrolls, (she forgot which; she'd always been lax about religion) giving her a clear path to Commander Adama. He turned to her. "Madame Secretary."

"Great speech, Commander. You went from the heart. Good for you." She smiled. "I just wanted to thank you for your hospitality today before I left for my quarters."

"You're leaving already? There's festivities."

She tilted her head to the side. "I'm quite tired, but thanks. I think I've intruded on this old girl enough for one day. Let her have one final night with her crew."

"I could escort you to your quarters. I mean, if that's all right."

"I am a rook, after all. That's probably a good idea."

He offered his arm, and she took it, as he led her through the throng of people. "You sure you don't want to spend the time with your crew?"

"I'll probably join in later, but...I want them to enjoy themselves."

"And they won't with the boss there."

"Exactly."

"What will you do instead?"

"I'll probably read in my quarters. I'm in the middle of a great book. I'd like to get to the end. But I'd also like to savor it. I'm kind of torn between those impulses, if that makes sense."

She smiled. "It does. I feel like that frequently. Although 'Murder on Picon' isn't really grabbing me at the moment. I should have known better. Grisham's usually hit or miss."

She sneezed, and he was right there with a handkerchief. She took it from him, and blew her nose, trying to keep the blush from forming.

"A cold?"

She shook her head. "Allergies. I'm especially sensitive to recycled air."

He chuckled. "You wouldn't like to live here, then."

"No, Commander, as charming as this old girl is, I probably wouldn't."

They continued on, talking about books. Ones they'd read, wanted to read. He listed his favorites, and she promised to read them. "I'll have to contact you when I finish. Let you know how they were."

"I'd like that. Here we are, Madame Secretary."

That was quick. "Thank you, Commander. And I definitely would have gotten lost. Thanks for taking the time to escort me."

"It was my pleasure, ma'am." He smiled. "I hope we can talk again before you leave in the morning."

She smiled. "I'd like that."

They exchanged a round of goodnights, and Laura entered her quarters, closing the door, or hatch, behind her.

They didn't seem as spartan as before. If it were necessary, she could get used to them, allergies aside. The Old Lady's moans and creaks were growing comforting as well. It was endearing that something could endure so much and continue going to work each day. Inspiring.

She changed in the bathroom, or head, and grabbed her book out of the bag and curled up on her bed, or rack, reading before she fell asleep.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Laura woke up to a knock on the hatch. "Coming," she called.

She climbed out of the rack, quickly making sure she was presentable. Then she opened the hatch. It was the Commander. She should have known. It was too early to be Billy. "Good morning."

"I probably should have come by later. I forget about these things." He looked morose and utterly embarrassed.

"You've been up for a while, haven't you?"

"Yes, sir."

"Don't worry about it, Commander. I'm an early riser myself, although this hour is pushing it."

"Maybe I can make it up to you with breakfast."

She smiled. "I'd like that." She gestured to her nightgown. "Just give me a minute to change."

He nodded and she closed the hatch. She'd have to talk to her mother about this one. He was polite and courteous, but her mother always could see into the souls of men. Not that Adama was courting her. It was just a breakfast between colleagues-or something. Still, her mother's reaction to the man interested her.

She brushed her teeth and washed her face, combed her hair. It was a lost cause with this cut and dye. She'd need a shower to truly tame it. Good thing it was just breakfast. She changed quickly, hoping he didn't mind waiting. Those military men are known for quick showers, after all.

When she looked as good as she'd get, she opened the hatch. Maybe she was good enough because Adama beamed at her. She glanced to make sure everything was buttoned. It was.

"What is it?"

"Nothing. I'm still waking up, is all." She smiled. "Lead the way, Commander."

"You can call me Bill, you know? My rank is just a formality at this point."

"Commander Adama has a nice ring to it, though, don't you think?"

He chuckled. "I never thought of it like that, but I've always liked it. It took me a long time to earn it, you know."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

They had an easy, pleasant breakfast, which continued when Billy showed up with a lovely young woman. "Madame Secretary, I'm glad I found you. Dee thought you'd be here."

"Dee?"

"It's short for Dualla, ma'am," the young woman said. She smiled brightly. "I've been helping Billy get around."

"Thank you for that."

Bill gestured to the chairs in front of them. "You two should join us."

Billy pulled out a seat for Dee, and she sat down. Billy sat next to her. The four of them talked about anything but politics or the decommissioning. In other words, they let Dee and Billy lead the conversation.

From what Laura heard from Dee, the young woman had joined the fleet and was the black sheep of her family for doing so, which made sense as a Sagittaron. Laura knew she was in good hands, though. Bill talked to her like he thought the worlds of her, and from the interactions Dee had with other crew members, it was clear the camaraderie was high on the Galactica. She hoped Dee would have as pleasant an appointment on her next battlestar. She made a mental note to ask Bill about where they'd all end up. Maybe she could pull some strings before any influence she still had evaporated.

The young lovebirds finished their breakfasts and excused themselves.

"You're deep in thought," Bill said.

"I was listening to Dee." She turned to him. "Will she be okay? Her next assignment, I mean."

He sighed. "I hope so. I pulled some strings for her. She would have ended up someplace that I didn't think would be a good fit."

"It won't be the same, though. Wherever she ends up."

"No, it won't." He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "She's a great kid. She'll be fine. Shall we go?"

She nodded.

He escorted her to her quarters where she showered and dressed to prepare for the flight home. When he'd left her at her hatch, she'd told him to look her up when he returned to Caprica. It was a bold move, but she was in the mood to make more of them of late. Anyway, they had some books to discuss.