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This Much, I Can Give
IV. Formality
She made it out of the courtroom and to a deserted area of corridor before she let herself slump against the wall and bend forward. Since she was alone, allowed herself a soft moan as she massaged her temples.
"Headache?"
She straightened so suddenly the world spun, but she ignored that as she turned to face Tom Zarek. "You'd have one too, after that."
He raised his hands in a peace gesture. "I'm sure I would. But you're the one who insisted on Baltar's trial in the first place. I tried to handle it less formally."
Her eyes narrowed at the reminder. "Yes, you did, Mr. Zarek. I remember it quite well."
"'Mr. Zarek'?" His tone was light. "I thought we were on a first name basis, Madam President."
Not interested in continuing, she pushed off from the wall to stand up completely straight. But the world spun around her again and she was forced to grab for balance. Closing her eyes, she fought for equilibrium.
His hand was at her waist. "Catch your breath."
She would have nodded, but was afraid it would make the dizziness worse. She just opened her eyes instead. "Thank you, I'm fine."
"Let me get you to the doctor –"
"I'm fine," she repeated. "And I'm going back to that courtroom. I'm not fleeing in defeat."
He searched her face and then offered his arm for support. "All right. Let's go, then."
He guided her gently toward the door to the courtroom, but didn't object when she stepped away as she turned and un-latched the door.
She turned back just before she pushed it open. "Thank you, Tom."
"Anytime, Laura."