Ceremony

The atmosphere was so electric with tension it only needed Bill Adama to pick up his reading glasses from his writing desk to silence everyone present.

Sharon and Karl were aware that all eyes were fixed on them as they faced each other in front of the Old Man. In that instant Karl was paralysed by the fear that this could be a terrible mistake. He had spent so much time and energy fighting for Sharon to be with him that he had never honestly faced the precarious reality of their situation. Karl had talked Sharon into this with the promise that he would protect her but now all he saw was that his actions had left her exposed and vulnerable.

Then as he vacillated Sharon gave him the determined look Karl knew well, the one that told him to "…get moving, mister!" It was Sharon who reached out and brought their hands together, weaving her fingers between his to form the physical link between them that symbolised their union.

Karl felt Sharon's grip tighten as she reacted to the shiver of anxiety that coursed through his veins. Sharon is comforting me, he thought giving her a nervy smile in response to the concern he could read in her eyes. And he was reminded of the Chief's words of regret… "I am ashamed I didn't love Boomer enough…"

Admiral Adama took time to regard each one of the witnesses grouped in a tight semi-circle around the couple. When he was satisfied he held their complete attention he started to speak, "We are all here today to bear witness to a marriage. This is no ordinary marriage; it has implications for all of us. Today we are taking the first step towards healing our battered souls. The Cylons were our creation, yet they turned on us without mercy. And mark my words; there will come a time when we will have to face the fact that we brought the destruction on ourselves."

Adama caught the quick startled side glance Sharon shot him. He knew she had understood the relevance of what he had just admitted. He had wanted to acknowledge that she had been right, that Humanity needed to prove it was worthy of survival.

"So can Human and Cylon co-exist? Helo and Sharon believe that they can and that they have a future because of their love for each other.

While I am not ready to forgive our enemies I care for Sharon as if she is my own and that is why I stand with them…"

Adama again took a moment to scan the faces of the small group. He saw people he considered to be his family. He knew that they accepted without question his right to command. And that loyalty to him outweighed any misgivings they might still have about what was about to happen. That's all I ask, I trust Helo and Sharon to prove me right, he thought before starting to read from the legal document he had drawn up:

"A contract of marriage between Karl Calikas Agathon a serving Officer in the Colonial fleet and Sharon Valerii, both of Caprica…"

I recall the discussion that surrounded the first line. I claim Caprica as my birthplace because that was where I separated from my Cylon sisters and brothers. Where I first took the name I carry with pride, Sharon Valerii.

"…In the second year of our journey from the twelve Colonies of Kobol, in the first year of the term of President Baltar, under the protection of the Colonial fleet led by Admiral William Adama of the Battlestar Galactica, on the third day of the ninth month…"

I shouldn't be standing here; I was meant to die with countless others on my poisoned world, Caprica. And I would have but for Sharon. I was reborn because she saved me.

"…Karl takes Sharon as his lawful wife from the care of Admiral William Adama, who is acting in absence of parental authority, with both parties freely agreeing to abide to the terms of the marriage contract as sworn in the presence of seven declared citizens as required under the ancient texts of Kobol…"

I carried and nourished life in me. Even though she was too frail to survive, our child was born complete, a perfect synthesis of us. That miracle alone makes me more than a machine.

"…That guided in all things by Admiral William Adama and under his guaranteed protection, Karl and Sharon shall live together as husband and wife in accommodation provided on the Colonial Fleet flag ship, The Battlestar Galactica.

That Karl shall provide for Sharon's care and comfort and that they will hold only to each other. And should either be proved to have wronged the other then this contract will be considered void…"

I am mesmerised again by Sharon's beauty even as I remember with shame the anger I felt at her perceived betrayal. I saw Sharon fall after I wounded her. The shock of red seeping through the uniform she did not earn and the total surrender on her face.

Still I could not bring myself to kill her.

I realised then that it did not matter because my love for her was unaltered by the terrible truth.

"…And let Karl and Sharon enjoy equal legal rights both in preserving their own contracts and in bringing charges against one another…"

Now a place is being made for me among those I was meant to despise for their cruelty towards my kind. This feels so right, and as I gaze into my husband's eyes I mouth quietly for only him to hear, "For Hera!"

We live now for the child that was made out of love and for the gift she gave us of fleeting but complete fulfilment.

"…This ceremony is conducted under the jurisdiction of Admiral William Adama of the Colonial Fleet.

It is witnessed by Lt Anastasia Adama of the Colonial Fleet, Kara and Samuel Theodore Anders both of New Caprica, Lt Brendan Constanza of the Colonial Fleet, Doctor John Cottle, Chief Medical Officer of the Colonial Fleet, Lt Margaret Edmondson of the Colonial Fleet and Galen Tyrol of New Caprica…"

The Admiral took off his glasses and turned to place them along with the precious piece of paper on the desk behind him. He noticed his hands were shaking as he steadied himself against the edge of the desk. It felt as though a crushing weight had been lifted from his shoulders. Adama knew then that he had done the right thing. He could feel the cold hard rage which at times had threatened to choke his injured heart was leaving him and he had started to heal. A broad smile had formed on his face by the time he turned back to face the wedding party. He saw that they were waiting for him to give them a lead. He wanted to shout out that it was alright, that the Gods weren't going to wreak retribution for what they had done, that life would go on. It was simpler just to give the command, "Charge your drinks for the toast!"

Karl and Sharon remained where they were like two statues, their hands locked in an eternal embrace. So many different emotions welled up in the Old Man, as he took in the scene in front of him. Sharon, clothed in a full length elegant gown, her hair falling loose over her shoulders was beautiful. Although he would never claim to be an expert on women's fashion Adama had to admit that the sight of her bare toes peeping out from under the luxurious fabric did look damned odd.

Adama wondered what Sharon would say if he told her that she resembled the ancient statue of the graceful Virgon that he had loved as a child. When he was forced to visit the dry and dusty vaults that made up the Delphi Museum of the Colonies he always ended up in front of her because he liked how happy the old stone craved lady looked.

Now he was old and had seen and suffered a life time of pain and heartbreak so it surprised him that he still was capable of feeling this much compassion. His father had once told him this was a weakness that was more likely to be his downfall rather than a saving grace in his chosen profession. Adama smiled to himself again as he recalled that his defiant response to his father's scathing words was that a soldier was nothing more than a common murderer if he denied his humanity.

Anastasia brought over a glass of sparkling wine in a glass flute for her father in law and to get his attention she shyly tugged at his sleeve.

Adama accepted the glass and then he leant forward to plant an affectionate kiss on his daughter's forehead. "Dee, thank you, I hope my son…"

"You know I'd do anything for you. Don't worry we'll be fine." Anastasia said although in her mind she added the silent prayer, "…if his anger and hate doesn't kill our love first."

The Admiral raised his glass, "Sharon and Karl Agathon, may they know true joy in their life together!" He paused as the guests raised their glasses and repeated his toast.

Then he gave the tradition salutation, "So say we all!"

And in one voice the room erupted, "So say we all!!"

Fin