"Is everything resolved Lieutenant?" Dante asked as Rene climbed the stairs back up to the command console.

"Yes, sir." She answered, coming to attention.

"You know what is expected of you," Dante reminded her.

"Yes, sir."

"Do not disappoint me."

Even to Adama, the words held the hint of a threat. He looked forward to speaking with Rene, alone, and at length about the conditions on Dilmun, and the real events of their exodus from the Colonies. Adama was not such a fool at to not have noticed how Dante had orchestrated each moment of their visit. After Apollo had shown an interest in Rene and Ari, Adama witnessed that Dante made a point of asking that Apollo be included in the command briefings, and essentially removed from the Zakar pilots. Dante had assumed the other Colonial Warriors were unimportant, and therefore was not concerned about their involvement with his pilots, but Adama knew he could rely on Starbuck's confidences. Starbuck had a way of getting to the heart of a politically charged issue, and finding out truths others failed to miss. Cutting through the felgercarb, as the young warrior who was almost like an honorary son so charmingly referred to it. Adama had watched Starbuck make a point of getting close to Rene, and Adama suspected he already had an idea of what life was like for the Zakar pilots. Adama knew he could trust his Starbuck to bring to him his concerns and insights.

"Commander, sir, if I could have a moment to confer with Lt. Rene and Lt. Starbuck," Colonel Gage said, hastily adding as he saw Dante's jaw clench, "To let them know what they can and cannot expect for Lt. Rene. You can agree, our Warriors are trained quite differently."

Dante cast a contemptuous look at Gage, and then to Lt. Starbuck. "Be sure to include Capt. Apollo in the discussion. He appears to understand our decorum requirements."

"Yes sir." Gage looked to Rene, and they headed towards the Zakar and Colonial Pilots.

"Well, Adama, this has been a pleasant visit, but I need to get back to my own affairs. I will be in contact."

"Dante, I wish you would reconsider," Adama pleaded one last time.

"No, Adama, I'm sorry. Fate has set us on different paths. We wish you luck in your journey, but our destiny lies in a different direction. If you find your fabled Earth, please do remember to come back and tell us of your success."

"I will be sure to do that," Adama vowed. "And in the future, maybe you will find our home will be more attractive than the one you have found here."

"Who knows what the future will hold." Dante replied.

Colonel Gage approached Apollo and offered his hand. "Thank you for everything." He reached out for Starbuck and Boomer's hands and shook theirs as well.

"Stay with us." Starbuck said, as he took the man's hand.

Gage closed his eyes momentarily, then looked to the younger man and shook his head no. "Too many to leave behind, but thank you for the offer.'

"Will this be our last meeting?" Apollo asked.

"Probably, if all goes well. If not, we may be too busy to enjoy meeting again." Gage replied. "I don't have much time, Dante is anxious to leave. Your Council of Twelve was a bit too overbearing for his tastes."

Starbuck chuckled at that, but quickly stifled it when Apollo shot him a look.

"Rene is in good hands," Apollo reassured Gage, looking to her brother as well.

"I know that, but there are few things you need to know."

"Gage, I'll be okay." Rene said.

Gage placed his hand on her right shoulder to silence her, but other than that basically ignored her. "She will try to go days without sleeping. See that she gets some, even if you have to order it or prescribe it. I expect she's going have a few bad days, spending all her time shipboard. She's pretty good about letting you know she's having a bad day."

"Gage, seriously. I'll manage it," Rene said embarrassed.

"Stress makes it worse, you know that, especially the 'hurry up and wait' kind," he said looking to her and squeezing her shoulder.

"It's been a while since a really bad one," Jake offered.

"So what does a bad day look like?" Apollo asked, knowing from past experience that a bad day for Rene often meant a bad day for everyone involved. He remembered back to a summer when she had visited. He recalled door slamming and frantic searches of the streets of Caprica City.

Ari answered, perhaps remembering that summer as well. "It's not what you think, she can't help it. The Cylons tried to read our minds. They thought we might actually know something. She has gaps in her memory."

"It's been a while," Rene said quietly.

Gage squeezed her shoulder again, and leaned down to look in her eyes, "There is no shame in this." She nodded in response and remained quiet.

Gage looked up and continued, "It is like a bout of amnesia. It doesn't last long and she will try to cover it up."

"So what should we do?" Starbuck asked, remembering the aftereffects Cadet Cree suffered after his time spent with the Cylons. It took many sectons before the young man could sleep a full night, and even then he complained of lasting effects, such as memory loss.

Almost in unison, Ari, Jake and Gage replied, "Sleep."

Jake explained further, "It's like she kind of needs to reset or something. Sleep, but don't try sedation, seems to make it worse. She'll complain of a headache."

"It's been a while." She added weakly again.

"So you're due then," Gage said. "And none of us are free of some sort of combat stress. Yours is just a bit more unique, that's all." He turned to Starbuck and Apollo. "She knows this quadrant better than anyone. She can guide you through all the mine fields, and how to reprogram the patterns. It's second nature to her." He patted her shoulder, then looked to his pilots, "Dante's waiting. We need to go."

"She's in good hands," Apollo said, reaching out to shake Gage's hand again, as well as Ari and Jake.

"Good luck on your journey. We'll have your back." Gage replied.

The Warriors headed to the landing bay, where Adama bid Dante farewell. It was plain to all that Ari was reluctant to leave his sister behind, but he was offered no chance to protest. Rene reassured him repeatedly that she would be fine, but Ari did not look convinced as he hugged her good-bye. Jake put his arm around Ari's shoulder and escorted him to his viper, before heading to his own. Ari cast one last forlorn look at Rene, as she held up her hand in farewell, a bright confident smile on her face. Jake saw that Ari launched first, and then the shuttle, before climbing back out of his viper and running towards Rene.

Rene looked to Starbuck, holding up her hand asking him to stay put, then she ran across the bay meeting Jake halfway. Jake clasped her right hand, pulling her in close, wrapping his other hand around the back of her neck and pulling her in until they were forehead to forehead. He whispered urgently, casting glances to the Colonial pilots. Rene nodded and seemed to grip his hand as if her life depended on it. Both closed their eyes, almost as if in prayer, nose to nose. Jake squeezed her neck, then abruptly let go, running back for his viper. Both raised a hand to the other as he launched. Rene remained standing in the bay, gazing at the empty launch tube.

Starbuck only waited a few moments before walking up beside her. "You okay?"

She sighed heavily, "Hardest thing I have ever had to do. I…I have never been without one of those guys." She sighed again. "I'm okay. Now what?"

"How's the shoulder?" Starbuck asked, knowing she had to be in pain, and tired after two days of constant briefings and one long night of cards.

"I could use that hypo about now, but it's going to put me out."

"Out is not such a bad thing." Starbuck said. "I believe your Colonel ordered some sleep. I know I slept last night, did you?"

"And miss a night spent with you?" she tore her eyes from the empty tube, and looked to Starbuck with a small attempt at a smile.

"Looks like you'll have an opportunity for another," he said smiling down at her, "but I'd rather it be with you well rested."

"I'd sleep better if you were there."

"Ahhh, that might be a problem. Think this time you're going to have to find a bunk in the female barracks."

"That's what I was afraid of. I hate barracks."

"Yeah, I'm catching you don't have barracks on Dilmun?"

"No. Not exactly. I guess after all those sectons packed on the Zakar like canned piscines, we like our privacy."

"How did you fit all those people on a Battlecruiser?"

"Corridors, closets, you name it. Actually, I'm pretty good at finding secluded spaces. Bet I can find one before you?" She grinned.

"Oh sweet lady, that sounds like a fun challenge…after you get some sleep."

She pouted, and Starbuck felt his heart plummet and he found his mind starting to scheme of ways to find some private quarters. She was a diplomat after all, right? Adama should give her VIP quarters, like he did for Dante. To sleep, that's all, he told himself. After all, with her recorded history of sleep deprivation due to combat fatigue, they'd certainly want her well rested to lead the Fleet through this quadrant . . . Yeah, it didn't sound half-bad.

He sighed, as he looked over his shoulder at those who were waiting, Apollo, Boomer, Adama and Tigh just to name a few. He'd have to figure out a few details, especially since Adama could read him like a data scan. "Come on. We have nice barracks, I promise. Not too crowded and good company."

Starbuck put his arm around Rene, and guided her back towards the others, so that they could welcome her into the fold as one of them, as Starbuck knew they would.

"Rene," Adama said softly in greeting.

Starbuck felt her tense a little under his arm. "I think she needs a bunk."

"I think we can accommodate that request." Adama said smiling, encouraged by Rene's small smile. "It has been a long day. I think you are due some rest, and then I would be greatly honored if you'd join us for dinner." Adama gestured to Apollo.

Rene nodded, "Thanks," she said quietly.

She let Starbuck guide her towards the barracks. Once at the door to the bunk room, Starbuck double checked the corridor to make sure they were alone. Then he gently spun her around so that he was looking in Rene's eyes. "Seriously, how's the shoulder? You really should head to the life center and have it looked at."

"No. They will just give me what is in here," she said pulling out the hypospray from her pocket and holding it up.

"Here, let me," Starbuck took it from her hand, pulling down the collar of her jacket and injecting the medication. "Do you need more ice?"

"Yeah, if you could, and…" she hesitated.

"And?"

"In my viper there's a pack with some clothes."

"Packed to stay did you?" Starbuck teased.

"I had hoped, yeah." She felt the medication already starting to work, and yawned.

"Alright, go get some sleep. I'll be back with all you need."

She didn't protest as Starbuck chimed the signal, and Sheba answered the door. "Adama let me know you were coming." Sheba winked at Starbuck. "You get two centons, then you get out!"

"Actually, I'll be back with a delivery. You're in good hands Rene." He turned and sprinted out the door.

"Huh…never seen that before," Sheba said, then looked to Rene in appreciation.

"What haven't you seen?" Rene asked, alarmed that the Warrior had found some reason to dislike Rene already.

"Starbuck running for someone. Just interesting, that's all. I'm Sheba, nice to meet you. Sorry, all we have are bottom bunks." Sheba guided her towards a bunk. Rene didn't care. Her eyes were getting heavy, and she felt warm and pleasantly numb. She could afford a few hours sleep. A course had been laid, and Dante was too busy flying to Dilmun to plot or scheme. She could afford to sleep for now.

When Starbuck returned, he found Rene sound asleep, stretched out still in her uniform and boots. He gently removed the now liquid pack from under her jacket, and situated the icepack under her jacket. He sat on the end of her bunk and unbuckled her boots, removing them without Rene even shifting. He took a blanket and covered her up. She was relaxed, and as he went to smooth back her hair from her face, Starbuck hesitated, his hand in the air. She looked so young, not even old enough to have graduated from secondary school, let alone the academy. He felt a sudden stab of guilt so sharp it hurt his ribs. "I shouldn't. I won't." he thought to himself. He pulled his hand back and got up to leave.

"Huh…now that is something," Sheba said loud enough for him to hear.

"What?" Starbuck asked sarcastically, ready to defend himself once again.

"Are you growing up, Starbuck?" Sheba said grinning.

"What are you talking about?" Starbuck was suspicious.

"You, taking care of someone. That's new for you."

Starbuck cast Sheba a glare. "I didn't break up with Cassie, she broke up with me."

Sheba held up her hands in defense, "Okay, okay, I'm just saying, I haven't seen this side of you, Starbuck."

Defensively Starbuck replied, "There's a lot about me you don't know. I'm multi faceted."

"I see that." Sheba said. "I'll get her a Colonial uniform., and Starbuck?"

"Yeah," he said.

"I thought Cassie was stupid. She should have sealed with you. It's her loss."

Starbuck gave her a puzzled look. "Uh, thanks, I think."

"Athena was stupid too."

Starbuck flushed, having forgotten himself that day over three yahrens ago, when in a moment of confusion and pain he'd reached for someone, only to find himself alone once again.

"Not everyone thinks you're a superficial commitment phobic jerk."

"Again, thanks, I think." Starbuck said, realizing that Sheba had never been one to prejudge him based on his reputation.

"Some of us just think you're just a jerk." Sheba said smiling.

"Such high praise is an honor." Starbuck said, teasing back. "I'll be in the OC if she is looking for me."

"I'll send her your way, and Starbuck?"

He turned to look at Sheba again.

"You're doing a nice thing here, hot shot. I knew Dante. Had a date with him once."

Starbuck was shocked. He had a hard time picturing Sheba pouring Dante's drink or lighting his fumarello.

"He was a pompous jerk," Sheba said. "One date was one too many."

"Good to know. Remind me not to date him."

"You don't want him as a Commander either. Even my father thought he was overzealous on his troops."

Starbuck nodded, adding Cain's assessment to the already growing decision that Dante was a tyrant. "I'll be in the OC, and thanks Sheba. Means a lot to know I'm just a jerk, not a pompous jerk."