Commander Adama had been enjoying a pleasant conversation with a group of Empyreans when suddenly Sires Albus and Regus appeared at each elbow and started to propel him towards the dais. It had been erected specifically for the announcement of Rogane and Aurelia's engagement, however, that had been planned for the end of the evening. Adama, as leader of the fleet, had agreed to introduce Albus and Regus who were then to proceed with their proclamation. "Sires," he interrupted, "I'm afraid I don't understand the sudden urgency."
"You're quite right, Commander; you don't understand. Our necromancer has foretold the disaster that will befall us this night. We must prevent that at any cost; if we're not already too late." Sire Albus responded.
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Sheba watched Commander Adama being marched towards the dais. Obviously, Rogane wasn't the only one who was nervous. She looked around the room. Half of the eyes were on Adama walking and the other half were on Starbuck dancing. The orchestra played their final note as it happened. The room took a collective gasp as Starbuck's lips gently kissed Aurelia's. "Holy frack!" It was out of Sheba's mouth before she realized she was even thinking it. Siress Rea's eyes opened wide staring in disgust and horror. Her skin blanched and she swooned towards the floor. Suddenly, the room erupted in pandemonium.
Apollo caught Siress Rea just before she was about to hit the floor. He looked towards Rogane only to see the back of the man heading towards Starbuck and Aurelia. He couldn't believe this. Not only had Starbuck kissed the vestal virgin but Sheba had used profanity. He gently laid the Siress on the floor and hurried towards Starbuck, dragging Sheba behind him.
Aurelia's kiss felt like a whisper of innocence. It took Starbuck a micron to even become aware of the metamorphosis of the Siress Ama into the howling banshee now at his side. "My curse upon you, Lieutenant Starbuck." She raged wildly at him with arms outstretched. "I curse he who has offended the Empyrean House and upon our daughter has brought shame. All my calamity, harm and misfortune for a yahren upon you. May rain, fire, ill wind and hail follow you. May your brothers look upon you with a jaundiced eye. May your friends and lover forsake you. May pain and sorrow be your only true companion. I bind you by the grave injunctions of my magic." Several candles in their immediate vicinity spontaneously extinguished.
The room again went quiet. The Empyreans backed away from the lieutenant with hands over their chests and heads bowed, protecting both heart and soul. The only sound was Aurelia quietly sobbing. "You had no right. You had no right." She repeated accusingly at her grandmother. Starbuck stood protectively beside her shaking his head in wonder. Rogane had reached them now, but even he stood apart, reluctant to approach Starbuck.
Apollo and Sheba arrived on Rogane's heels. Apollo had thought he would be pulling angry Empyreans off of the lieutenant; instead, they were distancing themselves from him as if they were somehow afraid of him. Starbuck had his hands on Aurelia's arms trying to comfort the weeping girl. Apollo could hear her repeatedly telling Starbuck how sorry she was.
Adama arrived with Regus and Albus. Siress Ama presented herself proudly before the men. "It is too late," she stated, "It is done."
"Undo it then," Regus ordered. "You know the child's part in all this."
Apollo looked searchingly at his father, but Adama appeared as confused as the rest of the Colonials present.
"She is innocent. A mere child." Ama insisted. "It is he who should pay." She hissed in the direction of Starbuck.
Starbuck was starting to get a bad feeling about all of this.
Adama stepped forward. "Sires?"
"Commander, we should speak of this in private. Please return . . . the offenders to the Galactica. They are no longer welcome aboard the Malocchio."
Adama nodded. "Apollo, you and Boomer escort Starbuck and Sheba to quarters. They are to remain there until I personally send for them. Understood?"
"Yes, sir." Apollo replied. Sheba followed the captain closely, but Starbuck remained at Aurelia's side, reluctant to leave her to an unknown fate.
"Lieutenant Starbuck," Adama approached him menacingly, "having received a full briefing on the Empyrean traditions you still chose to defile this young woman. To make matters worse, you now hesitate to obey my orders!"
"Lady Aurelia will not be harmed in any way, I give you my word." Sire Albus stated quietly. "Please go." He watched the unfortunate young man leave reluctantly.