Flight of the Phoenix 0209

Days 91-175

Word of the Chief's project on the Hanger Deck spread fast and captured Emma's attention. Since the return from Kobol she'd dutifully remained on Colonial One even though she wasn't obligated to. Her maturity during the crisis finally convinced Laura that she could travel freely to Galarica. Emma stayed on Colonial One to be close to her mom but the president's failing health was taking it's toll and Emma found herself desperate for a distraction. Building a fighter seemed as good an idea as any.

"Can I help?" Emma asked walking up to the Chief.

"What do you know about areodynamics?" Galen asked not looking up from his project.

"Nothing." Emma replied sensing the futility of her efforts.

Galen waited for Emma to leave but when she didn't he paused and looked at her for the first time. He saw on her face the emotions he felt inside.

"How's your Mom?"

"Dying of cancer."

"Hand me the wrench." Galen ordered holding out his hand. "Don't touch anything I don't' tell you to. Got it?"

"Yes sir."


"Madame President your shuttle is ready." Bill greeted joining Laura in his quarters. "I'm not sure you're going to get Emma to go back with you yet. She seems to be pretty content down there with the crew."

"Of course." Laura replied with a slight smile as she began to pack her files. "Thanks again for letting me use your quarters." Laura continued withdrawing a book from her bag she held it out for Bill. "I wanted to return this."

"This was a gift." Bill reminded.

"Never lend books I know but I've had this far too long and it belongs in your collection." Laura replied busying herself unnecessarily with paperwork in an attempt to buy time. "Bill."

His name caught on her tongue and Laura sucked in her lips to secure her courage.

"I need to talk to you. I need to talk to you about Emma." Laura said firmly, keeping her focus locked on her bag. "She's -"

Hundred of words and scenarios played through Laura's head as she tried to find the right way to tell Bill about Emma. The reality ate at her. She knew she had cancer. She knew she was dying. But this - this was the real ending. The final surrender.

"She's fine." Bill completed. "She's welcome on this ship. People here care about her and will make sure she's taken care of."

Laura looked up at Bill as he spoke. Her fears and concerns melted at his words. Emma would be taken care of, she would be fine. That was all that mattered.

"I'm late for a Quorum meeting." Laura said heading towards the hatch. Stopping to look at Bill she noticed something was wrong but couldn't tell what it was. "Is there a problem?"

"Our computers have been infected by a cylon virus, corrupting systems throughout the entire ship. I've just been notified that this is a prelude to an all-out attack by the cylons."

"I assume you've tried to disable it." Laura replied, sitting down on the couch.

"Mr. Gaeta and the Vice President are handling that right now. I'm not hopeful." Bill admitted fidgeting with the glasses in his hand.

"Commander, I'm not sure what I can offer you here besides my moral support."

"Actually, Madam President, I could use your advice."


"I can't wait for you to see it Mom! It's amazing! It actually flies!" Emma declared ecstatically. "Kara took it out and had everyone think she disappeared but it's a stealth viper so of course we couldn't see it. I really helped build it too. Not just handing people tools but actual engineering. The Chief showed me how to weld, Dee taught me about the communication system and Kara the avionics-"

"Who says you need a high school education." Bill interrupted joining the Roslin women. "They're ready."

"I can't wait for you to meet everyone. Have you even been to the Hanger Deck?"

"I don't believe I have." Laura doing her best to contain her grin at Emma's unfiltered enthusiasm.

"They're great. I was thinking about helping out with the grunt work sometimes. What do you think?"

Laura looked over at Bill in shock and confusion. Unfamiliar with the hanger deck she didn't know what kind of work there might be.

"If things are quiet I'm sure the crew would appreciate the extra hands once in a while." Bill said giving Laura a nod of approval.

"Great!" Emma gleefully explained stopping in front of the entrance. "Here we are."


"I think she likes it." Emma triumphantly announced to Kara and Lee as she watched Laura talk with the Commander.

"What's not to like? This thing is sweet." Kara replied trailing her hand along the fighter.

"It is missing something." Galen said approaching the group.

"What is it?" Emma asked inspecting the plane for flaws. "We checked everything."

"Your name." Galen noted with a smile holding out a pen. "All crew members have their name on the ship. You were as much a part of it as the rest."

"Thanks!" Emma beamed, taking the pen and nervously adding her name to the wing.

"It's an impressive accomplishment Em." Lee said further admiring the finished product. "What's your next project going to be?"

"I think I'll learn how to fly it."


16 Years Ago~

"Looks like you didn't miss the rain after all." Bill called out over the downpour as Laura raced to the porch.

"Apparently not." Laura agreed, gratefully accepting the towel Bill held out for her. "What have you been up to this afternoon?"

"Reading."

"The same book?"

"I finished Moonstone, moved on to Emerson. It's a favorite." Bill revealed watching Laura as she dried off. "How was your day?"

"Lovely, till this. But perhaps it'll cool things down a bit." Laura shrugged, not truly bothered by the rain.

"Too bad. I kind of enjoyed the heat." Bill teased with a broad grin.

"Why Major." Laura chucked at his forthrightness and walked over to face him. "My plans for the day seem to be at least temporarily delayed. Do you have any suggestions on alternative activities?" Laura asked with a seductive gaze.

"I have a couple things in mind." Bill offered, pausing briefly. "Are you familiar with Scrabble?"

Laura playfully hit Bill's chest and shook her head. "I'm going to kick your ass with this game."