Sequel to ' What If? '

What Happens Now?

Kara Thrace meets the Adama family after running into Caroline Adama.

A.N.-As always all mistakes are mine. Also my spellcheck is out of sorts so forgive the errors, I will try to fix them as best I can.


Chapter-11

Instead of heading back to Kara and Lee's right away Bill Adama decided to walk around the base. He hoped to try and come to terms with the ramifications of what he had just learned and hoped to settle down before facing Lee or Caroline. They were both able to tell if something was bothering him, especially Caroline and while he knew Lee had some idea something was going on he knew there was no way Lee knew what Admiral Zakhar had just showed him and Nagalia.

Without being told outright Bill somehow knew that his last mission would either be to check out the cylon Armistice perimeter, probably after the decommissioning of the Galactica with a small crew, or assisting Commander Jackson Longstreet who was due back on Caprica at about the same time. All Bill knew about Commander Longstreet was that he commanded the ' 'Litae ', a Valkyrie class battlestar built after the cylon war about fifteen years ago. He wondered who he had replaced over the span of almost forty years for a plan that was not on file anywhere. The only thing he was sure of was that whoever it was they were no longer alive and this was higher than any black ops missions he could even imagine had ever happened.

He also knew that Nagalia would probably be assigned with the other one. Either way it seemed that he and Nagalia would have the priority missions. As much as he wanted to know his thoughts on things they had been ordered not to speak of it.

Bill had finally managed to make his way back to fleet headquarters where he knew a car would be waiting to take him to Lee's home.

During the short ride Bill decided to concentrate on Zak and his leaving in three weeks and spend the rest of his time with his family. They would all be eating dinner at Lee and Kara's home tonight instead of going out. That thought made Bill wonder how much Lee did know, maybe he would try to find out without giving away what he had learned today. Bill also knew if what he now knew upset him it would surely make Lee angry at the injustice of it all.


Pegasus

Kara had settled into her place as the lead pilot with very little opposition. She knew it had more to do with the way Admiral Cain ran the Pegasus than it did with her attitude and her more than well known way of handling things with her mouth and her penchant for fights.

Kara had been spending a lot of her free time with Chief Laird and talking with him about the possibility of building stealth vipers. Lee had actually mentioned the idea of the Colonial forces building stealth vipers one night while studying for a War College scenerio. She didn't know a lot about it, but Laird assured her it was possible and the more she thought about it the more she wanted to talk with Admiral Cain about it. Kara was headed down to the deck to meet with Laird one more time before bringing her thoughts to Admiral Cain. Right before she reached the stairs leading down to the hangar bay she was called over the comm " Lt. Thrace you are ordered to Admiral Cain's quarters as soon as possible. " Frak Kara thought ' I wonder what she wants with me ', so she turned and headed towards the Admirals quarters, to find out and hopefully get a chance to bring up the idea of the stealth vipers. Kara knew the Pegasus was more than equipped to pull off making a couple of them at least.


Cain had been thinking long and hard ever since they left the Atlantia almost a week ago. No matter how hard she tried she couldn't shake the feeling something awful was going to happen and she was not one to stand by and wait for things to happen. It only made her more sure of what she was about to do after Admiral Nagalia had been ordered to return to Caprica on Admiral Zakhars orders. Also with all the supply depots being stocked she wasn't leaving anything to chance.

What worried her the most was the fact that Nagalia had mentioned a plan that had been implemented almost forty years ago.

That is why she was now waiting on Starbuck, she knew whatever she told her she would not repeat it, especially if she was ordered not to. There was also the chance Starbuck would agree with her, so she waited.


Commander Lee and the Ajax were off loading all of their medical supplies at the medical depot. She had never personally done this before and it left her feeling like this was more than just resupplying, it was more like over stocking to her.

At the same time Commander Ryan and the Demeter were now at Ragnar unloading more weapons than he thought was necessary. As far as he could tell it was already fully stocked, but he had his orders regardless of what he felt about it.

Commander Kate Vondess was in command of a battlecrusier and was off loading her flight pods with non perishable food products. As ordered she was to leave them intact instead of un-loading them as she normally would, leaving her wondering why the change in orders.

Afterwards all three Commanders were supposed to jump back to the Picon airbase for another load, which they were supposed to keep with them until new orders came through.


Admiral Cain finally heard a rap on her hatch " Enter "

Starbuck entered and immediately came to attention " Reporting as ordered Admiral "

Cain stayed seated behind her desk as she reached for the bottle of scotch that was sitting on her desk. " At ease Starbuck, this is a personal meeting, have a seat "

Cain refilled her glass and glanced at Starbuck as she sat down " Care to join me? "

Kara sat not knowing what Cain wanted to see her about, but it would give her the chance to bring up the stealth vipers she and the Chief had been discussing " Sure, I'm off duty and I actually wanted to run an idea by you "

Cain nodded absently as she filled another glass and then looked directly at Starbuck as she pushed it across her desk " That is ironic in a way, because I wanted to run something by you also "

Kara had no response to that, wary of the Admiral's serious expression, instead she picked up her drink and took a swallow waiting on Cain to continue.

Cain took a swallow of her drink then decided she should hear what Starbuck had to say before she brought up the reason she had ordered her to her quarters " Tell me about your idea first Lt. "

Now that the time had came Kara wasn't real sure how to start.


Admiral Nagalia decided to drop by Major Grey's office, his daughter Kate's flight instructor, just to check in and hopefully run into Kate. Max knew that if Kate was anything like Kara she would be in the flight simulators any chance she could. Max also needed to let her know about the lunch date with the Adama's tomorrow.

As Max walked toward the flight school he thought back on the meeting. He knew a plan had been put in place following the armistice with the cylons, but none of the details, he trusted Admiral Zakhar and the people who preceded him knew what they were doing.

Although after reading about it he had a lot of reservations as he was sure Bill Adama would also. Max thoughts other than Peter were mostly on trying to figure out what kind of secret organization would agree to the plan and how they were able to keep it from getting out all these years. He knew none of the presidents had ever known about it and that their president now did not either. If any of them had known about the plan it would have failed, in that Admiral Middleton and Greystone had been right to keep it from them, especially President Adar.

Max kept saluting cadets and officers absently as he passed them on the sidewalk without pausing. His thoughts then jumped to the orders that the Atlantia would be taking on ten Mark VI. Admiral Zakhar felt they should have them because they were able to switch from electronic to manual control for the pilots. Max knew then that Zakhar knew more than he would admit or he really was just being cautious. It didn't matter anyway, because the plan would be finished over the next three months, possibly forever.

Max had finally reached the flight school, so his last thought was that there would be major fallout from the government and it's citizens for being kept in the dark all these years and that Admiral Zakhar would have to answer for his part in it all.

After not finding Major Grey in her office Max headed to the viper simulation buiding next door. After signing in he walked through the double doors only to stop when he saw the Mark VI simulators along with the II and VII, it seemed Zakhar was training the new cadets on those as well. Max grinned knowing that Zakhar couldn't keep those a secret, he just wondered how he explained them and the money it took to build both the simulators and the real ones.

Max looked away from the simulators when he saw someone headed his way. As she got closer he realized it was Major Grey, it was hard not to with her long red hair and her fair skin peppered with freckles. An instructor would normally be a Lt. or Captain, but Major Grey liked teaching too much to give it up when she was promoted. He was happy when he found out she would be training and teaching Kate because she was the best instructor the Academy had in a long time.

Major Grey had seen Admiral Nagalia when he entered and had to wait for a student to finish their run before starting another one before she could go to him. She came to a stop when she reached him and came to attention " Sir "

Max saluted back " At ease Major Grey, I am here as a father not as an officer "

Major Grey relaxed her stance " Then I assume you want to talk about Huntress " she quickly caught herself when the Admiral looked at her strangely " Sorry, I mean Kate, I am so used to calling them by their call-signs "

Max chuckled " I didn't realize you had already gifted her, do you mind telling me why and what it means?"

Major Grey smiled brightly " I could tell early into her training that Kate would be an exceptional viper pilot, so I gifted her earlier than usual and as to it's meaning, well let's just say when Kate is flying she locks on her targets and won't give up until she has taken them all out, plus she is outstanding on the firing range also, which makes her a double threat and she is a natural when it comes to flying "

Max smiled proudly and thought of Starbuck and that it must run in the family since Kate seems to be a natural also " Kate may be a natural, but I know a lot of it is because you are her instructor, so thank you Major Grey "

Max suddenly thought back to the meeting and spoke again before the Major could respond " Major, I would not normally use my rank for special privileges, but if it is possible I would like Kate to be posted on the Pegasus "

Major Grey was a little stunned at what he had said, but she also knew Admiral Nagalia must have a reason for wanting Kate on the Pegasus, she also could tell he hated asking " Sir that would be up to Admiral Cain and Admiral Zakhar, as you know I don't post my pilots to battlestars "

Max nodded " I know Major and I intend to speak to Admiral Cain about it, I was hoping for a recommendation letter from you on file to Admiral Cain as to Kate's abilities in a viper, if you wouldn't mind "

Major Grey thought back to when she had to fail Zak Adama from basic flight and how her suggestion to Commander Adama had helped Zak find a place in the fleet, so she couldn't do any less for an exceptional pilot like Kate Nagalia " I would be happy to write a recommendation Admiral "

Max sighed, he knew Helena would accept Kate and was glad she would be with Kara, he knew Starbuck would take Kate under her wing and watch out for her, especially since they were cousins " Thank you Major, do you know where Kate is right now?"

Major Grey glanced back over her shoulder " Actually, she should be just about finished with her run in the Mark VI simulator, follow me "

Max was anxious to see her more than ever now knowing she turned out to be a natural when it came to flying and in three months she would be on the Pegasus, he intended to make sure of that.

Max watched as his daughter climbed out of the simulator and grabbed a towel to wipe the sweat off her face. He couldn't help but think of his late wife. Kate had shoulder length flaming red hair, was five feet and five inches tall and now had a well toned body from all of her training, it reminded him of his wife who had been an avid swimmer. They looked so much alike it reminded him of how her mother looked when she was young like Kate.

Kate had just finished one of her best runs yet in the Mark VI simulator and looked up to see her score, but instead she saw her dad and grinned as she trotted over to him and threw her arms around him " Hey daddy, what are you doing here? " she asked as she stepped back out of his arms.

Max wasn't ready to let her go, but he did " Resupply run and to let you know we are having lunch with the Adama's tomorrow "

Kate made sure her instructor couldn't hear her then beaming she asked " Will Kara be there and have you told her? "

Max smiled " I told her, but she won't be there, the Pegasus is on border patrol "

Kate's smile fell " Who will be there?"

Max chuckled, he knew how much Kate wanted to meet Starbuck " Commander Adama, his wife Caroline, Zak, Lee who as you know is Kara's husband and their daughter Starlight "

Kate had so many questions " When did you tell her and does she know about the luncheon? "

Max sighed, he still had concerns about everyone's reactions " I told her about a week ago and she asked me if Lee and their daughter could visit you, so I set up the lunch date for us all to get to know each other as family "

Kate nodded " Okay, in that case I can't wait to meet Apollo and Starlight " Kate laughed " Starlight sounds like a call-sign "

Max chuckled " I know, but since she is Starbuck and Apollo's daughter it sounds appropriate somehow. Listen Kate, I need to get back to the Atlantia and check on some things, so I will see you tomorrow around noon. I reserved a private dining room at Castillo's, the Italian restaurant "

Kate hugged him once more " I'll see you tomorrow daddy "

Max turned to go, but two steps later he turned back " I want to hear all about that Mark VI tomorrow " then he left.

After she couldn't see her dad anymore Kate walked over to Major Grey " What was my score?"

Major Grey chuckled knowing what she really wanted to know " It was a great run, but you still haven't broke either of their records "

Kate rolled her eyes " Not even Apollo's? "

Major Grey shook her head " No, but neither of them have been in the Mark VI, so technically you have the top score in it "

Kate shrugged " Yeah, but I want to break at least one of their runs before I graduate "

Major Grey thought she was good enough, but those were some high scores " Keep trying, but for now get out of here so I can lock up "

Kate walked away thinking about tomorrow, she might not get to meet Starbuck yet, but she sure as frak was going to meet Apollo and she would get to see Zak again. They were becoming friends when he got cut from flight school.


Zak and Lee had spent the afternoon talking about everything while Lee continued to keep Star with him as much as possible.

Zak told Lee all about Gunnery school and his friends, especially Chance who would be joining him on the NYX when he left in three weeks. He also told him all about Lacey, Zak was pretty sure he loved her, but he needed to ask Lee's opinion about something. " Lee, how did you know you loved Kara?"

Lee looked up from where he was sitting on the floor playing with Star and her toys, which included vipers, raptors and of all things toy colonial soldiers. Lee had no idea why she liked them so much and when he looked closer she picked up one that resembled a sniper, because it was laying flat with a rifle gripped in it's hands. He was just about to ask her what it was just to see what she did when Zak spoke to him. " I'm sorry, what did you say Zak? "

Zak sighed and got down on the floor with Lee and Star " I asked how did you know you loved Kara and is it possible for me to find that kind of love ?"

Lee closed his eyes a moment when Zak mentioned Kara. He had finally managed to not think about her for a few minutes and then Zak had to bring her back up.

Lee opened his eyes and looked at his brother " I sometimes think I loved her before I met her. I always looked for her on campus before I went off to War college and every time I saw her my heart started racing. Then mom brought her home and we both told each other later that it was like we had always known each other, like we were connected. " Lee paused for a second " To put it simply Zak I couldn't live in any world if she wasn't in it with me. " Lee looked down at his daughter and sadly admitted " Even for Star "

Zak didn't know how to respond, he knew they loved each other like crazy, but " Wow Lee "

Lee looked Zak straight in his eyes " As for your other question Zak, I pray you never love anyone that much. "

Zak watched as Lee kissed Star's temple and mumbled " I'm sorry baby girl " and then stood up and walked away.

Zak knew then he loved Lacey deeply, but was thankful he didn't love her like Lee loved Kara. He also knew that was one question he wished he hadn't asked and one he didn't know the answer to.

Caroline walked into the living room expecting to find Lee, Zak, and Star. She looked around for Lee then turned to Zak who looked sad " Where is Lee? "

Zak looked up " Gone, I stupidly brought up Kara "

Caroline didn't understand " So, we have been talking about Kara all day "

Zak stood up and faced his mom " Mom, I think Lee loves Kara too much " Zak paused not sure if he wanted to ask another question, but now he had to know " You know Kara almost as well as Lee, does she love him like that?"

Caroline didn't hesitate " Yes Zak, she does "

Zak swallowed " How? "

This time Caroline sighed " They are soul-mates Zak, one can't exist without the other and that kind of love is rare, it's a gift from the Gods "

Zak closed his eyes only now understanding Lee's answer " That's kinda what Lee said "

Caroline knew she needed to find Lee, but first " What did Lee say Zak?"

Zak sighed " That he couldn't live in any world if Kara wasn't in it with him, even for Star " Zak expected his mom to be upset with Lee and was surprised when she wasn't.

Caroline leaned down and touched Star's cheek " He couldn't, now watch Star, I need to find Lee "

Zak watched his mom walk away before muttering to himself " Frak Zak "

Star had stood up by that time and startled Zak when she spoke " Frak Zak "

Zak laughed and scooped her up " Thanks little lady I needed that, but don't you dare repeat it, I have already caused enough trouble today "


A.N.-Just a quick insert.-I know it was a bit sappy but necessary for future chapters.

Now for the rest of this chapter, please keep reading.


Lee had no idea where to go he just knew he needed to be alone for a while, so he started walking.

He couldn't figure out how he missed Kara more now when he just saw her a week ago then when he went three months without seeing her. She felt farther away from him then she had ever been.

Lee really hoped Zak never found that kind of love, sometimes he wished he had never laid eyes on Kara let alone love her like he did.

As he walked he thought back on all their time together, even the times they fought. Sometimes he missed their fighting almost as much as the happy times.

Lee finally stopped and looked around and found himself at the same park that Kara, Star and him had spent the day before they shipped out at. He walked to the same spot they had been and sat down.

Lee remembered the picture he had brought with him from the Atlantia and took it out of his back pocket. It was one of his favorites, because it was just Kara and him all decked out for their first official date.

He traced his finger down her body, gods she was wearing that black dress with her black bra and panties. He thought Kara was beautiful no matter what she wore, but that night she was beautiful beyond words. His thoughts then shifted to them at home and how they made love all night.

His thoughts finally took him to their time on the Atlantia and flying and planning the mission op together. From there he remembered Admiral Nagalia telling her he was her uncle, which brought him to the luncheon and meeting Kate Nagalia tomorrow. Lee knew he needed to meet Kate for Kara, that is what she wanted him to do and enjoy his time with Star.

Lee stood up to go home and do the things Kara expected him to do. With those thoughts in mind he started walking home feeling better and ready to spend the rest of his downtime with Star.


Caroline had searched the entire house and then went outside expecting to find Lee there. After a while she gave up because it was time to prepare dinner.

She had no doubt Lee would be back just as she knew Bill would and except for Kara the Adama family would be together tonight and Caroline planned to make the most out of their time together. She knew in three weeks everyone except for Star and she would be gone.

Zak spent the rest of the afternoon in the kitchen with Starlight and his mom. They didn't speak of Kara and Lee's love or connection again.

Just as Caroline finished cooking Lee walked in the front door and then into the kitchen smiling like nothing had happened and went straight for Star " Hey Star, did you and Zak help Gammy cook?"

Caroline could see Zak was stunned by Lee's abrupt turn around, so she covered " Not really, Zak kept sneaking bites of food and Star stayed under my feet, which is normal "

Lee nodded " Is dad home yet?"

Zak finally spoke " No, but he called and should be here any minute "

Just as Zak finished speaking they all heard the front door open and waited for Bill to join them.

Bill took a moment taking off his coat and took a deep breath before going around the small alcove into the kitchen/dining area. Bill Adama was determined not to mess tonight up worrying about things he couldn't talk about or change. This could very well be their last time together as a family for a while depending on the fall out.

Star saved him by getting Lee to put her down and ran to him loudly saying " Pop Pop up, Pop Pop up "

Bill leaned down and picked her up and held her close for a moment, knowing in that second he would be prepared to do whatever was necessary to make sure Star was not part of any fall out. He whispered to her " Pop Pop will always protect you Starlight "

Bill looked up to find Caroline, Lee and Zak watching him.

He thought fast " Sorry, long day and seeing Max didn't help "

Caroline sighed " Bill please tell me you did not argue with Max about Kara "

Lee added his two cents " It doesn't matter right now mom, because tomorrow it will all get straightened out, so let's not worry about it tonight " Lee knew more happened with his dad today than just seeeing Admiral Nagalia.

Then Zak chimed in " What are you all talking about? "

Caroline turned to face Lee " You spent all afternoon with your brother and did not tell him about Kara, for gods sake Lee we are meeting them for lunch tomorrow "

For once Bill was grateful for the topic " Zak, Admiral Nagalia is Kara's uncle " there Bill thought now I don't have to worry about them paying close attention to me.

Zak was flustered " How? "

Lee took the time to look around and realized they were all standing in a fairly small area " Let's sit down and eat and we will tell you about it "

Caroline rolled her eyes reminding Lee that his mom had picked that up from Kara and smiled, knowing that Kara was here with them in spirit in the tiny ways she had changed their family and in a huge way with Star. Lee took his mom's arm and headed to the table " Come on mom, I am hungry "

Caroline snorted " Fine Leeland "

Lee laughed out loud " Mom are you even aware of the habits you have picked from Kara?"

After sitting down Caroline was curious " What habits Lee?"

Bill answered " You snort just like Kara does when you attempt to pacify us or mock us, I'm not sure which "

Zak chuckled " You roll your eyes when you think we say something that is obvious "

Lee smiled slightly " You always make sure we are okay before you think about yourself and you have became a photo addict "

Caroline looked at each of them and then at Star who had her head cocked slightly listening " Gods I miss her and I won't apologize about the habits, now let's pray or let me pray, sorry "

Bill shocked them all " I think I'll join you tonight Caroline "

Caroline's eyes went wide in shock and she fumbled for words " Oh okay "

They all ended up bowing their heads, two in prayer, one wondering what the frak was going on ( zak ) and Lee oddly enough thinking Kara would find all of this amusing and somehow hoping his thoughts could somehow reach her.

By the end of dinner Zak knew almost all of the details about Kara's connection to Nagalia, they didn't tell him about the abuse. Although Lee knew Zak would eventually figure it out.


A.N.-I would like to thank Longstreet for his continuing help.

I would also like to thank Surfergirl88 for the nudge.


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