Brave New World

by Dekardkain

What if things had taken a very different turn after the return from Kobol? What if instead of finding the Pegasus, they found Earth? Or if Earth found them?

14. Chapter 14 Favor the Bold

Title- A Brave New World
Chapter- 14/?
Author- Dekardkain
Date- 11/17/06
Rating- NC-17
Category- Very AU, L/K romance, action.
Archiving- Would be an honor, just ask.
Warnings- Violence/consensual sex
Disclaimers- I don't own this, no money, yadda yadda. Sue me,
it's not like I have any money anyways.

Summary- What if things had taken a very different turn
after they returned from Kobol? What if instead of finding
the Peg they found Earth? Or if Earth found them?

Chapter 14 "Favor the Bold"

"May the Gods protect those who survived, and through them, the memories of those who did not. So say we all."

- Dedication Plaque on Cylon War Memorial
New Caprica

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Lee couldn't imagine a better way to wake up. Well, that wasn't entirely true, she could have still been naked. Kara pulled back from the kiss, smiling down at him. "Just wanted to make sure you didn't think I bailed. I have to debrief the nuggets in half an hour, and I was gonna go check on Tyler first."

Rolling his legs over the bed and stretching out muscles that felt like coiled steel, Lee let out a long yawn. He hated to admit it, but he hadn't slept this deeply in weeks. If he wasn't careful, he'd have to make a habit out of this. "Hand me my pants would you?"

Kara laughed as she handed him the pile of clothes he'd left carefully folded on the desk. For years his little quirks had driven her up the walls, now it was just a pleasant reminder that she was with him, color-coded socks and all.

"What's so funny?" Lee slipped his feet through the legs and hopped up to fasten them. He was happy too, but considering what they'd done the night before, laughter could be a shot to a man's ego.

"It's just... you...me... this." As if to punctuate the absurdity of the situation, Kara indulged in an exaggerated eye-roll at his uncomprehending stare. "I never thought you'd be asking me to hand you your pants." Her smile was infectious and he couldn't help but join in.

"Well, you better get used to it, I intend to be pant-less with you a lot more often from now on." Pulling her against him for a quick kiss, Kara couldn't help but run her fingers through the short hairs covering his chest.

"Keep talking like that and i'll miss my shift, Major." Her fingers danced lightly down his stomach, sending shivers coursing through Lee's body.

"Can't have that. Just give me a minute and i'll head down to life-station with you." Kara nodded and let him disengage to finish getting dressed, swallowing a pang of regret with every inch of skin he covered. She felt a surge of possessive pride when noticing the tracks her nails had left on his back the night before. Mine. After Apollo finished lacing his boots, he folded the bed up and stowed the sheets in his locker. "You good to go?"

"Always." Kara went to pick up her duffel and pillow, but Lee stopped her with a small smile.

"Why don't you leave it? I'll wash it up so you'll have a change here whenever you want to... visit." The color creeping up his neck and the way he kept looking at everything but her was frakking adorable. "I mean, you don't have to, I was just thinking..."

"Sounds good, but if you iron my skivies we are gonna have a problem." Walking over to his locker, she tossed the bag inside, the permanence the action implied sent a quick rush of anxiety skittering through her. This is Lee, she reminded herself, he's not going anywhere. Thankfully, he was already out the hatch and didn't see her moment of hesitation, Kara hurried to catch up.

They didn't get a chance to speak on the way to life-station, as Gaeta had seen Lee and was going over the morning's business with him as they walked. The good news was that they had managed to fix the Patton's FTL drive, and the fleet would start the haul back to Terran space in a matter of hours. The bad news was that the Terrans were demanding access to any Cylon prisoners being held by the Colonials, and that meant Sharon. Helo wasn't going to like it, and ironically, Kara didn't seem to either. Lee guessed it was payback for his little stunt with the Admiral, but he wasn't going to ask Sharon to pay for his decision.

Coming to a stop outside of life-station, he turned back to Gaeta. "Meet me in my father's office in five minutes, we'll finish this up Felix." Kara couldn't help but notice he still never referred to it as 'his' office.

"Yes sir, breakfast?" The young officer tossed over his shoulder, already making his way back to CIC.

Lee nodded. "Thanks, I doubt i'll have time to swing by the mess."

Looking dubious, Kara stopped her hand on the hatch, a smirk obscuring her features despite her effort to look serious. "He seems to be on top of things, should I be jealous?"

It was a sign of just how in love he was that Lee didn't bother to check the corridor for bystanders before dropping a kiss on her nose. "You've found me out. If only you'd been the first to figure out how I like my eggs."

"I woul... wait, you get eggs? I haven't had eggs in three months!" Kara punched him in the shoulder, looking genuinely pissed.

"Rank has it's privileges. If you're very good, i'll let you sit in on tomorrow's briefing and share some with us." With a wicked smile, Lee ducked down the corridor towards CIC and safely out of her reach..

"Gaeta gets eggs too!? What the frak Adama?"

"He's just so much nicer to me." Lee's grin has become down-right infuriating, and Kara couldn't help but laugh. Turning into life-station, she had to wonder what in the name of the Gods she found so appealing about that man. Having just seen him walk away though, she was leaning towards his ass.

Starbuck tossed a wave at Cottle and he made his way over to her from the readouts he had been studying. "That head bothering you Thrace? Didn't realize ya had enough left in the brain bucket to damage."

"Whoa, I come in peace. Just checking on the Captain. He awake yet?" Kara was peering over Cottle's shoulder, but the curtain was pulled closed around the bed.

"Awake? Son of a bitch won't stay in bed. If he keeps this up, i'll have to have him restrained. Man was at death's door last night, few pints of blood and some painkillers later and he's right as frakking rain. I've never seen anything like it." Cottle poured some more coffee in his cup and filled a styrofoam one for Kara.

"Ahhh, this the new stuff the Terrans sent over?" She practically yanked the cup from the doctor's hand and pulled it up to her nose. It was bitter and strong, with just a hint of nutmeg. "Oooohhh yeah, that's the good stuff. I missed you old friend."

"You know, as your doctor, I really should advise you against living on caffeine and nicotine. But as a person, I hate to be a hypocrite." Cottle gave that half chuckle of his before lighting a cigarette.

"So really doc, how's he doing?" For a moment Starbuck was gone, and Kara stood in her place. It had taken Cottle weeks to understand the difference, but it was recognizable to anyone who really knew her.

"He'll be fine. First round missed his lung, clean in and out job. Second caused a decent amount of internal bleeding, just nicked his inferior frenic artery. Wouldn't have been bad at all if he hadn't torn it further and ruptured capillaries all over his body with that heavy G load. As long as the sutures hold, he should be back in the air in a few weeks, maybe sooner at the rate he's going."

Kara felt a weight literally lift from her shoulders, no one would die because of her. It was much easier throwing your own life in danger than it was having to live with the knowledge that someone else had done it for you. She had a new respect for Lee in that moment. It took a strong person to stand back and watch while the people you cared about went into the fight. "Can I see him?"

"Sure, just no shop talk. We're trying to keep his BP down to a reasonable level. Oh, and tell the Lieutenant i'm ready for her when she's done with her visit." Cottle seemed amused as he turned away and started digging into his filing cabinet.

Kara was about to ask which Lieutenant, but it had to be Kat. She'd been suffering from a bad case of hero worship when it came to her new CAG. Starbuck wasn't sure how to take that, shouldn't she despise the man who had been gunning for Top Dog ever since he'd come aboard? Though it was nice to get a little respite from Kat's cross-hairs herself, she didn't wish it on a nice guy like Kinkaid either. Rounding the corner though, she was unpleasantly surprised.

"..like this?" The feminine voice was unmistakably that of Racetrack.

Kinkaid's laugh rang out a little too loud, his voice slightly slurred with painkillers and muscle relaxers. "No no... God, no wonder you're a shuttle pilot. Legs a little further apart, and keep that right hand up beside your jaw... there you go. Now don't force anything, you're way too jerky, it needs to be smooth and measured."

For a few moments Kara thought about turning around, but that pesky voice echoing through her skull decided differently - the one that always got her in trouble. She rounded the cloth divider to see Tyler standing behind Racetrack, hands over hers moving them slowly in some kind of defensive move. Margaret was laughing and leaning back against him, though Tyler didn't seem to notice.

"It's not a shuttle, it's a Raptor. And for your information, we're just as tough as any of you cocky ass Viper-jockies!" She turned around and playfully swatted at his head, but kept herself practically molded to him.

"Is that so?" Starbuck called out from her place at the end of the bed. On anyone else, a grin like that would have been challenging, on Kara, it was frakking terrifying. At least Racetrack had the good sense to look guilty. "Care to test that theory?"

The look that passed between the two women could have dropped a Basestar. No one moved or said anything for a long moment, Margaret made a point of leaning closer to Kinkaid and tossing an arm around him. "The good Captain here was just showing me the finer points of something called Joo-doo."

Tyler was laughing again, leaning back against her. "It's judo, with a u, hon."

Kara stepped up beside Kinkaid, eyes locking with Racetrack's. "If you're looking for a sparring partner, i'd be more than happy to show you the finer points of self defense Edmondson. I was unaware you sustained any injuries yesterday, there a reason you're crowding up life-station?"

Her eyes never leaving Kara's, Margaret smiled and addressed Tyler. "I'm just trying to get some meds, sir. Cottle's been too busy to get to me, but I think I have some kind of stomach bug. Been in and out of the head for two days."

Noting the exercise she'd just been conducting, Kara tossed on her best Starbuck sneer. "Seem fine now."

The glare Racetrack returned was not lost on anyone. "It comes and goes. In fact, I was coming in to talk to my CAG about pulling me off rotation for a few days." She motioned to Kinkaid.

"Well you've talked to him, so get your meds and get out of here. Your CAG took two rounds in the gut yesterday, and shouldn't be standing." That was as much to Kinkaid as it was to Racetrack. Kara moved around the woman and helped Tyler back into bed. "Come on Captain, wouldn't want you to get any infections this early in your recovery."

"Infections? Doc said the wounds were clean." Tyler looked even more confused, and a little worried. "He tell you something I don't know?"

Starbuck just looked at Racetrack pointedly. "I wasn't referring to your wounds."

Kara was sure the only thing that kept the two women from pouncing on each other was the fact they were seperated by a bed containing a seriously injured man. After a moment so tense she could actually feel her heartbeat in her fingers, Racetrack calmly leaned down and layed a kiss on Kinkaid's cheek. "Feel better Tyler. I'll try and drop by later."

As soon as she was gone, Tyler started laughing again. "What the fuck was that about Kara? I think I can handle myself against a hundred pound female shuttle jockey."

"You saved my ass out there yesterday, just returning the favor. She likes to take things that don't belong to her." Kara's mind went back to Lee, if they had a couch, he would so be sleeping on it tonight.

"Ahhhh... clepto. Thanks for the warning. So to what do I owe the honor?"

"I'm not sure I should tell you now, you're so frakked up, you're likely to forget. Whatever they gave you, I think the Chief uses it in his brew." Starbuck sunk into the chair next to the bed and kicked her feet up, tossing a cigar onto the covers. "You didn't get that from me."

"Much appreciated, I was about to make a break for it." He leaned forward so Kara could light the stogie. "Tell me what? Did I win something?"

"Just this." She layed a tiny piece of gold onto his lap, waiting for him to examine it.

"Wings? I already have wings Kara. Not that these aren't just super-special." Kinkaid smirked around his cigar, rolling the small metallic object around his palm.

"With your consent, you've been accepted into the Colonial Fleet with the commissioned rank of Captain, effective immediately."

She put a hand on the man's shoulder, squeezing in encouragement. "Congratulations."

"Oh, I would have loved to see Sujiko's face when you told him that." He smiled, placing the wings on the table next to his bed.

"Oh... you have no idea." Starbuck just leaned back in her chair and enjoyed her cigar, she wanted Lee to be there when he found out the whole story.

"So, how're they hangin 'Buck? I mean, I don't really remember much after the crash. Hell, don't remember a lot of the crash!"

"That's probably for the best. Which reminds me, as soon as you get healed up, I owe you an ass-kicking for that little stunt you pulled. Where the hell did you ever get an idea like that anyways?" Kara busied herself by leaning her head back and trying to blow smoke rings, it had always pissed her off that she couldn't seem to ever get them straight.

Kinkaid didn't even miss a beat, ashing his own stogie on a bed rail. "Your flight logs."

Starbuck actually choked, and leaned forward to have a nice, long coughing fit. "What?"

"Yeah. When I was put in charge training my pilots on the Mark II, one of the first things I did was listen to all your flight logs. I figured if I wanted them to fly like the best, I should learn from the best. Though personally, I found my approach to be slightly more artful." When he smiled like that, Kara always got the distinct urge to punch him. He managed to find the same buttons Lee always did and punch them like a two year old on a toy piano.

"Artful? You completely destroyed two birds! The Chief has declared a day of mourning for the landing deck you frakked up, and officially severed all ties with yours truly. Not to mention, I hear Cally spent a half hour throwing up after having to clean the inside of your cockpit for salvage. I would not refer to that as artful, even in the loosest sense of the word."

"Hey, you try sticking a landing with two holes in you and half your hydraulics blown. Those Mark VII's are about as maneuverable as a falling brick without computer assistance."

"Fair enough, but i'm still gonna kick your ass." Kara reached down and grabbed his hand, just for a moment becoming completely serious. "Thanks though. Not many people would have done something like that for me."

Tyler just smiled around his stogie and gave her hand a squeeze. "Don't thank me, thank your boyfriend."

"What?"

Rolling his eyes with exasperation, he continued. "Adama. We had a heart to heart the day before the mission, asked me to make sure I brought you home." There was a long and awkward pause between them, Tyler finally pulling his hand back. "He really loves you kiddo, don't hold it against him."

A few weeks ago Kara would have been irate at the idea Lee thought she needed anyone to back her up, but things were different now. She also had to admit that with him out of the air, he probably felt helpless every time she went up, and if bringing Kinkaid into the fold helped him deal with it, she wasn't going to begrudge him that small comfort. "He really does, doesn't he? Gods, he's crazier than I am."

"There's a fine line between love and insanity, Kara. One can easily lead you into the other if you're not careful." The Captain leaned over and put his cigar out on bulkhead, avoiding her eyes. "If you don't mind... i'm feeling a little tired. I'll catch up with you as soon as they spring me."

She didn't understand the sudden change of mood, but was observant enough to notice it. "Sure thing champ. You need anything else, just ask, and i'll see what I can do."

"G'night Lieutenant. Give my best to the Major." He didn't say anything else, just turned off the lamp and rolled onto his side.

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Commander Adama wiped the last of the shaving cream from his neck with a hand-towel before making his way back into the cluttered office he'd only returned to a few hours before. It would take him a week to figure out Lee's so-called 'filing system', which seemed to consist of random piles scattered on every flat surface in sight. His eldest son had never been messy, so he had to assume he'd been too polite to drag some poor Petty Officer in every few minutes to file something away for him. A few more days like this, and he wouldn't have been able to see over his own desk.

Bill had less than thirty minutes to get ready for the memorial service, and still hadn't finished deciding what he was going to say. The last time he'd winged a speech, he had promised to find Earth, and somehow he didn't think his luck would bail him out of another stunt like that. His uniform jacket felt a little baggy as he fastened the buttons from bottom to top. It's amazing how much weight you can lose lying in a bed, doing nothing. Maybe it was that gods-awful food?

He had just finished with his last button and gone looking for his sash when there was a soft knock at the hatch. "Come. Where the frak did I put that thing?"

"Where did you put what, Commander?" President Roslin looked rather amused as the he picked up stacks of paper to look under them.

"In the three days I was stuck in my quarters, my son managed to move everything in the office except my paintings and the desk! I think it's his way of getting back at me for taking him out of the air." Adama chucked as he snatched the band of cloth from the back of the couch and slipped it over his head.

"You really think he would intentionally move your things?" Laura sounded surprised.

"Madame President, Lee has a passive-aggressive streak as long as this ship. Not to mention his legendary loathing for paperwork in general. So yes, I do." Bill called over his shoulder as made for the head to check himself over in the mirror.

"So, you're sure about this? I mean, he doesn't seem to like it very much." Roslin was holding up a piece of paper Adama assumed was the message he'd sent earlier in the morning.

"Our duties and our desires rarely coincide. Besides, I think it's growing on him, he's already added twenty new pilots to the fleet and he's been in this office less than a week."

Laura moved a stack of papers over and took a seat on the couch. "I still don't understand how he managed to talk the Admiral into that. I've met the man, doesn't strike me as the generous type."

Adama couldn't help the small laugh that escaped. "Ask him to tell you some time. When I heard the story, I laughed so hard that Cottle tossed him out of life-station for getting me worked up."

"I'll have to remember to ask him." Deciding that the best way to address her main concern would be to spit it out directly, Roslin continued. "Your XO is alright with this?"

"He had kittens, but Saul's a good man, and I trust he'll do his duty. This is best for everyone and he knows it. You know, you're questioning this decision so much, i'm starting to wonder if it's not you who has a problem with it." Satisfied with his uniform, Bill walked back out into the office.

Roslin stood to face him, looking over her glasses. "It's not him i'm worried about. I agree Major Apollo is the right man for the job, but why force this now? Wouldn't it be wiser to wait until we reach this new planet?"

Bill sighed, he'd wanted to wait until later for this. She had been up-front with him about her condition though, and he owed her that same respect. "I have been advised by Dr. Cottle that to continue in my present capacity would only risk future... episodes. This new position will be a change of pace I hope to get used to with time."

"Our duties and our desires rarely coincide," She repeated, "You weren't just talking about him."

"No." Adama admitted bluntly. "I'll miss it, but at least I know she'll be in capable hands."

"Have you told him yet?"

"No. To be honest, I wanted him to see the crew's reaction when he heard the news. It should convince him that he has their support." The explanation sounded weak even to his own ears, it was pretty obvious he was just hoping to avoid the argument by handing the news off in a public setting.

It appeared Roslin had come to the same conclusion by the slight quirk of her brow. "He's never going to forgive you for this, you know that, right?"

"I'm counting on it. Lee always performs better when he feels he has something to prove. Let it be to me. That's if all of this is meets with your approval, Madame President." Checking the clock on his wall, Bill opened the hatch and motioned for her to lead the way.

Stepping out into Galactica's corridor, they both began to make their way to the chapel. Laura knew it was the right decision - maybe it was just hard for her to accept that the man she'd seen wrestling naked with Lieutenant Thrace a little over a week ago would be protecting them all. But then again, how could she expect anything less from Captain Apollo? He was just living up to his namesake. "It's all fine, on one condition."

William stopped and faced her, her devious smile had him more than a little worried. "Condition?"

"If you call me Madame President in private again, i'll make you keep this command out of spite." It was a terrible strain making herself sound as serious as possible.

"I... think that's reasonable." Opening the chapel's hatch, he returned her smile. "After you, Laura."

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The deck was packed from wall to wall, but the only sound was the shuffling of feet or the occasional whisper. Eyes locked forward, or cast to the ground, no one dared to make a noise - as if to do so would risk waking the dead. The only change the room had undergone since the flight of humanity was the addition of a single flag. The black and gold eagle of the Terran Defense Force now flew side by side with the yellow and black of Galactica's. The Commander stood to one side of the podium, the President at the other, as they awaited the arrival of Giara, Elosha's recent replacement.

The cause of the silence which blanketed the hall sat behind the podium in long, flag-draped rows. Most were adorned with the flag of the Colonies, though a few carried the golden globe and arrows of the Terran Confederation. It was sickening how many of those flags sat flat upon the floor, having recovered no body to place underneath it. Some had pictures of the deceased resting on top, or personal items some friend or lover had placed there.

All eyes fell on the hatch to the right as the young priestess finally arrived and made her way through the crowd to the front of the room. A young woman with blue-black hair and high thin cheekbones, she didn't seem to command the dignity of her predecessor. It didn't help that her voice was high and lilting, giving everyone the impression they were being preached to by a twelve year old with a sinus infection.

Upon reaching the front of the room, she placed the large leather bound book she carried onto the podium and began thumbing through the pages, until finding the appropriate passage. Silence embraced the room as all assembled bowed their heads, and the priestess began the ritual blessing.

"Once again we are charged with the solemn duty to return the bodies of our own to the universe, from which the Lords of Kobol brought them to us. The burdens of this life are with us but a short time. For those we honor here today, that time was far too short. But we take comfort in knowing their lives were willingly given in service to all of us. We honor them for that. And thus, it falls on us to repent our sins, and with the help of the Lords of Kobol, make our own lives worthy of that gift. So we commit their bodies to the cosmos from which we all came, secure in the knowledge that we will be reunited with them in a better world to come. So say we all."

"So say we all." The response reverberated through the large enclosure, punctuated by a few stifled sobs.

Once she had taken her place next to the President, Roslin mounted the podium and motioned for everyone to take their seats. Laura struggled to keep her hands steady where they gripped the sides of the wooden structure, this was not one of her good days. A few deep, calming breaths and a drink of water seemed to settle things down though, and the middle-aged woman again stood tall before them.

"On a day like this, where we are confronted with all that we've lost in our struggle to survive, I feel it only appropriate to start this ceremony with a message of hope. Since undertaking this pilgrimage through the stars, we have fought to regain all that we once lost, not only through military might but also by force of will.

We have reestablished our government, elected freely by the people. The freedoms and liberties granted us by the Gods remain intact and sacred, though we could have easily fallen to the hands of tyrants. Now that we approach our new home, the time has come to take the next step back to normalcy, the next step to regaining our heritage.

Since the fall of the Colonies, Commander Adama has been the acting head of all Colonial Military Services, as well as shouldering the responsibility of commanding this ship. He has carried out these duties in the finest of military traditions, and I believe I speak for everyone when I say it has been nothing short of an honor to work beside him. With the help of our Terran allies, six civilian ships are being retrofitted with weapons and defense systems to supplement our fighting strength. A call will go out for a thousand civilian volunteers, who will be trained to crew and maintain these new warships charged with defending our home.

This new fleet will need someone capable of building it from the ground up, and of leading it into battle upon completion. We are blessed indeed to have a man among us willing and able to do just that. Commander, if you would please approach the podium."

Adama rose from his chair, fighting the urge to glance off to the side and catch the look on Lee's face, and moved to stand beside the President.

"In my capacity as Commander in Chief of all Colonial Armed Services, it is my profound pleasure to present you, William Adama, with the rank of Admiral, as well as the title of Supreme Commander of Colonial Forces. To place under you the command of all military vessels and personnel both existing and future, and the establishment and organization of said assets. You will assume these new duties effective immediately."

There was stunned silence throughout the room as the President pinned the Admiral's new insignia on and shook his hand. A smattering of applause floated up from the crowd, but most everyone looked conflicted over the news. Finally, Tigh stood from his chair and began clapping loudly, turning his remaining eye on the crew until everyone had joined in. It wasn't until Adama motioned for quiet that everyone returned to their seats.

The Admiral nodded in appreciation and stepped up behind the podium, looking out over the assembled crewmen. "It has been an honor serving with each and every one of you, one I will always hold dear to my heart. I consider this ship to be my home, and that will never change. My flag will remain aboard the Galactica as long as she exists and i'm still able to serve, so don't think you're rid of me yet. You are all my family, and I care for you deeply. I wouldn't be accepting this post if I had anything but the utmost confidence in my replacement's ability to lead you all through whatever trials may come our way.

We have seen many changes in the past few months, and most have been trying, to say the least. I fear it's blinded us to the reality of all life - we must grow and change, or we will wither and die. I will not allow sentiment to lead us downward into stagnation, we will not grow weak on my watch. However, before I hand over command, there is one more duty I feel I should undertake. One long overdue." Adama pulled two small boxes from his pocket and stepped down from the podium, making his way along the row of chairs to the left.

"Lieutenant Thrace, Captain Kinkaid, attention!" The Admiral stood before them both, opening the boxes and showing them to the assembled group. "This is the Colonial Cross, our highest military honor. Since the destruction of the Colonies, no living man has held this honor, but I can think of no one more deserving to carry on this tradition than the pilots before me. This award is meant to signify the highest excellence in military service. It represents courage and determination above and beyond the call of duty in time of war. Your actions in battle were the very personification of what this cross is meant to represent. Lieutenant Thrace, please step forward."

Kara was positively beaming as she made her way to stand before the Old Man. "Sir!"

"For courageous service in time of war, and your continued dedication to the protection of this fleet, I hereby promote you to the rank of Captain and award you the Colonial Cross. Wear it with pride." The Admiral stepped forward and pinned the large silver cross to Starbuck's sash, followed by her new rank insignia. Then surprised her by pulling her in for a hug, lowering his voice for her alone. "I'm counting on you to keep an eye on Lee, he's going to need all the help he can get, and he's always depended on you. You two are good for eachother, makes you both stronger. I know you won't let either of us down."

Kara had to laugh to stifle down her tears, leave it to the Old Man to make her cry in front of the whole frakking crew! Pulling away, she shot off a crisp salute. "Yes, sir."

"As you were Captain. Captain Kinkaid, please step forward."

Kinkaid stood, his movements still slowed by the bandages around his midsection and the way his balance was thrown off by any sudden movement. The dress grays fit a little tighter around the chest than his Terran uniform had, but he had to admit they were more comfortable around the neck. "Sir."

"Your actions in combat against staggering odds saved not only the life of our most skilled pilot, but indeed the entire fleet. This will be the first time this award has ever been given to someone not born in the Colonies, I can't think of anyone more deserving of that distinction. In recognition of your continued military excellence, I present you with our highest honor, the Colonial Cross." The Admiral leaned forward and pinned the medal onto Tyler's sash. Lowering his voice again and extending his hand, Adama smiled wide. "Lee told me what you did for her, son. Welcome to the family."

"Thank you sir, for everything." Kinkaid took the offered hand and shook vigorously.

Looking between his two star pilots, he couldn't help the tight smirk that spread across his face. The coming days would be interesting, to say the least. He took a step back between them and a deep breath, time for the big finish. "I told you I would leave you in capable hands, and I meant it. Never before has a man felt the pride I do right now, as a commanding officer, and as a father. Major Adama, front and center!"

Lee had known this was coming since his father had been promoted. If he was truly honest with himself, he'd known it since the day his father had come to him in hack and told him about his heart. He knew the reasoning for it, even if it wasn't the path he would have chosen to walk if the circumstances were different. And he also knew why his father had planned it this way. There would be no griping, no negotiation, and no begging. He had just received the the Admiral's vote of confidence in front of the entire crew, there was no way he could turn it down. The march up to stand before his father reminded Lee of a prisoner's walk to the gallows, but with nicer uniforms. "Sir."

"Major Adama. As of 0945 this morning, I will be handing over command of the Colonial Battlestar, designation: Galactica to you. With the consent and blessing of the President of the Colonies, you are hereby granted the rank of Commander, with all the rights and responsibilities that rank implies." It was all the gruff old man could do to pin the new insignia on without breaking down. He had dreamed of this day since Lee was a boy, had always known it was in his future.

Lee was smiling from ear to ear facing the crowd. Only the three people directly around him heard the words coming through clenched teeth over the raucous applause. "You couldn't have warned me?"

"Where would be the fun in that, son? I've left you with all the tools you'll need, as long as you're not afraid to use them. This crew will keep you on course if you listen and head there advice." Adama moved forward and embraced his son, thumping him on the back. "Congratulations, Commander. She's all yours, you've earned it."

"Thanks dad. I'll take good care of her." Lee turned with his father to face the crowd and tossed his arm around him as the press shot their photos from the back. It brought about an odd sense of deja vu when he recalled that photo shoot he'd undergone moments after arriving for Galactica's decommissioning. Back then, they'd had to be told to embrace each other, now it felt like second nature. It was that moment Lee knew he had already forgiven his father for tossing the burden of command on him. He always did.

After another minute of applause, the crowd started to form into two lines and make their way around the coffins to pay their last respects. Roslin walked over to the small group still clustered about the podium, dodging reporters with practiced ease. Starbuck and Apollo were off to the side, Kara popping off smart salutes and making faces that had Lee almost falling over. Laura stepped up next to Kinkaid and the Admiral, who stopped their discussion of the duty roster at her approach.

"Madame President." Tyler bowed his head slightly in her direction.

"Captain Kinkaid, I can't believe this is the first time we're meeting. I've heard so much about you." A wave of dizzyness swept through her as she extended her hand to shake his. Time seemed to slow to a crawl, but the moment their hands made contact, everything around her contracted to nothingness, then reformed into a dazzling white.

After the long moment it took for her eyes to adjust to the brightness of the light, Laura found herself surrounded by a dense forest. She knew this place. The path that led to the Tomb of Athena. The sun beating down on her face spread warmth that she hadn't felt in months. The smell of wild flowers and damp earth was carried on a light breeze from over the hill. Was she really here?

"The path lies in danger. They fear his power."

Laura spun around to find Elosha standing behind her, where she was sure nothing had been just moments before. That answered her earlier question, this wasn't real. "We've found the path to Earth. How are we in danger?"

"They fear his sword. Destruction says their God, but they do not understand. His power lies not in the sword, but in the blood."

"Who? Who's blood?" Laura's head was spinning, she was having trouble staying upright.

The serene figure of the priestess continued as if she hadn't heard the question. "Born of warriors, raised of the tribe, she will be known to you. The Prophet, the light that will banish the darkness. You must prepare the way for her."

Waves of nausea began to overtake Roslin as she fell to her knees, the figure approaching to take her head in her hands gently. "Know this. Your destiny lies not before you, but behind you. She shall point the way, and the chosen will follow."

The last thing Laura remembered was falling forward, and the smell of damp earth.

T.B.C