Hearts and Fates Entwined

By: Fairedust

Part three

Chapter 25

Lee was surprised at how smooth the transition went from the late Commander to himself. It was as if the Pegasus crew breathed a sigh of relief at having him take over command. His father had told him it was due to the crew feeling confident Lee was fully capable of the job, where as the crew hadn't felt confident in their last Commander. When Lee pointed out Fisk's capabilities, his father countered that the crew probably sensed Fisk's hidden agenda. They must have sensed Fisk's would look out for himself first, the Pegasus second and the crew last. Plus, Fisk didn't have any intention of altering the harsh and sometimes barbaric methods Cain had put in place. His father told him it was well known that Lee's ethics were iron clad. Lee found his father's and his crew's confidence only partially reassuring. Lee was well aware of his ethical shortcomings. But his crew was right. He'd do whatever it took to be a fair, honest, strong leader; even if he never wanted this responsibility.

One of the first things Lee intended to tackle was the unsavory conduct of several Officer's on board. With the Admiral's backing, Lee sent out a mandate. It stated that all matters aboard were to be conducted to the letter of the Colonial Fleet's standards. No longer was abuse of any kind going to be tolerated. The Pegasus' only mission was to protect the Fleet, just like the Galactica.

That said, there were only a select few instances where he needed to step in to reprimand his Officers. However, he also wasn't a fool. He knew it would take time to completely excise Cain's ghost of command. He would need to stay alert and keep his eyes open. He had no false illusions that his mandates would erase all that she had created overnight.

He also remembered the treatment he'd received the first time he'd been stationed on this vessel. Because of this in the beginning, he thought it would be wise to have a two man detail remain close to him while he moved throughout the ship; in addition to the standard detail stationed outside his quarters. True, no ship liked being without a leader; but his new leadership was sure to rock the boat with several members of the crew.

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Kara was growing more hopeful with every passing day. Since Lee had been placed in charge of the Pegasus, she'd been back aboard the Galactica. Her work with their captured Raider's FTL and navigation computer was finally almost complete, thanks to Sharon. Helo had somehow convinced her to use herself as a conduit between the Raider's computer system and their Raptors. They now only had a few more kinks to iron out, before they'd be able to link both systems together. The Admiral and the President had already agreed that when that was accomplished, they'd finally be able to send back a rescue team for the Resistance.

As it turned out, all the preparations were completed the day before the first Presidential debate was to take place. Now all that was needed was to gather volunteers for the mission that would take place in just over 24 hours. Due to the danger involved, Adama would not order anyone to take part. Everyone going had to do so on only a volunteer basis.

The Pegasus' Pilot Briefing Room was filled with pilots ready to hear the mission details. Starbuck was glad to see the room filled to near capacity, with pilots from both Battlestars. Clearing her throat, she opened her briefing with stating the volunteer status of this mission. She made it very clear, the extreme danger involved. Then she gave a brief statement of what this mission was for. After doing so, she asked for those still willing to participate, to raise their hands. She was proud to note every seat raised their hand, without hesitation.

It was now time to let them all in on how they were going to accomplish their overwhelming task. She told them that by using only their Raptor's FTL systems it would take over 250 jumps. But by using the Cylon's technology they'd be able to reach Caprica in only 12 jumps. This is when she signaled Sharon to enter the room. Every pilot there immediately tensed with anger at seeing her. All remembered or knew of Boomer shooting Adama.

Sharon approached the podium bound and in a listless manor. Starbuck was well aware that all these pilots thought of this woman as not only a Cylon, but as Boomer. Kara knew better. This Sharon was not only a different model than Boomer, she herself was different from the other Cylons. This Sharon had done nothing but help since she'd found Karl back on Caprica. This Sharon had gone against her own kind, to ensure the safety of this Fleet. This Sharon was the only way they could ever achieve getting back to Caprica, and saving the Resistance.

Kara bristled at seeing the pilots before her shift with animosity. In an angry, defensive tone. "Look people. This is NOT Boomer. Sharon has agreed to help us. She's the only one who can link our computer systems with the Raider's. She's the only way we can get back to Caprica and save those we left behind. So I say again. This mission is voluntary. Anyone who is willing to go, raise your hand."

After only an uncomfortable short pause, everyone once again raised their hands.

At seeing the pilot's response, Sharon leaned in to Starbuck. "Can I go now?" she said in a strained voice. Kara gave her and her guards a small nod, and Sharon quietly left the room. Helo quickly rose from his seat and moved to follow her out.

As Sharon and her protection detail were heading out the door, Lee was entering. After giving a brief statement, he moved over to the Comm. Link and had someone open the wireless. As Lee had promised, everyone would be able to hear the 1st Presidential debate.

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Abby stormed out of Adama's quarters. She was beyond angry and frustrated. She was furious. The guards noted her obvious displeasure and wisely backed out of her way, as she stomped by. Both men looked at each other and couldn't hide their small smiles of amusement at her antics. When she paused to look at them, they both wisely managed to make their faces once again look neutral. Once she seemed satisfied with their expressions, she stomped on. It was clear to anyone witnessing her progress, that she was beyond angry. What both men were smiling about was what they'd heard thru the door and how she now looked. Being so small and slight, stomping out in full sail anger, …well it just kind of looked humorous.

Tabitha had barely made it around the corner, when the Admiral opened the hatch. "I want one of you to keep tabs on her at all times, until the rescue team launches. I want to be sure she doesn't try to stow away on one of those Raptors headed back for Caprica."

Even though both men were shocked their commander thought she may disobey his direct order, they wisely never questioned. Looking at each other, they quickly decided who'd be first, to be her unlucky tail for the next 24 hours.

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"Admiral, it may be wise to have someone keeps tabs on that little lady. You know as well as I do, she'll try to find a way to go along with Starbuck. I don't know if I've ever seen anyone as stubborn as she can be; you included." Cottle groused out.

At hearing the last part of the Doc's statement, Adama just stared at the man.

"What? You know I'm right. About her trying to find a way onto one of those Raptors and about you being stubborn." Cottle quipped. These two men had served together for years, even before the Galactica. That amount of time bred a certain type of familiarity when away from other eyes.

"I know you're right. But it would be nice for a change, if she'd just follow orders like any other soldier." Bill said, while pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Well she's not a soldier. Remember? You gave her the option of becoming part of this crew or remaining a civilian. You having second thoughts about that now?"

"No, no. I don't regret that. Well …not entirely. It's only times like this. But we both know it wouldn't matter if she were a soldier or not. If she didn't agree with an order, she wouldn't follow it. Besides, I don't believe she'd be able to handle being under the Military's control. The arrangement we have works out to every ones advantage, …most of the time."

"Well if you have any hope of your guards being able to tail her, you'd better get moving on telling them."

As Adama moved to his hatch, to inform his guards of their new assignment, he gave Cottle a look; telling him not to keep pushing it.

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Tabby was so angry, she didn't even notice the Marine following her. She kept going over and over the conversation, ok argument, she'd just had with Adama and the Doc. When she'd learned that the mission to go back to Caprica was a go, she'd immediately gone to see Bill. She wanted to go with Kara. After the debacle with the Pegasus jumping, she was even more unsettled about letting Kara go back without her. Tabby was well aware how dangerous this mission was going to be. She wanted to keep Kara safe, if anything went wrong.

Shortly after she'd entered Bill's quarters, he'd called for the Doc to join in their debate. As soon as he'd called for the Doc, Tabby felt her stomach clench. She'd still not been released for full duty. Cottle wanted her leg and ribs to be fully healed first. Without the Doc's input, Tabby had been sure she'd be able to convince Bill. The bruises had nearly completely faded from her face and neck. She was able to walk without a pronounced limp and she was able to hide any discomfort caused by her still healing ribs. As for the gashes on her arms, shoulder, chest and abdomen, Cottle had removed all her stitches a few days ago. When those wounds were finally fully healed, she suspected the scarring would not be too severe. Cottle had done a very nice job stitching her up.

But as soon as the man entered, she knew she was sunk. Cottle glanced in her direction, then addressed his commander. As soon as Bill told him what this meeting was about, Cottle had given her a measured look. Then the debate began. As it progressed it became more heated. Finally Cottle, to prove his point, shoved her in the shoulder. The action caused her to twist around slightly, which hurt her tender ribs. It also upset her balance, causing her to take a hard step on her injured leg. She couldn't hide the wince she made.

That's when things got hot. She'd instantly lost her temper, when she realized what Cottle had done to prove his point. Suddenly nothing hurt her anymore. She was too angry to feel the pain. Too angry, when she realized Cottle had blown any chance she had of going with Kara. When she realized she'd not be able to win this argument, she finally stormed from the room. She didn't want to be near anyone when she felt this way. She needed to get away. She needed to find someplace quiet, where she could regain control over her emotions.

By the time she found an out of the way storage locker, and closed herself in, she saw what her angry retreat had cost her. Sitting down on a wooden crate, she looked down at her right thigh. She could see a small red blotch forming on the material. Perfect, just perfect! She'd managed to tear open the wound once again. She mentally debated with herself if she should go to Life Station to get it re-stitched or not. She stubbornly decided not to. She had no intention of proving Cottle right. Instead she decided that after she calmed down, she'd go back to her quarters and stitch it up herself.

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The two guards keeping tabs on Tabitha were finally able to relax, after the Raptor rescue team launched. Both men had been tense, having to keep tabs on her the 24 hours beforehand.

It had been four days since Starbuck and her team jumped back to Caprica. They were not expected back until tomorrow.

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As ordered, Cottle sent word after every one of Tabitha's check-ups. Per the reports Adama had read, it appeared Tabitha was healing just fine. It was what was in between the lines that caused Bill talk with the man. According to Cottle, she was healing normally, if not a little quicker than expected. Her bruises were all gone now. Her ribs were knitting back together correctly. Even her leg was making steady progress, regardless of how many times she managed to reopen the wound.

What Cottle was more concerned about was Tabitha's emotional state. She'd been thru a traumatic ordeal. And as of yet, she hadn't spoken a word about it. Cottle noticed that she seemed extra jumpy as of late. More so now, than when she was first injured. She seemed to be constantly looking about for some new threat. Now normally the Doc would have chalked this up to her experience on the Prometheus; but already knowing her background, he didn't think that was the case here. Also Cottle had noted that even though she'd been basically ordered to rest, she seemed to be getting more worn out each day. Hoping she'd confide in the Admiral, since she wasn't doing so with himself, Cottle asked Bill if he would try to find out what was wrong.

As Adama left Cottle's office, he spotted one of his pilots in the passage. "Kat. I'd like you to get word to Tabitha. She is to meet me in three hours, when I finish my shift in the CIC."

"Right away, Sir." was Kat's quick reply.

Almost as an afterthought, Adama added, "Kat, if she's asleep, please don't wake her. Just leave her a note to come see me." The Admiral had already turned to head back to the CIC, so he never saw the baffled look that crossed Kat's face.

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As it turned out Tabby had not been sleeping when Kat arrived. She'd been sitting cross legged on her rack, meditating. Her body's slow healing progress was becoming very frustrating. While she'd still been confined to sick bay, both Helo and Lee had managed to sneak her out to the Observation Lounge. Since she'd been released, she hadn't gone once. The day after she'd gotten out, Lee had been transferred to the Pegasus, along with Kara. As for Helo, well he seemed extra busy with Sharon as of late.

She could have taken George up on his offer to take her, as he had watched over her several times in the past. But she couldn't bring herself to do so now. The thought of being locked in a room with George, with only one way out, while standing naked before the stars, gave her chills. She knew her trepidation was totally irrational, but she couldn't help it. If she would be honest with herself, she no longer felt completely safe even with Helo present. That was really the reason why she hadn't just gone and asked him to take her.

She knew, throughout her whole being, neither man would harm her. That wasn't the issue. Like she told herself for the umteenth time, it was irrational. Not being able to defend herself was driving her batty. On top of everything else, for the past few weeks she'd periodically felt as if she were being watched. She couldn't explain it. When ever she'd felt that sensation, she'd never been able to find anyone there. Most of the time she'd been alone when she got that tingling sensation of being watched. But sometimes there had been one or two other people around her.

Ever since she'd been injured, she'd felt vulnerable. She was well aware she was in no condition to defend herself. So when she began to sense something near her, something she couldn't see, her sense of vulnerability only increased. Several times now, she'd tried to use her gifts to make herself heal quicker. In her mind, the quicker she was all healed the quicker she could feel secure again. But tapping into her energies and not being near the stars were taking their toll on her already weakened body. Not feeling safe was also making sleep like a one die crap shoot. When both Lee and Kara were on the Pegasus, she was lucky to catch a cat nap here or there. It was slightly better when Kara came back to the Galactica. But with her gone off to Caprica, her sleeping seemed to be something she'd only been able to dream about. By her count the last time she'd had any sleep, even a cat nap, had been days ago.

With her mind in an exhausted whirl, Tabby had yet to connect the dots with her mysterious watcher and her run in with Baltar. Had she been able to concentrate better, she would have realized it started shortly after she'd run into Baltar. When she'd been on her way to question Bill about sending Lee and Kara to the Pegasus. If she was thinking clearly she would have realized the sensation she felt now was similar to what she'd felt that night. That night she'd been sure she felt something near Gauis, something she couldn't quite see. But she hadn't made the connection. All she had now was anxious nerves that were beginning to fray.

When Kat got her attention, and passed along the message for her to meet the Admiral, Tabby's first thought was ' thank you, thank you, thank you. Finally a distraction.' But as the time for her to meet with the man grew near, she began to wonder what their meeting could be about. Part of her began to get nervous. It was as if random thoughts were being tossed into her mind. From out of nowhere the thought appeared that Adama was disappointed in her. That he no longer wanted her. She was more trouble than she was worth. It was only by the strength of her own will, that she discarded these negative thoughts.

Little did she know, the statuesque blond standing against one of the lockers, had been the one to insert those thoughts into her mind. The blond had been fascinated with this woman's abilities ever since this woman had tried to reach out and touch her. How could it be this woman had the ability to sense her presence, when all others could not? Baltar's mysterious blond knew she needed to keep an eye on this woman. She didn't know yet if this unique woman would become a threat to her charge, due to her abilities. Somehow the blond felt this woman might become a very dangerous threat. Even in a weakened state, the woman seemed to sense her presence.

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Finally the time had come for Tabby to go meet with Adama. As requested, she made her way up to the CIC. As she entered, those in the room called out a greeting or at least smiled as they gave her a nod of acknowledgement. When Tabby smiled up at Dee, standing at her consol, she received no greeting. Nobody in the room, but Tabby noticed the casual snub.

Tabby was at a loss as to why this woman was radiating a cold fury at her. Tabby could think of nothing she'd done to warrant such an emotion from this woman. Tabby actually liked Dee. If anything, Dee should be radiating with happiness. Tabby had witnessed Dee kiss Lee in the passage. Finally Dee had made her move and made her intentions clear. Being with Lee should have made her happy, so why was she so angry? Tabby decided that this was not the time or place to try and figure out this mystery.

Bill was gathering up his papers, preparing to leave. When he turned around and saw Tabitha standing just inside the doorway, he was glad she'd come. As he walked closer to her, he was able to see what hadn't been in Cottle's reports. Her eyes looked almost sunken and there were dark circles under her eyes. When he was directly in front of her, she tried to give him one of her big smiles. She only partially succeeded. Her lips and cheeks did her bidding, but her eyes didn't sparkle in their usual way. She looked exhausted. Deciding to play along with her for now and hold their conversation in private, he smiled back.

As he moved to leave the CIC, he hooking his arm about her shoulders in a fatherly way. As soon as his arm made contact with her shoulders, he felt her immediately flinch. He was surprised by her reaction. This was something they did often, her being such an affectionate type person. He decided to take a gamble and keep his arm about her. As he'd hoped, she didn't try to escape his loose hold. Actually, after only a moment, he felt her droop into him. Glancing at her thru the corner of his eye, he noticed how truly drained she seemed. As she laid her head against his shoulder, they made their way to his quarters.

When the guards posted outside his quarters saw them approach, neither dared say a word or give any kind of expression. It wasn't until after the hatch closed behind them, the guards both turned to each other with matching looks of concern. Both men were used to seeing that tiny woman acting more like a spit fire or wild cat. Neither could come to terms with the way she just now appeared.

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When Adama put his arm around her shoulders as was their custom on informal meetings, she couldn't stop her body's initial response. She was heartedly glad he didn't remove his arm. Right now it didn't matter that she was vulnerable. It was the first time she'd felt safe and protected in weeks. As soon as her body registered that fact, she sagged against him.

She didn't notice the walk to his quarters. She never even saw the guards or the hatch open. She was unaware of Bill sitting her down on his couch or of him heading off to get a blanket. She wasn't even aware she'd pulled her feet up under her and sagged against the soft couch arm. The first thing she was aware of, was Bill untying her shoes and removing them. The next and last thing she was aware of was being laid out on the couch and having a blanket tucked snuggly around her. Finally she felt safe enough to sleep.

Bill was surprised at his paternal instincts with this woman. He'd never be called a good father; especially by Lee. With both his boys, he'd never been around. Always his career came first. Now that he was with his son, Lee for the most part didn't want him to act like his father. With Kara, as much as he loved her as if she were his own, she too didn't want or need anyone to protect or fuss about her. The thought of fussing over Starbuck actually brought a momentary smile to his face.

But with Tabitha? He couldn't stop his need to protect and fuss over her, even if she rarely needed it. He never even thought about what he was doing, he simply acted on instinct. Once he saw she was only this side of being awake, he'd removed her shoes and settled her in on the couch. It just seemed like the right thing to do. Like what any father would do for his child. As much as he wanted some answers about what was going on with her and why she was now in this state; he realized those answers would need to wait. It was clear to him what she needed most was sleep. So he moved over to his desk to work on the never ending pile of paperwork, while he waited for her to wake up. He was in for a long wait.

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tbc