VIII

Colonial One, Later That Day

"Good afternoon, everyone", President Laura Roslin began with a broad smile. She never thought she'd be happy to see the gaggle of reporters, but she looked at all the faces, and realized she had missed them-and that some of them were missing. It was a new start for all of them.

"I wanted to spend a little time talking to everyone in The Fleet, since we are finally back together for the first time in just under two years. It is good to be home, and see so many of you. I also plan to travel throughout The Fleet-to each ship-and greet all of you in the near future.

"First of all, I must give thanks not just to the gods, but to Admiral Adama, Commander Adama, and all the men and women who planned, coordinated, and pulled off the daring rescue of those of us on New Caprica. Their courage, their dedication, their professionalism, all won the day in the air. On the ground, that same courage and dedication being displayed by ordinary citizens, in picking up a weapon and fighting to free us should also give all of us a great sense of pride.

"Yet, despite this courage, we have lost much. Our numbers have gone down by more than two thousand. Beyond the normal deaths and births, we endured two Epidemics. We endured raids on our homes, with people being taken away to prison, some never heard from again, some executed by The Cylons. We also lost many, many good people during the operation that freed us from New Caprica."

Laura took a brief sip of water. The press was somber, knowing they, too, had lost members of their profession. Everyone was united at the moment, in shared relief and grief.

"Today isn't about grand strategy for the future of our people, or for this Administration. It is a time to reflect, and take stock of what has been gained and lost. I am announcing in two days, as 1200 hours, there will be a Memorial Service held on Galactica, to honor all of those that gave the last, full measure of devotion to Humanity, giving up their lives so that we might go on. I am also issuing a proclamation that, two days after that, will be a day of celebration on all our ships, to celebrate our deliverance from our occupation. We cannot grieve without also celebrating."

Laura paused for a few moment, collecting her thoughts. "I also need to bring to light a few things that have occurred, very recently, that have affected me, personally."

That made everyone lean forward a little, the press wondering if this had to do with her cancer. They weren't expecting what they heard.

"Recently, within the last six months, I became very close with someone while on New Caprica. We both realized that we had fallen in love, and just over a month ago, we were married. I also became a mother with that marriage, as my spouse has a little girl." She looked over at Kara, who was holding Kacey. "I'd like to introduce to you, my wife, Captain Kara Thrace, Call Sign Starbuck, and our daughter, Kacey."

That set the tongues wagging and a burst of excitement swept the room. Admiral Adama was in the back of the room, and smiled at Laura, who winked back at him. "Kara, honey, you and Kacey come up here?"

With that Starbuck came to Laura's side, not entirely comfortable in front of the press, as her wife certainly was. Kacey shyly buried her head in her momma's shoulder, making everyone in the room lightly laugh.

When the mild tumult died down, a member of the press raised her hand. "I'd like to address this to Captain Thrace-or is it Captain Roslin now?" The look of mild confusion on the reporter's face made even Kara chuckle. "I thought you were married-before this, on New Caprica?"

Kara stepped up to the microphone, setting her nerves to answer to the whole fleet. "Yes, that is true. My husband, Samuel T. Anders, who at one time was part of the resistance on Caprica, caught the flu during the first epidemic and passed away. Despite finding Laura, and marrying her, I can tell you that I miss Sam every single day, and he will always be in my heart."

Laura was proud of Kara at that moment, a smile beaming over at her wife.

"And your daughter?"

"I found out Kacey was my daughter...the first time I was held in a Cylon prison."

Those words set off another round of questions.

"You were incarcerated twice?"

Kara nodded. "The first time, I was held for almost a year, and the second time, I was held for a month, and was in captivity when the rescue mission took place."

"Do you have any comments about that?"

Kara's face went blank. "No, not at this time. I will say I was made aware of Kacey's existence when imprisoned for the first time. For the moment, that is all I'll divulge about...our daughter." She smiled up at Laura.

Laura didn't want Kara or Kacey to linger in the spotlight, so she brought the meeting back to her. "I can tell you neither one of us expected to fall in love while on the planet, but we found each other, and we plan to be a family for all our days. For the moment, we hope you'll respect our privacy as a family. I may be President, but I'm also a wife and mother now, and everyone needs their own space."

"Madam President", another reporter inquired, "what is the status of President Baltar, and Vice-President Zarek?"

Laura wanted to be cross, with the woman addressing Baltar by a title no longer deserved or held, but she held her tongue. "We do know the whereabouts of former President Baltar". Laura said, emphasizing the word "former". "We believe he was either captured, or voluntarily left with The Cylons." That cause another mild rise in voices within the room. "As for the Vice-President, he was killed by Centurions. I had asked him, and some of his associates to make sure Kacey was safely put aboard Colonial One. He and one of his associates were killed by the rear ramp into this ship. I want to thank them both now, for safely getting our daughter aboard. Everyone knows the Vice-President didn't see eye-to-eye, but on New Caprica, he was an ally, and he died to defend my daughter. I can ask no more of someone."

"Will there be charges, Madam President, against anyone found to have served in the New Caprican Police Force?"

A cold silence settled over the room. Laura hadn't even had time to think about that, but she had some ideas on the subject. "That is something that I will need to consult with the Quorum, and Admiral Adama about. Crimes were committed in the name of The Cylons by people who joined that police force. However, we want to make sure those that committed crimes are punished, while those that were trying to serve to help people, are not. I imagine I will make an announcement shortly on that matter. I'll take one more question."

"Madam President, what about a special election?"

Laura nodded. "That will be one of the first things I discuss with the Quorum, and I plan to do so tomorrow. I agreed, in part, to take on the role as President, on the premise that we would have a special Presidential election, sooner rather that later. And", she added with a smile, "I have not decided if I will run. I need to discuss that with my wife. I'm sure I'll talk to all of you again shortly. Thank you."

Two Days Later

The news of President Roslin being married to Starbuck, who was already well-known in The Fleet, was the talk of the press and the people. A quick poll was done, with seventy-two percent of the people saying they liked and supported the marriage. Only a few percent didn't like it, and the rest were undecided.

Not that it would change Laura and Kara's mind.

Kara was still convalescing on Colonial One, as Doc Cottle had still not cleared her for duty. She was becoming restless about getting her life going again. That afternoon, after Laura had met with the Quorum, which was her second full meeting with the people's representatives, Laura and Kara sat down at dinner with Kacey, and started to look to the immediate future.

"I'm going to have to decide if I want to go back to piloting, Laura", Kara said near the end of dinner. "It's what I do best and what I'm good at...but I haven't decided yet."

"As I said, I'm not gonna push you, my dear, but the lords know we need every one of us to keep pushing forward. Just because I'm your wife doesn't mean I can or should try to shield you from the conflict. It isn't over, we both know that."

"I get it", Kara replied, squeezing Laura's hand. "And I imagine I will go back, but I'm not ready. The other thing we need to discuss is how we will handle our living arrangements when I go back to Galactica to be on duty. I have to be there most of the time."

Laura nodded in understanding. "I've been thinking about that myself. There is a spare VIP quarters on the ship, and it's plenty big for the three of us. Kacey would even have a bigger bedroom. I could transfer the flag, so to speak, to Galactica?"

Kara had been having the same thoughts. "Just as a courtesy, I think we should let the Admiral know if we want to do that, babe. You're The Boss, but that's his ship, and he's quite territorial about it."

Laura chuckled. "In his shoes, I would be, too. He's the military Boss. I think he might fight us on it, as he has a soft spot for both of us."

"Yeah, he can be stubborn, can't he?" The both laughed some more. "We'll just have to convince him that it is the best thing for our family. Kace is already going to school over there, so that's not a big deal. And it gives you and I a chance to stay close, and not be separated."

"Do you think your fellow pilot's will be jealous, or opposed to you having your own quarters?"

Kara knew there would be a few voices of displeasure-there always was. "Some people my have a burr up their asses about it, Laura, but Helo, Athena, Kat, Hot Dog, Racetrack-they have my back, and they'll keep everyone in line."

Laura studied her wife for a moment. "You and Kat actually getting along?" The President arched her eyebrows in question.

"Yeah, can you believe that?" Kara giggled at that one, then became serious. "We had a good talk before I saw the other three the other day. She's so much like me, and maybe that's why we fought so much. But I'm proud of how she's done as CAG, and she's definitely grown up." Kara looked down sadly for a moment. "I think I have, too."

"You have", Laura said with a touch of wistfulness. "Although I have to say, you were damn fun when you were out and about punching Tigh, or smoking cigars...I'll forget about your little tryst with Gaius", she added with a wink.

That made Kara laugh loudly. "Yeah, well, I'd like to, for a number of reasons, but I can't run from my past, I just have to learn from it."

"You have grown up, Mrs. Roslin", Laura said with an impish grin. "One reason I married you."

"I still have a few surprises up my sleeve, Mrs. Roslin", Kara said in reply, leaning over and kissing her wife sweetly. "I'll never completely 'grow up', I'll let you know."

"Oh, I hope not", Laura said in a lusty voice, deepening the kiss with the blonde.

Kacey looked at her two mothers, and a sour look came on her face. "Yuck, kisses!"

They both looked down at her, then at each other, and hysterical laughter broke out. Laura picked Kacey up and began to kiss her all over her face, Kacey laughing in protest. "Yucky kisses!" Laura passed their daughter over to Kara, and she did the same thing. Even despite her protests, Kacey hugged her Momma tightly at the end, giving Kara a kiss on the cheek.

"I guess she told us", Kara laughed, as Kacey wiggled in her arms. "Gods, kid", she said, looking down at the little girl, "you're getting too big!"

Laura took Kacey off her wife's hands. "Yeah, she is, aren't you, sweetie."

"Growing up", Kacey said, giving Laura her own hug and kiss. "I love my mommy's."

It was a school night, so they cleared the table, cleaned the dishes, and began preparing Kacey for bed.

As they were putting her down, Laura glanced at her wife. "I'll keep taking Kacey over to Galactica for school, until you're ready to head back." She held up her hand as Kara started to reply. "Don't argue with me, my sweet wife", she said with a grin, walking over to Kara and wrapping her in a loving embrace.

"Mmm", Kara said, melting into the hug, "lots of things I'd rather do with you than argue?"

"Oh yeah", Laura said, her eyebrows shooting up in a challenge. "Like what?"

Kara put her lips to Laura's ear and whispered. "Maybe I'll show you when Kacey's at school tomorrow, after your Quorum meeting?"

"Oh, I don't know", Laura said, dead-pan, "I don't know if that would be fun."

She couldn't stop from laughing after saying that.

"Oh, yeah?" Starbuck took her hand, slipped it between them and their hug, and firmly grabbed Laura's right breast. "So that won't be fun?"

"OK, you win', Laura said in mock surrender, again both of them laughing, going into a soft kiss again.

Kacey just shook her head. "Yucky."

The Next Morning

"Ladies and Gentleman", Laura Roslin addressed the member of the Quorum in their first truly formal meeting since the rescue from New Caprica, "we have a lot of work to do, so I'll get right to it. The first order of business, and I think the most important one, is to launch an investigation to find out who served in the New Caprica Police Force, find out, if we can, who committed crimes against our people, and punish them."

Everyone knew that was coming, but hearing it pronounced so sternly by Roslin gave it a weight that, up to now, it has not had.

The Representative from Tauron spoke first. "Madam President, do you plan to bring charges, in abstentia, against Gaius Baltar?"

Laura didn't skip a beat. "Absolutely. And against all the Cylon models as well. They committed crimes against our people as well. Heinous crimes, like murder, torture, rape..." The last word was said with a voice that cracked, Laura remembering Kara's recounting of what she had gone through.

She paused to regain a semblance of control. "Many of our people were subject to these crimes. As all of you have seen, Colonel Tigh had his eye ripped out of his head. We can't let that stand."

The Representative from Aquaria spoke up next. "I understand our collective need for justice, Madam President, but perhaps, for those, who served on the Police Force, would it be less...heart-wrenching on everyone if we simply issued a pardon, and move on? Multiple trials, and, I would imagine, executions, would take a psychological toll on our people."

Laura wanted to hear none of that, at least not right now, when the memories were so raw and open. She would freely admit that what Kara had been through was coloring her judgment, but she also knew that how people like Tigh had suffered, and how many people had been tortured and killed, the people of the fleet wouldn't countenance that.

"Mr. Rathburn", Laura said evenly, "I understand that sentiment. I do. And I can agree to some extent that that would be easier. But it would not be the best thing to give our people, collectively, the justice they require for the crimes committed against them.

"I do want the investigation into who served in the Police Force to be thorough, and I want...no, I demand that we do our level-best to make sure anyone who committed no crimes is not punished."

She took a much-needed sip of water. "Next, I have directed Admiral Adama to resume the search for Earth. The course is not precisely known, and I have directed the military, and our scientists to put in every effort to find the home of the thirteenth Tribe. It may be our only hope for survival."

"Should we not be looking for any decent, habitable planet, Madam President." The member from Sagittaron, a colony known for being against any violence, quickly brought up that idea.

"We just did that, and look what it got us: occupation by The Cylons."

"Whose to say", the Sagittaron continued, "that if we find Earth that the same thing won't happen? We have to assume that The Cylons know about the legend. They have to. It's part of their lore, too."

"Should we simply roam through space on these ships for the rest of Human existence", Laura shot back, "generation after generation wandering like nomads? That is not acceptable."

The Sagittaron continued, more mildly. "I'm sorry if that was the impression I was giving, Madam President. I agree with you wholeheartedly, we can't wander forever. But what is left for us, if we keep fighting? We have to keep moving if that's the case."

Laura gave her a hard look. "What are you suggesting, Lucas?"

"I'm suggesting that if wandering is not an option, but if the option means putting down on another planet, Earth or otherwise, and The Cylons find us-again, the we're no better off. I'm suggesting we open negotiations with The Cylons, to work for an end to hostilities, permanently."

Deep silence descended on the room, the other members of the Quorum looking at the man if he were insane. Laura Roslin didn't share that look.

"I would like nothing better than to end hostilities, but what are they always so fond of saying, and what is in our Scriptures? All of this has happened before, and will happen again? I will be perfectly honest: right now, I have no desire to make peace with them, and I have a feeling they feel the same about us. Yet you're right, we would simply have to wander if there is no end to the war."

Laura looked down at her desk, and tapped her pencil nervously in front of her, wondering if such a thing were ever possible. Could she get beyond what D'Anna had allowed to happen to Kara? What a few Sharon's and that Leoben had done in raping her? How could either side get past the crimes that each had committed against the other.

"I am not ready to venture that far, my friends", Laura said calmly, "but our esteemed colleague does bring up the truth of all of this: we will be sentenced to wander indefinitely, unless we can find a way to end hostilities. Even if we find Earth, they would find us eventually, it's a given."

Laura stood up for a moment, walking to the window looking out on the void of darkness. "I want us, together, to pick a cross-section of people from The Fleet-civilians, military, lay people, professionals like scientists and doctors-perhaps no more than ten-to begin researching the feasibility of offering a negotiated settlement to The Cylons. As I said", she reminded them, "I am not ready to take that step, but it has to be considered. All those in favor?"

Eight indicated "aye", while three said "nay".

"The ayes have it. I don't want this rushed. I want us to take our time looking at all options on this. I will have Tory Foster meet with all of you later this week, to begin the process, which would mean surveying each ship, and having prospective members nominated, then vetted by the Quorum."

They went over some more mundane business after that, which everyone was thankful for. Laura had chaired some emotionally charged, and contentious meetings in the past, but this was as heavy as any meeting she could remember. She knew tensions were still simmering, which is why both the suggestion to pardon Police Force members, and begin negotiations with The Cylons had been rejected for the moment. The people, at this time, wouldn't stand for it.

She dismissed the Quorum, who returned to their ships. Laura then instructed Tory to begin writing up a proposal to begin choosing committee members for the project. She had nothing scheduled for the rest of the day, so she returned to the quarters that she and her family had, on the lowest deck of Colonial One.

The President of The Twelve Colonies desperately needed to hold her wife.

Laura was downstairs in minutes. "Kara, honey?"

The living room was empty, Laura heading into the bedroom to see if her wife were there. When she entered, she could hear the falling of water from the shower in their bathroom. One thing Laura had to say about Gaius, is that he had taste in decorating. Their private shower was large, made of clear glass, and quite elegant.

She entered the bathroom, and the site inside the shower stole the breath from her lungs.

Starbuck was leaning against the back, tiled wall of the enclosure, her eyes closed, rubbing her shoulders lazily. The water reflected off of her perfect breasts, down her insanely flat stomach, and off of her thighs. Roslin felt a rush of adrenaline coarse through her body, and wetness on her panties as her lust went into overdrive. All she could do, however, was stare.

Kara was still unaware her lover was in the room, as Laura silently removed her own clothing, still unable to take a step forward, her chest heaving silently at the sight of the younger woman. Finally, Kara seemed to sense her presence, and opened her eye, looking directly into the stormy, lustful eyes of her wife, the look becoming matched in her own.

"Laura", Kara said, barely above a whisper.

Laura could barely speak. "My gods, Kara, you're the most gorgeous sight I've ever seen."

Finally, Laura found the strength to walk toward the shower, open the door, close it behind her, then stand directly in front of this goddess that was hers. For a long moment, they just stared at each other, their breasts heaving with desire.

Kara took a step forward, putting her arms around Laura's lower waist, and grabbing the older woman's shapely buttocks, Laura putting her arms on Kara's shoulders, and they melted into a deep, erotic kiss, touching skin that needed touched in the most desperate way. Their breasts rubbed together, their nipples erect and achingly sensitive. Moans of pleasure coming from both of them.

Kara took a half step back, keeping her eyes on her wife, gently fondling her breasts, a animalistic moan coming from the fiery redhead. Kara leaned in, suckling the right nipple one into her mouth, the water and Laura's own taste making her head spin. Laura grabbed the back of Kara's head, demanding more contact, Kara sucking her nipple greedily with her lips, her tongue dancing across the pebbled flesh.

Kara than laved the other breast, the one that had been partially removed because of the cancer. There was a small scar, a few inches long, on the far side of the breast. Kara kissed it reverently, letting Laura know that the imperfection did not matter. Laura almost cried at the tenderness of Kara's lips on the scar.

After loving her breasts, Kara returned to Laura's lips, not being able to get enough of them, Kara sucking Laura's lower lip between her own, moaning as she did so.

"You are the sexiest woman I've ever seen, Laura Roslin. I can't get enough of you."

"Shut up and kiss me, Kara", Laura said, her voice shaky with desire, making Kara laugh.

When the kiss broke, Laura fondled Kara's breasts with abandon, flicking Kara's generous nipple, and pinching them occasionally, Kara moaning incoherently.

Laura didn't want to wait.

Laura went to her knees in the shower, her face now level with the short crop of pubic hair that graced above Kara's treasures. Laura moved her nose into the blond, short hairs, and breathed in Kara's scent, moisture flowing from between her own legs with one whiff.

Laura spread Kara's legs slightly, cupping her genitals with her palm, Kara's breathing already becoming erratic. Laura simply thought it was Kara's response to her rising lust.

The President slowly moved two fingers to Kara's folds, and gently began to insert them into her wife...

As her fingers entered, Kara at first tensed up, Laura hearing her breathing halt.

...It was as if a switch had been turned on. Kara began screaming-a terrifying scream that ripped through Laura's soul.

"Nooo! Don't touch me! I won't let you rape me again! Gods, no!"

With a start, still screaming, Kara ran out of the shower and into the bedroom. Laura was so taken aback that for a moment, she couldn't move, then she rose, turned off the shower, grabbed two towels, and ran into the bedroom.

What she saw turned her blood to ice: Kara was balled up in one corner of the room, on the floor, whimpering and weeping, her knees curled up into her chest, her arms grasping the knees tightly, a look of stark terror on her face.

Laura threw the towels down, doing the only thing she knew how, and pulling her wife into a protective hug. Laura knew what had just happened to Kara.

"Baby, it's OK", she said softly, "I chased him off. He won't hurt you, I promise."

"Don't let him touch me again, Laura, I can't...please...don't..." Kara's tears became hysterical.

The last thirty seconds had seemed like an eternity. While Laura was trying to calm Kara down, she heard the front door to their quarters being slammed open, several pair of booted feet running quickly toward the bedroom.

One male, and one female Marine turned into the bedroom, stopped cold at seeing their President and her wife, both stark naked, huddled on the floor.

"Oh, my gods", the male said, not knowing what he had walked into.

Laura covered Kara protectively, not worried about her own nudity for the moment. "No, Marines, it's OK. I need one of you to stay here with us, and the other to call Galactica, and get Doc Cottle over here."

The female Marine nodded to the male, who gratefully left. The remaining Marine noticed Kara's almost hysterical state, and without another thought, leaned down toward the two nude women.

"Madam President, what happened?"

"Kara was...tortured on the planet, Lieutenant...Shriver", she amended, reading the name tag pinned on the woman.

"I apologize for us barging in like that", the woman said, in a bit of a panic herself. "If I had known."

Laura put a hand on the Marine's arm. "No, I'm glad you two showed up. I wonder if you can help me get my wife on the bed, and help me get her dressed?"

"What about you, Ma'am?" The Marine's face was beet read seeing the naked President facing her.

"Let's worry about Kara first." Laura walked to Kara's dresser, pulling out a pair of panties, sweat pants and a sweat shirt, foregoing a bra for now. She and the Marine quickly put the clothes on Starbuck, who was in a state of shock.

Laura then moved to her dresser, doing the same, by now the Marine looking more composed herself. The President went to the young woman.

"Lieutenant Shriver, the two of you reacted appropriately. Thank you for arriving so quickly. I...I might have gone into shock had the two of you not shown up."

"Can I get you anything, Madam President?"

"Could you go into the kitchen and grab me a glass of water? I think I need it."

"Aye, Madam President."

Moments later, the Lieutenant returned gave the glass to the President, whose hand shook as she drank. Shriver put her hand gently on the President's shoulders, which instantly calmed the Chief Executive.

"Thank you, Lieutenant", Roslin said quietly, looking down at her dazed wife. "I would ask the two of you for some discretion when you report the incident?"

The young Marine smiled. "Consider it done, Madam President."

Within twenty minutes, Cottle had arrived, Laura ordering the two Marines who had found she and Kara on the floor to remain guard outside their quarters.