Epilogue

After her first Viper training session, Deitra and Athena exited the training center.

"How are you enjoying Viper training?" asked Athena.

"It's very challenging", replied Deitra. "It's definitely a lot different from piloting a shuttle. However, I believe I can do it."

"I know you can", said Athena. "Remember that the real challenge is when we get into a real Viper. One other thing. Is it true that Orion came on your shuttle dressed like an old man to get on Carrilon? I would have love to have seen that."

Both of them laughed.

"Yes, it was a sight to see", said Deitra. "Then as the fire fight with the Cylons got heated, Boomer had to knock him out to get him to safety. He brought him to my shuttle like I asked him to."

"You care about him a lot, don't you?", asked Athena.

"I do," replied Deitra. "Very much."

Athena put her hand on Deitra's shoulder.

"Listen", began Athena. "I've known Orion all of his life. You were able to reach him in a way that only two others have. The other two were his mother, and my mother. He needs that in his life. I also see that you don't just merely care about him. YOU LOVE HIM! When the colonies, and fleet were destroyed, and I lost my brother, and my mother, I tried to not care about anything. I know now that's not going to work. Plus that approach would make us no better than the Cylons. Don't let the fear of losing him to this war stop you. Let nothing stop you."

Deitra gave Athena a hug.

"Thank you. See you in our next training session", she said as she turned to leave.

At the officer's club, Orion and Starbuck were engaging in a conversation in attempt to mend the rift that came between them.

"Look, Ri", said Starbuck, "I know that I hurt you when I did what I did with Magdalene. I definitely didn't expect her to do what she did after."

"I was an emotional wreck", said Orion. "When Maggie took her own life, I felt I broke a promise to her father. I had promised to make sure that she was ok. It took Lady Ila to get my head together. I was wrong to blame you. I took the easy way out by doing that."

"I could have handled it better as well", said Starbuck. "I'm just glad that you made it."

"You too", said Orion. "Can you do one thing for me? I know you can do this with no problem."

"Anything", replied Starbuck.

Orion began. "I know that you, and Apollo are instructing the current Viper training class. There is an eager trainee in that class. A shuttle pilot named Deitra. Give her all the tools she needs to become a great Viper pilot, just like my father gave you, and Apollo those tools."

"I will do that", replied Starbuck.

"Thanks", said Orion, as he shook Starbuck's hand before turning to leave.

THE BEGINNING

Author's notes

My inspiration for this story is when I first watched the episode "Lost Planet of the Gods" part 2 at the age of 7. While I was happy to see Lorne Greene on TV post Bonanza, someone else caught my eye. A very beautiful Black lady as a Viper pilot that wasn't a glorified extra. She left such an impression on me that while I forgot the character's name at the time, I never forgot her. It was years later from rewatching the show that I learned her name was Deitra. As I got older, I wondered why she wasn't on more. So I was inspired to write this story. I want to thank Mr. Glen A. Larson for creating a great show/universe. I also thank all who played their roles in bringing it to life. Most of all, I would thank the now retired actress Ms. Sheila Wills (then credited as Sheila DeWindt) for bringing the beautiful Lieutenant Deitra to life on screen. It touched the heart of a then 7 year old child in 1978, who is now a 50 year old grandfather. My wish is that she knows that there are those that appreciate her strong, albeit brief time on Battlestar Galactica. Thank you for reading.