10 centars later, Adama's quarters
Adama wearily made his way back to the sofa. Apollo had just reported in; there was still no sign of Atreus or Athena. *What if they never find any leads? What if Athena is dead?* he thought to himself. *NO! I can't think like that. I would know if my daughter were dead, I would feel it in my heart. Athena is alive and just waiting to be found. Apollo will find her.*
Picking up an old photo album, Adama began to thumb through the pages, thoughts of his children filling his mind. He came across Apollo's first baby picture. It was taken mere centons after his birth. Ila was holding Apollo and Adama was standing proudly at her side. Picking up the picture, he remembered it as if it was yesterday. The birth of his first child. An overwhelming sense of love and pride washed over him as he recalled holding Apollo for the first time.
Returning the picture to the book, Adama turned a few more pages and found a picture of Zac. Once again, the photo was taken mere centons after his birth. Another proud day in his life. Adama had taken some time off to be with his family. He had watched Apollo take his first steps, utter his first word and wanted to be there when Zac did the same. Turning the page, Adama came across a picture of Zac taken one yahren before his death. Gently tracing his fingers across the image, Adama remembered the pain he felt when Zac had died and the loss he still felt to this day.
Coming across a picture of Athena at five yahrens old, Adama remembered the day Ila told him she wanted another child. He wasn't so sure. Raising two sons was already a handful. Adama was content with what he had, but he knew how much Ila wanted a daughter.
When Ila told him she was pregnant, it was during a difficult time in their life. Adama was already second in command aboard the Galactica and preparing to leave for a one yahren tour of duty. Apollo was only four and Zac was almost two. He had reservations to begin with about leaving Ila alone with the two children. But now that she was pregnant again, he didn't feel right about leaving his family. He had voiced his concerns to Ila one night and she simply said that he needed to go. She knew from the moment she had married him what she was getting into and that it might come down to her raising the children alone for a time. She had accepted that fact a long time ago and that she and the children would be fine.
It had been too early in the pregnancy to determine the sex of the child, but Ila was positive she was carrying a girl. She told Adama that it just 'felt different'. Ila also asked that the child be named Athena. To which he remembered replying, "Whatever you wish, my love."
Adama wasn't present when Athena was born. He remembered receiving a message from Ila congratulating him on becoming a father of a beautiful baby girl. Later that night, Ila had a video-link established to the Galactica from her hospital bed. Adama couldn't be there to hold Athena, a pain he has always deeply regretted. But this had been the next best thing. His daughter was absolutely beautiful. She had gorgeous blue eyes and a full head of black hair. Apollo and Zac also crammed their way into the video-link. Zac had turned two five sectars ago and was so proud to be a big brother. He promised Adama that he would help take care of his baby sister and play with her a lot. Apollo told Adama that he would take good care of the family while he was gone. He promised to 'help and protect' his mother and baby sister. Adama told Apollo and Zac that he was very proud of both of them and that he would be home in time for Apollo's next novayahren in 3 sectars.
With a heavy heart, he remembered the first time he held Athena. She was almost 4 sectars old by then. The tiny little girl screamed her lungs off the whole time he had held her; only settling down when she was returned to her mother's arms. Adama remembered thinking, *My own daughter doesn't even know me!* Ila knew her husband's thoughts and told him that Athena just needed to get used to Adama being around. But duty had called again and Adama was promoted to Commander of the Galactica and sent off on another mission. He never saw Athena take her first steps or heard her speak her first word.
But all Athena ever had to do was flash her soft, piercing blue eyes at him and Adama was mush in her hands. Leaning back into the cushion, Adama reflected for a moment. Did he allow her to turn him to mush because he was trying to make up for all the times he couldn't be with her? Did he expect any more, or less, of her then he did Apollo and Zac?
Shaking his head, Adama wondered where had that time gone? It seemed like just yesterday his children were just that - children. His thoughts quickly returned to the present when the video link chimed.
=============================================================================
Athena slipped in and out of consciousness; the pain in her head never dulling. Despite Atreus' earlier promise that he would release her, she still remained here. Wherever 'here' was she had no clue. Surely someone must have realized that she was missing by now. Although, she did resign from bridge duty, so no one would notice when she didn't show up for her regular shift. And the way she stormed out of her father's quarters, Athena was sure that no one would be coming to find her soon. They would wait until she calmed down a bit. Just how long had she been here anyway?
Unable to sit up without the room spinning, she slowly rolled over onto her side. Now she was in a better position to observe Atreus. The room was dimly lit and what she could see, she still saw in double. Not a good sign. Athena knew that meant she had a concussion.
*Could what Atreus said really be true? Could he really be my father?* Athena thought to herself. *No, stop thinking like that! Your father is the same one you've had your whole life. You are the daughter of Commander Adama. He is your real father.* But doubts kept creeping back into her mind. *Just because you don't remember him visiting the house doesn't mean he never did. You were young; all you wanted to do was play. But how would he know about the oregg bracelet if he wasn't there? And why would Mother say that it was from Father if she didn't mean Adama?*
Athena sighed and raised her hand to her temple. Atreus heard her and came rushing to her side. "How do you feel Athena?"
Rolling onto her back again she ignored his question, instead asking, "Why haven't you let me go yet?"
Picking up her hand he replied, "Because you still don't believe that I'm your father."
She quickly jerked her hand away. "You didn't say I had to believe you! All you said was that I needed to listen to what you had to say; and I did. Now please, let me go!"
"Athena, you listened to what I said, but you didn't hear a word of it. You need time to let it sink it. I know that you still think Adama is your father and that I'm crazy. You think that I'm lying to you. But, sweetheart, I'm not."
"Then why did it take so long for you to come forward?"
Atreus smiled. "I didn't want to interfere in your life. You were happy and you had a good family. I had every intention of leaving you alone."
"So why didn't you?"
"Because I've seen how unhappy you've been for the last yahren. You've been keeping to yourself a lot lately, Athena. You've seemed depressed and extremely sad. I couldn't stand by and let you keep hurting. You are my daughter and I love you very much. I want you to be happy."
"But what about my family?"
"Apollo and Zac are still your brothers. They're just half-brothers now. Although I don't think that's going to stop Apollo from calling you 'Brat'."
"How did you know ..."
"Because he's always called you that. Although back then, I think he really meant it. Now, it's more of a term of endearment. It's just Apollo's way of saying he loves you."
Athena whispered, "I know he loves me. Too much so sometimes"
Atreus continued, "And, of course, there's Starbuck. He's still a member of your family, right? That part won't change. The only thing that's going to change is that Adama isn't going to be your father. I am. I'm not asking you to cut him out of your life, Athena. All I'm asking is that you make room for me. I know you look at me as the bad guy in all of this, but it's really not that way."
"If I was such a horrible person, I would just stand by and let you be hurt by Adama. But I can't do that. I love you Athena. You're the only child I have and I won't deny that I'm your father any longer." Standing up he said, "In fact, I'm placing another call to Adama again, just to keep him up to date on how thing's are going. Why would I do that if I was such a bad person?"
Athena was speechless. *Maybe he really is my father,* she thought.
Turning onto her side, she watched Atreus power up the video-link. "Do you think I could speak to him?" Athena asked.
"We'll see how the conversation goes, honey. I'll make sure he knows you're okay." Looking towards the video link he said, "Patch me through to Commander Adama."
"Hello Adama."
"Atreus," Adama said, trying to remain calm. "I want to see Athena."
Looking back to where Athena laid, Atreus said, "I'm not sure that's a good idea right now."
"Please. She doesn't even have to say anything. I just want to see for myself that she is all right," Adama pleaded.
Knowing that Athena heard Adama's question and not wanting to be the bad guy, Atreus agreed. Walking to Athena, he helped her off the cot and over to the video link. As they walked he said, "I don't want you to say anything to him, do you understand me?"
Athena nodded mutely.
When Athena appeared on the monitor, Adama took heart. *She's alive. Thank the Lords.*
"Make it quick Adama, before I change my mind," he heard Atreus say from off screen.
Adama noted that she still looked pale and tired. Her hair had dried blood in it and it seemed like she was having trouble focusing. "Athena, we miss you and we love you. I just wanted to make sure that you were all right. You are all right, aren't you?" he asked.
She looked up at Atreus, knowing that she wasn't allowed to answer any questions. But instead he indicated that she should nod yes. Looking back at Adama, she nodded.
"Good. Boxey misses you very much and he wanted me to tell you that he can't wait until you can finish that bedtime story for him. He refuses to let anyone else finish it."
Athena smiled as her eyes welled up with unshed tears.
Adama didn't want to say that Apollo, Starbuck, Sheba and the others were out looking for her. He feared that would prompt Atreus to keep them on the run. Then they'd never have a chance of locating her. "I know we quarreled the other day, Athena. But I want you to know that all is forgiven and that I love you very much."
A tear escaped and slipped down Athena's cheek. All caught up in her emotions she replied, "I love you too."
That's when she felt it. Atreus moved in and smacked her across the face and onto the floor; knocking whatever strength she had out of her. "I told you not to speak to him!" he yelled at her.
Adama could only watch in horror as Atreus smacked Athena. His heart dropped when he heard her cry out in pain and he realized there was nothing he could do to help her.
Adama could no longer reign in his anger. "What kind of father would hurt his daughter, Atreus?"
"Maybe you should ask yourself that question, Adama. Haven't YOU hurt Athena enough by not listening to her? By making her unhappy sitting up there on the bridge? By making her feel that anything she does doesn't measure up to what Apollo has achieved?"
He looked at Adama with disgust. "You are to blame for Ila's death! She should've been here on the Galactica, but you made her stay on Caprica. You killed her and you killed your son, Zac! I'm not going to let you kill my daughter too. Athena is all I have left."
Atreus momentarily looked down at Athena. Pointing at Adama he yelled, "You made me do this! This is all your fault! You drove me to this point!" Dragging Athena up off the floor, Atreus continued, "Take a good look at her Adama. Because this is the last time you're going to see Athena for a very long time!" He placed Athena squarely in front of the camera so Adama could see just how much pain he was forced to inflict on Athena.
Her lip was split and blood ran down the side of her mouth. Adama could clearly make out the purplish fingerprints that were beginning to form a handprint on her face.
Gathering what was left of her strength Athena muttered, "Goodbye, Adama," just before Atreus disconnected the link.
Adama stared blankly into the view screen; not fully believing what he had just saw and heard. He silently wondered if Athena was really starting to believe Atreus' story and his heart broke with the thought that he could lose his daughter
END PT 4
Adama wearily made his way back to the sofa. Apollo had just reported in; there was still no sign of Atreus or Athena. *What if they never find any leads? What if Athena is dead?* he thought to himself. *NO! I can't think like that. I would know if my daughter were dead, I would feel it in my heart. Athena is alive and just waiting to be found. Apollo will find her.*
Picking up an old photo album, Adama began to thumb through the pages, thoughts of his children filling his mind. He came across Apollo's first baby picture. It was taken mere centons after his birth. Ila was holding Apollo and Adama was standing proudly at her side. Picking up the picture, he remembered it as if it was yesterday. The birth of his first child. An overwhelming sense of love and pride washed over him as he recalled holding Apollo for the first time.
Returning the picture to the book, Adama turned a few more pages and found a picture of Zac. Once again, the photo was taken mere centons after his birth. Another proud day in his life. Adama had taken some time off to be with his family. He had watched Apollo take his first steps, utter his first word and wanted to be there when Zac did the same. Turning the page, Adama came across a picture of Zac taken one yahren before his death. Gently tracing his fingers across the image, Adama remembered the pain he felt when Zac had died and the loss he still felt to this day.
Coming across a picture of Athena at five yahrens old, Adama remembered the day Ila told him she wanted another child. He wasn't so sure. Raising two sons was already a handful. Adama was content with what he had, but he knew how much Ila wanted a daughter.
When Ila told him she was pregnant, it was during a difficult time in their life. Adama was already second in command aboard the Galactica and preparing to leave for a one yahren tour of duty. Apollo was only four and Zac was almost two. He had reservations to begin with about leaving Ila alone with the two children. But now that she was pregnant again, he didn't feel right about leaving his family. He had voiced his concerns to Ila one night and she simply said that he needed to go. She knew from the moment she had married him what she was getting into and that it might come down to her raising the children alone for a time. She had accepted that fact a long time ago and that she and the children would be fine.
It had been too early in the pregnancy to determine the sex of the child, but Ila was positive she was carrying a girl. She told Adama that it just 'felt different'. Ila also asked that the child be named Athena. To which he remembered replying, "Whatever you wish, my love."
Adama wasn't present when Athena was born. He remembered receiving a message from Ila congratulating him on becoming a father of a beautiful baby girl. Later that night, Ila had a video-link established to the Galactica from her hospital bed. Adama couldn't be there to hold Athena, a pain he has always deeply regretted. But this had been the next best thing. His daughter was absolutely beautiful. She had gorgeous blue eyes and a full head of black hair. Apollo and Zac also crammed their way into the video-link. Zac had turned two five sectars ago and was so proud to be a big brother. He promised Adama that he would help take care of his baby sister and play with her a lot. Apollo told Adama that he would take good care of the family while he was gone. He promised to 'help and protect' his mother and baby sister. Adama told Apollo and Zac that he was very proud of both of them and that he would be home in time for Apollo's next novayahren in 3 sectars.
With a heavy heart, he remembered the first time he held Athena. She was almost 4 sectars old by then. The tiny little girl screamed her lungs off the whole time he had held her; only settling down when she was returned to her mother's arms. Adama remembered thinking, *My own daughter doesn't even know me!* Ila knew her husband's thoughts and told him that Athena just needed to get used to Adama being around. But duty had called again and Adama was promoted to Commander of the Galactica and sent off on another mission. He never saw Athena take her first steps or heard her speak her first word.
But all Athena ever had to do was flash her soft, piercing blue eyes at him and Adama was mush in her hands. Leaning back into the cushion, Adama reflected for a moment. Did he allow her to turn him to mush because he was trying to make up for all the times he couldn't be with her? Did he expect any more, or less, of her then he did Apollo and Zac?
Shaking his head, Adama wondered where had that time gone? It seemed like just yesterday his children were just that - children. His thoughts quickly returned to the present when the video link chimed.
=============================================================================
Athena slipped in and out of consciousness; the pain in her head never dulling. Despite Atreus' earlier promise that he would release her, she still remained here. Wherever 'here' was she had no clue. Surely someone must have realized that she was missing by now. Although, she did resign from bridge duty, so no one would notice when she didn't show up for her regular shift. And the way she stormed out of her father's quarters, Athena was sure that no one would be coming to find her soon. They would wait until she calmed down a bit. Just how long had she been here anyway?
Unable to sit up without the room spinning, she slowly rolled over onto her side. Now she was in a better position to observe Atreus. The room was dimly lit and what she could see, she still saw in double. Not a good sign. Athena knew that meant she had a concussion.
*Could what Atreus said really be true? Could he really be my father?* Athena thought to herself. *No, stop thinking like that! Your father is the same one you've had your whole life. You are the daughter of Commander Adama. He is your real father.* But doubts kept creeping back into her mind. *Just because you don't remember him visiting the house doesn't mean he never did. You were young; all you wanted to do was play. But how would he know about the oregg bracelet if he wasn't there? And why would Mother say that it was from Father if she didn't mean Adama?*
Athena sighed and raised her hand to her temple. Atreus heard her and came rushing to her side. "How do you feel Athena?"
Rolling onto her back again she ignored his question, instead asking, "Why haven't you let me go yet?"
Picking up her hand he replied, "Because you still don't believe that I'm your father."
She quickly jerked her hand away. "You didn't say I had to believe you! All you said was that I needed to listen to what you had to say; and I did. Now please, let me go!"
"Athena, you listened to what I said, but you didn't hear a word of it. You need time to let it sink it. I know that you still think Adama is your father and that I'm crazy. You think that I'm lying to you. But, sweetheart, I'm not."
"Then why did it take so long for you to come forward?"
Atreus smiled. "I didn't want to interfere in your life. You were happy and you had a good family. I had every intention of leaving you alone."
"So why didn't you?"
"Because I've seen how unhappy you've been for the last yahren. You've been keeping to yourself a lot lately, Athena. You've seemed depressed and extremely sad. I couldn't stand by and let you keep hurting. You are my daughter and I love you very much. I want you to be happy."
"But what about my family?"
"Apollo and Zac are still your brothers. They're just half-brothers now. Although I don't think that's going to stop Apollo from calling you 'Brat'."
"How did you know ..."
"Because he's always called you that. Although back then, I think he really meant it. Now, it's more of a term of endearment. It's just Apollo's way of saying he loves you."
Athena whispered, "I know he loves me. Too much so sometimes"
Atreus continued, "And, of course, there's Starbuck. He's still a member of your family, right? That part won't change. The only thing that's going to change is that Adama isn't going to be your father. I am. I'm not asking you to cut him out of your life, Athena. All I'm asking is that you make room for me. I know you look at me as the bad guy in all of this, but it's really not that way."
"If I was such a horrible person, I would just stand by and let you be hurt by Adama. But I can't do that. I love you Athena. You're the only child I have and I won't deny that I'm your father any longer." Standing up he said, "In fact, I'm placing another call to Adama again, just to keep him up to date on how thing's are going. Why would I do that if I was such a bad person?"
Athena was speechless. *Maybe he really is my father,* she thought.
Turning onto her side, she watched Atreus power up the video-link. "Do you think I could speak to him?" Athena asked.
"We'll see how the conversation goes, honey. I'll make sure he knows you're okay." Looking towards the video link he said, "Patch me through to Commander Adama."
"Hello Adama."
"Atreus," Adama said, trying to remain calm. "I want to see Athena."
Looking back to where Athena laid, Atreus said, "I'm not sure that's a good idea right now."
"Please. She doesn't even have to say anything. I just want to see for myself that she is all right," Adama pleaded.
Knowing that Athena heard Adama's question and not wanting to be the bad guy, Atreus agreed. Walking to Athena, he helped her off the cot and over to the video link. As they walked he said, "I don't want you to say anything to him, do you understand me?"
Athena nodded mutely.
When Athena appeared on the monitor, Adama took heart. *She's alive. Thank the Lords.*
"Make it quick Adama, before I change my mind," he heard Atreus say from off screen.
Adama noted that she still looked pale and tired. Her hair had dried blood in it and it seemed like she was having trouble focusing. "Athena, we miss you and we love you. I just wanted to make sure that you were all right. You are all right, aren't you?" he asked.
She looked up at Atreus, knowing that she wasn't allowed to answer any questions. But instead he indicated that she should nod yes. Looking back at Adama, she nodded.
"Good. Boxey misses you very much and he wanted me to tell you that he can't wait until you can finish that bedtime story for him. He refuses to let anyone else finish it."
Athena smiled as her eyes welled up with unshed tears.
Adama didn't want to say that Apollo, Starbuck, Sheba and the others were out looking for her. He feared that would prompt Atreus to keep them on the run. Then they'd never have a chance of locating her. "I know we quarreled the other day, Athena. But I want you to know that all is forgiven and that I love you very much."
A tear escaped and slipped down Athena's cheek. All caught up in her emotions she replied, "I love you too."
That's when she felt it. Atreus moved in and smacked her across the face and onto the floor; knocking whatever strength she had out of her. "I told you not to speak to him!" he yelled at her.
Adama could only watch in horror as Atreus smacked Athena. His heart dropped when he heard her cry out in pain and he realized there was nothing he could do to help her.
Adama could no longer reign in his anger. "What kind of father would hurt his daughter, Atreus?"
"Maybe you should ask yourself that question, Adama. Haven't YOU hurt Athena enough by not listening to her? By making her unhappy sitting up there on the bridge? By making her feel that anything she does doesn't measure up to what Apollo has achieved?"
He looked at Adama with disgust. "You are to blame for Ila's death! She should've been here on the Galactica, but you made her stay on Caprica. You killed her and you killed your son, Zac! I'm not going to let you kill my daughter too. Athena is all I have left."
Atreus momentarily looked down at Athena. Pointing at Adama he yelled, "You made me do this! This is all your fault! You drove me to this point!" Dragging Athena up off the floor, Atreus continued, "Take a good look at her Adama. Because this is the last time you're going to see Athena for a very long time!" He placed Athena squarely in front of the camera so Adama could see just how much pain he was forced to inflict on Athena.
Her lip was split and blood ran down the side of her mouth. Adama could clearly make out the purplish fingerprints that were beginning to form a handprint on her face.
Gathering what was left of her strength Athena muttered, "Goodbye, Adama," just before Atreus disconnected the link.
Adama stared blankly into the view screen; not fully believing what he had just saw and heard. He silently wondered if Athena was really starting to believe Atreus' story and his heart broke with the thought that he could lose his daughter
END PT 4