Apollo, Starbuck and the others had been searching for Athena for seventeen centars straight. None of them wanted to stop for a break, so they just kept at it. Adama had contacted the group and told them about Atreus' latest message. Apollo remembered the inflection in his father's voice when he said he thought Athena was beginning to believe Atreus' story. Although he feared for his sister, he couldn't allow this to cloud his judgment. *Just keep your emotions under control and focus on finding Athena,* he thought.
Apollo looked up as Sheba came down the corridor. Shaking her head apologetically, she said, "Nothing."
Coming up from behind Apollo, Starbuck also shook his head no. "Does anyone need to take a break?" he asked.
"You two can take a break, but I want to keep going," Apollo replied.
"It's not going to do Athena any good if you collapse from exhaustion before you find her. Lets just take a few centons to grab some rations and water. Then we'll continue," Sheba said.
"Fine. But I'm only taking five centons then I'm starting the search again."
Sheba sighed. *Well, five centons is better then none. At least he'll have a chance to eat something quick,* she thought.
Apollo sat in the corridor and began to open his rations, not wanting to waste time. Starbuck sat across from him and Sheba sat next to Apollo.
After a centon of silence Sheba said, "Aren't you going to eat anything Starbuck?"
"No," he replied, "I just want to find Athena. I'm getting kind of worried."
Shaking her head at Starbuck, she wanted him to know that this was not what Apollo needed to hear right now. She started to say something when she was cut off by Apollo.
"Why didn't you tell me you asked my sister to be sealed to you?"
"I explained all this to you before Apollo."
Apollo was clearly angry. Throwing down his rations, he stood up. "Well, maybe I want to hear it again."
"Oh no, this can't be good,* Sheba thought.
Starbuck rose to meet Apollo. "Well, maybe I don't feel like talking about it again right now!"
Pointing a finger in Starbuck's face Apollo said, "You turned your back on Athena just when she needed you most! How could you do that to her? You kept telling me how much you loved her and how you would never hurt her!"
"I walked away because she turned me down!"
"She didn't turn you down! All she said was that she needed some time! TIME Starbuck, she said TIME!"
Sheba rose and stood between the two men.
Apollo continued his attack on Starbuck. "When Cain returned and Cassie asked you for time, that was okay with you! But when Athena asked, you left her! For Gods sake Starbuck - we had just lost our mother and Zac! Athena was totally devastated and needed time to mourn....."
"All right that's enough! Both of you!" she yelled, pushing the two men apart. "Please explain to me how any of this is helping us find Athena?"
Starbuck spoke first. "Sheba's right. We can have this conversation later."
Apollo nodded. "We WILL continue this after we find Athena. Count on it."
"All right you two, let's get moving." Bending down to pick up her uneaten rations she thought, *So much for a break.*
=============================================================================
Jerking Athena by the arm, Atreus moved her away from the video link and threw her down on the cot. Keeping a firm grip on her arm he yelled, "Adama made me do that! You know it was all his fault!"
She groaned as the harshness of his voice pounded through her head.
"We need to do something to stop that bleeding." Atreus stood and began looking for more medical supplies. Finding the sterile gauze, he knelt next to Athena and gently placed it against her mouth. "There we go."
Athena was so tired but she managed to say, "Water. Can I have some water?"
Atreus smiled. "Of course you can, honey." Reaching over to the bag, he produced a container of water. Lifting her head up, he slowly gave some to Athena until she indicated she had enough.
"There you go now. Just lay back and relax Athena. Try to get some rest." Atreus watched as her eyes started to slowly close. "I was so proud when you didn't call Adama 'father'. I hope that means that you are beginning to accept me as your father." He sat and watched her for a few microns until he knew she was sleeping. Reaching down into the bag, he produced another hypodermic needle. Rolling up Athena's sleeve, he injected her once again. Kissing her on the side of her cheek he said, "That'll make you feel much better. One more shot and we'll be all done. I promise."
He pushed back a stray lock of hair and tucked it behind her ear. "I know you miss Ila terribly. Never doubt that your mother would be very proud of you, Athena. She loved you very, very much. You held a very special place in her heart that not even Apollo or Zac could touch. Just remember her here," he placed a finger on her forehead, "and here," he pointed to her heart, "and she will always be with you."
"I have to check on something important, Athena. I'll be back as soon as I can. Don't worry, they won't find you." After he walked out the door, he turned and quickly sealed the room up again. Leaving Athena alone inside.
=============================================================================
Adama's quarters.
Shaking his head, Adama looked over at Tigh. "I can't lose her Tigh. I just can't. I don't think I could survive losing another child."
"Adama, she's alive and you have to take heart in that. Apollo will find her; she'll be back here soon."
Adama had tears in his eyes. "She's my baby, Tigh. My little girl. I just want to hold her again and tell her how much I love her."
Placing a hand on Adama's shoulder Tigh said, "She knows you love her."
"You saw the last message Tigh. You saw the look in her eyes; the inflection in her voice as she said goodbye. It was as if she was saying goodbye forever. She didn't even call me 'Father'. I think she's beginning to believe Atreus and his stories."
"Maybe she's just playing along with him and waiting for a chance to escape," Tigh replied, trying to keep Adama's hope alive. "Athena is strong. If she can find a way to escape, or to send a message, you know she will."
Adama merely nodded in reply.
"I know what you're really afraid of, Adama," Tigh said softly. "You're afraid that Atreus really is Athena's father. And you're afraid that she'll turn away from you and not love you anymore; that she'll reject your love."
When he didn't reply, Tigh knew that he had pinpointed the problem. "You know that's not true. Athena loves you and no matter the outcome of all this, you are her father." Realizing he wasn't getting through to his friend, he continued, "The only way to settle this is with a blood test. When Athena is found, we'll have Doctor Salik administer a paternity test."
Adama agreed. He knew that was the only way to straighten everything out. But first things first. Athena had to be found and then Adama would worry about the paternity test.
=============================================================================
Despite how tired she was, Athena's sleep was restless. *Could Atreus really be my father?* she wondered. He seemed to know things about her and her family that weren't common knowledge. And then there was the matter of the Oregg bracelet. She clearly remembered her mother saying that the bracelet was from 'your father.' Surely that meant Adama? Right? *It had to be from Adama. He is your father and he loves you very much.*
But what about Atreus' claims? How could they prove his claims true - or false - for that matter? There was no one to ask. Ila had died just over one yahren ago and Athena was sure that if Adama had known about Atreus, he would've told her. If Atreus was her father, would that mean she would love Adama any less? *No,* she thought. Despite all her family's over-protectiveness and short comings, she loved them. *I know they love me too.*
There were just so many possibilities to consider and all of them sent Athena's head spinning - even more so then it was already. But one thing was for certain, she had to get out of here. After she received some medical attention and some food, she could think more clearly. Maybe after everyone sat down and discussed this, she would have some answers. If not, she knew that Doctor Salik would become involved and a paternity test would be ordered.
Athena was so hungry. She hadn't eaten in almost two days. Without some nutritional supplements or rations, she wouldn't be able to keep up what little strength she had left. Athena also felt very warm and nauseous. So either she had a fever, or this compartment was on fire. She hadn't felt this warm since the fire that trapped her, Boomer, Boxey and about sixteen others in the Rejuvenation Center.
Her thoughts were interrupted by Atreus' reentry. He quickly walked over to her cot, "We have to get out of here very soon. Adama has people searching for you."
Groggily Athena turned to look at him. "Please take me to Life Center. I don't feel very well."
"I wish I could Athena, but then Adama would take you away from me." Sighing he said, "I have someone who is going to help get us off the Galactica. I have to leave you again in order to make the arrangements, but I'll be back in a little while."
Hearing Atreus leave, Athena looked at the video link. If she could establish a connection to someone, they might be able to find her in time. But would she be able to power it up and get it working was another question. *It can't be any harder then anything I do on the bridge,* she thought. Placing her feet on the floor, Athena tentatively stood up. Her vision wasn't any better then before, but she had no choice. Activating the video link was her only way out.
END PT 5
Apollo looked up as Sheba came down the corridor. Shaking her head apologetically, she said, "Nothing."
Coming up from behind Apollo, Starbuck also shook his head no. "Does anyone need to take a break?" he asked.
"You two can take a break, but I want to keep going," Apollo replied.
"It's not going to do Athena any good if you collapse from exhaustion before you find her. Lets just take a few centons to grab some rations and water. Then we'll continue," Sheba said.
"Fine. But I'm only taking five centons then I'm starting the search again."
Sheba sighed. *Well, five centons is better then none. At least he'll have a chance to eat something quick,* she thought.
Apollo sat in the corridor and began to open his rations, not wanting to waste time. Starbuck sat across from him and Sheba sat next to Apollo.
After a centon of silence Sheba said, "Aren't you going to eat anything Starbuck?"
"No," he replied, "I just want to find Athena. I'm getting kind of worried."
Shaking her head at Starbuck, she wanted him to know that this was not what Apollo needed to hear right now. She started to say something when she was cut off by Apollo.
"Why didn't you tell me you asked my sister to be sealed to you?"
"I explained all this to you before Apollo."
Apollo was clearly angry. Throwing down his rations, he stood up. "Well, maybe I want to hear it again."
"Oh no, this can't be good,* Sheba thought.
Starbuck rose to meet Apollo. "Well, maybe I don't feel like talking about it again right now!"
Pointing a finger in Starbuck's face Apollo said, "You turned your back on Athena just when she needed you most! How could you do that to her? You kept telling me how much you loved her and how you would never hurt her!"
"I walked away because she turned me down!"
"She didn't turn you down! All she said was that she needed some time! TIME Starbuck, she said TIME!"
Sheba rose and stood between the two men.
Apollo continued his attack on Starbuck. "When Cain returned and Cassie asked you for time, that was okay with you! But when Athena asked, you left her! For Gods sake Starbuck - we had just lost our mother and Zac! Athena was totally devastated and needed time to mourn....."
"All right that's enough! Both of you!" she yelled, pushing the two men apart. "Please explain to me how any of this is helping us find Athena?"
Starbuck spoke first. "Sheba's right. We can have this conversation later."
Apollo nodded. "We WILL continue this after we find Athena. Count on it."
"All right you two, let's get moving." Bending down to pick up her uneaten rations she thought, *So much for a break.*
=============================================================================
Jerking Athena by the arm, Atreus moved her away from the video link and threw her down on the cot. Keeping a firm grip on her arm he yelled, "Adama made me do that! You know it was all his fault!"
She groaned as the harshness of his voice pounded through her head.
"We need to do something to stop that bleeding." Atreus stood and began looking for more medical supplies. Finding the sterile gauze, he knelt next to Athena and gently placed it against her mouth. "There we go."
Athena was so tired but she managed to say, "Water. Can I have some water?"
Atreus smiled. "Of course you can, honey." Reaching over to the bag, he produced a container of water. Lifting her head up, he slowly gave some to Athena until she indicated she had enough.
"There you go now. Just lay back and relax Athena. Try to get some rest." Atreus watched as her eyes started to slowly close. "I was so proud when you didn't call Adama 'father'. I hope that means that you are beginning to accept me as your father." He sat and watched her for a few microns until he knew she was sleeping. Reaching down into the bag, he produced another hypodermic needle. Rolling up Athena's sleeve, he injected her once again. Kissing her on the side of her cheek he said, "That'll make you feel much better. One more shot and we'll be all done. I promise."
He pushed back a stray lock of hair and tucked it behind her ear. "I know you miss Ila terribly. Never doubt that your mother would be very proud of you, Athena. She loved you very, very much. You held a very special place in her heart that not even Apollo or Zac could touch. Just remember her here," he placed a finger on her forehead, "and here," he pointed to her heart, "and she will always be with you."
"I have to check on something important, Athena. I'll be back as soon as I can. Don't worry, they won't find you." After he walked out the door, he turned and quickly sealed the room up again. Leaving Athena alone inside.
=============================================================================
Adama's quarters.
Shaking his head, Adama looked over at Tigh. "I can't lose her Tigh. I just can't. I don't think I could survive losing another child."
"Adama, she's alive and you have to take heart in that. Apollo will find her; she'll be back here soon."
Adama had tears in his eyes. "She's my baby, Tigh. My little girl. I just want to hold her again and tell her how much I love her."
Placing a hand on Adama's shoulder Tigh said, "She knows you love her."
"You saw the last message Tigh. You saw the look in her eyes; the inflection in her voice as she said goodbye. It was as if she was saying goodbye forever. She didn't even call me 'Father'. I think she's beginning to believe Atreus and his stories."
"Maybe she's just playing along with him and waiting for a chance to escape," Tigh replied, trying to keep Adama's hope alive. "Athena is strong. If she can find a way to escape, or to send a message, you know she will."
Adama merely nodded in reply.
"I know what you're really afraid of, Adama," Tigh said softly. "You're afraid that Atreus really is Athena's father. And you're afraid that she'll turn away from you and not love you anymore; that she'll reject your love."
When he didn't reply, Tigh knew that he had pinpointed the problem. "You know that's not true. Athena loves you and no matter the outcome of all this, you are her father." Realizing he wasn't getting through to his friend, he continued, "The only way to settle this is with a blood test. When Athena is found, we'll have Doctor Salik administer a paternity test."
Adama agreed. He knew that was the only way to straighten everything out. But first things first. Athena had to be found and then Adama would worry about the paternity test.
=============================================================================
Despite how tired she was, Athena's sleep was restless. *Could Atreus really be my father?* she wondered. He seemed to know things about her and her family that weren't common knowledge. And then there was the matter of the Oregg bracelet. She clearly remembered her mother saying that the bracelet was from 'your father.' Surely that meant Adama? Right? *It had to be from Adama. He is your father and he loves you very much.*
But what about Atreus' claims? How could they prove his claims true - or false - for that matter? There was no one to ask. Ila had died just over one yahren ago and Athena was sure that if Adama had known about Atreus, he would've told her. If Atreus was her father, would that mean she would love Adama any less? *No,* she thought. Despite all her family's over-protectiveness and short comings, she loved them. *I know they love me too.*
There were just so many possibilities to consider and all of them sent Athena's head spinning - even more so then it was already. But one thing was for certain, she had to get out of here. After she received some medical attention and some food, she could think more clearly. Maybe after everyone sat down and discussed this, she would have some answers. If not, she knew that Doctor Salik would become involved and a paternity test would be ordered.
Athena was so hungry. She hadn't eaten in almost two days. Without some nutritional supplements or rations, she wouldn't be able to keep up what little strength she had left. Athena also felt very warm and nauseous. So either she had a fever, or this compartment was on fire. She hadn't felt this warm since the fire that trapped her, Boomer, Boxey and about sixteen others in the Rejuvenation Center.
Her thoughts were interrupted by Atreus' reentry. He quickly walked over to her cot, "We have to get out of here very soon. Adama has people searching for you."
Groggily Athena turned to look at him. "Please take me to Life Center. I don't feel very well."
"I wish I could Athena, but then Adama would take you away from me." Sighing he said, "I have someone who is going to help get us off the Galactica. I have to leave you again in order to make the arrangements, but I'll be back in a little while."
Hearing Atreus leave, Athena looked at the video link. If she could establish a connection to someone, they might be able to find her in time. But would she be able to power it up and get it working was another question. *It can't be any harder then anything I do on the bridge,* she thought. Placing her feet on the floor, Athena tentatively stood up. Her vision wasn't any better then before, but she had no choice. Activating the video link was her only way out.
END PT 5