4/13/05

POLITICAL ANIMALS

Chapter 1

It seemed unusually warm in the large conference room on board Cloud 9, but perhaps it was just her. Laura was uncomfortable addressing the Quorum of Twelve. It reminded her too much of how much she didn't know and just how unprepared for the role of president she was. But she honestly didn't believe there was anyone else who was better qualified for the job than her, so she was determined to do it until a more suitable candidate could be found, or her illness forced her to step down, whichever came first.

She was even more uncomfortable today than she had been the last time she had addressed this group. This session had been called for by the Quorum so that they could question her about recent events on board the Galactica. Laura knew perfectly well who had been the main instigator of this emergency meeting; Tom Zarek. The question was how had Zarek known about the recent tensions and unusual activities on board the battlestar? The worst of these events had not been made public to the rest of the fleet.

Laura had only been answering the Quorum's questions for about a half hour, but she was already starting to feel like an interrogated prisoner. She was still somewhat weak from her recent medical setback and she was incredibly thirsty. Capt. Apollo stood attentively at her back, but she felt that to ask him to get her a glass of water would be seen as a sign of weakness. So, she simply endured her thirst, despite the fact that she was also beginning to feel slightly faint.

"I have one more question, Madam President, if that's alright?" Zarek asked. "Do you need to take a break? You look a little pale."

"No, that's quite alright, I'm fine," she answered, her smile remaining flawlessly in place, while she dug her palms into the corners of the podium, hoping the slight pain would help to keep her grounded.

"How is your health, by the way, Madam President?" Zarek asked solicitously.

"As I've already said, I feel fine, thank you."

"That's not what I was referring to. I meant, how is your health in general?"

Laura knew perfectly well what he was asking, but she tried to stall him again, hoping to figure out just how much he knew. "I'm afraid I don't understand what you're asking, Mr. Zarek."

"Isn't it true, Madam President, that some three weeks ago, you collapsed while on board the Galactica and had to be hospitalized? Isn't it true that you almost died? You told the fleet that you had 'a touch of the flu.' Somehow this sounds a little more serious than you led us to believe."

Gods, where was he getting his information? While the entire staff of the CIC had seen her pass out, it was not generally known just how temporarily serious her condition had been. "I assure you, Mr. Zarek, my illness was a temporary inconvenience. I think, perhaps, your source, whoever that may be, greatly exaggerated my condition."

"Mmm, perhaps. I think I'd like verification of that."

A ripple of murmurs swept through the room at this bold suggestion.

"Excuse me?"

"Madam President, it seems to me that if you are not physically fit enough to perform your duties, this Quorum, and the people of the fleet, have the right to know that. Isn't it also true that some three weeks ago, armed forces from the Galactica boarded Colonial One and tried to force you to relinquish your position? Isn't it true that the only reason this attempted coup was unsuccessful is because Adama was shot by one of his own pilots? Who, by the way, turned out to be a Cylon agent whom no one previously even suspected."

The soft undercurrent of voices grew noticeably in volume.

"Madam President, if you are incapable of keeping Commander Adama in line and he is incapable of keeping himself or his own people in line, why should I believe that either of you is capable of dealing with the Cylons?" Zarek continued relentlessly. "I believe that our people need, and deserve, stronger leadership, not in six month's time, but right now.

"Madam President, I demand that you disclose your medical history to this Quorum at our next meeting, or I demand that you step down and we hold an immediate presidential election."

At this provocative statement, the large room erupted with noise, as several of the delegates stood and began speaking at once, many arguing loudly with one another. Both Roslin and Zarek stood conspicuously silent, glaring at each other across the room.

"Someone on board Galactica is feeding Zarek information," Laura said angrily as she boarded her shuttle, followed by Capt. Apollo, Billy, and Dr. Baltar. "I want to know who that person is, Captain."

"Yes, sir, I'll get right on it," Lee said, feeling a little sheepish.

He was more than a little embarrassed that one of his shipmates was obviously attempting to undermine the president. It was one thing to disagree with the woman and choose to vote for someone else in the upcoming election, but to actively undermine her while she was still in office was against the Articles. She was the Commander in Chief, after all.

Once they were settled into their seats, the pilot of the shuttle began his pre-flight procedures and, as soon as they had received clearance, disembarked from Cloud 9, headed back to Colonial One. After a moment, Billy spoke up, "Madam President, perhaps it would be best if you just did as the Quorum asked and gave them... your medical history..." The young man was careful to avoid using the word 'cancer' with Dr. Baltar in the room.

"No," Laura said firmly, "they have no business asking and I will disclose information of that nature at my own discretion."

"I think they would understand, especially if you told them that you know the way to Earth," he said. "How could you lose the vote if the people knew that you know the way to Earth?"

"Yes, but supposedly, we knew that information all along, remember? If I suddenly say, now we really know where Earth is, I would have to admit that we didn't know before. I would be putting Commander Adama in a very awkward position."

"Yeah, well, he put you in a pretty awkward position not too long ago..."

"That's enough, Billy," Laura said softly.

The young man glanced over at the pilot, seated on the other side of the aisle from him and mumbled, "Sorry, Captain."

Lee waved the apology away and gave the younger man a distracted half smile.

Laura returned to her original point, "If, or when, I make the announcement about Earth, I would like the commander to be present, so that he can have an opportunity to defend himself. I think a show of solidarity would be a very good thing right about now. Perhaps in another week or so he will be strong enough to address the Quorum."

"Um, if you don't mind my asking," Baltar spoke up hesitantly, "but why is Mr. Zarek suddenly so interested in your health? I know you were very ill not too long ago, but as you said, it was just a temporary thing, wasn't it? Or is there something you aren't telling me?"

Laura smiled at the scientist reassuringly. "No, nothing's wrong. It was just a bad case of the flu." She knew that as her vice president, Baltar really did have a right to know the truth, but she just couldn't move past the fact that she really didn't like him and she certainly didn't trust him.

Baltar stared at the woman for a moment, taking in her bland expression, which gave nothing away. He glanced over at Billy, but the younger man was busy reading through some reports and appeared to be oblivious to Baltar's scrutiny. Moving his gaze to Apollo, Baltar found his answer. The captain was a pilot, not a politician, and had not yet learned to school his face to a permanently neutral expression. The captain could not meet Baltar's eyes and looked away uncomfortably. This confirmed the doctor's suspicions, Roslin was lying.

When the shuttle had docked with Colonial One, Baltar remained on board, to be taken back to Galactica, while the others disembarked. Billy immediately disappeared, saying something about needing to take care of some phone calls. Lee followed Laura back to her private quarters. As they stepped into the room, the pilot pulled the curtain closed. She turned to face him.

"You have something to say, Captain?"

"You haven't told Baltar about the cancer."

"No, he can find out when everyone else does." Her voice was firm and cool. It was obvious that she would brook no discussion on this decision. "Was that all?"

"No, why are you so hesitant to reveal yourself as the leader told of in the Pythian Prophecy? It probably would guarantee your re-election. You seemed so sure of yourself before. Are you having doubts about all of this now?"

"You don't believe in the Prophecy, do you?"

"No, sir, I don't. I'm sorry."

"Don't be, that's quite alright, Captain. I don't think Billy does either. And that's probably for the best. If I surrounded myself with believers, I'd probably have a huge head," she said with a little laugh. When he didn't join in with her, she knew she had failed to distract him from his question.

"No, I'm not having doubts," she continued, seating herself on the couch. "I'm reluctant to make the claim publicly because I'm afraid of the implications."

Moving to sit beside her, he said, "You mean you're afraid you'd lose the vote because of your health or because you still feel it might erode hope?"

"No, I'm afraid to make it public because it would be too much like declaring a death sentence for myself. The Scriptures say that the prophesized leader will not live to see Earth. If I announce that we know the way to Earth, it would like... by making the official announcement, I condemn myself. I know that's not how it works and I know I'm being foolish and selfish, but I can't help it... I'm not ready to publicly face dying yet," she added softly.

Not knowing what else to do to offer comfort, Lee took her nearest hand in his and squeezed it gently.

"I have the results of the three tests you asked me to run," Baltar said, standing before Commander Adama's hospital bed.

The man was looking better, stronger. He was sitting, propped up on several pillows, with paperwork strewn on the bed around him. The color had returned to his face and his intent, dark eyes were once again alert. He was watching the doctor expectantly.

"Uh, the test for Lt. Agathon came back negative. He is not a Cylon and his DNA sample matched his medical records. He is, without a doubt, Lt. Karl C. Agathon."

"Well, that's good news, at least," Adama said. "We need every pilot we can get... And the two... 'Sharons'?"

"Uh, as you probably already surmised, the dead 'Sharon', who shot you, was indeed a Cylon. As for her... twin, who returned from Caprica with the lieutenant, her test came back inconclusive. I have run the test three times now, that's why it took me so long to get back to you, and the test has been inconclusive every time. I-I don't know what to tell you. This is a first."

"And the child she carries?"

"I have no idea," Baltar said truthfully. "It's still too early to do a paternity test, to even determine if the child truly is Lt. Agathon's."

Adama gave a heavy sigh and nodded. "Thank you, Doctor. Keep working on the test and keep me posted."

"Yes sir, of course."

As Dr. Baltar left sick bay, Adama turned to a corpsmen who was passing by his bed, "Could you please have Capt. Adama summoned for me?" he asked the man.

Before the man could respond to this request, Dr. Cottle stepped forward. "You're supposed to be taking it easy," he said, his arms folded across his chest. "That would be the fourth, work-related visit you've had today. You need to rest or you will never get out of here."

"Who said this was going to be work-related? Maybe I just want to visit with my son."

Cottle fixed the commander with a pointed look.

"This ship doesn't run itself, you know," Adama said lamely.

"Yes, I realize that, but there are others who can run it for you, if you would let them."

As the commander was about to open his mouth to protest, the very person he had been hoping to see, entered sick bay. He turned to Lee with a smile. "Ah, just the person I wanted to see," he said.

Lee paused, giving his father a suspicious look. As he did, Dr. Cottle walked past him on his way back to his office. "Five minutes, Captain, that's it," the doctor growled.

Turning back to his father and moving to stand beside his bed, Lee asked, "Have you been giving him a hard time again?"

"Eh, someone has to. It keeps him on his toes," Adama said, with a shrug.

"I had a few minutes to spare, so I thought I'd come down and see how you're doing. But I gather that you have something to discuss with me?"

"Yes, Dr. Baltar finished with his tests. Have Helo released from hack and return him to flight status."

"Yes sir, with pleasure. We can certainly use his help... Uh, what about 'Sharon'?"

"I don't know what to do with her. The doctor says her tests were inconclusive, so he can't say for sure what she is... or what she's carrying. I don't know what to do with her... What do you think?"

"You're asking me?"

"Yes, I'm asking you," the commander said.

"Well, it seems rather unrealistic to just keep her locked up forever... but we really can't trust her enough to do anything else with her..."

"So, for now, she stays where she is, in the brig."

The ready room was filled with people when Lee and Helo entered it. The captain had just come from having the lieutenant released from the brig. All conversations ceased as the two young men walked in and they both stopped and looked around them in confusion as all eyes turned toward them.

"Uh, Helo has been returned to flight status," Lee announced. "You should all take a minute to welcome him back to the ship. He's had a pretty rough time."

Lee was shocked by the awkward silence that followed his words. He knew that stories had already been circulating among the squadrons that Helo had brought another Cylon 'Sharon' back from Caprica and that she was pregnant with his child, but the captain had hoped that the other man's previous popularity would have been enough to smooth over any enmity about him sleeping with the enemy. Apparently Lee had been mistaken. He sighed, discouraged. He thought this attitude was unduly harsh. After all, it wasn't as if Helo had had any reason to suspect that his shipmate was a Cylon.

After several tense minutes, Starbuck stood from the chair, where she had been sitting alone, and came to give Helo a hug. "Hey, it's good to have you back, Helo," she said, in a deliberately loud and cheerful voice. "We could certainly use every pilot we can get."

With this pointed reminder, several other pilots mumbled similar remarks. It certainly wasn't the warm welcome he had been hoping for, but it would do. Lee was grateful to Kara for making that first gesture of acceptance, but, then again, since her own return from Caprica, she had been treated with a bit of a cold shoulder from her squadron mates as well.

"C'mon, Helo, your old rack is still empty and your stuff is boxed up somewhere," Kara said. "Let's go find it and get you settled in again."

Lee watched the two lieutenants as they left the ready room together. Turning back to the room in general, he noticed Dr. Baltar sitting at the usual pyramid table. He noted how the other man's eyes also followed after Starbuck and Helo. It abruptly occurred to Lee that, as vice president, Dr. Baltar was one of the few people who would directly benefit from having President Roslin discredited, but the scientist hadn't been on board the Galactica when many of the questionable events had taken place.

Lee knew that Kara still harbored a deep resentment toward the president for ordering her to return to Caprica. He also suspected that Kara blamed Roslin for her disillusionment in Adama. It was Roslin who had exposed the commander's lies to the pilot. Could Kara's resentment be strong enough to lead her to actively work against the president? Was she feeding information to Baltar, her one-time (and possibly current) lover? And was he in turn, passing that information on to Tom Zarek?

Lee didn't want to believe that his friend was capable of that kind of back-stabbing treachery. Kara Thrace was a much more in-your-face kind of person, but perhaps he didn't know her as well as he thought he did. After all, they hadn't been in contact much for the past two years. A person could change a lot in two years. And frankly, he couldn't fathom any other explanation for how she could have gone from loving the open, insecure, and hopelessly romantic Zac, to sleeping with the arrogant, jaded, and hedonistic Gaius Baltar.

Aware that he had absolutely no proof with which to confront Kara, Lee vowed that he would keep an eye on this situation.

"Zarek, that blonde is here to see you again."

Tom Zarek turned to look at Sanderson, the former prison guard, who was now one of his most trusted men. "Send her up," the former prisoner said.

He was seated in the Astral Queen's control room, which now served as his office. It took less than 15 minutes before the door to the room opened again and his visitor entered. Ellen Tigh looked stunning, as ever, in a clingy, black lace dress. Walking up, she seated herself in his lap and kissed him slowly and deeply.

"Hello," she whispered, after several minutes, when they had both been forced to come up for air.

"To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" Zarek asked.

"I missed you, and Saul has a late watch, so he won't notice that I'm gone. I also wanted to ask you how things went during the Quorum meeting."

"They went fine. Roslin is sticking to her claim that she had the flu. I demanded that she produce her medical records. You're sure that this illness was more serious than the flu. I really don't want to look like a fool in front of the entire Quorum."

"Don't worry, My Love, it was definitely not the flu. She was in ICU for at least 24 hours. That doesn't sound like the flu to me."

"How's Adama doing?"

"Getting stronger every day," Ellen said, her voice taking on a decidedly chillier tone.

"You don't sound happy about that."

"Honestly, I'm not. Frankly, I think the entire fleet would be better off, if he had died."

"Really? That seems a little harsh."

"The man is a relic, he lives in the past. He can't let go of it. Hell, he can't even get over the death of his youngest son and that was over two years ago. We need someone who can seize the moment and take us into the future." As she spoke, she leaned in close to him and rested her forehead against his, clearly declaring whom she thought was the correct candidate for the job.

"The death of a child can be a very traumatic thing for any parent," Zarek said softly, his eyes taking on a distant look.

"Yes, I understand that, but we need someone who can move past that. We need someone forceful and decisive."

"If you mean me, I can't run the Galactica. Even if I knew anything about the military, the crew would never take orders from me."

"I realize that. That's why when you become president, you need to force William Adama to retire. My husband would then assume command. And don't worry, I can handle Saul."

"I don't doubt that for a minute," Zarek said, with a smile. "But your husband isn't exactly young himself. How many years does he have left?"

"Well, that's why we need to start grooming someone younger to eventually take his place, someone whom we trust."

"You sound like you have someone in mind already."

"Mmm, one or two names come to mind, but we can talk about that later." Kissing him again, she reached down and began unbuttoning his trousers.

Taking her head between his hands, he pulled her back to look into her eyes. "You have a very devious mind, Mrs. Tigh," he said.

"Yes, and that's precisely why you love me," she said with a laugh.

Yes, he thought, somewhat reluctantly, that is precisely why.

The reception room on Cloud 9 was noisy and congested. With the most recent Quorum meeting having just ended, the delegates were milling about, discussing the proceedings as they enjoyed refreshments and waited for their shuttles to be readied to take them back to their respective ships. Lee stood off to the side and watched the politicians with interest. He had always had an interest in politics and he was finding these first-hand lessons in it quite fascinating.

President Roslin had, of course, refused to disclose her medical records. Zarek had insisted on a vote for an immediate election. The vote had passed, and to no one's surprise, Zarek had immediately put his name forward as a candidate. But, other than establishing his candidacy, it had been an empty victory for Zarek. It would probably still take six months for an election to be organized, so he really hadn't accomplished anything... except casting doubt onto Roslin's competence, which Lee felt certain, had been his main objective.

There were several other people in the room besides the 12 delegates. Reporters, and even some members of the public, had been permitted to watch the meeting. A splash of bright pink color, amongst the primarily drably dressed delegates, caught Lee's attention and he watched, in surprise, as Ellen Tigh wove her way through the milling crowd. What the hell was the XO's wife doing on board Cloud 9? the captain asked himself.

He watched as she walked up to Tom Zarek. The two spoke briefly then discreetly drifted out of the reception room together. Lee was tempted to follow them, but seeing Roslin walking towards him, he put that thought aside. He would wait for another opportunity to question Mrs. Tigh about her activities on board Cloud 9.

That opportunity came later that same day. Lee was off duty, but he knew that Col. Tigh was standing watch in CIC. Knowing how the rumor mills on the ship were working in overdrive these days, Lee made certain there was no one in the corridor outside the colonel's room before he knocked on the hatch door. There was no sense in blatantly advertising the fact that he was visiting the XO's wife while the man was on duty.

Ellen Tigh was dressed in little more than a clingy, black slip. Finding Lee on her doorstep, the woman smiled lasciviously at him and stepped aside to allow him entry. Stepping over the 'knee-knocker' threshold, the young man entered the stateroom, feeling a little bit like the proverbial fly entering the spider's parlor.

"Please, sit," Ellen said graciously, gesturing towards the bed.

"Thank you," Lee responded, deliberately ignoring this gesture and sitting on the chair by the desk.

"Can I get you a drink, Captain? I have some ambrosia."

"No, thank you, this isn't a social visit."

"No? What business would you and I have to discuss?" she asked, sinking down, to sit perched on the edge of the bed.

"I saw you and Zarek together on Cloud 9 earlier today. What were the two of you talking about?"

"I don't really think that's any of your business."

"Probably not, but it is your husband's business. Shall I go and ask him?"

Ellen's perfect smile never wavered for a second. "No, Captain, that won't be necessary. Tell me, what is it that you think I was discussing with Mr. Zarek?"

"I think you were passing information to him about what's been going on here on the Galactica and about President Roslin's health."

"Yes, I have been giving him information. I don't think I'm doing anything wrong. The Quorum, and the people, have a right to know what's been happening here. Your father attempted a military coup. Your father has proven that he is unable, or unwilling, to keep Lt. Thrace in line and her irresponsible actions have, on more than one occasion, put this entire fleet at risk. President Roslin is obviously dealing with serious health issues. Now, I'm sorry, but I don't think either one of them is competent to hold the positions they do."

Lee squirmed uncomfortably in his chair. He had not been prepared for such a rational and well-organized argument from this woman. He had also not been prepared to agree with her on so many counts. He wondered if these were her arguments or Zarek's.

Crossing his arms over his chest, in an unconsciously defensive posture, Lee said, "You don't have all the facts surrounding any of my father's decisions, so I don't think you're in a position to judge him. As for the president, her health is none of your business."

"You had all the facts, and yet, when your father ordered you to take Roslin into custody, you sided with the president. You knew your father was out of line. And do you really think your father's blatant favoritism toward Lt. Thrace is good for the Galactica, for the fleet?"

"No," Lee said softly.

"As for Roslin, if her health prevents her from doing her job, then it is my business and it is The Quorum's business... I'm sorry, Lee, I know you respect her... Sit with me, please," she said gently, patting the mattress beside her.

Lee's mind and emotions were in turmoil, torn between the logic of her words and his feelings of loyalty toward the people her words were threatening. With a sigh, he stood and moved to sit beside her. She shifted her body so that she was facing him and reaching out, she ran one hand along his upper arm in a soothing gesture.

"Lee, no one denies that your father was instrumental in saving all of our lives. He held the fleet together those first few days after the destruction of our worlds, but things have calmed down somewhat. We're all beginning to adjust to our new lives... Your father is not young and he doesn't seem to be recovering from the injury very quickly... He was about to retire, before all hell broke loose... maybe he should do that now, with all the pomp and ceremony that's owed to him."

"And Col. Tigh would take over as CO of Galactica?"

"Well, Saul is the next in the chain of command."

"And who would take over as XO?"

"Well, as CAG, you are the next in line..."

He gave a slight smile and shook his head. "I'm far more valuable to the fleet as a pilot than I am as an inexperienced and ill-prepared XO."

"I'm sure something could be worked out so that you could continue to fly. And what better way to gain experience, than to do the job. Think about it, Saul is not young himself... There's every reason to believe that you could very well be the commanding officer of the Galactica before the age of 40..."

Her voice had dropped to a soft, low purr and as she spoke, she let one of her hands rest on his leg, her thumb making light circular motions along the inner thigh. Lee glanced down at her hand for a moment. "And meanwhile, you and Zarek take over The Quorum...?" he asked, lowering his own voice as well.

"We wouldn't 'take it over'... Tom will be legally and officially elected."

"And then, we could form quite a little triumvirate, couldn't we?"

"Yes, we could. It's always good to have friends in high places."

With her free hand, she cupped his jaw and drew him close. Lee did not resist the kiss. Closing his eyes, he opened himself to her probing tongue and questing fingers. Heat flooded his body as their mouths moved together. After several long minutes, he was almost sorry to break the contact.

"Your husband will be getting off duty soon," he said, his voice husky. "I should leave."

"Mmm, yes, I suppose so." He could hear the regret in her voice.

She walked him the few paces to the door and they stood looking at each other for a moment. "Think about what I said, Captain," she said.

"I will."

Drawing him close again, she whispered, "And don't be a stranger." As she kissed him again, she slid one hand around to cup one firmly rounded buttock. She laughed softly as he arched slightly into her.

Once again, out in the passageway, Lee headed for the nearest communal bathroom. Going to one of the sinks, he splashed cold water onto his face. After several minutes, when he had finally regained his balance, he looked up and took in his surroundings. He abruptly realized that this particular bathroom was one assigned to enlisted personnel. He had no business being in here. Turning to the young woman who was brushing her teeth at the sink beside him, he mumbled his apologies.

"It's okay, sir," the girl said with an amused smile.

Hastily leaving the bathroom, Lee headed for the hangar deck. Finding Tyrol on duty, he asked the chief to get a shuttle ready for him.

Grabbing the shuttle logs, the chief began filling out the paperwork. "So, where are you headed to, sir?" he asked.

"The Astral Queen."

"Sir?"

"You heard me."

"So, what can I do for you, Captain?" Zarek asked, gazing calmly at his visitor.

"Nothing, actually, but I think I can do something for you."

"Really? And why would you want to do that?"

"To keep you from making a fool of yourself."

"I'm listening."

"I just had an interesting conversation with Ellen Tigh."

Lee saw a flicker of annoyance flash across Zarek's face before the older man composed himself and said, "Lucky you. She's a beautiful woman."

"She offered me the position of XO of the Galactica... after her husband takes over as CO, once you've been elected president and have forced my father to retire, of course."

"Did she?" Although Zarek's composed expression did not alter this time, he couldn't quite keep the icy chill out of his voice.

"You had no idea she was going to make me that offer, did you?"

"I'm sorry, Captain, I have no idea what you're talking about. I have only spoken to Mrs. Tigh on a very few occasions."

"Bullshit! You two are co-conspirators. She's been feeding you information. That's how you've known about what's been going on, on board Galactica... You two have got it all worked out, how you're going to take control of the entire fleet, including the Galactica."

There was a long silence. Zarek sat staring at his hands. Eventually he spoke in a tired voice, "You'll probably find this hard to believe, but I have no grandiose plans to rule the world, or what's left of it. That would be Ellen. Me, I just want to do what's right for our people."

Lee made his skepticism known with a short, bitter laugh and a shake of his head.

"It's true, Captain," Zarek insisted. "I just want to do what's right for our people. I have nothing against Laura Roslin, but I don't think she fully understands the situation we're facing. How could she? She's never been in this situation. She's never faced possible starvation. She's never had to fight for her very existence. I have. Back in the work camps on Saggitaron, we Scrubs were kept perpetually on the verge of starvation so that we wouldn't have the strength to fight back. We had to work for our meals...

"All I want now is the same thing that I have always wanted; a right to have a voice in my government, the right to speak my mind and the right to be heard!"

Somewhat embarrassed by his emotional outburst, Zarek stood abruptly and walked away from the young pilot, trying to compose himself. Lee stared at the man's back, trying to reconcile the two men who made up Tom Zarek. First there was the Freedom Fighter, the man who had fought against the oppression of his people, who had written the impassioned book, calling for radical political changes, whom Lee had admired in college, the man who was speaking to him now. But there was also the Terrorist, the man who had blown up a government building, killing thousands of innocent people, the man, who more recently, had tried to have President Roslin assassinated.

"Tell me about Valance," Lee said abruptly.

Zarek turned to face the younger man, once again calm. "I had nothing to with Valance," he said. "Yes, I knew him. And, yes, he was acting in what he thought was my best interest, but I did not tell him to assassinate the president. He took that initiative all by himself. In fact, I told him to cooperate with you. I got a message to him through Ellen Tigh. I did not have anything to do with his death either. I don't know who killed him, but I swear to you, it wasn't me."

"You got a message to him through Ellen Tigh?"

"Yes, after he was in your custody," Zarek said. Seeing the thoughtful look on the younger man's face, he said, "Captain, you don't think Ellen Tigh had something to do with his death, do you? That's ridiculous."

"Is it?" Lee stared at the other man for a moment, realization slowly dawning. "You're in love with her, aren't you?"

"I suppose you think I'm a fool?"

The pilot said nothing.

"I'm not a fool, I'm just... lonely."

Lee still said nothing.

"You don't believe anything I've said, do you, Captain?"

"Is there any particular reason why I should?"

"No, I suppose not," Zarek said with a sigh. "But I am telling you the truth. This may come as a surprise to you, Captain, but I like you. I wouldn't lie to you."

"Am I supposed to feel honored by that admission?" Lee asked, trying very hard to keep an angry edge to his voice. Gods, how did this man manage to keep creeping under his defenses?

"Take it as you will. I respect you. You know, in many ways you remind me of myself when I was your age," Zarek said with a wistful smile, "idealistic, angry and confused, so much potential, so little guidance. Let me guess, nothing you do is good enough for your father?"

Lee stood quickly. "I have to go," he said brusquely. "You should be happy, Zarek, you got what you wanted. You made it look like you forced an earlier election, even though it probably won't actually happen any sooner than it originally was supposed to, and you managed to throw considerable doubt on President Roslin. Very good, I commend your deviousness."

Zarek's voice calling to him, stopped Lee as he was about to leave the control room. "Captain! I didn't intend to attack Roslin on a personal level, but I do feel that if she is physically incapable of doing her job, she should step down. What is wrong with her? We both know it's more serious than the flu."

"It's not my place to discuss my president's medical history without her permission and I do not speak out of turn," Lee said coldly.

"Good for you, Captain. But I warn you, I will find out and I will use it against her."

To be continued...