Goodbye is the Saddest Word

by GEM8

COMPLETED!Zac was my brother. What was he to me? Nothing. What happened when Zac died? How did the family come together and fall apart. This is that story. The Adamas and Kara face the loss of a loved one. Please Read and Review

2. My Brother

Title: Goodbye is the Saddest Word

Author: GEM

Feedback: Please send it good or bad

written: 5/27/05

Rated: T

Word count:

Story Timeline: Pre- Mini

Category: Drama/Angst

Focus: The Adamas and Kara with some minor OFC's

Warnings: Character Death

Summary: We all react differently to the death of loved ones.

Spoiler: Slight Mini and Act of Contrition

Chapter 2: My Brother

Author's Note: Chapter 2, 3,4 and 5 take place at roughly the same time. They are told through different Points of view and all Characters that aren't common to you are my creation. Hope you enjoy.

Lieutenant Lee Adama descended the stairs from his viper onto the deck. Captain Martin the Atlantia's CAG was waiting. He stood at attention and snapped a salute to his superior.

" At ease. Report Lieutenant."

Lee stood easy "Nothing out of the ordinary Sir. All quiet. It was a calm flight, sir."

"Good to hear Apollo. Carry on."

Lee saluted his CAG once more and then turned his attention to his post flight checklist and his deck hand's maintenance check.

Moments later a page came through the intercom. " Pass the word to Lieutenant Adama. Lieutenant Adama please report to the C.O.'s quarters."

The page left Lee puzzled to say the least, why would the commanding officer need to see him? Yes, commander Sheldon was a close friend of his father but why would he need to see him?

He passed off his post flight checklist to the specialist working on his viper and left the flight deck.

"Lieutenant Adama reporting as ordered, Sir." Lee said standing at attention and saluting.

"At ease Lieutenant. Please sit down." The commander gestured to the chair in front of his desk.

Lee sat down and the Commander came around the desk and leaned up against it. He studied I piece of paper for a moment and looked back up at Lee.

"Have I done something wrong, Sir."

"Gods, no Lieutenant. You're a fine pilot much like someone I used to know."

Lee knew that his CO was referring to his father.

"We've just received this message from headquarters It's from a Colonel Jackson, at the training center and there is a message attached from fleet headquarters. The message from headquarters is from Major Erin Myers. Erin was married to Major Todd Myers, his father's wingman during the war. The families were close. Erin was like an aunt to Lee and Zac. They had always had a very close relationship. Lee heart jumped up to his throat as Sheldon Continued "I am sorry to have to inform you that your brother was killed in a training accident this morning in preparation for his next mission."

His heart was already in his throat, now the wind was knocked from his lungs as well. There has to be some mistake he thought. He voiced his thoughts "There has to be some mistake." Lee could feel the emotions boil up inside of him sorrow, anger resentment. The sorrow was for his brother and mother and Kara Thrace, his best friend and his brother's girl. The other emotions were reserved for one man, his father. Her was the one responsible for this. Zac, would never have become a pilot if it were for the Legendary "Husher" Adama. He was the reason Zac was dead.

"Lieutenant. Lieutenant Adama. Lee!" He was broken from his thoughts and His head snapped up at his name. He didn't realize it at the time but he was shaking with sorrow and anger. Commander Sheldon put a hand to his shoulder. "I've arranged for emergency leave. I have no doubt you will be need home. I've given you a couple of weeks it you need more please contact the XO or myself. We'll make the necessary arrangements. I suspect your mother will be needing you a great deal."

"Thank you."

The Shuttle leaves in an hour. Here is all the paperwork and the communications from headquarters."

Lee somehow found the strength to stand and he walked with Commander Sheldon to the door. Again you have our condolences, Son.

Lee went back to the bunkroom and began to pack. He didn't even know where to start the real reason he was going this hadn't fully sunk in. Zac was dead. No this had to be some sort of dream. This can't be happening as Lee finished packing the CAG stepped into the bunkroom.

"I'm sorry for you loss, Lee."

"Thank you, Sir." Lee said as he stepped out the bunkroom and into the corridor for the long walk to the flight deck.

The full Magnitude of what happened didn't hit him until he climb aboard the Raptor for the fight home. Zac was indeed dead and he wouldn't be coming home. His mother. His mother would be devastated. He needed to get home for Zac and for her.