7375.318 Battlestar Galactica Officers quarters: Hera took Vagabond to the quarters assigned to him. She showed him how to operate the cleaning station, and the recycle unit and the lighting controls. The door chimed and Hera opened the door, an orderly had brought Vagabond a few Colonial warrior uniforms. She took the uniforms from him and dismissed him.

She looked at Vagabond with mischievous grin, "Try them on Vagabond.".

"Maybe after I rest a while Hera.".

She just looked at him for a micron, "Who was the warrior that was playing the song?".

He smiled now, "That was Vaquero, he's a friend of mine.".

"Do you have any other songs on your computron?",

"Yeah, I have a few more.".

She stood next to him, "Can I hear another one?".

Vagabond put the pocket comp on the table, and pulled up a song with a fast tempo. Hera listened to it intensely, and soon found her self moving with the music.

"It makes you want to dance."

Vagabond just watched her dance, then when the song ended, he switched off the pocket comp.

"Just one more Vagabond please."

Vagabond just smiled, "Tomorrow, after I get some rest."

Hera then headed for the door, she looked at him with a smile, "I'm holding you to your word Lt..".

After she left, he dimmed the lights, and lay down on the bunk. He was soon sound asleep.

When he woke up, Vagabond realized that he had nothing to shave with. He used the recycle unit and the cleaning station, and then put on the colonial uniform. Surprisingly, the fit was almost perfect., even the boots. The door chimed, and he opened it. Troy was there, he looked at Vagabond for a micron then came in.

"It looks good on you Vagabond.",

"Thanks Troy, I was surprised that it fits so well.".

Troy just smirked a little. "What's so funny Troy.",

"I was just remembering something my Grandfather once said.".

"What was that?",

"He said that Lt Valus had a tailors eye. And that was why his uniforms always fit perfectly.".

Vagabond looked at the uniform again, "He may have been right Troy.".

Vagabond looked at Troy again, "Troy, I have one question.",

"What is it Vagabond?",

"How do I shave here?".

Troy just looked at him and smiled. They went over to the cleaning station, and Troy pushed a button on the wall. A small panel opened and Vagabond saw a silver metal wand.

"Just roll this on your skin, the wand only dissolves hair, not skin.".

A few minutes later Vagabond was clean shaven, and the two of them were off to breakfast.

After they had eaten, they headed down to the landing bay to meet with Virgil. As they got off the lift, Vagabond saw that a section of the bay was closed off with a curtain. He could see several techs coming and going from that area. As they approached, two warriors came to attention.

"Sorry Lt. Troy this area is off limits.".

Troy looked at him for a centon, "By who's order?",

"The Commander's orders.",

"Sergeant do you know what's behind this curtain?".

The sergeant looked at him, "Yes Lt. Troy, a new type of ship.".

Just then Troy saw Virgil coming out from behind the curtain.

"Virgil, the guards won't let us pass.",

Virgil looked at him for a micron. "It's alright Alexia, these warriors are assisting me with this project."

The three men went behind the curtain, and Vagabond was amazed by what he saw, they had most of the damage to the ship repaired, the only thing missing was the thruster assembly.

Vagabond looked at Virgil, "The Commander was right about you Virgil, you are the best.".

Virgil just looked at him for a micron, "I could use your help Lt., we can't seem to be able to start her up."

Vagabond just shook his head, "I'm sorry Virgil, I forgot about the security protocols.".

Vagabond climbed up into the cockpit and activated the computer, and waved for Virgil to join him.

When he did, Vagabond spoke, "Computer, Voice Identification mode. New temporary ID. Senior technician all access except weapon firing. Stand by. Just say your name when I press this button."

Vagabond pressed the button, and Virgil said his name. "Now you can access the ships systems Virgil, you just can't fire the weapons.",

"Thanks kid, that'll save us a few centars of trouble.

Vagabond then ran a full diagnostic of the ships systems. With the exception of not having a thruster assembly and some armor, the ship was at 98 readiness. Virgil told him to power down.

After he had powered down and climbed down from the ship, Virgil asked him what kind of weapons the ship used, because he had never seen anything like them before. Vagabond looked at him for a second,

"The ship has 4 D.A. M.G. Tachyon cannons and 2 D.A.M.G. Reaper cannons. It also has 4 tri-load missile launchers."

Vagabond could see that Virgil was impressed. "How much armor can they cut through?",

"About 70 centimeters.",

"Centi what?".

Vagabond thought for a minute, how to show him a centimeter.

He then took Virgil's arm and raised it level with his shoulder, and had Virgil point his finger straight ahead. By now all of the techs were watching and listening, as was Troy. He then guesstimated 70 cm on Virgil's arm starting at his fingertip. He placed his own finger on that point and said,

"From here to your fingertip.".

He heard a quiet collective "Wow.".

Troy looked at Virgil, "I saw what those guns can do Virgil, it is impressive.".

Vagabond looked at Virgil, "So how soon will you have a thruster assembly?",

"We checked out the schematics that you left for us, and were about halfway done modifying a thruster assembly from a viper. With any luck, it should be ready to be installed tomorrow.".

"Thank you Virgil, you and your crew are miracle workers.",

"Don't thank me yet warrior, lets see if it works first.".

Vagabond and Troy were leaving the landing bay, when they ran into Hera and Dalton. "Hera thought we'd find you two here. So how soon before your ship will fly Vagabond.",

"At least another day, no uh, a cycle.".

Dalton giggled a micron, at Vagabonds use of their terms. Hera looked at her "Don't laugh Dalton, at least he's trying to learn about our measuring units. Vagabond, we're here to give you a tour of the Galactica, and then the fleet." she then took Vagabonds arm and they started to walk to the lift. Both Troy and Dalton just looked at each other for a few microns.

"What's with her today Dalton?",

"Oh Troy, sometimes your as dense as hull armor. We better get moving or we may never catch them." and they headed for the lift as well.

Vagabond glanced at Hera, and saw that she was smiling, and he thought to himself, "God she's cute." and her hand on his arm felt nice.

The rest of the morning, they walked around the Galactica, and the colonial warriors answered any questions that Vagabond had. Just before lunch, they took a shuttle to tour the ships of the fleet. Hera was telling Vagabond what the different ships in the fleet were used for. Then Vagabond saw that they were turning to land at a ship with 3 large dome encased area's.

"What ship is this Hera?",

"This is Agro ship 3, it's were we grow most of our fruits and vegetables and store our livestock.".

After they docked, they went on a walking tour of the livestock area, and then the vegi-farm area. When they arrived at the last domed area, Dalton went to one of the techs and started talking to her. She came back a few microns later, and then they went inside. Vagabond was amazed at all the different types of trees and plants that he saw.

"Are all these from your home-worlds?".

"Most of them are, but we did find a few along the way." Troy said with a smile.

After they had seen about half of the orchard in space, the girls stopped in front of them.

"Dalton and I have a surprise for you two. Now just stand there and close your eyes.".

Troy and Vagabond looked at each other, then closed their eyes. They could hear the sounds of some rustling of the bushes, and the giggling of the girls.

"OK, you can look now."

When they opened their eyes, they saw that the girls had a blanket covering the ground and an assortment of fruits in small baskets set out on the blanket.

"What is this? Troy asked.

Vagabond laughed at Troy, "It's a picnic Troy.".

The three warriors looked at him for a micron quizzically.

"At least that's what my people call it.", as they sat down on the blanket, he continued.

"With my people, the world was becoming a very busy and technical place, and so they found ways to relax. One of those ways is with a picnic. It's a gathering of friends or family, with good food, drink, and music, all in a natural setting."

Hera smiled at him, "It seems that we aren't so different after all Vagabond.".

They spent the next centar eating different types of fruits and cheeses. The girls even had a small bottle of ambrosia. Hera looked at Dalton, "Uh Troy, I need your help for a centon." and she started to stand up.

"What kind of help Dalton?" he said looking at her curiously.

"There are some Taurian pears that I can't reach, and you so big and stwong." she said in a little girls voice.

This got them all laughing for a few microns. Troy got up and jokingly flexed his arms, "Me strong, me help."

This got them laughing again, and Dalton just grabbed Troy and pulled him along with her. When they were alone, Vagabond looked at Hera.

"So how did you come up with this idea?".

"Well actually it's my mothers idea, she used to bring my father here before they were sealed, and a few times after that. Now about this picnic custom of yours, didn't you mention music?".

Vagabond took out his pocket-comp and started a long slow melody. As the music played on, he found himself looking at her, it may have been the wine or the food or the setting, he didn't know or care. He leaned forward and kissed her lips softly, to his surprise, she kissed him back. Soon they were kissing very passionately.

Troy and Dalton had walked a little ways, when they heard the music playing. Dalton took Troy's hand as they walked along the path between the trees.

"I've always liked it here Troy, it seems so natural and peaceful.".

Troy stopped walking, and pulled Dalton into his arms. Before she could react, he kissed her as he had never kissed a woman before. Dalton's head was swooning, and all she could do was kiss him back. When they came apart, she looked at Troy,

"By the Lords, where did you learn to kiss like that?",

"From watching Apollo and Sheba. I used to sneak out of my bunk when I was younger, and I saw them kissing like that. Now I know why they were always smiling at each other.".

"Well let me show you something I saw my mother and father do." Dalton said with a smile.

A centar later, they were back on the shuttle and headed back to the Galactica, all of them were smiling. After they left the shuttle, they saw Major Sheba walking toward the them. Hera looked at her mother, then turned to Vagabond.

"Lt. Chang, this is Major Sheba, leader of Silver Spar squadron.".

"So Lt. did you enjoy your tour of the fleet?".

Vagabond glanced at Hera, "Yes Major, it was very enjoyable."

Sheba just looked at the 4 of them for a few microns, "Well, Commander Apollo would like to see you right away. Troy would you take him to Apollo's office.",

"Yes Major Sheba." Troy and Vagabond headed for the lift.

Major Sheba looked sternly at the 2 Ensigns, the girls just fidgeted under her stare. Then Sheba smiled wickedly, "Tell me everything girls, and I mean everything.".

Vagabond and Troy were walking down the corridor, "Was the Major angry, or did I read her wrong.",

"No Vagabond, she's not angry, she's just protective.".

"What do you mean protective?".

"She's Hera's mother, and my step-mother.",

"Gotcha.".

Soon they were at the door to Apollo's office. As they entered, Vagabond saw Valus and he thanked him for the uniforms.

"I'm sorry about the fit Lt., but I was a little rushed. You can go right in, the Commander is expecting you."

As they entered the office, Apollo stood up from behind his desk. "So Lt., what do you think of our fleet?".

"It's amazing Commander, to think that you have been moving through space for 25 yahrens.".

Apollo smiled at the Lt.'s use of their term, "It hasn't been easy, we've had a few bumps along the way.".

"The quorum has been deliberating your proposal, and most believe that it is a good idea. They would like to meet with someone from your Government as soon as possible.".

"Well Commander, once my ship is repaired, I can take someone with me back to the Victory, and get things rolling.".

"Very good Lt.. Troy, I want you to go back with him to his ship, you can be our ambassador to his people.".

Troy just looked at his father, Vagabond stepped up "I don't think that will work sir.",

"And why not Lt.?",

"Troy's to big sir.".

"I see Lt.. Well then I'll have to see who I can get to go with you then. In the meantime we need to plan out the meeting between your people and ours."

The three of them spent the next few centars going over a plan to arrange a rendezvous.

That evening, Hera came to Vagabond's quarters. She asked him about earth, and they spent a few centars talking about earth and some of the different worlds they each had been to. As they sat there, Hera asked him,

"When you go back to your ship, can I go with you?"

Vagabond looked at her for a micron. "I would like nothing better, but that decision is up to the Commander."

Hera got a funny look in her eyes, and took his hand, "Come with me.".

They were soon in the landing bay, and were walking toward the curtained off area. They went to his ship, as a few of the techs just looked at them. "So where will your passenger sit?".

Vagabond climbed up to the cockpit, he reached behind the pilots seat and pulled a small lever. The seat moved forward a half a meter, and a panel behind the seat opened backwards.

"This is the observer seat that new cadets sit in on their first time in a space flight.".

Hera climbed in and sat down, "A little snug, but at least I fit."

Vagabond helped her out of the seat, and closed it up. After they had walked back to his quarters, Hera looked at Vagabond,

"I have to go talk to someone, I'll see you in the morning." and she kissed him goodnight.

Then she was going down the corridor. Vagabond just entered his quarters, peeled off his uniform and went to sleep.

Hera found out from the bridge where Major Sheba was at. She found her mother in the simulator room.

"Mother, can we talk?".

Sheba looked at Hera for a micron, and saw the look in her daughter's eyes. She had seen it many times before, but this time it seemed a little different.

"What is it Hera?",

"I need you to help me convince father to let me go with Vagabond.".

Sheba looked at Hera, "Are you doing this for the fleet, or yourself?".

Hera knew that she couldn't keep anything from her mother. Looking down at the deck, she softly replied "Both.".

"That's what I thought. Well your father can be a difficult man to reason with, he gets that from his father. But you can be just as difficult, and you can be just as stubborn as my father."

Sheba started to laugh a little, and put her arms around Hera. "Between the Cain girls, your father doesn't stand a chance."

Hera hugged her mother, "Oh thank you mother, thank you."

The two of them headed to the Silver Spar squadron office for a planning session.

Most of the following day, Vagabond was with Virgil and his crew in the landing bay. They spent several centars placing and adjusting the thruster assembly on his ship. When they had finished, Virgil slapped Vagabond's back.

"I like a warrior that don't mind getting his hands greasy. So when's the test flight.".

"Just as soon as I get my flight suit.",

"Well go get it then, I'll let the Commander know that were ready to test her out.".

Vagabond headed for the lift, and was soon in his quarters changing into his flight suit. When he got back to the landing bay, he saw that the tech's had moved his ship into position to launch.

He also saw Commander Apollo and several others as well. "Well Lt., it's time to see if my praise of Virgil is well warranted.",

"I'm sure that it is Commander.".

Vagabond climbed into the cockpit and began his preflight warm up. He checked and rechecked all systems on the ship.

"Galactica command, this is Excalibur one ready for take off.",

"Roger Excalibur one, you are cleared for take off from landing bay Alpha. Launch when ready.".

Vagabond pushed his throttle forward, and his ship was soon rocketing down the bay and out into space. He soon saw that he had two vipers as escort. Major Bojay called him on the radio,

"Hello Lt., the Commander sent us along in case you have any troubles."

Vagabond just smiled, "Well Major, it's time I put her through her paces."

After a successful flight, Vagabond landed on the Glactica, and saw all of the techs applauding and congratulating each other. As he climbed down, the techs and pilots were congratulating him. Commander Apollo came up,

"A fine job Virgil, now Lt., get some rest, You'll be taking off tomorrow."

Vagabond came to attention, "Yes sir."