7375.325/2669.325 Commanders quarters TCS Bostonia: Admiral Wilford had just finished dictating his after action report to Confed command. He listed the losses suffered by confed and the colonial fleets. He also added commendation recommendations for several members of the task force. He was about to turn in when the bridge comm. officer contacted him.
"Admiral, the colonial Commander is requesting to land on the Bostonia, sir.".
Admiral Wilford stretched in his chair then activated his intercom, "Give him permission to land Lt., I'm on my way to the flight deck.".
"Yes sir.".
When the colonial shuttle landed, the Admiral was just arriving on the flight deck. The first person off the shuttle was Commander Apollo, he was followed by Captain Eison and Col. Blair. Captain Eison stepped forward,
"Commander Apollo, it's my pleasure to introduce Vice-Admiral Wilford of the Confederation Space Force. Admiral Wilford, this is Commander Apollo of the Colonial fleet.".
"It's a pleasure Commander.".
"The pleasure is mine Admiral. I'm just glad that you arrived when you did.".
"Well Commander, I saw what you and your people had done to the first two Base-stars, I couldn't just stand by and let you get blown away.".
The group proceeded to the Admiral's office.
"I think you should know Commander, that I've sent the TCS Wilmington back through the jump hole with orders to contact Confed and update them on the situation, and to get the ball rolling on finding you a new home.".
Apollo smiled at that, "My people are truly grateful Admiral. We look forward to having a place to really call home.".
"Admiral, I also want to thank you and your people, for the care that you are showing our wounded. Your medical facilities and techniques are quite remarkable."
"Think nothing of it Commander, glad we could help.".
"Our people would like to show our appreciation for all of your help. We're arranging a celebration in your honor, onboard the Rising Star.".
"My staff and I would be honored to attend Commander.".
"I'll let President Tigh know that. We should have everything set up in a few days".
The two men shook hands, and this time Apollo shook the Admirals hand using the earth style.
The three men left the Admiral's office, and Apollo asked if he could see his men in sickbay, Captain Eison and Col. Blair escorted him there. When they arrived, Apollo saw that most of his warriors were well on their way to recovery, and would be released in a day or two. Apollo saw Bojay laying on one of the beds, with a strange looking device attached to his leg.
"Hello Bojay, how are you feeling?".
Major Bojay looked at him, "I'm just glad to be feeling anything Commander." he said weakly.
Bojay looked at Captain Eison, "Captain, will you do me a favor?".
"Of course Major, just name it.".
Bojay smiled, "Tell your Senior Tech that I owe her a bottle of Ambrosia.".
Captain Eison looked at him, "I'll tell her that Major.".
"Commander, how is Hera? I hear that she took quite a hit.".
Apollo smiled at him, "She's going to be fine Bojay. I'll tell her you asked about her, now get some rest.".
"Yes sir.".
The three men headed back to the flight deck, and were soon on their way back to the Victory.". When they arrived, Apollo excused himself, and proceeded to the sickbay to check in on Hera. Captain Eison and Col. Blair walked over to Chief tech Coriolas. Rachel saw them and saluted,
"Hello Captain, Col., what brings you to the flight deck?".
Captain Eison smiled, "I'm just here to pass on a message, from a Major Bojay."
Rachel looked at the Captain, "So what does the Major have to say sir?".
"He says he owes you a bottle of Ambrosia.".
Chris looked at her, "What did he mean by that Rachel?".
Rachel smiled, "When we were applying the armor coating to his viper, he said that he didn't see how this "feldercarb" would help him. Well I bet him that it would save his ass. I guess that I was right."
The three of them laughed a little at that, then the Captain and the Col. turned to leave. They saw Maniac and Vero talking by one of the heavy fighters, and they saw Maniac lean in and whisper something in Vero's ear.
Captain Eison looked up at the ceiling, "Here we go again Chris.".
"Yes sir, but if she decks him, we didn't see a thing.".
To their surprise, Vero just took Maniac's hand and they headed off the flight deck. The two men looked at each other, both were in a state of shock.
"Well I'll be dammed Chris.".
Major Marshall was checking out of his Thunderbolt heavy fighter when he saw Vero. He saw that she was smiling at him in an unusual way as she walked over.
"Is it true sir?" she asked in her southern drawl.
"Is what true Vero?".
"Well Major, the scuttlebutt is that you got beat up by a girl.".
Maniac's face reddened a little, "Yeah Vero it's true. Now if you don't mind, I just want to go to my quarters and turn in."
Vero looked at Maniac, and saw that he was actually being sincere. She felt sorry for him, a little bit anyway.
"So what exactly did you say to her that made her whip your butt?".
"I don't think that I should tell you Vero, you might get embarrassed.".
"Try me Major.".
Maniac stepped closer to Vero and looked at her.
"Well, what I said was, how would you like to…" and he whispered the rest in her ear.
When he pulled away, he waited for the slap, but Vero looked at him seriously and took his hand and started toward the lift. Maniac was a little stunned by this reaction, and was going along with her. Vero glanced at him,
"You have no idea how long I've waited for you to ask Major.".
When they arrived at his quarters, Maniac locked the door. As he turned around, she was all over him. They were soon kissing and peeling off their uniforms. As they kissed their tongues did a wild dance together. Maniac lifted her up as if she were a feather, and she wrapped her legs around him. They spent the rest of the night pleasuring each other several times. When they awoke the next morning, they realized that they had never made it to the bunk. Maniac offered to let her shower first, and she looked at him.
"Ever try water sports Todd?" then walked seductively toward the shower.
Maniac just looked up toward the ceiling and whispered "Thank you.".
The next several days were very hectic for the new fleet, all of the ships moved in closer to the Rygannon jump point. The engineering crews of the colonial fleet worked with the confed crews to get all of the colonial ships ready for jump travel. The preparations for the celebration were also being done. The night of the celebration, doctor Iverson reluctantly allowed Ensign Hera to attend.
"Now Ensign, I don't want you overdoing it tonight, and no alcohol.".
"Not any doctor?" Hera asked, a little sad look on her face.
Doctor Iverson looked at her, "Well maybe just a little bit.".
"Thank you doctor, for everything.".
Hera put on her dress uniform that her mother had brought over to her, and was met at sickbay by Vagabond, who was also in his dress uniform. Hera put her arms around Vagabonds neck and they kissed,
"You have no idea how long I've waited to do this Winston.".
Vagabond looked at her, "Hera, as much as I would like to continue doing this, we have a shuttle to get to.".
Hera giggled a little, "Your right, besides, I can't wait to see the look on Dalton's face when I tell her.".
Vagabond smiled, "Just imagine how you father will react, or your mother.".
The two off them headed to the flight deck, and saw the others waiting by the shuttle.
As they approached, Captain Eison looked at Hera, "Your looking well Ensign. I'm glad that doctor Iverson has agreed to let attend tonight's party.".
"Why thank you Captain, besides, I don't think that I could stand another day in sickbay. It has that smell.".
Everyone laughed a little, they all knew the feeling that she was talking about, and the smell of sickbay. Captain Eison looked at the others, and they saw doctor Iverson walking across the flight deck, "Good, everyone's here.".
He motioned them toward the shuttle door, "Shall we people?".
The shuttle took of and 10 minutes later was landing on the Rising Star liner.
When the shuttle arrived, they were met by Major Jolly, and Col. Omega. After they exchanged salutes, they escorted them to the main reception area. Chris thought it looked like a picture of an ancient roman feast hall. The low tables where in a circular pattern, and large silk cushions were around each table to sit on. The main table was set up near the front of the room, and he could see Apollo, Sheba, President Tigh, and Admiral Wilford were already there. The servers escorted him, Flint and Captain Eison to the main table. Vagabond, Hera, Dr. Iverson and Rachel Coriolas were escorted to a smaller table just to the side of the main table. Troy and Dalton were already seated there. The festivities began soon afterward. The confed people were surprised by all the different foods that were served, something from each colony. The entertainment was just as incredible. They watched as groups performed songs and folk dances from all over the 12 colonies.
As the festivities were going on, Hera looked at Vagabond, and leaned forward and whispered something to him. He just nodded his head in agreement. Hera then looked at Troy and Dalton.
"Troy, Dalton, we wanted you two to be the first to know."
Dalton looked at her, then she looked at Vagabond, who was also smiling.
"Vagabond is going to ask my father for permission.".
Troy looked at Vagabond, and Vagabond wasn't sure what his reaction would be. He leaned over the table and extended his arm, which Vagabond took. Troy smiled as he shook with Vagabond, "Welcome to the family Lt.".
Dalton just leaned over and hugged Hera, when they separated, she looked at the two of them.
"You know that your father is going to blow a seal over this. But I think your mother is going to love it.".
Rachel leaned over, "Congratulations Lt., Ensign, I wish you two the best.".
At the main table, the group was enjoying the celebration. Admiral Wilford spoke to President Tigh.
"We've heard from Confed command, and their engineers agree with the plans for jumping your fleet. They have dispatched the necessary ships, and they should be here in a few day. They're also sending a diplomatic team to help you and your people to pick a new system to colonize.".
"That's truly great news Admiral. I'll inform the Quorum members tomorrow. But tonight, lets just celebrate our victory, and not muck it up with politics.".
The Admiral looked at Tigh, "I like the way you think Mr. President.".
As the festivities were breaking up, the people were splitting up and heading back to their various ships. Hera and Vagabond lagged behind the others, to get a chance to talk to Apollo. As they were approaching, Apollo could see that they had very serious looks on their faces.
"Commander, may I speak to you for a moment?".
"Of course Lt., what can I do for you?".
Vagabond was obviously nervous, and Apollo could see that look in his eye.
"Commander, Hera and I would like your permission, to become sealed.".
Apollo looked at them with a face that Vagabond couldn't read.
"Lt. Chang, for the last 3 days, you've been in the Victory sickbay, never leaving her side. I saw the look of fear on your face when you were unsure if she would survive. I've also seen how the two of you light up around each other."
Apollo took both of Vagabonds hands in his. "I give you both my permission, and my blessings.".
Vagabond breathed a huge sigh of relief, and Hera gave her father a hug.
Apollo looked at her, "Hera, don't you think you should be hugging the Lt.?".
Sheba and Cassiopeia were across the room, and saw Vagabond and Hera approach Apollo. The ladies were joined by Troy and Dalton.
"Look, he's asking him.". Troy said to Dalton.
Sheba looked at them, "Asking him what Troy?".
Troy and Dalton just smiled at Sheba, and Cassiopeia. Sheba turned and looked at Hera and Vagabond. She saw Hera giving her father a hug, then she saw her give Vagabond a hug, which turned into a kiss. Apollo just quietly made his way over to Sheba, with a big smile on his face, and a little tear in the corner of his eye. Sheba knew without a word from him, what the kids had asked him, and what he had said. Apollo put his arm around Sheba, and they both just looked at the two of them.