Chapter Four

They worked as an efficient, if uneasy team. Jessica would examine the blood samples, getting a feel for the person and whether the make up was biological or synthetic. Thus cleared, the sample was then turned over to Baltar who would run the same sample though a second test. He taught Jessica how to run the DNA through the microscope and what to look for, then use a second computer to input the data and see if any synthetic combinations were found in the cells. On her own, Jessica's brain would have fogged over at Doc Genius's explanations but she found, being able to read his mind, she could pick up the knowledge there. A rather impressive trick, Jessica mused as she wondered what else she'd be able to do if she could read the knowledge in other people's minds. It wasn't one she had used in the past and wondered why this new facet of her ability should make itself known now?

Jessica sat on her chair waiting for her computer to come back with the results on the last sample. She tapped her pen against the corner of the desk absentmindedly and drank from the last of the horrid coffee...the Gods save her; she was actually acquiring a taste for the stuff.

"Stop that." Dr Baltar insisted from his desk by the door.

"What?" Jessica asked, being pulled from her thoughts.

"The tapping. I would appreciate it if you would stop." His dark eyes narrowed at her.

"You know I could see why you've got an ego the size of the Galactica." Jessica thought out loud. "If you weren't such an unevolved amoeba, you'd be kinda hot. Gaius 's dark eyes widened behind his black rimmed glasses and Jessica shook her head. "Just an observation, Doc Genius. Not an offer." The more she spouted, the less it began to bother her for the most part. But humiliating little tidbits like this were still a pain in the ass. "I think I'm gonna get Salik to cut out my tongue."

"Forgive me if my tastes run towards women whose primary forms of flirtation are somewhat more sophisticated than attempted murder." Dr Baltar tossed back.

"Don't take it personally doctor, I'd have shot at any scientific geniuses who blabbed about our defense secrets to a Cylon agent which led them to annihilate the world. Which leads me to wonder, since I could read your mind, and believe me you have as much of a chance of frakking Kara Thrace as you do of frakking me. "She smiled at his mortified glare. "I wonder if that makes me a scientific genius, since I know what you know."

"Not-bloody-hardly How old are you, twelve?" Baltar clipped.

"Don't joke, Doc. You might hurt yourself. That's just as well I suppose. It'd be awfully boring being that pompous. Ah here we are." Jessica said focusing back on the computer screen. "Number 723-140; otherwise known as Jimmy 'Frosty' McNaughton is not a Cylon." She sent the file to Baltar's computer. Though Baltar would let her shoot at him again before he'd admit, he was glad for the extra help and it did make Jessica feel useful which made a small dent in the animosity between them.

The guard outside their door knocked, signaling that Jessica was to return to her room.

"As always, Doc Genius. This has not been a pleasure and I'd rather eat dirt than ever see you again." Jessica said falling into their closing routine.

"Ms Talbot. I assure you that most whole-heartedly, the feeling is mutual. Good night."

Jessica was thirsty. As she lay in bed, she mused how the more you tried to ignore something, the stronger that thing became. She'd had the bottles under her bunk for weeks and she'd never been tempted to drink from them. Now that they were gone, Jessica's mouth felt dry as sandpaper. She admitted that the same could be said for the ever more present Captain Lee Adama in her thoughts. The more she tried to steer her thoughts and feelings in another direction, they inevitably returned to him. Logic told her she was insane to even imagine any romantic relationship with him. The man had more baggage than an airport terminal. Yet her feelings for him seemed to be growing by the day, despite their attempts at avoidance. She could still feel his kiss on her mouth. Still taste him. Still feel his hands on her. And her dreams weren't helping any...

They took each other slowly. His blue eyes burning into her, hands lovingly stroking her hips as he guided her up and down on him.

"Looks like I win." He murmured into her mouth, the scent of rain filling Jessica's lungs. Her arms wrapped themselves around Lee's neck. Yes...yes...you win...you win... Always...

'Only cause I let you catch me..." Jessica murmured, the heels of her bare feet digging into the soft grass behind him. He cocked an eyebrow at her and gave an indignant thrust upward into her.

"Ah..."Jessica shivered. "This seemed more fun than going... Oh, yes... Do that..."Jessica closed her eyes when he bit gently into the soft skin of her shoulder while rolling his hips slowly but steadily. "More fun than going swimming."

"Unless we're frakking while swimming." Lee smiled and Jessica giggles at the look on his face. His face is covered in dark smudges of dirt, as is most of the rest of him. But his eyes are the clearest blue, making him look deceptively pure and clean. The intention had been to help him out of his filthy clothes which had dissolved into a grope fest until Lee had her as naked as he was and now as dirty. Later... Later they'll swim and get clean and then go back.

They're holding their breath under water. Not yet...not yet... Lee warns holding her wrist down as Jessica yearns to kick to the surface. Three minutes, he can hold his breath. Jessica doesn't know how long it's been but her lungs are burning and her body is shaking with panic. They're waiting on the other end. Cylons. Not yet. Lee's fingers tighten around her wrist. I can't breathe! Jessica wants to scream but doesn't dare for the oxygen it would use up. She's never tested how long she could hold her breath. Three minutes. She doesn't think she'll make it. Lee grabs the sides of her face and puckers his lips, pressing them against her, then sealing his lips over hers and blowing air into her mouth Jessica gulps gratefully but horror fills her as she remembers he must too be running out of air. Stop it! She wants to scream. Stop it! Then they hear the sounds of battle above them, muted through water but unmistakable. Lee begins to kick to the surface bringing her with him.

"Where is she?" He asks again and again, Lee is silent. Jessica can see him as they drag him, bleeding and broken out of the chair onto his knees.

"Where is your wife?" Lee says nothing but she feels the shiver of his panic as the blade is laid down in front of him. The guard is holding Lee upright. He'll sag onto the cold filthy floor if they don't hold him up. His whole body is shaking with fear, cold and pain but he betrays nothing. The man in front...who is he? Jessica wonders distantly grabs Lee's arm and lays it flat on the table. Lee does not struggle. The man spreads Lee's palm open, face down. He picks up the blade.

"You will tell me where your wife is, or when I'm done with your fingers, I'll start on your toes." Jessica can feel the terror in Lee's blood but his face remains expressionless. He braces himself conjuring up Jessica's face in his mind. I love you...I love you... It doesn't matter what they do to me...doesn't matter... The blade comes down on Lee's pinky and he cries out in agony, digging his head into the wooden table and Jessica places her hands on his head, reaching beyond distance to comfort him. I'm here...I'm here...and I will find you... I swear.

Jessica jolted awake and was not surprised to find her pillow wet with tears.

A.N:

Mae: Flattery will get you new chappies. (giggles) Apollo tied to my bed is definitely a nice visual. Thanks for the feedback and I hope you continue to enjoy!

Marlin: Thanks for your feedback! I'm glad you're enjoying the story so far. I will be mixing up some episodes so the story won't necessarily be in chronological sync with the series but there will be events you recognize. And I'm glad you're enjoying the tension between Jessica and Lee. It's a good build I think for when they finally do 'get together' (smiles)