Absolution - chapter 14

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One month later ...

"Take it easy Starbuck - remember it's your first time out."

"Thanks Apollo, I'd forgotten," Kara said sarcastically. "I'm the one who's been sitting around twiddling my thumbs for the last six weeks."

"Getting in everyone's way, more like," Lee growled.

"You little ..." Kara began.

"Tsk, tsk, Starbuck - watch your language." Kara could hear the smile in his voice. As could everyone in CIC. Adama often had the CAP chatter turned off so only Dee could hear it, but today he'd wanted to hear the big event. Kara was finally back in the cockpit. She'd been cleared to fly Raptors a few weeks earlier, but today was her first day back in 'her' ship.

"Don't do anything I wouldn't do," Lee advised, watching her twist and turn happily.

"Does that leave anything?" she teased.

"Very funny Starbuck."

"Hey, I'm just being ... accurate. You never do anything fun."

"Oh really?" There was no mistaking the challenge in his voice.

Tigh turned a knowing eye towards Adama. "She is such a bad influence," he began, but stopped when Adama smiled.

"It's good to have her back." There were nods of assent from many in CIC. Starbuck was the ship's barometer - her mood reflected the whole ship's mood; also she influenced everyone else's mood as well. And for the last six weeks, everyone had been down right along with her. It seemed there was an excitement and eagerness among the crew now that had been missing since the 'incident.'

"You disagree? Prove it." Kara snorted.

"Fine. Race you to the Geminon Traveler and back. Bet you can't do it under a minute."

"Yeah? What are you willing to bet?"

"Sorry, I'm broke - you cleaned me out the other night."

"Doesn't have to be cubits," she said cheekily. There was silence for a moment as Lee thought.

"Loser takes the winner's maintenance shifts for a week?"

"Sounds good to me," Kara sang out.

"Let's go!"

"Five, four, three, two, one ... go!" Lee called out as he hit maximum thrust. He smiled as the force of the acceleration pushed him firmly back into his seat. He was so happy to have Kara back! It had been a long process, regaining her friendship and trust, but it had been well worth the baby steps it had taken. They still weren't quite back to where they'd been before Baltar and Caprica, but things were fantastic as far as Lee was concerned.

Suddenly Kara's Viper shot past him, leaving Lee's mouth hanging open. Take it easy will you? he thought, but no, this was Kara, aka Starbuck, and 'taking it easy' wasn't in her vocabulary. It was all or nothing with her. Fine, have it your way hotshot, and he flung caution to the wind, pulling a stunt he hadn't tried since his academy days. He pulled ahead and heard a gasp through his headset. Take that Starbuck! he thought uncharitably, smirking back at her.

They reached the Geminon traveler in a dead heat and flipped their birds end over end, thrusters firing powerfully as they sought to beat each other back. Those in the observation lounge were getting a real treat as Apollo and Starbuck circled each other, taking turns in the lead, looking for all the world like they were dancing together.

"Still sure you're gonna win?" she said chuckling. " 'Cause I have my doubts ..."

"Overconfidence, that's your problem Starbuck. You think no one can beat you."

"That's 'cause no one can - not even you Apollo."

"What an ego - how do you fit it into the cockpit with you?"

"Very funny flyboy. I've earned my reputation."

"Let's see if you can keep it."

"Count on it." And she suddenly poured on the speed.

"Oh no you don't," Lee said and joined her, feeling the force throw him back as he hit full throttle.

They both crossed over Galactica at exactly the same moment, laughing as they pulled back their throttles.

"So, still think I can't beat you Starbuck?"

"Come on Apollo - I've been grounded for six weeks. Wait till I'm back in form - I'll kick your ass real good. Oh, sorry!" she added, face flushing as she remembered the whole of CIC was listening in.

They pulled into the hangar bay side by side and both jumped out at the same moment, smiling broadly.

"That was fun," Kara confessed as they stood by their ships, peeling back their flightsuits and tying them at their waists.

Lee smiled. "It was, wasn't it?"

"We should do it more often." She smiled shyly.

"I think my father would be the one doing the ass-kicking if we were to repeat that any time soon."

"You got that right Captain," Adama said sternly, walking up behind them. But the twinkle in his eye belied his gruff tone.

He walked up close to them and spoke in a conspiratorial whisper, smiling warmly. "It's good to have you back. Both of you."

The End

Thanks so much to everyone who read and reviewed - I hope you enjoyed the story and I'm sorry I made it drag out for 4 months! I hadn't intended to have you hanging so long... but cliffhangers are good, right? Anyway, thanks again. I really enjoyed writing it and if you've enjoyed it even the slightest bit, then I'm even happier.