BSG Betrayal of Trust - chapter 3

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"You wanted to see me sir?" Taylor said, as Cain opened the hatch for him to enter her office.

"Yes. Sit down Captain."

"Am I ... have I done something wrong sir?" He was hesitant with good reason - people were never called to the Admiral's office unless there was trouble.

"No, of course not." She smiled but her eyes were cold as ice. "I'd like a full report on our new pilots."

"I had the report delivered to you yesterday. Did it not arrive?"

"Yes it did." She sat down at her desk and laced her fingers together. "I'd like to know what you didn't put in the report."

"I ... I don't know what you mean sir," he stammered.

"Taylor, your report was very ... dry ... very informational." She leaned forward. "I want to hear your personal thoughts about Apollo and Starbuck. You've worked with them for a month now - what are they like? Do they fit in around here? What can we expect of them?"

"Off the record?"

"Of course."

"Well, Starbuck is a brilliant pilot, just like Commander Adama's report says. She's taken to the Mark VII's like no one I've ever seen before. It's like she and her ship are one being when she's out there." He paused.

"But... I get the feeling there's a but coming."

"But, she's unpredictable. She doesn't always follow orders." Cain nodded. That much she knew from Adama's report as well. "And she's wholly devoted to Apollo. We've never had the circumstance come up, but it's my feeling she's be willing to risk anything for him."

"Hmm, that doesn't sound promising. She needs to lose that personal loyalty if she's going to stay here."

"If ... sir?"

"It's not a guarantee," Cain snapped.

"If you'll permit, why waste all this time on them if they're not staying with us?"

Cain just smiled her icy smile again. "What can you tell me about Apollo?"

"He's nearly as good as she is. Honestly, Admiral? They're better than anyone here. I've never seen anyone fly as well as they do. Apollo is very ... by the book ... always does things within regulations, but he seems willing to overlook Starbuck's wrongs. Personally, I think they're far too close. Definitely never should have been in the position they were in on Galactica." He paused a moment, seemingly lost in memory. "But the few times I've had them out together, it's like ... like ... I don't even know how to describe it. They seem to understand each other, predict what the other's going to do without ever having to communicate. It's almost scary."

"Indeed," Cain said dryly. "Anything else?"

"My opinion? He'll be more easily swayed. He plays by the rules and wants respect. Starbuck is a rebel - she obviously hates it here and isn't going to even try to fit in. Apollo - he should be easier."

"Thank you Taylor, that will be all."

"Yes sir," he said, nodding and quickly exited the office.

Good, Cain thought to herself, Apollo's the one I want to keep anyway.

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"You can't have it both ways Kara."

"I never said ..." she began hotly.

"You push me to be friendly with them and then you get mad at me for leaving you alone. What am I supposed to do?"

"Oh, I don't know, maybe you could suggest they ask ME to be a part of the group too?" she said sarcastically, crossing her arms against her chest.

"You think I haven't? What sort of friend do you think I am?" Now Lee was really angry.

"Not working now is it?" she spat out.

"Well you don't exactly make yourself likeable."

"And you're just a pushover. Letting them walk all over you. What happened to the two of us against them?"

"Who says we have to be against them?"

"They're the enemy Lee, they took us away from our home and family and are forcing us to stay here."

"The cylons are the enemy Kara." Lee's voice was low and his gaze icy cold. "These are people, just like us."

"That's where you're wrong," she pointed at him. "They are NOT like us."

"Take off your blinders Kara, we're part of this crew now."

"I can't believe you're jumping ship on me." Kara gave an exasperated sigh. "I thought you were with me."

"I am. There aren't two sides to this you know; we're all in it together."

"Yes, there are two sides. You just can't decide whose side you're on." She sat down on her bunk, feeling sadly deflated. What would she do if Lee deserted her and became one of them? You're Starbuck, her mind replied, nothing gets Starbuck down. You can fight them all alone if you have to. But she didn't want to fight alone. She wanted Lee at her side. It felt right to have him there, always knowing he'd be with her to the end.

"I'm not choosing sides," Lee said firmly, but inside he wavered. He remembered a similar conversation he'd had with his father, and how that had all played out in the end. He didn't want to end up nearly losing Kara the way he'd nearly lost his father.

"Then you'd best decide where your loyalties lie." She laid back on her bunk and closed her eyes. Conversation over.

Lee sighed. Arguing with Kara always drained his energy. He needed a bit of space to recharge before dealing with her again. He left the bunkroom in search of somewhere quiet where he could be alone with his thoughts.

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"Dee, make contact with the Pegasus."

"Yes sir," Dee said crisply, and did as ordered. "Pegasus, Galactica actual requesting communication." There was a pause. "Do you want the Admiral sir?"

Adama nodded. "I'd like it routed here." He pointed at a console in a more private corner of the CIC.

"Yes sir. One moment sir."

Adama walked into the corner, preparing to pick up the phone.

"We have a connection sir."

"Adama."

"Cain."

"How are you doing Admiral?" Adama asked genially, hoping to start the conversation off on a good note.

"I'm well thank you, and yourself?"

"Very well."

"So, what do I owe the pleasure of this call to?"

"I was wondering ..." he turned to face the wall and spoke quietly. " ... how Apollo and Starbuck are doing."

"They're fine."

There was a silence. "I was hoping for a little more than that."

"Physically they're fine, mentally as well, though Starbuck hasn't taken as well to the change as Apollo has."

Adama chuckled quietly. "That doesn't surprise me."

"Their performances have been very good so far. My CAG says they're both exceptional pilots."

"That they are." Adama couldn't keep the pride out of his voice.

"You miss them of course."

"Of course. One of them is my son, the other like a daughter. I feel their absence greatly."

"Rest assured we're taking good care of them."

"I know it's a little ... unusual, but could you say hello to them, let them know they're missed here, and not just by me?"

"Yes, I can do that for you."

"Admiral, if I can ask, is this personnel transfer ... permanent? The crew is asking when they're returning." And dammit, I want them back! he thought.

"I haven't decided yet. A break from routine is good - keeps us all fresh. I'll keep you posted Commander."

"Thank you Admiral. I'd appreciate that."

"My duties call. We'll talk again soon."

"Understood. Galactica out."

"Pegasus out."

William Adama put the phone back in it's cradle slowly. He had an awful feeling he'd never see his son or Kara again.

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Lee had been standing at the port window in a secluded corner of the hangar bay for a long time. Kara's words were running through his head, as were his father's from months ago. They were eerily similar, and to be honest, he was shocked at how alike the two of them were. He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. He should probably head back and hit the sack.

"Something on your mind?"

Lee spun around. He hadn't heard anyone coming. Eagle's green eyes shone in the dim light. "I'm okay," he said, smiling, but she was unconvinced.

"I'm good at listening," she prodded, giving him a large smile, which he couldn't help but return.

"Just had an argument with my friend. The only real friend I have here," he admitted, realizing at that moment that perhaps Kara had been right.

"She's not the only friend you have," Eagle said, impulsively laying a hand on his arm. "I'm your friend. I can help you, be here for you too."

"Thanks, I appreciate that," Lee said quietly. "It's been tough here."

"I know, and I want to make it easier for you." She moved closer and took his face in her hands, kissing him lightly. She'd seen him watching her hungrily and knew it wouldn't take much to get him to respond. It didn't.

At first Lee was shocked into immobility. Then he tried to push her away, but it was only a half-hearted attempt. Then he gave in to his feelings of desire and wrapped his hands around her waist, pulling her against him. It had been so long since he'd been with a woman, and though he'd dreamt of Kara many times, she didn't seem interested in anything more than being a thorn in his side. Even after he'd told her he loved her, albeit something of a surprise to himself as well. She'd never mentioned it again after that day, and Lee had had to assume it was because she didn't want him.

This woman did though, and made no bones about it. And despite his godly callsign, Lee Adama was only human. Resistance wasn't even an option.

TBC