Ch 12
Lee went back to his life while his father spent time visiting with key officers in the fleet at the base. During one of the meetings about the new defense system that was being put into place, Lauren was in attendance. She'd requested the leave to attend the funeral and her CO had told her that there was a conference on Caprica that he needed to send a rep to anyway so the timing was tragic, but perfect for getting her there. After the meeting let out, Commander Adama followed Lauren down the hall, trying to get her attention. She eventually heard him and stopped to let him catch up to her.
"Lieutenant…Baker is it? If I could have a moment of your time please."
"Of course Commander, what can I do for you?"
"Correct me if I'm wrong Lieutenant, but you were at my son' s funeral the other day."
"Sir, yes I was."
"Then if I may," he motioned her into an open office and shut the door behind them. Being the polite gentleman he was he pulled one of the chairs out for her and then when she sat he pulled one over to face her. "This is totally off the records so please let's be comfortable. If I may inquire, how did you know my son?"
"Actually sir, I'm a friend of both of your sons. Zak and Kara and I became friends at Saggitaron and that's also where I met Lee."
"So you're the one."
"Excuse me sir? I'm not sure what you mean by that."
"Forgive me, Kara and I had a long talk the other day. She mentioned the time they spent at Saggitaron and of course Lee was brought up. She let it slip that she had introduced Lee to someone there. I assume that means that you are the one," he smiled at her gently, reassuring her that he was fine with the events.
"Yes sir, I was the one that Kara introduced to Lee. I spent a lot of time with Zak and Kara in those days and I felt it was important to be here to honor him." She looked down at her hands in her lap and tried to keep herself composed.
"Well I thank you for being there, and I thank you for being a good friend to my boys."
"Of course sir, they are both fine men."
"They are. You left the funeral with Lee didn't you?" He smiled as she nodded at him. "Good." He rose from his chair and opened the door, holding it for her. "It was good to meet you Lieutenant, take care."
She saluted him as she left and turned down the hall. She was almost to the door when he called after her, "Lieutenant, one more thing." She turned back to him and tipped her head to one side waiting for him to continue. "Take care of him for me," the smile on his face told her that he knew his son didn't need him anymore but that he still worried. In answer she simply nodded and they went their separate ways.