Kara stood behind a long table at the front of the tent with Roslin, Tyrol, Cally, and the two Adamas. She studied the assembled crowd and prayed that they would listen.
Rolsin held up her hand to gain the attention of the crowd. When it seemed she had their attention she placed her hands on the table as if to steady herself and started speaking.
"All of you know me. You see me every day. You trust me with your children, our future. Please, listen to me now." Rolsin gazed out into the crowd and slowly let her eyes roam from one side of the tent to the other so that by the end, each person could swear that she had met their eyes personally. She straightened herself up and her voice took on an authoritative edge. "The Cylons have been picked up on dradis. We need to leave: now."
The din in the room rose to an unbearable level as soon as the word 'Cylon' was heard. It seemed that everyone had a question, and the mob kept pushing forward, threatening to overwhelm the stage. The ex-President quickly reverted to her teacher-mode. She raised both her hands and raised her voice above the noise. "If you would all go back to your seats, when quiet is resumed we can take questions." Her voice carried through the whole tent and the rebellious crowd soon settled. Roslin called on one man who meekly put his hand up.
"Baltar said this was a safe refuge. He said the cloud would protect us. How can the Cylons get through?"
"That is an excellent question, one that is best answered by the military. Cpt. Thrace?" Eyebrows flew up at the use of Kara's maiden name.
"We all assumed that this cloud will shield us from the Cylons because of the Dradis interference. We don't know how they found us, what matters is that they have. The cloud also has many similar characteristics as the one that surrounded Ragnar Station in terms of radiation. We know that the form of radiation the cloud emits only slows the Cylons; makes them get sick. It's like a Cylon Flu. Unfortunately, the Flu will not stop raiders from creeping through and nuking the planet, along with anyone foolish enough to stay."As Kara spoke, a radio call came in to the Adamas. The Admiral placed a fatherly hand on Kara's shoulder and took over control of the meeting. The people of New Caprica might have never seen him before, but there was no mistaking who he was. The confidence and authority was evident simply in the way he held himself. There was also no mistaking the way Kara responded to him.
"That is all the time for questions we have. Starting in half an hour, shuttles and raptors will arrive to evacuate everyone back to their ships. We need you to pack only what you can carry . I assure you, there ARE enough spots for everyone, but only if you do not panic."
"I thought that went rather well," said Kara to no one in particular.
"Baltar is going to have it out for us," said Roslin.
"Who cares? He can die alone if he wants to."
"He's still human."
Kara fixed her with a hard look. "No human would hide this." Roslin nodded and left. Everyone had things to do, but Kara knew she was at a loss. Kara could only imagine the pain Roslin was going through…Seeing the people of the fleet facing the same situation that they thought they had escaped. Kara could not help but wonder what life would be like if Roslin was still the President instead of the worm Baltar. She gave herself a mental shake; she had things to get done.
"Sir!" called Kara to the Admiral. He turned, and she caught up with him. "Sam's sick. He can't walk, is there any way I can get a shuttle to come to our tent?"
Adama studied her carefully. "It's not up to me, you're going to have to ask Lee."
"Ask what?" said a voice from behind her. He must not know who I am if he's so willing.
Kara turned around slowly. "I need a favor," Lee's look was downright hateful. "I need a shuttle to come by my tent. Sam can't walk- he's too sick to even get out of bed on his own. Please, I know we haven't gotten along lately, but we used to. The Apollo/Starbuck team. Please Lee, for what we used to have."
Lee seemed reluctant at first, then thoughtful. "A raptor's picking me up in ten minutes. Let's go." Kara led him to her tent, all the while wondering how her life had become so frakked up.
"Kara, is that you?" Sam called weakly from the cot. Kara was leaning on the pole, trying to ground herself. The long walk had made her light-headed, and Lee kept on sneaking worried looks at her.
"Yeah, Sam, it's me. Listen, the Cylons are coming, we've got to get packed up." Kara pushed herself off the pillar to his side.
"There's no way that could happen. They can't find get past the cloud," Sam said confusedly. Lee frowned at his stupidity and the sound of the Raptor coming in the distance made him urge them on. Kara started packing.
"No, Kara we are not leaving," said Anders.
"The Cylons are coming and you want to stay here. I don't have time for this!" yelled Kara. She was furiously stuffing her bags full of things.
"Commander!" yelled a voice from outside. It seemed the ship had landed.
"You have three minutes, Starbuck!" Lee went outside and sat in his ship, waiting. I don't think I could survive losing her again.
"Starbuck? Kara, don't tell me you're military again. I thought you had left that behind"
"I hadn't noticed. I guess people just started calling me that. It's who I am, Sam. I can never leave that behind."
"We have to go, NOW!" came Lee's voice from outside.
"Kara, we worked hard for this. I am not leaving behind the remains of civilization."
Kara looked at him sadly. "I'm sorry that you feel that way, Sam." Kara took off her ring and handed it to him. "I don't get how you would want to live under the Cylons when you have a chance at freedom."
"No, Kara, it's not freedom. It's running away!" But Sam was only talking to Kara's back as she walked out.
A/N- One crazy ride. I'm thinking of doing the whole 'going back to the fleet' drama thing, but i really dont have the time for it. I'm currently working on a story about the missing year called (drumroll please...) THE MISSING YEAR. It's a collective effort, and under the pen name Collective Ass. So take a look and drop a review!
michelle