When Laura was called into the back by a nurse she allowed Bill to follow; she wasn't answering a hundred questions he'd have later. In the other timeline, she'd allowed Cottle to break doctor-patient confidentiality with Bill so that her man had someone else to pester. As she walked through the office, the smell of antiseptic was overpowering with undercurrents of latex and rubbing alcohol. Her stomach clenched in protest and didn't relax even after the nurse had her sit on the examination table before leaving. Bill hovered close but not enough to smoother. Laura was a strong independent woman, and their marriage hadn't changed that.

The doctor entered and smiled in a cold, distant, and professional way before lightly asking what brought her in. She explained her symptoms as her body trembled and explained how her mother died of cancer a few years ago. The Doctor made notes in her file but reminded the couple that there were several possible explanations. Laura bit back a sarcastic laugh; how could she explain her knowledge of a future where she had very definitely died of breast cancer?

Routine tests were next; a light was flashed in her eyes, he listened to her heart, and her neck was examined. The common culprits were ruled out; flu, cold, and infection. The whole time Bill leaned against the wall behind Laura with his hands jammed into his jean pockets to keep him from fidgeting.

With the usual diagnoses eliminated, the doctor informed Laura that he was going to do a blood test next. She glanced at Bill who noticed her hands fidgeting in her lap. She'd been the same way on Galactica even with Cottle. So, just like back then he stepped closer and rested a hand on the small of her back in comfort just the way he knew she liked. Cottle always had a snarky remark for them, but this new doctor kept quiet. Once the blood was drawn he asked them to wait while he ran a few preliminary tests. He smiled reassuringly at the couple before leaving.

"How are you feeling?" Bill asked coming to stand in front of her and taking her fidgety hands in his. She closed her eyes and took a shaky breath.

"Nauseous…anxious. Honestly, I miss Jack. I miss everyone, but doc. Cottle especially right now." Bill audibly snorted at that.

"Still don't know how you two didn't end up killing each other," Bill admitted and shook his head.

"We became friends," she whispered with a sad smile. She'd genuinely come to appreciate the unique person Sherman 'Jack' Cottle was. Although, the lack of cigarette smoke in this doctor's office was nice. Her stomach wouldn't have handled the extra smell well.

"You might be the only person he actually respected."

"But you were his commanding officer," Laura countered.

"Chief Medical Officers never respect their Commanding Officer," Bill informed her, and Laura managed a small giggle. The moment of levity evaporated when the doctor came back in.

For a moment, time slowed and stretched out in front of Laura. She felt Bill beside her, the memories within her, and the future before her. She reached inside herself and found the iron will she'd developed. At times it had failed her, but she felt a surge of determination rush through her now. No matter what the doctor told them next, her choice was to survive as long as she could with courage, humor, strength, and grace. This was her second chance, and she'd make the most of the time she and Bill had together.

"Thank you for being patient," the doctor began. Laura bit back her immediate quip of, how long do I have? She couldn't let her sense of humor become too morbid. "You aren't sick, and I must offer you my congratulations," the doctor said.

The clock on the wall ticked a few seconds by, and Laura frowned at the doctor as she waited for him to continue.

"What's going on?" Laura asked barely keeping her voice from trembling. She forced herself to relax and remain calm. Bill felt himself holding his breath and frowning. The doctor looked between them and seemed surprised they hadn't worked it out.

"Dr. Roslin, you're pregnant."

Laura's breath caught in her throat, and she stared at the doctor. Then slowly, without even consciously thinking about it, one of her hands came to rest on her belly.

"Pregnant?" Laura asked, finding it hard to process. Her world seemed to spin around her, and she tried to focus her mind. She felt smooth cotton under the hand she'd placed on her stomach. For a moment she concentrated on the space under her hand as if trying to sense the life she'd just been told they'd created.

"I had a feeling, and the blood work confirmed it. The nausea, tiredness, and tender breasts are just normal symptoms. Now, I'd like to perform a sonogram to check on the baby's health and progress. Do you have some time right now? Our schedule is pretty light today," the doctor explained. Laura yanked her attention away from her midsection and back toward the physician.

"We have time," Laura found herself saying and then glanced at Bill. He looked dazed beside her, and she could hear how heavily he was breathing.

"Perfect," the doctor announced. "I'll come back with the machine in a minute," he said and slipped out the door again.

As soon as the door shut, Bill was reaching for Laura and pulling her into an embrace.

"You're OK! Pregnant," he breathed into her hair, closing his eyes and feeling relief rush through him followed by a jolt of electricity. A smile spread across his face, and he pulled back and held her by the arms looking her over. Her expression hadn't changed, and she had barely moved. One hand still rested on her stomach, but she may as well have been cut from stone.

He reached up to cup her face gently, and she finally leaned into his touch. "Are you OK?" he probed gently with concern.

"I…. I was convinced I was sick again. Not…" She whispered. "Gods...I didn't even realize this was possible...it's not something I've had to worry about for years," she explained in a shaky voice. After all, she'd been a cancer stricken, post-menopausal woman for long enough that children hadn't been a concern for a long time. Now this? Tears were forming in her eyes, and her body shook hard enough that she knew Bill noticed.

"Is this OK?" he asked trying to search Laura's eyes for a clue as to what was going on in her mind. Her reaction worried him.

"We didn't plan this! We didn't plan any of this! Marriage? Now a baby?" she panicked, looking down at her still flat stomach where her hand rested. "My Gods. Bill, our baby," she breathed, and her voice hitched. "Tell me this isn't a dream."

"This isn't a dream, Laura," he promised, his own voice raw. She finally looked up into his eyes, and he saw the smile starting to tug at her lips.

"Are you happy?" she asked nervously.

"Yes," he assured her and noted she was starting to relax. "It's our baby," he marveled reaching over and placing his hand on top of Laura's. Bill suddenly had a vivid image of Laura's body changing and swelling because his child grew inside of her. "Our child," he breathed.

A smile broke across Laura's face as she relaxed upon hearing her husband's acceptance. She gave a relieved giggle and a tear fell down her cheek. They didn't have time to say any more. The doctor came back in the room with the machine and kindly asked her to lie on the examination table. Laura grinned with tears in her eyes and did as she was asked. Now that the shock had begun to pass she couldn't stop smiling. Laura gripped her husband's hand as the doctor worked until the ultrasound appeared on the screen. She gasped at the sight and felt Bill squeeze her hand. She stared at the screen as the doctor pointed to the baby. He explained that it looked healthy but small which would explain why Laura wasn't showing even though he guessed she was almost three months along.

Laura had wanted to be a mother. She'd put it off, first because she was too young and had wanted to finish her PhD in education. After that her romantic life had been practically nonexistent, and she'd also taken on helping care of her dying mother. Then the death of her whole family had destroyed her world, and the fun loving, teasing, wild, and carefree Laura Roslin had died as well. She remembered the disaster date with Sean, and how after that she'd chosen to pour her heart into her work, withdrawing from other relationships. Her fling with Richard had been distracting, convenient, and safe; safe because Laura couldn't seem to risk anymore heartache after losing her whole family. Then Bill Adama, the grumpy and infuriatingly stubborn commander of humanity's last Battlestar, had helped her feel alive and learn to love again.

…

Laura concealed her pregnancy at work for weeks out of a desire for privacy. This particular news following her rushed marriage was like a goldmine to the office busybodies, and she wasn't in the mood to deal with adults gossiping like her teenage students had. One of the delightful aspects of winter was how acceptable it was to wear large cozy sweaters even though she'd normally have gone with stylish fitted blazers.

After tonight's soiree the rumor mill would have plenty of fodder, and Laura accepted there was no getting around it. She stood in front of the mirror looking at her reflection - her undeniably pregnant reflection. The evening dress of wine-red silk draped around her and hugged her curves, albeit a little more tightly than when she'd bought the dress two weeks ago. She wore no jewelry, but she didn't need to. She was glowing.

"Laura..." Bill gulped and froze mid stride into the room with her jacket in his hands. This wasn't the legendary Adama silence. He was genuinely speechless and Laura could count on one hand the times that had happened. Laura smiled shyly at him as their gazes locked in the mirror.

"You don't clean up so bad yourself," she teased, and he saw the twinkle in her eyes. "Dress uniform," she hummed. After putting one last pin in her hair which she'd swept into an elegant updo, she turned to look him up and down.

"You're incorrigible," he teased. She giggled and walked up to her husband. Giving him a wicked smirk, she leaned over and kissed the hell out of him. For a moment they shared the burning passion of a thousand fiery suns until she abruptly broke the kiss. Leaning in, her lips brushed against his ear.

"We should get going," she advised and nipped his ear but immediately pulled away. Grabbing her jacket from his hands, she swept out of the room. Tease, Bill groaned as she left him in her wake. He had never anticipated how very… wild Laura Roslin could be. He supposed his first clue should have been when the woman got him high and drunk on New Caprica. This teasing and playful Laura was still new feeling to him though, but his job meant he wasn't able to see as much of it as he would like.

Laura entered the living room with a grin on her face. Lee and Zak were watching TV and munching on popcorn. Every time Bill came home the boys begged to leave Carolanne's and come over as soon as possible. Laura and Bill were only too happy to acquiesce.

"What are you watching?"

"Captain Caprica," Lee replied. Laura chuckled; it was a typical action hero movie the boys favored. Caprica City's Director of Education had now watched far more action movies in the last few months with the boys than she had in her entire previous life.

"Remember you'll be able to see fireworks from the balcony in your father's and my room," she said, leaning over the back of the couch and pressing a kiss on top of both their heads.

"You're in charge, Lee," Bill added coming into the room while sparing a glare for his smiling wife. He ruffled the boy's hair affectionately before grabbing his own jacket. "We have our phones if you need anything."

"Yes, dad," Lee said tossing some more popcorn in his mouth.

"Zak, listen to your brother," Laura called as she reached the front door.

"Yes, mom," Zak said. Laura paused and looked at Zak, but he was absorbed in the show. Bill was also looking between his son and Laura.

"We love you both," he called before they left the house and got into the car. He looked at Laura's stunned face. "If he's comfortable calling you that, and you don't mind," Bill admitted with a shrug and began driving them to the Mayor's Mansion. Laura hummed and sat in the car quietly reflecting. She'd never been called 'mom' before, and she couldn't deny that it sounded good.

They pulled up to the mansion and a valet took the car. Bill came around and helped his wife up like a gentleman. Laura smiled, linked her arm in his, and began walking up the stairs to the ball. Bill wasn't used to events like this; he felt more comfortable in the middle of a Cylon battle to be honest.

Upon their arrival in the ballroom they were immediately greeted by Richard Adar who wore a perfectly tailored tux that could make any man look dashing. Laura preferred dress grays.

"Laura!" He greeted enthusiastically, his eyes on her face as she approached on Bill's arm.

"Hello Mr. Mayor," she greeted politely, Richard's gaze dropped to appreciate her dress and his eyes widened.

"Laura, you're…you look…" he stumbled over his words his usual polished eloquence failing him completely.

"Pregnant?" Laura offered with a small laugh.

"I would have said radiant," he recovered smoothly. Bill's eyes narrowed, and Laura rolled her eyes. Richard stepped forward and kissed her cheek. After pausing a moment Richard stepped to the side and offered Bill a handshake in greeting.

"Congratulations," he offered.

"Thank you," Bill replied politely.

"Won't it be hard being away so often? I hear you are going to be a career Fleeter."

"I hear you are going to be a career politician," Bill retorted. Laura suppressed a groan. Her husband had openly admitted to her that his version of diplomacy and political finesse might have contributed to him not receiving his Admiral stars until he was the only candidate left.

"Yes, as a matter of fact. Maybe I'll even be President one day," he laughed. Charm and charisma practically oozed off the Mayor, and for a second Bill hated the knowledge that this man would indeed become President of the Colonies. "I expect you'll have a much easier time becoming the Commander of a Battlestar though." Bill resisted glowering; it's not like the Fleet handed Battlestars out to just anyone.

"You already have your eye on the Presidency Richard?" Laura asked.

"Shhh, only you know. Laura," he winked and grinned. Laura smiled politely and stepped closer to him letting go of Bill.

"Governor's election first, right?" she asked in a low voice, and he raised an intrigued eyebrow. How did Laura know he was planning on running for Governor? he wondered. Laura laughed at his expression and gestured toward a man in the distance. "Go talk to Jackson Delaney. You'll want him on your side and not your opponent's," she advised with a knowing smirk. Knowledge of the future, useful, she reflected. Richard stared at her in shock. How did she know who his opponent would be? Stepping back, Laura laced her arm through Bill's again and looked up at him with the kind of smile that made someone feel like they were the center of the universe. "Shall we?"

As they parted ways Richard glanced back to Laura, and admitted to himself that she looked exquisite. The pregnancy had shocked him, but she was still captivating. It was more than her physical beauty; something had changed in her. She was a real force to be reckoned with lately. There was a sense of inner strength and power she practically radiated now that drew people in and entrapped them. Politically, her instincts had been razor sharp these last few months. Richard would need to keep more of an eye on her. He wanted to keep her on his side. Besides, he still wanted her; Richard found himself incredibly drawn to the woman and swore that he'd find a way to have her.

"Thank you for not shooting him," Laura murmured to Bill as they headed in the other direction.

"Maybe one day," Bill replied and wasn't sure if he was joking or not. Laura gave a soft chuckle unsure if she minded either way.

"I have to talk to some people," she explained apologetically, but Bill nodded in understanding. Then he watched in amazement as Laura worked her way through the crowd. She charmed everyone. Political alliances were solidified. Colleague were greeted. Many offered their congratulations about the baby. Bill was trying very hard not to act like a proud peacock as the night wore on. After all, this enchanting woman was his wife and carrying his child. It made a man proud.

Sometime later he found himself also feeling like a fish out of water. Far too many people commented on how easy being a soldier during a time of peace must be, and it was insulting. Even more grating were the raised eyebrows at his Tauron last name, and the surprised looks people gave them after Laura introduced him. The subtle hints of racism and prejudice were clear. He was a military Tauron who'd married a political Caprican, and there were more than a few thinly veiled judgmental eyebrows raised at him. He was also a viper jock, and there were plenty of stereotypes about the 'bad-boys of the Fleet' to contend with. Bill tried not to feel the difference in his and Laura's worlds when conversations strayed to topics he was less familiar with. He was self educated for the most part, and he considered himself a cultured man, but these people had gone to places like the University of Delphi or the College of Dodona. He held himself tall and proud despite the crowd. Let them judge. He'd long ago stopped caring. He was touched that Laura herself was clearly pleased to be on his arm. She introduced him proudly and stayed close to him.

After politely moving on from another round of conversation, Laura sensed her husband could use a break and asked if he could go grab them some drinks. Watching him walk away, Laura smiled and leaned against a wall to rest. She was a professional at handling these events but being pregnant was putting a new and different strain on her body. She was tiring more easily.

"Laura! I have someone I'd like you to meet," Richard returned with a man trailing behind him, but she couldn't see who it was. "He's a brother at the Artemision with some fascinating ideas about Colonial religious education. I thought you'd enjoy talking to him," Richard gushed and leaned in to give her a quick private word. "And his order's support in coming elections you already know my plans for would be useful." Laura nodded almost imperceptibly as Richard moved back. The man stepped out from behind the mayor, and Laura almost gasped out loud. She couldn't fully suppress her automatic recoil. Before she could open her mouth, the man spoke.

"How about we dance while we talk?" the new man suggested with a friendly smile.

"She loves to dance," Richard agreed on her behalf. Laura tried to think of a reason to get away, but Richard was looking at her expectantly. She glanced around and tried to spot her husband but couldn't see him. So she smiled, acting the part of composed, practiced, and polished politician.

"My name's brother John Cavil," he greeted. Laura's skin crawled when Cylon reached out, took her hand in his, and led her onto the dance floor. But she didn't protest. When he placed his hand on her back and began to sway to the music with her, she tasted bile in back of her throat.

"I'm Laura Roslin," she said forcing herself not to tense. She stumbled as they danced.

"You seem nervous," Cavil observed with a concerned expression.

"It's just crowded," she gave him a short answer. In fact, the crowded dance floor felt like it was pressing in on her from all sides. She couldn't even hear the music, and it was all she could do to keep breathing.

"Well, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. I've been following you for a couple of months."

"Excuse me?" she breathed thinking of Doral.

"Your work Dr. Roslin," he covered smoothly. Laura nodded at him and looked over Cavil's shoulder again and again trying to find her husband in the crowd. "It shows how dedicated you are to protecting the best interests of the Colonies," he grinned while eyeing her as if looking for a particular response. Laura felt like a caged animal in a zoo being observed by a mad scientist.

"I do what I can," she replied. Oh Gods, her mind screamed.

"Well, the Mayor and I were talking. You know there is no formal religious education in place in Caprica City. It wouldn't be hard to implement you know." He grinned slyly up at her, and she forced herself to stare him back out. Show no fear. "Just...a small change right now can make all the difference to the future," he said. Laura swallowed.

"I'm sure it can. You know, part of my job is ensuring the future of the colonies. Education is so important. So, why don't you send me and my office your proposed ideas," Laura countered pointedly. Careful Laura, she thought, don't give him reason to suspect you know more than you should.

"Sounds fair. And, speaking of the future, congratulations. Marriage and a baby. I'm sure the future concerns you very much."

"It does," she promised looking him in the eye until he glanced away first. He didn't say anything else, and Laura glanced around again. Relief surged through her when she met a pair of blue eyes. Bill wove his way through the crowd with single minded purpose like a homing missile locked on a target. He reached them just as the song ended.

"I'm afraid I'm going to cut in now," Bill told the man and without waiting for a response, slipped between Cavil and Laura breaking their contact and putting his body between them. He stared down at the familiar face in his dark suit, waiting for the Cylon to move away.

"Of course," Brother Cavil replied. "It was nice to meet you Dr. Roslin," he said trying to peer around the stern Major who'd planted himself like a statue in front of Roslin.

"Brother Cavil," she nodded to him, and he moved off, disappearing in the crowd. After watching him leave, Bill placed a hand on the small of Laura's back and guided her off the floor.

"Are you alright?" he immediately asked as they moved away.

"Shaken."

"The baby?"

"Bill, we're both fine," she promised.

"What happened?" Bill asked, he was tense, coiled like a spring ready to explode. She told him about the conversation as they moved to a secluded corner.

"I couldn't tell if he remembered anything, but the innuendo was there. I think," she whispered while taking a deep breath. "What are we going to be able to do if Cavil remembers?"

"It comes down to this. We need help. Allies. You know I hate to admit this, but we need Adar's help," Bill sighed pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Adar?" Laura spat. Bill sighed. It felt like making a deal with the devil, but he repressed his irritation for the greater good.

"He's a moron, but he trusts you. As president he'll have the power to do more than you or I ever could on our own. You know that. He can prevent Baltar from creating the breach in the defense mainframe, build the military, even have agencies on the lookout for Cylon models like Cavil," Bill was the strategist laying down his plan. Laura looked him in the eye and saw enough certainty there. She nodded her agreement.

"We should have a backup plan though," she replied. For preventing the attacks, she had no better idea. She rubbed a hand on her stomach and tried to calm the jittery feeling in her nerves at seeing Cavil. She couldn't help but think of their child, and the future it might be facing. "Can you take me home?" Laura asked weary to the bone.

Bill was only too happy to help her escape from this place, not wanting his pregnant wife in the same place as Cavil. He was tempted to report the man to security as they left, but what was there he could say?

When they got home, the boys were passed out on the couch. Shaking her head Laura grabbed some blankets and tucked them around Zak and Lee. Bill watched Laura taking care of the boys and made a silent promise to himself. He was going to do whatever it took to keep them safe.

…

It took time and effort to insert a Cylon model into Colonial society. First they had to be smuggled across the armistice line and placed on one of the outer Colonies. Then documents needed to be forged and an identity created. It was a slow process and the cranky old cylon didn't have as many Cylon agents on the Colonies as he might like. He had to do much of the legwork he wanted done himself. So, he set himself up as a brother in the Artemision, a temple devoted to their fake goddess of the hunt. It seemed appropriate to pretend to be a devoted follower of the huntress.

First, he checked in on the Final Five. He was satisfied they had no memory of either their lives before he'd boxed their memories or the future he remembered. After reading the reports Doral had given to him, he'd decided to meet Roslin and Adama in person. The change in the timeline, their marriage, had intrigued him. After meeting Laura Roslin, he was convinced she knew the future, even if she pretended she didn't. If she did, she could prove to be a complication. She could use her knowledge to change the future, just as he planned to use his.