The ballroom was opulent and grand, adorned with velvet curtains and ornate Virgon carpets. Sparkling crystal chandeliers shone with dimmed light while the people underneath sipped from champagne flutes. It was a splendid room for a political shindig.

Richard Adar, President of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol, ambled through the crowd. He always grasped at any chance to shine, and a satisfied smirk graced his lips as people came up to him all through the night, wanting to shake his hand and talk. It wasn't even a party thrown in Richard's honor; it was a retirement party for the Secretary of Defense.

It was almost mythical in his mind; the coming conflict. It weighed on his conscience. The President wasn't the only person present aware war was coming; Laura Roslin and Bill Adama were also in attendance. It was partly their fault there was a retirement happening at all. Secretary Trevitt was someone who thrived during peace but couldn't handle the pressure of a coming war. After their warning and Laura's abduction, Richard had decided to pursue avoiding the apocalypse aggressively.

Laughter drifted out from the groups Laura and Bill conversed with. Laura's ability to put people at ease and exude warmth had people gravitating toward her. Loathe as Richard was to admit it, his own eyes kept wandering to his Secretary of Education. He told himself he couldn't help it; her appearance was breathtaking and her story unbelievable.

Richard felt sick to his stomach whenever he remembered the genuine fear in her eyes as she recounted the day the world ended. Even her voice had trembled. The very idea of the future she experienced left a sour taste in his mouth. It also left him determined. He, Richard Adar, wasn't going to be the President who watched the Colonies fall. Instead, he anticipated himself becoming the hero who'd prepared his people to face the Cylon threat.

To that end, he had already begun subtly shifting military policy from preserving peace to anticipating war. Preparations needed to be made. The Fleet Admiralty had been delighted with their President's sudden interest. The older members of the Fleet remembered the first Cylon war. They remembered the men and women dying under their command.

President Adar's smile faltered for a second as his gaze lingered on the man standing next to Secretary Roslin. He watched him whisper into her ear and the giggles burst from Laura's lips. It pierced his heart. Despite everything, Richard's feelings for Laura had never changed. If anything, they'd intensified; especially, since her abduction. His heart yearned for her, and his hands itched to grab her and whisk her away from the reticent husband at her side.

Richard's mind refused to let go of the things she'd mumbled in her delirium during recovery. Her words painted an unpleasant picture in Richard's mind. What the hell had happened in this future she remembered? She'd begged her husband to let her go. She'd asked him to put down the ambrosia. It caused him to question after her well-being.

Despite his curiosity, Richard forced his attention away from them. He needed to work. Conversation continued to flow around him, and he laughed and nodded at the appropriate times, sipping at the never-ending flow of champagne. His body began feeling warm and fuzzy as he lost track of time. As his inhibitions lessened, his mind meandered once again down its own path.

What secrets was she keeping? What knowledge did she keep to herself that he could use? Nowadays, his mind was on overdrive with such thoughts and questions, and it didn't like not being certain of the answers. Maybe it was time to risk getting some straight answers from her. Enough champagne could make a man daring.

Throughout the night, Bill and Laura stayed side by side. Bill's affection for his wife trumped his distaste for pomp and ceremony, and he'd agreed to accompany her (as he always did). Her wide smile of appreciation had been thanks enough. The constant loving smiles she sent him throughout the night, each of which made his heart race, made the party even enjoyable. Their little accidental touches, hands brushed together, or bodies pressed too close, made the time seem to fly by. Subtle flirtation, they still enjoyed it after being married for years.

Bill wasn't a fish out of water this time at a political party, there were plenty of defense personnel present. It was another reason he was glad he'd come. This was the time to rub elbows with some of the most important people in the military. The opportunity to network and make connections was too good to pass up; they might prove useful one day. Bill was still no socialite, but years at Laura's side had taught him a few social tricks and graces.

Late in the night, Laura lost track of the conversation around her. She smiled and politely excused herself. It was time for a break from the crowd. The ballroom had an expansive terrace with bushes of red Caprican roses. Her favorite. She slipped outside, leaving the noisy politics behind her. The cold night air hit her skin and awakened her dulling senses. She took a deep breath and smelled the delicate scent of roses. When she heard footsteps behind her, a smile graced her face. Bill. Of course, he would follow her. She felt two hands come up and rest on her shoulders. She leaned back and felt someone's breath close enough to stir her hair.

"Are you enjoying yourself, Laura?" Richard asked in a soft voice; she jumped in surprise. Pulling away, Laura turned and saw it was indeed the President of the Colonies who had followed her outside and not her husband. He looked relaxed but confident.

"Well enough," she replied, folding her arms. Richard wandered closer to her. It felt as if liquid courage ran through his veins. He was feeling sure of himself. Brash even.

"You're radiant tonight. People keep looking at you, captivated. And you've charmed every person around." His gaze was almost burning in its intensity, and it swept over her. "Irresistible," he murmured softly. Laura met Richard's gaze over the rim of her glasses clearly unimpressed. Then she noticed the slight flush on his cheeks and how he'd loosened his tie; all telltale signs he'd had enough to drink. She suppressed a groan.

"I don't know what you mean," Laura deflected and tried not to blush in discomfort from his compliments. He'd clearly had enough champagne, and she knew his bodyguards would be escorting him home soon as a result.

"I think you do. People are curious about who Laura the woman is underneath Secretary Roslin. Is she as passionate in real life as she is when talking about educational reform? Is there a secret vixen behind the polite politician?" he flirted, taking a step closer to her so that he could speak in increasingly lower tones.

"They'd have to ask Bill," she said, and her voice had an edge to it. She hoped the mention of her husband would be enough to get him to back off, knowing it would be useless to confront him over his inappropriateness. The fine line she walked, keeping Richard close but not too close, left her reeling sometimes. One day she'd no longer care about his opinion or her job. Right now, she would hope this was just the champagne talking, and he'd be too embarrassed to mention any of this again.

At Bill's name, Richard did tense, and irritation flared in him. Laura once had a choice between him and Adama. He'd lost. Richard Adar wasn't gracious in defeat; he never had been. He was wealthy. Powerful. Sophisticated. Cultured. But his little schoolteacher, the woman he himself had handpicked for his staff, had suddenly run off. She'd chosen a scarred, stoic, Tauron man who never particularly impressed Adar. Why?

"I can't stop thinking about this other timeline of yours. A timeline where we were together." He didn't notice her as she slowly moved away; his mind was too focused on trying to charm. "It seems you like the idea of having powerful men in your bed."

"Lucky me, I have a powerful man in my bed," Laura shot back, itching to slap him. His words hit too close to old rumors she'd endured. Besides, Laura was in no mood for her tipsy boss to flirt with her or his huffing at the mention of her husband.

"I have so many questions I want to ask you, Laura. Do you ever regret the choices you've made? Have you ever... tried to make a better choice because of your knowledge, only to realize that it was a mistake?" Richard asked, pushing for answers. He watched Laura intently, and looked for any sign or clue to give him more information. It was so dark he could barely see her, so he pushed closer into her space. Soon, Laura felt herself trapped between her boss and the bushes of the garden. She stood up straight and raised her chin.

"I don't do regret," she said, realizing how like Bill she sounded. It made her tempted to smile.

"You don't have to stay with him," Richard proclaimed, undaunted and pushing on. "Just because he's someone who remembers this other timeline like you do. I get it. It must have been scary and lonely to suddenly have these memories. I believe you though. I'm here for you. We could be together like in your other timeline," he soothed. I can protect you, he thought. I won't hurt you.

She pursed her lips as anger pulsed through her, warming her body from her toes to her head. He'd just crossed a line.

"You're right, it was terrifying to suddenly have those memories. But I had him, and he had me. I was damn thankful we found each other," she hissed, and her voice grew thick with emotion. Every word she spoke was now carefully enunciated. "I will never leave Bill. Ever. I love my husband. Deeply. I never want to be without him." A memory flashed in her mind of Zarek telling her that Bill Adama had been executed. "I couldn't bear it," she admitted, and her voice cracked. She tried to take a deep breath, but a tear slipped down her cheek at the flashback. She shivered. Richard stepped forward, concerned, and tried to pull her into a hug. She shoved him away.

"No… no!" she said, shaking her head.

"Leave her alone." A deep voice cut through the night air. Bill had walked around the corner to see Richard reaching for his wife, and her violent response. His blood boiled at Laura's clear agitation, but he stayed composed for her sake. The glare he sent Richard was intimidating enough that the man swallowed hard and felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise. Bill marched over to them.

Laura met him halfway in the blink of an eye, murmuring that nothing happened. He quietly assured her that he believed her; Laura would not have let anything happen. She was strong and feisty enough to take care of herself, and Bill trusted her completely. That didn't mean he wasn't ready to throw Adar out an airlock the second he saw the weary look in Laura's eyes, the tired tilt of her shoulders, and the trace of a tear on her cheek. Instinctively, he opened his arms, and she immediately stepped into his embrace.

Bill was thoroughly sick of the creep's antics. He poured every bit of anger, every bit of protectiveness, every bit of irritation into the look he leveled at the President. It was a clear message; back off. Adar's eyes narrowed, but he took a step back.

Laura lingered in the embrace, despite being in a semi-public place, murmuring what happened while still in his arms; Bill's primal urge to protect his beloved wife took over. The glare he gave Richard was proof the Commander didn't need words to get his meaning across. My mate, frak off. Or else. Laura once told him he was like a caveman with a Battlestar. Maybe someday he could club Adar over the head before airlocking him.

"Let's go finish working," she whispered. There was still work to do at the party; connections to make, friendships to solidify, and a future to work against – no matter how weary they were.

…

The twilight minutes between sleep and wakefulness when Bill was home were some of Laura's favorite moments. They could lie tangled together in bed and the rest of the world seemed far away. Under the blankets it was just the two of them in their own universe. In the minutes before sleep claimed them, they had some of their best talks, and he often made her giggle. On those nights when Bill was home, right before sleep claimed her, Laura often felt little butterfly kisses across her skin, or her hair carefully tucked behind her ear, gentle enough that she wasn't disturbed. No one would ever guess how warm and affectionate Bill Adama could be in private especially with his spouse.

But nights were also when Laura's mind was helpless. While sleeping she was defenseless against dreams, nightmares, visions, or prophesy. Images, unpleasant and unbidden, pushed into her sleep. Most of the time she never remembered what came to her. Then a rough night would hit. She'd toss and turn. A thin sheen of sweat would cover her skin. Sometimes she'd scream, and her own voice would wake her.

Bill woke in the middle of the night and instinctively reached out to wrap an arm around Laura. Blindly seeking out her body, it slowly became apparent to his sleepy mind that something was wrong. His hand found no warmth; the spot beside him in the bed was cold and vacant. He frowned and opened bleary eyes, sleep making them scratchy and heavy. He was home on Caprica, but there was no tangled mass of red hair on the pillow or the silhouette of curves under the blankets next to him.

She only left their bed at night when something was bothering her. Bill had learned her habits over the years, and even though he'd told her to wake him up if she was upset, she rarely did. Stubborn woman.

In the dark he made his way downstairs and found Laura where he predicted with her legs curled under her on the couch. She sat in the dim room, only having turned a single light on. It cast her and the room in shadows. He gave an indulgent shake of his head when he saw her wearing his robe. It was clear that she was lost in thought, completely preoccupied if she hadn't even noticed his approach.

"Laura what are you doing awake?" His deep gravelly voice startled her out of her reverie, and she watched him sink down beside her on the cushions close enough that they touched. She noticed his brow knitted in concern as he looked her over.

"Couldn't sleep. Couldn't sit still either. I didn't want to wake you."

"There a reason?" He prompted gently. Her lips pressed together in a slight frown. They'd visited the topic of what she saw at night enough times, and she was fed up with her visions and nightmares.

When the reply to his question didn't come, he sighed. Her reticence in answering was all the answer Bill needed. She'd had another one of her dreams, and it troubled her. Her shoulders were slumped, and her head bowed. Seeking to comfort her, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

"Don't you ever get tired of this? Having a crazy wife with crazy dreams and nightmares?" Her tone was bitter, and she refused to look at him.

"No," he said simply. "Never. And you're not crazy. We just don't always understand why this happens to you." There was love and concern laced in his deep voice. He kissed the side of her head and hugged her closer to him. It couldn't be easy enduring the visions and dreams that she did, he understood that. But her words and the bitterness in her tone surprised and troubled him. After a few moments Laura melted into his embrace, and he felt better knowing she was trying to relax.

"You haven't gotten a good night's sleep since you've been home, and it's all my fault."

"It's not your fault. No one can control what they dream of."

"I wish I could," she whispered, and it was like the faintest brush of the wind. He frowned and tried to read what was going on in her mind. He saw her gripping the couch, and the shadow of sorrow in her eyes.

"Laura?"

"I started dreaming about the twelve again. My dream said Athena was awake. But then it shifted. I dreamed about the girl. Our little girl. Again...It always seems so real Bill." She sighed and turned even further into his embrace. "We've tried, and we're not getting any younger. I know I'm running out of time."

"If it's meant to happen it will happen," he soothed, holding her close. They had each other, and that had always been enough for him.

"Sounds a lot like fate or destiny, Admiral Atheist." He was glad to hear a bit of humor in her voice even if he sometimes got irritated with the nickname. She did love to tease him.

"Do you believe in fate? Really?" he found himself asking.

"I guess I do. After everything." She rolled her eyes. "In spite of everything." She amended, and they shared a knowing look. "I think if there are things that we might be fated to do, they are things we'd have chosen anyway. Who knows? Maybe we were destined to be together, brought together by fate to play the roles we played. But I know that I'd also always choose you. A hundred lifetimes - a hundred worlds - whatever reality. I'd choose you. Fate, destiny, and choice. It's all mixed up isn't it?" She gave him a soft smile as he looked into her eyes. Somehow, she'd surprised him again with her words. He knew she loved him but hearing how deep her love was still sometimes caught him off guard. For a moment he lost himself in her gaze.

Fate? Destiny? Choice? Whatever had brought them together he was glad. He'd always known there would never be anyone for him after Laura Roslin. He'd found a soulmate in her. He'd never love another woman the way he loved her. She was in his mind, his heart, and his blood (although no longer bittersweet and tinged with regret). Leaning over he pressed an affectionate kiss on her forehead.

"And you ask if I could ever get sick of you when you say things like that. I'm proud to call you my wife. Visions, dreams, and whatever else...I love you. That's all that matters."

…

Picon Fleet Headquarters. Laura's eyes roamed over the buildings. Everything was built out of dull gray concrete with no eye for aesthetics. Is this Fleet Headquarters or a bunker? Laura wondered. Everything was neat and ordered. Even the bits of greenery planted around the buildings to give a small touch of humanity seemed regulated; perfectly trimmed bushes and raked mulch.

She and her boys were only a small part of the crowds around headquarters that day; one of the many sets of parents, family, and friends who'd come to see the fleet's newest class graduate and become proud officers. The parade grounds had been transformed for the ceremony. Laura, Zak, and Liam had been escorted to the VIP seating. It was one of the perks of working for the government; she usually got decent seating at events.

Once again, Laura checked her watch and looked around but didn't see a familiar face. The fluttery feeling stayed in her stomach; she hadn't seen her husband in over three months. He'd been assigned an extended mission which had kept him away from home. It was part of being married to a soldier and she accepted it. She accepted whatever price she had to pay to be married to the man she loved, but the separations were still hard. She missed his voice, worried for his safety, and had stretched of time were she was practically a single mother. She stayed strong and confident, knowing she could take care of herself and her kids on her own. Still, she was more than ready for him to be back home and back in her bed. Just that morning they'd gotten a quick call from him, promising to meet the family there, but he was starting to cut it close.

Laura, Liam, and Zak sat in their seats and tried to be patient. At least there were distractions. A military band played from where they were set up off on the side of the parade grounds. Sometimes viper pilots and raptor pilots flew in formation overhead, granting the eager crowd a display of military strength and talent. A few officials present came to say hello to Laura, but most people present at a Fleet event weren't sure what to say to the Secretary of Education.

Laura looked around again, and a smile broke over her face. Bill wove through the crowd toward his family, and Laura watched his own smile grow when their eyes met. There was also the hint of a smirk in his eye; this was the slightly playful side of the stern military man she'd married. He was clearly in a good mood and happily greeted both of his sons. They were thrilled to see him, and each were hugged close. Bill refused to ever make the mistake again of letting his sons believe he didn't hold them near and dear to his heart. After listening to their excited chatter, which bordered on babbling, he asked them to let him greet their mother. With a sparkle in his blue eyes, he made his way to her.

"Missed you," he whispered in her ear, pulling her close. His husky tone caused her to shiver despite the warm Picon air. She couldn't have stopped the smile on her face even if she wanted to.

"Me too," she whispered back. "I love you." She finally let the words slip past her lips after a few moments when she'd drawn out their usual ritual for long enough, turning a moment into an eternity. Anticipation could be a fun game.

"About time." He placed a quick and gentle kiss on her lips before they sat down in their seats.

"It's been a long three months Bill…" she said, speaking in a quiet tone only he could hear. The boys were busy watching the skies and the formation flying.

"You whining?" Bill teased, feeling like tempting fate. He did sometimes enjoy getting a rise out of his feisty wife. She scowled at him.

"I'm a politician. We don't whine," she said and then bit her lip after she realized exactly what she'd said. Bill let out a hearty chuckle.

"How many times did you complain about the Quorum's whining and begging?" He looked over at her and grinned. "Politicians whine and you know it."

"Fine. But at least I don't beg," she said, crossing her arms and refusing to look at him. Instead she watched the current flying display up in the sky. Bill hummed thoughtfully at her reply and raised an eyebrow.

"You do. You will."

"Bill..." she growled.

"I have a meeting later with the Admiralty here on Picon," he said, changing the subject. He saw her frown.

Before they could continue their conversation, Liam provided ample distraction when he tapped on his father's arm and was practically bouncing in his seat. His face wide with excitement, and he pointed up to the sky.

"Look! Vipers! They're flying so close together," he exclaimed. He turned to his father. "Could you fly like that?"

"Sure. I don't fly much anymore though."

"Will you teach me?" Bill could almost feel the warning gaze his wife was leveling at him. He grinned at Liam.

"Absolutely," he replied. He felt Laura kick him.

"William," she hissed under her breath. At the use of his full name a small sense of self-preservation kicked in. They did teach survival tactics in the military.

"And if mom says yes," he added quickly. Bill felt almost triumphant when the boy's innocent and eager eyes quickly turned to Laura.

"Please mommy! Please," he pleaded, and Laura looked at them both over the rim of her glasses. "I want to fly vipers!"

"He's enthusiastic." A new voice broke into the conversation, and they turned to see a man in a crisp blue business suit, almost the same shade as the fleet uniforms, standing next to them. "Secretary Roslin?" The man asked.

"Yes?" She replied. Liam had fallen quiet and stayed next to his father.

"I thought I recognized you. I just didn't expect to see the Secretary of Education here at Picon Headquarters. I'm Kenneth Hector, the New Secretary of Defense," he introduced himself. Laura and Bill both stood, and she shook his hand politely.

"It's nice to meet you Secretary Hector. This is my husband," Secretary Hector turned to him and extended a hand.

"Bill Adama, Battlestar Valkyrie. It's nice to meet you, Mr. Secretary," he greeted politely. He'd never have met the Secretary of Defense in the other timeline, and it felt strange meeting him now. He knew Hector by reputation already. A former Admiral of the Fleet, he'd taught strategy and tactics as well. He was widely respected and considered a great leader.

"It's always nice to meet a commander in the Fleet," Hector replied after noting the rank bars on Bill's uniform. He turned his attention to the two boys watching him. "And it's always nice to meet someone who likes vipers," he grinned at Liam who smiled shyly back.

"Our boys, Liam and Zak." Laura introduced. "And we have Lee who is graduating today."

"Ahh, you're here for a graduate. Who'd have guessed? The Secretary of Education in a family of fleeters," he teased.

"Not me," she replied with a small laugh, glancing at Bill. They shared a knowing look; neither could have guessed they'd share this life, and they were profoundly thankful they did.

"I hear our departments will be working together soon."

"There are rumors," Laura said, nodding. The smile stayed on Laura's face; she knew exactly what he was talking about. It was moments like this when the weight of her memories seemed particularly heavy. It was a reminder that the date of the attacks grew closer and closer. She felt Bill's supportive touch at the small of her back, reassuring and steadying.

"A military museum. Something to teach the people about the Cylon war," Hector said, conversing easily with her. He seemed a nice enough person. "I think it's a good idea. Something to preserve history and boost support of the fleet. The President seems keen on supporting the fleet right now."

"Well, I can't say the thought of another museum doesn't make me a bit happy," she smiled. Before the conversation could continue, they heard the Colonial Anthem starting, and the crowds stood to face the flags of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol being paraded out. Military personnel snapped to attention.

The graduation ceremony was beginning, and so their conversation was abandoned.

Laura and Bill's thoughts were drawn to a certain museum and a certain date. War on the horizon, meetings with the Admiralty, and museums about the Cylon War; it was as if destiny was coming for them.

….

Author's note: This was a little delayed. I'm a bit under the weather. It would have taken longer to post, but I cut the Kara scene and am saving it for the next chapter.

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