He walked to the bridge when normally he would have sprinted. Well, it was more accurate to say he shuffled, fearful that the pain would strike again. Moving alleviated most of the stiffness. His fingers tingled painfully at first as some feeling returned. Starbuck was fine, really he was. No need to go to the Life Center later. Just sat too long in a cockpit. Easy remedy, he told himself as the spasms in his muscles faded.

Once on the bridge, he declined the seat Boomer suggested he should take, and waited while Gage downloaded the logs. The Colonel pronounced that there was something and Starbuck wasn't just imagining things.

"If it's Cylon, it's old. If it's ours…could be a destroyer, but it has the looks of a resupply ship." Gage checked the possible coordinates for the vessel. Turning to Adama who had come over to investigate, Gage asked, "Has Apollo had any luck finding the logs from the Zakar? I think Dante at least kept track of the locations where we found other Colonial ships."

Adama straightened. "They were wiped clean. We have ascertained when they were cleared several yahrens ago. The time period is close to when Dante's fleet settled the Dilmun sector. We have yet to find any written records or reports. Did you keep any records yourself?" Adama asked.

Gage shook his head. "I tried. When I went to reread my logs, they were deleted. I started keeping a physical log, but that went missing as well. Only the Commander slept alone." At the statement, Gage looked to Rene who had slipped onto the bridge in Starbuck's wake "No one else slept alone," Gage continued. "Personal items turned up missing all the time. The coordinates sound familiar, but often if we found another ship, if it was civilian anyway, we flew past. As for the military vessels, I think we took all those we found, the five or so, but Dante always hinted he had others elsewhere. I just thought he had a cruel sense of humor. Many of the officers from the Zakar claimed there was another fleet of ships in reserve, but in my tenure," Gage shook his head and shrugged, not hiding his frustration, "I just don't know. The logs from the other vessels were wiped as well? Nothing has been found?"

Ruefully, the Commander shook his head. "We have found nothing, and no one has been clear on how often Dante found survivors of the Worlds and the Colonial Fleet. I realize you arrived later when Dante took the Shiva, a few sectars after the destruction. You say he already had several ships?"

Gage nodded. "I detailed that for you in my debriefing."

"Yes," Adama said slowly. "But can you make an educated guess as to how many he may have found before the Shiva?" Adama almost pleaded with the man. Rene held up a spread hand, flashed it twice for the number ten.

"You sure?" Starbuck asked, but she pursed her lips, shaking her head as she looked away.

"Half dozen sir, at the most that I know of, still close to the Colonies or our remote outposts. I was either not on the bridge for most encounters after the addition of the Shiva, or I was removed to my quarters. Sometimes they fled from us before we could get in range and— " Gage hesitated before he straightened and levelled his gaze at the Commander. "You have to understand, sir. We are not keeping information from you, not on purpose. We have told you what we know."

Adama nodded sagely, placing a hand on Gage's shoulder. "I know you have. Thus far, no log has been found. We have put Wilker on the task of tracking down any mentions of contacts, but he claims that the computer systems were corrupted due to battle damage before you reached Dilmun. I find it suspicious that Wilker has found the same corruption on every ship. It seems the man may have had a guilty conscience. If Dante or anyone in his fleet kept a record, he verified it was removed once he found the system of Dilmun. We have been questioning the other Colonels and Captains. Captain Mars claims we may be at a location where there was an encounter with a Colonial ship, but…" Adama hesitated, fixing his gaze on Starbuck for a moment before shifting to Rene, then back to Gage. "He claims it was the Saber and his account does not match the information you and others have given. It seems those of Dante's fleet fear repercussions to my queries."

"Why? You gave them a do over with no reckoning," Starbuck huffed.

Adama turned his attention to Starbuck, a stern glower covering his features. "It was beneficial for all of us at the time as we wedded our forces together. But the honeymoon is over. It seems that despite my best efforts sides are being drawn. With talk of the fleet splitting into different formations, Apollo's crew requests are not the only changes coming across my desk."

Starbuck nodded, getting the hint. He'd shaken things up, as had Apollo, but maybe command needed a good shuffle of the deck every now and then. Besides, as Rene kept reiterating, she'd been drafted. Now that was true of most of their new fleet. Well, not drafted per say but definitely a forced transfer.

The Rats had been clear with Starbuck that some pilots had found life with Dante to be…he couldn't go so far as to say the word "enjoyable". Enviable maybe. Paperwork was streamlined, or not done at all. Promotions had been made, and many who may have taken yahrens to command their own squadrons or ships had been given the opportunity of a lifetime. Lords, he would love it if he could just take a ship and do with it as he pleased with no one to answer to. The difference was that he would use it to keep the civilians safe and slaughter as many Cylons as he could.

He had to concede that since the battle at Cimtar, he was a man with a few yahrens on him to temper his hot-headed ways. Today he definitely felt quite a bit older and wiser. Yes, there was nothing like being hauled out of a viper with an aching back to make you rethink your objectives and remind you that you are not a young hot shot viper jockey anymore.

But a few yahrens before the destruction? He was a far different person. Even he couldn't have predicted what he would have done with his own ship? Probably given everyone furlons and found the first warm planet that had a decent beach, put half the crew on the task of finding fresh fruit to garnish his drinks and kicked back to watch the sunset. Or maybe give all the pilots raises and opened his own chancery in the officer's club, or gone head to head with as many base ships as he could, decimating the Cylons…whatever he decided it would have been adventurous and selfish as well as fantastical. But since the destruction was a reality, it was pointless to ponder. The Cylons limited the options severely, but even the prospect of being able to get revenge on the tin heads would have been more desirable than having to feel like a coward, always running and hiding, keeping the last of humanity safe.

And the paperwork involved in that, oh lords. Yes, he was beginning to understand Dante's people. He didn't condone what they did to each other, but what they did to the enemy, that was enviable.

If he was even contemplating the advantages of a sadistic Commander, then whatever Jake had given him was making his head swim. He was suddenly very tired and just wanted to lay down, not rework the destruction. Perhaps it was the drugs talking, when he blurted out, "Quit asking nicely. Start demanding."

Adama sighed heavily, but before he could speak, Starbuck tried to clarify. "Look, we have the enemy bearing down on us, and if there's another ship out there to help us, then we need it. If it's the enemy, then it needs to be eliminated. It's that simple."

"Lieuten…Captain," Adama corrected himself, "Believe me, it is not that simple."

Rolling his eyes, Starbuck said, "Sure it is. Get them all together in a room, seal them in, and let's work this out, now rather than later. Explain to them that if we don't work together, then we are all going down like vermin on a sinking ship."

Out of the corner of his eye he noticed Rene turning and walking away at his statement. He called out to her, "You know what I meant!

She shook her head at him, lifting a hand as if asking to speak before saying, "Permission to be dismissed? This is above my paygrade Captain. Gage, could you order him to do what he should be doing?"

Gage replied before Starbuck could say more, "Dismissed and I'll see to it."

Laying a hand on Starbuck's shoulder to keep him from following, Gage countered his idea. "Don't think we haven't tried that. You of all people know, everyone looks out for their best interests first."

Growling in frustration, Starbuck stated, "Well another briefing or meeting or memo or whatever isn't going to fix it either! Action will. Let Dante's warriors go chase down the Cylons while we chase down whatever is out there in front of us."

Gage was about to say something when Adama spoke, "That isn't a bad idea."

To the dubious look given him by Gage, Adama continued, "Apollo is onto something. It might be advantageous to split up some of the fleet after mixing our crews. I am placing the Shiva at our rear, sending Tigh out to the edge of scanner range. He can get to us faster if we need, and perhaps keep the enemy away from the civilian ships. If nothing else, it will help to provide an early warning. The Zakar will scout forward and the Cheetah and Sphinx will remain on our flanks, but will be given more room to maneuver. If an attack comes, like you so eloquently stated Captain Starbuck, if we go down, they will be the first to go. We are indeed in this together, but some may need more incentive than others. I am moving over Mars and giving him a promotion to Lt. Colonel here on the Galactica."

Starbuck shuddered. "After my transfer, that's what you meant, right sir?"

Adama shook his head ruefully. "I see some team building might be needed since until your transfer you will report to Lt. Colonel Mars. Also Captain Pallus will be taking your place as Strike Wing. You two will be working together, but yes, I meant after you and Apollo steal Gage away from me. I can't find it in me to break up your family, as dysfunctional as it may be. Speaking of your family, be sure to save me a seat in the OC. I have been told by Lt. Nik that there will be some singing. I made a request of him. I expect it to be honored."

Having immersed himself in duties and drills, Starbuck had forgotten about the party for Cain's upcoming departure from the family to enter pilot training. How had that snuck up on him? He was not really fit for the triad he had promised the kids, not unless Jake had more of that pain killer he could share.

"A request, sir? I'm sure it will be honored."

"See that it is. I will be attending as a family member without judgement and with an open mind. You are dismissed until we can analyze your logs. We'll call you as soon as we know something. The Life Center sent a reminder that you have an appointment."

"Yes sir," both he and Crius said, but Starbuck grumbled to Crius as they came down the dais steps, "You traitor. I was fine. You didn't need to call ahead."

"I'm a Rat. It's what we do, rat people out. Come on, Buckaroo."

Starbuck waited until they were in the corridor before he sagged reaching to rub his lower back. "What is he talking about 'an open mind'? Please tell me I won't regret it. I don't need any more surprises on top of what the enemy has in store for us."

Chuckling, Crius reached out a hand, continuing to propel him down the corridor. "Calm down. He requested a song, from each member of the band, one that 'exemplifies the Rats'. That's how he put it. Nik already warned him it would be loud. Not sure if he mentioned the profanities that might show up in the lyrics."

"Frak me. So if there's an alert, we're not even going to hear it," Starbuck groaned again as he headed for the lift to check into his office and see what he had missed while he was gone. Once in the lift, he asked, "What should I expect?" He reached for the button to the level for the duty office, but Crius's hand shot out and punched another one first.

"Life Center," he explained. "Just looking out for my wing man. Purely selfish, and the squadron could do without another drill today and I need you in prime Triad condition for the upcoming games."

If he could have stood up straighter, he would have given a decent growl, maybe even issued an order to "can it", but he couldn't, so he didn't. He let Crius lead the way. Once in the Life Center he even let Crius help him with his jacket and flight suit, as well as getting up on the exam table. Paye had asked him to lie on his stomach, but as the man reached for needles, Crius's assistance was needed to hold Starbuck in place as a moment of panic made him scramble to get up.

"Ain't nobody going to hurt you, Bucko," Crius had crooned as he held him down.

The voice in Starbuck's head told him to shut his eyes. "You're safe. This is not enemy territory."

He wanted to argue with whoever it was, but Paye interrupted his thoughts as he described what he was doing. "Just placing some contacts near the damaged nerves. It should not be painful, but you will feel a tingling."

Starbuck flinched and cursed at the low pulse of electricity that pricked down his spine, bringing back all kinds of unpleasant memories. He tried to get up, but Crius pressed down harder.

"Hold still," both Paye and Crius intoned. He tried to, he really did. It wasn't painful, just different, but his brain was screaming at him to get up and get away. He swallowed down bile as one of his fingers twitched.

"Totally normal," Paye told him.

The panic rose and he struggled again, but Crius pressed down hard, reciting, "On the Galactica, in the Life Center. All friends here. Not a Cylon in sight. The family is safe. The kids are safe. Rene's safe. You're safe."

Starbuck swallowed hard, trying to choke down the terror. Rene must have told Crius he was having problems, as his wing mate used the same checklist Rene did with him.

"Apollo rescued you and you are back on the Galactica, in one piece, safe and sound. Everyone is here to help you, just breathe. So what's the verdict, Doc? You almost done?" Crius asked for him.

"He overdid it. I expected to see him sooner as he's been running all over this battlestar. He was told to take it easy. I should have been more explicit for how long. He was cleared to fly, but I assumed it would be for short patrols or battle. This may set back his recovery. Pilots just aren't that bright."

"Got promoted," Starbuck grumbled, "Command makes you stupid. Now let me up!"

"Doing my best," Paye said, placing a hypo to his neck. "Muscle relaxant. You are off the flight roster for a few cycles, pending an all-out attack of course. Your reflexes will be slowed, that's all."

"Thanks for that. Just what I needed." Starbuck regretted the sarcasm as the medication began to take affect and the ache receded. He flexed his hands as the feeling returned.

"You're welcome," Paye said sardonically. "You'll thank me in the morning. Come see me if the numbness or pain returns. You don't have to suffer. We actually want you to feel comfortable in the Life Center."

That was never going to happen, not after Caprica. His wing man helped him back up and to get redressed. Despite his misgivings, he did feel better. He was looking forward to moving around, stretching, and a bit of triad with the boys. They would be beating him tonight even if he hadn't planned to let them.

As Crius was easing on his jacket, the door to the Life Center opened, admitting Doctor Salik, followed by a pilot loudly arguing with him.

"I swear to you! I have not taken anything. I was set up or poisoned just like the rest of them! Anybody ever thought of that, huh?!"

Starbuck recognized the man from his Rising Star brawl with Pallus, but he couldn't place a name to the face other than lackey number two, usually hanging out with lackey number one. He looked to Crius for a clue.

"Anteus. We call him Anti because he gripes about everything," Crius said low. "We might want to get out of here."

"Where's his friend?" His own question reminded Starbuck that almost everyone originally from Dante's crew on the Zakar travelled in pairs, never alone.

Paye overheard the question. "Is his friend named Varro?"

"Yeah, he is," Crius replied.

The doctor looked across the life center over to a private room. Through the glass, Starbuck spied the man.

"What happened?"

"Doctor patient confidentiality," Paye intoned, before lowering his voice, "but I'm sure it will be mentioned at tomorrow's morning briefing. Let me just say, don't be tempted to take any other medications that I haven't prescribed for the pain, understood? Mixing medications is unadvised, and can be near fatal at high doses."

"Overdose?" Starbuck asked, as Paye nodded.

"You'll find it in your morning memo. Stick to what's prescribed. See me, not anyone else if you need something for the pain."

"What about ambrosia?" Starbuck asked remembering the party planned that night and the numerous morning briefings he'd already had to deal with as more warriors were scanned for illicit substances, and coming up positive. He'd had to handle the revoking of furlons, sometimes some pay depending on the level they'd found in the pilot's system, and assigning mandatory drug therapy sessions and modules. He hadn't had to strip someone of rank, but that was probably coming. He'd hated it, every time, and it really didn't help that almost everyone claimed they hadn't done anything, that they'd been framed and poisoned, but bio monitors didn't lie. Lords he needed a drink.

He stifled the groan when Paye shook his head. "Not a good idea. It won't kill you to be sober."

"It might," he said as Anteus flashed him a look that could kill. Frak, he thought, I'm going to have to deal with that tomorrow. More fraking paperwork. Why couldn't the guys just get the idea, this wasn't Dante's fleet.

The only good thing that had come out of Adama's orders for drug testing is that the Copper Squadron had laid off everything, except ambrosia of course. Even Jake had resisted using the plant vapors he'd harvested and hid away. Starbuck thought for sure the kid would have wanted something to take the edge off of the trial when he had to testify to convict the one guy they blamed for his attack.

Despite Nik and Jake being adamant that there was more than one attacker, Security could find no others and placed all the blame on a civilian maintenance worker from the Celestra who refused to talk. He wouldn't give any other information, not for security, or the tribunal, not for Colonial Command, or for Starbuck when he'd paid him a late night visit in the brig armed with a club.

He wished he could say it was an impulsive decision, but it wasn't. From the moment he'd been rousted from his honeymoon suite, he knew Rene's suspicions were probably fact; this wasn't a random attack nor a mere matter of coincidence. To make matters worse, he began to notice how the Copper Squadron was being treated by the ex-Zakar crewman. At best, they were ignored. If on a detail with someone from Dilmun, the Rats got the worst of the duties. Sometimes strange accidents happened, but only to the member of the family, like when Alex was working with several other crewmen on the Galactica's water purifiers. The support for the equipment failed, plunging Alex and about a hundred kilos of machinery into the fresh water tank. According to his account, Alex had to save himself while the workers originally from Dilmun watched him struggle. Then there was the weapons locker incident involving Max, when a high powered rifle misfired as it was being secured. Luckily, Max knew how to handle weapons and had it pointed down. The blast only grazed his foot and they thought he'd keep most of his toes.

While none of the pilots had reported any harassment or abuse, Starbuck was more aware that his wing mate was shoulder checked often just walking down corridors, and the midnight picket patrols were comprised of mostly Copper warriors.

It was true, the Rats could be dramatic, no doubt about that, but this wasn't fabrications on their part, not when Boomer began to point it out. Something had to be done, and Starbuck knew everyone expected him to be the one fix the problem.